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Late Breaker: Observational study of MEPO in EGPA
375 pts receiving MEPO had less ARF/CKD than 727 pts receiving standard of care
Smallish event #'s & lots of p values... also, what about the vasculitis?!?
#ACR25 @RheumNow AbstLB16 https://t.co/XwqNthfwPF
Links:
Mike Putman EBRheum ( View Tweet)
Bremer et al. Earlier initiation of biosimilar adalimumab (vs csDMARDs) may result in cost-savings. Reduced cost of tests, consultations, and hospitalisations. @RheumNow #ACR25 Abstr#2271 https://t.co/lHaSiX3WLd
Richard Conway RichardPAConway ( View Tweet)
Semaglutide isn’t just for weight loss?
In RA, users had 20–40% lower risk of synovitis, stiffness & swelling up to 1 year vs matched controls.
GLP-1 agonists may offer anti-inflammatory benefit beyond metabolism.
@RheumNow #ACR25 Abstract#2286
Jiha Lee JihaRheum ( View Tweet)
PLEX continues to be OUT for DAH in AAV
Retrospective review of ~1.4k AAV-DAH pt
375 who received PLEX compared to those who did not
PLEX tx patients:
- higher odds of death
- higher sepsis
- increased LOS
- increased hospitalization cost
@RheumNow #ACR25 Abst 2517
Brian Jaros, MD Dr_Brian_MD ( View Tweet)
Mateo Faxas et al. TriNetX study, propensity score matched. 3000 patients. Arrythmia risk is higher with IL-6i vs TNFi in diabetic RA patients. V Tachy (HR 1.4), PPM need (HR 1.4) significantly higher. AF, SVT, VF all numerically increased. @RheumNow #ACR25 Abstr#2283 https://t.co/U2Tk38Mobg
Richard Conway RichardPAConway ( View Tweet)
Heydari-Kamjani et al. TriNetX study. 28973 PsA patients. IL-17i and IL-23i lower rates stroke, MI, DVT/PE than TNFi. IL-12/23i higher rate of stroke vs TNFi. @RheumNow #ACR25 Abstr#2363 https://t.co/fNHaxyYPCP
Richard Conway RichardPAConway ( View Tweet)
Adding social risk factors to the mix
Abstract 1917: WashU Rheumatology examined SRF screening in the clinic
🔹 50% screened once; 1/3 screened > 1
🔹 Core SRFs (finance, transport, housing, food) relatively stable
🔹 Biggest change over time: stress
@RheumNow #ACR25 https://t.co/oKlwMZ77nB
Akhil Sood MD, MS AkhilSoodMD ( View Tweet)
Is taking NSAIDs +TNFi better for the joints?
Abstract 2359: In radiographic axSpA, NSAIDS + TNFi associated with
-fewer syndesmophytes 36% vs 58% TNFi
- no significant effect on hip structural changes
- @RheumNow #ACR25
Akhil Sood MD, MS AkhilSoodMD ( View Tweet)
The CAR T engine doesn’t stop! LB04: Phase 1 bispecific CD19/BCMA CAR T in refractory autoimmune disease 🚗💥 ✅ Low AEs (mostly Gr 1–2 CRS, hematologic) 💪 Robust efficacy in lupus nephritis 🔄 Deep B-cell depletion → naïve B-cell repopulation @RheumNow #ACR25
Akhil Sood MD, MS AkhilSoodMD ( View Tweet)
Effect of air pollution in RA
Prospective cohort 1000+pts w/ 12000+ visits
Higher levels of pollution
& specific size of particles PM25
asso w/
-10% higher odd of flare
-Higher DAS CRP and CDAI
Now the interesting pattern:
PM25 exposure increases 3 weeks before flares https://t.co/MOskJzk05g
Links:
Aurelie Najm AurelieRheumo ( View Tweet)
Molina et al. 52 weeks of MANHATTAN study. Guselkumab vs second TNFi after failure 1st TNFi in PsA. MDA 52% vs 33%. Remission/LDA 67% vs 62%. @RheumNow #ACR25 Abstr#2373 https://t.co/qdtOlKLfNU
Richard Conway RichardPAConway ( View Tweet)
Higashida-Konishi et al. RA. Insomnia and fatigue in >80%, depression in 13%. RA disease activity is associated with depression, fatigue, and insomnia. @RheumNow #ACR25 Abstr#2254 https://t.co/7SibPW6BBw
Richard Conway RichardPAConway ( View Tweet)
CD19 counts during RTX maintenance therapy do NOT perform well in assessing the risk of relapse
Interestingly, only younger age was associated with relapse in this retrospective study
@RheumNow #ACR25 Abst 1766 https://t.co/crsFKJ0LnP
Brian Jaros, MD Dr_Brian_MD ( View Tweet)
In case you have a (gut) feeling something’s off…
Abstract 2315: The gut microbiome in #SpA 🔬
⬆️ Proteobacteria (incl. Escherichia spp)
⬇️ Firmicutes (“good” bacteria)
Higher disease activity ↔️ lower alpha diversity
@RheumNow #ACR25
Akhil Sood MD, MS AkhilSoodMD ( View Tweet)
Can AI predict who stops their RA meds?
In older adults on b/tsDMARDs, interpretable ML found frailty, comorbidity & age top the list for nonadherence risk.
@RheumNow #ACR25 Abstract#2287
Jiha Lee JihaRheum ( View Tweet)
Zavada et al. 52 patients. bDMARD therapy improves sexual function at 6 months in r-axSpA. Improvements in function, desire, satisfaction in those with baseline erectile dysfunction @RheumNow #ACR25 Abstr#2346 https://t.co/IUMGCFnXZh
Richard Conway RichardPAConway ( View Tweet)
Konsta et al. Adding NSAID to TNF inhibits spinal but not hip radiograpic progress. 262 patients, TNF+NSAID 100, TNF alone 162. New syndesmophytes 36% vs 58%. ΔmSASSS-score/year 0.1 vs 0.7. No effect on progression of hip radiographs. @RheumNow #ACR25 Abstr#2359 #ACRBest https://t.co/k9j2M2E3ze
Richard Conway RichardPAConway ( View Tweet)
Paging the pharmacist
Abstract 1973: Dedicated clinic pharmacist -> benefits
Tasks included:
🔹 74% PA support
🔹 55% patient education
🔹 40% medication management
~50% pts had clinically meaningful improvement
Providers report ↑ care quality & ↓ admin burden
@RheumNow #ACR25
Akhil Sood MD, MS AkhilSoodMD ( View Tweet)
Hojiej et al. Prevalence and Impact of lifestyle factors in PsA. Lifestyle factors impacted disease activity. Cumulative effect of increasing number of factors @RheumNow #ACR25 Abstr#2309 https://t.co/oDGQyLBRDO
Richard Conway RichardPAConway ( View Tweet)
MAINRITSEG: RTX vs. AZA for maintenance in EGPA
RTX not superior in primary remission outcome
RTX favored in secondary outcome of remission with pred <4mg daily
Limitation: only ~50% pt with FFS 1+
@RheumNow #ACR25 Abst 1765 https://t.co/dh5ZWCT12T
Brian Jaros, MD Dr_Brian_MD ( View Tweet)


