Rheumatology Network's Top 5: July 30, 2022

Methotrexate and/or Etanercept Improves Dactylitis, Nail Disease in Early PsA

The analysis determined improvement based on a variety of clinical assessments, including the Leeds Enthesitis Index (LEI), Leeds Dactylitis Index (LDI), and modified Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (mNAPSI) scores, at baseline and week 24.

FDA Approves Belimumab for Pediatric Patients with Lupus Nephritis

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved belimumab (Benlysta) for the treatment of active lupus nephritis in children aged 5 to 17 who are currently receiving standard therapy. The approval extends the current indication for the intravenous formulation in this patient population.

Which Factors Impact Quality of Life for Families of Children with Juvenile Arthritis?

“Qualitative research has identified that caregivers face many challenges that affect their well-being, including balancing their child’s demands with their own psychological needs when feeling depressed or stressed, and accompanying the child to the frequent health appointments.”

COVID-19 Negatively Impacted Emotional and Social Wellbeing in Patients with RA

The top 5 themes identified surrounded fear as the dominant emotion, social connections and work, physical health, self-identity, and self-management as a way of coping.

Elevated IL-23 Levels Linked to Depression, Anxiety, Disease Activity in PsA

“The psychosocial burden of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) has been shown to have a negative effect on the quality of life of the patients. In PsA, psychological disorders can both cause and exacerbate disease development.”