Many patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) experience impaired hand function, yet the precise nature and impact of this impairment remains unclear. In this study, we explored the determinants of hand function impairment in SSc from a patient perspective and its impact on daily life. Additionally, we identified unmet care needs related to hand function impairment.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of chronic pain and disability worldwide, traditionally viewed as a disease of aging. However, emerging evidence highlights its increasing prevalence among middle-aged adults (40-59 years), a population critical to socioeconomic stability. This study is designed to assess the burden of OA among middle-aged adults.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease in which fibrotic, vascular, autoimmune and fibrotic mechanisms synergize to promote disease progression. SSc is associated with high morbidity and mortality, primarily owing to fibrotic tissue remodelling and subsequent organ failure. Despite progress with the approval of novel therapies, mortality remains high; approximately half of the people diagnosed with SSc will succumb to disease. This statistic highlights the considerable need for novel, effective therapies. Indeed, SSc has become a disease with very active drug development. Numerous drugs with different modes of actions are currently evaluated in or are about to enter clinical trials in SSc. These clinical trials provide hope for effectively slowing or even halting the progression of fibrosis and thereby further improving outcomes for patients with SSc.

Infections are increasingly recognised as a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, autoinflammatory, somatic (VEXAS) syndrome. We conducted a systematic review to characterise the infectious burden of VEXAS syndrome and propose preventive strategies. We included 57 studies (813 patients) showing that infections in patients with VEXAS syndrome were frequent, severe in 40-60% of cases, and fatal in 6-15% of cases. Pulmonary infections were most common, followed by cutaneous infections and bacteraemia. Opportunistic pathogens, such as Pneumocystis jirovecii, Legionella pneumophila, non-tuberculous mycobacteria, and varicella zoster virus, were frequently reported, even in patients not receiving immunosuppressive therapy, which suggests intrinsic immune dysfunction. Prophylaxis with co-trimoxazole (or other Pneumocystis prophylaxis, such as atovaquone or pentamidine) and valaciclovir should particularly be considered for patients at high risk of infection, including those receiving immunosuppressive therapy and those with lymphopenia, pMet41Val mutation, or previous severe or recurrent infections. Posaconazole might be appropriate in patients with neutropenia who are taking azacitidine. Vaccination against Streptococcus pneumoniae, varicella zoster virus, influenza, and SARS-CoV-2 is recommended. These data highlight the need to integrate infectious risk into VEXAS syndrome management and to evaluate preventive strategies in prospective studies.

Vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, autoinflammatory, and somatic (VEXAS) syndrome is a newly identified disorder caused by an acquired monogenic somatic UBA1 gene mutation, affecting nuclear and cytoplasmic ubiquitination. This mutation triggers immune dysregulation, leading to diverse clinical and pathological features resembling inflammatory rheumatic diseases. Blood abnormalities stem from myeloid precursor dysfunction, presenting as elevated concentrations of inflammatory markers and cytokines, leukopenia, and macrocytosis. These abnormalities can lead to inflammatory arthritis, vasculitis, polychondritis, thrombosis, and connective tissue disease-like syndromes. This Review explores the clinical and mechanistic links between VEXAS syndrome and rheumatic diseases, offering guidance on current best management strategies. Although rare, VEXAS syndrome has high morbidity and mortality, providing valuable insights into how genetic mutations drive immune system activation and rheumatic disease development.

Baricitinib has previously been shown to improve clinical response in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in the JUVE-BASIS trial. In this post-hoc analysis we aimed to identify whether pharmacodynamic changes in serum biomarkers in response to baricitinib treatment could help reaffirm the clinical utility of baricitinib in patients with JIA.

Allopurinol, the most prescribed urate-lowering drug, is a known cause of severe cutaneous adverse reactions. We aimed to develop and validate a model to assess the risk of allopurinol-induced severe cutaneous adverse reactions in adults newly prescribed allopurinol.

The optimal treatment strategy in early psoriatic arthritis remains unknown. We aimed to assess whether the combination of methotrexate and golimumab plus corticosteroids is superior to methotrexate plus corticosteroids in reducing disease activity in early, untreated psoriatic arthritis.

To describe the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in SSc and Very Early Diagnosis of SSc (VEDOSS), identify clinical and serological features associated with GI involvement and explore a cranio-caudal pattern of symptom distribution, using data from the Italian SPRING-SIR registry.