Immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) rarely affect just one organ system. While dermatologists are not the traditional medical experts in diagnosing and treating diseases such ankylosing spondylitis and inflammatory bowel disease, they can play a critical role in the ongoing management of these diseases in addition to the “dermatology classics” of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Working alongside rheumatologists, gastroenterologists, immunologists, and others vested in the care of patients with IMIDs, dermatologists can help provide interdisciplinary care for these conditions.
The Interdisciplinary Autoimmune Summit (IAS) offers dermatologists an opportunity to connect with other specialties to collaborate on innovations in treating IMIDs. Following the conference’s success in a virtual format in 2020, the upcoming IAS 2021 will be held digitally again this year. This year’s event is set to take place April 15 to April 18.
What should you expect from IAS 2021? Here is a preview of some of the sessions on deck for attendees:
Health Care Disparities in IMIDs
Recent social justice movements have sparked greater conversations about the racial-ethnic minority experience in medicine. Junko Takeshita, MD, PhD, MSCE, will discuss the ongoing research efforts, including classic epidemiologic and qualitative research approaches, to understand disparities in care for these patient groups.
Vaccines and IMIDs: Overcoming Obstacles
Patients with IMIDs often experience increased morbidity and mortality with infectious diseases, but disease-modifying antirheumatic therapies can have an unwanted effect on vaccine immunogenicity. Kevin Winthrop, MD, MPH, will review important information regarding indications and safety of vaccines for patients with IMIDs.
Pediatric Treatment Options for IMIDs
Evidence into the effectiveness and safety of advanced therapies for pediatric patients with IMIDs is still needed, and thus approaches to care vary greatly from adults with IMIDs. Melinda Gooderham, MSc, MD, FRCPC, will present on the unique challenges involved in the management of pediatric patients with IMIDs as well as current treatment options.
Understanding the Role of Sleep in IMIDs
Patients with IMIDs often report that their quality of life is significantly impaired by their condition, and affected sleep habits are incredibly common. Besides impacting everyday functioning, loss of sleep can influence the immune system as well. Aric A. Prather, PhD, will connect sleep and immunity by reviewing the common sleep disorders in patients with IMIDs. He will also highlight the current data on whether advanced therapies, including biologics, have any evidence in improving sleep as well as discuss the latest investigations into whether treating sleep can improve IMID severity.
