Johan Askling

Plain English
This study updated guidelines for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using various medications, including traditional therapies and newer biologic drugs. The research identified nine key recommendations for managing RA, emphasizing starting with methotrexate and glucocorticoids, adding biologic drugs if needed, and safely tapering medications once patients achieve remission. This is important because it helps ensure effective treatment while minimizing health risks and managing costs for patients. Who this helps: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis and their doctors.

Plain English
This study looked at the risk of skin cancers, specifically keratinocyte cancers, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis who were being treated with different types of medications: Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi), tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi), and non-TNFi biologic drugs. Out of over 21,000 patients, those treated with JAKi had a 39% higher risk of developing keratinocyte cancers than those on TNFi, translating to about one additional cancer case for every 244 patients per year. This is important because it highlights the potential risks associated with JAKi treatment, which doctors need to consider when prescribing these medications. Who this helps: This information helps patients and doctors make informed treatment decisions regarding rheumatoid arthritis.

Plain English
This study examined how different ways of measuring rheumatoid arthritis (RA) might reveal more about patient differences than the commonly used 28-joint disease activity score (DAS28). Researchers looked at 6,624 newly diagnosed RA patients and developed three new classification methods. They found that these methods identified patient groups with distinct health issues, noting that those seen as "subjectively dominated" (who reported more pain and mental health issues) had 50% to 300% more such conditions compared to "objectively dominated" patients. Who this helps: This research benefits patients by allowing for more personalized treatment plans based on their unique profiles and symptoms.

Plain English
This study looked at how rheumatoid arthritis (RA) impacts work loss over time in adults aged 30-60. Researchers analyzed data from 3,850 RA patients and their 4,422 siblings. They found that RA patients lost an average of 26 workdays per year between 2012-2020, which is significantly less than the 47 workdays lost per year from 2006-2011, indicating that treatment has improved since then. Who this helps: This information benefits patients with rheumatoid arthritis and their healthcare providers.

Plain English
This study looked at how often psoriatic arthritis (a type of inflammatory arthritis) was diagnosed in adults in Sweden from 2014 to 2016. They found that about 22 out of every 100,000 people were diagnosed each year, with slightly more women being affected and the most common age for diagnosis being between 50 and 59 years old. Nearly 71% of patients started treatment with disease-modifying drugs within two years of their diagnosis, which is important for managing the condition. Who this helps: This information is useful for doctors and healthcare planners to better understand and treat patients with psoriatic arthritis.

Plain English
This study looked at how effective two types of treatments for rheumatoid arthritis—JAK inhibitors (JAKis) and biologic drugs (bDMARDs)—are at reducing pain. Researchers found that patients taking JAKis reported, on average, a pain reduction of 4 millimeters more on a scale from 0 to 100 compared to those on tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFis) at three months, and more patients using JAKis reached low pain levels after 12 months, especially if they had previously tried at least two other treatments. This is important because it shows that JAKis may offer better pain relief for certain patients, helping them manage their condition more effectively. Who this helps: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis who have not found relief from previous treatments.

Plain English
This study looked at how being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects people's earnings by comparing patients with their siblings who do not have the disease. It found that, on average, people with RA earned 5.4% less annually after their diagnosis compared to their siblings, which translates to about €1,430 less each year. However, this financial impact was greater for those diagnosed between 2006 and 2010, who saw an 8.2% decrease, while those diagnosed later showed no significant change in earnings. Who this helps: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis, especially older individuals and those with lower education levels.

Plain English
This study looked at whether taking antibiotics is linked to a higher chance of developing latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) and type 2 diabetes. They analyzed data from nearly 3,000 people with LADA, over 2,000 with type 2 diabetes, and about 2,400 without diabetes and found that taking narrow-spectrum antibiotics within 6-10 years before being diagnosed with LADA may increase risk by 39%, but there was no risk increase for broad-spectrum antibiotics. This research is important because it helps clarify the role of antibiotics in diabetes risks, particularly for adults vulnerable to LADA. Who this helps: Adults at risk of LADA and healthcare providers managing their treatments.

Plain English
This study looked at the relationship between certain genetic markers and levels of specific autoantibodies in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Researchers found that two genetic variations, HLA-DRB1*09 and *15, were linked to higher levels of anti-citrullinated protein antibodies, which are important for diagnosing and understanding RA. This finding is significant because it reveals a new aspect of genetic influence on antibody levels, which could improve how we approach diagnosis and treatment of RA. Who this helps: This helps patients with rheumatoid arthritis and their doctors.

Plain English
This research looked at the safety of using targeted therapies in patients with inflammatory arthritis who also have a history of cancer. The study reviewed 15 high-quality articles and found that the risk of developing new cancers or having cancer return was similar for patients using targeted therapies compared to those using standard treatments, with a hazard ratio of 0.90, meaning there was no significant increase in risk. This is important because it suggests that patients with inflammatory arthritis and a cancer history can safely use targeted therapies without raising their cancer risk. Who this helps: This benefits patients with inflammatory arthritis who have had cancer, as well as their doctors.

Plain English
This study looked at how different treatments for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affect the amount of work lost due to sickness over time. Researchers compared four medications—TNF inhibitors, rituximab, abatacept, and tocilizumab—using data from over 20,000 patients in Sweden. They found that, before starting treatment and three years after, work loss was similar across all medication groups, with no significant differences in lost workdays. Who this helps: This benefits patients with rheumatoid arthritis by providing insights into the effectiveness of their treatment options regarding work absenteeism.

Plain English
This study looked at the safety of new drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by analyzing over 33,000 cases from 2006 to 2022. Researchers found that the risk of major health issues like heart problems and serious infections was lower for drugs that had been on the market for more than five years compared to newer drugs, although this difference was less significant after considering patient factors. Importantly, the overall rate of health issues for RA patients taking these newer drugs decreased during the study period, suggesting that as these drugs become established, their safety profile improves, therefore influencing drug approval standards. Who this helps: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Plain English
This study looked at cancer rates in people with vitiligo and autoimmune alopecia (AA) compared to the general population. It found that those with vitiligo had a 47% lower risk of malignant melanoma and a 19% lower risk of squamous cell carcinoma, while those with AA had similar reductions. The results suggest that the immune-related issues in vitiligo and AA might provide some protection against skin cancers, but not against other types of cancer. Who this helps: This helps patients with vitiligo and autoimmune alopecia by providing insights into their cancer risks.

Plain English
This study looked at how to safely use a new class of medications, called Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi), to treat immune-related inflammatory diseases. The expert group reviewed recent research and updated guidelines about when and how to use these drugs, including important information on dosages and potential side effects. This is important because it helps ensure that patients receive the most effective and safe treatments available. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients dealing with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases.

Plain English
This study looked at whether taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is linked to a greater risk of kidney cancer in the general population and in patients with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthritis, who use NSAIDs more often. The researchers found that in the general population, those who used NSAIDs had a 30% higher chance of developing kidney cancer compared to those who did not, particularly in the first year of use. In contrast, the results were less clear for patients with arthritis, indicating that the risk might not be as significant in those who frequently use these medications. Who this helps: This research helps patients and doctors understand the potential risks of using NSAIDs, especially for those in the general population.

Plain English
This study looked at young people with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in Sweden and compared their earnings and work loss to similar individuals without the condition. It found that those with JIA earned about 5.5% less than their peers, which adds up to an annual difference of around €736, and they missed an average of 11 more days of work each year. The earnings gap shrank as patients got older, but the work loss remained significant, indicating that while some improvements occur with age, many individuals with JIA still face economic challenges into adulthood. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and the doctors treating them by highlighting the ongoing economic impacts of the condition.

Plain English
This study looked at anticitrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs) in over 6,900 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to understand how certain patterns relate to genetic risk factors and smoking. The researchers found that 90% of patients with strong reactions to a specific type of citrulline motif (nonglycine) also carried a genetic marker associated with higher RA risk, while only 67% of those with a different type (glycine) did. These findings highlight the importance of different antibody types and their links to genetic susceptibility, which could help tailor treatments for RA patients. Who this helps: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis and their doctors can benefit from this information for better diagnosis and treatment strategies.

Plain English
This study looked at how well genetics could help predict how patients with early rheumatoid arthritis would respond to methotrexate treatment. Researchers analyzed data from 2,432 patients and found that including genetic information only slightly improved predictions, with the best outcome prediction showing a score of 0.67. This tells us that while genetics might play a role, factors like age and sex are more useful for predicting treatment success. Who this helps: This helps doctors better understand treatment responses for their patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Plain English
This study looked at the risk of serious heart problems in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who were treated with a type of drug called JAK inhibitors compared to those treated with other drugs like tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) and biologic treatments with different actions. Researchers analyzed data from over 73,000 treatment courses and found that the rate of major heart events was about 7.0 per 1,000 person-years for JAK inhibitors, compared to 7.6 for TNFi and 11.8 for other biologic drugs. This information is important because it shows that JAK inhibitors do not significantly increase the risk of heart issues compared to TNFi, offering reassurance for patients and doctors in choosing treatment options. Who this helps: This helps patients with rheumatoid arthritis and their doctors in deciding the best treatment plan.

Plain English
This study looked at how obesity affects the ability of patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to achieve remission while being treated with methotrexate. Researchers found that after six months, 64% of obese patients failed to reach remission, compared to 52% of overweight patients and 48% of those with normal weight. Even after considering other health factors, obesity was still linked to a higher risk of not reaching remission, indicating it is a significant risk factor in these patients. Who this helps: This information benefits patients with rheumatoid arthritis, particularly those who are obese.

Plain English
This study examined the risk of blood clots in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Sweden from 2007 to 2021. Researchers followed over 55,000 patients and found that those with IBD had a rate of blood clots of 5.03 per 1,000 person-years, compared to 2.35 per 1,000 in healthy individuals, showing that IBD patients are more than twice as likely to develop these clots (HR = 2.12). This is important because heightened awareness and monitoring for blood clot risks can lead to better prevention and care for IBD patients. Who this helps: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease and their healthcare providers.

Plain English
This study looked at a national quality registry called SRQ, which collects information about the health and treatments of patients with rheumatic diseases. It was found that using patient-reported outcomes helps track and improve the treatment of these diseases by providing regular updates to healthcare providers. This is important because it enables better clinical management and more effective follow-up for patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients with rheumatic diseases and their doctors.

Plain English
This study looked at cancer rates in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) from 2007 to 2022, comparing those who received different treatments to the general population. Researchers found that patients with UC had about 3 extra cancer cases for every 1,000 years they were followed, with a higher risk observed in older patients. Specifically, thiopurine-treated patients had the highest cancer rates, with 3.4 extra cases per 1,000 years. Who this helps: This information helps doctors and patients with ulcerative colitis understand their cancer risk based on treatment choices.

Plain English
This study looked at how often patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) stop taking important medications called DMARDs, which help manage their condition. Over an average of 4.5 years, 10% of newly diagnosed patients and those starting their first DMARD stopped taking two or more different types, while this figure jumped to 25% for those starting their first biologic or targeted therapy. These findings are important because they highlight how challenging it can be to treat some RA patients, informing doctors about the variation in treatment success. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and patients by providing insights into treatment difficulties in rheumatoid arthritis.

Plain English
This study looked at how specific antibodies affect the processing of type II collagen, a key protein in joint cartilage, during the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The researchers found that certain autoantibodies from RA patients interfere with the breakdown of collagen by an enzyme called MMP-13, leading to the production of abnormal collagen fragments. These fragments can potentially escalate the inflammation and damage in joints, making the early stages of RA more severe. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with rheumatoid arthritis by improving our understanding of how their immune system contributes to joint damage.

Plain English
This study looked at whether mothers with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) during pregnancy are more likely to have children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The research found that if a mother was diagnosed with RA before giving birth, her child had a 77% higher risk of developing ASD compared to children of mothers without RA. However, if the mother was diagnosed with RA after delivery, that risk was not present. This is important because it suggests that the mother’s health during pregnancy could play a significant role in the child’s development. Who this helps: This helps expectant mothers and healthcare providers understand the potential risks associated with maternal health conditions during pregnancy.

Plain English
This study looked at whether patients with rheumatoid arthritis who were treated with a medication called abatacept had a higher risk of developing cancers, compared to those treated with other similar drugs over a period of 10 years. The findings showed that the overall risk of cancer was similar across the various treatments: about 7.6 to 11.4 cases per 1,000 patient-years for abatacept, compared to 8.6 to 13.2 for conventional drugs. The study indicates that abatacept does not significantly increase the overall risk of malignancies compared to other treatments, which is important for guiding treatment options for these patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with rheumatoid arthritis and their doctors make informed decisions about treatment options.

Plain English
This research looked at the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who were treated with a drug called abatacept. The study found that the NMSC rate was 6 cases per 1,000 patient-years for those using abatacept, compared to 4 for those on a placebo. While abatacept was associated with a higher risk of NMSC compared to older RA treatments, it showed no significant difference when compared to newer RA drugs. Who this helps: This information benefits patients with rheumatoid arthritis who are considering treatment options.

Plain English
This study looked at patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to see if the use of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) would lower their chances of developing autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD). Researchers found that after being diagnosed with RA, only 2.3% of these patients developed AITD, compared to 2.9% in the general population, indicating a lower risk for RA patients. Among those treated with biologic DMARDs, the risk was even lower at just 0.54 times that of the general population. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with rheumatoid arthritis, especially those undergoing treatment with biologic drugs.

Plain English
This study looked at the risk of serious infections in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who were treated with a medication called abatacept compared to other common treatments over ten years. It analyzed data from over 140,000 patients and found that the risk of hospitalization for infections was similar for those using abatacept (16 to 56 cases per 1,000 patient-years) compared to those on other standard treatments. The rates of serious opportunistic infections, like tuberculosis, were also low across all treatment groups, confirming that abatacept has a safety profile that aligns with previous knowledge. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with rheumatoid arthritis and their doctors by providing reassurance about the safety of abatacept treatment options.

Plain English
This study looked at how specific autoantibodies in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients relate to their symptoms when they are diagnosed. They found that most autoantibodies, except one type called IgG rheumatoid factor (RF), were linked to having fewer swollen and tender joints, while IgM and IgA RF were associated with higher levels of inflammation in the body. This matters because understanding these relationships helps doctors predict disease behavior and guide treatment options for RA patients. Who this helps: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis and their healthcare providers.

Plain English
This study looked at how likely people with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in Sweden are to die compared to the general population. Researchers found that people with PsA had about a 10% higher chance of dying than those without it, particularly affecting women and individuals who had the disease for a long time. However, when accounting for other health issues, this increased risk seemed to go away, suggesting that other medical conditions play a big role in the overall mortality of these patients. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with psoriatic arthritis and their healthcare providers by highlighting the importance of managing other health issues.

Plain English
This study looked at how likely it is for family members and spouses of people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to develop spondyloarthritis (SpA). Researchers found that 6.5 out of every 10,000 family members of IBD patients developed SpA, compared to 4.8 for family members of people without IBD, showing a 35% higher risk for family members of IBD patients. The risk was even higher for family members of those diagnosed with Crohn's disease or those who were diagnosed at a young age. This matters because it suggests that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the likelihood of developing these conditions together. Who this helps: This helps patients and their families understand their risks for related health issues.

Plain English
This study looked at the connection between inflammatory joint diseases (like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis) and depression in over 600,000 patients in Sweden. It found that people who have depression are about 1.34 times more likely to later develop these joint diseases compared to those without depression. The researchers also discovered that those with depression often had a history of these diseases, with increased odds ranging from 1.39 for rheumatoid arthritis to 1.59 for psoriatic arthritis. This matters because understanding this link can help improve care for patients dealing with both depression and joint diseases. Who this helps: Patients with depression and inflammatory joint diseases.

Plain English
This study looked at the genetic connections between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and heart attacks (myocardial infarctions, or MIs) in over 26,000 Swedish patients. It found that the genetic overlap between RA and MI is small, with a correlation score of only 0.13, which means that having RA doesn’t significantly increase the chances of having a heart attack. This matters because it suggests that the increased heart attack risk seen in people with RA is likely due to other factors, rather than shared genetic traits. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers understand the relationship between these conditions, guiding better treatment and prevention efforts for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Plain English
This study looked at different ways to measure the severity of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in patients starting a particular treatment. Researchers found that when full joint counts weren't possible, using the modified 28-joint measures (DAPSA28) was just as helpful as the standard method. Specifically, at six months, about 28% of patients using DAPSA28 were in remission compared to 59% with DAS28-CRP, suggesting that DAPSA28 is a reliable alternative. Who this helps: This benefits patients with psoriatic arthritis by providing a more practical way to monitor their condition.

Plain English
This study looked at the occurrence of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) who were starting a specific type of medication called biologics. It found that among nearly 30,000 patients with RA, 225 developed ILD, leading to a risk roughly 9.7 times higher than the general population. In contrast, among about 11,000 PsA patients, there were only 23 cases, leading to a risk about 4.4 times higher. The study also showed that taking methotrexate (MTX) alongside biologics did not increase the risk of ILD. Who this helps: This research helps patients with RA and PsA and their doctors understand the risks of lung disease when starting new treatments.

Plain English
This study looked at how legal regulations, specifically the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), are slowing down research in personalized medicine for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in a Nordic collaboration involving Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. Researchers spent over three years creating more than 20 legal documents to ensure compliance with these regulations, which took more time than the actual research. This is important because personalized medicine has the potential to significantly improve treatment for RA patients, but the legal hurdles are delaying progress and innovation. Who this helps: This helps patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Plain English
This study looked at how doctors can safely start targeted treatments for people with inflammatory arthritis (IA) who have a history of cancer. Researchers created guidelines that suggest assessing each patient's cancer risk, working closely with cancer specialists, and starting treatment quickly for patients whose cancer is in remission. They specifically recommended caution when using certain medications if there are no other treatment options available. Who this helps: This benefits patients with inflammatory arthritis and a history of cancer.

Plain English
This study looked at how the current activity level of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects the short-term risk of heart problems called acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Researchers found that patients not in remission had a 1.5 times higher risk of experiencing ACS within six months compared to those in remission, with the risk being 0.4% for those not in remission versus 0.2% for those in remission. This is important because it highlights the need for better management of heart health in RA patients who are not symptom-free. Who this helps: This helps patients with rheumatoid arthritis and their doctors.

Plain English
This study looked at the healthcare costs associated with inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, in Sweden from 2007 to 2020. It found that while overall costs for working-age individuals decreased, the direct healthcare costs for patients actually increased significantly: costs for certain medications rose by 274% for Crohn's disease and 638% for ulcerative colitis, and the number of patients treated with these costly medications also grew substantially. This matters because it highlights a shift in the financial burden of these diseases from productivity losses to higher medical expenses, indicating a need for more effective management and budgeting in healthcare. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers manage the rising costs of treatment.

Plain English
This study looked at patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) across Sweden, Denmark, and Norway to understand how effective different treatments are in helping them achieve remission. Researchers analyzed data from about 50 to 22,000 patients and found that less than 33% of those starting common treatments like methotrexate or TNF inhibitors achieved remission within a year, which shows that many still struggle to manage their condition effectively. These findings highlight the need for better treatment strategies to help more patients reach their remission goals. Who this helps: This helps patients with rheumatoid arthritis who need more effective treatment options.

Plain English
This study looked at whether people with microscopic colitis (MC) have a higher chance of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared to those without MC. The researchers found that over a median follow-up of about 9 years, 99 out of 100,000 people with MC were diagnosed with RA, compared to 55 out of 100,000 in the general population. This means people with MC are nearly twice as likely to develop RA, especially within the first few years after their MC diagnosis, which is important because it could help doctors identify and treat RA earlier in these patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with microscopic colitis and their doctors.

Plain English
This study examined patients newly diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to see how often they achieved inflammation control and treatment goals with disease-modifying drugs (DMARDs). Out of 11,784 patients, around one-third reached inflammation remission at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months, but many didn’t meet the stricter treatment targets. Those who were in remission but still fell short of the treatment goals were more likely to start new medication, with a 59% higher chance at 6 months and a 47% higher chance at 24 months. Who this helps: This helps patients with early rheumatoid arthritis and their doctors.

Plain English
This study looked at the heart health of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who were treated with either janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi), tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi), or other similar drugs in Sweden. Researchers found that the risk of serious heart-related issues like heart attacks and strokes was similar for patients using JAKi (0.88 events per 100 patient years) and those using TNFi (0.91 events per 100 patient years), suggesting that JAKi is not riskier for heart health compared to TNFi. This matters because patients can feel more confident in their treatment options knowing that JAKi does not increase cardiovascular risks compared to other treatments. Who this helps: This helps patients with rheumatoid arthritis and their doctors in making informed treatment choices.

Plain English
This study looked at how having other health issues (comorbidities) affects the ability of early rheumatoid arthritis patients to achieve remission when treated with methotrexate, a common first-line therapy. Among nearly 11,000 patients, 53% did not reach remission after three months of treatment, with those having chronic kidney disease facing the highest failure rate of 66%. This information is crucial because it highlights that patients with multiple health issues are less likely to respond well to this treatment, which can inform doctors about the need for closer monitoring and possibly alternative therapies. Who this helps: This helps patients with rheumatoid arthritis and their doctors in making treatment decisions.

Plain English
This study looked at how well Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKis) work compared to tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFis) for older adults with rheumatoid arthritis, smokers, and those at higher risk for heart disease. Researchers found that JAKis led to a better response rate, with a 5% higher rate of improvement and a 5.8% higher rate of remission after six months compared to TNFis. Specifically, older patients saw a 5.9% better response, smokers had a 6.0% better response, and those with high cardiovascular risk showed an 8.3% improvement in response rates. Who this helps: This benefits patients with rheumatoid arthritis, especially older adults and those with higher cardiovascular risk.