Rheumatoid Arthritis

Are emulation ‘trials’ helpful, despite the biases that occur with observational data, or do they truly mimic the results of randomized controlled trials (RCTs)?

Unlike traditional imaging techniques, MSUS can be easily used at the point-of-care and offers high-resolution images of joints, tendons, and soft tissues, facilitating the early detection of inflammation and structural damage. On Saturday, November 16th at the ACR Convergence 2024, Dr. Veena Ranganath, Dr. Gurjit Kaeley, and Dr. Catherine Bakewell will present the “Proposed ACR Guidance for Use of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in Rheumatoid and

Despite all its benefits, ultrasound’s daily clinical use remains the domain of only a subset of interested rheumatologists. If the benefits are so clear, then why is it not universal? In the late-breaking oral abstracts at ACR Convergence, the final abstract presentation was from the Danish rheumatologists behind ARTHUR and DIANA: the robot which holds the MSK ultrasound probe, and the artificial intelligence brains which empowers it. Perhaps

A recent study by Sparks et al reveals evolving trends in DMARD usage for rheumatoid arthritis over two decades in the United States. This retrospective analysis evaluated 407,728 DMARD initiation episodes among 229,365 unique patients from 2001 to 2021.

Join Drs. Jack Cush and Artie Kavanaugh as they review 15+ presentations and abstracts from the 2024 ACR Convergence meeting in Washington, DC.

Many of our diseases are made worse by obesity, notably rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and osteoarthritis. Much of the refractory pain and suffering from these conditions might be attributable to obesity, so active questions will be raised about how GLP-1 agonists can influence the diseases we treat.

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 –

Over the past 5 years, there has been growing interest in RA-ILD due to its relative prevalence and severity. This seems to be one of the few RA outcomes not improving much, even with the advent of expanded treatment options. There is also a shocking lack of trial data. This year, there were two oral sessions dedicated to RA-ILD, one of which even the overflow room was standing room only, in addition to many posters.

In 1950, three scientists were awarded the Nobel Prize for their groundbreaking discovery of steroids, heralded at the time as a "miracle cure" for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, just a year after their introduction, evidence began to surface regarding the harmful side effects and withdrawal symptoms such as pain and fatigue that were independent of RA itself.

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

Sleep plays a critical role in regulating inflammation and overall health. In rheumatic diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), disrupted sleep is common and can exacerbate symptoms and disease progression. Experts Dr. Al Kim, Patty Katz, and Dr. Yvonne Lee emphasized the importance of addressing sleep disturbances in these conditions.

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. Advances in machine learning (ML) provide a promising avenue for predicting these flares, enabling proactive management and personalised interventions.

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.

Reported safety signals, at odds with the efficacy of these medications, have left rheumatology clinicians in a difficult position when considering when during a patient’s treatment course and in which patients, specifically, JAKi should be used. Two abstracts from ACR convergence 2024 further contribute to our understanding of this potential risk profile.