OBJECTIVE Some concerns remain about the safety of nintedanib in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) related to rheumatoid arthritis (RA-ILD), such as in presence of comorbidities or in combination with biologic, targeted synthetic and/or conventional synthetic disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). In this multicentre study, we retrospectively evaluated the safety of nintedanib

OBJECTIVE Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have revolutionized cancer outcomes but are limited by immunerelated adverse events (irAE), including rheumatic irAEs (Rh-irAE). Aging is associated with increased inflammation, referred to as "inflamm-aging". In this study, we explore the impact of age on severity, frequency, and treatment of Rh-irAEs. METHODS Adults with new Rh-irAEs after ICI exposure

OBJECTIVE To compare malignancy incidence and impact between hospitalized patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and controls. METHODS Population-level observational study of patients with RA identified (ICD-9CM 714, ICD10-AM M05-M06) in the Hospital Morbidity Data Collection (HDMC) in Western Australia (WA) between 1985 and 2015 and non-exposed hospitalised controls matched on gender, age and year

OBJECTIVE Following Health Canada's knowledge translation framework, we report the results of a clinical audit from 2012 to 2015 followed by a multidisciplinary, nurse-led gout care protocol with a treat-to-target (T2T) strategy implemented in April 2018. METHODS A clinical audit with chart reviewing was completed for adults with gout and urate-lowering therapy (ULT) indication at the Centre Hospitalier

OBJECTIVE Little data is available about the epidemiology of cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) in South hemisphere and in multiethnic populations. We describe the prevalence and incidence of isolated CLE in the multiethnic population of Reunion Island (France), with its clinical characteristics. METHODS The study was performed in the public hospitals and private dermatology practices of Reunion Island

OBJECTIVE More than 130 susceptibility loci for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have been identified with genome-wide association studies (GWAS). To investigate the genetic predisposition of Chinese anti-cyclic-citrullinated-peptides-antibody-positive RA, we carried out an exome sequencing study. METHODS Patients were recruited from three major public hospitals in Singapore, Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH)

OBJECTIVE This prospective study investigates the efficacy of biologics in combination with methotrexate or leflunomide on juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)- related temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthritis measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based inflammation score and deformity score. METHODS A prospective single center observational cohort study of 18 consecutive patients were performed

OBJECTIVE In systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients, fatigue is the highest ranked symptom affecting quality of life (QoL), followed by Raynaud phenomenon (RP). We report results from a pilot study (NCT04854850) of the Apollo wearable device in SSc patients. METHODS Twenty-five adult participants with SSc, moderate fatigue and RP were enrolled. Participants completed a 4-week intervention, during which

OBJECTIVE Patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) may not reflect patients with PsA in clinical practice. Our objective was to perform a metaanalysis comparing the characteristics of patients with PsA in RCTs of biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) to patient profiles in a real-world study. METHODS Data sources included (1) a scoping literature

OBJECTIVE Tocilizumab (TCZ) is effective for giant cell arteritis (GCA). However, little is known regarding treatment modification and clinical outcomes after unfavorable events such as GCA relapses or TCZ discontinuation due to adverse events (AEs). METHODS This multicenter retrospective study included patients with GCA who initiated TCZ from 2008 to 2021 at 5 Japanese hospitals. GCA relapses and

OBJECTIVE Evidence for an association of smoking with gout is conflicting. We assessed associations of current and past smoking with gout in an Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) population. METHODS Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed on cross-sectional data from participants of NZ Māori (from 2 studies: Genetics of Gout in Aotearoa [GGA] study of 293 participants with gout and 431 without;

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cardiac involvement in patients with Still's disease with a focus on myocarditis included in the multicenter AIDA (AutoInflammatory Disease Alliance) network Still's disease registry. To exploit the predictive factors for myocarditis in deriving a clinical risk patient profile for this severe manifestation. METHODS A multicenter observational study was built up assessing consecutive

OBJECTIVE Our aim was to develop an ultrasonographic scoring model for staging hypofunction of salivary glands (SGs) in patients with Sjögren disease (SjD). METHODS The assessment of SG secretory hypofunction was conducted by measuring whole salivary flows. B-mode ultrasonography was performed bilaterally on the parotid and submandibular glands to quantitatively evaluate the gland score and Outcome

OBJECTIVE Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory disorder of the elderly characterized by girdle pain and stiffness. Obesity has an influence on disease activity and outcome in rheumatic diseases like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. We aimed to investigate the relationship between high BMI and the severity and outcome of PMR, which is incompletely understood. METHODS In a post hoc

OBJECTIVE Little is known about perceptions of aging among individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Gaining this knowledge could help to identify targets for future behavioral interventions aimed at successful aging with SLE. This qualitative study sought to elicit the lived experiences and essence of aging from older adults with SLE. METHODS We conducted semistructured interviews with

The development and validation of measures of disease activity, damage, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) over the past 30 years has been fundamental in advancing research and care for patients with adult and juvenile idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs).1 These efforts have resulted in the development of core set measures of disease activity and damage for myositis, and the American

OBJECTIVE Radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA) has a 7-year average diagnostic delay. Although the effects of sex or gender on time to diagnosis have been evaluated, the role of social determinants of health remains understudied. We assessed whether time from initial clinical documentation of r-axSpA symptoms to r-axSpA diagnosis (diagnostic delay) varies based on sex, race, ethnicity, and/or

OBJECTIVE Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) is an opportunistic infection that may affect patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The objective of this project was to describe the incidence of PJP among patients with SLE. METHODS A retrospective cohort analysis of the TriNetX database was conducted. Included patients had ≥ 2 International Classification of Diseases, 9th or 10th revision

Tumoral calcinosis (TC) is a syndrome of unknown etiology characterized by calcium salt deposition in soft tissues.1 A case of infected TC with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is described.

Paget disease of bone (PDB) is a chronic skeletal disorder caused by abnormal bone remodeling. Although neurological complications are uncommon, they may arise in advanced cases, particularly with skull involvement.

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is a low-grade B cell extranodal lymphoma characterized by clonal marginal zone lymphocyte proliferation. We report a case of MALT lymphoma with a relapsing polychondritis (RP)-like phenotype, manifesting as rapidly progressive tracheal stenosis requiring tracheotomy.

OBJECTIVE To analyze changes in baseline characteristics of patients with very early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) over 24 years in the Early Undifferentiated Polyarthritis (EUPA) cohort. METHODS Consecutive patients with recent-onset polyarthritis fulfilling RA classification criteria recruited in EUPA were assessed at baseline. Three successive periods were defined: (1) prior to the general availability

The Spondylitis Association of America (SAA) and the National Institute of Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) convened a conference on the campus of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) on September 28 and 29, 2023, to identify unmet needs in spondyloarthritis (SpA) research. The conference featured presentations by experts in areas of disease endotypes, pain, innovative imaging

Is axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) one disease or does it comprise multiple types? If the latter, how do we define those types-through clinical or imaging features, HLA-B27 status, or by other immunologic features? Data comparing disease outcomes for individuals with nonradiographic vs radiographic axSpA, or for male vs female patients, demonstrate distinctions. So then, how should we define endotypes

Clinical research advances medical knowledge and improves healthcare outcomes. However, disparities in research participation hinder progress. The Unmet Research Needs in Spondyloarthritis Conference IV highlighted critical insights and strategies to enhance equity in clinical research. Talks focused on engaging underrepresented communities and addressing disparities in rheumatic diseases, particularly

A program focused on pathogenesis, clinical trial design, and nonpharmacologic mind-body therapy for spondyloarthritis (SpA) was presented at the Spondylitis Association of America Unmet Needs Conference IV. SpA pathogenesis is incompletely understood but involves a complex set of drivers, including genetics, biomechanical stress, and microbial factors. Affected tissues may include axial and peripheral

Among patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), persistent pain remains a critical unmet need. In this review, we discuss the prevalence of chronic pain and fibromyalgia in patients with axSpA and examine the existing knowledge on the pathophysiology of chronic pain in SpA, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Finally, we discuss the specific unmet needs that must be addressed to improve

Imaging biomarkers in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) are currently the most specific biomarkers for the diagnosis of this condition. Despite advances in imaging, from plain radiographs-which detect only damage-to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-which identifies disease activity and structural change-there are still many challenges that remain. Imaging in sacroiliitis is characterized by active and

OBJECTIVE Juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) is a rare but chronic autoimmune disease with systemic nonsuppurative inflammation. Many studies have focused on the clinical characteristics and therapy of JDM. Whereas a few studies have reported the epidemiological characteristics and social burden of patients with JDM internationally, no study has been performed in China to date. METHODS This study was based

In the article entitled "Prevalence, Predictors, and Prognosis of Serious Infections in Takayasu Arteritis: A Cohort Study" by Misra and colleagues in this issue of The Journal of Rheumatology, the authors examine the incidence of serious infections in a Takayasu arteritis (TA) patient cohort; analyze associated demographic, clinical, angiographic, and treatment-related factors; and evaluate their

OBJECTIVE Radiographic assessment of sacroiliac joints (SIJs) according to the modified New York (mNY) criteria is key in the classification of axial spondyloarthritis but has moderate interreader agreement. We aimed to investigate the improvements of the reliability in scoring SIJ radiographs after applying an online real-time iterative calibration (RETIC) module, in addition to a slideshow and video

OBJECTIVE To investigate the course of disability related to the upper extremities (UEs) in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and to assess correlations between such disability and clinical variables, including grip force. METHODS In an inception cohort of patients with early RA (diagnosed 1995-2005, N = 222, follow-up 10 yrs), disability of the UEs was assessed using a subscore of the Health Assessment

OBJECTIVE To investigate trends in depression and anxiety over 3 decades among individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS Patients with incident RA (age ≥ 18 years, meeting 1987 American College of Rheumatology criteria between 1985 and 2014) were identified using the Rochester Epidemiology Project. Individuals with RA were matched 1:1 with non-RA comparators on age, sex, and calendar year

OBJECTIVE To assess the effect of bimekizumab on pain, morning stiffness, and fatigue in patients with nonradiographic and radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) in the phase III BE MOBILE studies (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03928704 and NCT03928743). METHODS Patients were randomized to bimekizumab 160 mg or placebo every 4 weeks; and all patients received bimekizumab from week 16. Patients reported

The development and implementation of guidelines are intended to improve the quality of care by translating current evidence into clinical practice. However, the publication and dissemination of guidelines do not intuitively result in their use. Evidence indicates that structured implementation can improve guideline adherence.1.

OBJECTIVE Prior incidence estimates of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) vary considerably. We aimed to assess the annual incidence of clinically diagnosed PsA among adults in Sweden in 2014-2016, overall and stratified by age/sex/education/geography, and to investigate potential time trends in incidence in 2006-2018. Use of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) during the 2 years after diagnosis

OBJECTIVE Patients with inflammatory articular diseases, such as psoriatic arthritis (PsA), report weather changes in their symptoms. Our objective was to investigate the correlation between weather variation, disease activity (DA), and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in patients with PsA. METHODS Hourly measurements of temperature, relative humidity, and pressure were obtained from 2015 to 2020 in

Fetal atrial flutter (AF) is a reentrant tachyarrhythmia characterized by very fast, regular atrial and ventricular rates (400-500 bpm and 200-220 bpm, respectively). It occurs mainly in an anatomically normal heart and is usually treated with digoxin, which is often effective, with no further recurrence.1.

OBJECTIVE To examine whether gut microbes were associated with postsurgery-sustained knee pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) by a gut microbiomics approach. METHODS Patients receiving total knee replacement (TKR) because of primary knee OA were recruited. Sustained knee pain status at ≥ 1 year after TKR was defined by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC)

The face of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) management has transformed over the last 30 years, with advancements that have dramatically improved outcomes and overall prognosis. Yet, despite contemporary advances, including biologic therapies, pain in patients with JIA remains common.1.

The article by Tani et al, "Anifrolumab in Refractory Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Real-World, Multicenter Study,"1 evaluates the efficacy of anifrolumab (ANI) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who failed to respond to other treatments, including biologics.There are many unmet needs in the treatment of SLE. Despite recent advances, remission and low disease activity (LDA) rates

OBJECTIVE Acute and chronic calcium pyrophosphate (CPP) crystal arthritis is characterized by the presence of synovial CPP crystals within a clinically inflamed joint. CPP crystals may be situated intracellularly or extracellularly; however, the clinical significance of their location remains understudied. The objective of this retrospective cohort study was to assess the relevance of the CPP crystal