A landmark review highlights how diabetes alters bone microarchitecture and increases fracture risk in people with type 2 diabetes, despite normal or elevated bone mineral density. The authors advocate for updated diagnostic tools, including a revised TBS algorithm, to more accurately reflect bone quality in individuals with central ob...
Recent studies suggest that early biologics in severe psoriatic arthritis may not significantly benefit patients compared to standard step-up care with methotrexate. However, a study found that intensive therapy with early biologics or combination csDMARDs can rapidly control disease activity and maintain better outcomes at 1 year.
The recombinant zoster vaccine was found to be well-tolerated in patients with inflammatory rheumatic musculoskeletal diseases, with only a few reports of flare and serious AEs. The majority of patients tolerated the vaccine without significant adverse events.
The IOF Advanced Course on Osteoporosis is a comprehensive, 18-hour online training programme designed to equip healthcare professionals with the latest knowledge in osteoporosis prevention, diagnosis, and management. The course aims to promote timely diagnosis and treatment, reduce patient burden, and improve global outcomes.
Twelve young researchers from around the world receive ESCEO-IOF Young Investigator Awards for their groundbreaking studies on osteoporosis. The prestigious awards were presented during the World Congress on Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis & Musculoskeletal Diseases (WCO-IOF-ESCEO 2025) in Rome, Italy.
Dr. Elizabeth M. Curtis has been awarded the ESCEO-IOF Pierre Meunier Young Scientist Award for her groundbreaking research on musculoskeletal health and bone disease. Her work focuses on the epidemiology of bone, muscle health, and joint health across the lifespan.
Dr Ambrish Mithal, an Indian endocrinologist, has been awarded the prestigious IOF CSA Medal of Achievement for his groundbreaking work in advancing the field of osteoporosis. His pioneering efforts have significantly increased understanding and awareness of osteoporosis globally.
AMMOM has been recognized by the IOF for its significant contributions to osteoporosis awareness and bone health in Mexico. The organization has collaborated extensively with the IOF on various initiatives, including joint scientific meetings and advocacy efforts.
Professor Atsushi Suzuki, Chair of Endocrinology at Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Japan, received the IOF President's Award for his exceptional contributions to IOF. He has shared his expertise as a mentor and engaged member of the Capture the Fracture Governance.
A new study from the University of Bath reveals that delays in diagnosing and treating psoriatic arthritis often result in irreparable damage to joints. Early diagnosis and effective treatment can prevent this damage and improve physical function and quality of life for patients with PsA.
A new consensus paper emphasizes the role of bone turnover markers (BTMs) in diagnosing and managing osteoporosis. BTMs, such as procollagen type I N propeptide (PINP) and β-isomerized C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (β-CTX-I), are invaluable tools for predicting fracture risk and monitoring treatment adherence.
A study found that misdiagnoses of autoimmune diseases like lupus and vasculitis can lead to increased depression, anxiety, and lower mental wellbeing in patients. Clinicians are calling for greater awareness and support for patients affected by these misdiagnoses.
A new study of 2,900 patients with lupus pericarditis found that using corticosteroids increases the risk of recurring pericarditis. The study suggests minimizing corticosteroid use and exploring alternative treatments to reduce recurrence rates.
The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) has released a set of points-to-consider on the initiation of targeted therapies in patients with inflammatory arthritis and a history of cancer. The guidance aims to help healthcare teams manage treatment decisions while balancing risks and benefits.
Researchers developed a precision medicine approach that uses high-tech microscopy to analyze individual immune cells and identify cellular phenotypes correlated with disease activity and therapeutic response. This study represents a major step forward in tailoring therapies for rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases.
A new pilot study sheds light on the numerous barriers to effective osteoporosis management, revealing profound knowledge gaps and misinformation. Key findings highlight the need for clear education and trust-building in osteoporosis care.
Young people with juvenile rheumatoid diseases (jRMDs) often struggle to manage their condition into adulthood, leading to worse disease outcomes. EULAR's new guidelines aim to enhance knowledge and health literacy through personalized support, promoting long-lasting behavioral changes.
The International Osteoporosis Foundation's Capture the Fracture campaign highlights top-performing Fracture Liaison Services that deliver gold-standard care. These services prioritize continuous care, tailored treatment plans, and teamwork to reduce secondary fractures and improve patient outcomes.
The EULAR 2025 Congress in Barcelona will feature pioneering research, clinical advancements, and patient-centred innovations in rheumatology. Accredited press representatives will have access to exclusive interview opportunities with key speakers.
The new guidelines aim to unify the diagnosis and management of children and adults with Still's disease, previously separated by age. The recommendations emphasize shared decision-making between patients and treating teams, and prioritize achieving drug-free remission through treat-to-target strategies.
A new study reveals that couples living with rheumatoid arthritis who engage in joint problem-solving and emotional support experience lower depression and anxiety. The research highlights the importance of dyadic coping in improving relationship quality and patient well-being.
Researchers found that targeting neutrophils' metabolic process, glycolysis, reduces NET formation and subsequent blood clots in APS patients. The strategy doesn't increase bleeding risks.
A new position paper argues that single race-agnostic FRAX models would unfairly discriminate against Black, Asian, and Hispanic communities. The authors recommend retention of ethnic and race-specific FRAX models for the US with updated data on fracture and death hazards.
A new study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology found that chronic air pollution exposure may increase the risk of developing systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a condition that affects multiple organs. Individuals with high genetic risk and high air pollution exposure had the highest risk of developing lupus.
Researchers found that specific combinations of interferon proteins, including I, II, and III, are associated with various lupus symptoms like skin rashes, kidney inflammation, and joint pain. Elevated levels of these interferons can lead to severe disease presentations.
A third Covid vaccine dose has been shown to improve defensive antibody responses in some clinically extremely vulnerable patients. The trial found that 90% of patients who received a booster dose developed significant antibodies, but more than half of those with low initial responses saw no improvement.
The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) and ESCEO presented awards to 20 young investigators from 16 countries for their outstanding research abstracts. The awards recognize the researchers' contributions to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis and related musculoskeletal diseases.
Professor Leith Zakraoui was awarded the 2024 IOF CNS Medal for his dedicated work in advancing musculoskeletal health at both national and international levels. He has been a key figure in strengthening IOF activities in Africa and promoting education and awareness within the region.
The International Osteoporosis Foundation has presented the prestigious IOF President’s Award to Professor Peter Ebeling AO in recognition of his longstanding contributions to advancing the work of the IOF. He is an internationally renowned expert in bone health, with a total of over 536 peer-reviewed publications and a h-index of 93.
The World Congress on Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases will showcase new clinical research from over 1507 submitted abstracts. The event will offer valuable knowledge to help clinicians treat patients more effectively in their daily practice.
A comprehensive review examines the impact of osteoporosis on fracture healing and the effects of osteoporosis medications. The study concludes that there is no deleterious effect of osteoporosis medications on fracture healing, and prompt treatment can reduce the risk of secondary fractures.
The International Osteoporosis Foundation and European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis have issued new guidelines for managing osteoporosis in men. These recommendations cover disease burden, fracture risk assessment, treatment thresholds, and interventions to reduce the substantial morbidity and mortality ass...
Researchers identified six blood biomarkers associated with increased cardiovascular risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. These biomarkers improved the ability to predict arterial inflammation, an indicator of cardiovascular risk, compared to standard clinical indices.
The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) has introduced new guidelines for imaging in the diagnosis and management of crystal-induced arthropathies. The recommendations prioritize patient-centered care, emphasizing the importance of medical history, laboratory results, and physical examination alongside imaging fi...
The Vilcek Foundation has awarded $250,000 to four immigrant scientists for their pioneering work in biomedical science. Luciano Marraffini, Gerta Hoxhaj, Tomasz Nowakowski, and Takanori Takebe are recognized for their contributions to cancer research, pluripotent stem cells, and CRISPR-Cas systems.
A new study reveals disparities in the diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease between Black and White patients. Black patients were more likely to have advanced stages of Lyme disease when clinically diagnosed, and experience a longer time before receiving antibiotic treatment.
A new study has found that most patients with osteoporosis want to receive information on their fracture risk, but only half of them actually get it. Patients prefer visual representations, such as graphs with a colored traffic-light system, to communicate fracture risk and are more likely to take medication if presented in this way.
A new study suggests that a fourth dose of the mRNA vaccine significantly reduces risk of infection and severe COVID-19 in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases. The study found a 41% reduction in risk for infection and 65% reduction for admission/death compared to those who did not receive a fourth dose.
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...
Researchers analyzed over 314,000 cells from rheumatoid arthritis tissue to define six types of inflammation involving diverse cell types and disease pathways. The findings shed new light on the cellular causes of RA, potentially informing targeted and effective therapeutic approaches.
The new American Thoracic Society Clinical Practice Guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for treating patients with systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD). The guideline recommends using specific immune modulating and antifibrotic medications, such as mycophenolate, cyclophosphamide, nintedanib, ...
Researchers have identified six distinct subgroups of rheumatoid arthritis based on their cellular composition, using a cell atlas encompassing over 300,000 cells. This breakthrough could lead to more effective and personalized treatment plans for patients with the disease.
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 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.
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.
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 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...
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.
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 found that people with a specific genetic mutation in the CARD9 gene have higher IL-17 protein levels, making them more responsive to IL-17 inhibitor biologics. This discovery may lead to targeted treatment recommendations for ankylosing spondylitis patients.
A randomized controlled trial found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) significantly reduces fibromyalgia pain by decreasing pain-catastrophizing, a negative response that amplifies pain. CBT participants showed reduced connectivity between brain regions associated with self-awareness and emotional processing.
A study by Mass General Brigham researchers found that patients with rheumatic diseases who developed long COVID were more likely to have expanded, pro-inflammatory antibodies specific to a coronavirus that causes the common cold. The team identified OC43 as a potential biomarker for long COVID.
A new tool called PRESTO identifies patients with psoriasis at high risk of developing psoriatic arthritis. The tool uses a mathematical model to estimate a patient's risk based on factors such as age, sex, family history, and disease severity.
A new review describes the development and impact of a Latin American mentorship program for Fracture Liaison Services (FLS), resulting in 64 FLSs getting started and providing coverage for over 17,200 patients. The program also supports the establishment of active communities of mentors across Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, and Argentina.
The Capture the Fracture Partnership has successfully driven global Fracture Liaison Services implementation, effectiveness, and sustainability. The partnership's unique approach, including policy, coalitions, mentorship, and scalable solutions, has delivered impactful resources and activities to prioritize secondary fracture prevention.
Extracellular vesicles from fibrotic lungs can activate dormant fibroblasts in healthy lungs, initiating fibrosis development and spreading. The study's findings support the potential use of EVs as a targeted drug therapy platform to slow fibrosis progression and improve patient outcomes.
A new position paper reviews TBS for fracture risk prediction, treatment initiation and monitoring in osteoporosis. The evidence-based guide provides practical guidance for clinicians to integrate TBS into clinical practice.
Research in the BMJ Open journal suggests that mid-life structural changes to the jawbone may signal subsequent height loss in women. The study, conducted on a cohort of women in Gothenburg, Sweden, found that severe cortical erosion and sparse trabeculation in the jawbone predicted significant bone shrinkage over time.
A new special issue of Calcified Tissue International & Musculoskeletal Research explores how the skeleton functions as both a secretory organ and an endocrine target tissue. Researchers discuss key avenues in this area of research, including deciphering hormone messages encoded in bone cell secretory products.