{"title":"Systemic involvement in rheumatic diseases","authors":"Rachel M. Wolfe MD, Kenneth S. O'Rourke MD","doi":"10.1016/j.berh.2026.102185","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.berh.2026.102185","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50983,"journal":{"name":"Best Practice & Research in Clinical Rheumatology","volume":"40 3","pages":"Article 102185"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148632552","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Managing comorbidities in psoriatic arthritis: A state-of-the-art approach to integrated care (2025)","authors":"Stephanie Tancer, M. Elaine Husni","doi":"10.1016/j.berh.2026.102166","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.berh.2026.102166","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic immune mediated musculoskeletal condition that is associated with psoriasis. PsA is recognized not as an isolated articular disorder, but as a systemic inflammatory condition with interrelated involvement of the skin, joints, entheses, spine, and gut. The systemic nature of PsA extends beyond musculoskeletal and cutaneous involvement to include a broad spectrum of comorbid and related inflammatory conditions that contribute to disease burden, treatment complexity, and long-term outcomes. PsA is associated with significant comorbidities. This includes cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, fatigue and sleep disorders, mental health disorders and end-organ complications involving the kidney, liver, and bone, as well as related immune-mediated conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and uveitis. This chapter examines the comorbidity landscape in PsA and underscores its importance in guiding more integrated and effective care. There is particular emphasis on multi-disciplinary evaluation to guide management. We will also explore the updated guidelines for screening, diagnostics, and treatment recommendations in addition to updates in the digital age.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50983,"journal":{"name":"Best Practice & Research in Clinical Rheumatology","volume":"40 3","pages":"Article 102166"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148882520","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jan René Nkeck, Adewale O. Adebajo, Ajesh B. Maharaj
{"title":"The challenges in managing Psoriatic Arthritis in resource poor settings","authors":"Jan René Nkeck, Adewale O. Adebajo, Ajesh B. Maharaj","doi":"10.1016/j.berh.2026.102123","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.berh.2026.102123","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a systemic autoimmune and auto-inflammatory disease associated with significant morbidity, increased mortality, and substantial socioeconomic burden globally. While therapeutic advances have improved outcomes, their implementation in resource-limited settings faces profound challenges.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This narrative review synthesises findings from relevant publications identified via PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar and Embase, focusing on the management of PsA in resource-limited settings.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>We identified four critical challenge domains. Epidemiological: a severe lack of robust population-based data on prevalence, incidence, and phenotype in resource-limited settings hinders public health planning. Diagnostic: significant delays occur due to a scarcity of specialists, limited access to diagnostic tools, and unclear patient pathways, leading to missed therapeutic opportunities and increased structural damage. Therapeutic: access to conventional and advanced biologic/targeted therapies is severely restricted by high costs, limited availability, and insufficient health coverage. This is compounded by a lack of adapted treatment guidelines and multidisciplinary care infrastructure. Research: minimal local research capacity, few clinical trials, and limited funding stifle innovation and context-specific solution development.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The effective management of PsA in resource-limited settings requires a multifaceted strategy. Key priorities include: strengthening health systems through clear care pathways; task-shifting and enhanced training for primary care providers; developing national registries and context-adapted guidelines; advocating for improved drug access and affordability; and fostering local research capacity. Addressing these challenges is essential to mitigate health inequities and improve outcomes for PsA patients in resource-limited settings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50983,"journal":{"name":"Best Practice & Research in Clinical Rheumatology","volume":"40 3","pages":"Article 102123"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147286043","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Malika Ibrahim, Emily He, Diana Tran, Divya Vundamati, Jennifer Grossman
{"title":"New age of Lupus Nephritis: Updates in guidelines, biomarkers, and therapies","authors":"Malika Ibrahim, Emily He, Diana Tran, Divya Vundamati, Jennifer Grossman","doi":"10.1016/j.berh.2026.102153","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.berh.2026.102153","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Lupus nephritis (LN) is the most common visceral organ manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It affects approximately 50% of SLE patients, accounting for significant morbidity and mortality especially in ethnic minorities. Building on decades of landmark trials, the field has continued to evolve. The 2024 American College Rheumatology (ACR) Lupus Nephritis guideline represents an important shift toward earlier triple therapy. The guideline also recommends routine proteinuria screening and reaffirms kidney biopsy as the diagnostic gold standard. In parallel, urinary biomarkers are emerging as potential tools to better track infrarenal pathology. Furthermore, the therapeutic pipeline continues to expand with emerging strategies targeting B-cells, cytokine receptors, and co-stimulatory mechanisms. In this article, we review updates from the ACR guideline, the emerging data on urinary biomarkers, and highlight novel targeted therapies in LN.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50983,"journal":{"name":"Best Practice & Research in Clinical Rheumatology","volume":"40 3","pages":"Article 102153"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147845929","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lauren Burke, Kathleen Smith, Henry Contag, Kayla Felix Taylor
{"title":"Alopecia across the spectrum of rheumatic disease","authors":"Lauren Burke, Kathleen Smith, Henry Contag, Kayla Felix Taylor","doi":"10.1016/j.berh.2026.102163","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.berh.2026.102163","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Hair loss is a common clinical concern with significant diagnostic and psychosocial implications, particularly in patients with rheumatologic disease. This review examines the association between rheumatologic conditions and alopecia, exploring underlying mechanisms, clinical presentations, and diagnostic considerations. Rheumatologic diseases may precipitate hair loss through a variety of immune, fibrotic, and vascular mechanisms. In addition, pharmacologic therapies commonly used to treat rheumatologic diseases, as well as coexisting autoimmune scalp disorders, can also contribute to alopecia. Recognition of shared mechanisms linking autoimmune disease and hair loss is essential for identification of systemic disease, adverse therapeutic effects, or distinct dermatologic conditions. For optimal diagnosis and management, a structured approach to hair loss should be taken by obtaining a targeted history, physical examination, and laboratory testing or biopsy. Increased awareness of the relationship between alopecia and rheumatologic disease enhances interdisciplinary collaboration, ultimately facilitating earlier diagnosis, more efficient treatment and, most importantly, better patient outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50983,"journal":{"name":"Best Practice & Research in Clinical Rheumatology","volume":"40 3","pages":"Article 102163"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148018714","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Irena Kuzma, Kristen R. Mathias, Jana Lovell, Nisha A. Gilotra
{"title":"Cardiac sarcoidosis: An algorithmic approach to diagnosis and treatment of the “Great Mimicker”","authors":"Irena Kuzma, Kristen R. Mathias, Jana Lovell, Nisha A. Gilotra","doi":"10.1016/j.berh.2026.102157","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.berh.2026.102157","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) results from the formation of non-necrotizing granulomas infiltrating the myocardium, resulting in a wide variety of clinical presentations including fatal arrhythmias and cardiomyopathy. Correctly identifying CS from its many mimics, including several rheumatologic conditions, is crucial for treating patients and preventing significant morbidity and mortality. In this review, we discuss diagnostic strategies for CS, methods to differentiate it from clinically similar cardiac pathologies with a focus on other rheumatologic conditions involving the heart, and approaches to CS management and treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50983,"journal":{"name":"Best Practice & Research in Clinical Rheumatology","volume":"40 3","pages":"Article 102157"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147876370","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nathan C. Schedler, Omar Raheel, Jesus Alberto Cardenas de la Garza, John R. Edminister
{"title":"Cutaneous manifestations in myositis syndromes","authors":"Nathan C. Schedler, Omar Raheel, Jesus Alberto Cardenas de la Garza, John R. Edminister","doi":"10.1016/j.berh.2026.102162","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.berh.2026.102162","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) are a heterogeneous group of autoimmune diseases with variable extramuscular involvement of the skin, lungs, and other organ systems. Dermatomyositis (DM) is the prototype IIM with skin involvement, but the presence of DM-specific rashes in other IIMs raises questions about whether these conditions are distinct entities, overlapping diseases, or subsets within a DM spectrum. Importantly, distinct cutaneous phenotypes of IIMs may correlate with certain autoantibodies and risk of malignancy or interstitial lung disease. In this review, we outline characteristic DM rashes and describe their prevalence in other IIMs, most notably in antisynthetase syndrome and overlap myositis. We emphasize salient skin findings that may inform diagnosis and prognosis, including some atypical, subtle, or unusual presentations. Finally, we review established and emerging therapies for management of amyopathic or refractory cutaneous DM.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50983,"journal":{"name":"Best Practice & Research in Clinical Rheumatology","volume":"40 3","pages":"Article 102162"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148037312","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Psoriatic arthritis-evolution of our understanding of the phenotype","authors":"Philip S. Helliwell, Dafna D. Gladman","doi":"10.1016/j.berh.2026.102136","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.berh.2026.102136","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The psoriatic arthritis phenotype has evolved over the past several decades. The original description of 5 clinical patterns has been expanded into 6 domains including peripheral arthritis (which includes 3 of the patterns described by Moll and Wright namely distal, oligoarticular and polyarticular), axial disease, dactylitis, enthesitis, skin and nails. In this article we review the evolution of the PsA phenotype, from the Moll and Wright subtypes described in 1973 and how they might have changed, evolution of our understanding of axial PsA, consider race and geographic differences in disease expression, role of obesity and sex on the PsA phenotype, effect of co-expression of PsA and FM as well as OA on the phenotype, and consider difficult to treat PsA.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50983,"journal":{"name":"Best Practice & Research in Clinical Rheumatology","volume":"40 3","pages":"Article 102136"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147617158","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pritee Shrestha, Sowmya B. Popuri, Colton Hoffer, Anam Qureshi, Joshua Barzilay, Eunice Adu Dapaah, Laura D. Carbone
{"title":"Management of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in rheumatic diseases","authors":"Pritee Shrestha, Sowmya B. Popuri, Colton Hoffer, Anam Qureshi, Joshua Barzilay, Eunice Adu Dapaah, Laura D. Carbone","doi":"10.1016/j.berh.2026.102151","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.berh.2026.102151","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) and its attendant fractures are a major concern for patients with rheumatic diseases. This 2025 review highlights preventive and treatment strategies for GIOP. An overview of the epidemiology and pathogenesis of GIOP is discussed. Key questions considered are.</div><div>(1) What are the optimum risk factor assessment strategies to identify patients with GIOP at fracture risk, including the role of clinical risk factors, imaging modalities and fracture risk calculators?</div><div>(2). What are the preventive strategies for GIOP incorporating information on steroid-sparing agents for the treatment of rheumatic diseases, the role of calcium and vitamin D intake, and exercise ?</div><div>(3). What are treatment strategies for GIOP with a focus on clinical trial data for FDA-approved therapies that have been studied in patients with rheumatic diseases?</div><div>Clinical practice guidelines are discussed. Future directions for the prevention and treatment of GIOP in persons with rheumatic diseases are considered.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50983,"journal":{"name":"Best Practice & Research in Clinical Rheumatology","volume":"40 3","pages":"Article 102151"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13316697/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147823210","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Pneumocystis prophylaxis in rheumatic disease","authors":"Rachel M. Wolfe, Kevin L. Winthrop","doi":"10.1016/j.berh.2026.102164","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.berh.2026.102164","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Pneumocystis jirovecii</em> pneumonia (PJP) is a rare and potentially fatal opportunistic infection in patients with rheumatic diseases with mortality rates exceeding those seen in HIV-infected patients. Although PJP prophylaxis is highly effective, evidence-based guidelines specific to rheumatic disease are lacking resulting in substantial variability in clinical practice. This review examines the existing PJP literature with a focus on efficacy of prophylaxis, adverse effects, and risk factors across rheumatic diseases to inform a pragmatic, risk-stratified approach to prophylaxis. Certain conditions including ANCA-associated vasculitis during induction therapy, anti-MD5+ dermatomyositis and VEXAS syndrome warrant routine prophylaxis in the setting of high-dose glucocorticoid use whereas others conditions, such as Giant Cell Arteritis, do not justify routine prophylaxis. This review provides a practical framework to assist the practicing clinician in making individualized decisions regarding PJP prophylaxis in rheumatic disease.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50983,"journal":{"name":"Best Practice & Research in Clinical Rheumatology","volume":"40 3","pages":"Article 102164"},"PeriodicalIF":7.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148177125","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}