Psychologic, communicational, and logistic factors are the main determinants of treatment adherence among patients with rheumatoid arthritis, study findings suggest, highlighting the impact of both patient- and physician-related factors on adherence.

Mary A et al. Arthritis Care Res 2018. doi: 10.1002/acr.23750

They report in the Annals of Internal Medicine that individuals in the yoga group (n=107) took part in 2.5 sessions per week, on average, with 69% having acceptable adherence (≥2 sessions per week).

People initiating methotrexate for psoriatic arthritis report significantly more side effects during the first year of treatment than those given the drug for rheumatoid arthritis, US research shows.

This method will help clinicians enhance diagnostic efficiency and allow patients to receive systematic treatment as soon as possible.

Phase 2 trial results suggest that low-dose interleukin-2 therapy with aldesleukin may represent a promising add-on treatment option for systemic lupus erythematosus.

The investigators say they hypothesized “that a suspected limited patient adherence to [methotrexate] in real life would potentially be improved after patients enrol into a tightly monitored trial setting,” which could increase placebo responses in those continuing background therapy.

Phase 3 SAPHYR study findings suggest that the IL-6 receptor inhibitor sarilumab with glucocorticoid taper is an efficacious treatment option for patients with steroid-resistant polymyalgia rheumatica.

They add: “Absence of a response in a patient predicted to have a high probability may raise a question about adherence to treatment.

A monthly selection of topical peer-reviewed articles from the Adis journals, curated by the editors.

Use of electronic monitoring feedback may increase medication adherence in patients with rheumatoid arthritis who are initiating or switching to a new injected biologic DMARD, research shows.

How can rheumatologists respond to the challenges associated with rituximab use during the pandemic?

And they conclude: “The integration of parent- and child-reported outcomes in clinical assessment may facilitate concordance with physician’s choices, improve adherence to treatment, and participation in a shared decision-making strategy in juvenile idiopathic arthritis.” medwireNews is an independent medical news service provided by Springer Healthcare Ltd. © 2022 Springer Healthcare Ltd, part of the Springer Nature Group Arthritis Care Res 2022; doi:10.1002/acr.24855

The risk for hip fracture is higher during a treatment break from risedronate than it is during a break from alendronate, study findings indicate.

Findings from a US database study suggest that with the exception of rituximab, prior treatment with immunosuppressive medications is not associated with an increased risk for mechanical ventilation or death among hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

A learning collaborative has improved adherence to a treat-to-target approach for patients with rheumatoid arthritis irrespective of whether patients are seen virtually or face to face, show findings from an analysis of 18 US clinics.

Findings from the phase 2 TitAIN trial support further investigation of the IL-17A inhibitor secukinumab for the treatment of giant cell arteritis.

Improved adherence to a Mediterranean dietary pattern is associated with a reduction in disease activity among people with axial spondyloarthritis, indicate findings from an Italian observational study.

3–9 November: Keep up with the latest news and interviews from the conference.

Perspective on the approval of anifrolumab and the importance of endpoints in lupus trials.