Researchers found that stopping TNF inhibitors led to more flares and lower remission rates among RA patients who were already in sustained remission. This contrasts with those who continued treatment, highlighting the importance of personalized treatment approaches for RA patients.
A new study shows that autologous stem cell transplant can improve nearly all measures for two years following treatment in patients with refractory juvenile systemic sclerosis. The procedure significantly reduces disease severity and improves skin thickness, intestinal symptoms, and lung function, offering a life-saving intervention f...
A new study has found that tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, commonly used for inflammatory arthritis, are not associated with poor pregnancy outcomes. Women who continued treatment had lower risks of severe infections postpartum compared to those who stopped. The results provide reassuring data on the use of TNF blockers during pregna...
A new rheumatology training program for Native American primary care physicians has expanded its reach to tribes in 15 states. The program, which includes virtual classes and case-based discussions, aims to improve diagnosis and management of rheumatoid arthritis, but faces challenges due to mistrust of accessing private health records.
Researchers found that pregnant women with very low titers of anti-Ro antibodies are not at risk for fetal atrioventricular (AV) block, a serious disorder affecting the heart's electrical system. In contrast, high-titer antibody pregnancies can benefit from ambulatory fetal heart rhythm monitoring to detect AV block.
The American College of Rheumatology has developed five new quality measures to improve lupus care, focusing on steroid use, mental health support, and patient-reported outcome measures. The measures aim to address long-standing inequities in care and reduce lupus-related morbidity by 2030.
Researchers developed a deep learning system to detect and predict joint space narrowing and erosions in hand radiographs of RA patients. The AI model achieved over 90% accuracy in detecting joints, but its performance may be lower than human radiologists for wrist joint analysis.
A study at ACR Convergence 2023 found that hydroxychloroquine lowers the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in rheumatoid arthritis patients, particularly in women and men under 50. The medication may exert its effect through increased adiponectin levels, a hormone inversely linked to insulin resistance and inflammation.
A study published at ACR Convergence 2023 found that patients with acute calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease have a doubled risk of fractures. The researchers analyzed data from over 1,100 patients and compared them to matched comparators without the disease.
A study presented at ACR Convergence found that adults with systemic lupus erythematosus who receive TMP-SMX are at high risk for adverse reactions. Lupus patients with anti-Smith antibodies were significantly associated with a higher risk of an adverse drug reaction.
The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) honored 37 distinguished members with the 2020 Master of the ACR designation for their contributions to rheumatology research and patient care. The ACR also recognized leading researchers and clinicians with its Awards of Distinction, including the Presidential Gold Medal and the Paulding Phel...
Research highlights the need for tuberculosis (TB) screening and ongoing clinical care for people on methotrexate living in areas with high TB prevalence. Methotrexate users taking corticosteroids or immunosuppressants are at increased risk of TB infection.
The new guideline recommends increased use of biologic drugs, reduced steroid treatment, and regular immunizations for infectious diseases. Disease-modifying treatments are now more rapidly escalated in JIA patients, reducing the need for oral or intravenous steroids.
A global survey of 427 children with rheumatic diseases found only 5% developed COVID-19, with none requiring hospitalization or severe complications. The study suggests that children with rheumatic disease should continue their immunosuppressive medications during the pandemic.
The new RA guideline recommends starting patients on methotrexate and continuing with treatment, rather than rapidly switching to other drugs. The guideline also aims to minimize the use of glucocorticoids due to their serious side effects.
A new study shows that methotrexate significantly improves physical function and reduces inflammation in adults with primary knee osteoarthritis. Patients who received methotrexate treatment had improvements in WOMAC scores and reduced inflammatory markers, while those taking glucosamine showed no significant benefits.
A new study found that people of color with rheumatic disease are more likely to experience poor health outcomes from COVID-19 infection, including hospitalization and necessary ventilation support. Black and Latinx patients had significantly higher odds of needing hospitalization and ventilation support compared to white patients.
A new study found that limited access to lupus lab tests in developing nations, particularly ANA tests, affects the usefulness of SLE diagnosis. The lack of testing, especially immunologic and hematologic studies, leads to discrepancies in diagnostic criteria adherence. The 2019 ACR/EULAR classification criteria performed better than o...
Annual spending on biologics in US public programs nearly doubled from 2012 to 2016 due to rising drug prices. Post-market price changes accounted for 56% of the five-year spending increase, with unit price hikes alone responsible for $1.7 billion of the growth.
A study found associations between environmental factors and organ-specific lupus flares, including temperature, ozone concentration, wind, humidity, PM2.5 concentration, and barometric pressure. The research suggests atmospheric changes may impact lupus clinical trial design and outcomes.
Researchers found ADA2 levels above normal limits strongly indicative of concomitant MAS in children with systemic JIA. The study establishes ADA2 as a valuable diagnostic marker to distinguish MAS from other forms of systemic inflammation.
Researchers found that using ultrasound to guide treatment strategy does not improve treatment decisions in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis. The study used MRI imaging to assess inflammatory activity and structural damage progression, but found no significant difference between the two groups.
A new study found that the live zoster vaccine is safe and effective in patients taking TNF inhibitors, with no cases of confirmed disseminated or local varicella infection. The researchers observed a very low risk of infection, with an upper bound confidence interval of approximately one percent.
A large cohort study found that children exposed to non-TNFi biologics or tofacitinib in utero experienced very few serious infections, with only two cases reported. The study provides the first data on infectious risk in offspring exposed to these drugs during pregnancy.
A new study found that tocilizumab is more effective than rituximab in reducing disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis who have low B-cell infiltration in their synovial tissue. Tocilizumab achieved significant improvements in both low levels and falls in disease activity, particularly in the B-cell poor patient subgroup.
Researchers found that methotrexate significantly reduced joint damage progression compared to placebo in patients with erosive hand osteoarthritis, while also facilitating bone remodeling. The study's findings suggest that treatment should be initiated earlier to have a positive effect on pain.
Researchers found small, statistically significant benefits on pain and function with opioids, but no impact on quality of life or depression for patients with osteoarthritis. Strong opioids had consistently worse pain relief benefits and a greater risk of adverse events compared to weak opioids.
Patients with Down syndrome arthropathy experience a 11.5-month delay in diagnosis from symptom onset, and optimal therapy remains unclear due to medication intolerance and ineffectiveness. The study aims to raise awareness and improve screening for this condition.
A study found that RA patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors for cancer experience flares, with a 50% rate. The researchers also noted that the rate of immune-related adverse events was comparable to those without autoimmune diseases.
Researchers found that hydroxychloroquine significantly reduces the recurrence rate of congenital heart block in subsequent pregnancies, regardless of health status. The study evaluated 74 mothers who had a previous child with congenital heart block and were exposed to HCQ during pregnancy.
Research found that SLE Medicaid patients have a double 30-day death rate after coronary revascularization compared to diabetes patients, highlighting the need for further investigation into cardiovascular disease and overall health status in SLE patients.
A new study finds that gadolinium-enhanced MRI is a useful tool in diagnosing polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), with 76% sensitivity and 85% specificity. The test can also predict recurrence, with patients who developed recurrences having less enhancement of their rotator cuff tendon and more synovial hypertrophy findings.
Children with JIA continue to have active arthritis despite available medications, highlighting a need for additional treatments. Researchers found that 52% of patients had ongoing active JIA despite treatment with two or more biologics.
Researchers found that psoriasis onset age determines whether arthritis starts first, with a 65-month delay for arthritis onset after psoriasis. Early-onset psoriasis is strongly associated with arthritis onset, suggesting a different subgroup of PsA patients.
A study found that children with Down syndrome are at an increased risk of developing inflammatory and erosive arthritis. Researchers estimate that around 20 per 1,000 children with Down syndrome have this condition.
A six-week treatment with low-dose oral prednisolone substantially improves pain and decreases signs of inflammation in patients with painful hand osteoarthritis. Substantial improvements in pain and function were seen, exceeding effects of currently available therapies.
Researchers found a significant increase in opioid-use disorder hospitalizations among patients with common rheumatic conditions like gout, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia. The study suggests that these patients are at risk of developing an opioid use disorder due to chronic musculoskeletal diseases.
A new study found that biologics improve clinical disease activity in both elderly-onset and young-onset rheumatoid arthritis patients similarly at 48 weeks. The researchers also discovered similar drug maintenance and adverse event discontinuation rates between the two age groups.
The American College of Rheumatology has received two grants from the Office of Minority Health to increase minority participation in lupus clinical trials. The MIMICT and LuCTT programs will address challenges in recruiting minority populations affected by lupus, utilizing community health workers as referral sources.
The American College of Rheumatology has been awarded a grant to focus on projects that curb disparities in rheumatic diseases. The program aims to address health inequities by creating initiatives that increase ethnically diverse participation in clinical trials and improve healthcare access for minority populations. By doing so, the ...
Research reveals obesity is associated with reduced rates of remission and increased rates of disability in RA patients. Effective weight screening and management should be a central feature of RA treatment plans.
A new study suggests that biologic therapies for rheumatoid arthritis during pregnancy do not significantly increase the risk of opportunistic infections in infants. Researchers found no significant difference in infection rates among infants whose mothers used biologics compared to those who did not.
Researchers have developed a new method to preserve tissue samples for rheumatoid arthritis research, allowing for the analysis of multiple samples in a uniform way. This approach has the potential to identify specific inflammatory pathways and guide treatment decisions.
Research finds that obesity is associated with a higher degree of synovitis in RA patients, leading to worse clinical responses to treatment. Patients who are overweight or obese tend to have higher histological scores and more inflammation in their joints.
A study found that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of healthy military recruits showed sacroiliac joint damage similar to axial spondyloarthritis after six weeks of intensive physical training. The high prevalence of lesions at baseline and the increase in lesions after training were striking results.
A study found that temporarily pausing methotrexate use for two weeks after flu vaccination improves the immune response in RA patients, with a higher rate of satisfactory responses and seroprotection rates. This approach has potential clinical implications, including improved vaccine efficacy without increasing disease activity.
A study found that increasing omega-6 to omega-3 ratios in the diet were associated with SLE disease activity. Intake of omega-3 fatty acids was also linked to better sleep quality and trended toward significant decreases in depressive symptoms.
A recent study found that women who stopped taking bisphosphonates for over two years had a substantially increased risk of hip fractures compared to those who continued their treatment. The study, which analyzed data from 156,236 women, showed that the longer the duration of the drug holiday, the higher the risk of hip fracture.
Bone marrow edema was most frequent in posterior lower ilium and anterior upper sacrum in young athletes. A better understanding of this condition may improve evaluation of magnetic resonance imaging in individuals with early axial spondyloarthritis.
Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who have low vitamin D levels are at a higher risk of developing end-stage renal disease. Vitamin D supplementation has been shown to reduce urine protein and prevent future renal failure, according to the study's findings.