August 2024 to November 2024
Author: Krystel Aouad & Victoria Sadovici-Bobeica
Cardiovascular risk according to genetic predisposition to gout, lifestyle and metabolic health
Moon et al. (doi:10.1136/rmdopen-2024-004552) examined the association between genetic predisposition to gout and lifestyle habits and the risk of developing CVD, in a total of 224 689 participants of European descent and 50 364 of East Asian descent. The genetic risk for gout was assessed using a polygenic risk score derived from a meta-genome-wide association study. The incident CVD risk was evaluated according to genetic risk, lifestyle and metabolic syndrome. The findings indicate that a higher genetic risk of gout is significantly associated with an increased risk of CVD. Adherence to a favourable lifestyle can significantly reduce CVD risk.
Routine radiographs of hands and feet do not have diagnostic or prognostic value in patients with clinically suspect arthralgia
Doumulin et al. (doi:10.1136/rmdopen-2024-004966) investigated the prevalence of radiographic erosive disease in patients with clinically suspect arthralgia (CSA) and its progression over time. Patients were studied during 2-year follow-up or until development of inflammatory arthritis. The authors concluded that at CSA onset, radiographic erosive disease is rare. In addition, it is rarely progressive within the CSA phase and not predictive for IA development. Therefore, for clinical practice, routinely made radiographs of hands and feet (such as regularly done at RA diagnosis) can be omitted in the at-risk stage of arthralgia.
Comorbidity burden on mortality in patients with systemic sclerosis
Fauthoux et al. (doi:10.1136/rmdopen-2024-004637) mapped out the prevalence of comorbidities and their relation to mortality in patients with systemic sclerosis (SS). The study involved 400 participants. Three specific comorbidities showed significant correlation to mortality: neoplasia, cardiovascular diseases and polypharmacy, as well as two SSc-specific organ involvements (lung and cardiac).
NSAID exposure delays time-to-pregnancy in patients with spondyloarthritis: an analysis of the GR2 prospective cohort
Hamroun et al. (doi:10.1136/rmdopen-2024-004745) present the first prospective study assessing time to pregnancy (TTP) in women with spondyloarthritis (SpA). Their findings reveal that subfertility is prevalent, with 45% of participants categorized as subfertile and a median TTP of 16.1 months. The study also identifies the use of NSAIDs during the preconception period as a key factor linked to prolonged TTP, along with maternal age. These findings underscore the potential impact of NSAID use on delaying pregnancy, supporting concerns about their potential adverse effects on fertility in women with SpA.
The effect of rituximab on patient reported outcomes in the preclinical phase of rheumatoid arthritis: 2 year data from the PRAIRI study
Frazzei et al. (doi: 10.1136/rmdopen-2024-004622) aimed to assess the impact of rituximab (RTX) on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in individuals at risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The PRAIRI study, a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, included 78 RA-risk individuals who received one single dose of either RTX 1000mg or placebo and were followed for up to 24 months. No significant differences were observed in quality of life, pain, or physical functioning between the two groups. Thus, in RA-risk individuals, a single dose of RTX did not improve PROs or perceived disease severity at onset of arthritis, suggesting it is not effective for preventing arthritis or improving quality of life in this population.
Krystel Aouad
Krystel is an Assistant Professor of Rheumatology at Saint George University of Beirut and a full-time consultant rheumatologist at Saint George Hospital University Medical Center in Lebanon. She completed her fellowship at Hotel Dieu de France hospital, Beirut and Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris.Her major interests are Spondyloarthritis, Psoriatic arthritis, patient-reported outcomes, and imaging. Krystel is the current Chair of EMEUNET Visibility and Global Affairs subcommittee.
Victoria Sadovici-Bobeica
Victoria is currently a rheumatologist at the Medpark International Hospital and Assistant Professor at the Department of Internal Medicine of the State University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Nicolae Testemitanu”, both in Moldova. She holds a PhD degree in rheumatology with the research topic being cutaneous involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus. Her research interests are mainly focused on systemic diseases. She has been a member of the Board of the Doctoral School of the Republic of Moldova since 2019 and she is the EMEUNET Country Liaison for the Republic of Moldova.Victoria is a member of the EMEUNET Newsletter Sub-Committee.