August 2025 to November 2025
Author: Hannah den Braanker
Long-Term Effects of Selexipag in SSc-Associated Digital Ulcers
Iannone et al. (10.1093/rheumatology) evaluated the long-term efficacy of selexipag in treating digital ulcers (DUs) in systemic sclerosis (SSc). The research found that selexipag significantly improved DU healing rates (87% vs 28% for iloprost) and reduced relapse rates (5% vs 45% at 24 months) compared to iloprost. This suggests selexipag as a promising treatment for refractory DUs in SSc patients.
Daily Rheumatology Dillema’s: glucocorticoid tapering speed
Ohmura et al. (10.1093/rheumatology) evaluated the impact of rapid glucocorticoid (GC) reduction on renal outcomes in patients with proliferative lupus nephritis (LN). The study found that rapid GC reduction to ≤7.5 mg/day within 6 months did not compromise renal outcomes or increase relapse rates compared to conventional tapering. Partial renal response (PRR) at 12 months was achieved by 86% in the rapid GC group and 84.4% in the conventional group. This suggests that rapid GC tapering is a viable strategy for LN management.
Axial Psoriatic Arthritis vs. Axial Spondyloarthritis: Are We Any Closer to Understanding the Differences?
Vassilakis et al. (10.1093/rheumatology) aimed to present the clinical and imaging characteristics of patients with axial psoriatic arthritis (axPsA) and identify possible subtypes. The study found that 25.8% of PsA patients had axPsA, with 42% having isolated sacroiliac involvement and 32% having isolated spinal involvement. AxPsA patients had higher rates of HLA-B27 positivity, enthesitis, and inflammatory bowel disease. This highlights the complexity and heterogeneity of axPsA.
How Can We Help Patients Live Healthier Lives? Insights from a Preventive Health Study
Bartsch et al. (10.1093/rheumatology) evaluated the impact of an educational video on adherence to preventive health measures in patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRDs). The intervention group watched a 7-minute video on rheumatic comorbidities. Although the video increased the perceived importance of preventive health, it did not significantly improve adherence to preventive measures compared to the control group. However, personalized to-do lists significantly increased adherence to screenings and vaccinations. This suggests that structured, actionable steps are key to enhancing preventive care.
Hannah den Braanker
Hannah is a rheumatology trainee and PhD candidate in the Netherlands. Her doctoral research focuses on the transition from psoriasis to psoriatic arthritis, with particular emphasis on the role of T cells, the lymphatic system, and immunometabolic mechanisms, including the role of obesity in disease development and progression. Her work combines translational immunology with advanced experimental techniques such as flow cytometry and single-cell sequencing. Alongside her clinical training in rheumatology, she is actively involved in EULAR-related initiatives. She is a member of the EMEUNET Newsletter Subcommittee and currently serves as the EMEUNET Country Liaison for the Netherlands.