Rheumatology Practice Research Articles

Complications of Corticosteroid Therapy in Rheumatological Practice in Guinea

Complications of Corticosteroid Therapy in Rheumatological Practice in Guinea

Lymphadenopathy in the rheumatology practice: a pragmatic approach.

Lymphadenopathy is a common clinical finding and diagnostic challenge within general medicine and rheumatology practice. It may represent a primary manifestation of an underlying immune-mediated disease or indicate an infectious or neoplastic complication requiring differing management. Evaluating lymphadenopathy is of particular relevance in rheumatology, given that lymph node enlargement is a common finding within the clinical spectrum of several well-known rheumatologic disorders including RA, SLE and SS. In addition, lymphadenopathy represents a hallmark manifestation of rare immunological diseases such as Castleman disease and IgG4-related disease that must be considered in the differential diagnosis because effective targeted treatments can now impact the prognosis of these conditions. In this review we present an overview of the clinical significance of lymphadenopathy in common and rare rheumatologic diseases and propose a practical approach to lymphadenopathy in the rheumatology practice. Differential diagnosis of Castleman disease and therapeutic options for this condition of increasing rheumatologic interest will be discussed in detail.

Radiographic Progression in Sacroiliac Joints in Patients With Axial Spondyloarthritis: Results From a Five-Year International Observational Study.

To evaluate progression from nonradiographic (nr-) to radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA) over 5 years in patients with recently diagnosed (≤1 year) axSpA fulfilling the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS) classification criteria. A prospsective, observational study (Patients with Axial Spondyloarthritis: Multi-Country Registry of Clinical Characteristics) was conducted in rheumatology practices in 29 countries. Baseline and follow-up radiographs of sacroiliac joints were centrally evaluated by three readers according to the grading system of the modified New York criteria for patients initially classified as nr-axSpA. Radiographic progression from nr-axSpA to r-axSpA was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Cox proportional regression analyses for progression from nr-axSpA to r-axSpA were also conducted. Among 2,165 patients with axSpA, 1,612 (74%) were classified as having r-axSpA (1,050 [65%]) or nr-axSpA (562 [35%]) by central reading. Of 246 patients with nr-axSpA (mean [SD] symptom duration: 4.4 [6.2] years) who had at least one follow-up sacroiliac joint radiograph, progression from nr-axSpA to r-axSpA at any follow-up visit was observed in 40 patients (16%) over 5 years. Mean time to radiographic progression was 2.4 years (ranging from 0.9 to 5.1 years). Progression to r-axSpA was associated with male sex (hazard ratio [HR] 3.16 [95% CI 1.22-8.17]), fulfillment of the imaging arm of the ASAS classification criteria (HR 6.64 [1.37-32.25]), and good response to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (HR 4.66 [1.23-17.71]). 16% of patients with nr-axSpA progressed to r-axSpA within 5 years. Male sex, fulfillment of the imaging arm of the ASAS criteria, and good response to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatorydrugs were predictors of radiographic progression in patients with recently diagnosed axSpA.

A Comprehensive Review of Treatment Strategies for Early Avascular Necrosis.

Avascular necrosis (AVN), characterised by compromised blood supply leading to bone necrosis, poses a significant challenge in orthopaedic and rheumatologic practice. This review comprehensively examines early AVN treatment strategies, including aetiology and risk factors, clinical presentation, conservative and surgical approaches, emerging therapies, and rehabilitation. Key findings underscore the importance of early detection, personalised treatment plans, and a multidisciplinary approach involving orthopaedic specialists, rheumatologists, and physical therapists. The implications for clinical practice emphasise individualised care, staying abreast of emerging therapies, and patient education. Recommendations for future management strategies highlight the need for imaging technology advancements, regenerative therapies integration, and ongoing research into genetic and molecular pathways. As the field continues to evolve, translating research findings into clinical practice holds promise for improving outcomes and enhancing the overall quality of life for individuals affected by AVN.

Exploring Methotrexate Route of Administration Decisions for Adults with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Methotrexate is a common first-line treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, yet its widespread and habitual usage often leads physicians to overlook the choice of administration route when planning management strategies. A recent survey involving 30 consultant rheumatologists from France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the UK, identified variation in the utilisation and perceptions regarding oral versus subcutaneous delivery for methotrexate. In November 2023, EMJ interviewed Roberto Caporali, Professor of Rheumatology at the University of Milan, and Head of the Department of Rheumatology and Medical Sciences at Gaetano Pini Hospital, Milan, Italy. Caporali’s expertise is in clinical practice, teaching, and research in rheumatology, mainly rheumatoid arthritis and other immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, with a focus on prognostic factors, biomarkers, and treatment for patients with moderate-to-severe active rheumatoid arthritis. During this interview, Caporali discussed the decision-making process for treating rheumatoid arthritis, with a particular focus on the use of methotrexate. The purpose was to gain insights from a rheumatology expert regarding the prevalence and management goals of the disease, and available treatment options. The interview considered key decision-making drivers and barriers to healthcare professionals when selecting the route of administration. Caporali suggested that the efficacy and safety profile of methotrexate when delivered subcutaneously may be the optimal choice for patients, often resulting in higher adherence compared to oral dosing. Caporali recommended education and re-evaluation of local guidelines to improve patient outcomes by better understanding the optimal use and efficacy of methotrexate.

COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake, Hesitancy, and Flare in a Large Rheumatology Practice Network.

The goal of this study was to ascertain COVID-19 vaccine uptake, reasons for hesitancy, and self-reported flare in a large rheumatology practice-based network. A tablet-based survey was deployed by 108 rheumatology practices from December 2021 to December 2022. Patients were asked about COVID-19 vaccine status and why they might not receive a vaccine or booster. We used descriptive statistics to explore the differences between vaccination status and vaccine and booster hesitancy, comparing patients with and without autoimmune and inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIIRDs). We used multivariable logistic regression to examine the association between vaccine uptake and AIIRD status and self-reported flare and AIIRD status. We reported adjusted odds ratios (aORs). Of the 61,158 patients, 89% reported at least one dose of vaccine; of the vaccinated, 68% reported at least one booster. Vaccinated patients were less likely to have AIIRDs (44% vs 56%). A greater proportion of patients with AIIRDs were vaccine hesitant (14% vs 10%) and booster hesitant (21% vs 16%) compared to patients without AIIRDs. Safety concerns (28%) and side effects (23%) were the main reasons for vaccine hesitancy, whereas a lack of recommendation from the physician was the primary factor for booster hesitancy (23%). Patients with AIIRD did not have increased odds of self-reported flare or worsening disease compared to patients without with AIIRD (aOR 0.99, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.94-1.05). Among the patients who were vaccine hesitant and booster hesitant, 12% and 39% later reported receiving a respective dose. Patients with AIIRD were 32% less likely to receive a vaccine (aOR 0.68, 95% CI 0.65-0.72) versus patients without AIIRD. Some patients who are vaccine and booster hesitant eventually receive a vaccine dose, and future interventions tailored to patients with AIIRD may be fruitful.

Encounter Appropriateness Score for You Model: Development and Pilot Implementation of a Predictive Model to Identify Visits Appropriate for Telehealth in Rheumatology.

We aimed to develop a decision-making tool to predict telehealth appropriateness for future rheumatology visits and expand telehealth care access. The model was developed using the Encounter Appropriateness Score for You (EASY) and electronic health record data at a single academic rheumatology practice from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2021. The EASY model is a logistic regression model that includes encounter characteristics, patient sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, and provider characteristics. The goal of pilot implementation was to determine if model recommendations align with provider preferences and influence telehealth scheduling. Four providers were presented with future encounters that the model identified as candidates for a change in encounter modality (true changes), along with an equal number of artificial (false) recommendations. Providers and patients could accept or reject proposed changes. The model performs well, with an area under the curve from 0.831 to 0.855 in 21,679 encounters across multiple validation sets. Covariates that contributed most to model performance were provider preference for and frequency of telehealth encounters. Other significant contributors included encounter characteristics (current scheduled encounter modality) and patient factors (age, Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data 3 scores, diagnoses, and medications). The pilot included 201 encounters. Providers were more likely to agree with true versus artificial recommendations (Cohen's κ = 0.45, P < 0.001), and the model increased the number of appropriate telehealth visits. The EASY model accurately identifies future visits that are appropriate for telehealth. This tool can support shared decision-making between patients and providers in deciding the most appropriate follow-up encounter modality.

Clinical and laboratory features of rheumatoid arthritis in men depending on testosterone levels

It has been suggested that the presence of chronic immunoinflammatory rheumatic disease (CIRD) may be a factor that increases the likelihood of developing hypogonadism syndrome, and conversely, the presence of uncompensated testosterone deficiency may predispose to a greater risk of developing or more severe course of ICRD. To study the incidence of hypogonadism in men with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and evaluate its impact on the course of RA and concomitant diseases. A one-time continuous study included 170 men with RA who were undergoing inpatient treatment at the Federal State Budgetary Institution NIIR named after.V.A.Nasonova.Patients were assessed for total testosterone levels and subsequently divided into subgroups with normal (&gt;12 nmol/l) and reduced levels.An intergroup comparison was carried out on the main indicators used in clinical rheumatological practice to assess the stage, activity and other medical and demographic characteristics of RA, as well as the state of purine and carbohydrate metabolism.A correlation analysis was performed between the level of total testosterone and some clinical and laboratory parameters. The frequency of detected testosterone deficiency in the study group was 24.1%. Significant correlations were noted between the level of total testosterone and body mass index (r=-0.29), the level of blood uric acid (r=-0.19) and C-reactive protein (r=-0.18). Patients with hypogonadism compared to the group with normal testosterone levels were characterized by higher body mass index (29.3±5.6 vs 26.3±4.0 kg/m2; p&lt;0.001), glucose levels (6.95±7 .85 mmol/l vs5.42±1.13 mmol/l; p=0.034) and uric acid (354.6±110.7 vs 317.5±84.8 µmol/l; p=0.03) blood. In addition, patients with hypogonadism were more likely to suffer from obesity (41.6% vs 15.7%; p=0.001) and diabetes mellitus (21.6% vs 10.2%; p=0.075) without a statistically significant difference, and also had higher ESR (46.5±42.2 vs 31.0±30.9 mm/h; p=0.012). A more frequent occurrence of anemia was noted in hypogonadism (32.4% vs 16.7%; p=0.041). Testosterone levels and the presence of hypogonadism were not associated with the stage and activity of RA, however, testosterone deficiency was accompanied by a more frequent development of overweight and obesity, and adeterioration in purine and carbohydrate metabolism.

Ocular involvement in rheumatic diseases.

Rheumatic diseases are associated with a significant decline in quality of life, which is not only related to the progression of the underlying disease but also to the development of coexisting conditions. One of the possible complications in this group of diseases is ocular involvement. Impaired vision is strongly associated with a significant decline in quality of life and can also exacerbate problems related to physical functioning. Consequently, it can lead to serious complications in the treatment of the underlying disease. Additionally, from a clinical point of view, it is also important to note that ocular diseases may precede the occurrence of inflammatory joint and spinal diseases, as well as organ involvement in systemic connective tissue disorders. Therefore, paying attention to ocular symptoms can help in early diagnosis and thus improve patient prognosis. For the aforementioned reasons, ocular diseases should be carefully considered in routine rheumatologic practice.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pediatric rheumatology practice: an international, cross-sectional survey study

ObjectiveThe COVID-19 pandemic has affected patient care in general. We aimed to analyze the impact of the pandemic on pediatric rheumatology practice. MethodsAn online survey including 22 questions was created by the representatives of the Emerging RheumatoloGists and rEsearchers (EMERGE) group of the Pediatric Rheumatology European Society (PReS) on SurveyMonkey. The descriptive analysis of the responses was performed on SurveyMonkey. ResultsOverall, 469 pediatric rheumatologists (F/M: 2.9) from 70 countries completed the survey. The practice of drug prescription is not affected by the pandemic, according to 65.3 % of the respondents, while 24.3 % and 16.5 % are prescribing biologic drugs and corticosteroids less often, respectively. Over 40 % of the respondents have seen an increased number of patients with vasculitis or chilblains during the pandemic. One-third of the respondents stated no adjustments in their clinical practice after 2.5 years of COVID-19 pandemic. The rest indicated implementing various changes, with an emphasis on incorporating telemedicine. Telemedicine constitutes ≥10 % of the clinical practice for one-third of the participants. Nonetheless, 35.5 % agree that there are still delays in patient care due to the pandemic. However, most (∼90 %) think our practice is returning to the pre-pandemic routine. ConclusionThe findings of our study indicate a significant alteration in pediatric rheumatology practice due to the pandemic. This includes increased caution when prescribing anti-rheumatic drugs, a transition towards telemedicine utilization, delays in routine care, and a rise in COVID-19-related inflammatory conditions. It is imperative to address these aspects in order to improve patient care in pediatric rheumatology.

Treatment of Polymyalgia Rheumatica by Rheumatology Providers: Analysis from the American College of Rheumatology RISE Registry.

This study describes the demographics, comorbidities, and treatment patterns in a national cohort of patients with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) who received care from rheumatology providers. Patients with PMR were identified in the American College of Rheumatology Rheumatology Informatics System for Effectiveness registry from 2016 to 2022. Use of glucocorticoids and immunomodulatory antirheumatic medications used as steroid-sparing agents were examined overall and in a subgroup of patients new to rheumatology practices, the majority with presumed new-onset PMR. In these new patients, multivariate logistic regressions were performed to identify factors associated with persistent glucocorticoid and steroid-sparing agent use at 12 to 24 months. A total of 26,102 patients with PMR were identified, of which 16,703 new patients were included in the main analysis. Patients were predominantly female (55.8%) and White (46.7%), with a mean age of 72.0 years. Hypertension (81.2%), congestive heart failure (52.4%), hyperlipidemia (41.3%), and ischemic heart disease (36.0%) were the most prevalent comorbidities. At baseline, 92.3% of patients were on glucocorticoids, and only 13.1% were on a steroid-sparing agent. At 12 to 24 months, most patients remained on glucocorticoids (63.8%). Although there was an increase in use through follow-up, antirheumatic medications were prescribed only to a minority (39.0%) of patients with PMR. In this large US-based study of patients with PMR receiving rheumatology care, only a minority of patients were prescribed steroid-sparing agents during the first 24 months of follow-up; most patients remained on glucocorticoids past one year. Further identification of patients who would benefit from steroid-sparing agents and the timing of steroid-sparing agent initiation is needed.

Clinical and Epidemiological Features of Ankylosing Spondylitis in a Hospital Condition

In the literature, there are practically no results of studies aimed at studying the clinical picture of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in the actual practice of rheumatologists in Uzbekistan. Meanwhile, such studies can provide information not only about the epidemiological aspects of the disease, but also about the diversity of its clinical picture, medical and social significance, and allow assessing the effectiveness of therapy and planning the system of medical costs for the future

Evaluation of the readability levels of patient information leaflets of frequently prescribed drugs in rheumatology practice

The development and use of new drugs have accelerated in proportion tothe increase in understanding of the pathogenesis of rheumatological diseases. In the treatment of rheumatological diseases, regular and proper use of drugs prevents disease progression and protects the patient from potential exacerbations and complications. The readability of patient information leaflets (PILs) increases treatment compliance. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the readability levels of PILs of frequently prescribed drugs in rheumatology practice. A total of 182 frequently prescribed medications in rheumatology practice were randomly selected. The PILs of these drugs were scored according to Ateşman and Bezirci-Yılmaz readability scales and their readability levels were thus determined. It was determined that the PILs could be read with 11-12 years of education and high school education on average according to Ateşman and Bezirci-Yılmaz readability scales respectively. Considering the fact that the mean schooling level in Türkiye is 6.5 years, the readability levels of the PILs of frequently prescribed medications in rheumatology practice are well above this level. It is suggested that the current readability of the PILs is adjusted in accordance with the patients’ level of understanding and education and arrangements to increase the readability levels are made.

Evolution and impact of a dedicated ultrasound clinic on clinical rheumatology practice at an academic medical center

BackgroundRheumatologic ultrasonography (RhUS) has grown in scope and application over the past 20 years. While many studies have shown the benefits of RhUS, few have investigated the efficacy of a dedicated clinic. This study explores the impact of a dedicated ultrasound clinic on patients and rheumatologists at an academic medical center (AMC). MethodsWe analyzed claims data for patient visits, X-rays (XR), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and RhUS from an AMC with an established RhUS clinic, alongside two affiliated community medical practices (CMPs) without RhUS. We also analyzed RhUS clinic records on referral indication, procedures, results, and follow-up treatment changes. Pre- and post-RhUS visit patient surveys and referring physician (RP) surveys assessed experience and impact of the RhUS clinic. ResultsFrom 2018 to 2021, referrals to the RhUS clinic substantially increased. In parallel, XR and MRI orders changed by −76 % and −43 % respectively, compared with 163 % and −24 % at CMPs. Discordance between RP pre-RhUS assessments and RhUS results were common. Patient surveys showed RhUS led to increased disease understanding and impacted thoughts and decisions about their therapy. RPs found utility in RhUS across a range of indications and were confident with RhUS results. ConclusionsThese findings suggest a dedicated RhUS clinic can be a valuable resource in clinical rheumatology practice. Implementation of a RhUS clinic at this AMC spurred rapid adoption of RhUS into clinical decision-making with notable benefits for patients and physicians alike. This may serve as a model for implementation of similar clinics at other institutions.

Practice Analysis and Determining the Knowledge and Skills Expected of a Pediatric Rheumatologist.

The scope of clinical practice of pediatric rheumatology has been difficult to define. The lack of definition prevents an accurate understanding of the knowledge and skills required of practicing pediatric rheumatologists. A practice analysis process was used with the goal of establishing a precise definition of clinical pediatric rheumatology practice. The definition of practice will improve training and the creation of relevant certification examinations. A practice analysis approach used meetings with a representative panel of pediatric rheumatologists to create a practice analysis document (PAD) and a test content outline (TCO). Panel experience, entrustable professional activities, and the current TCO were used to guide the process. Surveys were administered to fellowship program directors (PDs) and a broader group of practicing pediatric rheumatologists to revise and validate the content of the documents. A PAD was created, including 14 categories of conditions diagnosed or managed by pediatric rheumatologists and eight domains of practice, with the tasks, knowledge, and skills required to perform these tasks. The survey of PDs (n=10) indicated that the PAD content is important and useful. A TCO was created and consists of 18 domains used to define content areas to be assessed on certifying examinations. The survey of practicing pediatric rheumatologists (n=127) indicated that the TCO domains are relevant. A practice analysis process produced valuable resources for defining the clinical practice of pediatric rheumatology. The PAD and TCO can be used to develop more specific training curricula and to create relevant certification examinations.

New insights at the interface between leprosy and immune-mediated rheumatic diseases.

Leprosy is an infectious and contagious disease of slow evolution, triggered by Mycobacterium leprae. Arthritis is its third most common manifestation, after cutaneous and peripheral nerve involvement. Since musculoskeletal symptoms may be the initial presentation of the disease, it is important for health professionals to recognize its rheumatic manifestations for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, especially in endemic areas. In addition, cases of leprosy have increased globally, notably in patients undergoing treatment with TNF-α blockers and due to the increase in migration and travel of people from developing countries to developed countries. This review proposes to discuss the main scenarios of mimicry of different rheumatic diseases by leprosy, as well as the role of immunosuppressive drugs used in rheumatology practice in the treatment of reactional states and in the risk of developing the infection.

Discrepancies between clinical and pathological findings seen at renal biopsy in rheumatological diseases.

Renal biopsy contributes to the diagnosis, follow-up, and treatment of many rheumatic conditions. This study assessed the diagnostic role and safety of renal biopsies in a tertiary rheumatology clinic. Renal biopsies performed between June 2020 and December 2022 were screened, and demographic, clinical, histopathological, and safety data were collected from patient records. In this study, 33 males and 38 females were included. Except for 1 patient who received acetylsalicylic acid, antiaggregant, and/or anticoagulant drugs were stopped before the biopsy. Complications included a decrease of hemoglobin in 8 patients (11.3%) and microscopic hematuria in 40 patients (56.3%). Control ultrasonography was performed in 16 patients (22.5%), and a self-limiting hematoma was found in 4 of them (5.6%) without additional complications. While less than 10 glomeruli were obtained in 9 patients (9.9%), diagnosis success was 94.4%. Histopathological data were consistent with one of the pre-biopsy diagnoses in 54 of 67 cases (80.6%) but showed discrepancies in 19.4% (n=13) of patients. A repeat biopsy was performed in 7 patients for re-staging or insufficient biopsy. Renal biopsy significantly contributes to rheumatology practice, especially in patients with complex clinical and laboratory findings or in whom different treatments can be given according to the presence, severity, and type of renal involvement. Although the possibility of obtaining insufficient tissue and the need for re-staging and repeat biopsy in the follow-up might be expected, complication risk does not seem to be a big concern. Renal biopsy often evidenced discrepancies between pre-biopsy diagnosis and histopathological findings.

A lower frequency of inflammatory back pain in male patients with ankylosing spondylitis compared with female patients.

In routine rheumatology practice, we noticed that a significant number of male ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients did not experience inflammatory back pain (IBP). Based on this observation, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of IBP in male AS patients and compare it to that in female patients. Patients with AS who fulfilled the modified New York criteria were subjected to a face-to-face interview with a standardized questionnaire that addressed the IBP components based on the Berlin criteria. The study also included 63 patients with chronic mechanical back pain (MBP). Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured, and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity, Function, and Metrology Indexes (BASDAI, BASFI, and BASMI) were evaluated in patients with AS. There were 181patients with AS (124 males, mean age 41.2years; 57 females, mean age 44.6years) and 63 patients with MBP (28 males, mean age 47.2years; 35 females, mean age 43.5years). The prevalence of IBP was found to be 87.7% in female and 66.1% in male patients with AS (p = 0.002). The specificity of the criteria was determined to be high both in females (85.7%) and males (89.2%). Female patients with AS had higher BASDAI levels than males (p = 0.048), but no difference was found in BASFI, BASMI, or serum CRP levels between genders. A considerable proportion of male patients with AS did not experience IBP, although they had similar CRP levels compared with females.

Therapy for Chikungunya Arthritis: A Study of 133 Brazilian Patients.

Chikungunya fever is a global vector-borne viral disease. Patients with acute chikungunya are usually treated symptomatically. The arthritic phase may be self-limiting. However, many patients develop extremely disabling arthritis that does not improve after months. The aim of this study was to describe the treatment of chikungunya arthritis (CHIKA) patients. A medical records review was conducted in 133 CHIKA patients seen at a rheumatology practice. Patients were diagnosed by clinical criteria and confirmed by the presence of anti-chikungunya IgM. Patients were treated with methotrexate (20 mg/week) and/or leflunomide (20 mg/day) and dexamethasone (0-4 mg/day) for 4 weeks. At baseline visit and 4 weeks after treatment, Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28) and pain (using a visual analog scale) were ascertained. Five months after the end of treatment, patients were contacted to assess pain, tender joint count, and swollen joint count. The mean age of patients was 58.6 ± 13.7 years, and 119 (85%) were female. After 4 weeks of treatment, mean (SD) DAS28-erythrocyte sedimentation rate (6.0 [1.2] versus 2.7 [1.0], P < 0.001) and pain (81.8 [19.2] to 13.3 [22.9], P < 0.001) scores significantly decreased. A total of 123 patients were contacted 5 months after the end of treatment. Pain score, tender joint count, and swollen joint count significantly declined after 4 weeks of treatment, and the response was sustained for 5 months. In this group of patients with CHIKA, 4-week treatment induced a rapid clinical improvement that was maintained 5 months after the end of therapy; however, the contribution of treatment to these outcomes is uncertain.

Efficacy of rituximab in difficult to treatment patients with polymyositis

Inflammatory myopathies are a heterogeneous group of diseases rarely encountered in clinical practice. They primarily involve the transverse striated muscles, and in some cases there is also extramuscular involvement of the skin, lungs, joints, esophagus, heart. Acute forms of myositis, which are the most common, are associated with viral diseases and usually resolve spontaneously. Chronic forms usually have a subacute onset and unknown etiology. The presence of different clinical phenotypes and courses is associated with diversity in autoantibody production. Historically, the treatment of refractory forms of polymyositis and dermatomyositis has undergone significant dynamics. Data from various studies have been published that show a significant reduction in the symptoms of inflammation, but unfortunately some of these disease-modifying treatments could not be established in rheumatology practice as sufficiently effective. Limiting factors are the retrospective nature of these studies, as well as different inclusion and exclusion criteria. However, in recent years, more and more data have emerged that present rituximab as one of the promising molecules for the treatment of patients refractory to conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic agents We present a clinical case of a 40-year-old Caucasian man with onset of the disease – fever, asthenodynamia, muscle pain and weakness, pericardial and pleural effusions. The patient was treated with glucocorticoids, methotrexate, pulse therapies with methylprednisolone and cyclophosphamide, as well as pulse therapy with intravenous immunoglobulins. Due to the temporary effect of the treatment and the relapse of the disease, the patient was started on mycophenolate mofetil therapy (instead of methotrexate). However, a new peak in disease activity was reported, necessitating resumption of pulse therapies with methylprednisolone and cyclophosphamide. Due to the refractory course of the disease, the patient was treated with rituximab after signed informed consent. A significant reduction in disease activity and a good clinical and therapeutic effect were reported.