CV risk reduction should be ‘an integral part’ of autoimmune disease management
A large study published in The Lancet has found that people with autoimmune diseases have an approximately 1.4–3.6-fold increased risk for developing cardiovascular disease relative to the general population.
‘Substantial improvement’ in COVID-19 outcomes over time for RMD patients
The proportion of people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases experiencing severe COVID-19 has declined since the beginning of the pandemic, particularly during the recent Omicron wave, US researchers report.
Genetic study emphasizes ‘central role’ of complement pathway in SLE, pSS
A combination of partial deficiencies affecting the C2 and C4A classical complement pathway genes may represent a risk factor for the development of systemic lupus erythematosus or primary Sjögren’s syndrome, shows research from Lars Rönnblom and team.
This independent news story was supported by an educational grant from L’Institut Servier, Suresnes, France.
More efforts needed to improve gender equity in academic rheumatology
Findings from two studies highlight the need for interventions to improve gender equity in academic rheumatology career advancement and on journal editorial boards.
Pioglitazone may modulate CVD risk in patients with SLE
Pioglitazone, a peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ agonist, is associated with improvements in vascular stiffness and various cardiometabolic parameters in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, show study findings.
Gout flares linked to temporary increase in cardiovascular risk
Gout flares are associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular events in the following 120 days, study findings suggest.
TNF inhibitor use during pregnancy linked to higher infant birthweight
Tumor necrosis factor inhibitor use by pregnant women with well-controlled rheumatoid arthritis is associated with a reduced risk for having a child that is born small for gestational age, study findings indicate.
Botulinum toxin A injection may ease base-of-thumb osteoarthritis pain
Intra-articular injection with botulinum toxin A results in clinically meaningful pain reduction for up to 3 months in people with base-of-thumb osteoarthritis, French study findings indicate.
Bimekizumab demonstrates sustained benefits in PsA, ankylosing spondylitis
Follow-up results from the BE ACTIVE and BE AGILE phase 2b trials show that the efficacy and safety profiles of bimekizumab are maintained for up to 3 years in patients with psoriatic arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis.
TNF inhibitors linked to higher psoriasis risk than other RA treatments
Treatment with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) is associated with a twofold increased risk for new-onset psoriasis compared with nonbiologic agents, suggest findings from a Danish cohort study.
