2026 Resolutions (1.9.2026)

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Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news, announcements and journal articles from this past week on RheumNow.com. More on Variable bendability, a better way to treat RA, and a novel advance for GLP1a in PsA; and 2026 Resolutions!

GLP-1 Agonist plus IL-17 Inhibition in Obese Psoriatic Arthritis

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Lilly announced the topline results from its phase 3b "TOGETHER PsA" trial, showing that the combination use of ixekizumab (Taltz) and tirzepatide (Zepbound) was superior to IXE alone, yielding both significant weight loss and ACR50 disease control in adults with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Subcutaneous Anifrolumab Effective in Lupus

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A new study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology demonstrates that subcutaneous administration of anifrolumab provides efficacy comparable to intravenous administration, offering a promising alternative for at-home care of patients living with moderate-to-severe systemic lupus erythematosus.

2025 Rheumatologists, In Memorium

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In 2025, Rheumatology lost many of our greatest clinicians, compatriots, and mentors. This is an honor roll for those who cared, taught, advised and supported many patients, and many of us.

Glucocorticoid Injections in Knee Osteoarthritis

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A randomized clinical trial of 60 patients found that glucocorticoid injections into the infrapatellar fat pad (IPFP) did not significantly reduce pain scores in patients with inflammatory knee osteoarthritis (compared to placebo).

Obesity and Low Back Pain

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A large patient population study finds weight gain,  increases risk for low back pain - the risk increased 7% for every BMI unit or 10 pounds over ideal weight. 

Assess Reproductive Health in SLE Clinic Visits

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Due to the complexity of SLE, rheumatology providers should take an active role in assessing reproductive health, providing education on how SLE may affect pregnancy, and taking a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach with the patient’s gynecologist.

Best of 2025: 2025 BSR Guideline for Treatment of Axial Spondyloarthritis

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Editor's note: This article was originally published April 22, 2025, and is being shared again as part of RheumNow's 'Best of 2025' series as we close out the year. Enjoy!

Best of 2025: Variability of Guidelines on the Perioperative Use of DMARDs in Rheumatic Diseases Patients

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More effective treatments in patients with rheumatic diseases have resulted in less need for major surgery, yet a substantial number of RMD patients will undergo surgery often in the setting of DMARDs use. A scoping review looked at numerous clinical practice guidelines/recommendations for the perioperative management of DMARDs and found inconsistencies and low quality evidence, with great reliance on conditional (expert opinion) recommendations.

Best of 2025: ERS/EULAR guidelines for CTD-related interstitial lung disease

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The European Respiratory Society (ERS) and European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) have published clinical practice guidelines for the evaluation and management of connective tissue diseases (CTD) associated interstitial lung disease (ILD) in two simultaneous publications in the European Respiratory Journal and Annals of Rheumatic Diseases.

Best of 2025: Targeting Obesity in Rheumatic Disease Patients

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Sattar et al. has published an informative overview of the effect of obesity on rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). They estimate that nearly 70% of RMD patients are overweight or obese.

Best of 2025: GRAPPA vs. EULAR on Complex/Difficult-to-Manage Psoriatic Arthritis

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The “Difficult” framework has now reached PsA. At EULAR 2025, two independent definitions were presented: one by the Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis and another by EULAR. This short review explores the similarities and differences between these definitions and discusses their potential implications for clinical practice and research, especially for the increasingly perplexed rheumatologist.