Study Finds TNF Inhibitor More Effective with Regular Serum Assessment to Adjust Dose

New research presented this week at ACR Convergence, the American College of Rheumatology’s annual meeting, shows that proactive therapeutic drug monitoring, a newer treatment strategy where a patient’s drug serum levels are regularly assessed to adjust the dose and intervals, controlled disease more effectively than standard therapy with infliximab, a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor.

New Artificial Neural Network Detects Radiographic Sacroiliitis with Accuracy

New research presented this week at ACR Convergence, the American College of Rheumatology’s annual meeting, found that an innovative new artificial neural network can detect radiographic sacroiliitis in patients with suspected axial spondyloarthritis, a progressive disease that is more common in young adults.

Potential biomarker found for lung disease in scleroderma patients

Researchers have discovered a protein that may predict disease severity for scleroderma-associated interstitial lung disease, the leading cause of death for patients with the rare autoimmune condition. Higher circulating levels of the CTRP9 were associated with more severe lung disease, while low levels were associated with preserved function.

ACR COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance Recommends Vaccination, Addresses Immunosuppressant Drugs & Patient Concerns

The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) has released its COVID-19 Vaccine Clinical Guidance Summary that provides an official recommendation to vaccinate rheumatology patients with musculoskeletal, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Important considerations and caveats on how to approach vaccination are included for patients with high disease activity and/or those taking immunosuppressant treatments.

‘Incredibly generous’ $25 million donation to create the Schroeder Arthritis Institute at UHN, consolidating research, education and patient care under one global brand

One in five Canadian adults is currently living with arthritis, a disease causing inflammation of the joints, which can result in chronic, debilitating pain, reduced mobility and premature disability. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability globally. To address this growing crisis, the Schroeder Arthritis Institute, launched with a $25 million donation by philanthropists Walter and Maria Schroeder, will help UHN’s innovative arthritis program become a world-class hub for innovation in research, education and patient care.