ACR open rheumatology最新文献

{"title":"Gait Retraining to Reduce Tibial Acceleration Versus a Standard Walking Program for Reducing Knee Pain and Loading in Adults With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Feasibility Trial.","authors":"Khara A James, Patrick Corrigan, Chun-Hao Huang, Corey Lanois, Michael P LaValley, Irene S Davis, Joshua J Stefanik","doi":"10.1002/acr2.70079","DOIUrl":"10.1002/acr2.70079","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To assess the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial evaluating a gait retraining program to reduce peak tibial acceleration on knee pain and impact loading in adults with knee osteoarthritis.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Participants (n = 44) were randomized to a gait retraining or standard walking program. Walking duration increased from 10 to 30 minutes as feedback faded over eight sessions. Gait retraining participants received real-time biofeedback to reduce peak tibial acceleration by 20%. Feasibility criteria included rates of recruitment, enrollment, and retention and number of adverse events. Knee pain and overground impact loading were assessed at baseline and one week after the last treadmill session. Analysis of covariance models compared group differences in peak tibial acceleration, pain, and impact loading after the walking program, controlling for baseline values.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Most feasibility criteria were met. From 2019 to 2023, 867 individuals were screened (~22 individuals per month), and 46 were enrolled and randomized (n = 23 per group). No adverse events were identified. Peak tibial acceleration reduced by 0.13g and 0.09g (gravitational equivalents) for the gait retraining and standard walking groups, respectively. Greater reductions in pain were observed for the standard walking group compared to the gait retraining group. Changes in impact loading were not significant in either group. No between-group differences were observed for peak tibial acceleration, knee pain, or impact loading.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>A full-scale randomized clinical trial is feasible with modification. However, gait retraining to reduce peak tibial acceleration was no more effective than a standard walking program for reducing knee pain and impact loading.</p>","PeriodicalId":93845,"journal":{"name":"ACR open rheumatology","volume":"7 8","pages":"e70079"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12305460/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144736015","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of Audio-Guided Imagery on Raynaud Phenomenon in Connective Tissue Disease.","authors":"Cristina Padilla, Veena Katikineni, Yongseok Park, Leigh Freno, Maureen Laffoon, Lee Reichbaum, Robert Lafyatis, Robyn Domsic","doi":"10.1002/acr2.70074","DOIUrl":"10.1002/acr2.70074","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To assess the physical, emotional, and mental impact of regular audio-guided imagery (AGI) in patients with connective tissue disease (CTD)-associated Raynaud phenomenon (RP).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Sixteen adult patients with CTD-associated RP were enrolled in an open-label, single-arm, eight-week intervention with daily AGI at a single center. Patients completed surveys, including assessment of RP severity, depression/anxiety, and quality of life at baseline and the end of eight weeks.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Study participants demonstrated significant improvement in all patient reported outcomes, except Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7, which showed improvement but was not statistically significant. This eight-week intervention shows that patients with CTD-associated RP had less severe RP episodes, as well as improved quality of life and depressive symptoms.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>AGI significantly improved several domains of health, including physical, emotional, and mental, in patients with CTD-associated RP who otherwise more commonly struggle with more RP attacks, lower quality of life, and depression. AGI is a low-cost, low-risk, and convenient therapy for CTD-associated RP. A larger study studying the effects of this intervention is indicated.</p>","PeriodicalId":93845,"journal":{"name":"ACR open rheumatology","volume":"7 8","pages":"e70074"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12305345/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144982145","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Correction to \"Impact of Delay of Treatment With Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs in Psoriatic Arthritis: The CorEvitas Psoriatic Arthritis/Spondyloarthritis Registry\".","authors":"","doi":"10.1002/acr2.70104","DOIUrl":"10.1002/acr2.70104","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":93845,"journal":{"name":"ACR open rheumatology","volume":"7 8","pages":"e70104"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12305346/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144736013","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Giant Cell Arteritis Refractory to Interleukin-6 and Interleukin-17 Inhibition Treated With Upadacitinib.","authors":"Luke S Vest, Anam Ahmad, Sanhitha Valasareddy, Nancy Phillips, Adam Kilian","doi":"10.1002/acr2.70094","DOIUrl":"10.1002/acr2.70094","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a granulomatous vasculitis that can involve both cranial and extracranial vessels. Although interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor blockade is an established therapy, treatment options for medically refractory disease remain limited. We report a unique case of extracranial GCA refractory to glucocorticoids, azathioprine, tocilizumab (IL-6 inhibitor), and secukinumab (IL-17A inhibitor) that responded robustly to upadacitinib, a selective JAK1 inhibitor. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of GCA demonstrating resistance to both IL-6 and IL-17 inhibition but clinical and imaging remission with JAK inhibition, highlighting the role of upadacitinib as a therapy for patients with GCA.</p>","PeriodicalId":93845,"journal":{"name":"ACR open rheumatology","volume":"7 8","pages":"e70094"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12305451/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144736016","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Upregulated GDF-15 in Ankylosing Spondylitis: Pathologic Ossification Promotion through Ligament Fibroblast Osteogenic Differentiation.","authors":"Guoxian He, Jiaxiao Li, Yanting Zhong, Junying Hua, Jinrong Xu, Liao Cui, Yang Cui","doi":"10.1002/acr2.70075","DOIUrl":"10.1002/acr2.70075","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To investigate the role of growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) in ankylosing spondylitis (AS).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A proteoglycan-induced arthritis mouse model was established to mimic the pathologic changes of AS. Expression of GDF-15 in serum and the edge of the vertebral cartilage plate and the spinal entheseal sites in the model group was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunohistochemistry. Then primary fibroblasts from the ligaments of patients with femoral neck fracture (healthy controls [HC]) and patients with AS were extracted. Western blotting, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and activity assay, and alizarin red staining were used to detect the osteogenic ability of primary fibroblasts.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Expression of GDF-15 was up-regulated in serum and the edge of the vertebral cartilage plate and the spinal entheseal sites in the model group. In vitro, our results showed that GDF-15 promoted the osteogenic differentiation of HC and AS fibroblasts. Furthermore, our results showed that in AS fibroblasts, GDF-15 elevated the expression of osteogenic marker genes (SP7, RUNX2, and COL1) as well as p-glycogen synthase kinase 3β and β-catenin, which are involved in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. This effect of GDF-15 in AS fibroblasts could be reversed by the inhibitor of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, DKK-1, suggesting that GDF-15 promoted the osteogenic differentiation of AS fibroblasts via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Furthermore, knockdown of GDF-15 also suppressed osteogenic differentiation and inhibited Wnt/β-catenin signaling in AS fibroblasts.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study revealed aberrant up-regulation of GDF-15 in an AS mouse model and osteogenic effect of GDF-15 in AS fibroblasts via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which may be one of the mechanisms and therapeutic targets of new bone formation in AS.</p>","PeriodicalId":93845,"journal":{"name":"ACR open rheumatology","volume":"7 8","pages":"e70075"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12358933/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144877210","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Associations of Lymphocyte Subpopulations, Related Cytokines, Clinical Phenotypes, and Outcomes in Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.","authors":"Butsabong Lerkvaleekul, Noppasorn Sitthisarunkul, Nopporn Apiwattanakul, Chompunuch Klinmalai, Nutkridta Pongsakul, Soamarat Vilaiyuk","doi":"10.1002/acr2.70070","DOIUrl":"10.1002/acr2.70070","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To facilitate appropriate management, we aimed to evaluate associations between lymphocyte subsets and related cytokines with clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We collected blood samples from 53 patients with sJIA and evaluated the percentages of lymphocyte subsets and cytokine levels. Patients were categorized into active (n = 18), persistent (n = 11), and inactive (n = 24) sJIA groups based on clinical phenotypes. Seventeen patients with active disease provided longitudinal blood samples at 0, 4 to 6, and 24 weeks. Among these patients, 12 patients were classified as sJIA treatment responders (sJIA-R) and 5 patients were classified as sJIA treatment nonresponders (sJIA-NR). The healthy control (HC) group comprised 32 age-matched children.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Dynamic changes in lymphocyte subsets and cytokine levels were observed over time. In the longitudinal cohort, patients in the sJIA-R group showed a significant decline in proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1 (IL-1), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and IL-23, along with increases in CD3⁺, CD4⁺, and CD8⁺ T cells. In contrast, patients in the sJIA-NR group had persistently elevated IL-1, IL-23, and tumor necrosis factor levels and natural killer (NK) T cell percentages. Despite clinical improvement, IL-18 and IFN-γ levels remained elevated compared to HCs throughout the 24-week follow-up. Analysis of minor lymphocyte subsets revealed low NK and gamma delta (γδ) T cell percentages during active disease and follow-up. Notably, IL-23 levels and γδ T cell percentages were significantly associated with several disease activity parameters.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Patients with sJIA exhibit altered lymphocyte subsets and inflammatory mediator production during the disease course, which may assist in identifying treatment responders and guiding therapeutic strategies. This study investigated associations of lymphocyte subpopulations, related cytokines, clinical phenotypes, and outcomes in systemic juvenile idiopathic (sJIA). Low percentages of NK and γδ-T cells were observed in patients with sJIA, particularly during active disease, compared to healthy controls. Persistent elevations in IL-1, IL-23, TNF, and NK T cell percentage were associated with poor treatment response.</p>","PeriodicalId":93845,"journal":{"name":"ACR open rheumatology","volume":"7 8","pages":"e70070"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12305351/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144736012","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An Updated Economic Evaluation of HLA-B*58:01 Genotype Testing in Gouty Patients for Preventing Severe Allopurinol Hypersensitivity in Thailand.","authors":"Piyameth Dilokthornsakul, Worawit Louthrenoo, Jirawit Yadee, Boonjing Siripaitoon, Kanon Jatuworapruk, Suda Vannaprasaht, Ticha Rerkpattanapipat, Apinya Chungcharoenpanich, Wimolsiri Iamsumang, Nilawan Upakdee, Supinya Dechanont, Suppachai Lawanaskol, Bodin Butthum, Parawee Chevaisrakul, Patapong Towiwat","doi":"10.1002/acr2.70093","DOIUrl":"10.1002/acr2.70093","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA), specifically HLA-B*58:01, testing before allopurinol initiation in patients with gout in Thailand was previously shown to be cost-effective. However, several drugs are available in the treatment of gout in Thailand, so the updated cost-effectiveness analysis is warranted. This study aimed to update the cost-effectiveness of HLA-B*58:01 testing before allopurinol initiation in patients with gout in Thailand.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A hybrid model consisting of a decision tree and a Markov model with a lifetime horizon from a societal perspective was undertaken. The HLA-B*58:01 testing was compared to the standard of care as no testing. Total health care costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) were assessed. A comprehensive literature review along with retrospective data analysis and prospective data collection were conducted to determine inputs to inform the model. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio analysis was calculated.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>HLA-B*58:01 testing could avoid 1.554 Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrosis cases, resulting in a saving of 0.140 patients' lives per 1,000 patients. It could gain 0.002 life-years and 0.004 QALYs compared to no testing. However, it required a higher lifetime cost of 4,690 Thai baht (THB), resulting in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of 1,093,068 THB/QALY (31,404 US dollars per QALY).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>HLA-B*58:01 testing was not cost-effective before allopurinol initiation in Thai patients with gout at the current price of 1,000 THB per test. However, HLA-B*58:01 testing would be cost-effective if only probenecid was the alternative treatment for patients with positive HLA-B*58:01 results. This result would be useful for health authorities, policy decision-makers, and physicians' organizations in providing the recommendation for HLA-B*58:01 testing before initiation of allopurinol.</p>","PeriodicalId":93845,"journal":{"name":"ACR open rheumatology","volume":"7 8","pages":"e70093"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12364558/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144884498","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Characteristics Associated With Detectable High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis at Low-Intermediate Cardiac Risk.","authors":"Ilana Usiskin, Mary Jeffway, Ying Qi, Nancy Shadick, Michael Weinblatt, Brittany Weber, Katherine Liao","doi":"10.1002/acr2.70063","DOIUrl":"10.1002/acr2.70063","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with detectable high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT), a marker of subclinical myocardial injury associated with cardiac events in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), among patients with RA at low to intermediate atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We performed a cross-sectional cohort study among patients with RA, excluding those with pre-existing cardiovascular disease or high estimated 10-year ASCVD risk (>20%). In univariable analysis, we compared demographics, RA clinical factors, markers of inflammation, and routine lipids among patients with and without detectable hs-cTnT. Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to determine whether clinical factors and clinically available biomarkers were associated with detectable hs-cTnT, independent of ASCVD risk.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We studied 294 patients with RA, of whom 86 (29%) had a detectable hs-cTnT level. Older age; male sex; hypertension; higher levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A₂; glucocorticoid use; and the absence of methotrexate use were associated with detectable hs-cTnT. Higher 10-year ASCVD risk was associated with detectable hs-cTnT (odds ratio 1.22, 95% confidence interval 1.15-1.29); markers of inflammation were not associated with detectable hs-cTnT in multivariable analysis. Among patients with RA in the lowest ASCVD risk category (10-year risk <5%), more than 25% of men and more than 33% of patients aged >60 had detectable hs-cTnT.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Detectable hs-cTnT was prevalent among a cohort of patients with RA with low to intermediate ASCVD risk. Patients who were male or aged >60 had the highest rates of detectable hs-cTnT, suggesting a role for additional screening in these individuals regardless of their ASCVD risk.</p>","PeriodicalId":93845,"journal":{"name":"ACR open rheumatology","volume":"7 8","pages":"e70063"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12317461/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144982117","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Racial Implicit Bias, Treatment Recommendations, and Perceived Compliance in the Care of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.","authors":"Alisha Akinsete, Onjona B Hossain, Ilir Agalliu, Dawn M Wahezi, Ellen J Silvers, Irene Blanco, Tamar Rubinstein, Cristina Gonzalez","doi":"10.1002/acr2.70082","DOIUrl":"10.1002/acr2.70082","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Racial implicit bias may contribute to health disparities in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) outcomes by impacting provider medical decision-making. Our study assessed racial and racial-medical compliance implicit biases of an international pediatric rheumatology community and investigated whether their biases impact treatment recommendations for patients with JIA.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A web-based survey, which included a randomized vignette describing either a White or Black patient with JIA, was sent to pediatric rheumatology providers. Participants were prompted to select the best patient management option and to complete two implicit association tests (IATs): race and race compliance. Student's t-tests or analysis of variance were used to compare IAT D-scores between or across groups; all tests were two-sided with P < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Logistic regression models were used to examine associations for two outcomes of interest: recommendation of either adequate (methotrexate monotherapy) or aggressive (methotrexate and adalimumab combination) treatment with each IAT D-score by each vignette.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Overall, 165 pediatric rheumatologists completed the survey. Providers showed a slight pro-White bias in the race IAT (mean D-score ± SD 0.26 ± 0.5) and race-medical compliance IAT (mean D-score ± SD 0.16 ± 0.43). Although not statistically significant, a one-point increase in IAT D-scores was associated with a lower likelihood that providers would choose aggressive treatment versus adequate treatment in the Black vignette (odds ratio [OR] 0.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.20-1.47; P = 0.23), and a greater likelihood that providers would choose aggressive treatment in the White vignette (OR 4.07, 95% CI 0.74-22.24; P = 0.11).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Implicit bias was not associated with treatment recommendations. Further studies are needed to better evaluate the impact of implicit bias.</p>","PeriodicalId":93845,"journal":{"name":"ACR open rheumatology","volume":"7 8","pages":"e70082"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12358801/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144982126","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sex-Associated Disparities in Industry Payments to US Authors in High-Impact Rheumatology Journals: Correlation with Author Impact.","authors":"William Stohl, Krishan Parikh, Anuj Parikh, Sheldon M Stohl","doi":"10.1002/acr2.70078","DOIUrl":"10.1002/acr2.70078","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>The aim of this study was to assess sex-associated disparities in the frequency and magnitude of industry payments to US physician authors in high-impact rheumatology journals and their correlation with author impact.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>US authors of publications in four high-impact rheumatology journals were vetted on Open Payments Database (OPD) for industry payments. The h-index (an accepted metric of author impact), physician type, and dollar amounts for each OPD category were recorded. Differences in the percentages of male versus female US authors with or without OPD entries, differences in research-associated and non-research-associated payments, and differences in h-indexes were determined. Two hematology, two surgery, and two obstetrics/gynecology high-impact journals were similarly vetted.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The h-indexes of, and industry payments to, US male physician authors were greater than those of and to US female physician authors across all four vetted journal disciplines, with the male-to-female ratio of median dollar payments being greatest for rheumatology. Whereas payments to male US physician authors tended to be larger than those to female US physician authors at low h-indexes, payments to female US physician authors, especially for rheumatology, tended to match and surpass those to male US physician authors as the h-indexes rose.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Significant differences exist in industry payments and h-indexes between male and female US physician authors of publications in high-impact journals, especially high-impact rheumatology journals. Sex-associated differences in industry payments can be attributed, at least in part, to sex-associated differences in author impact.</p>","PeriodicalId":93845,"journal":{"name":"ACR open rheumatology","volume":"7 8","pages":"e70078"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12381470/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144982093","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}