Rheumatology: What You May Have Missed in 2024

Internal medicine physicians are frequently responsible for caring for patients with rheumatologic diseases, whether as a primary provider or in collaboration with subspecialists. This article calls attention to 8 studies published in 2024 that shed new light on the management of common rheumatologic conditions that internal medicine physicians are likely to encounter. The first study suggests that the weight loss medication semaglutide can improve pain and function in patients with painful knee osteoarthritis (OA), potentially providing a novel approach to management of this condition. The results of the second study show that methotrexate, a proven therapy for inflammatory arthritis, has promise for improving pain in patients with knee OA. The third study establishes that a trial of resistance training does not provide similar benefits as total joint replacement for patients with hip OA. The fourth study finds that platelet-rich plasma injections are no more effective than exercise in reducing pain for patients with knee OA. The fifth study underscores the importance of screening for lung cancer in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), particularly in those known to have interstitial lung disease. The results of the sixth study emphasize that exercise therapy is safe and effective at improving function in patients with RA and severe activity limitations. The seventh study highlights the increased short-term risk for acute cardiovascular events in patients experiencing a new gout diagnosis. The final study suggests that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids may provide sustained protection against developing new autoimmune diseases. Familiarity with these new studies will provide internal medicine physicians with valuable insights to enhance their care of patients with rheumatic diseases.