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.

Although the last day of ACR Convergence 2024 was but a half day - it was chock full of gems, many coming from the late breaking abstracts presented today.  As chosen by the RheumNow faculty, here are some highlight presentations you need to know about.

Intervention in individuals predisposed to develop RA, with a holy grail of prevention of RA, has long been a hot topic. The 4-year results of the TREAT EARLIER study, presented at Tuesday’s oral abstract session, show that methotrexate appears to prevent the development of RA in high risk ACPA- patients.

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.

For many women, the journey to motherhood brings a sense of anticipation and joy. However, for those with rheumatoid arthritis, this journey presents unique challenges. At ACR Convergence 2024, researchers discussed how advancements in reproductive medicine and RA management are paving the way for improved outcomes.

We now have an absolute plethora of agents available for use in psoriatic arthritis (PsA). In contrast we have an almost complete lack of understanding of how best to optimise use of these agents – what is the right agent at the right time for the right patient. A study presented this week has given us some further information on the topic.