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ACR Convergence 2025 Sheds Light on Disparities, Age-Related Trends, and Epidemiology in Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases
ACR Press Release
At ACR Convergence 2025, new research explored critical disparities and epidemiologic trends shaping outcomes in autoimmune rheumatic diseases across diverse populations and age groups. Studies presented at the meeting highlighted issues ranging from kidney transplant outcomes in lupus to medication disparities in rheumatoid arthritis and demographic patterns in systemic sclerosis and axial spondyloarthritis.
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What is #nonadherence in #SLE associated with?
115 Pts w #lupus in Spain
Overall medication adherence 58%!
👇Reduced if
Male
Low education
No partner -NS adjusted analysis
Unemployed
Comorbidities
3 or more drugs/pills -NS adjusted
#ACR25 @RheumNow @ACRheum
#abst0216 https://t.co/CkG6gpiCw3
Janet Pope Janetbirdope ( View Tweet)
Two Jacks, One mission 🤓
Head on to the booth and get a chance to meet either one of them (both if you’re lucky, like me!)
Continue tuning in for coverage of #ACR25 by the @RheumNow faculty and KOLs https://t.co/Y2pS8CpoH5
sheila RHEUMarampa ( View Tweet)
#0777 Big news for VEXAS! 🎯
The first validated disease activity index (VEXAS-DAI) has been developed via international Delphi consensus. A 12-domain, 40-point tool to standardise assessment & power trials in this complex syndrome. Validation underway! @RheumNow #ACR25 https://t.co/DSeHb7eNeV
Mrinalini Dey DrMiniDey ( View Tweet)
In case there was any doubt:
GCA leads to ischemic vision loss
PMR does not
#ACR25 ABST0753 @RheumNow https://t.co/mCS9B4Flgl
David Liew drdavidliew ( View Tweet)
Leflunomide - a perennial question in GCA, that we still haven’t answered (as this meta-analysis shows), despite clear potential.
We are getting a clearer idea of the strengths/limitations of MTX in GCA, is it now time to get better clarity for LEF?
#ACR25 ABST0731 @RheumNow https://t.co/ycuvPx8Xdg
David Liew drdavidliew ( View Tweet)
Using ChatGPT to diagnose axSpA, in 10 low back pain cases, it outperformed clinicians in diagnostic precision (75% vs. 60%) and sensitivity (85% vs. 80%), completing the task 5x faster. Specialty framing (e.g., Rheum vs Neuro) didn’t affect accuracy. Abstract 0530 @RheumNow https://t.co/YMMC4XIX9m
Antoni Chan MD (Prof) synovialjoints ( View Tweet)
Project from my group & rheum-bound resident Mary Peng!
As expected, ischemic vision loss for GCA compared to PMR (HR 5.4) and gen pop (HR 5.6) 😬
NO difference for PMR vs gen pop (aHR 1.10, 95% CI 0.86–1.41)
Reassuring for pts w/PMR!
#ACR25 @RheumNow Abstr#0753 #ACRBest https://t.co/HKzc7OOzmP
Mike Putman EBRheum ( View Tweet)
Cool study using vasculitis patient-powered reserach network (VPPRN)
"SNOT-22" tool captures sinonasal symptoms; associated with disease activity (expected) but also worse among pts even in remission
Very important impacter of QOL in AAV
#ACR25 @RheumNow Abstr0725 https://t.co/NQBW8VnYFS
Links:
Mike Putman EBRheum ( View Tweet)
Miller et al. Fibrinogen for GCA diagnosis and flare identification. Similar to ESR/CRP in diagnosis. For flares, lower sensitivity (79%) but better specificity (96%) @RheumNow #ACR25 Abstr#750 https://t.co/SIkAkEeYh1
Richard Conway RichardPAConway ( View Tweet)
Poster evaluating representation in trials of AAV and GCA
Results mirror those observed in other fields; need to keep advocating for trials in all populations!
#ACR25 @RheumNow Abstr#0720 https://t.co/gDj5IQMJOc
Mike Putman EBRheum ( View Tweet)
In a novel Geri-Rheum clinic, cognitive screening revealed 35% impairment among adults >55 yrs.
Common deficits: visuospatial, attention & recall.
Early geriatric screening = earlier intervention.
A model for age-friendly rheum care in action.
@RheumNow #ACR25 Abstract #0226 https://t.co/lIAcrZvL4H
Jiha Lee JihaRheum ( View Tweet)
#ACR25 Abstr#775 Previous study showed plasma tRNA-derived RNA (tDR-1), produced by bacteria from the phylum Proteobacteria, was assoc. with lower RA activity.
In 60 At-Risk CCP3+ people, Plasma tDR-1 improved prediction of RA. Need validation & adoption in practice @RheumNow https://t.co/XBmtohBEHc
Md Yuzaiful Md Yusof Yuz6Yusof ( View Tweet)
From the FOREMOST study factors predicting progression from oligo to polyarticular PsA: Female sex, enthesitis and dactylitis found to increase the risk of progression. Among patients in FOREMOST receiving PBO, prior csDMARD use was protective. Abstract#0576 @RheumNow #ACR25 https://t.co/CFMhAFgFBa
Antoni Chan MD (Prof) synovialjoints ( View Tweet)
#0191 We found that in a large South London RA cohort, use of advanced therapy in moderate disease (DAS28 3.2-5.1) generally followed NICE guidance. Gaps often reflected telehealth limiting DAS assessment and patient hesitancy. Self-assessment tools may help. @RheumNow #ACR25 https://t.co/UMGtkfABHn
Mrinalini Dey DrMiniDey ( View Tweet)
RheumNow’s expanded coverage of the #ACR2025 annual meeting is sponsored by Bristol Myers Squibb, Novartis, and UCB. All coverage content is independently selected by RheumNow and its faculty.
Dr. John Cush RheumNow ( View Tweet)
Schmidt et al. 2 year results of SELECT-GCA, upadacitinib in GCA. Remission 69% if upa continued vs 29% if stopped. 90% lower risk of flare, 1G less steroid @RheumNow
#ACR25 Abstr#0776 #ACRBest https://t.co/MgRo7kIgIw
Richard Conway RichardPAConway ( View Tweet)
Not all inflammatory nasal lesions are vasculitis! Dr. Zacharek presents from the ENT perspective
@RheumNow #ACR25 https://t.co/TJ4d56oBaJ
Brian Jaros, MD Dr_Brian_MD ( View Tweet)
Tracking RA disease activity got a measurable boost in the VA: a 3-month multimodal rollout (feedback, EHR tools, just-in-time lists) raised DAM documentation up to 10%. Small structural changes, big data gains.
@RheumNow #ACR25 Abstract#0221
Jiha Lee JihaRheum ( View Tweet)
Plenary 1: SELECT-GCA (RCT, UPA vs PLBO in GCA)
Pts in remission re-randomized at wk52
Higher maintenance of remission in pts who continued UPA15 (69%) vs switchers from UPA15->PLBO (29%)
Argues strongly for continuing tx in GCA for >1yr!
@RheumNow #ACR25 Ab#0776 #ACRBest https://t.co/exmmIcpgbP
Links:
Mike Putman EBRheum ( View Tweet)


