A one year, X-ray outcome trial has shown that the initial use of prednisone (high or low dose) in newly treated active early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) did not improve radiographic outcomes.

This RheumNow Live 2022 session features highlights from lectures on Spondyloarthritis.

- Microbiome in Spondyloathritis - Jose Scher, MD

- Axial Psoriatic Arthritis - Philip Mease, MD

- Juvenile Spondyloathritis - Pamela Weiss, MD

Prevention of knee and hip osteoarthritis would obviate considerable disability and future surgery.  We may be one step closer according to a prospective European GWAS study showing polygenic risk scores (PRSs) significantly associated with higher risks for knee and hip OA joint replacement.

Previously quoted average  delay in diagnosing axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) may be improving as a recent UK study shows the mean average time to diagnosis in two different NHS trusts was between five and six years. 

While tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) have been shown to alter/retard X-ray outcomes in peripheral inflammatory arthritis, the inhibitor effects of TNFi on axial skeletal progression in spondylitis has been difficult to prove, owing to difficulties in study design, identifying best cohorts and a presumed slower rate of change in the spine. 

A recording of this week’s Tuesday Night Rheumatology is now available. This outstanding webinar featured a robust discussion of the EXCEED study and Discover-2 trial, with Drs. Philip Mease, Peter Nash, Jack Cush and Rachel Tate.

Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and journal articles from the past week on RheumNow.com.

Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and journal reports from the past week on RheumNow.com. This week, rheumatologic problems incited by respiratory infections, air pollution and how you live, now where you live.