December 2025 to March 2026
Author: Victoria Sadovici-Bobeica
STAMP trial: intensive biologic-first vs standard care in psoriatic arthritis (1-year RCT results)
Koc GH et al. in this randomized trial of 120 patients with newly diagnosed psoriatic arthritis compared early intensive treatment using secukinumab with a standard step-up approach. At 6 months, ACR50 response rates were similar (42% vs 35%) and not statistically different. Adverse and serious adverse events were comparable between groups. By 12 months, both strategies achieved similar clinical improvements, with about half of patients reaching ACR50, indicating treatment targets can be met regardless of initial therapy choice.
Cardiovascular risk control in APS vs SLE-related APS (SURF-SLE/APS study)
Bolla E et al. in this multicentre study of 1,003 patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) found a high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and poor target attainment. Hypertension and hyperlipidaemia were more common in SLE-related APS, while primary APS showed worse overall risk factor control, including smoking cessation and blood pressure targets. Older age and prior arterial thrombosis reduced target attainment. Findings highlight suboptimal cardiovascular risk management in APS, particularly in primary APS, and underscore the need for improved awareness and preventive strategies.
HLH mortality trends in Europe (2011–2021): a population-based study
Gumber L et al. in this population-based study analysed 3,345 deaths from haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis across 29 European countries (2011–2021). Mortality nearly doubled, rising from 3.9 to 6.6 per 10 million person-years. Rates were highest in young children and older adults and higher in males. Substantial variation between countries suggests under-recognition. Higher mortality correlated with greater research activity. Findings highlight the need for improved awareness, timely diagnosis, and implementation of evidence-based management guidelines.
Pan American League of Associations for Rheumatology recommendations for the management of rheumatoid arthritis
Santos Moreno P et al. with The Pan American League of Associations for Rheumatology developed evidence-based recommendations for rheumatoid arthritis management in Latin America using systematic reviews and GRADE methodology. Experts from multiple countries reached ≥70% consensus on 10 recommendations and a treatment algorithm. Key guidance includes early methotrexate use, cautious glucocorticoids, switching therapies after failure, and tapering in remission. The guidelines emphasize cost-effectiveness and accessibility, providing a practical, region-specific framework to support clinical decision-making.
REVEAL study: patient profiles and early response to anifrolumab in SLE (interim analysis)
Tani C et al. in this interim analysis of the REVEAL study included 236 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) starting anifrolumab across 25 Italian centres. At 6 months, 26% achieved remission, 57% reached LLDAS5, and 66% reached LLDAS. The cohort was predominantly female (93%) with active mucocutaneous and articular disease. Adverse events occurred in 108 cases, mostly infections. Findings provide real-world evidence supporting anifrolumab’s clinical effectiveness and tolerability with a relatively rapid onset of action.
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.