Experts from NYU Langone present new research at American College of Rheumatology 2013 Annual Meeting

(Press-News.org) Contact information: Craig Andrews
craig.andrews@nyumc.org
212-404-3511
NYU Langone Medical Center / New York University School of Medicine
Experts from NYU Langone present new research at American College of Rheumatology 2013 Annual Meeting Experts from NYU Langone's Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology presented new research and participated in expert panel discussions at the American College of Rheumatology 2013 Annual Meeting in San Diego, CA, October 26-30.

"We are thrilled for the opportunity to present important findings that may lead to new therapies for several autoimmune and rheumatic conditions," said Jill P. Buyon, MD, professor and director, Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology at NYU Langone Medical Center. "This meeting provides an opportunity to contribute to the growing body of knowledge regarding inflammatory disease while collaborating with other leaders in the field to ensure information sharing among clinicians and ultimately help enhance patient care."

Significant research presentations from NYU Langone rheumatologists will include:

First Stage of a Simon's Two-Stage Optimal Approach Supports Placental Transfer of Hydroxychloroquine and a Reduced Recurrence Rate of the Cardiac Manifestations of Neonatal Lupus Presenter: Peter M. Izmirly, MD; Co-Authors: Nathalie Costedoat-Chalumeau, MD, PhD; Amit Saxena, MD; Amanda Zink; Zoey A. Smith; Deborah Freidman, MD; Jill P. Buyon, MD
Abstract: #2830
Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at 9:00A PDT Women with anti-Ro antibodies, an antibody present in both Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Sjogren's Syndrome, are faced with the possibility of having a child with a permanent and sometimes fatal heart condition. Women who have had one child with this heart problem are at high risk for having a second affected child. To date, no therapies have proven effective in prevention. Data generated at NYU Langone show promise for a drug called hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), an anti-inflammatory agent, to prevent recurrent heart disease. If these findings are further substantiated, HCQ may gain widespread acceptance for use in these at risk pregnancies. Learn More

Accounting For Parental Load and Identification of Multiple Risk Variants for Anti-Ro Congenital Heart Block Through High-Density Genotyping Of Immune-Related Loci Presenter: Robert Clancy, PhD; Co-authors: Jill P. Buyon, MD; Nathalie Costedoat-Chalumeau, MD, PhD; Antonio Brucato, MD; Kateri Levesque, FRCP(C), FRCPC, MD; Véronique Ramoni, MD; Miranda C. Marion, MA; Mary Comeau, MA; Satria Sajuthi, MS; Paula S. Ramos, PhD; Robert P. Kimberly, MD; Timothy D. Howard, PhD; Carl D. Langefeld, PhD
Abstract: #2861
Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at 11:15A PDT Fetuses of mothers who are otherwise healthy, or suffer from a rheumatic disease but have autoantibodies to SSA/Ro, are at risk for having permanent heart damage which may be fatal or require lifelong pacing. Prior genetic studies, as well as bench research, highlight injury secondary to an excessive immune response. The goal of this study was to determine the role of the genetic composition of the fetus while accounting for the maternal autoimmune disease load. An immunochip platform and association study were performed using subjects from an international cohort of US, France and Italy. The results yielded a panel of confirmed and newly identified risk genes. These genetic building blocks represent important milestones towards clarifying the mechanism by which these autoantibodies cause cardiac scarring – a critical component to treatment/prevention strategies. Learn More

For more information on abstracts, presentations and seminars, visit American College of Rheumatology Sessions 2013.

### About NYU Langone Medical Center NYU Langone Medical Center, a world-class, patient-centered, integrated academic medical center, is one of the nation's premier centers for excellence in clinical care, biomedical research, and medical education. Located in the heart of Manhattan, NYU Langone is composed of four hospitals—Tisch Hospital, its flagship acute care facility; Rusk Rehabilitation; the Hospital for Joint Diseases, the Medical Center's dedicated inpatient orthopaedic hospital; and Hassenfeld Pediatric Center, a comprehensive pediatric hospital supporting a full array of children's health services across the Medical Center—plus the NYU School of Medicine, which since 1841 has trained thousands of physicians and scientists who have helped to shape the course of medical history. The Medical Center's tri-fold mission to serve, teach, and discover is achieved 365 days a year through the seamless integration of a culture devoted to excellence in patient care, education, and research. For more information, go to http://www.NYULMC.org, and interact with us on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.