Rheumatology

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis who stopped TNF inhibitors experienced fewer flares and treatment failures on methotrexate-tacrolimus therapy compared to methotrexate alone, with no major safety concerns.

New long-term study data suggest that patients with rheumatoid arthritis who achieve sustained disease control on baricitinib 4 mg may successfully taper to 2 mg, with the majority maintaining low disease activity or recapturing control if needed.

Asthma may raise the risk of developing osteoarthritis, with socially isolated or lonely individuals facing even greater susceptibility, according to a new large-scale cohort study.

A new study shows that even during the Omicron era, patients with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases face significant risks of hospitalisation due to COVID-19, particularly if unvaccinated or on immunosuppressive therapies.

Researchers introduce a new Genetic Progression Score (GPS) that enhances prediction of autoimmune disease progression by integrating biobank and case-control genetic data.

KL-6 and hSP-D levels at baseline, and changes in KL-6 over time, are strongly associated with progression of RA-associated interstitial lung disease, according to a Korean prospective cohort study.

A Danish study finds that symptom interpretation and beliefs about treatment impact how quickly patients with early rheumatoid arthritis seek medical help.

New research from the tREACH cohort reveals that female patients with rheumatoid arthritis experience higher disease activity and functional limitations compared to males, even under treat-to-target care.

Initiating steroid treatment before specialist evaluation may obscure the clinical signs of polymyalgia rheumatica, reducing diagnostic accuracy.

A new study reveals high rates of depression and fibromyalgia in Jordanian women with lupus, calling for an integrated approach to managing both physical and psychological aspects of the disease.

A decade-long study has found that each year of infliximab use is linked to an 11% lower risk of cervical spine deformity in RA patients, potentially extending the known benefits of the drug beyond peripheral joints.

A new study suggests that arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis, may increase the risk of overactive bladder.

Patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) face a higher risk of death from lung, gynecological cancers, and T/NK lineage lymphomas, according to a new study.

A recent study has found that gastrointestinal symptoms and depression are strongly linked to higher disease activity in spondyloarthritis patients.

A recent study highlights the role of inflammation in osteoporosis, identifying AISI, SIRI, and SII as key inflammatory markers associated with lower bone mineral density (BMD) in older adults.

While patients with rheumatoid arthritis have a lower overall cancer incidence rate, they face higher post-cancer mortality.

ChatGPT4 may be a game-changer for patient education in lupus, with a new study showing its responses match or even exceed those of specialists in key areas like patient satisfaction and empathy.

Obesity significantly diminishes the effectiveness of urate-lowering therapy in male gout patients, according to a new study. Only 38.9% of obese patients achieved target serum urate levels compared to 63.8% of normal-weight patients, highlighting the need for integrated weight management in gout treatment.

A Mediterranean diet combined with exercise significantly improves muscle function, pain, and inflammation in females with rheumatoid arthritis.

A new predictive model accurately assesses arthritis risk using common health indicators, offering potential for early prevention.

Study reveals ANCA positivity in 22.4% of patients with ILD, with implications on survival.

New research suggests that patients with obesity who undergo knee or hip replacements can lower their risk of revision surgery by losing weight after the procedure with anti-obesity medications.

A large-scale analysis of five clinical trials of belimumab has found that normalizing serology enhances the effectiveness of treat-to-target strategies in SLE.

New research suggests that cycling between JAK inhibitors may be more effective than switching to biologic DMARDs in rheumatoid arthritis patients who do not initially respond to JAKis.

New research reveals that nearly 40% of young PsA patients develop degenerative disc disease (DDD), with age, male sex, and diabetes as key risk factors. The study also found that inflammatory back pain does not reliably distinguish between axial PsA and spinal degeneration, complicating diagnosis and treatment.

A study from South Korea reveals that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) significantly increases the risk of kidney cancer, particularly among women. Despite the lack of association with bladder, prostate, and testicular cancers, the findings stress the importance of early detection in RA patients.

A wearable device reduced fatigue and Raynaud symptoms in systemic sclerosis, improving quality of life without adverse effects.

A study revealed that early menopause and fewer reproductive years significantly increase the risk of ACPA-negative inflammatory arthritis.

A new Japanese retrospective study confirms that avacopan can effectively induce and sustain remission in patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis, reducing the need for glucocorticoids.

A new study revealed that adding urine alkalization therapy to febuxostat treatment in gout patients with low urinary pH leads to fewer flares, improved kidney health, and better lipid profiles.

A new machine learning model, CAPI-Detect, has demonstrated over 90% accuracy in diagnosing systemic sclerosis (SSc) using nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC).

A new study suggests that menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) may increase the risk of systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis.

Secukinumab shows high drug survival and sustained effectiveness in psoriatic arthritis patients, with better outcomes in mixed peripheral and axial involvement.

A study of over 1,700 psoriatic arthritis patients across nine European countries reveals that tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) work differently depending on the affected joint.

A new study has found a causal link between rheumatoid arthritis and an increased risk of prostate cancer, highlighting the role of chronic inflammation in cancer development.

A new study has found strong genetic evidence that air pollution can significantly increase the risk of autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

A new study shows that biologic treatments significantly reduce inflammation and improve jaw function in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

A study using the KOBIO registry reveals a 39 per 1,000 person-year infection rate in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients receiving biologics. Respiratory tract infections and herpes zoster were the most common, with age, diabetes, and kidney disease among key risk factors.

A groundbreaking analysis of the ESTHER trial reveals that resolution of MRI-detected inflammation in the sacroiliac joints is strongly linked to improved clinical outcomes in patients with axial spondyloarthritis undergoing long-term anti-TNF therapy.

A study from the KHOALA cohort reveals that body composition plays a critical role in the quality of life for patients with knee and hip osteoarthritis.

A study finds Sjögren’s disease patients have 70% higher mortality risk, with infections, cancers, cardiovascular issues, and factors like age, low C4, and heart failure.

A new study develops a model to predict gastrointestinal lesions in eosinophilic granulomatosis, highlighting eosinophils as a critical risk factor.

Elevated CRP and ESR levels in rheumatoid arthritis patients are linked to increased risk of developing interstitial lung disease, study shows.

A new diagnostic model combining salivary biomarkers and serum tests offers a non-invasive, highly accurate method to detect primary Sjögren’s disease.

Fibromyalgia affects nearly 20% of lupus patients, significantly worsening their quality of life and highlighting the need for better diagnosis and treatment.

Cardiovascular events during pregnancy heighten risks for preterm birth and SGA infants, especially in autoimmune and rheumatic disease cases.

Strategic tapering with hydroxychloroquine and low disease activity helps lupus patients safely discontinue steroids, reducing flare risks.

Stem-cell transplantation shows promise for children with severe juvenile arthritis and lung disease, offering life-saving potential for refractory cases.

Patients with lupus are over twice as likely to develop cervical artery dissection, emphasizing the need for proactive cardiovascular care.

Bimekizumab reduces pain, stiffness, and fatigue in axial spondyloarthritis, offering a transformative option for managing this chronic condition.

Elevated skin sodium in rheumatoid arthritis may drive hypertension, shedding light on new mechanisms linking immune activation and blood pressure.

Avacopan therapy for vasculitis carries a risk of liver injury, particularly in elderly and low-weight patients, highlighting the need for regular monitoring.

Late-onset rheumatoid arthritis worsens physical function and raises risks of adverse events, including death and malignancy, compared to younger-onset cases.

Male gender and high C3 levels predict early remission in idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis, paving the way for tailored treatment strategies.

AI-driven smartphone photos achieve 99% accuracy in detecting early inflammatory arthritis, offering a promising, cost-effective screening tool.

Patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome and thyroid diseases face heightened risks of malignancy and osteoporosis, linked to changes in immune cell activity, a new study reveals.

Gabapentinoids, widely prescribed for pain management in inflammatory arthritis (IA), are now linked to a 36% higher risk of fractures.

New research highlights that achieving low disease activity or remission in lupus patients significantly reduces organ damage and flare risks.

Obesity may worsen symptoms and increase glucocorticoid requirements in polymyalgia rheumatica, according to new research. Patients with obesity reported greater pain and fatigue and needed higher steroid doses over time despite similar inflammation levels.

Biologic treatments combined with methotrexate or leflunomide show promise in reducing temporomandibular joint inflammation and improving jaw function in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

A new study from the Agricultural Health Study reveals a concerning link between pesticide exposure and an elevated risk of rheumatoid arthritis among older farmers.

A new study highlights increased cancer risks in rheumatoid arthritis patients using biologics like rituximab, abatacept, and JAK inhibitors compared to TNFis.

New research reveals the unexpectedly high prevalence of cutaneous lupus erythematosus in diverse populations, uncovering critical links to systemic lupus progression.

Discover how a mobile app empowers rheumatoid arthritis patients to self-manage symptoms, providing valuable insights without increasing psychological burden.

Limited fasciectomy proves more effective than collagenase injections for improving hand health in patients with Dupuytren’s contracture, new research shows.

Men with systemic sclerosis are more prone to ILD, while women face higher risks of SAD, a study reveals critical sex-related differences.

Reduced-dose steroids increase relapse and progression risk in ANCA-associated vasculitis, particularly in rituximab-treated patients, study shows.

Hydroxychloroquine reduces relapse risk in lupus patients after steroid withdrawal, offering a safer path to long-term disease stability.

One-third of paediatric Behçet’s disease patients face new complications or relapses in adulthood, highlighting the need for lifelong care.

Upper extremity disability in rheumatoid arthritis fluctuates over time, with pain and hand function playing a critical role, study finds.

RA and PsA patients face higher interstitial lung disease risk, but methotrexate does not increase this risk, study finds.

No significant difference found between hydrocortisone replacement and prednisone tapering for glucocorticoid discontinuation in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Blood flow restriction therapy shows greater pain and strength improvements in knee osteoarthritis, study finds.

Platelet-to-albumin ratio linked to disease activity in early rheumatoid arthritis, with a notable threshold effect.

Significant pain interference affects many children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, with fatigue and mobility playing key roles, a new study finds.

New study reveals how social disparities impact diagnostic delays in radiographic axial spondyloarthritis.

Telemedicine reduces rheumatology visits and cuts costs for spondyloarthritis patients, study finds.

Adding blood flow restriction to knee osteoarthritis exercises significantly boosts pain relief, strength, and quality of life, new study shows.

No clear winner in rheumatoid arthritis glucocorticoid tapering, as both prednisone and hydrocortisone approaches show similar success in recent study.

Blood-based immunophenotyping may enable personalized rheumatoid arthritis treatments, improving outcomes by matching therapies to patients’ unique immune profiles.

The management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has significantly evolved, moving beyond the mere application of clinical trial results to a more nuanced approach…

New research has shown that women with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) have more than double the prevalence of severe autoimmune diseases compared to the general female population.

The severity of Raynaud’s disease is not only linked to very low temperatures, but also hot environments that reach 35°C and above, according to recent research.  

New research has demonstrated that frailty, a measure of biological age, predicts severe infections in older adults with incident antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis.

Research has shown that long-term use of antibiotics is associated with a higher risk of rheumatoid arthritis. 

Age and hypertension increase cranial ischaemic complication risk in giant cell arteritis, while anticoagulant therapy may be protective

Frailty, more than age, significantly impacts the risk of severe infections in older adults with ANCA-associated vasculitis, according to a new study

A study from SPIN shows that most individuals with systemic sclerosis are vaccinated against COVID-19, with minimal severe side effects and low rates of disease flare-ups.

A study revealed that the severity of Raynaud’s phenomenon, a common early manifestation of systemic sclerosis, is influenced significantly by ambient temperature.

A study compared the effectiveness of three immunomodulatory therapies combined with corticosteroids in preventing uveitis relapse in patients with severe Behcet’s disease.

A RECENT study has found a link between alcohol consumption and the risk of developing gout.

Researchers have identified two new potential biomarkers, which could be crucial in predicting disease activity in children with non-systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Refracture risk in adult patients who sustain a hip fracture can be mitigated through a new multidisciplinary approach, including fall prevention and anti-osteoporosis medication use.

New study shows that gradual tapering of glucocorticoid steroids in mSACQ state SLE patients can be done without increasing flare risk.

A study has shown the efficacy and safety of first-line biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis who suffer from chronic kidney disease

A new study found that TNF inhibitors have similar rates of adverse events and treatment response in ankylosing spondylitis regardless of when the disease developed.

A recent study investigated the risk of systemic lupus erythematosus associated with long-term exposure to air pollution.

New research reassures that hydroxychloroquine use during the first trimester does not significantly increase the risk of major congenital malformations in infants

Recent research presented at the 2024 EULAR congress has shed light on the disease’s complex mechanisms of Sjögren’s disease

Results presented at EULAR 2024, show reductions in DAS28 scores among rheumatoid arthritis patients following a plant-based, whole-food diet, exercise, and stress management regime.

Researchers presented novel findings on the potential utility of the blood interferon signature in diagnosing and stratifying paediatric Sjögren’s disease.

A new study showed a significant association between secondhand smoke exposure and the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis

New research on glucocorticoid dosing in lupus nephritis reveals crucial insights into treatment outcomes.

New data has linked the consumption of fish during pregnancy and the first year of life with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

EULAR has updated its recommendations for systemic sclerosis, incorporating four new therapies presented at its congress in 2024.

The EULAR 2024 congress stressed the importance of supporting transitions from paediatric to adult care to maintain effective treatment for young patients

A study reveals the significant comorbidities linked to osteoarthritis, highlighting the necessity for enhanced management and patient care strategies.

A study presented at EULAR 2024 aimed to investigate the relationship between large-scale pre-diagnostic proteomics and the risk of incident gout in a nationwide prospective cohort.

Research presented at EULAR 2024 aimed to evaluate the prevalence of anti-Ro/SSA antibodies in the largest available cohort of established systemic sclerosis patients.

A recent study highlights the importance of early diagnosis in psoriatic arthritis patients, showing that shorter delays lead to better clinical outcomes.

Recent study highlights sex differences in disease activity measures and treatment responses among patients with axial spondylarthritis

A new blood test has successfully predicted risk of knee osteoarthritis eight years before signs of the disease appeared on X-rays.