Dear All,

Greetings!

In this issue, we have selected abstracts that have clinical implications for us on a daily basis. Efficacy of leflunomide in psoriatic arthritis, spectrum of IgG4 -related diseases, induction treatment regimen for lupus nephritis, parotid gland ultrasonography versus lip biopsy in the diagnosis of Sjögren’s syndrome, increased risk of deep venous thrombosis in systemic sclerosis and predictors of silent lupus nephritis are just some of them. In ‘Practice Matters’, the outcome of adult- onset Still’s disease, early- versus late -onset systemic sclerosis and rhupus syndrome have been included.

The highlight of this issue is the study by Dennis et al. published in Arthritis Research Therapy. In this study, the investigators have analyzed synovial tissue samples from two rheumatoid arthritis (RA) cohorts using a combination of global gene expression, histologic and cellular assays. They come out with four major phenotypes of RA synovium—lymphoid, myeloid, low inflammatory and fibroid—each with distinct underlying gene expression signatures and response to biologic therapies. The study validates the previous belief that RA is a syndrome with significant heterogeneity.

We again request all members to post their questions (on any topic) to us so that we can put those questions to experts for every one’s benefit.

Suggestions to improve this IRA activity are forever welcome. Please post your suggestions/comments on iraenewsletter@hotmail.com

Regards,

Banwari Sharma
Editor, IRA e-News Letter