A global review of diagnosis delays in axial spondyloarthritis reveals common challenges, including inadequate patient access to rheumatologists and poorly defined referral pathways. The report aims to empower stakeholders to reduce this delay and improve patient outcomes.
A recent EULAR study found that treatment with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors can slow the progression of radiographic sacroiliitis in patients with axSpA. This effect becomes apparent 2-4 years after treatment initiation, according to the research.
Children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) are at high risk for uveitis relapses after discontinuing disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). The study found that patients are more likely to experience uveitis events within the first 3-24 months after DMARD withdrawal.
New study finds that elderly RA patients are not at higher risk of serious infections with bDMARDs or JAKi, but glucocorticoid use and underlying diseases increase the risk. Better physical capacity is associated with a lower risk of serious infection.
A double-blind trial found that faecal microbiota transplantation did not improve treatment outcomes or reduce symptoms in patients with active peripheral PsA. The study suggests that FMT may not be an effective treatment option for this condition, and future research is needed to explore its potential benefits.
Studies of people with RA show a decline in dementia risk over time, from 12.7% to 6.2% between the 1980s and 2000s. Heart failure risks also decrease, with no excess risk seen in 2000s compared to general population.
Research suggests passive smoking in childhood increases risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in women who have never smoked. Adult exposure also linked to RA risk, particularly among non-smoking women. Environmental air pollution may affect treatment outcomes.
Women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have an increased likelihood of pre-term birth and small babies. High maternal disease activity during pregnancy strengthens these associations. In contrast, paternal inflammatory disease is associated with a higher risk of miscarriage, particularly in pregnancies conceived after the father's diagno...
The national tender system in Norway has significantly reduced the cost of biologic and targeted drugs for rheumatoid arthritis patients. Over a 10-year period, the average annual costs were lowered by approximately 50%, with current users experiencing a 50% reduction and new patients seeing a 75% decrease.
The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) has established a framework to address the unmet need for support of female rheumatologists and other healthcare professionals in academic rheumatology. The framework outlines six thematic areas with 29 potential interventions to accelerate gender-equitable career advancement.
Researchers found a significant increase in giant cell arteritis cases during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 61 probable diagnoses made in 2020 compared to 28 in 2019. The excess cases are thought to be driven by widespread infection and immune system priming caused by SARS-CoV-2.
A study using Finnish data found that the MUC5B promoter variant is a strong predictor of developing interstitial lung disease in people with rheumatoid arthritis, with a lifetime risk of 14.5% by age 80. The risk difference starts to emerge at age 65 and is highest in men with RA who are MUC5B carriers.
A population-based cohort study in Catalonia, Spain, found positive associations between RA and COVID-19 diagnosis and hospitalization. In contrast, no association was observed between RA and worsening from outpatient to hospital or death. Further research is needed to address comorbidities and immunosuppressive medications.
A study found that baseline use of biologic medications like rituximab and JAK inhibitors is associated with worse COVID-19 outcomes in people with rheumatoid arthritis. This association was seen even after adjusting for potential confounding factors.
A study of 300 rheumatism patients found 9% SARS-CoV-2 antibody positivity rates for IgG, IgM, and IgA, with higher titres in symptomatic patients and those with obesity and multiple comorbidities. The study confirms that the true spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection is broader than previously thought, particularly among vulnerable populations.
Maxime Dougados and Josef Smolen are the recipients of the EULAR Meritorious Service Award, which honors their contributions to the field of rheumatology. They have published over 1000 articles and have promoted initiatives such as FOREUM and ACR/EULAR criteria for rheumatoid arthritis.
A study of 2837 people with RA found that patients with low empowerment had worse pain, function, and quality of life over time. Remote management technologies, such as patient self-assessment and outcome measures, showed fair agreement with clinical decisions.
A Norwegian study shows that a structured conservative therapy programme can improve quality of care, increase patient satisfaction, and delay the need for surgery. The programme included patient education and exercise, leading to better outcomes for patients with osteoarthritis.
Researchers found that patients with diabetes and gout are at a higher risk of undergoing amputations compared to those without the conditions. The combined condition was associated with an amputation rate of 0.77 percent, significantly higher than the 0.03 percent in those without either disease.
A large European cross-sectional study found that patients with axial spondyloarthritis experience a significant delay in diagnosis due to misdirected referrals and involvement of multiple medical professionals. The study recommends initiating measures to prevent such delays and facilitate timely referral to a rheumatologist.
A study of infants and young children with mothers having ankylosing spondylitis (AS) found their growth and development comparable to offspring of other women. Despite having a rheumatic disease, mothers can have healthy children.
Two studies found that methotrexate treatment does not increase the risk of chronic interstitial lung disease in RA patients, but may even delay its development. This is significant as ILD is a common complication of RA and can be life-threatening.
The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) has launched a Virtual Research Centre to address barriers in rheumatic and musculoskeletal disease research. The centre aims to facilitate collaborative research, provide access to resources and technology, and develop broad coalitions for innovation and training.
Patients with high disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis are at a higher risk of developing venous thromboembolism. Treatment with biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) such as TNF inhibitors can reduce this risk by nearly half compared to conventional synthetic drugs.
A growing number of patients in Europe are taking opioids for pain related to rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases, with risks of addiction and dependency identified. Experts warn that measures must be taken to use these analgesics more safely.
The study analyzed 600 COVID-19 cases in patients with rheumatic diseases and found no association between immunosuppressant intake and hospitalization. Treatment with high doses of prednisone was associated with a higher risk of hospitalization, while TNF-alpha inhibitors showed reduced hospitalization rates.
The EULAR 2020 study investigates the connection between breast cancer, anti-hormonal therapy, and rheumatoid arthritis. The results show that the risk of breast cancer in women with RA is lower than in women with healthy joints, and no association was found between anti-hormonal breast cancer prophylaxis and later RA.
A study at EULAR 2019 found that RA patients with IBD and type I diabetes have higher rates of venous thromboembolism, epilepsy, and heart attacks compared to controls. These findings suggest that these conditions may be novel comorbidities for patients with RA.
A survey of over 900 RMD patients revealed that pain caused one in ten to have suicidal thoughts, highlighting the huge impact of pain on mental health. Poor sleep quality also had a negative influence on pain, with two thirds of patients rarely or never feeling fully rested.
A large pan-European survey found significant gaps in rheumatoid arthritis care, with 'diagnosis within six weeks' being the most concerning standard of care. The study highlights the need for improved care in essential aspects of rheumatoid arthritis care.
The phase 2B study demonstrated superior efficacy of tildrakizumab versus placebo in patients with psoriatic arthritis, achieving high response rates for PASI 90 and ACR 50. The treatment was generally safe, with minor adverse events reported.
A pilot study presented at EULAR 2019 suggests that electro stimulation of the vagus nerve can reduce signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. The study showed a significant reduction in disease activity and improved response criteria, with two-thirds of patients meeting good or moderate response criteria.
The Cyprus League Against Rheumatism has successfully implemented the first rheumatology nurse educational program in Cyprus, improving patient care and safety skills. A randomized controlled trial shows that nurse-led patient education can significantly improve essential safety skills in patients with inflammatory arthritis.
A Phase IIa trial found that verinurad with febuxostat significantly reduced urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio by 39% and serum urate levels by 57% after 12 weeks. The effect was sustained through week 24.
Researchers found no vaccine infections or disease flares in children given live-attenuated booster vaccination while on immune suppressing therapies. The study supports the use of flu vaccine and other vaccinations in patients with rheumatic diseases.
A study published in EULAR 2019 found that patients with osteoarthritis who undergo partial knee replacement have a 25-50% lower risk of venous thromboembolism, but an increased risk of revision compared to total knee replacement. The long-term benefits of partial knee replacement are offset by the higher risk of revision.
Researchers have identified two new biomarkers, ApoB:A1 ratio and metabolomic lipoprotein signatures, to predict cardiovascular risk in juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) patients. These biomarkers can help identify high-risk patients and inform tailored disease treatments.
A population-based cohort study from 4 Nordic countries found no link between TNFi use and increased cancer risk. However, a significant increase in malignant lymphomas was observed within the trial. Further analysis is needed to determine if this is due to psoriatic arthritis or TNFi treatment.
A study of 71 post-menopausal women found that those receiving zoledronate prior to denosumab had significantly lower risk of BMD loss. Younger age and higher bone turnover markers increased the risk of BMD loss after denosumab discontinuation.
A new study reveals that occupational exposure to inorganic dust increases the risk of gout in women by 27%. The study also confirms known risk factors for gout, such as alcoholism and obesity. Gout is a disabling disease caused by uric acid deposits in joints, leading to inflammation and flares.
A recent European survey found that gout is being diagnosed late, poorly controlled, and not regularly monitored. Eight out of ten patients are satisfied with their current treatment, indicating low expectations. The study highlights significant gaps in the management of gout, emphasizing the need for improved education and care.
The HOPE study demonstrates that low-dose prednisolone significantly improves pain symptoms and function in patients with painful hand osteoarthritis. The study found that prednisolone reduces synovitis and improves physical component scale and patient global assessment, making it a suitable target for treatment.
A study found that cyclosporine significantly reduced proteinuria in patients with lupus nephritis, achieving higher remission rates compared to mycophenolate mofetil and azathioprine. After a 10-year follow-up, the majority of patients in the cyclosporine group achieved complete remission.
A randomized controlled trial demonstrated that approximately two-thirds of patients achieving disease control on tocilizumab experience successful treatment outcomes following glucocorticoid tapering. Most patients in both groups achieved treatment success, with a small loss of disease control observed at the total study population le...
Research highlights the impact of obesity on disease severity and impact in patients with psoriatic arthritis, emphasizing the need for weight loss interventions alongside symptomatic treatment. The study also explores the relationship between adipokines and predicting rheumatoid arthritis onset in overweight subjects.
A three-year study found that patients with rheumatoid arthritis in remission had an 80% reduced risk of clinical and pre-clinical cardiovascular disease. Type II diabetes was significantly associated with both cardiovascular outcomes and pre-clinical cardiovascular disease.
A study suggests that rates of depression and anxiety in early RA patients correlate with measures of disease activity, particularly inflammation. Depression scores were significantly associated with inflammatory markers like c-reactive protein, while anxiety scores were linked to female gender, younger age, and low body mass index.
A study found significantly higher gum disease prevalence in at-risk RA individuals compared to healthy controls. Increased abundance of bacteria, particularly Porphyromonas gingivalis, was also detected in at-risk individuals.
A 23-year follow-up study suggests early, intensive treatment of rheumatoid arthritis can lead to long-term benefits, including normalization of mortality rates. The study found that patients treated with a combination of medications had lower mortality rates compared to those treated with a single medication.
Two studies provide insight into molecular changes prior to arthritis onset, identifying gene signatures associated with disease development. Researchers found that specific autoantibodies and B-cell receptor clones can predict imminent onset of rheumatoid arthritis in at-risk individuals.