Singapore Chapter of Rheumatologists updated consensus statement on the eligibility for government subsidization of biologic and targeted-synthetic therapy for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Introduction: Approximately 30% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) respond inadequately to conventional-synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (csDMARDs). However, widespread use of biologic DMARDs (bDMARDs) and targeted-synthetic (tsDMARDs) is limited by cost. We formulated updated recommendations for eligibility criteria for government-assisted funding of bDMARDs/tsDMARDs for RA patients in Singapore.

Update on recommendations for eligibility of government subsidization of biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs for the treatment of axial spondyloarthritis in Singapore.

Aims: The field of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) has undergone significant changes recently in particular with disease classification, assessment of disease activity and increased treatment options for biologics. In order to reflect these developments, we aimed to update the local consensus recommendations for subsidization of biologics.

Methods: A modified Delphi approach was used.

Singapore chapter of rheumatologists' updated consensus statement on the eligibility for government subsidization of biologic and targeted therapy for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis.

Aim: There have been major advances in biologic treatment options for psoriatic arthritis (PsA) since the publication of the 2015 consensus recommendations by the Chapter of Rheumatologists, College of Physicians, Academy of Medicine, Singapore, for government-assisted funding, thus warranting a revision of this guideline.

Methods: Recent trials and nine published guidelines on the use of biologic therapy for PsA were reviewed. Based on the synthesized evidence, a task force panel (TFP), consisting of 10 practicing rheumatologists in Singapore, rated the statements pertaining to the use of biologic therapy, using a modified Delphi approach.

Acute interstitial pneumonia as first presentation of anti-synthetase syndrome: an atypical case.

Anti-synthetase syndrome is characterized by myositis associated with interstitial lung disease (ILD), the usual pattern of ILD being non-specific interstitial pneumonia type or usual interstitial pneumonia. We report a case of anti-synthetase syndrome presenting as acute interstitial pneumonia which is reported only once before. With this case, we emphasize the need to consider anti-synthetase syndrome even in patients presenting with acute onset ILD.