Breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infection and disease flares in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: result from COVAD e-survey study
This study aimed to identify factors associated with breakthrough infection (BIs) and disease flares in patients with RA following COVID-19. We analysed data from RA patients who participated in the COVID-19 vaccination in autoimmune diseases (COVAD) study. Demographic data, patient-reported outcomes, comorbidities, pharmacologic treatment and details regarding disease flares were extracted from the COVAD database. Factors associated with disease flare-ups were determined by multivariate logistic regression analysis. The analysis comprised 1928 patients with RA who participated in the COVAD study. Younger age, Caucasian et...
Source: Rheumatology International - March 30, 2024 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Baricitinib for anti-melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5 antibody-positive dermatomyositis-associated interstitial lung disease: a case series and literature review on Janus kinase inhibitors for the disease
AbstractAnti-melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5 antibody-positive dermatomyositis (anti-MDA5-DM) is frequently complicated by progressive interstitial lung disease (ILD), the prognosis of which is poor, and management is a major challenge. We treated three patients with anti-MDA5-DM-associated ILD (anti-MDA5-DM-ILD) using the Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, baricitinib, which improved lung opacities and saved two patients. We reviewed 6 patients with anti-MDA5-DM-ILD who had been treated with tofacitinib at our institution. Five of the patients survived, although discontinuation of tofacitinib due to complications...
Source: Rheumatology International - March 30, 2024 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Exploring complex links: inflammatory rheumatic diseases and men's health
This article examines the complex interactions between inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRDs) and men's health. It delves into the effects of IRDs on reproductive health, erectile dysfunction, prostate involvement, male osteoporosis, body composition, physical activity, and coping mechanisms. The findings show that the prevalence of sexual dysfunction varies among different diseases, underscoring the necessity for comprehensive counseling. The link between IRDs and prostate health, with a substantial rise in benign prostatic hyperplasia among IRD patients, demonstrates the condition's importance. In contrast to popular bel...
Source: Rheumatology International - March 30, 2024 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Promoting physical activity in rheumatoid arthritis through a physiotherapist led behaviour change-based intervention (PIPPRA): a feasibility randomised trial
The objective of this study was to examine the feasibility of a physiotherapist led, behaviour change (BC) theory-informed, intervention to promote PA in people with RA who have low levels of current PA. A feasibility randomised trial (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03644160) of people with RA over 18 years recruited from outpatient rheumatology clinics and classified as insufficiently physically active using the Godin−Shephard Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire. Participants were randomised to intervention group (4 BC physiotherapy sessions in 8 weeks) delivered in person/virtuall y or control group (PA information ...
Source: Rheumatology International - March 30, 2024 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Obesity and tobacco smoking are independently associated with poor patient-reported outcomes in SLE: a cross-sectional study
AbstractWe investigated associations of obesity and tobacco smoking with health-related quality of life (HRQoL), pain, fatigue, and functional impairment in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Furthermore, we explored whether there was an effect modification between these two factors. We included adult SLE patients from the Link öping University Hospital (n = 325) in the present cross-sectional analysis. We further included population-based controls and performed cardinality matching to balance age and sex distributions with cases (n = 224). HRQoL was assessed with the EQ-5D index score; pain, fatigue, and overall...
Source: Rheumatology International - March 30, 2024 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Antiphospholipid syndrome, thrombosis, and vaccination in the COVID-19 pandemic
AbstractThrombosis is one of the many signs of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and COVID-19 infection. Although the mechanisms contributing to thrombosis in APS and COVID-19 are relatively similar, this remains an open subject. Even now (when the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided), there is no conclusive solution to APS and COVID-19 co-occurrence. The presence of newly generated antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) in COVID-19 infection may or may not be connected to the diagnosis of APS. The prevalence of aPLs is substantial in severe COVID-19 but not related to thrombosis or a worse outcome. Adequate monitoring of antibody po...
Source: Rheumatology International - March 30, 2024 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
How to improve gender equality in rheumatology: boards, mentors, and teamwork
(Source: Rheumatology International)
Source: Rheumatology International - March 30, 2024 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Drug persistence in patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases during a major economic crisis: results from a nationwide cross-sectional online survey
AbstractTo evaluate the drug persistence in patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) during the current economic crisis in Lebanon and to estimate predictors of persistence. A nationwide multicentric cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire was conducted in Lebanon with patients with chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases (CIRDs) and non-inflammatory RMDs controls between July and October 2022. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) were categorized as conventional synthetic (cs), biological (b), subcutaneous (SC) or intravenous (IV), and targeted synthetic (ts). Persistence was defin...
Source: Rheumatology International - March 7, 2024 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
The crosstalk between subjective fibromyalgia, mental health symptoms and the use of over-the-counter analgesics in female Syrian refugees: a cross-sectional web-based study
AbstractSuboptimal fibromyalgia management with over-the-counter analgesics leads to deteriorated outcomes for pain and mental health symptoms especially in low-income countries hosting refugees. To examine the association between the over-the-counter analgesics and the severity of fibromyalgia, depression, anxiety and PTSD symptoms in a cohort of Syrian refugees. This is a cross-sectional study. Fibromyalgia was assessed using the patient self-report survey for the assessment of fibromyalgia. Depression was measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, insomnia severity was measured using the insomnia severity index ...
Source: Rheumatology International - March 7, 2024 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
COVID-19 vaccination and infection status: a cross-sectional survey of patients with rheumatic diseases in China
AbstractTo evaluate the vaccination status and clinical practice of patients with rheumatic diseases (RD) during the COVID-19 pandemic in China and to explore the impact of vaccination on infection severity in patients with RD. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among RD patients in outpatient and inpatient settings of the Rheumatology and Immunology Department in our hospital. Participants ’ characteristics, vaccination status, COVID-19 infection status, and medication for acute COVID-19 were collected. A total of 749 valid surveys were included in the study. A total of 271 (36.2%) patients were not vaccinated, and ...
Source: Rheumatology International - March 7, 2024 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Comparative analysis of the therapeutic effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy and high-intensity laser therapy in lateral epicondylitis: a randomised clinical trial
This study contrasts the efficacy of high- ıntensity laser therapy (HILT) and extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in managing LE. A prospective, randomized comparative trial was conducted with 50 participants assigned to either HILT or ESWT groups. Both groups received standard physiotherapy (exercise program and LE bandages), and out comes, including tenderness, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scale (Q-DASH), and grip strength, were assessed at baseline, 3rd weeks, and 12th weeks. The baseline features of the groups exhibited similarities (p > 0.05). In intra-gro...
Source: Rheumatology International - March 7, 2024 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Influence of visceral adiposity on cardiovascular risk in patients with systemic sclerosis
AbstractSystemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by systemic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, generalized fibrosis and high cardiovascular mortality. The evaluation of cardiovascular risk through the visceral adiposity index (VAI) has been helpful due to its direct relationship to the body and visceral fat percentage. We evaluated the influence of body composition and anthropometrics on cardiovascular risk as measured by VAI in healthy controls (HC) and SSc. An analytical cross-sectional study of 66 participants (33 SSc and 33 HC), mean age 52.7 ± 10, 95% women, was conducted from August ...
Source: Rheumatology International - March 7, 2024 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Pre-assessment of patients with suspected axial spondyloarthritis combining student-led clinics and telemedicine: a qualitative study
ConclusionPatients ’ access to rheumatology care is becoming increasingly burdensome. Pre-assessment including student-led clinics and telemedicine was highly accepted by patients. Patient interviews provided valuable in-depth feedback to improve the piloted patient pathway. (Source: Rheumatology International)
Source: Rheumatology International - March 7, 2024 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Radiographic and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis are not routinely distinguished in everyday clinical care: an analysis of real-world data from rheumatology practices
In conclusion, radiographs were available for slightly more than half of axSpA patients. Follow-up imaging was in frequent during rheumatology care in Germany but confirmed r-axSpA in ~ 40% of patients originally considered to have nr-axSpA. The distinction between r-axSpA and nr-axSpA may be ill-defined in routine clinical practice. (Source: Rheumatology International)
Source: Rheumatology International - March 7, 2024 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Rehabilitation of patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases and comorbidities: unmet needs
AbstractComorbidities may contribute to inadequate response to therapy and accelerate disability in various rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Cardiovascular, oncological, and infectious comorbidities are common in rheumatic patients. The rehabilitation of patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRDs) with comorbidities requires a multidisciplinary approach to improving patients ’ functional mobility, slowing down the disease progression and minimizing the risks of complications. The evidence suggests that cardiac rehabilitation ...
Source: Rheumatology International - March 7, 2024 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
