Systemic Sclerosis Pregnancies: High Livebirth Rates Mask Significant Risks of Placental Insufficiency and Postpartum Disease Progression
Posted innews OB/GYN & Women's Health Rheumatology

Systemic Sclerosis Pregnancies: High Livebirth Rates Mask Significant Risks of Placental Insufficiency and Postpartum Disease Progression

The French GR2 prospective study reveals that while 91% of pregnancies in systemic sclerosis result in livebirths, patients face significantly higher risks of pre-eclampsia, fetal growth restriction, and severe postpartum hemorrhage, with nearly 40% experiencing maternal disease worsening.
Pregnancy DMT Management in Multiple Sclerosis Increases Relapse Risk — Anti‑CD20 Before Conception Is Most Protective
Posted inNeurology news Rheumatology

Pregnancy DMT Management in Multiple Sclerosis Increases Relapse Risk — Anti‑CD20 Before Conception Is Most Protective

A large French registry study shows that how disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) are managed during pregnancy meaningfully affects relapse rates in relapsing‑onset MS; prolonged natalizumab interruption and fingolimod use carry the highest risks, while preconception anti‑CD20 strategies are most protective.
Can an 11β‑HSD1 Inhibitor Improve Prednisolone’s Benefit–Risk Ratio in Polymyalgia Rheumatica? Early Human Trial Suggests Feasibility
Posted inDiabetes & Endocrinology news Rheumatology

Can an 11β‑HSD1 Inhibitor Improve Prednisolone’s Benefit–Risk Ratio in Polymyalgia Rheumatica? Early Human Trial Suggests Feasibility

A single‑blind sequential cohort trial found that clofutriben, a selective 11β‑HSD1 inhibitor, reduced biomarkers of glucocorticoid toxicity while partially attenuating prednisolone efficacy at low doses; efficacy was restored at higher prednisolone doses, supporting further randomized trials.
Long-Term Impact of Treat-to-Target Urate-Lowering Therapy on Ultrasound-Detected Crystal Depositions and Clinical Outcomes: Insights from the 5-Year NOR-Gout Study
Posted inClinical Updates news Rheumatology

Long-Term Impact of Treat-to-Target Urate-Lowering Therapy on Ultrasound-Detected Crystal Depositions and Clinical Outcomes: Insights from the 5-Year NOR-Gout Study

The 5-year NOR-Gout study demonstrates that sustained low serum urate via treat-to-target therapy leads to dissolution of crystal deposits, reduced flares, and increased remission rates, highlighting the clinical value of long-term urate control in gout management.
UPsA Ultrasound Scores Bring Quantitative Activity and Damage Assessment to Psoriatic Arthritis — Feasible, Responsive Tools from a Multicentre Italian Study
Posted innews Rheumatology

UPsA Ultrasound Scores Bring Quantitative Activity and Damage Assessment to Psoriatic Arthritis — Feasible, Responsive Tools from a Multicentre Italian Study

The UPsA activity and damage ultrasound scores (and a simplified sUPsA) were developed and internally validated in 312 PsA patients; they correlate moderately with clinical measures, are responsive to change (SRM overall 0.63; 1.03 in MDA achievers), and may improve objective monitoring of PsA.
Early IL‑17A Blockade vs Step‑Up Therapy in Psoriatic Arthritis: STAMP trial shows no superior 6‑month benefit for secukinumab-first treat‑to‑target strategy
Posted innews Rheumatology

Early IL‑17A Blockade vs Step‑Up Therapy in Psoriatic Arthritis: STAMP trial shows no superior 6‑month benefit for secukinumab-first treat‑to‑target strategy

The STAMP randomized trial found that a treat‑to‑target strategy starting with secukinumab plus methotrexate did not achieve superior 6‑month ACR50 rates versus a conventional methotrexate‑first step‑up approach; 12‑month outcomes were similar for both strategies.