December 2025 to March 2026
Author: Victoria Sadovici-Bobeica
Difficult-to-manage axial spondyloarthritis: comorbidity burden and long-term outcomes
Bertsias A et al. in this prospective cohort study of 434 patients with axial spondyloarthritis found that 11.5% developed difficult-to-manage (D2M) disease. These patients had higher baseline disease activity and poorer early treatment response. Key predictors included fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, and dyslipidaemia, with comorbidity clusters involving chronic pain and metabolic disease also contributing. Over 2,312 patient-years, D2M patients experienced worse functional outcomes, more hospitalisations, and more serious adverse events, highlighting the impact of comorbidities on long-term disease course.
Global variation in the quality of care for rheumatoid arthritis and associated factors
Huang X et al. introduced a modified Quality of Care Index (QCI) to assess rheumatoid arthritis care quality worldwide. In 2021, the global QCI was 72.09, higher in males (77.25) than females (71.12), with a slow overall improvement since 1990. Better care quality was associated with higher socioeconomic development, while disparities were seen by age, sex, and region. The study highlights ongoing global inequities and the need to improve RA care, particularly for women and low-SDI populations.
Work and activity impairment in juvenile idiopathic arthritis: UCAN CAN-DU prospective study
Marshall DA et al. in this international prospective cohort study of 154 adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) assessed impacts on work and daily activities. Patients reported 7% absenteeism, 27% presenteeism, and 23% overall work impairment, with 29% impairment in daily activities. Higher disease activity was associated with greater impairment. These effects were persistent over time, highlighting substantial productivity and functional limitations in youth with JIA and the need for targeted support during transition into employment.
IL-2: a promising topical treatment for Sjögren’s disease-related dry eye disease
Huang, B et al. (10.1186/s13075-026-03806-w) evaluated low-dose interleukin-2 (Ld-IL-2) as a potential treatment for Sjögren’s disease–related dry eye using a mouse model. Topical Ld-IL-2 increased tear secretion by over 50%, reduced lacrimal gland inflammation, and improved corneal epithelial integrity, with effects comparable to cyclosporine. It also promoted anti-inflammatory IL-10 and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and TNF-α. Findings suggest Ld-IL-2 may be a promising immunomodulatory therapy for Sjögren’s-related dry eye disease.
Methylprednisolone pulses and remission in giant cell arteritis: a multicentre cohort study
Guitián, R.F et al. in this multicentre retrospective cohort study included 206 patients with newly diagnosed giant cell arteritis to compare intravenous methylprednisolone (MP) with oral glucocorticoids. MP (used in 56%) was associated with faster remission (shorter time to remission and higher hazard of remission) and significantly reduced cumulative and daily prednisone exposure. Patients receiving MP also had fewer glucocorticoid-related adverse effects at 3 months. Findings suggest MP may improve outcomes and enable glucocorticoid sparing, warranting prospective validation.
Victoria Sadovici-Bobeica
Victoria is an assistant professor at the Department of Internal Medicine of the State University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Nicolae Testemitanu” in Moldova and Rheumatologist at the International Hospital Medpark, Moldova. She graduated from the same university in 2009.
Her main research interests include systemic diseases and systemic lupus erythematosus.