Funding Gaps Threaten Genomic Advances in Latin America

In Latin America, efforts to implement preventive strategies, diagnostic tools, and personalized treatment for patients with rheumatic diseases often face significant barriers. However, there have been promising developments, many of which have been driven by the growing field of genomic medicine. One such initiative is the Ibero-American Research Consortium on the Genetics of Rheumatic Diseases … Read more

Independent Cancer Risk Predictors ID’d for Sjögren Disease

TOPLINE: Patients with Sjögren disease (SjD) had a 68% higher risk for overall malignancy than the general population, with hematologic malignancies contributing more to this elevated risk than solid tumors. Cancer accounted for 23.8% of deaths, with older age at diagnosis, smoking, lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, and cryoglobulinemia identified as key predictors. METHODOLOGY: Researchers conducted a prospective … Read more

RZV Cuts Death but Has No Effect on Heart Health

TOPLINE: Recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) had no significant effect on major adverse cardiovascular events; however, it reduced all-cause mortality in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases receiving Janus kinase inhibitors. The mortality benefit was particularly notable in women and patients aged 65 years or older. METHODOLOGY: Researchers conducted a new user design study utilizing the TriNetX … Read more

Zimlovisertib and Tofacitinib Combo Shows Promise in RA

TOPLINE: Zimlovisertib plus tofacitinib showed greater efficacy than tofacitinib alone in reducing Disease Activity Score in 28 joints using C-reactive protein (DAS28-CRP) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), with a significant reduction observed at week 12. METHODOLOGY: This randomized, phase 2 study, conducted across 77 centers in 10 countries, aimed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, … Read more

Non-Pharmacologic Therapies in PsO and PsA: 5 Things to Know

Psoriasis, which affects approximately 7.5 million people in the United States, is a chronic, immune-mediated dermatological disorder characterized by keratinocyte hyperproliferation, often presenting as erythematous, scaly plaques on the skin. In some cases, it is accompanied by psoriatic arthritis (PsA), a seronegative oligoarthritis marked by progressive joint pain and destruction. While pharmacologic interventions, including biologic … Read more

Acute Arthritis in Traveller Reveals Rare Viral Infection

Key Takeaways In cases of acute arthritis, it is crucial to consider infectious causes, particularly viral infections. This recommendation was made by a team of rheumatologists led by Dr Matthias Wahle, head and senior physician in the Department of Internal Medicine at University Hospital Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany, based on the case of a 59-year-old woman.  … Read more

Vaccinations Show No Link to Risk for Rheumatoid Arthritis

TOPLINE: A meta-analysis of 16 observational studies found no significant association between vaccination exposure and risk for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Short-term follow-up data (< 1 year) suggested that vaccines may protect against RA.  METHODOLOGY: Researchers assessed the association between vaccinations and RA incidence and relapse by conducting an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of 16 … Read more

Phone-Based Walking Support Program Enhances Arthritis Care

TOPLINE: A randomized controlled trial showed that a 6-week telephone-delivered Walk With Ease (WWE-T) Program improved physical function, arthritis management self-efficacy, and impairment related to daily activities in adults with arthritis, with benefits sustained at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months. METHODOLOGY: In a randomized controlled trial, researchers compared the short-term (6 weeks) and … Read more

Cancer Immunotherapy May Raise Rheumatoid Arthritis Risk

TOPLINE: According to a study of over five million patients with a neoplasm, those who received an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) faced a 26% higher risk for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) than those receiving other types of cancer therapy. METHODOLOGY: Researchers conducted this retrospective observational study using data from the global federated research network TriNetX to … Read more