Current Rheumatology Reports最新文献

Purpose of review: This review highlights key ultrasound applications for evaluating extra-articular involvement in rheumatic diseases, including the lungs, vessels, salivary glands, muscles, nerves, skin, and nails. It explores recent advances, emerging areas of assessment, and future research directions. Additionally, the review examines current limitations in the routine use of ultrasound for these purposes and considers the potential of new technologies, such as shear-wave elastography, contrast-enhanced ultrasound, and artificial intelligence, to enhance the early detection and monitoring of extra-articular manifestations in rheumatic diseases.

Recent findings: Extra-articular manifestations in patients with rheumatic diseases are crucial for diagnosis, management (including treatment strategies), and prognosis, making accurate assessment essential. Growing evidence supports the role of ultrasound in assessing these manifestations for diagnosis, monitoring, and gaining insights into disease pathogenesis. Recent studies emphasize the significant utility of ultrasound in evaluating extra-articular involvement across various organ systems, including the lungs, vessels, salivary glands, muscles, nerves, skin, and nails. Technological advances, such as shear-wave elastography, contrast-enhanced ultrasound, and artificial intelligence, are expanding the scope and precision of ultrasound applications. Despite its potential, challenges such as operator dependency, lack of standardized protocols, and the need for specialized training hinder its widespread adoption. Ultrasound is a non-invasive, cost-effective, and radiation-free imaging modality with high diagnostic accuracy, making it a valuable tool for assessing extra-articular manifestations in rheumatic diseases. Emerging technologies may further enhance its clinical utility. However, efforts to standardize techniques and improve accessibility are necessary to optimize its integration into routine practice.

Purpose of review: To summarize the state of research and recent studies on non-pharmacological therapies for osteoarthritis (OA).

Recent findings: High intensity interval training is an exercise-based intervention with some new, promising findings for people with OA. Among mind-body therapies, Tai Chi has the strongest evidence base to date. Diet + exercise has the strongest evidence for weight management in OA, with recent research focusing on maintenance of weight loss and non-calorie restrictive dietary patterns. Among psychological interventions, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has the strongest evidence base, with some support for Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and mindfulness-based interventions. There is a clear role for non-pharmacological therapies for OA. Future research should address the effectiveness of interventions for which evidence is still limited, strategies for maintenance, heterogeneity of patients' responses to these therapies, and implementation in clinical and community settings.

Purpose of review: This review aims to explore the emerging concept of difficult-to-treat axial spondyloarthritis (D2T-axSpA), including its definitions, clinical challenges, and management strategies. The objective, as presented at the SPARTAN 2024 Annual Meeting, is to delineate the evolving framework for identifying and addressing D2T-axSpA, with a focus on inflammatory and non-inflammatory mechanisms of treatment failure and the implications for clinical practice.

Recent findings: Studies have highlighted a prevalence of D2T-axSpA ranging from 19.5 to 28.3% in real-world cohorts, with associated risk factors including peripheral arthritis, comorbidities, and female gender. Recent advances include the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society's (ASAS) preliminary definition of "difficult-to-manage axSpA" (D2M-axSpA), which encompasses treatment-refractory cases and broader management challenges and `treatment refractory axSpA´ where objective evidence of ongoing inflammation is mandatory.  D2T-axSpA presents significant challenges due to persistent disease activity and the interplay of inflammatory and non-inflammatory drivers. The emerging definitions and research into personalized treatment strategies promise to refine clinical management. Future directions emphasize biomarker-driven precision medicine, novel therapeutic combinations, and holistic care models to improve outcomes in this complex patient population.

Purpose of review: There is an unmet need to adequately identify, describe and treat the musculoskeletal manifestations of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). At the 2024 SPARTAN annual meeting, we reviewed the current literature on the prevalence and presentation of spondyloarthritis in patients with IBD and discussed screening strategies to select symptomatic patients for further study. The primary goal is to improve understanding and recognition of spondyloarthritis in this patient population.

Recent findings: In a unique collaboration between U.S. gastroenterologists and rheumatologists, the Gastroenterology and Rheumatology assessment of Spondyloarthritis in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (GRaSp-IBD) study group designed and executed a multi-center study across six institutions that applied a hybrid screening tool to identify patients with musculoskeletal symptoms suggestive of spondyloarthritis. The data was analyzed for confirmed rheumatic disease, treatment history, patient and IBD characteristics. Of the patients that screened positive, the majority (69%) had not seen a rheumatologist within the past year. IBD phenotype did not seem to increase the risk of a positive screen, but a higher number of biologic exposures proved significant. IBD patients report musculoskeletal pain at a high rate but a minority of these patients are seen by rheumatologists. Further study is needed to determine how to optimize screening for IBD arthritis, and to improve referral rates and clinical outcomes.

Purpose: To summarize the latest research on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C).

Recent findings: The epidemiology of MIS-C has been dynamic since its initial description. The pathogenesis remains poorly understood. Case definitions of MIS-C have evolved over time, and practice patterns for treating MIS-C are variable with generally positive long-term outcomes yet persistent changes noted. MIS-C has become less prevalent and less severe over time, yet racial and ethnic disparities persist, and vaccination against COVID-19 is highly effective in preventing this disease. The link between acute infection and subsequent inflammation is not well understood, with growing evidence describing its immunologic signature. Newer case definitions require excluding other inflammatory conditions, including Kawasaki Disease (KD), before diagnosing MIS-C. Corticosteroid monotherapy may be non-inferior to IVIg alone or combination IVIg plus corticosteroids for initial treatment, distinguishing the approaches to MIS-C and KD. A wide range of biologic therapies have been employed for rescue therapy with general success and no clear benefit of one over another. Despite reports of a high rate of coronary artery abnormality regression and resolution of heart failure, long-term studies suggest persistent changes to cardiac function. The long-term effects of MIS-C continue to be active areas of research.

Purpose of review: Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a rather prevalent chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease that affects already relatively young patients. It has been known better since the end of the nineteenth century but quite a lot has been learned since the early 60ies when the first classification (diagnostic) criteria for ankylosing spondylitis (AS) were agreed on. I have been part of many developments in the last 30 years, and I'm happy to have been able to contribute to the scientific progress in terms of diagnosis, imaging, pathophysiology and therapy. When I was asked to write a manuscript about the SpA concept I felt honored. Thus, the purpose of this extensive review was, on the one hand, to describe the history of AS and axSpA, and on the other hand, to reason about the concept and the gestalt of axSpA, and finally to deliver some ideas what future researchers could possibly do to further study the disease.

Recent findings: The last 3 decades were full of innovations for both, classification and treatment of axSpA which also helped us to learn about the pathophysiology. Thus, TNFa, IL-17, IL-23 and Janus kinase are established targets to reduce inflammation. IL-17 and IL-23 are very special in that regard because they both work for psoriasis but only anti-IL-17 agents which don't work in IBD are approved for axSpA, while IL 23 inhibitors are approved for both, psoriasis and IBD, but they don't work in axSpA. New imaging techniques such as low dose CT and synthetic MRI are likely to improve the detection of both active and structural lesions of axSpA. This manuscript tries to describe the most important findings about axSpA. The main aim of research remains to discover the pathophysiology and to further improve treatment options in order to reduce and abolish inflammation and prevent new bone formation to increase the quality of life of our patients. The differences between male and female disease and the role of the immune system in axSpA are now the main challenges, and the role of special T-cell receptors seem to deserve special interest.

Purpose of review: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the synovial tissue, where T cells play a central role in pathogenesis. Recent research has identified T peripheral helper (Tph) cells as critical mediators of local B cell activation in inflamed tissues. This review synthesizes the latest advancements in our understanding the of the role of T cells in RA, from initiation to established disease.

Recent findings: We explore recent advances regarding the genetic and epigenetic factors that predispose individuals to RA, the mechanisms of T cell activation and differentiation, and the interactions between T cells and other immune and stromal cells within the synovial microenvironment. The emergence of Tph cells as key drivers of RA pathobiology is highlighted, along with their potential as therapeutic targets. We also discuss the heterogeneity of T cell responses and their interplay with synovial cells, while addressing critical research gaps such as the drivers of T cell recruitment and the plasticity of synovial phenotypes. A deeper understanding of T cell dynamics in RA will provide valuable insights for developing targeted therapies to modulate T cell-mediated inflammation and improve patient outcomes.

Purpose of review: Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a complex heterogeneous inflammatory disease that affects about one-third of patients with psoriasis. PsA leads to significant physical impairment and reduced quality of life. Therefore, early diagnosis and intervention are critical for improving long-term outcomes. The purpose of this review is to highlight the advantages of unconventional imaging methods in the diagnosis and management of PsA and to discuss recent advancements in imaging technology.

Recent findings: Conventional imaging methods, such as radiography, musculoskeletal ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging, have been instrumental in detecting structural joint damage and inflammation. However, these imaging modalities have several limitations, resulting in their inability to detect early disease changes. Recent advancements in imaging technology have led to the development of novel imaging modalities capable of characterizing not only early structural but also molecular aspects of disease activity. These cutting-edge approaches have been lately applied to both psoriasis and PsA patients, offering new insights into disease progression, the transition from psoriasis to PsA, and treatment responses. By providing more detailed and individualized assessments, unconventional imaging modalities may bring us closer to realizing the potential of personalized medicine in the management of PsA.

Purpose of review: The purpose of this publication is to review the role of imaging in axial spondyloarthritis. These findings were presented at the SPARTAN annual meeting in May 2024.

Recent findings: Imaging plays a major role in the diagnosis and monitoring of axial spondyloarthritis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of active inflammatory lesions (bone marrow edema, capsulitis, inflammation in an erosion cavity, enthesitis, fluid in the joint) and structural lesions (erosions, fat lesions, fat metaplasia in an erosion cavity, bone bud, ankylosis) aid in the early diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis. Recent data strongly suggests that positive imaging of the sacroiliac joint, especially MRI signs of inflammation, can predict axial spondyloarthritis progression and prognosis. Emerging data supports that MRI findings at baseline might play a role in predicting treatment response. This review covered different imaging concepts, including the role of imaging in early diagnosis as well as prediction of progression, prognosis, and treatment response.

Purpose of review: The purpose of this review is to highlight high impact clinical research in axial spondyloarthritis that was published between May 2023 and April 2024. These publications were presented at the SPARTAN annual meeting in May 2024.

Recent findings: Three publications addressed the rate and predictors of radiographic progression in axial spondyloarthritis. MRI-based synthetic CT was introduced as a new modality to assess spinal structural damage. One of the first definitions of difficult to treat axial spondyloarthritis was published. Biologic taper, flare rates, and predictors of flares were discussed. Minimally invasive one-level osteotomy can be an option to correct kyphosis with less risk compared to standard approach. Different therapeutic classes seem to be protective against anterior uveitis in axial spondyloarthritis. Patients who receive biologic or targeted synthetic disease modifying antirheumatic drugs are at increased risk of non-serious infections, but not serious infections that are associated with hospitalization or mortality. This year-in-review session covered different concepts, including imaging and radiographic progression, difficult to treat axial spondyloarthritis, biologic taper, surgery, anterior uveitis, and risk of infections.