02. February 2024

New: Points to Consider in Hyperinflammation

Streamlining consistency of care

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EULAR – The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology – has worked in partnership with the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) to develop a set of new points-to-consider for two life-threatening syndromes that can develop in people with inflammatory diseases.  

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01. February 2024

New: CPPD Classification Criteria 

First-ever validated criteria in this common yet neglected disease.

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Calcium pyrophosphate deposition (CPPD) disease is a common, symptomatic arthritis, but until now there have been there are no validated classification criteria. This has hampered research in this common disease that becomes more frequent with increasing age. To address this, EULAR – The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology – has worked with the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) to develop the first-ever classification criteria.

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News of January 2024

22. January 2024

Updated: Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis

Non-drug recommendations for people with hip or knee OA

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Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disease worldwide, but it still remains without cure. EULAR – The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology – has updated its recommendations on the core management of hip and knee OA with non-pharmacological strategies. 

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News of December 2023

07. December 2023

New: Fatigue in Inflammatory RMD  

New recommendations for management

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EULAR – The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology – has produced new recommendations focused on managing the key symptom of fatigue. This common symptom is often overlooked, but it carries a significant burden, and needs to be addressed. 

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06. December 2023

Updated: SLE Management 

2023 recommendations for SLE

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Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that can affect all organs or tissues in the body. EULAR – The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology – has updated its recommendations for the management of this rheumatic disease, with guidance reflecting new understandings and new treatment options.

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News of October 2023

30. October 2023

Updated: Antiphospholipid syndrome

Robust classification criteria for clinical research 

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EULAR - The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology - in collaboration with the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) has published updated classification criteria for antiphospholipid syndrome (APS).

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News of August 2023

23. August 2023

Updated: Imaging Recommendations

Revised recommendations published in ARD

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EULAR – The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology – has reviewed its recommendations on the use of imaging techniques such as ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to confirm diagnosis and support monitoring and outcome prediction in people with large vessel vasculitis (LVV).   

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07. August 2023

Non-Pharmacological Management for SLE and SSC

New recommendations published in ARD

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For the first time, EULAR – The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology – has developed recommendations to provide guidance for non-pharmacological management of people living with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Systemic Sclerosis (SSc). These supportive options aim to help improve quality of life and self-care in people living with these rheumatic diseases.

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News of July 2023

17. July 2023

New: Characterising the Transition from Skin to Joint in Psoriatic Disease

EULAR ‘points to consider’ published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases 

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Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) affects up to one-third of people with psoriasis. New evidence is emerging that supports the idea of a preclinical phase of the disease, with joint pain and imaging abnormalities preceding the diagnosis. EULAR – The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology – has developed a new set of points-to-consider to help characterize the transition from psoriasis to PsA. 

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News of June 2023

29. June 2023

Incoming EULAR Executive Director, Dr Stephan Maier

2023 EULAR welcomes New Executive Director

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EULAR – The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology – is delighted to welcome Dr Stephan Maier, Switzerland, as the new Executive Director of the organisation, succeeding Dr Julia Rautenstrauch, Germany. Dr Maier will focus on leading the EULAR Team and driving the new EULAR Strategy to its vision, mission, and values.

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02. June 2023

01. June 2023

01. June 2023

EULAR 2023: The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology, EULAR, Announces its Strategy for 2024 – 2028

Extending EULAR’s leadership in rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases and building a sound fundament for delivering expertise to the world

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EULAR has generated considerable momentum in the sphere of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) through its various strategic activities over the past years. EULAR carries this momentum forward into the future through its new strategy. Driven by its vision to imagine a world in which all RMDs are recognised, diagnosed, and ultimately prevented or cured, EULAR will provide clear leadership in the relevant topics for the years to come.

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01. June 2023

01. June 2023

EULAR 2023: Healthy Lifestyle and Mortality in Osteoarthritis

A prospective cohort study of the UK Biobank

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Healthy lifestyles are thought to reduce mortality in the general population, but it is not known whether the same is true in osteoarthritis. Fan and colleagues present new data on the topic at the 2023 annual congress of EULAR – the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology.

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News of May 2023

31. May 2023

EULAR 2023: FMF: Factors Associated with Delayed Diagnosis

Data from the JIR shine a light on this important autoinflammatory disease

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Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is the most common autoinflammatory disease worldwide. It affects mainly people of Mediterranean origin and is characterized by short, recurrent attacks of fever, and abdominal or thoracic pain lasting less than 3 days. Several studies report that diagnosis may be missed or delayed even in countries with a high FMF prevalence – but the real causes for the diagnostic delay are not completely known.

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31. May 2023

EULAR 2023: COVID and RA

New data presented at the 2023 congress

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The pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) has had long-term effects, both on our economies and our heath. EULAR – the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology – was involved in registry efforts during the pandemic, and continues to advocate for patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) who remain affected by COVID.

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31. May 2023

EULAR 2023: A Closer Look into Axial Spondyloarthritis

New data expand disease understanding

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EULAR – The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology – welcomes delegates to its annual congress, taking place in Milan, Italy. Experts from around the world will showcase new ideas in scientific sessions and abstract presentations. This includes two from SPACE – the longitudinal SPondyloArthritis Caught Early cohort – and one from an online survey into regional differences in clinical phenotypes.

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31. May 2023

EULAR 2023: Autoimmune Diseases Affect One in Ten

New research shared at the annual congress

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So far there is a lack of reliable estimates of incidence, prevalence, and trends over time for autoimmune diseases. New research presented in Milan aims to change that, with data from a population-based study in over 22 million people.

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31. May 2023

EULAR 2023: Exploring the Role of AI in Early RA

Can a computer replace human interpretation?

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EULAR – the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology – begins its 2023 annual congress on 31st May in Milan, Italy. Among the data being presented, researchers from the Netherlands ask whether artificial intelligence interpretation of MRI images can provide more accurate predictions than visual scoring in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

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31. May 2023

EULAR 2023: Cardiovascular Considerations in RA

New data at the 2023 congress

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Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at higher risk for cardiovascular disease than the general population. Systemic inflammation mediates some of this increased risk, therefore it seems logical that treatment with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) may be beneficial. A number of abstracts presented at the 2023 annual congress of EULAR – the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology – looked at cardiovascular data in RA.

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31. May 2023

EULAR 2023: CV Risk in Psoriatic Arthritis

Building the link between inflammation and disease

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Patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, possibly due to a chronic inflammatory state. New evidence shared at EULAR – the annual meeting of the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology – supports this, showing that aortic vascular inflammation is increased in patients with active PsA compared with controls. 

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31. May 2023

EULAR 2023: Physiotherapy in Your Pocket

Using Apps to support functional rehabilitation

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Digital Apps may be useful to support people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) when they are undergoing functional rehabilitation. New data shared at the annual congress of EULAR – the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology –  suggest that Apps which provide support for exercise can significantly improve a range of outcomes, including physical function, quality of life, and adherence 

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31. May 2023

EULAR 2023: Improving Access to Quality Patient Information

New points to consider for postgraduate programmes

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May 2023 sees the return of the annual EULAR congress – the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology – representing patients, health professionals, and scientific societies in all the European nations. One of EULAR’s educational goals is to deploy innovative learning and facilitate broad access – an approach shared by the team involved in Lupus100.org, and outlined in their abstract at the meeting.

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26. May 2023

NEW: Harmonising Rheumatology Training 

New points to consider for postgraduate programmes

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The structure and content of rheumatology training programmes varies quite widely across Europe, but with freedom of movement there is a need to standardise key aspects. EULAR – the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology – has worked in collaboration with the rheumatology section at the Union Européenne des Médecins Spécialistes (UEMS) to define standards for postgraduate programmes in rheumatology. The new competence-based document should help training providers to analyse their course content, and inspire positive change.

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News of March 2023

23. Mar. 2023

NEW: Points to Consider on using Interferon Assays 

EULAR ‘points to consider’ published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases 

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Type I interferons are involved in a wide range of immune functions. They have also been implicated in the development of autoimmune and anti-inflammatory process, which are the basis of many rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMD). Now, new points-to-consider from an expert consensus place them at the forefront of clinical research and practice.

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News of December 2022

12. Dec. 2022

Updated: GCA Classification Criteria

2022 update published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases

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EULAR – The European Alliance of Rheumatology Associations – together with the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), developed and validated new classification criteria for giant cell arteritis. The aim is to help ensure consistency in clinical trials and research, and to build on new advances in non-invasive and advanced imaging techniques.

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 9. Dec. 2022

Updated: Takayasu Classification

2022 update published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases

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EULAR – The European Alliance of Rheumatology Associations – together with the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) developed and validated new classification criteria for Takayasu arteritis. The aim is to ensure the consistency of inclusion rules for clinical trials and research in this disease, and to build on new advances in imaging.

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News of November 2022

22. Nov. 2022

NEW: Screening and Treating Infections in AIIRD

Brand new guidance published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases

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EULAR – The European Alliance of Rheumatology Associations – has developed new recommendations for screening and prevention of chronic and opportunistic infections in people with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIIRD). This is intended as a single point of reference to support routine practice and help identify how to check for and manage common infections.

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 11. Nov. 2022

Updated: RA Treatment Recommendations

2022 update published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases

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EULAR – The European Alliance of Rheumatology Associations – has updated its recommendations on disease-modifying treatment for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to take into account developments and new evidence in the field. Three small changes and one major change have been implemented, the major change involving Janus kinase inhibitors.

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9. Nov. 2022

Update: axSpA Recommendations

ASAS-EULAR updated recommendations published

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EULAR – The European Alliance of Rheumatology Associations – has updated its recommendations for the management of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). In collaboration with ASAS – Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society – the new paper has been published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.

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9. Nov. 2022

REVISED: ACR/EULAR REMISSION CRITERIA

Revisiting the criteria for remission in rheumatoid arthritis

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In collaboration with the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), EULAR – The European Alliance of Rheumatology Associations – has developed a new set of criteria for defining remission in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

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1. Nov. 2022

NEW: REPORTING REQUIREMENTS IN RESEARCH

EULAR ‘points to consider’ published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases

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Synovial tissue makes up the lining of a joint, and is critical for its function. In order to help standardize data collection in this field, EULAR – the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology – propose a set of new points to consider for minimal reporting requirements in synovial tissue research.

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1. Nov. 2022

NO IMPACT OF DIET ON RMD OUTCOMES

Systematic review and meta-analyses informing the new EULAR recommendations

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In 2022, EULAR – the European Alliance of Rheumatology Associations – published new recommendations regarding lifestyle behaviours and work participation to prevent progression of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). Alongside these recommendations, the society has also made public the collated evidence and supporting analyses – including looking specifically at the impact of diet.

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1. Nov. 2022

NEW: POINTS TO CONSIDER FOR DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT AND MONITORING OF SYSTEMIC AUTOINFLAMMATORY DISEASES

EULAR ‘points to consider’ published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases

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Diagnosis and management of Systemic Autoinflammatory Diseases (SAIDs) can be challenging, and when left untreated people with severe SAIDs have poor prognosis. But there are life-changing treatments that can significantly improve outcomes. EULAR – The European Alliance of Rheumatology Associations – has developed a set of new points to consider in order to help improve care for people with these rare diseases.

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News of October 2022

28. Oct. 2022

NEW: Standardised Ultrasound Courses

Agreeing the scope of paediatric musculoskeletal ultrasound courses in Europe

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Despite the flourishing of paediatric musculoskeletal ultrasound courses in recent years, the content, conduct and format has never been internationally agreed. The current project is the first one dealing with the need of international standardised, high-level education in this imaging modality.

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28. Oct. 2022

Update: Vaccination in Children with AIIRD

EULAR recommendations published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases

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EULAR – the European Alliance of Rheumatology Associations – has updated its recommendations on safe and effective vaccination and infection prevention in immunocompromised children with autoimmune/inflammatory rheumatic diseases (pedAIIRD).

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28. Oct. 2022

NEW: Including Youth Perspectives

EULAR ‘points to consider’ published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases

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A range of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) with different features is available for people with inflammatory arthritis. However, the specific needs and priorities of younger patients have not been explored. EULAR – the European Alliance of Rheumatology Associations – set out to develop a new framework to include the perspectives of young patients with inflammatory arthritis.

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28. Oct. 2022

Filling Data Gaps: Gender Equity in Academic Rheumatology

New empirical data generated by EULAR to inform a new task force

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Gender equity can contribute to social progress and research quality. Yet, in many fields of academic medicine, women remain under-represented, especially in leadership roles. Based on survey data collected by EULAR, this study provides empirical evidence on the issue of gender equity in academic rheumatology.

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20. Oct. 2022

NEW: Points to Consider to help People with an RMD stay in work

EULAR ‘points to consider’ published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases

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Rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) are one of the leading causes of work disability, and account for up to 60% of prolonged sick leave and work disability in the European Union. EULAR – the European Alliance of Rheumatology Associations – has drafted a set of new points to consider to help people with RMDs engage in heathy and sustainable employment.

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News of September 2022

15. Sep. 2022 

EULAR Increases its Support to Improve Research Methods and Processes

The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) has launched a new funding opportunity to support European investigators interested in developing and evaluating innovative RMD research methods and tools. These are critically needed to find new solutions to the persistent unmet needs of people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases

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News of June 2022

4. Jun. 2022

EULAR 2022: 10 Years of Initiative: Analysis of the EMEUNET Mentoring Programme

Analysis of the EULAR mentoring programme 

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In 2012, the Emerging EULAR – the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology – Network (EMEUNET) started a mentoring programme in collaboration with the editorial board of top-leading journals in rheumatology, with the aim of improving peer reviewing skills of young researchers. Survey data presented at the 2022 EULAR Congress in Copenhagen show that after 5 editions over 10 years, the Mentoring Programme continues to be a valuable opportunity, with skill benefits for both mentees and mentors.

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4. Jun. 2022

EULAR 2022: The Importance of Treatment Goals in PSA

New data show treatment goals are important, but perceptions may not be aligned 

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Results presented at the 2022 EULAR Congress show that early achievement of minimal disease activity (MDA) in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is associated with long-term improvements in quality of life. Although this highlights the importance of setting and achieving goals early on in the disease, further multinational data released from the UPLIFT study suggest the majority of PsA patients are not aligned with their health care provider on the topic of treatment goals. This emphasises the need to improve communication around treatment goals in order to optimize patient outcomes.  

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3. Jun. 2022

EULAR 2022: Patient Involvement and Empowerment: Coping with Rheumatic Diseases

Projects benefit from inclusion of the patient voice

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Having a rheumatic and musculoskeletal Disease (RMD) has an impact on daily activities, work, relationships, and quality of life. Patients may also feel a sense of invalidation. EULAR – The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology – has made efforts to raise awareness for the burden imposed by RMDs and promote the best quality of care, including recognition and psychosocial support. However, it is unclear how frequent and severe the problem remains nowadays. Several groups presenting findings at the 2022 EULAR Congress on patient empowerment and research aimed at helping people cope with living with an RMD.

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3. Jun. 2022

EULAR 2022: Improving Treatment For Lupus Nephritis: New Data Released At EULAR

Findings support recommendations targeting early remission  

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Lupus nephritis (LN) is a frequent complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and one of the most severe organ manifestations, affecting up to 40% of patients. It constitutes an important cause of morbidity and death among patients with SLE, and leads to end stage kidney disease (ESKD) in 17–33% after 10 years. The renal injury is the result of an immune-mediated process which involves leukocytes, immune complexes, complement, and cytokines. Data shared at the 2022 EULAR Congress include the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD), a post-hoc analysis of voclosporin data based on updated response criteria, and an integrated multilevel omics analysis that reveals pathways of potential interest for future drug targets.

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3. Jun. 2022

EULAR 2022: Antimalarials And Electrocardiographic Alterations: New Data Bring Confidence

Two groups report findings at the EULAR Congress 

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Antimalarial drugs such as hydroxychloroquine are commonly used in the management of rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, these agents were tested for patients with acute respiratory infection, with several studies reporting a risk of prolongation of corrected QT interval (QTc). Two groups have now released new findings on the relationship between antimalarials and electrocardiographic alterations in people with rheumatic diseases. 

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3. Jun. 2022

EULAR 2022: Osteoarthritis Represents Risk For Variety Of Comorbidities Across Different Organ Systems

But weight loss could represent and important management strategy 

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Osteoarthritis is one of the most common types of arthritis. It is commonly thought of as a degenerative disease, caused by wear and tear over time. This common and disabling disease places a significant burden on both patients and health care systems Three abstracts presented at the 2022 EULAR Congress in Copenhagen shed new light on risk of a wide range of comorbidities following osteoarthritis diagnosis, and the impact of body weight on structural defects and the need for knee replacement surgery. Results suggest prevention of overweight and obesity from young adulthood could have a major impact on the burden of knee osteoarthritis, and associated health care costs. 

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3. Jun. 2022

EULAR 2022: New Evidence Supporting COVID Severity Risk Factors In People With Diverse Rheumatic Diseases

New insights shared at the EULAR Congress 

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COVID-19 is the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection. Some factors associated with severe COVID-19 outcomes have been identified in patients with inflammatory and autoimmune rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs), including older age, male sex, comorbidity burden, higher disease activity, and certain medications such as rituximab. New data released at the 2022 EULAR Congress shine a light on some specific factors for people with psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis (PsA), axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), or idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM). 

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3. Jun. 2022

EULAR 2022: Validation of EULAR Recommendations For Imaging In Giant Cell Arteritis

Ultrasound offers potential as a tool for diagnosis and monitoring in GCA 

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Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a disease of the blood vessels, which causes inflammation in the artery lining. EULAR – the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology – has previously published recommendations for the use of imaging in large vessel vasculitis. Four new abstracts presented at the 2022 EULAR Congress in Copenhagen examined the use of ultrasound for the diagnosis and monitoring of GCA. Key findings establish that an imaging test supported by clinical pre-test probability is sufficient for the diagnosis of GCA; ultrasound is also confirmed as a potential tool for monitoring treatment response.

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3. Jun. 2022

EULAR 2022: People With Rheumatic Diseases Have Deteriorated Sex Lives

Sexual dysfunction should be addressed in the management of RMDs 

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Chronic rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) cause pain and disability, and can impair quality of life. RMDs also have an important impact on people’s sex lives. Two abstracts presented at the 2022 EULAR Congress in Copenhagen looked at how RMDs impact the sexual sphere, and how specialized physical therapy might be used to support some groups.  

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3. Jun. 2022

EULAR 2022: Air Pollution A Key Environmental Exposure Driving Inflammatory Arthritis Development

New evidence on pollutants and rheumatic disease shared at the 2022 EULAR Congress 

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Mounting evidence has shown that environmental exposures are linked to the development of inflammatory arthritis, with air pollution associated with disruption at a molecular level in the immune system. Pollutants can also have an impact on bone health. Data presented at the 2022 EULAR Congress in Copenhagen show that chronic exposures to air pollutants are associated with incremental increases in the risk of having an autoimmune disease. Meanwhile, a second research group demonstrate that cleaning activities are underestimated sources of silica exposure in women with RA compared to the general population, and may contribute to disease development.  

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3. Jun. 2022

New Data at EULAR 2022: Risk Factors For Severe COVID-19 Outcomes In A Large US Health Care System

More reliable analysis on larger populations is essential for current and future pandemics 

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COVID-19 is the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection. Data from a large US health care system have been used to analyse COVID outcomes of patients with and without immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs). Overall, patients with and without IMIDs had a similar rate of hospitalization, need for mechanical ventilation, and death. The strongest associations with COVID-19 severity included heart failure and age. Spondyloarthritis was weakly associated with favourable outcomes, whereas use of some rheumatic drugs was associated with increased hospitalization and mortality.  

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3. Jun. 2022

EULAR 2022: New Population-based Studies Show Increased Risk of Dementia and Depression in RA

New data presented at the 2022 EULAR Congress 

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Growing evidence from observational studies indicates that patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have a higher risk of developing dementia. The occurrence of depression is also increased. New research shows depression is linked to increased mortality in this population. Clinically active RA was also associated with an elevated risk of dementia. Further studies are warranted to identify mechanisms of increased risk of dementia in RA patients. 

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2. Jun. 2022

EULAR 2022: New Data Align With EULAR Recommendations For Fibromyalgia Management

New data presented at the 2022 EULAR Congress 

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Patients with fibromyalgia suffer from high symptom burden and few available treatments. This condition is often found among patients newly referred to rheumatic outpatient clinics. It is well described that fibromyalgia patients have increased use of the secondary health care facilities. In line with recommendations from EULAR – the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology –  timely and coordinated effort across medical specialties could reduce diagnostic delay, facilitate management, and reduce health care utilization in this population. Furthermore, mindfulness and acceptance-based interventions could deliver small improvements in pain, fatigue, and self-efficacy.

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2. Jun. 2022

EULAR 2022: Immunogenicity of COVID Vaccines in People with Rheumatic Disease

New insights shared at the EULAR Congress 

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COVID-19 is the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection. Initial studies on the immunogenicity of COVID-19 vaccines in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRD) reported diminished antibody responses, particularly for people treated with rituximab or abatacept. New data released at the 2022 EULAR Congress confirm that people on rituximab and abatacept should be prioritized for booster doses of COVID-19 vaccine.  

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2. Jun. 2022

EULAR 2022: Gaming for Adherence to Medication: Using E-Health in RA

New study data presented at the 2022 EULAR Congress

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Effectiveness of treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is limited by inadequate adherence. Medication adherence can be influenced by implicit attitudes of personal medication needs and concerns about adverse events. The GAMER study targeted these attitudes using a serious puzzle game.

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2. Jun. 2022

EULAR 2022: Mace Rates in the RABBIT Registry Lower Than Those Reported in Oral Surveillance

New real-world data presented at the EULAR Congress

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In 2021, the EMA and FDA issued warnings about the cardiovascular safety of the Janus kinase inhibitor (JAKi) tofacitinib, and required changes in labelling. These actions were based on results of Oral Surveillance – a post-authorisation safety trial. Data released at the 2022 EULAR Congress now show the rate of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients receiving JAKi in a real-world setting is lower than that reported for tofacitinib in Oral Surveillance.

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2. Jun. 2022

EULAR 2022: COVID Breakthrough Infections: RMD Not Necessarily A Risk Group for Severe COVID-19

Prospective and registry data shared at EULAR 2022 support vaccine recommendations

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COVID-19 is the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection. Despite a wealth of vaccination data now available, concerns have been raised regarding risks of COVID-19 breakthrough infections in vaccinated patients with immune-mediated inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRDs) treated with immunosuppressants. Two groups chose to share their findings at the EULAR Congress. These abstracts suggest that most patients with IRDs should not necessarily be seen as a risk group for severe COVID-19, and support the general recommendations to reduce the risk of severe infection by administering three doses of vaccine – especially in older patients, and those receiving immunomodulatory treatment.

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2. Jun. 2022

EULAR 2022: Data Shared at EULAR Give Important Insights Into Treatment for RMD Patients Who Wish to Conceive

Some rheumatic treatments may affect fertility

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Many rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) affect people of child-bearing age, but there is often limited knowledge about the impact of these diseases and their treatment on fertility in both men and women. Two abstracts presented at the 2022 EULAR Congress in Copenhagen shine a light on some of the key factors affecting time to conception, and semen parameters. The results should be used to support discussions with patients who wish to conceive, and may help balance treatment needs.

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2. Jun. 2022

EULAR 2022: Investigating Pregnancy Outcomes in Women with Rheumatic Disease

Several abstracts released at EULAR improve understanding of pregnancy in RMDs

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An increased risk of adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes has been reported for pregnancies in women with several rheumatic and systemic autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). New data presented at the 2022 EULAR Congress in Copenhagen show that foetal morbidity and severe maternal morbidity occur at a higher rate in women with SLE compared to those without. An increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes was also reported for women with spondyloarthritis (SpA), and shown to be associated with steroid use in women with RA. Taken together, this range of findings will help inform physicians in their management of patients with RMDs during pregnancy and planning.

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1. Jun. 2022

EULAR 2022: Data Support the Idea of a Treatment Window in the Pre-Arthritis Phase of Early RA

Suppressing inflammation in clinically suspect arthralgia may modify disease course

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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common autoimmune disease, and requires long-term treatment to suppress inflammation. Currently, methotrexate is initiated as first-line treatment when arthritis becomes clinically apparent with joint swelling. However, disease processes begin long before patients develop symptoms. New research published at the 2022 EULAR Congress in Copenhagen suggest that there is potential for a treatment window in the pre-arthritis early phase of RA, where limitations can be just as severe as at the onset of clinical arthritis. But it is also important to consider people’s socioeconomic factors, which may also have a bearing on progression to inflammatory arthritis.

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1. Jun. 2022

EULAR 2022: Addressing Pain in Rheumatic Disease: Opioids and other Strategies

New data presented at the EULAR Congress in Copenhagen

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Pain is an important consideration for people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs), which can restrict function and limit daily activities. Indeed, low back pain has been the leading cause of disability worldwide for the past 30 years. Opioid prescribing has contributed to a North American epidemic, with increasing trends in several European countries. RMDs are one of the most common indications for prescribed opioids, but there is being little evidence on their benefit. Several abstracts presented at the 2022 EULAR Congress aimed to address this knowledge gap, and develop other pain-relief strategies to reduce this chronic health burden.  

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1. Jun. 2022

EULAR 2022: New Insights Into Treatment Effectiveness in People with Axial Spondyloarthritis

Recognizing individual differences is important to be able to deliver personalized care

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New evidence presented at the 2022 EULAR Congress reveals sex differences in physiology, disease presentation, and response to treatment in people with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), as well as the impact of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in people with radiographic disease

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News of May 2022

17. May. 2022

NEW: EULAR Publication on Therapeutic Drug Monitoring in People with Rheumatic Disease

EULAR ‘points to consider’ published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases

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Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) refers to the principle of using blood concentrations of biopharmaceuticals to guide therapeutic decisions. EULAR – the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology – has developed a set of new ‘points to consider’ to support TDM in people with inflammatory rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). This publication appears in the May 2022 issue of the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. The new points are evidence- and consensus-based statements addressing the clinical utility of TDM in RMDs. In general, proactive use of TDM is not recommended, but reactive TDM could be considered in certain clinical situations.

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News of April 2022

29. Apr. 2022

Announcement: EULAR COVID-19 Registry to close

The EULAR/GRA COVID-19 Registry will be closing on the last day of the 2022 EULAR annual congress

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Since early in the pandemic, EULAR – the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology – has been committed to collecting data to inform the understanding of COVID-19 in people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs), as well as outcomes following vaccination. In March 2020, EULAR partnered with the Global Rheumatology Alliance (GRA) to rapidly institute an online case registry. Over the past 2 years, this initiative has facilitated the collection of 12,908 cases in the EULAR registry, and over 22,000 in total across global provider registries. The information collected has informed clinical practice and the development of new recommendations. The next phase of the pandemic will benefit from detailed biologic data – such as SARS-CoV-2 variant characterisation, length of viral replication, immune response to vaccination, and detailed information on COVID-19 treatments to inform patient care. Future efforts should focus on the collection and analysis of this type of data; therefore, the EULAR/GRA COVID-19 Registry will close on 4th June 2022.

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27. Apr. 2022

NEW: Lifestyle Recommendations

EULAR has released new recommendations to support lifestyle choices and help prevent the progression of rheumatic disease.

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EULAR, the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology has written new evidence-based recommendations aimed at supporting healthy lifestyle choices and encouraging work participation in people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). While some RMDs can be treated with drugs, this is not the case for all, and many people look for information about how they can modify their lifestyle or behaviours to help improve symptoms and prevent disease progression. These should be viewed as an integral part of management for people with RMDs, and should be regularly discussed in clinical practice.

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News of March 2022

30. Mar. 2022

EULAR Announces Measures to Support Ukraine

EULAR has taken a series of decisions in view of Russia’s government attack on Ukraine

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The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology, EULAR, strongly dissents Russia’s government attack on Ukraine, in violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence, and the welfare of its residents. As hospitals are being attacked and access to medical aid is interrupted, EULAR wants to respond to this humanitarian crisis and particularly support the Ukrainian people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs), who need urgent treatment and assistance.

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15. Mar. 2022

Updated: COVID-19 Vaccination

Vaccination is the most important way to prevent COVID-19 infection, and to contain the ongoing pandemic. Several different types of COVID-19 vaccination are now available, and there has been much discussion about their use in people with rheumatic diseases. EULAR recommends that people with rheumatic diseases should be advised to receive any of the COVID-19 vaccines approved for use in their country. Based on the most current evidence, data, and expert opinions, the recommendations for the management and vaccination of people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases in the context of COVID-19 has been updated.

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7. Mar. 2022

NEW: Points to Consider in Research

Observational data are increasingly used to analyse the safety and effectiveness of new therapies in different subgroups. For effectiveness studies, authors typically report the proportion of patients reaching a defined clinical threshold after a set period of time. While comparing these outcomes is simple in randomised controlled trials, interpretation of comparative effectiveness is affected in observational studies by two key factors: confounding and selection bias.

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News of February 2022

22. Feb. 2022

EULAR Recommendations for Cardiovascular Risk Management

People with inflammatory rheumatic diseases have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), in comparison to the general population. Although recommendations exist for managing cardiovascular risks (CVR) in people with rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis, specific guidance was lacking for other rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). Yet accumulating evidence shows increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in many other rheumatic conditions, including gout, systemic vasculitis and lupus.

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7. Feb. 2022

Updated: Dealing with FAQ around COVID vaccination

EULAR has updated its guidance to help answer patients’ questions

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COVID-19 vaccines have been shown to be safe and effective in people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs), as well as in people receiving drugs that influence the immune system. But people with inflammatory RMDs often have specific questions and concerns around vaccination, and the different types of vaccines available. New EULAR guidance is now available to help support health professionals in dealing with patient questions, and reassuring them about vaccination.

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News of January 2022

7. Jan. 2022

New: COVAX results

Registry data reveal safety of COVID-19 vaccines in people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases

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In general, people with inflammatory or autoimmune rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) have not been included in the clinical trial programs for COVID vaccines. This has led to questions about the safety and effectiveness of COVID vaccines in people with inflammatory RMDs. The COVAX registry aims to answer these questions and provide information about the safety of COVID vaccination in people with RMDs. This latest publication reveals data from over 5,000 people across a number of different RMDs and vaccine types. The findings should provide reassurance to health professionals and vaccine recipients, and promote confidence in the safety of COVID vaccination in people with inflammatory RMDs.

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3. Jan. 2022

EULAR further steps up its Research Support

EULAR now provides European investigators with rapid funding support to overcome smaller resource gaps that may stall important research addressing the needs of people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases.

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Chronic and often painful rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMD) disable millions of people in the EU and worldwide [1]. Research is critical to better understand more than 200 of these conditions. Researchers often need to overcome roadblocks as they try to develop better prevention and treatments strategies. Because research support varies across Europe, the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) has launched a new rapid funding support programme to help researchers overcome smaller resource gaps that may stall necessary research on the needs of people with RMDs.

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News of October 2021

22. Oct. 2021

Update: Repurposing rheumatology drugs for COVID-19

EULAR has updated its points to consider on the use of immunomodulatory drugs in the fight against severe COVID-19

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COVID-19 is the disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Since it emerged at the end of 2019, the virus has caused a global pandemic. COVID-19 can be mild, or even without symptoms at all. But it can also cause severe disease, leading to respiratory problems, organ failure, and death. Research on the immune mechanisms involved in people with severe COVID-19 has shown that they have widespread inflammation. Early on in the pandemic, several immunomodulatory anti-inflammatory treatments commonly used in people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) were proposed as possible options for people with severe COVID-19.

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News of September 2021

17. Sep. 2021

New points to consider for achieving optimal results in a complex RA population

EULAR have developed new points to consider for managing difficult-to-treat RA

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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints. It can also cause fatigue, and the underlying inflammation may affect other body systems. A significant proportion of people with RA still have symptoms despite receiving treatment according to the current management recommendations. These people can be considered to have ’difficult-to-treat RA’.

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16. Sep. 2021

EU Shortage of arthritis drugs due to use as treatment for severe CV-19 cases

The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology, EULAR, wishes to highlight increasing shortages of vital anti-inflammatory drugs used in the treatment of arthritis, vasculitis and other inflammatory RMDs. 

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7. Sep. 2021

New EULAR Consensus on Prevention Trials in people at risk of developing RA

EULAR has released new points to consider for studies looking at preventing RA in people identified as at risk

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In recent years, it has become clear that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has a preclinical phase – a period before the disease has fully developed. This understanding has allowed the identification of people who are at risk of developing RA. There are a variety of genetic and environmental factors that make developing RA more likely. As autoantibodies and symptoms develop, these at-risk people eventually progress to clinical arthritis and classifiable RA. Despite growing interest in treatments to prevent RA, there is no guidance or consensus on how to conduct trials in at-risk populations.

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6. Sep. 2021

EULAR Expands its Research Consultation Service

More extensive research expert services are now available to European investigators who seek to address the needs of people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases, including advice about patient involvement strategies, pragmatic study designs, qualitative research methods, and EU grant preparation.

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News of July 2021

2. Jul. 2021

EULAR Patient Research Partners participate in new EU research project HIPPOCRATES on Psoriatic Arthritis

Promoting early identification and improving outcomes for people with psoriatic arthritis
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EULAR is one of 26 European research partners, including pharmaceutical companies, SME’s and patient organisations, to have joined forces to develop innovative personalised treatment options for people affected by psoriatic arthritis.   

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News of June 2021

18. Jun. 2021

Empowering people with Inflammatory Arthritis

EULAR has released new recommendations on self-management for people with inflammatory arthritis.

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Inflammatory arthritis is a group of conditions characterised by pain and swelling in the joints. This is caused by underlying inflammation, driven by the body’s immune system attacking its own tissues – sometimes called autoimmune disease. Types of inflammatory arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and axial spondyloarthritis. These each have their own definitions, and can affect different parts of the body, but they share the common feature of inflammation and joint symptoms.

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10. Jun. 2021

EULAR Meritorious Service Awards 2021: Professor Maxime Dougados and Professor Josef Smolen named recipients

The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology, EULAR, named Maxime Dougados and Josef Smolen as the winners of the 2021 EULAR Meritorious Service Awards.

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9. Jun. 2021

Incoming EULAR President Prof Annamaria Iagnocco Focuses on inclusion, cutting-edge education, and the new EULAR Strategy

EULAR welcomes Prof Annamaria Iagnocco, Turin, Italy, as the new president of the organisation, succeeding Prof Iain McInnes, Glasgow, UK. Prof Iagnocco will focus on inclusion and diversity and will set the milestones for the future EULAR strategy from 2023.

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7. Jun. 2021

Improving uniformity and Quality of Care for people undergoing Intra-Articular Injection

EULAR releases new recommendations on the use of intra-articular therapies

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Intra-articular therapies (IAT) are frequently used to treat joint conditions such as gout, rheumatoid arthritis, or osteoarthritis. The procedure involves inserting a needle into the space between the bones of the joint to deliver a drug. The types of injectables used in IAT techniques vary, from steroids to radiopharmaceuticals.

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5. Jun. 2021

Understanding the impact of patient empowerment and remote management in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints. It can also cause fatigue, and the underlying inflammation may affect other body systems. In people with RA, low empowerment is associated with worse health. Interventions to improve empowerment may include helping people to master their pain, increase physical function, and improve physical activity. Remote technologies to support patient-reported self-assessment may help improve patient empowerment and disease management.

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4. Jun. 2021

Decline in excess risk of dementia and heart failure in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Data released at the 2021 EULAR congress show a substantial decline in the risk of both dementia and heart failure in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) onset in the 2000s as compared to 1980s – coinciding with the advent of novel biologic treatments for RA.

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4. Jun. 2021

Impact of a national tender system on biologic and targeted drug costs in Norway

Biologic and targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (b/tsDMARDs) have caused a shift in the treatment of patients with inflammatory joint disorders, and remission is now attainable. But the high cost of these drugs has caused restrictions on their use and prescription, contributing to inequality of care worldwide. An annual tender system was introduced in 2008 in Norway to reduce the costs of these drugs.

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4. Jun. 2021

Baseline medication use is associated with COVID-19 severity in people with Rheumatic Diseases

COVID-19 is the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection. It has been suggested that biologic or targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (b/tsDMARDs) may dampen the inflammatory response in COVID-19, perhaps leading to a less severe clinical course of the infection. However, the way some antirheumatic drugs work might impair the body’s natural immune defence against viruses. Two abstracts presented at EULAR 2021 show people taking rituximab or a class of drugs called janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) have worse COVID-19 severity compared to people taking tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi). These data from two large registry initiatives highlight the urgent need for strategies to manage the risk in people taking antirheumatic drugs, such as identifying optimal timing for vaccination.

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4. Jun. 2021

Pregnancy outcomes are affected by both maternal and paternal Inflammatory Disease

Data presented at the 2021 EULAR congress show women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at increased risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes, especially pre-term birth and babies small for gestational age. For the first time, it has also been shown that the partners of men with inflammatory arthritis have a lower rate of live births, and are more likely to suffer a miscarriage. However, the link between disease activity, type and timing of antirheumatic treatment, and the risk of these outcomes remains unclear.

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4. Jun. 2021

There is an unacceptable delay to diagnosis in Axial Spondyloarthritis

The current delay to diagnosis from symptom onset represents one of the greatest challenges in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) – a type of inflammatory arthritis affecting the back. Research shows an average delay of around 7 years – and up to 15 years in some cases – during which time the condition can progress and lead to irreversible damage. Data indicates that women wait longer than men for a diagnosis, and there has been very limited progress in reducing the time to diagnosis. This delay has a hugely detrimental impact on a person’s quality of life. Because the disease frequently has early onset, individuals are left untreated – or with incorrectly treated symptoms – at a formative period in their life course.

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4. Jun. 2021

An increase in Giant Cell Arteritis cases associated with peaks in COVID-19 prevalence

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is an inflammatory disease that affects the arteries, often causing headaches, jaw pain, and vision problems. The precise cause is not known, but infection is thought to play a role. Immediately following the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of GCA diagnoses noticeably increased at the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases in Bath, United Kingdom (UK). Furthermore, there was an increase in the proportion of patients with visual complications. The finding is important for understanding the underlying disease mechanisms in GCA, and supports the idea that viral infection could be involved. It also has implications for the provision of local services.

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4. Jun. 2021

Genetic variant link with long-term incidence of Interstitial Lung Disease in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints. It can also cause fatigue, and the underlying inflammation may affect other body systems. Up to 10% of people with RA are affected by interstitial lung disease (ILD) during their lifetime, and ILD is one of the leading causes of death in patients with RA. Data presented at the 2021 EULAR congress report findings from a longitudinal study showing that people with MUC5B gene variant have a considerable lifetime risk of ILD, and that this gene variant contributes to increased morbidity. These findings have clinical implications for improving identification of people with RA who are at high risk for developing ILD.

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3. Jun. 2021

COVID-19 morbidity and mortality in people with Rheumatic Diseases: New data and insights from Spain and Sweden

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus (SARS-CoV-2) is of particular concern for people with inflammatory diseases, and there are concerns that these people may be at higher risk and have poorer outcomes. However, at present the implications remain poorly understood. Population-based data from Spain show individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) had an increased risk of COVID-19 diagnosis and hospitalization compared to the general population. Similarly, data from the ARTIS database in Sweden show risks of severe COVID-19 were increased among people with inflammatory joint diseases.

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3. Jun. 2021

The true spread of SARS-COV-2 infection is much greater than that observed by capturing only swab-diagnosed COVID-19 cases

The true prevalence of COVID-19 is still unknown due to the high proportion of subclinical infection. Measuring seroprevalence may be crucial to improve knowledge about the impact of COVID-19 in rheumatic patients. Data shared at the 2021 EULAR congress highlight that the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection is much greater than that observed by capturing only swab-diagnosed COVID-19 cases, but consistent with healthy population.

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3. Jun. 2021

Inflammation of the eye after drug withdrawal in children with Arthritis

Uveitis is an inflammation of the eye and is a common extra-articular manifestation associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). It can cause vision-threatening complications, and if left uncontrolled may even lead to blindness. The majority of children develop uveitis within the first 2 years after arthritis symptom onset, but it can continue into adulthood. This is the first prospective study to analysed uveitis risk after drug withdrawal, and found that uveitis relapses are common. Rheumatologists and ophthalmologists should be aware and should plan for uveitis screening after drug withdrawal.

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3. Jun. 2021

Elderly patients are not at increased risk of serious infections with new disease-modifying Antirheumatic drugs compared to conventional Synthetic treatments

Elderly people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are generally at increased risk of serious infections. At the same time, some anti-rheumatic treatments have been associated with a higher serious infection risk, but the extent to which older people are exposed to higher risks with some newer classes of therapy is an open question. Results of this study suggest that treatment with new classes of drugs is not associated with an increased risk of serious infection in elderly patients above 70 years of age.

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3. Jun. 2021

Treatment with Tumour Necrosis Factor Inhibitors may slow disease progression in people with Spondyloarthritis

Sacroiliitis is an inflammation of the sacroiliac joints, situated where the lower spine and pelvis connect. Sacroiliitis is linked to the disease axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and visible on X-ray. Observational cohort studies have shown that there is low, but still detectable progression in radiographic sacroiliitis, which might also have an impact on the function in patients with axSpA. Recent data show that tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) might slow spinal progression when started earlier and taken for longer. However, the question of whether they also have such an effect on radiographic progression in sacroiliac joints is still unclear.

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2. Jun. 2021

First trial of Faecal Microbiota Transplantation for people with active Peripheral Psoriatic Arthritis shows no advantage

Results of the first trial of its kind presented at EULAR 2021
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Targeting dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiota by faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been proposed as a novel therapeutic option for people with extra-intestinal inflammatory diseases – although the link is yet to be established. In this first interventional randomised controlled trial of FMT in immune-mediated arthritis, transplantation was inferior to sham in treating active peripheral psoriatic arthritis.

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2. Jun. 2021

Passive smoking and air pollution – links to Arthritis development and poor response to therapy

New data shared at the 2021 EULAR congress
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There is increasing evidence that environmental air pollution is associated with people developing inflammatory arthritis. At the 2021 EULAR congress, a large population-based study of French women reports passive exposure to smoking during childhood or adulthood increases the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A second study in Italy found that air pollution also has an impact – with air pollution levels showing an association with failure of biologic therapy.

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2. Jun. 2021

EULAR is working to accelerate Gender-Equitable career advancement in Academic Rheumatology

A framework and EULAR task force on gender equity in academic rheumatology
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A growing number of professional societies in clinical and medical disciplines are investigating evidence, making recommendations, and taking action to advance gender equity.

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News of April 2021

12. Apr. 2021

Points to consider for studies of work participation in people with Inflammatory Arthritis

A new publication from EULAR highlights the issues around designing, analysing, and reporting of studies using work participation as an outcome measurement.
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Inflammatory arthritis is the name for a group of diseases that cause joint pain and swelling. This happens because the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues and causes inflammation. Types of inflammatory arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and axial spondyloarthritis. Inflammatory arthritis often affects people of working age, and can impact their employment. Work participation is often lower for people with inflammatory arthritis than the general population.

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News of February 2021

17. Feb. 2021

EULAR: Supporting research at the Nexus of Science and the Clinic

EULAR launches new service to provide expert research advice for translational science investigators across Europe who want to develop solutions to the unmet needs of people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs).

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12. Feb. 2021

Repurposing Rheumatology drugs for COVID-19

EULAR has released new points to consider on the use of immunomodulatory drugs in the fight against severe COVID-19

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COVID-19 is the disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Since it emerged at the end of 2019, this virus has caused a global pandemic. COVID-19 can be mild, or even without symptoms at all. But it can also cause severe disease, leading to respiratory problems, organ failure, and death. Research on the immune mechanisms involved in people with severe COVID-19 has shown that they have widespread inflammation. Early on in the pandemic, several immunomodulatory anti-inflammatory treatments commonly used in people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) were proposed as possible options for people with severe COVID-19.

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5. Feb. 2021

Recognising young people’s perspectives in Inflammatory Arthritis

A new EULAR study shows that young people with arthritis need new ways to measure their function that take into account their age and lifestyle
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Inflammatory arthritis is the name of a group of diseases that cause joint pain and swelling. This happens because the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues and causes inflammation. Types of inflammatory arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and axial spondyloarthritis. Although they may be thought of as older people’s conditions, these diseases can affect people at any age. Traditional patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) record things like walking ability, which may not be relevant for young people early in their disease.

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2. Feb. 2021

Characteristics associated with COVID-19-related death in people with Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases (RMDs)

New research examines the factors associated with COVID-19-related death in a large real-world dataset of people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases

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News of January 2021

1. Jan. 2021

EULAR announces 'European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology’ as its new name

EULAR is pleased to announce the formal renaming of the organisation as ‘European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology’, changing from ‘European League Against Rheumatism’, following the implementation of new EULAR Statutes, approved on 3 June 2020 by the General Assembly, entering into force on 1 January 2021.

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News of December 2020

11. Dec. 2020

New: Core Data Set for Pregnancy Registries

EULAR established the first consensus-based core data set for prospective pregnancy registries in rheumatology. This will increase the knowledge about women with inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRD) during pregnancy.

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News of November 2020

19. Nov. 2020

EULAR: Improving research on rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases across Europe together

EULAR launches new service to provide expert research advice for investigators across Europe who study ways to improve the lives of people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases.

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News of October 2020

12. Oct. 2020

EULAR: Workplace exclusion of people with arthritis compounded by COVID-19

The COVID pandemic has compounded the risks facing this vulnerable group and, with Europe facing the growing challenges of an ageing population and workforce, it is vital that the EU addresses the hidden costs of workplace exclusion for people suffering one of the over two hundred diseases under the RMD umbrella.

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8. Oct. 2020

Unifying Terminology for Difficult-to-Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis

EULAR proposes a definition for difficult-to-treat RA in the hope of supporting clinical practice, trials, and research in the area.
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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints. It can also cause fatigue, and the underlying inflammation may affect other body systems. A significant proportion of people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) still have symptoms despite receiving treatment according to the current management recommendations. These people can be considered to have ’difficult-to-treat RA’. However, there is no uniform terminology or definitions to decide when this applies. The concept is referred to by many different terms, including severe, refractory, drug-resistant, or established RA. EULAR prefer the term ‘difficult-to-treat’ because it best capture the possible clinical scenarios. Being clear on terminology is important because people with difficult-to-treat RA may require a different approach.

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News of September 2020

4. Sep. 2020

The EULAR School of Rheumatology wins Awards for excellence in learning

EULAR, a leader in innovative education in rheumatology, wins a coveted Brandon Hall Group awards for Excellence in Learning: Silver for Best Learning Team and bronze for Best Strategy for a Corporate Learning University.

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18. Aug. 2020

EULAR: New best practice rheumatology training guidelines established by EULAR

Expert panel’s recommendations aim to further harmonise and improve rheumatology training and patient care in Europe. 

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12. Aug. 2020

Amputations of feet, toes and other body parts. The Combination of Diabetes and Gout significantly increases the risk

Compared to the average population, people suffering from both gout and diabetes have a 25 times higher risk of requiring an amputation of peripheral limbs such as feet, toes or lower legs.

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News of July 2020

30. Jul. 2020

EULAR: Significant Increase For Impact Factor Of Annals Of The Rheumatic Diseases (ARD), The EULAR Journal, reflects rapidly improving quality of Rheumatology Research

The journal of the European League Against Rheumatism, ARD, has reached a new record, arriving at an impact factor of 16.102 this year, up from 14.299 last year.

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27. Jul. 2020

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Becoming a mother despite having a rheumatic disease? Study of Infants and Young Children Shows that Offspring Develop Normally

Women with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) can have children despite their rheumatic disease. But how do their children develop? A recent South Korean study has now come to the conclusion that the growth and development of infants and young children of mothers with AS are comparable to those of other mothers. 

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21. Jul. 2020

EULAR: High-Dose Glucocorticoids and IL-6 Receptor inhibition can reduce COVID-19 associated Cytokine Storm related hospital mortality by 65%

New study demonstrates that a widely available immunosuppressant used for treatment of RMDs dramatically improves patient outcomes when compared to supportive care only.

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7. Jul. 2020

Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients under Treatment with Methotrexate: Immunosuppressant Treatment does not confirm negative Effects on Lung Conditions in Patients

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) often suffer from what is referred to as interstitial lung disease (ILD).

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News of June 2020

17. Jun. 2020

Early and intensive Treatment of rheumatoid Arthritis reduces Fatigue

Better quality of life for people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases

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9. Jun. 2020

European League Against Rheumatism (Eular) advocates the Deployment Of other Health Care Professionals – New Study confirms their Effectiveness

Insufficient health care for people with rheumatic diseases in Germany

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9. Jun. 2020

New: Rheumatic Disease in the Context of COVID-19

The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) has published new provisional recommendations in response to the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic

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9. Jun. 2020

The European League Against Rheumatism, EULAR, launches Virtual Research Centre

Improving the lives of people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases through research.

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5. Jun. 2020

Thrombosis Risk particularly high for people suffering from rheumatic and musculoskeletal disease activity

Vigilance for thrombosis during the treatment of people with arthritis is particularly recommended. Moreover, maintaining therapies to keep disease activity under control is vital.

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4. Jun. 2020

Rheumatic pain: increasingly more patients taking opioids; European league against rheumatism (EULAR) indicates the risk due to addiction

Fentanyl, tramadol or tilidine: New European figures show that even in Europe increasingly more people are taking opioids for pain connected with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases.

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3. Jun. 2020

Study on COVID-19 in the Context of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases Provides Reassurance to Patients on Immunosuppressive Medications

The results of the study will be presented in an online press conference in the context of the EULAR Congress on 3 June 2020.

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News of May 2020

27. May. 2020

Update: EULAR Recommendations of the Pharmacological Treatment of Psoriatic Arthritis

The recommendations are designed to help physicians and health professionals choose the right drug for people with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Due to the arrival of new drugs, the recommendations have been updated since their last update in 2015.

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8. May. 2020

New: EULAR points to consider for the diagnosis and management of rheumatic immune-related adverse events due to cancer immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors

These points to consider are designed to raise awareness and to assist rheumatologists to improve the diagnosis and the management of patients who develop side effects from checkpoint inhibitor drugs: rheumatic and musculoskeletal immune-related adverse events (irAEs) are observed in about 10% of cancer patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI).

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News of April 2020

29. Apr. 2020

New: Update of the joint EULAR/ERA-EDTA recommendations for the management of lupus nephritis

EULAR has published updated recommendations for the management of lupus nephritis. The update presents recent evidence on the use of certain drugs, disease monitoring and treatment targets.

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EULAR: Hydroxychloroquine use in lupus patients ‘does not seem to prevent COVID-19’

ARD publishes first information regarding the impact of COVID-19 on patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematous already taking anti-malarial drug, Hydroxychloroquine.  

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EULAR encourages Europe to include expert view in shortages question

EULAR welcomes and supports the efforts to address shortages of medicines, including hydroxychloroquine, on the European market.

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EULAR releases first reports on arthritis and COVID-19 in Italy

EULAR, has published two letters this week containing findings from COVID-19 cases concerning those suffering from rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases in Italy.  

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3. Apr. 2020

EULAR President: Application of anti-malarials to tackle COVID-19 raises vital issues for rheumatic disease community in Europe

EULAR, welcomes global efforts aimed at increasing the information base around the potential for anti-malarial drugs in the treatment of COVID-19.

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1. Apr. 2020

EULAR: Points to consider when using ‘big data’

EULAR, showcases its points to consider when using big data and computer-aided research methods in rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. The points are intended to provide a framework for rheumatologists, health professionals, patients and other stakeholders about how best to use big data and artificial intelligence to help answer important research questions.

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1. Apr. 2020

EULAR releases recommendations for the management of Sjögren’s syndrome with topical and systemic therapies

EULAR, has published recommendations for the management of patients with Sjögren’s syndrome with topical and systemic therapies. The therapeutic management of Sjögren’s syndrome (SjS) has not changed substantially in recent decades: treatment decisions remain challenging in clinical practice, without a specific therapeutic target beyond the relief of symptoms as the most important goal. 

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1. Apr. 2020

2018 update of the EULAR recommendations for the role of the nurse in the management of chronic inflammatory arthritis

A EULAR task force of rheumatologists, health professionals and patients formulated three overarching principles and eight recommendations for the role of nurses in chronic inflammatory arthritis (CIA) care. 

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1. Apr. 2020

EULAR publishes 2018 update of evidence-based recommendations for diagnosis of gout

Although gout is the most common inflammatory arthritis, it is still frequently misdiagnosed and its management remains suboptimal, despite effective treatments.

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News of March 2020

27. Mar. 2020

EULAR launches COVID-19 rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases reporting database as part of Global Rheumatology Alliance

EULAR launches a European paediatric and adult database to monitor and report outcomes of COVID-19 occurring in patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases with the support of the Global Rheumatology Alliance.

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25. Mar. 2020

2018 update of the EULAR recommendations for the management of large vessel vasculitis

A EULAR task force conducted a systematic literature review of recently published clinical trials and cohort analyses and sought opinion from 20 experts from 13 countries. 

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News of January 2020

28. Jan. 2020

EULAR Recommendations: RA management / Update 2019

EULAR has announced updated recommendations for the management of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in its newly published paper, ‘EULAR Recommendations for the management of rheumatoid arthritis with synthetic and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs: 2019 update’.

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News of November 2019

28. Nov. 2019

2019 update of EULAR Recommendations for vaccination in adult patients

25 November, 2019, Kilchberg, Switzerland – The European League Against Rheumatism, EULAR, has published updated recommendations for vaccination of patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIIRD). 

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News of October 2019

28. Oct. 2019

Press release: Core competences, HPRs in rheumatology

EULAR has published its first set of recommendations for the generic core competences of health professionals in rheumatology, with specific reference to nurses, physical therapists and occupational therapists.

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News of July 2019

2. Jul. 2019

New EULAR President receives CBE and starts two-year term

Professor Iain McInnes has started his term in office as president of the European League Against Rheumatism

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News of June 2019

7. Jun. 2019

 EULAR Press Release: Patients with Sjögren's Syndrome in Europe

Patient's with Sjögren's Syndrome gather to take their destiny into their own hands. 

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News of May 2019

27. May. 2019

EULAR press release: Antiphospholipid syndrome in adults

The European League Against Rheumatism, EULAR, has published a set of recommendations for the management of antiphospholipid syndrome in adults

Read release here 

News of April 2019

4. Apr. 2019

New: 2019 update of the EULAR recommendations for the management of systemic lupus erythematosus

4th April, 2019, Kilchberg, Switzerland – The European League Against Rheumatism, EULAR, has published an update to a set of recommendations for the management of systemic lupus erythematosus. 

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4. Apr. 2019

EULAR PARE Engagement Programme Press Release 2019

EULAR aims to engage with and support national organisations by providing a EULAR representative or speaker at their events.

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News of October 2018

12. Oct. 2018

World Arthritis Day 2018: The press release

On World Arthritis Day ‘Don’t Delay, Connect Today’ Campaign educates on the importance of early diagnosis of rheumatic diseases.

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7. Oct. 2018

EULAR Brussels Conference 2018

Get ready to join the EULAR Brussels Conference over livestream on Tuesday, 9 October!

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News of July 2018

13. Jul. 2018

EULAR Recommendations on the effect of exercise and physical activity promotion in people with rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis and osteoarthritis

12th July, 2018, Kilchberg, Switzerland – The European League Against Rheumatism, EULAR, has published a set of recommendations for health professionals regarding physical activity in people with rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis and osteoarthritis. The recommendations report in detail on the meta-analysis that was performed to answer the question on the effectiveness of physical activity interventions.

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News of June 2018

15. Jun. 2018

Press Release: Studies provide new insights into the role of sleep in chronic pain

Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 15 June 2018: The results of two studies presented today at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR 2018) provide insight into the role of sleep in chronic pain. The first study demonstrates a predictive role of sleep problems for chronic pain1 and the second provides insight into chronic pain and sleep in adolescents.

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15. Jun. 2018

Press Release: Study suggests siblings of patients with rheumatoid arthritis are at increased risk of acute coronary syndrome

Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 15 June 2018: The results of a study presented today at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR 2018) demonstrate an increased risk of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in siblings of individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), suggesting shared susceptibility between the two diseases.

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15. Jun. 2018

Press Release: Obesity in women and current smoking in men predict lack of remission in early rheumatoid arthritis

Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 15 June 2018: The results of a study presented today at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR 2018) report that obesity in women and current smoking in men were the strongest predictors of not achieving remission in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) within a year.

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15. Jun. 2018

Press Release: Gout in the elderly linked to higher risk of dementia

Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 15 June 2018: The results of a study presented today at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR 2018) suggest that gout is associated with a 17-20% higher risk of dementia in the elderly.

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15. Jun. 2018

Press Release: Gum disease may be a key initiator of rheumatoid arthritis related autoimmunity

Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 15 June 2018: The results of a study presented at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR 2018) demonstrates increased levels of gum disease, and disease-causing bacteria, in individuals at risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

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15. Jun. 2018

Press Release: Rates of depression and anxiety may correlate with disease activity in early rheumatioid arthritis

Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 15 June 2018: The results of a study to be presented at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR 2018) suggest that rates of anxiety and depression in patients with rheumatoid arthritis correlate with measures of disease activity over the first year following diagnosis.

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15. Jun. 2018

Press Release: Obesity in childhood and adulthood shown to increase risk of knee and hip osteoarthritis

Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 15 June 2018: The results of a study to be presented at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR 2018) suggest childhood and adult obesity increase the risk of developing hip osteoarthritis (OA) and knee OA but not hand OA.

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14. Jun. 2018

Press Release: Onset of depressive symptoms significantly associated with disease severity in patients with knee osteoarthritis

Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 14 June 2018: The results of a study presented today at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR 2018) demonstrate that among individuals with radiographic knee osteoarthritis (OA), decreased physical performance and greater structural disease severity are associated with a higher risk of experiencing depressive symptoms.

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14. Jun. 2018

Press Release: Significant increase in self-harm attempts following ankylosing spondylitis diagnosis

Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 14 June 2018: The results of a population study presented today at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR 2018) demonstrate a significantly increased rate of self-harm attempts in inflammatory arthritis (IA), particularly following a diagnosis of Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS).

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14. Jun. 2018

Press Release: Clinical advances in systemic lupus erythematosus

Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 14 June 2018: The results of two studies presented today at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR 2018) demonstrate exciting advances for individuals suffering from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).1,2 The first is a phase II clinical study of a promising oral treatment, baricitinib.1 The second demonstrates the effective use of the shingles vaccine* in SLE patients who are particularly prone to this infection.

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14. Jun. 2018

Press Release: Rheumatoid arthritis in pregnancy associated with low birth weight and premature birth

Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 14 June 2018: The results of a study presented today at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR 2018) demonstrate that pregnancies in women with rheumatoid arthritis are associated with premature delivery and low birth weight.

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14. Jun. 2018

Press Release: Youth-R-Coach: A peer-to-peer program for young people suffering with chronic disease

Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 14 June 2018: The details of a youth project presented today at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR 2018) demonstrate how, by empowering patients to become ‘experts-by-experience’, young people can give support to peers as well as provide insights into living with a chronic illness as a young person.

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14. Jun. 2018

Press Release: Daily text message may improve adherence and treatment outcomes in patients with gout

Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 14 June 2018: The results of a study presented today at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR 2018) demonstrate significant improvements in adherence and clinical outcomes in gout patients who received a daily text message to remind them to take allopurinol.

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14. Jun. 2018

Press Release: Combining NSAIDs and TNF inhibitors may reduce radiographic progression in ankylosing spondylitis

Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 14 June 2018: The results of a cohort study presented at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR 2018) showed that, in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) taking tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, the addition of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) was associated with significantly less radiographic progression in a dose-related manner at four years.

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14. Jun. 2018

Press Release: One year anniversary: EULAR Campaign

Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 14 June 2018: The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) today celebrated one year since the launch of its campaign, ‘Don’t Delay, Connect Today’, which was launched in June 2017 in Madrid, Spain. Now active in over twenty countries in Europe, and with more countries set to launch the campaign in the second half of the year, ‘Don’t Delay, Connect Today’ is gaining impact across all audiences, including at the political level in Europe.

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13. Jun. 2018

Press Release: No difference in malignancy rates seen between tocilizumab and TNF inhibitors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 13 June 2018: The results of a study presented at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR 2018) examined rates of malignancy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), excluding non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), and found no difference between those newly treated with tocilizumab (TCZ) versus TNF inhibitors (TNFi).

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13. Jun. 2018

Press Release: Early, intensive treatment of rheumatoid arthritis provides long-term benefits and may normalise mortality rates

Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 13 June 2018: The results of a 23-year, follow-up study presented today at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR 2018) suggest early, intensive treatment of rheumatoid arthritis has long-term benefits including the normalisation of mortality to levels consistent with the general population.

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13. Jun. 2018

Press Release: Zoledronic acid shows no effect on knee pain or bone marrow lesions in knee osteoarthritis after two years

Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 13 June 2018: The results of a study presented today at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR 2018) show that a one-yearly infusion of zoledronic acid (ZA) did not significantly reduce knee pain or bone marrow lesion (BML) size overall in knee osteoarthritis patients over two years. However, it may have symptomatic benefit in milder disease.

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13. Jun. 2018

Press Release: Canakinumab shown to reduce rates of gout in atherosclerosis by more than half

Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 13 June 2018: The results of a study presented today at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR 2018) demonstrate that canakinumab significantly reduced the rate of gout by more than half compared to placebo, regardless of baseline serum urate level.

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13. Jun. 2018

Press Release: New treatment lenebasum shows promise for diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc)

Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 13 June 2018: The results of an open label extension of a phase II study presented today at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR 2018) demonstrate that lenabasum continues to have acceptable safety and tolerability in diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc) with no severe or serious adverse events (AE).

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13. Jun. 2018

Press Release: Launch of the EULAR Strategy 2018–2023

Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 13th June 2018: The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) has today presented its five-year strategy for the period 2018-2023 at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology 2018. The strategy is the third strategic cycle in developing excellence in rheumatology in six areas of focus: Education, the annual congress, quality of care, research, advocacy and the internal organisation of EULAR.

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13. Jun. 2018

Press Release: Gene signatures and biomarkers predict onset of rheumatoid arthritis in at-risk individuals

Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 13 June 2018: The results of two studies presented today at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR 2018) provide insight into molecular changes prior to the onset of arthritis which could inform future novel diagnostics and early therapeutic interventions.

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13. Jun. 2018

Press Release: Frequency of joint replacements halved in rheumatoid arthritis patients between 1997-2010

Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 13 June 2018: The results of two studies presented today at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR 2018) investigate joint replacement procedures in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.1,2 The first study demonstrates that joint replacement procedures have significantly reduced in RA patients in the past decade1 and the second investigates the impact of biologic therapies on this change using the British Society for Rheumatology Biologics Registry for Rheumatoid Arthritis (BSRBR/RA).

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13. Jun. 2018

Press Release: NSAIDs shown to have casual role in cardiovascular risk of patients with osteoarthritis

Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 13 June 2018: The results of a study presented today at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR 2018) suggest that over two thirds of the increased cardiovascular risk associated with osteoarthritis is linked to the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

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13. Jun. 2018

EULAR School of Rheumatology: Launch of online 'learning landscape' and new educational offers

The EULAR School of Rheumatology membership for EUR 30 per annum provides access to the latest learning enviornment and content in rheumatology.

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News of May 2018

14. May. 2018

New: EULAR Recommendations for the health professional’s approach to pain management in inflammatory arthritis and osteoarthritis

14th May, 2018, Kilchberg, Switzerland – The European League Against Rheumatism, EULAR, has published a set of recommendations, designed to help health professionals implement approaches to pain management in inflammatory arthritis and osteoarthritis patients. The aim is to reduce pain and the burden on the individual and society.

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News of April 2018

17. Apr. 2018

Press release: EULAR Recommendations for the management of Behҫet’s syndrome

EULAR has published a set of recommendations, which look at the management of Behçet’s syndrome.

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News of January 2018

29. Jan. 2018

Press Release: EULAR Recommendations for the use of imaging in large vessel vasculitis in clinical practise

A EULAR task force has formulated 12 recommendations which have been published in its journal, The Annals of Rheumatic Diseases, the leading scientific journal in rheumatology with an impact factor of 12.811.

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News of December 2017

7. Dec. 2017

Press release: EULAR Recommendations

Actively optimising patient care in rheumatism: Contribution to and dissemination of key scientific findings in rheumatology are set out in the EULAR Recommendations – and translated into lay versions as well as local languages across Europe

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News of October 2017

17. Oct. 2017

Press release: Investment beyond 2020

EULAR has called on the European Commission to maintain the EU’s position as global leader in health research. This includes continuing investment in research and developing a forward-looking agenda beyond the current research framework programme, Horizon 2020.

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News of July 2017

6. Jul. 2017

EULAR School of Rheumatology Launch A 'Benefit to Humanity'

New ‘one roof structure’ for EULAR educational offerings, services and products gives international rheumatology community access to cutting-edge continued professional development.

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5. Jul. 2017

New Editor for Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases

BMJ, a leading healthcare knowledge provider, is pleased to announce Josef Smolen as the new editor of Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (ARD).

ARD is the top ranked journal in the field of rheumatology with an impact factor of 12.811.

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News of June 2017

26. Jun. 2017

EULAR contributes 70 years to the field of RMDs

EULAR has released a press release to international media circles in celebration of its 70th anniversary.

Read the text and comments from EULAR President Prof. Gerd Burmester and President-elect Prof. Johannes Bijlsma.

Read the press release here  

22. Jun. 2017

EULAR Campaign: Don't Delay, Connect Today

The EULAR Campaign, Don't Delay, Connect Today, encompasses the three pillars of the association, scientific, health professionals and patient organisations. It was launched in Madrid, Spain, in mid-June.

Find information toolkits on the dedicated webpage, watch the video and get involved!

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14. Jun. 2017

POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN AT RISK OF FRACTURES COULD BE IDENTIFIED THROUGH GENETIC PROFILING

The results of a study presented today at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR) 2017 press conference showed for the first time that genetic markers, identified in previous research as being linked to the development of osteoporosis, are also associated with the risk of fragility fractures in postmenopausal women.

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14. Jun. 2017

NEW STUDY SHOWS FOR FIRST TIME LINK BETWEEN PASSIVE SMOKING IN CHILDHOOD AND RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

The results of a study presented today at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR) 2017 press conference confirmed the link between active smoking and the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, interestingly, it also suggested for the first time that in smokers, exposure to tobacco early in life through passive smoking in childhood significantly increased this risk.

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14. Jun. 2017

NEW RELAPSE PREDICTION TOOL REDUCES COST OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS TREATMENT

The results of a study presented today at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR) 2017 have shown that the combined use of two measurements to accurately predict the risk of relapse in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) allows successful dose reduction (tapering) of their disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). This in turn increases the cost-effectiveness of each DMARD treatment.

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14. Jun. 2017

NEW EFFECTIVE TREATMENTS FOR PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS PATIENTS

The results of two studies presented today at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR) 2017 press conference revealed promising data supporting two new drug classes for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

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14. Jun. 2017

GENES EXPLAIN HIGHER PREVALENCE OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE IN CHRONIC IMMUNE MEDIATED INFLAMMATORY DISEASE PATIENTS

The results of a study presented today at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR) 2017 represent an important step towards characterising the genetic basis of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in chronic immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMID).

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14. Jun. 2017

EXCESS RISK OF CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENTS DECREASED SINCE START OF 21ST CENTURY

The results of a meta-analysis presented for the first time today at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR) 2017 press conference showed that the excess risk of cardiovascular events in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients relative to the general population has significantly decreased since the year 2000.

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14. Jun. 2017

EDUCATION FOR PEOPLE WITH RHEUMATIC AND MUSCULOSKELETAL DISEASES AND EMPLOYERS CAN IMPROVE ABILITY TO WORK

The results of an educational programme implemented by the Galician Rheumatology League (LRG), presented today at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR) 2017, showed that providing education and advice to people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal disease (RMD) and their employers can make a significant difference to the ability to work.

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14. Jun. 2017

BIOSIMILAR CONCERNS OF RHEUMATOLOGY PATIENTS BEING ADDRESSED BY NATIONAL PROGRAMME

To address the fear and insecurity expressed by rheumatology patients on being switched from a biologic to a biosimilar treatment for their arthritis, the Danish Rheumatism Association has participated in a national programme designed to ensure patients received independent information about biosimilars, along with closer monitoring of prescriptions to provide reassurance about their safety. The results of this initiative were presented today at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR) 2017.

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14. Jun. 2017

PERSISTENT PAIN SHOWS UP INEFFICIENCY OF CURRENT PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS (PsA) TREATMENT

The results of two studies presented today at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR) 2017 press conference have highlighted limitations in the current treatment of patients with Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA).

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14. Jun. 2017

NURSES CRUCIAL IN IMPROVING UPTAKE OF POTENTIALLY LIFE-SAVING VACCINE IN VULNERABLE RHEUMATIC PATIENTS

The results of a study presented today at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR) 2017 press conference showed that implementing a vaccination programme run by nursing staff dramatically improves pneumococcal vaccination coverage among vulnerable patients with chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases.

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14. Jun. 2017

NEW BLOOD TEST DETECTS STROKE AND HEART ATTACK RISK IN LUPUS PATIENTS WITH NO CARDIOVASCULAR SYMPTOMS

The results of a study presented today at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR) 2017 press conference have shown that a specific biomarker detected in the blood of lupus patients with no symptoms of cardiovascular disease (CVD), thought to be at low risk of CVD based on traditional risk factors, is associated with the presence of atherosclerosis.

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14. Jun. 2017

LOW-DOSE CT SCANNING IMPROVES ASSESSMENT OF ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS PATIENTS

The results of a study presented today at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR) 2017 showed that low dose computed tomography (LD-CT) is more sensitive than conventional radiographs (X-rays) in the monitoring of disease progression in patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS).

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14. Jun. 2017

COGNITIVE BEHAVIOUR THERAPY (CBT) SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY IN CHRONIC PAIN PATIENTS

The results of a study presented today at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR) 2017 has shown that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, a form of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) that focuses on psychological flexibility and behaviour change, provided a significant reduction in self-reported depression and anxiety among patients participating in a pain rehabilitation programme.

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14. Jun. 2017

BIOLOGICAL DMARD GUIDELINES ASSOCIATED WITH A REDUCED NEED FOR KNEE AND HIP REPLACEMENTS IN RA PATIENTS

The results of a Danish study presented today at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR) 2017 press conference showed that the incidence of total knee replacements (TKR) carried out on patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) started to decrease after the introduction of biological Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (bDMARDs) to national treatment guidelines.

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14. Jun. 2017

PREVIOUS BACTERIAL INFECTION INCREASES RISK OF NEWLY-DIAGNOSED SJÖGREN’S SYNDROME

The results of a study presented today at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR) 2017 have shown a link between newly-diagnosed Sjögren’s syndrome (SjS) and previous infection with nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM).

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14. Jun. 2017

NEW TOOLS HELP EARLY DIAGNOSIS OF SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS

The results of two studies presented today at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR) 2017 press conference highlight the use of two new tools, which can potentially play a pivotal role in the early diagnosis of Systemic Sclerosis (SSc).

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14. Jun. 2017

NEW IMAGING TECHNIQUE MAY HELP IDENTIFY JOINT INFLAMMATION IN CHILDREN EARLIER AND WITH GREATER CONFIDENCE

The results of a study presented today at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR) 2017 have confirmed that Fluorescence Optical Imaging (FOI), a technique used to visualise inflammation in arthritic joints, is as effective as ultrasound with Power Doppler (US / PD) at monitoring response to treatment in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). FOI was also found to be more effective than US / PD at detecting inflammation in the absence of symptoms and signs.

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14. Jun. 2017

NEW DATA SUGGEST NO INCREASED CANCER RISK FOR RA PATIENTS PRESCRIBED BIOLOGICAL DMARDS

The results of two studies presented today at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR) 2017 press conference should reassure rheumatologists regarding the risk of cancer from the use of biological disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs), including anti-TNF treatment, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

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14. Jun. 2017

NEW CLASS OF DRUG SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCES SPINE FRACTURE RISK IN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN WITH OSTEOPOROSIS

The results of a study presented today at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR) 2017 press conference showed that, in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, 12 months treatment with romosozumab was associated with rapid and large reductions in their risk of a vertebral fracture compared to placebo.

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14. Jun. 2017

EARLY THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTION FOR PRE-RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS (PRE-RA) PATIENTS SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCES RISK OF RA

The results of a meta-analysis presented today at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR) 2017 press conference has demonstrated that early therapeutic intervention in patients with so-called “pre-rheumatoid arthritis” (pre-RA) significantly reduces the risk of the occurrence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in these patients at 52 weeks or more.

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14. Jun. 2017

CONTINUING ANTI-TNF TREATMENT WITH CZP FOR RA DURING PREGNANCY: NO OR NEGLIGIBLE PLACENTAL TRANSFER

The results of a pharmacokinetic study presented at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR) 2017 showed no or negligible placental transfer of the anti-TNF drug certolizumab pegol (CZP) from mothers to infants during pregnancy.

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14. Jun. 2017

CONTINUING ANTI-TNF TREATMENT WITH CZP FOR RA DURING PREGNANCY: NO OR NEGLIGIBLE PLACENTAL TRANSFER

The results of a pharmacokinetic study presented at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR) 2017 showed no or negligible placental transfer of the anti-TNF drug certolizumab pegol (CZP) from mothers to infants during pregnancy.

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14. Jun. 2017

BODY FAT AND WAIST SIZE LINKED TO INCREASED RISK OF DEVELOPING RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS IN WOMEN

The results of a population study presented today at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR) 2017 showed that, in women, being overweight or obese, as defined by body mass index (BMI*), abdominal obesity and a higher body fat percentage was associated with a higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

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1. Jun. 2017

EULAR launches 'RheumaMap’ in EU Parliament in Brussels

In a meeting of the Interest Group on Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases (RMDs), the “Research Roadmap to transform the lives of people with Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases” was launched in the European Parliament.

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