ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) is comprised of three specific conditions: granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). Since the publication of the last British Society for Rheumatology (BSR) and British Health Professionals in Rheumatology (BHPR) guideline for the management of adults with AAV in 2014, a plethora of randomized controlled trials, additional research and recommendations have provided novel insights into how the management of AAV can be optimized, thus improving patient quality of life. The BSR AAV Working Group (WG) reviewed published guidelines, undertook a systematic literature review and utilized expertise from specialist vasculitis centres across the UK and patient representatives to formulate a list of 26 recommendations with corresponding strength of agreement (SOA) scores. Recommendations were updated from the published 2014 BSR and BHPR guideline. The 26 recommendations encompassed five key domains: 1. Treatment for GPA and MPA; 2. Management of subglottic stenosis and ear, nose and throat (ENT) manifestations of AAV; 3. Management and treatment for EGPA; 4. Service specifications; 5. Patient education and support. These recommendations provide an update on care delivery of AAV based on current evidence and specialist opinion. In addition, we have provided research and audit recommendations to support equitable access to care and improve health outcomes. The lay summary that accompanies this abstract can be found in Supplementary Data S1, available at Rheumatology online.

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of autoimmune polyendocrine syndromes in patients with SLE and to assess whether autoimmune polyendocrine syndromes predict higher disease activity or worse outcomes.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with increased cardiometabolic risk due to inflammation and traditional risk factors, both of which can be mitigated by lifestyle modifications. This study examines metabolic pathways influenced by lifestyle changes and related to improved cardiometabolic risk.

Oxidative stress plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Assessing total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidant status (TOS) in saliva offers a non-invasive method to evaluate oxidative stress and its relationship with disease severity. This study aimed to measure salivary TAC and TOS levels in RA and SLE patients and compare them with healthy controls.

Withdrawal of DMARD therapy to determine need for ongoing medication is common in JIA management. Little is known about how often patients undergo trials of medication discontinuation or the outcomes of successive trials. This study examined DMARD treatment cycles in a JIA cohort to determine how frequently medication withdrawal trials occur over follow-up and if relapse rates change over consecutive cycles.

Sleep disturbances are highly prevalent in Behçet syndrome (BS) patients. Within this population, sleep disturbances are frequently associated with active disease and comorbid fibromyalgia. However, possible sleep impairments in BS patients without these conditions remain poorly explored, along with BS patients' obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) risk and circadian rhythm preferences. We aimed to address these research gaps through a cross-sectional study comparing sleep and circadian parameters between BS patients, with or without active disease and comorbid fibromyalgia, and healthy controls (HCs).

To evaluate the performance of machine learning (ML) models for the automated scoring of spinal MRI bone marrow oedema (BMO) in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and compare them with expert scoring.

Fatigue is a prevalent but overlooked issue among patients with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) in clinical practice. The internationally widely used Juvenile Arthritis Multidimensional Assessment Report (JAMAR) does not include items on fatigue. We evaluated whether items from its Quality of Life (QoL) section could be used as proxy measurement for fatigue, prompting practitioners to address issues with fatigue during a clinical visit.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a prevalent autoimmune disorder characterized by chronic joint inflammation and progressive bone erosion. Traditional autoantibodies, such as anti-citrullinated peptide antibodies (ACPAs) and rheumatoid factor (RF), are established markers associated with disease severity. Recent studies have identified anti-carbamylated protein (anti-CarP) antibodies as potential indicators of disease progression. Additionally, bone turnover markers and specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) may influence RA pathogenesis. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between autoantibody profiles, disease activity, bone turnover markers, and selected SNPs in a cohort of Polish RA patients.

This study investigated the evolution of collaborative research in rheumatology over 3 decades (1994-2023), utilizing co-authorship network analysis to uncover key contributors, structural trends, and global collaboration patterns. The analysis aimed to provide insights into the dynamics of research cooperation and the factors influencing its development.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease characterized by joint inflammation, degradation of cartilage and bone, and potential systemic effects. This paper provides a comprehensive historical overview of RA treatment, tracing the evolution from ancient empirical methods to modern targeted therapies. Advancements in the understanding of RA's immunopathology have led to the development of conventional, biological, and targeted disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, including tumor necrosis factor α inhibitors and Janus kinase inhibitors. These innovations have been pivotal in transforming RA management, allowing for more personalized and effective treatment strategies. The historical progression in RA treatment reflects a shift from symptomatic management to targeted interventions aimed at the underlying mechanisms of the disease. This shift has not only improved clinical outcomes but also enhanced the quality of life for those affected by RA, underscoring the importance of ongoing research and adaptation of therapeutic strategies.

The available pharmacotherapies (immunosuppressant therapies) for systemic sclerosis (SSc) are not curative, especially in cases with non-lethal but challenging manifestations or complications of the disease. Fatigue, anxiety, depression, an over-activated hypothalamic-pituitary- adrenal axis (stress axis), and low sleeping quality are the common SSc-induced non-lethal manifestations that need close management. Diaphragmatic breathing tele-exercise (DBTE), as a standalone deep breathing retraining and tele-interventional technique, has not been utilized in the rehabilitation context of non-lethal complications in women with SSc. This online interventional study aimed to explore the efficacy of DBTE in controlling depression, cardiovascular autonomic functions, stress, sleep, and anxiety in women with SSc.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic, progressive disease that affects bones and joint structures. Osteoarthritis is associated with joint pain, cartilage degradation, synovial inflammation, subchondral bone remodeling and osteophyte formation. It mainly impacts the knees, hips, hands, and lumbar spine. Despite its high prevalence, no current treatments can modify the course of OA, with most therapies focused on symptomatic relief. Non-pharmacological approaches such as weight management, exercise, and self-management programs are strongly recommended. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), both topical and oral, are commonly used but pose risks with long-term use. In contrast, symptomatic slow-acting drugs for OA, such as glucosamine, chondroitin, and avocado-soybean unsaponifiables (ASU), offer a safer alternative, but their effects remain controversial. Newer therapies, including intra-articular glucocorticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, and centrally acting agents such as duloxetine, offer targeted relief. Emerging evidence suggests that ASU may help reduce pain and improve joint function, potentially lowering the need for NSAIDs, with minimal side effects.

Greater trochanter pain syndrome (GTPS) occurs in a large group of patients. This problem can affect patients of any age and is associated with a sedentary, overloading, and non-ergonomic lifestyle/work with a concomitant lack of regular physical activity. The literature to date describes the effectiveness of various therapies. Glucocorticosteroid injections and physical therapy are used. One of the new methods is injection collagen therapy using collagen type I (COL-I), a protein of porcine origin, which aims, among other things, to regenerate inflammation-changed tendon. Various repair mechanisms are activated, including the induction and proliferation of fibroblasts, as well as their migration to the pathological site. This is followed by stimulation and synthesis of COL-I, secretion, and maturation. Ultimately, a regenerative effect is achieved. This article aims to discuss the role of COL-I in the injectable treatment of GTPS as a new therapeutic approach.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease significantly impacting patients' quality of life (QoL) and necessitating complex, long-term treatment. This study aimed to assess the long-term therapeutic outcomes of biologic therapies in a real-world clinical setting, focusing on the achievement and maintenance of low disease activity (LDA) among RA patients, while also investigating factors influencing these outcomes.

Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by decreased bone mineral density and deterioration of bone microarchitecture, which increases fracture risk. In the context of various chronic pathologies, this condition may present an even higher prevalence, impacting morbidity, mortality, and healthcare burden.

The GUSTO [GCA treatment with Ultra-Short glucocorticoids (GC) and TOcilizumab] trial was set up to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a 52-week tocilizumab (TCZ) monotherapy after a 3-day GC-pulse in new-onset GCA. The presented data show the maintenance effect of the GUSTO protocol over 3 years and the effectiveness or retreatment with TCZ after relapse.

This study is to develop a risk stratification nomogram for early-stage OA based on MRI, especially with potential sequences of MRI called T1rho and T2 mapping.