Ixekizumab, an interleukin 17A inhibitor, has demonstrated efficacy in improving clinical and patient-reported outcomes in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). However, objective data regarding its effects on peripheral inflammation in joints and entheses, inflammation of the posterolateral spinal segments, and structural progression in the spine are lacking. In this study, we aim to address the abovementioned gaps by conducting a longitudinal investigation of the effects of ixekizumab on peripheral and axial inflammation and structural damage in patients with axSpA and PsA. Through comprehensive assessment using advanced imaging techniques such as whole-body magnetic resonance (WB-MRI) and detailed MRI evaluation of the spine, including MRI-based synthetic computed tomography (synthetic CT), and low-dose CT, we seek to investigate the therapeutic effectiveness of ixekizumab across different disease domains.

Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) encompasses three rare yet interrelated diseases: granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). Despite increasing recognition, the diagnosis of AAV remains challenging, even in specialized medical centres, owing to its clinical heterogeneity, overlap with mimicking conditions, and the variable performance of ANCA testing. The assessment of a patient suspected of AAV requires a timely synthesis of symptoms, physical examination, laboratory tests, histopathology and imaging data to substantiate the diagnosis, exclude alternative diagnoses, assess disease activity and extent, and enable rapid initiation of appropriate therapies. Classification is similarly complex, and evolving classification systems are based on clinical phenotype, ANCA specificity or a combination of both, each with implications for disease monitoring, therapeutic decisions and trial design. Assessing disease severity and predicting prognosis are fundamental but complicated by the diverse patterns of organ involvement, relapsing-remitting course and co-morbidities. Although validated tools exist for measuring disease activity, organ damage and prognosis, many limitations remain, particularly in identifying smouldering disease, irreversible damage and risk of relapse. Emerging therapies have improved outcomes, with recovery of kidney function, better overall survival and improved glucocorticoid-related toxicity, but patients with AAV continue to experience high risks of chronic morbidity and early mortality. This Review explores current challenges and opportunities in the diagnosis, classification and prognostic assessment of AAV, and outlines a structured framework to support personalized and outcome-focused care.

Patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) treated with immunosuppressive therapies are at higher risk for infections, including those preventable by vaccines. Among these therapies, Janus kinase inhibitors (JAK-is) are increasingly used, though their association with varicella zoster virus (VZV) reactivation raises concerns. The recombinant zoster vaccine (Shingrix™) is recommended for immunocompromised individuals and has shown strong safety and efficacy; however, data on its immunogenicity in IMID patients-especially those receiving JAK-is, anti-TNF agents or MTX-remain limited. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate both humoral and cellular immune responses to the recombinant herpes zoster vaccine in IMID patients treated with different JAK inhibitors in comparison with IMID patients treated with 'conventional' therapies, i.e. anti-TNF and/or MTX. We also sought to assess whether immune responses differ between patients receiving pan-JAK-is vs selective JAK1 inhibitors, and to identify clinical factors associated with reduced vaccine-induced immunity.

The effects of sodium-glucose transporter 2 inhibitors (SGTL2i) in patients with lupus nephritis (LN) remain poorly studied. This study aimed to assess the SGLT2i effects in patients with LN and residual proteinuria through a retrospective before-and-after study.

Aberrant interferon (IFN) signalling is strongly associated with rheumatic diseases, particularly rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Blood dendritic cell antigen 2 (BDCA-2) regulates IFN production in plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs). While heparin inhibits IFN formation via triggering surface BDCA-2, its soluble form (solBDCA-2) antagonizes heparin and thereby drives excessive IFN formation. However, the role of solBDCA-2 in RA and SLE is unknown. This study aims to determine whether solBDCA-2 can serve as a biomarker for RA and/or SLE and provide insights into its potential role in disease mechanisms.

Infiltrative anterior mediastinal lesions are reportedly a characteristic CT finding of thrombocytopenia, anasarca, fever, reticulin fibrosis and organomegaly (TAFRO) syndrome. The present study aimed to explore their potential clinical value in TAFRO syndrome.

To perform the cross-cultural adaptation of the psoriasis epidemiology screening tool (PEST) questionnaire into Spanish (PEST-S) and conduct a preliminary exploratory assessment of its discriminative ability to identify PsA among patients with psoriasis (Ps), OA, or both.

Takayasu arteritis is a rare vasculitis characterized by inflammation of large arteries. Given the robust genetic association with HLA-B*52:01, it was recently proposed to classify Takayasu arteritis within the spectrum of MHC-I-opathies. Although genetic associations in ERAP1 and ERAP2 have been described in several MHC-I-opathies, their role in Takayasu arteritis remains unclear. This study investigated the genetic interaction between ERAP1/ERAP2 and HLA-B*52:01 in Takayasu arteritis.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of s.c. secukinumab 300 mg combined with standard of care (SoC) in adult patients with active LN.

The presentation and outcomes of Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are influenced by ethnicity and genetic background. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the leading countries of SLE per recent reports. In this study, we evaluated the effect of positive family history (FHx) of SLE and autoimmunity on clinical presentations and disease outcomes.

Text-based messaging support can improve rheumatoid arthritis (RA) care delivery by connecting patients with healthcare providers (HCPs) in an efficient and convenient manner. However, the nature and appropriateness of patient messaging in this new care model are unknown. The aim of this study was to (1) analyze the frequency and nature of text messages patients sent to their HCPs, and (2) to identify patient characteristics associated with higher texting frequency in a pilot of a text-based messaging (using the WelTel platform) added to usual rheumatology care.

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) increases cardiovascular disease risk. Emerging evidence suggests biologic Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) may offer protective effects, though their advantage over conventional therapy remains under investigation.