Adoption rates of recommended vaccines and influencing factors among patients with inflammatory arthritis: a patient survey.

To determine the scope of recommended vaccination uptake among patients with inflammatory arthritis (IA) receiving biologic and targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic agents (bDMARDs and tsDMARDs, respectively) and to determine factors, which influence their decision and are subject to modification. A single-center, cross-sectional study was conducted including patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), or ankylosing spondylitis (AS) on bDMARDs or tsDMARDs. Demographic, anthropometric, and clinical parameters were analyzed. Disease activity was determined using the validated indices DAS28-CRP and CDAI for RA and peripheral PsA, whereas BASDAI and ASDAS for AS and axial PsA. Patients completed a questionnaire with predefined response options assessing their vaccination status and attitudes about receiving a COVID-19 vaccination. A total of 201 patients with inflammatory joint diseases were included in the study, with a mean age of 54.6 (± 8.6) years and a disease duration of 11 (± 14.4) years. More than one-third of the study group had received full vaccination against SARS-CoV-2, with the majority (68.1%) receiving the BNT162b2 vaccine. The proportion of patients who had received recommended pneumococcal and influenza vaccinations and regular reimmunizations against diphtheria and tetanus was low, with only 13.9% (n = 28), 1.5% (n = 3), and 44.8% (n = 90), respectively. Patients who had a preceding discussions with a rheumatologist were more likely to get vaccinated. Considering the suboptimal vaccination rates and the prevalent uncertainty among individuals with IA in Bulgaria, there is an urgent need to devise novel strategies to promote vaccination uptake and enhance patient awareness. These strategies aim to educate patients about their autoimmune condition, as well as emphasize the safety and efficacy of vaccines.

Bilateral rapidly destructive coxopathy in rheumatoid arthritis.

Rapidly destructive coxopathy (RDC) is a rare type of coxarthritis marked by swift deterioration of the hip joint. Although its cause remains unclear, several pathophysiological mechanisms are proposed. To comprehensively analyze this poorly understood condition, a literature search was conducted focusing on associations of bilateral RDC and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The problem of long-standing RA, bilateral RDC with a febrile episode that preceded a rapid decline in mobility and severe hip pain, with radiological assessment confirmed bilateral hip destruction, was presented. Rapidly destructive coxopathy, especially when linked to RA, poses diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Our review confirmed by the clinical picture emphasizes the need for vigilance in RA patients with hip involvement and calls for further research to understand RDC's mechanisms and enhance clinical care.