Catherine Bakewell, a seasoned rheumatologist and ultrasound expert, Philip Meese, a dedicated researcher on bimekizumab, and Artie Kavanaugh, an insightful rheumatologist reporting on ACR updates, dive into cutting-edge topics. They discuss the promising results of bimekizumab in alleviating pain and fatigue in psoriatic arthritis. Insights into the implications of weight loss drugs on treatment outcomes are explored, alongside crucial findings on sex differences affecting disease impact, driving home the need for tailored strategies in patient care.
The podcast emphasizes the promising benefits of apremilast in managing psoriatic arthritis, particularly in reducing joint health issues and axial inflammation.
New guidelines for musculoskeletal ultrasound in psoriatic arthritis highlight its role in objective assessments for better diagnosis and treatment monitoring.
Research reveals significant sex differences in psoriatic arthritis symptoms and treatment responses, prompting the need for gender-specific considerations in clinical care.
Deep dives
Overview of ACR Convergence 2024
The ACR Convergence 2024 meeting is highlighted for its lively atmosphere and extensive participant engagement. This year's format features changes such as plenary sessions in the morning and the introduction of poster presentations occurring shortly thereafter. Attendees are encouraged to participate actively by visiting booths, attending favored sessions, and seeking updates through social media platforms such as Twitter. For those unable to attend in person, there are daily live-streamed recaps that summarize significant happenings of the day, enhancing accessibility to crucial information.
Emerging Therapies in Psoriatic Arthritis
The podcast discusses the promising benefits of apremilast in managing psoriatic arthritis symptoms, particularly in patients encountering issues with axial inflammation. Noteworthy abstracts reveal that apremilast significantly improves joint health and reduces axial inflammation as observed on MRI scans. Importantly, apremilast also demonstrates potential metabolic advantages by reducing body fat in patients with long-term treatment. Despite these benefits, the increased risk of serious infections in patients using apremilast alongside biologics or targeted DMARDs is highlighted, necessitating cautious patient evaluation and shared decision-making.
Innovations in Ultrasound Guidelines
New preliminary guidelines for the use of musculoskeletal ultrasound in rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis emphasize the importance of objective assessments for better disease management. These guidelines integrate recent advancements in technology and methodologies and stress the utility of ultrasound in accurate diagnosis, treatment response monitoring, and determining flare-ups. The collaboration in developing these guidelines involved extensive literature review and expert consensus, reflecting the growing recognition of ultrasound's role in clinical practice. As part of these reforms, there is a concerted effort to ensure that clinicians are equipped with the necessary tools to apply these guidelines effectively.
Considerations of Sex Differences in Psoriatic Arthritis
Research presented highlights notable sex differences in the characteristics and treatment responses of patients with psoriatic arthritis. Females generally report higher pain and disability levels, while males tend to exhibit more significant inflammatory indicators like CRP levels. Interestingly, males show better treatment responses across various therapy types compared to females, even though females experience greater adverse events associated with medications. This emerging understanding prompts increased focus on gender-specific considerations in clinical trials and treatment regimens to enhance care for all patients.
The Impact of Weight and Metabolic Factors
A significant discussion at the meeting centers on the relationship between weight loss, metabolic syndrome, and psoriatic arthritis outcomes. Data presented suggest that medications targeting weight loss may concurrently exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, thereby improving disease outcomes. However, participants were cautioned regarding the loss of benefits upon discontinuation of these medications, emphasizing the importance of sustained treatment for maintaining improvements. As new weight loss therapies emerge, their potential role in managing psoriatic arthritis represents an exciting area for future research and clinical application.
A New ACR
Apremilast Benefits and Risks in PsA
Best Things I Saw Today in PsA
Bimekizumab in PsA Showed Sustained Reductions in Disease Impact
Biologic Monotherapy vs Combination with cDMARDs in PsA
Do TNFis and JAKis Prevent Cancer!?
Improvements in Pain and Fatigue in Bimekizumab
Long-term Safety Profile of Bimekizumab in axSpA and PsA
Potential Impact of Weight Loss Drugs in Rheumatic Diseases
Proposed ACR Guidance for Use of MSUS in Psoriatic Arthritis
PsA Potpourri
PsA Ultrasound Updates
PsA: Impact of Sex
Sex Differences in Psoriatic Arthritis
The Psoriatic March: PsA before PsO
Apremilast in PsA: Results from Mosaic Trial
Anti IL-17 on Entheseal Biopsy in PsA
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