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Beginning with the Canadian Early Arthritis Cohort (CATCH) we explore non-articular pain in patients with early RA and discuss how the findings could support a link between disease activity and non-articular pain, as well as confirm the need to intervene. Staying in early RA, we then discuss the two-year data PRAIRI trial data and what they demonstrated in terms of the impact of rituximab on the quality of life of patients with pre-RA. 

This editorial outlines a clinical approach to patients with periodic inflammation of unknown origin despite initial rational and targeted investigation. The focus of the editorial is on the recognition and diagnosis of systemic autoinflammatory diseases (SAIDs). Although rare, SAIDs are valuable diagnoses given they carry a risk of disease-associated damage and are often treatable. The authors […]

The global burden of disease is heavily impacted by the increased prevalence of chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases (CIRDs [rheumatoid arthritis (RA), spondyloarthritis (SpA), connective tissue diseases (CTDs) crystal arthropathies and polyarticular osteoarthritis (OA)]), which are prevalent chronic non-communicable diseases associated with pain, functional impairment, and years lived with disability (YLDs).1–4 Comorbidities associated with CIRDs contribute […]

Diffuse alveolar haemorrhage (DAH) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The causes of DAH are diverse, and include rheumatologic conditions such as granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Goodpasture’s syndrome (Table 1). Rheumatologists are frequently consulted, given the high degree of suspicion for these underlying aetiologies.  Another possible […]

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem, autoimmune disorder affecting skin, joints, kidneys, the heart, lungs, the brain and blood cells, and is characterized by heterogeneous presentations and severity. It is more common in females than males, with a ratio of 9:1, and it is associated with significant morbidity and mortality.1 Despite recent novel therapies […]

Biologics are medications derived from biological sources used to treat several immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. These medications interfere with autoimmune processes by inhibiting specific molecular or cellular targets. They are highly effective medications, mostly used in cases of moderate-to-severe disease activity. As such, biologics have revolutionized the treatment of and transformed outcomes for patients with rheumatological […]

Urticarial vasculitis is a rare inflammation of the blood vessels which results in clinical manifestations resembling urticaria with the addition of wheals, there remain no direct treatment options and management involves antihistamines, NSAIDS and ibuprofen to treat the cutaneous manifestations. We were delighted to speak to Dr. Pavel Kolkhir (Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany) around the […]

Standardization of the assessment of disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has made a big difference in the comparability of clinical trials and in treatment processes in clinical practice.1–3 Disease activity is the underlying driver for radiographic progression, and functional limitations and functional disabilities may also evolve by progressive structural damage.4,5 The introduction of composite […]

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a typical complication of psoriasis (PSO) that is often accompanied by nail PSO, vertebral and/or pelvic involvement, enthesitis and iritis. PsA leads to the destruction and/or ankylosis of the peripheral joints or spine, resulting in poor quality of life.1 Interleukin (IL)-23, IL-17 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF) play a pivotal role in […]