IgG4ward! Jam Video Series- Video 6 -Understanding the Extent of the Disease and Monitoring Over Time for Relapse with Dr. Mollie Carruthers

Understanding the Extent of the Disease and Monitoring Over Time for Relapse

“Understanding the Extent of the Disease and Monitoring Over Time for Relapse”, features Dr. Mollie Carruthers, a Rheumatologist at Artus Health Centre in Vancouver, Canada. In this talk at the IgG4ward! JAM, she uses a “Seasons of Change” analogy to illustrate the journey of people living with IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD).

Understanding IgG4-RD is essential for patients and caregivers navigating diagnosis, treatment and relapse prevention. This talk offers a comprehensive approach to understanding IgG4-RD and how to effectively manage it over time.

She covers how physicians approach the diagnosis, which often involves thorough laboratory analyses, imaging studies and sometimes tissue biopsies. Dr. Carruthers also discusses key risk factors for relapse, some of which include elevated IgG4 serum levels, and highlights research comparing relapse rates across different treatment approaches – such as maintenance vs. B-cell depletion therapy.

In addition, she stresses the importance of ongoing lab monitoring to detect potential relapses early. Most importantly, she emphasizes the need for individualized care plans that adapt to each patient’s changing needs.

Seasons of Change and Understanding IgG4-RD:

Winter – New IgG4-RD Diagnosis: Navigating Uncertainty: A challenging phase of extensive tests and uncertainty.

Spring – Early IgG4-RD Treatment: Trusting the Process: Patients often wonder why levels aren’t normal yet but hopefully feel better and are encouraged to trust in the gradual process of the treatment.

Summer – Monitoring IgG4-RD Stability and Relapse Risk: Relapse risk is considered through regular lab checks.

Fall – Longitudinal IgG4-RD care and Flare Prevention: Focus shifts to preventing flares and choosing the right program for remission maintenance, which may involve simply close follow-up.

Throughout the talk, Dr. Carruthers references visual schematics and published articles that demonstrate how IgG4 concentrations in the blood often correlate with relapse, and explains how physicians are often able to tailor treatment based on each patient’s “season”. By breaking down the IgG4-RD journey in this relatable way, she offers clarity and reassurance, underlining that effective monitoring and timely adjustments in therapy that can help people living with IgG4-RD navigate each phase with more confidence and ease.

This is a must-watch for those affected by IgG4-RD – patients, caregivers, and others.

Please watch the full video: