Dear All,

In this issue of news letter, we have discussed some interesting studies, particularly B- cell depletion therapy in vasculitis and systemic sclerosis. In anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) -associated vasculitis with renal involvement, no difference was found among remission rates, relapses and adverse effects in the rituximab and cyclophosphamide groups. In the maintenance of ANCA-associated vasculitis, rituximab showed significantly better response at 28 months than azathioprine (5% vs. 29% relapse rate, respectively). In another study on the use of rituximab in the management of systemic sclerosis, 20 patients with diffuse primary Sjögren’s syndrome were given rituximab; and at 12 months, significant improvement was found in both skin scores and lung functions in these patients. We have also included the 5-year results of golimumab in AS patients (the Go-Raise study).

Professor George Nuki has given his expert comments on the commonest rheumatic disease osteoarthritis, which is   the highlight of this issue.

Also included is the ‘Art of War’ of fight of a lupus patient with her disease which is inspiring for other patients.

We sincerely request all members to post their questions to us so that we can put those questions to experts for every one’s benefit.

We welcome your suggestions to improve this IRA activity. Please post your suggestions/comments on iraenewsleter@hotmail.com

Regards,

Banwari Sharma
Editor, IRA e-News Letter