Cardiovascular risk in axial spondyloarthritis-a systematic review.

Cardiovascular manifestations are common in patients suffering axial spondyloarthritis and can result in substantial morbidity and disease burden. To give an overview of this important aspect of axial spondyloarthritis, we conducted a systematic literature search of all articles published between January 2000 and 25 May 2023 on cardiovascular manifestations. Using PubMed and SCOPUS, 123 out of 6792 articles were identified and included in this review. Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis seems to be underrepresented in studies; thus, more evidence for ankylosing spondylitis exists. All in all, we found some traditional risk factors that led to higher cardiovascular disease burden or major cardiovascular events. These specific risk factors seem to be more aggressive in patients with spondyloarthropathies and have a strong connection to high or long-standing disease activity. Since disease activity is a major driver of morbidity, diagnostic, therapeutic, and lifestyle interventions are crucial for better outcomes. Key Points • Several studies on axial spondyloarthritis and associated cardiovascular diseases have been conducted in the last few years addressing risk stratification of these patients including artificial intelligence. • Recent data suggest distinct manifestations of cardiovascular disease entities among men and women which the treating physician needs to be aware of. • Rheumatologists need to screen axial spondyloarthritis patients for emerging cardiovascular disease and should aim at reducing traditional risk factors like hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and smoking as well as disease activity.

Infectious diseases amidst a humanitarian crisis in Ukraine: A rising concern.

As of the 24th of February 2022, the war in Ukraine has increased the risk for infectious diseases outbreaks in the country and beyond. The disruption of healthcare services, the destruction of critical infrastructure, the displacement of millions of civilians and the crowded living conditions in bunkers pose a formiddable threat to public health. Infections are emphasized due to the low rates of vaccination against COVID-19 and the high prevalence of chronic infections such as Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS in Ukraine compared to the WHO Europe region. Collaboration between authorities and humanitatian organizations is necessary, in order to strengthen epidemiological surveillance and deploy vital resources that are required for the prevention and the management of infections.