Improvement in spinal pain at night and its impact on long-term outcomes in radiographic axial spondyloarthritis: Results from Ixekizumab COAST-V randomised trial.

Introduction: Spinal pain at night is a major contributor to the patient burden of radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA), resulting in substantial functional limitations and impairment of health-related quality of life (QoL). Ixekizumab (IXE), an interleukin-17A inhibitor, has shown efficacy in patients with r-axSpA.

Objective: To assess spinal pain at night improvement up to week (W) 52 in COAST-V and to determine if clinically important improvement in spinal pain at night at W16 is associated with improvement in disease activity and other patient-reported outcomes (PROs) at W16 and W52.

Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis and adult-onset Still's disease are the same disease: evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses informing the 2023 EULAR/PReS recommendations for the diagnosis and management of Still's disease.

Objectives: To analyse the similarity in clinical manifestations and laboratory findings between systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) and adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD).

Methods: Three systematic reviews (SR) were performed. One included cohort studies comparing sJIA versus AOSD that described clinical and biological manifestations with at least 20 patients in each group (SR1).

Progressive improvement in time to diagnosis in axial spondyloarthritis through an integrated referral and education system.

Objectives: To assess the delay in the diagnosis of axial SpA (axSpA) in a real-world cohort over a 16-year period and to evaluate factors associated with this delay. We implemented a service improvement project and evaluated its effectiveness in improving time to diagnosis of axSpA.

Methods: A cohort of axSpA patients newly diagnosed between January 2008 and December 2023 were studied.

Thoracic manifestations and respiratory function alterations in axial spondyloarthritis and newest possibilities of ultrasound to detect changes in diaphragm-a narrative review.

Background And Objective: Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) includes thoracic manifestations and changes in respiratory function that require a comprehensive understanding for effective treatment. This review aims to investigate these manifestations and evaluate the role of ultrasound in detecting diaphragmatic changes to provide insights for improved diagnosis and treatment strategies in axSpA patients.

Methods: A systematic search was conducted in Index Medicus and Scopus from 2003 to 2023.

Enhancing current guidance for psoriatic arthritis and its comorbidities: recommendations from an expert consensus panel.

Objectives: The existing guidelines for PsA cover many aspects of management. Some gaps remain relating to routine practice application. An expert group aimed to enhance the current guidance and develop recommendations for clinical practice that are complementary to the existing guidelines.

CHRONIC MULTIMORBIDITY OF LOW BACK PAIN OR OTHER CHRONIC BACK DISORDERS IN THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA.

The aim was to assess the prevalence of chronic multimorbidity in patients with chronic low back pain or other chronic back disorders (BD). We analyzed data from the population-based cross-sectional European Health Interview Survey (EHIS) performed in the Republic of Croatia 2014-2015 by the Croatian Institute of Public Health. Outcome was the point-prevalence of chronic multimorbidity defined as having ≥2 chronic illnesses out of 14 contained in the EHIS questionnaire, after adjustment for ten sociodemographic, anthropometric and lifestyle confounders.

MODERATING EFFECT OF BODY HEIGHT ON THE ASSOCIATION OF BODY WEIGHT AND DISABILITY CAUSED BY NON SPECIFIC CHRONIC LOW BACK PAIN IN WOMEN AND MEN.

The aim of the study was testing the hypothesis that body height has a moderating effect on the association of weight and chronic low back pain (LBP) induced disability, and that this moderating effect is different in women and men. We performed a nested cross-sectional analysis using data collected at baseline in a prospective cohort study conducted in 2008-2009 at a special hospital for medical rehabilitation in Croatia. The outcome was the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) score.

Clonally expanded CD38 cytotoxic CD8 T cells define the T cell infiltrate in checkpoint inhibitor-associated arthritis.

Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapies used to treat cancer, such as anti-PD-1 antibodies, can induce autoimmune conditions in some individuals. The T cell mechanisms mediating such iatrogenic autoimmunity and their overlap with spontaneous autoimmune diseases remain unclear. Here, we compared T cells from the joints of 20 patients with an inflammatory arthritis induced by ICI therapy (ICI-arthritis) with two archetypal autoimmune arthritides, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Clinical significance of possible HLA biomarkers in axial spondyloarthritis beyond HLA-B27 positivity.

The aim of this study is to compare four forms of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA): non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), non-radiographic axial psoriatic arthritis (nr-axPsA) and radiographic axial psoriatic arthritis (r-axPsA). In a cross-sectional retrospective study, gender difference, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing, laboratory C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation (SE) values, and radiographic and magnetic resonance scans were analyzed. One hundred and thirty-seven patients were included in the study: 45 AS, 51 nr-axSpA, 32 r-axPsA and 9 nr-axPsA; 74 women and 63 men.

EULAR recommendations for the management of ANCA-associated vasculitis: 2022 update.

Background: Since the publication of the EULAR recommendations for the management of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) in 2016, several randomised clinical trials have been published that have the potential to change clinical care and support the need for an update.

Methods: Using EULAR standardised operating procedures, the EULAR task force undertook a systematic literature review and sought opinion from 20 experts from 16 countries. We modified existing recommendations and created new recommendations.

Do physical therapists follow evidence-based practices for treatment of inflammatory arthritis? Results from an online survey.

Background: Physical therapists (PTs) should know how to best treat patients with inflammatory arthritis.

Objective: To document interventions chosen by PTs for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and whether choices follow evidence-based practice.

Methods: Licensed musculoskeletal PTs in Quebec, Canada responded to an online survey.

Heterotopic ossification vs. fracture healing: Extracellular vesicle cargo proteins shed new light on bone formation.

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is an extremely rare disease in which bone tissue forms in extraskeletal sites, which is known as heterotopic ossification (HO). Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small phospholipid-enclosed particles released by various cells which have an emerging, but not completely understood role in various (patho)physiological processes. In order to further study the pathophysiology of FOP we conducted a small observational study comparing the proteomic profiles of EV cargo, derived from pooled plasma of four patient groups: FOP patient ( = 1) during active disease phase (flare-up), FOP patients during remission ( = 2), patients after long bone fracture ( = 20) and healthy controls ( = 10).

Psoas abscess during treatment with intravenous tocilizumab in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis: a case-based review.

Interleukin-6 receptor antagonist tocilizumab is a biologic drug used for treating patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who failed to respond to synthetic or other biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs or where they were contraindicated. Interleukin-6 receptor blockade results in a decrease of disease activity but has some potential adverse effects, the most common being infections. We present a case of a 75-year-old female patient with long-lasting RA, several comorbidities and multiple prior therapies, who developed back pain and general malaise during tocilizumab intravenous treatment.

Does bevacizumab increase joint pain in patients with cancer? Results of the prospective observational BEVARTHRALGIA study.

Purpose: The occurrence of arthralgia and myalgia during treatment with bevacizumab (Bev) has been described but not spontaneously reported. We aimed to evaluate the frequency of arthralgia in patients treated with Bev and identify the risk factors.

Methods: In this observational prospective study, a self-administered questionnaire was distributed to patients at the initiation of Bev and at 3 and 6 months of treatment.

Healthcare provision for insect venom allergy patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The population prevalence of insect venom allergy ranges between 3-5%, and it can lead to potentially life-threatening allergic reactions. Patients who have experienced a systemic allergic reaction following an insect sting should be referred to an allergy specialist for diagnosis and treatment. Due to the widespread reduction in outpatient and inpatient care capacities in recent months as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the various allergy specialized centers in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland have taken different measures to ensure that patients with insect venom allergy will continue to receive optimal allergy care.

Adapting palliative radiation therapy for bone metastases during the Covid-19 pandemic: GEMO position paper.

The current health crisis caused by COVID-19 is a challenge for oncology treatment, especially when it comes to radiotherapy. Cancer patients are already known to be very fragile and COVID-19 brings about the risk of severe respiratory complications. In order to treat patients safely while protecting medical teams, the entire health care system must optimize the way it approaches prevention and treatment at a time when social distancing is key to stemming this pandemic.

Hand grip endurance moderating the effect of grip force on functional ability and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis patients: a cross-sectional study.

To examine the effect of endurance on the relationship between grip force and measures of functional capacity and disease activity, we performed a cross-sectional study at the University Department of Rheumatology, Physical medicine and Rehabilitation from January 2017 to August 2018. Functional capacity of the hand was measured by ABILHAND-RA questionnaire and disease activity was assessed by the Disease Activity Score (DAS-28-CRP). All participants underwent dynamometric measurements of maximal grip force and hand grip endurance during repeated gripping.

Clinical peripheral enthesitis in the DESIR prospective longitudinal axial spondyloarthritis cohort.

Objectives: We aimed to describe the prevalence and characteristics of peripheral enthesitis in recent onset axial spondyloarthritis, estimate the incidence of peripheral enthesitis over time, and determine the factors associated with the presence of peripheral enthesitis.

Methods: 708 patients with recent onset axial spondyloarthritis were enrolled in the DESIR cohort ( prospective multi-centre, longitudinal). Data regarding the patients and spondyloarthritis characteristics at baseline with a specific focus on enthesitis and occurrence of peripheral enthesitis were collected during the five years of follow-up.

Impact of adalimumab on clinical outcomes, healthcare resource utilization, and sick leave in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: an observational study from five Central and Eastern European countries.

Background: Patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) are substantial users of healthcare resources due to chronic and potentially disabling disease. This study assessed the impact of adalimumab on clinical outcomes, healthcare resource utilization, and sick leave in patients with AS in five Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) countries.

Methods: This was an observational study in the routine clinical setting.

Successful treatment of plasma exchange for rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease with anti-MDA5 antibody-positive dermatomyositis: A case report.

Rationale: As the initial treatment of rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease (RPILD) with antimelanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 antibody (anti-MDA5 Ab)-positive dermatomyositis (DM) patients, a combination of corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide, and calcineurin inhibitor is recommended. However, some of these patients have poor prognoses despite such intensive treatment. Other more effective treatments are desired.

Genetic association of aromatic hydrocarbon receptor and its repressor gene polymorphisms with risk of rheumatoid arthritis in Han Chinese populations.

The goal of this study was to evaluate the potential relationship among polymorphisms of aromatic hydrocarbon receptor, aromatic hydrocarbon receptor repressor, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) susceptibility as well as the association among the polymorphisms of aromatic hydrocarbon receptor, aromatic hydrocarbon receptor repressor, and their expression.We performed a hospital-based, case-control study of 400 patients with RA and 726 healthy controls in Han Chinese populations. Two single-nucleotide polymorphisms were selected for genotyping including aromatic hydrocarbon receptor (rs2066853) and aromatic hydrocarbon receptor repressor (rs2292596).

The utility of comprehensive autoantibody testing to differentiate connective tissue disease associated and idiopathic interstitial lung disease subgroup cases.

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) comprises many heterogeneous disease groups, the largest being CTD-associated and those labelled as idiopathic out of necessity. The mechanisms causing ILD are poorly understood, but most CTD- and idiopathic-ILD cases can respond to immunosuppression, clearly suggesting a pathological role for inflammation. By contrast, corticosteroid immunosuppression causes harm without benefit in the feared idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, suggesting that inflammation plays little pathological role, and where ILD progresses rapidly to lethal outcome even with anti-fibrotic drug use.