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BackgroundAutoimmune diseases have been linked to an increased risk of pregnancy-related complications. A family history of autoimmune diseases may be related to the risk of childhood cancer based on similar histocompatibility antigens. We utilized data from national registries in Denmark to examine associations between maternal autoimmune disease and cancer in their offspring.MethodsWe linked data from several national registries in Denmark to identify childhood cancer cases in children

BACKGROUND: Improving shared decision-making using a treat-to-target approach, including the use of clinical outcome measures, is important to providing high quality care for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We developed an Electronic Health Record (EHR) integrated, patient-facing sidecar dashboard application that displays RA outcomes, medications, and lab results for use during clinical visits (RA PRO dashboard). The purpose of this study was to assess clinician perceptions and experiences using the dashboard in a university rheumatology clinic. METHODS: We conducted focus group (FG) discussions with clinicians who had access to the dashboard as part of a randomized, stepped-wedge pragmatic trial. FGs explored clinician perceptions towards the usability, acceptability, and usefulness of the dashboard. FG data were analyzed thematically using deductive and inductive techniques; generated themes were categorized into the domains of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). RESULTS: 3 FG discussions were conducted with a total of 13 clinicians. Overall, clinicians were enthusiastic about the dashboard and expressed the usefulness of visualizing RA outcome trajectories in a graphical format for motivating patients, enhancing patient understanding of their RA outcomes, and improving communication about medications. Major themes that emerged from the FG analysis as barriers to using the dashboard included inconsistent collection of RA outcomes leading to sparse data in the dashboard and concerns about explaining RA outcomes, especially to patients with fibromyalgia. Other challenges included time constraints and technical difficulties refreshing the dashboard to display real-time data. Methods for integrating the dashboard into the visit varied: some clinicians used the dashboard at the beginning of the visit as they documented RA outcomes; others used it at the end to justify changes to therapy; and a few shared it only with stable patients. CONCLUSIONS: The study provides valuable insights into clinicians perceptions and experiences with the RA PRO dashboard. The dashboard showed promise in enhancing patient-clinician communication, shared decision-making, and overall acceptance among clinicians. Addressing challenges related to data collection, education, and tailoring dashboard use to specific patient populations will be crucial for maximizing its potential impact on RA care. Further research and ongoing improvements in dashboard design and implementation are warranted to ensure its successful integration into routine clinical practice.

Purpose: To compare characteristics of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to patients without RA. Materials and Methods: The sample included 80 patients (aged 33 to 73 years; 88% women and 22% men) with 40 in each group. An international diagnostic protocol for TMDs was followed. Results: Arthralgia was the most prevalent TMD in the RA group. Orofacial pain was more common in the RA group than in the controls (42.5% vs 15%, P = .031), with higher chronic pain grade and pain intensity (P = .005). Somatization and depression were also increased (P < .001). In multiple logistic regression analysis, arthralgia (OR: 6.4; 95% CI: 1.1 to 37.1; P = .038) and age = 55 years were predictors of RA (OR: 3.9; 95% CI: 1.4 to 10.8; P = .009) when controlling for the effects of biological sex and pain intensity. TMDs were related to 7.4 times higher odds for presence of orofacial pain, while RA was related to 3.4 times higher odds for pain. Conclusions: RA patients experienced more orofacial pain and higher pain intensity, somatization, and depression compared to healthy individuals. Pain is more influenced by TMDs than by RA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]