To investigate cross-sectional associations between meniscal lesion parameters and knee joint structures and symptoms in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (KOA). A total of 102 subjects with symptomatic KOA were included in this study. Coronal magnetic resonance imaging was used to measure the meniscal parameters including the mean distance from medial to lateral meniscal lesions (Mean(MLD))

We aimed to develop an artificial intelligence algorithm able to assess Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP) from mobile phone photography, ensuring as a patient-centered, image-based method for RP quantification. ARTIX (artificial intelligence-based Raynaud’s quantification index) score was developed as a multi-step process of segmentation, decomposition and filters application to mobile phone pictures of the

ObjectivesTo evaluate the influence of contrast‐enhanced dual‐energy CT (CE‐DECT) in detecting and differentiating rheumatic joint diseases of the hand.MethodsIn this prospective study, patients with suspected arthritis of the hand were investigated consecutively alongside the standard clinical procedure. CE‐DECT with sequential rotations was performed in all patients pre and three‐minutes post weight‐adapted

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Objectives Digital ulcers (DUs) affect ∼50% of systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients, causing significant pain and functional impairment. Current management involves both systemic and local therapies. However, the burden in terms of pain and quality of life due to refractory DUs still remains heavy. While selexipag is approved for SSc-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension, its potential in treating

Objectives Safety is a concern for solid-organ transplant (SOT) recipients with systemic inflammatory diseases (SID) treated with biologic therapy. This study evaluated the safety of biologic therapy in SOT recipients with SID. Methods This retrospective study between 2000–2024 included 20 biologic-treated SOT recipients with SID matched to 56 SOT recipients controls without SID not treated with biologic

Objectives Patients with anti-threonyl (PL7) positive anti-synthetase syndrome (ASS) exhibit a high prevalence of interstitial lung disease (ILD), which can progress to progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF) and increased mortality. This study aims to explore the clinical characteristics, imaging features, and predictive factors for PPF. Methods A retrospective cohort of PL7-ASS patients at a single

Objectives Osteoarthritis (OA) presents a significant clinical challenge due to its heterogeneous nature, characterized by cartilage degradation, inflammation, and fibrosis. Current treatments offer limited efficacy, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic approaches. Our study aimed to investigate the effects of two JAK inhibitors, tofacitinib and baricitinib, on various hallmarks of OA in human

Objectives Epithelial-Stromal Interaction 1 (EPSTI1), an interferon-related gene that has emerged as a gene of notable interest, plays a multifaceted role in cellular function and disease processes. However, the precise role of EPSTI1 in the context of dermatomyositis(DM) remains elusive and requires further exploration. Methods To investigate EPSTI1 expression in DM, we analyzed two transcriptome

Interleukin 40 (IL-40) is a cytokine implicated in malignancies and rheumatic disorders. Its association with fibrotic mediators has been previously described. Since inflammation and fibrosis are hallmarks of systemic sclerosis (SSc), we aimed to analyze the role of IL-40 in SSc. IL-40 levels were analyzed in the serum of 90 SSc patients and 75 healthy controls (HCs). IL-40 expression in dermal biopsies

Efferocytosis, the process through which phagocytes clear apoptotic cells (ACs), has rapidly emerged as an expanding field of research. This multi‐step process involves recognizing, binding, internalizing, and degrading ACs. Efferocytosis clears ACs, preventing their secondary necrosis, generating anti‐inflammatory mediators, and promoting the resolution of inflammation. Appropriate efferocytosis is

Objective Interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features (IPAF) describes patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) and autoimmune features without meeting criteria for a specific rheumatic disease. No longitudinal data exist on post-transplant outcomes in IPAF patients. We compared baseline demographics, pre-transplant characteristics, and post-transplant outcomes between IPAF and idiopathic

Few studies paid attention to compensatory and decompensatory responses of condylar cartilage under different mechanical conditions and the underlying mechanism. Compensatory and decompensatory models were established. In vivo compensatory (0.5 mm occlusal elevation) and decompensatory (1.5 mm elevation) models were established in rats using zirconia occlusal plates. Parallel in vitro models subjected

Radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the axial skeleton and entheses, leading to pathological spinal bone formation and systemic bone loss. Treatments with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) and interleukin-17 inhibitors (IL-17i) have shown efficacy in reducing inflammation and potentially impacting bone remodeling in r-axSpA.

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Objectives Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of mortality in systemic sclerosis (SSc). We investigated the association between SSc and the occurrence of both cardiovascular and thromboembolic events using the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD). Methods A validated case-ascertainment strategy identified SSc patients in the CPRD. A cohort study design examined rates of coronary arterial

The human monoclonal antibody belimumab (BEL) has emerged as a promising treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), particularly for reducing the need for glucocorticoids and minimizing organ damage. The optimal timing of BEL initiation has been unclear; emerging evidence suggests that early intervention with BEL, particularly within the first 5 years of diagnosis, may yield better outcomes

Objectives To investigate the ex vivo IFN-γ release assay (IGRA) as a biomarker of SLE activity and disease outcome. Methods This retrospective study, conducted between 2008 and 2024 at a single tertiary care center, included 145 SLE patients at various disease stages. Data were collected on spontaneous IFN-γ levels (IGRA-nil) and on phytohemagglutinin-induced IFN-γ levels (IGRA-PHA, after subtracting

Objectives Our aim was to explore the effect of a single subcutaneous dose of CAM2043, a novel extended-release subcutaneous formulation of treprostinil, on finger temperature in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc)-related Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP). Methods This was an exploratory, open-label, single-dose Phase 2 trial. Ten female patients (median age 54.0 years) attended on 6 occasions: screening

Objective To identify risk factors for spinal structural progression and determine the most significant impact on syndesmophytes growth and impaired spinal mobility in axSpA. Methods Baseline and 2-year follow-up clinical, thoracic and lumbar spine CT data of 94 patients were analyzed. Vertebral syndesmophytes unit (VSU) was defined as syndesmophytes anterior to vertebral body and its intervertebral

Two complimentary studies provide a deeper understanding of Lyme disease and the associated chronic complications, such as Lyme arthritis.

ObjectiveAbnormalities in pain regulatory mechanisms are common in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We investigated whether pain sensitization changes after treatment with a disease modifying anti‐rheumatic drug (DMARD) and explored associations between changes in pain sensitization and disease activity.MethodsWe included 182 participants with active RA initiating/switching DMARD therapy who

Objective Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) are autoimmune disorders characterised by muscle inflammation, high creatine kinase (CK) levels, and disability. Despite immunomodulating therapies, patients often experience progressive disease, resulting in refractory conditions or dependence on glucocorticoids (GC). This study addresses the efficacy and safety of immunoadsorption (IAS) in refractory

ObjectiveWe used data from the placebo arm of the SENSCIS trial to determine the prognostic/predictive significance of peripheral blood cell (PBC) transcript modules for the course of forced vital capacity (FVC) in patients with systemic sclerosis‐associated interstitial lung disease (SSc‐ILD) with and without mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) treatment.MethodsPatients had SSc‐ILD with first non‐Raynaud

ObjectiveTo evaluate the applicability of the 2016 EULAR/ACR/PRINTO macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) classification criteria in patients with Still's disease (sJIA‐SD) treated with IL‐1‐targeted therapy and to assess the incidence of MAS in this context.MethodsWe analyzed retrospective and prospective data from Dutch sJIA‐SD patients (diagnosis 2008‐2017, n=54) and data from a nationwide prospective

Objectives Given a substantial proportion of patients with ASS-ILD (anti-synthetase syndrome-associated interstitial lung disease) develop progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF), we aimed to investigate the clinical-radiographic characteristics and treatment in patients with or without anti-Jo-1 antibody. Methods Patients diagnosed with ASS-ILD from two centers were retrospectively reviewed and stratified

Objective The impact of primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) on adverse pregnancy outcomes remains a debated issue. Research suggests that newborns of mothers with pSS may be at a higher risk of developing heart conditions. This study aimed to examine the relationship between maternal pSS and the risk of cardiac disorders in neonates. Methods A multicentre, retrospective cohort study was conducted with

Sacroiliitis is a rare adverse reaction of isotretinoin. However, the data on the clinical features, treatment and outcomes of isotretinoin-associated sacroiliitis are limited. This study was conducted to explore the clinical characteristics of isotretinoin-associated sacroiliitis, providing a basis for diagnosis and treatment. The author retrieved clinical reports of isotretinoin-associated sacroiliitis

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) disease symptoms that can significantly restrict work ability and work participation resulting in reduced mental well-being. This study investigates the significant impact of work participation and disability on the mental wellbeing, health-related quality of life, and disease-related outcomes in individuals with SLE. With the objective of creating an SLE-related

Gout is the most common inflammatory arthritis. Current urate-lowering therapies have limitations, such as adverse drug reactions or limited efficacy. Epaminurad is a novel selective human urate transporter 1 (hURAT1) inhibitor that has been shown to reduce serum urate (sUA) levels in healthy volunteers and patients with gout. The aims of the current study were to evaluate the urate-lowering efficacy

ObjectivesDotinurad is a selective urate reabsorption inhibitor that reduces serum urate levels. We compared the efficacy and safety of dotinurad with febuxostat in Chinese patients with gout.MethodsThis phase 3, multicentre, randomised, double‐blind, parallel‐group study randomly allocated (1:1) eligible patients with gout to receive oral dotinurad or febuxostat. The primary endpoint was the responder

ObjectiveAmong patients with gout, NSAIDs are commonly used despite scarce safety data in this specific population. Therefore, we quantified the comparative cardiovascular safety of NSAIDs versus colchicine among patients with gout starting allopurinol.MethodsWe conducted a sequential, propensity score‐matched, new‐user comparative effectiveness study using the target trial emulation framework to compare

ObjectivesTumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) have significantly improved rheumatoid arthritis (RA) management, yet variability in patient response remains a substantial challenge, with approximately 40% of patients discontinuing TNFi due to non‐response or adverse effects. This study aimed to identify biomarkers predictive of adalimumab treatment response using whole blood transcriptomics, leveraging

Objectives Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), yet traditional 10-year CVD risk calculators—such as the 2013 Pooled Cohort Equations (PCE)—underperform in RA. Our objective was to determine the performance of the PCE vs the updated PREVENT algorithm in indicating presence of subclinical coronary and carotid atherosclerosis

Objective This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of baricitinib in Takayasu arteritis (TAK) refractory to TNF-α inhibitors. Methods We conducted a multicentre, single-arm trial between February 2021 and August 2023. Patients with TAK unresponsive to at least 6 months of TNF-α inhibitors were treated with baricitinib 4 mg daily for up to 48 weeks, while continuing of immunosuppressants and

Objectives To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) in a monocentric series of patients with JDM and to identify factors associated with the achievement of clinically inactive disease (CID). Methods Single-centre retrospective study of 39 JDM patients treated with JAKi for at least 6 months. The proportion of patients achieving CID within 6 months after initiation of JAKi

Objectives To determine the effect of paternal and maternal anti-IL-1 treatment exposures on pregnancies and neonatal outcomes in CAPS. Methods A single-centre study consecutive adult CAPS patients and their partners was performed between January 2012 and July 2024. All were screened for pregnancies and anti-IL-1 exposure before conception and/or during pregnancy; teratogenic co-therapies resulted

Objective Antinuclear antibody (ANA) positivity has been observed in patients with steatotic liver disease (SLD); however, the link between SLD and ANA-positive connective tissue diseases remains unexplored. We aimed to evaluate the association between SLD and risk of systemic sclerosis (SSc), a representative ANA-positive connective tissue disease. Methods A longitudinal population-based cohort study

Objectives The gut microbiota is crucial in the progression of lupus nephritis (LN), and probiotics have emerged as a potential therapeutic approach. This study investigates the role of Bifidobacterium in LN pathogenesis and its effects on immune cell populations. Methods Clinical samples were collected from 61 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, and flow cytometry was used to analyze changes

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Objectives Recent European League Against Rheumatism guidelines highlight the importance of shared decision-making (SDM) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) treatment. This study investigated the relationship between physicians' personality traits and patient-rated SDM. Methods Using baseline data from the Trust Measurements for Physicians and Patients with SLE (TRUM2-SLE) study, physicians' personality

Objectives Current recommendations suggest treating eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) without severe manifestations with glucocorticoids (GCs) and EGPA with severe manifestations with GCs plus cyclophosphamide (CYC) regardless of poor-prognostic factors. However, GCs plus CYC and GCs alone have never been compared in EGPA without poor-prognosis factors assessed by the 1996 Five Factor

Objectives To characterize some phenotypic and functional aspects of fibroblast-like synoviocytes isolated from the synovial fluid (SF-FLS) of patients affected by Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) with active disease and to compare SF-FLS characteristics to those reported in the literature for FLS of the synovial membrane (SM) in adult rheumatic patients. Methods FLS were isolated from the SF of

Objectives Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is the most frequent cause of mortality in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Cartilage acidic protein-1 (CRTAC1), secreted by alveolar type-2 epithelial cells, is a potential biomarker of lung health. This study explores CRTAC1's role in SSc, focusing on pulmonary involvement. Methods We collected plasma samples from 76 SSc patients (65 females, limited

Objectives Evidence for the association between methotrexate use and liver fibrosis in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) remains inconclusive. We aimed to explore the frequency of liver fibrosis in PsA and identify associated factors including cumulative methotrexate dose and metabolic features. Methods We analyzed data from a prospective observational PsA cohort. We calculated the Aspartate Aminotransferase

Objectives Mitochondria are prominent antigenic sources, capable of triggering interferon-induced inflammatory pathways in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Recent studies suggest presence of anti-mitochondria autoantibodies (AMA) in lupus nephritis patients with adult-onset SLE. Whether AMA reflect disease activity in childhood-onset SLE (cSLE) remains unexplored. Here, we present inaugural data