Prologue: Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA) 2022 Annual Meeting

Abstract

The 2022 annual meeting of the Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA) was held from July 14 to 17, 2022, in New York City, New York, USA, and was attended by 420 rheumatologists, dermatologists, basic scientists, allied health professionals, patient research partners, and industry partners from 31 countries. A GRAPPA executive retreat, a Trainee Symposium, and the Patient Research Partners Network meeting were held prior to the annual meeting. Presentations included updates in basic research, focusing on biomarkers, personalization of treatments, and the promise of single-cell omics, elucidating the pathogenesis of psoriatic disease (PsD). Presentations also highlighted guttate and plaque psoriasis (PsO), the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and its treatments on patients with PsD globally, and the effects of sex and gender in PsD. Reports of ongoing projects included an update on the recently published treatment recommendations, educational initiatives, and the Diagnostic Ultrasound Enthesitis Tool (DUET) study. A session on early identification of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) among patients with PsO included an update on PsA screening tools. Debates were held on whether early intervention for PsO will reduce PsA, whether interleukin (IL)-17 or IL-23 inhibition is a better treatment for PsO and PsA, similarities and differences between axial PsA and axial spondyloarthritis with PsO, and data affecting the understanding of guttate and plaque PsO. Reports from the International Dermatology Outcome Measures (IDEOM) and Young GRAPPiAns concurrent sessions were presented in addition to reports of several other partner groups. Here, we highlight features of the annual meeting and introduce the manuscripts published together as a meeting report.

Incidence and Course of Joint Inflammation Associated with Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Patients Undergoing Treatment with Vedolizumab/Ustekinumab: The VEDUSTAR Study

“…The efficacy of UST in arthralgia seems superior to that of VDZ. UST has been shown to slow clinical and radiological progression in psoriatic arthritis [4,23,24,40]. This is explained by the overexpression of the Il-12 and IL-23 subunit p40 in plaque psoriasis [41,42].…”

“…Its prevalence varies according to the literature. In our setting, it affects approximately one-third of patients [2][3][4]. The prevalence is more frequent in patients with Crohn's disease (CD), 20-40%, and somewhat lower in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), 5-10% [5].…”

Navigating the Post-COVID-19 Immunological Era: Understanding Long COVID-19 and Immune Response

“…However, these medications may have potential side effects. Gastrointestinal symptoms, liver function abnormalities, and hypersensitivity reactions have been reported with the use of remdesivir [138]. Adverse events associated with molnupiravir and favipiravir are still being investigated, and it is essential to monitor patients closely during treatment [135].…”

“…Convalescent plasma therapy is considered safe; however, it may be associated with certain side effects. Allergic reactions, transfusion-related lung injury, and transfusion-associated circulatory overload have been reported in some cases [138]. Additionally, the availability of convalescent plasma may be limited, and its effectiveness in specific patient populations is still being studied.…”

“…Cytokine inhibitors targeting IL-6 or TNF-α may increase the risk of opportunistic infections and require careful patient selection and monitoring (see Table 4) [148]. Promising new treatments and immune therapies have emerged in the fight against COVID-19 [138]. Monoclonal antibodies, antiviral drugs, immune modulators, and convalescent plasma therapy have shown effectiveness in improving patient outcomes [136].…”