Lily Sung, MD

All Publications

• Food as Medicine for Rheumatic Diseases and Planetary Health. Rheumatic diseases clinics of North America Katsumoto, T. R., Sung, L. H., Shah, N. S. 2026; 52 (1): 181-201

  Abstract

  Animal agriculture is one of the most significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation. Whole-food plant-based diets (WFPBDs) (defined as diets consisting of predominantly plants with minimal ultra-processed foods) can help to mitigate many of the challenges facing our planet and improve the health of patients with rheumatic diseases. Here, we will review how animal agriculture impacts climate change and our environment and how environmental contaminants in food may be potentially impacting health, including rheumatic disease. We will also discuss the evidence supporting WFPBD for rheumatic diseases and the role for rheumatologists in educating patients on WFPBDs.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.rdc.2025.09.001

  View details for PubMedID 41265942

• American College of Rheumatology White Paper: The Effects of Climate Change on Rheumatic Conditions-An Evolving Landscape and a Path Forward. Arthritis & rheumatology (Hoboken, N.J.) Dellaripa, P. F., Sung, L. H., Bain, P. A., Lanata, C., Blazer, A., Miller, F. W., Feldman, C. H. 2024; 76 (10): 1459-1466

  Abstract

  Increases in global temperatures and extreme weather events associated with climate change have complex yet poorly understood detrimental impacts on human health. We reviewed the current published literature on climate change-related effects and rheumatic conditions.To summarize our current understanding of the likely effects of climate change, including increased air pollution, on rheumatic disease, we searched the published, peer-reviewed English-language literature from January 2000 to December 2022. Articles were reviewed by a team of rheumatologists and clinical and translational science researchers. Systematic review articles were not included but informed additional literature searches.After extensive examination and adjudication, 88 articles met inclusion criteria and were selected for review. Much of the epidemiologic investigations assessed associations between air pollution and increased risk of development of rheumatoid arthritis, anti-citrullinated protein antibodies, flares of gout, and hospitalizations for systemic lupus erythematosus. Increased heat vulnerability was associated with higher odds of recurrent hospitalizations across rheumatic conditions. Mechanisms for observed associations are poorly understood but could include the effects of epigenetic changes, oxidative stress, and inflammatory cytokines. Studies had limitations, including restricted geography and populations studied without focus on historically marginalized communities at highest risk for adverse effects from pollution and climate change, the relative lack of mechanistic evaluations, and most with only indirect links to climate change.To date, the published literature lacks studies that directly examine effects of climate change on rheumatic diseases. Collaborative translational and epidemiologic research is needed to enhance our understanding and awareness in this area.

  View details for DOI 10.1002/art.42919

  View details for PubMedID 38751102

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC11498941

• Chronic Illness in Children and Foregone Care Among Household Adults in the United States: A National Study. Medical care Narm, K. E., Wen, J., Sung, L., Dar, S., Kim, P., Olson, B., Schrager, A., Tsay, A., Himmelstein, D. U., Woolhandler, S., Shure, N., McCormick, D., Gaffney, A. 2023; 61 (4): 185-191

  Abstract

  Childhood chronic illness imposes financial burdens that may affect the entire family.The aim was to assess whether adults living with children with 2 childhood chronic illnesses-asthma and diabetes-are more likely to forego their own medical care, and experience financial strain, relative to those living with children without these illnesses.2009-2018 National Health Interview Survey.Adult-child dyads, consisting of one randomly sampled child and adult in each family.The main exposure was a diagnosis of asthma or diabetes in the child. The outcomes were delayed/foregone medical care for the adult as well as family financial strain; the authors evaluated their association with the child's illness using multivariable logistic regressions adjusted for potential confounders.The authors identified 93,264 adult-child dyads; 8499 included a child with asthma, and 179 a child with diabetes. Families with children with either illness had more medical bill problems, food insecurity, and medical expenses. Adults living with children with each illness reported more health care access problems. For instance, relative to other adults, those living with a child with asthma were more likely to forego/delay care (14.7% vs. 10.2%, adjusted odds ratio: 1.27; 95% CI: 1.16-1.39) and were more likely to forego medications, specialist, mental health, and dental care. Adults living with a child with diabetes were also more likely to forego/delay care (adjusted odds ratio: 1.76; 95% CI: 1.18-2.64).Adults living with children with chronic illnesses may sacrifice their own care because of cost concerns. Reducing out-of-pocket health care costs, improving health coverage, and expanding social supports for families with children with chronic conditions might mitigate such impacts.

  View details for DOI 10.1097/MLR.0000000000001791

  View details for PubMedID 36730827

• A case of de novo seronegative inflammatory oligoarthritis associated with COVID-19 infection. Clinical immunology communications Sung, L. H., Surmachevska, N., Rubio, J. E. 2022; 2: 159-161

  Abstract

  Infection with SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) virus is characterized by an acute respiratory viral illness, often accompanied by extrapulmonary manifestations. Musculoskeletal symptoms such as myalgias and arthralgias are observed in 60 - 70% of cases. Inflammatory arthritis associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection has been reported in the literature, however, nearly all such cases describe a post-viral or reactive phenomenon occurring a few weeks following the infection. We report a unique case of de novo arthritis at the onset of a confirmed COVID-19 infection in a 55-year-old woman. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated synovial enhancement consistent with synovitis. Her disease was deemed refractory after failing several immunosuppressive agents. Lastly, we compare our patient's clinical presentation with two other similar cases to understand the natural history of this emerging syndrome.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.clicom.2022.10.001

  View details for PubMedID 38013974

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC9580240

• Babesiosis as a Cause of Atraumatic Splenic Injury: Two Case Reports and a Review of Literature. Journal of general internal medicine Sung, L. H., Sundaram, A. H., Glick, A. L., Chen, D. F., Shipton, L. 2021; 36 (12): 3869-3874

  Abstract

  We present two cases of Babesia-induced splenic injury at a single institution. In the late summer, two patients presented with left-sided abdominal pain radiating to the shoulder. They were both found to have hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute splenic infarction on imaging. Blood smears showed intracellular ring forms consistent with Babesia spp. and low parasitemia (<1%). Diagnosis was confirmed by PCR for Babesia microti. Both patients improved with azithromycin and atovaquone, without blood products or surgical intervention. Several weeks following treatment, repeat blood smears revealed no parasites. Splenic infarct and hemorrhage have been previously reported as rare complications of babesiosis. However, given the steady rise in Babesia microti cases in the USA, even these rare complications will become more prevalent. We review both the diagnosis and management of Babesia-induced splenic complications, which can be challenging in patients with low-level parasitemia. Clinicians should consider babesiosis as a cause of atraumatic splenic injury.

  View details for DOI 10.1007/s11606-021-07117-5

  View details for PubMedID 34549355

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC8455114