Jeffrey Sparks MD MMSc
@jeffsparks.bsky.social
Rheumatologist | Associate Professor of Medicine | @BrighamWomens | @harvardmed | Investigating rheumatoid arthritis susceptibility, RA-ILD, and outcomes | ⚡️⚡️
Reposted by Jeffrey Sparks MD MMSc
Excited to share the results of the TeMPO (Treatment of Meniscal Problems in Osteoarthritis) trial, published today in NEJM: www.nejm.org/doi/full/10....
A labor of love from the #BWH #oracore team, with partners in Buffalo, Pittsburgh, and Cleveland. 879 randomized with the COVID in the middle!
A labor of love from the #BWH #oracore team, with partners in Buffalo, Pittsburgh, and Cleveland. 879 randomized with the COVID in the middle!
A Randomized Trial of Physical Therapy for Meniscal Tear and Knee Pain | NEJM
Physical therapy is routinely recommended for knee pain attributed to a degenerative meniscal tear, but its efficacy has not been established. We randomly assigned participants 45 to 85 years of ag...
www.nejm.org
October 31, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Excited to share the results of the TeMPO (Treatment of Meniscal Problems in Osteoarthritis) trial, published today in NEJM: www.nejm.org/doi/full/10....
A labor of love from the #BWH #oracore team, with partners in Buffalo, Pittsburgh, and Cleveland. 879 randomized with the COVID in the middle!
A labor of love from the #BWH #oracore team, with partners in Buffalo, Pittsburgh, and Cleveland. 879 randomized with the COVID in the middle!
Reposted by Jeffrey Sparks MD MMSc
In a cohort of patients screened for lung cancer with low-dose CT, patients with rheumatoid arthritis had higher prevalence of 'positive screen', fibrotic lung changes, & bronchiectasis. About 1 in 4 had a positive screen; 1 in 20 had lung cancer
AC&R
doi.org/10.1002/acr....
#Medsky #Oncsky
AC&R
doi.org/10.1002/acr....
#Medsky #Oncsky
October 31, 2025 at 12:48 PM
In a cohort of patients screened for lung cancer with low-dose CT, patients with rheumatoid arthritis had higher prevalence of 'positive screen', fibrotic lung changes, & bronchiectasis. About 1 in 4 had a positive screen; 1 in 20 had lung cancer
AC&R
doi.org/10.1002/acr....
#Medsky #Oncsky
AC&R
doi.org/10.1002/acr....
#Medsky #Oncsky
Reposted by Jeffrey Sparks MD MMSc
In a cohort of pts receiving CAR T cell therapy for hematologic cancer, pre-existing autoimmune disease was not associated with increase in major toxicity. Findings offer reassurance for CAR T cell cancer treatment in pts with pre-existing autoimmunity
ACR Open Rheumatology
doi.org/10.1002/acr2...
ACR Open Rheumatology
doi.org/10.1002/acr2...
doi.org
October 23, 2025 at 3:16 PM
In a cohort of pts receiving CAR T cell therapy for hematologic cancer, pre-existing autoimmune disease was not associated with increase in major toxicity. Findings offer reassurance for CAR T cell cancer treatment in pts with pre-existing autoimmunity
ACR Open Rheumatology
doi.org/10.1002/acr2...
ACR Open Rheumatology
doi.org/10.1002/acr2...
Reposted by Jeffrey Sparks MD MMSc
Abs 2662 McDermott @jeffsparks.bsky.social
🔎 Target trial emulation to address the Q of whether guidelines like ACR and CHEST are appropriate for conditionally recommending RTX over other biologics for RA-ILD?
📊 Data source: Medicare
👨👨👦 Study pop: RA ILD
#ACR25
🔎 Target trial emulation to address the Q of whether guidelines like ACR and CHEST are appropriate for conditionally recommending RTX over other biologics for RA-ILD?
📊 Data source: Medicare
👨👨👦 Study pop: RA ILD
#ACR25
October 28, 2025 at 11:02 PM
Abs 2662 McDermott @jeffsparks.bsky.social
🔎 Target trial emulation to address the Q of whether guidelines like ACR and CHEST are appropriate for conditionally recommending RTX over other biologics for RA-ILD?
📊 Data source: Medicare
👨👨👦 Study pop: RA ILD
#ACR25
🔎 Target trial emulation to address the Q of whether guidelines like ACR and CHEST are appropriate for conditionally recommending RTX over other biologics for RA-ILD?
📊 Data source: Medicare
👨👨👦 Study pop: RA ILD
#ACR25
Reposted by Jeffrey Sparks MD MMSc
NEW RESEARCH—Risk factors for interstitial lung disease in early rheumatoid arthritis and external validation of screening strategies: a cross-sectional analysis of the prospective SAIL-RA cohort in the USA bit.ly/3L1F0t5 @jeffsparks.bsky.social
October 27, 2025 at 2:38 PM
NEW RESEARCH—Risk factors for interstitial lung disease in early rheumatoid arthritis and external validation of screening strategies: a cross-sectional analysis of the prospective SAIL-RA cohort in the USA bit.ly/3L1F0t5 @jeffsparks.bsky.social
Excited to share the baseline results of our SAIL-RA cohort investigating lung health in early rheumatoid arthritis. Prevalence of ILD in early RA (median duration 8 months) was 11%. Strong associations with age and moderate/high RA activitity
linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2665991325001584
linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2665991325001584
Redirecting
linkinghub.elsevier.com
October 22, 2025 at 11:21 PM
Excited to share the baseline results of our SAIL-RA cohort investigating lung health in early rheumatoid arthritis. Prevalence of ILD in early RA (median duration 8 months) was 11%. Strong associations with age and moderate/high RA activitity
linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2665991325001584
linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2665991325001584
Reposted by Jeffrey Sparks MD MMSc
Obinituzumab aka ‘Obi’ is now FDA approved for lupus nephritis
finance.yahoo.com/news/fda-app...
#lupus
finance.yahoo.com/news/fda-app...
#lupus
FDA Approves Genentech’s Gazyva for the Treatment of Lupus Nephritis
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., October 20, 2025--Genentech, a member of the Roche Group (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY), announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Gazyva...
finance.yahoo.com
October 20, 2025 at 11:14 AM
Obinituzumab aka ‘Obi’ is now FDA approved for lupus nephritis
finance.yahoo.com/news/fda-app...
#lupus
finance.yahoo.com/news/fda-app...
#lupus
Reposted by Jeffrey Sparks MD MMSc
🆕 Collaboration with RheumNow 🔵
3-Part Series on Interstitial Lung Disease
Part 2: Diagnosis & Subtypes of #ILD
👩🏻⚕️ What to look for on Physical Exam
🧪 Serologic Testing & Diagnostic Workup
🫁 Differentiating ILD Subtypes on Imaging
#RheumSky #PulmSky #MedSky #InterstitialLungDisease
3-Part Series on Interstitial Lung Disease
Part 2: Diagnosis & Subtypes of #ILD
👩🏻⚕️ What to look for on Physical Exam
🧪 Serologic Testing & Diagnostic Workup
🫁 Differentiating ILD Subtypes on Imaging
#RheumSky #PulmSky #MedSky #InterstitialLungDisease
September 17, 2025 at 5:40 PM
🆕 Collaboration with RheumNow 🔵
3-Part Series on Interstitial Lung Disease
Part 2: Diagnosis & Subtypes of #ILD
👩🏻⚕️ What to look for on Physical Exam
🧪 Serologic Testing & Diagnostic Workup
🫁 Differentiating ILD Subtypes on Imaging
#RheumSky #PulmSky #MedSky #InterstitialLungDisease
3-Part Series on Interstitial Lung Disease
Part 2: Diagnosis & Subtypes of #ILD
👩🏻⚕️ What to look for on Physical Exam
🧪 Serologic Testing & Diagnostic Workup
🫁 Differentiating ILD Subtypes on Imaging
#RheumSky #PulmSky #MedSky #InterstitialLungDisease
Reposted by Jeffrey Sparks MD MMSc
I updated website for The COVID–19 Global Rheumatology Alliance so that the full GRA curriculum vitae is on the main page: rheum-covid.org
August 11, 2025 at 1:07 AM
I updated website for The COVID–19 Global Rheumatology Alliance so that the full GRA curriculum vitae is on the main page: rheum-covid.org
Reposted by Jeffrey Sparks MD MMSc
Happy to have compiled this review on the role of the intestinal mucosa in RA and SpA with my friends @kknoop.bsky.social, Joyce, Mario, and Kentaro.
We challenge the "leaky gut" hypothesis and why we shouldn't use that term that oversimplifies how our microbiome shapes immunity.
We challenge the "leaky gut" hypothesis and why we shouldn't use that term that oversimplifies how our microbiome shapes immunity.
July 31, 2025 at 3:26 PM
Happy to have compiled this review on the role of the intestinal mucosa in RA and SpA with my friends @kknoop.bsky.social, Joyce, Mario, and Kentaro.
We challenge the "leaky gut" hypothesis and why we shouldn't use that term that oversimplifies how our microbiome shapes immunity.
We challenge the "leaky gut" hypothesis and why we shouldn't use that term that oversimplifies how our microbiome shapes immunity.
Reposted by Jeffrey Sparks MD MMSc
Alu expression in dermatomyositis muscle tissue
doi.org/10.1002/art....
Characterizing a cohort of patients with SpA spectrum disorders initially presenting as PMR
doi.org/10.1002/art....
Patients with RA-associated lung disease at increased risk of serious infection
doi.org/10.1002/art....
↓
doi.org/10.1002/art....
Characterizing a cohort of patients with SpA spectrum disorders initially presenting as PMR
doi.org/10.1002/art....
Patients with RA-associated lung disease at increased risk of serious infection
doi.org/10.1002/art....
↓
August 2, 2025 at 1:01 PM
Alu expression in dermatomyositis muscle tissue
doi.org/10.1002/art....
Characterizing a cohort of patients with SpA spectrum disorders initially presenting as PMR
doi.org/10.1002/art....
Patients with RA-associated lung disease at increased risk of serious infection
doi.org/10.1002/art....
↓
doi.org/10.1002/art....
Characterizing a cohort of patients with SpA spectrum disorders initially presenting as PMR
doi.org/10.1002/art....
Patients with RA-associated lung disease at increased risk of serious infection
doi.org/10.1002/art....
↓
Reposted by Jeffrey Sparks MD MMSc
New content online:
Fibroblasts in immune responses, inflammatory diseases and therapeutic implications
Nature Reviews Rheumatology, Published online: 14 May 2025; doi:10.1038/s41584-025-01259-0This Review provides a comprehensive overview of fibroblast biology in rheumatoid arthritis and other chronic inflammatory diseases. The authors discuss insights into fibroblast behaviour and pathogenicity from single-cell and functional studies and describe how these findings have informed efforts to therapeutically target fibroblasts.
bit.ly
May 14, 2025 at 5:47 PM
New content online:
Reposted by Jeffrey Sparks MD MMSc
ICYMI in our May issue—Survival in patients with rheumatoid #arthritis and recently diagnosed early-stage colorectal, lung, or prostate #cancer receiving TNF inhibitors bit.ly/3Q9Or8N
Plus, linked Comment by @jeffsparks.bsky.social & @nasingh.bsky.social bit.ly/42XQnsw
#Medsky #Rheumsky
Plus, linked Comment by @jeffsparks.bsky.social & @nasingh.bsky.social bit.ly/42XQnsw
#Medsky #Rheumsky
May 14, 2025 at 1:05 PM
ICYMI in our May issue—Survival in patients with rheumatoid #arthritis and recently diagnosed early-stage colorectal, lung, or prostate #cancer receiving TNF inhibitors bit.ly/3Q9Or8N
Plus, linked Comment by @jeffsparks.bsky.social & @nasingh.bsky.social bit.ly/42XQnsw
#Medsky #Rheumsky
Plus, linked Comment by @jeffsparks.bsky.social & @nasingh.bsky.social bit.ly/42XQnsw
#Medsky #Rheumsky
Reposted by Jeffrey Sparks MD MMSc
EULAR/American College of Rheumatology Risk Stratification Criteria for Development of Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Risk Stage of Arthralgia
doi.org/10.1002/art....
Published simultaneously in Annals of Rheumatic Diseases
#Medsky #Rheumsky
doi.org/10.1002/art....
Published simultaneously in Annals of Rheumatic Diseases
#Medsky #Rheumsky
May 8, 2025 at 12:46 PM
EULAR/American College of Rheumatology Risk Stratification Criteria for Development of Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Risk Stage of Arthralgia
doi.org/10.1002/art....
Published simultaneously in Annals of Rheumatic Diseases
#Medsky #Rheumsky
doi.org/10.1002/art....
Published simultaneously in Annals of Rheumatic Diseases
#Medsky #Rheumsky
Reposted by Jeffrey Sparks MD MMSc
Thank you to the #NephMadness Selection Committee members who helped us develop the teams in each region:
- @jordybc.bsky.social
- Mehmet Sever
- @thenestor.bsky.social
- @jeffsparks.bsky.social
- Mariana Murea
- @lawdishu.bsky.social
- Swee-Ling Levea
- Babak Orandi
- Susan Samuel
- @jordybc.bsky.social
- Mehmet Sever
- @thenestor.bsky.social
- @jeffsparks.bsky.social
- Mariana Murea
- @lawdishu.bsky.social
- Swee-Ling Levea
- Babak Orandi
- Susan Samuel
April 17, 2025 at 3:23 PM
Thank you to the #NephMadness Selection Committee members who helped us develop the teams in each region:
- @jordybc.bsky.social
- Mehmet Sever
- @thenestor.bsky.social
- @jeffsparks.bsky.social
- Mariana Murea
- @lawdishu.bsky.social
- Swee-Ling Levea
- Babak Orandi
- Susan Samuel
- @jordybc.bsky.social
- Mehmet Sever
- @thenestor.bsky.social
- @jeffsparks.bsky.social
- Mariana Murea
- @lawdishu.bsky.social
- Swee-Ling Levea
- Babak Orandi
- Susan Samuel
Reposted by Jeffrey Sparks MD MMSc
#NephMadness 2025 Champion: CAR-T for Autoimmune Diseases
bit.ly/NM25Champ
@nephrosparks.bsky.social @annaburgner.bsky.social @kidneywars.bsky.social @jrkott27.bsky.social @catochita.bsky.social
bit.ly/NM25Champ
@nephrosparks.bsky.social @annaburgner.bsky.social @kidneywars.bsky.social @jrkott27.bsky.social @catochita.bsky.social
#NephMadness 2025 Champion: CAR-T for Autoimmune Diseases
Here is is, fellow nephrons, as voted on by the Blue Ribbon Panel: your 2025 NephMadness champion! Check out the Final Standings and share your reactions with #NephMadness! Many thanks to Krithika …
bit.ly
April 8, 2025 at 12:53 PM
#NephMadness 2025 Champion: CAR-T for Autoimmune Diseases
bit.ly/NM25Champ
@nephrosparks.bsky.social @annaburgner.bsky.social @kidneywars.bsky.social @jrkott27.bsky.social @catochita.bsky.social
bit.ly/NM25Champ
@nephrosparks.bsky.social @annaburgner.bsky.social @kidneywars.bsky.social @jrkott27.bsky.social @catochita.bsky.social
Reposted by Jeffrey Sparks MD MMSc
The final results of #RheumMadness 2025 are out!
Read more about the panel's choices on our website, plus our list of thank you-s to all our collaborators who make this possible!
sites.duke.edu/rheummadness/
Thank you all for another great year!
Read more about the panel's choices on our website, plus our list of thank you-s to all our collaborators who make this possible!
sites.duke.edu/rheummadness/
Thank you all for another great year!
April 7, 2025 at 4:16 PM
The final results of #RheumMadness 2025 are out!
Read more about the panel's choices on our website, plus our list of thank you-s to all our collaborators who make this possible!
sites.duke.edu/rheummadness/
Thank you all for another great year!
Read more about the panel's choices on our website, plus our list of thank you-s to all our collaborators who make this possible!
sites.duke.edu/rheummadness/
Thank you all for another great year!
Reposted by Jeffrey Sparks MD MMSc
Research Article
Serum Biomarkers of Pulmonary Damage and Risk for Progression of Rheumatoid Arthritis–Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
📖 www.jrheum.org/cgi/content/...
@jeffsparks.bsky.social
#biologicalmarkers #rheumatoidarthritis #interstitiallungdisease
Serum Biomarkers of Pulmonary Damage and Risk for Progression of Rheumatoid Arthritis–Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
📖 www.jrheum.org/cgi/content/...
@jeffsparks.bsky.social
#biologicalmarkers #rheumatoidarthritis #interstitiallungdisease
April 2, 2025 at 6:16 PM
Research Article
Serum Biomarkers of Pulmonary Damage and Risk for Progression of Rheumatoid Arthritis–Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
📖 www.jrheum.org/cgi/content/...
@jeffsparks.bsky.social
#biologicalmarkers #rheumatoidarthritis #interstitiallungdisease
Serum Biomarkers of Pulmonary Damage and Risk for Progression of Rheumatoid Arthritis–Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
📖 www.jrheum.org/cgi/content/...
@jeffsparks.bsky.social
#biologicalmarkers #rheumatoidarthritis #interstitiallungdisease
Reposted by Jeffrey Sparks MD MMSc
Never played #RheumMadness ?
Think you don't have enough time to submit your bracket?
Think again. Submit with two simple steps:
1. Watch the 2-minute explainer video below
2. Head over to the tournament website and submit a bracket (IT'S FREE)
26.5 hours left!
tourneytopia.com/RheumMadness...
Think you don't have enough time to submit your bracket?
Think again. Submit with two simple steps:
1. Watch the 2-minute explainer video below
2. Head over to the tournament website and submit a bracket (IT'S FREE)
26.5 hours left!
tourneytopia.com/RheumMadness...
March 31, 2025 at 1:29 AM
Never played #RheumMadness ?
Think you don't have enough time to submit your bracket?
Think again. Submit with two simple steps:
1. Watch the 2-minute explainer video below
2. Head over to the tournament website and submit a bracket (IT'S FREE)
26.5 hours left!
tourneytopia.com/RheumMadness...
Think you don't have enough time to submit your bracket?
Think again. Submit with two simple steps:
1. Watch the 2-minute explainer video below
2. Head over to the tournament website and submit a bracket (IT'S FREE)
26.5 hours left!
tourneytopia.com/RheumMadness...
Reposted by Jeffrey Sparks MD MMSc
Only 1.5 days left to submit your #RheumMadness bracket!
Next up on our countdown: SGCAPS + MSKUS prediction tool for #giantcellarteritis, by fellows from MCW.
Read it here:
sites.duke.edu/rheummadness...
Next up on our countdown: SGCAPS + MSKUS prediction tool for #giantcellarteritis, by fellows from MCW.
Read it here:
sites.duke.edu/rheummadness...
SGCAPS - RheumMadness
Team: Ultrasound Avengers / Halo Heroes Base article: Sebastian A, van der Geest KSM, Tomelleri A, Macchioni P, Klinowski G, Salvarani C, Prieto-Peña D, Conticini E, Khurshid M, Dagna L, Brouwer E, Da...
sites.duke.edu
March 30, 2025 at 5:36 PM
Only 1.5 days left to submit your #RheumMadness bracket!
Next up on our countdown: SGCAPS + MSKUS prediction tool for #giantcellarteritis, by fellows from MCW.
Read it here:
sites.duke.edu/rheummadness...
Next up on our countdown: SGCAPS + MSKUS prediction tool for #giantcellarteritis, by fellows from MCW.
Read it here:
sites.duke.edu/rheummadness...
Incredible honor to participate in this year's #NephMadness- the tournament my brother @nephrosparks.bsky.social helped found years ago
My commentary about basketball (#Razorbacks), brotherhood, and RheumOnc / CAR-T
Also make sure to participate in #RheumMadness- CAR-T team there too
My commentary about basketball (#Razorbacks), brotherhood, and RheumOnc / CAR-T
Also make sure to participate in #RheumMadness- CAR-T team there too
#NephMadness 2025: CAR-T for Autoimmunity – Driving to the Championship
Any my brother getting involved this year !!!! @jeffsparks.bsky.social
ajkdblog.org/2025/03/21/n...
Any my brother getting involved this year !!!! @jeffsparks.bsky.social
ajkdblog.org/2025/03/21/n...
March 24, 2025 at 8:52 PM
Incredible honor to participate in this year's #NephMadness- the tournament my brother @nephrosparks.bsky.social helped found years ago
My commentary about basketball (#Razorbacks), brotherhood, and RheumOnc / CAR-T
Also make sure to participate in #RheumMadness- CAR-T team there too
My commentary about basketball (#Razorbacks), brotherhood, and RheumOnc / CAR-T
Also make sure to participate in #RheumMadness- CAR-T team there too
Reposted by Jeffrey Sparks MD MMSc
#NephMadness 2025: CAR-T for Autoimmunity – Driving to the Championship
Any my brother getting involved this year !!!! @jeffsparks.bsky.social
ajkdblog.org/2025/03/21/n...
Any my brother getting involved this year !!!! @jeffsparks.bsky.social
ajkdblog.org/2025/03/21/n...
March 23, 2025 at 1:03 AM
#NephMadness 2025: CAR-T for Autoimmunity – Driving to the Championship
Any my brother getting involved this year !!!! @jeffsparks.bsky.social
ajkdblog.org/2025/03/21/n...
Any my brother getting involved this year !!!! @jeffsparks.bsky.social
ajkdblog.org/2025/03/21/n...
Reposted by Jeffrey Sparks MD MMSc
#NephMadness 2025: CAR-T for Autoimmunity – Driving to the Championship
Awesome to have the Sparks brothers in Nephmadness! @nephrosparks.bsky.social @jeffsparks.bsky.social
ajkdblog.org/2025/03/21/n...
Awesome to have the Sparks brothers in Nephmadness! @nephrosparks.bsky.social @jeffsparks.bsky.social
ajkdblog.org/2025/03/21/n...
#NephMadness 2025: CAR-T for Autoimmunity – Driving to the Championship
Submit your picks! | @NephMadness | @nephmadness.bsky.social | NephMadness 2025 Jeffrey Sparks @jeffsparks – @jeffsparks.bsky.social Jeffrey A. Sparks is a rheumatologist and Associate Prof…
ajkdblog.org
March 22, 2025 at 3:56 AM
#NephMadness 2025: CAR-T for Autoimmunity – Driving to the Championship
Awesome to have the Sparks brothers in Nephmadness! @nephrosparks.bsky.social @jeffsparks.bsky.social
ajkdblog.org/2025/03/21/n...
Awesome to have the Sparks brothers in Nephmadness! @nephrosparks.bsky.social @jeffsparks.bsky.social
ajkdblog.org/2025/03/21/n...
Reposted by Jeffrey Sparks MD MMSc
#NephMadness 2025 Commentary by @jeffsparks.bsky.social:
CAR-T for Autoimmunity – Driving to the Championship
bit.ly/NM25SparksCo...
CAR-T for Autoimmunity – Driving to the Championship
bit.ly/NM25SparksCo...
#NephMadness 2025: CAR-T for Autoimmunity – Driving to the Championship
Submit your picks! | @NephMadness | @nephmadness.bsky.social | NephMadness 2025 Jeffrey Sparks @jeffsparks – @jeffsparks.bsky.social Jeffrey A. Sparks is a rheumatologist and Associate Prof…
bit.ly
March 21, 2025 at 12:52 PM
#NephMadness 2025 Commentary by @jeffsparks.bsky.social:
CAR-T for Autoimmunity – Driving to the Championship
bit.ly/NM25SparksCo...
CAR-T for Autoimmunity – Driving to the Championship
bit.ly/NM25SparksCo...