A recent study presented at #ACR24 convergence highlights significant gaps and inconsistencies in the research of systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) and adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD).

The global population is aging and none of our rheumatic diseases are immune to the impact of the complexities and so-called “geriatric syndromes”, including sarcopenia, frailty, falls and cognitive impairment, associated with the aging process. Whilst we are increasingly aware of these syndromes, it is sometimes overwhelming to consider just how we may incorporate the unique needs of our older patients into our already busy clinical practice – or perhaps until now we were unsure of their significance and relevance. Why should we care about aging?

Capillaroscopy is a non-invasive imaging technique used for the in vivo assessment of the microcirculation. kin capillaries at the nailfold are evaluated because the fingers are involved in pathological processes such as Raynaud’s phenomenon. Several abstracts and sessions on nailfold capillaroscopy were presented during ACR24.

Recent advancements in targeted therapies, including selective inhibitors of key inflammatory pathways, offer promising outcomes for patients with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA). At ACR 2024, there have been further developments in novel therapies in PsA.

the predictive value of a positive ANA test—especially in the absence of other clinical symptoms—remains a challenge. A positive test often leads to further testing, yet it does not necessarily indicate whether a patient truly has an underlying autoimmune disease. The development of AI and machine learning algorithms presents an opportunity to interpret autoantibody tests and predict autoimmune diseases. Here are three studies looking at this issue.

Managing health conditions is rapidly evolving as patients increasingly turn to online resources for answers—over 65% search for health-related questions online. Our study analyzed Google search trends for rheumatic disease topics, offering a fascinating glimpse into how online search behavior can reveal patient needs and experiences. This approach, known as "infodemiology," tracks real-time Google Trends data to understand symptom- and treatment-related searches for rheumatic conditions.

Rheumatic diseases, such as axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), are marked by unpredictable disease flares that adversely impact quality of life and long-term outcomes.