Top in rheumatology: Musculoskeletal pain, intra-articular therapy guidelines

A recent meta-analysis demonstrated the negative effects of musculoskeletal pain on sexual function, intimate relationships, sexual identity, body image and self-worth. It was the top story in rheumatology last week.

Also, the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) introduced new recommendations on intra-articular therapies for patients with peripheral arthropathies. The guidelines address issues related to patient information, procedure and setting, as well as accuracy, aseptic care, safety issues in special populations, and more.

Read these and more top stories in rheumatology below:

Sexual, relationship dysfunction highly prevalent in noninflammatory musculoskeletal pain

Patients with chronic non-inflammatory musculoskeletal disease often experience sexual dysfunction and negative effects on their relationships because of their condition, according to a meta-analysis published in Arthritis Care & Research. Read more.

EULAR releases first evidence-based recommendations for intra-articular therapies

In an effort to “improve uniformity” and reduce the “wide variation” in intra-articular therapy use, EULAR recently published 11 new recommendations to guide clinicians in employing these therapies for patients with peripheral arthropathies. Read more.

Lupus-related neuropsychiatric events linked to active disease, corticosteroids

Neuropsychiatric events caused by systemic lupus erythematosus are associated with active disease, male sex, corticosteroids and concurrent non-lupus events, except headaches, according to data published in Arthritis & Rheumatology. Read more.

Tocilizumab plus prednisone reduces treatment failure risk sixfold in giant cell arteritis

Tocilizumab plus prednisone was linked to a sixfold reduced risk for treatment failure in patients with giant cell arteritis, with highest risks reported among women and patients treated with prednisone monotherapy, according to data. Read more.

Guselkumab sustains improvements in PsA with sacroiliitis through 1 year

Guselkumab administered once every 4 or 8 weeks improved axial outcomes in patients with psoriatic arthritis who have sacroiliitis through week 52, according to data published in The Lancet Rheumatology. Read more.