Citations

Objective To provide evidence‐based and expert guidance for the treatment and management of non‐renal systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); treatment and management of lupus nephritis are addressed in a separate guideline. Methods Clinical questions for treatment and management of SLE were developed in the PICO format (population, intervention, comparator, and outcome). Systematic literature reviews were developed for each PICO question, and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology was used to assess evidence quality and formulate recommendations. The Voting Panel achieved a consensus of ≥70% agreement on the direction (for or against) and strength (strong or conditional) of each recommendation. Results We present recommendations and ungraded, consensus‐based good practice statements for the treatment and management of SLE that are applicable to pediatric and adult patients. Recommendations emphasize uniform treatment with hydroxychloroquine, limiting duration of glucocorticoid use, and early introduction of conventional and/or biologic immunosuppressive therapies to achieve and maintain control of SLE inflammation (remission or a low level of disease activity), reduce SLE‐related morbidity and mortality, and minimize medication‐related toxicities. Conclusion This guideline presents direction regarding treatment and management of SLE and provides a foundation for well‐informed, shared clinician–patient decision‐making. These recommendations should not be used to limit or deny access to therapies, as treatment decisions may vary due to the unique clinical situation and personal preferences of each person with SLE.

Objective To provide evidence‐based and expert guidance for the treatment and management of non‐renal systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); treatment and management of lupus nephritis are addressed in a separate guideline. Methods Clinical questions for treatment and management of SLE were developed in the PICO format (population, intervention, comparator, and outcome). Systematic literature reviews were developed for each PICO question, and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology was used to assess evidence quality and formulate recommendations. The Voting Panel achieved a consensus of ≥70% agreement on the direction (for or against) and strength (strong or conditional) of each recommendation. Results We present recommendations and ungraded, consensus‐based good practice statements for the treatment and management of SLE that are applicable to pediatric and adult patients. Recommendations emphasize uniform treatment with hydroxychloroquine, limiting duration of glucocorticoid use, and early introduction of conventional and/or biologic immunosuppressive therapies to achieve and maintain control of SLE inflammation (remission or a low level of disease activity), reduce SLE‐related morbidity and mortality, and minimize medication‐related toxicities. Conclusion This guideline presents direction regarding treatment and management of SLE and provides a foundation for well‐informed, shared clinician–patient decision‐making. These recommendations should not be used to limit or deny access to therapies, as treatment decisions may vary due to the unique clinical situation and personal preferences of each person with SLE.

Objective A patient‐centered approach for chronic disease management, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), aligns treatment with patients’ values and preferences, leading to improved outcomes. This paper summarizes how patient experiences, perspectives, and priorities informed the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 2024 Lupus Nephritis (LN) and 2025 SLE screening, treatment guidelines. Methods We completed a cross‐sectional qualitative study using content analysis of two Patient Panel meetings for the ACR LN and SLE guidelines. Key themes were presented by Patient Panel representatives during Voting Panel Meetings along with evidence for each recommendation, to ensure comprehensive discussions and align treatment recommendations with patients’ priorities and values. Results Nineteen people (90% women) with diagnoses of SLE and/or LN participated in the Patient Panels and 17 consented to use their feedback for analysis. Thematic analysis of their discussions revealed nine patient‐reported key themes in three domains: (1) treatment and monitoring of LN and SLE: medication side effects, daily function, treatment goals, and monitoring and screening; (2) clinical communication: strategies to optimize communication and provider and structural impediments to effective communication; and (3) improving transparency and information sharing: clinical trial participation, and medical costs and insurance coverage. These themes were actively incorporated into discussions during the Voting Panels for the ACR LN and SLE guidelines. Conclusion This work supported the integration of patient experiences in the clinical practice guideline development process and aligned recommendations with real‐world patient experiences and priorities, thereby enhancing the clinical applicability of the ACR LN and SLE guidelines. image

Background: The growing epidemiologic burden of heart failure (HF) poses a significant public health challenge. The development of conduction abnormalities influences HF outcomes, with left bundle branch block (LBBB) established as an independent mortality predictor. However, the impact of right bundle branch block (RBBB) on HF mortality is still controversial. The aim of this study is to compare survival in HF patients with and without RBBB. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library from inception to 12 October 2024. Raw data coordinates were extracted from Kaplan–Meier curves and merged into one dataset to reconstruct individual patient data. Hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using the Cox regression model. Dichotomous outcomes were pooled as risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) using a random-effects model. Results: 13 studies incorporating 25714 HF patients were included in our analysis. Patients with RBBB had a significantly lower median survival of 41.0 months (95% CI: 39.0 – 44.8) compared to 51.2 months (95% CI: 49.2 – 52.8) in patients without RBBB. Survival at 1,3, and 5 years in RBBB patients was 74.2%, 54.0%, and 39.4%, respectively, compared to 77.2%, 58.1%, and 45.4% in patients without RBBB. The HR for mortality was 0.87 (95% CI: 0.83 – 0.91, p < 0.001), indicating a 13% lower risk of death in patients without RBBB compared to those with RBBB. There was no significant difference in cardiovascular mortality between groups (RR: 1.34; 95% CI: 0.88 – 2.05; p = 0.17). Conclusion: RBBB was associated with an increased risk of mortality in HF patients. These findings support the use of RBBB as a potential marker for risk stratification in HF. Further research with stricter inclusion criteria is warranted to better understand how the observed association is influenced by preserved versus reduced ejection fraction.

Background: Severe mitral regurgitation (MR) in cardiogenic shock (CS) presents unique therapeutic challenges, especially in patients with prohibitive surgical risk. Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) with MitraClip offers a less invasive alternative, yet optimal strategies for hemodynamic support in this setting remain unclear. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of patients undergoing MitraClip implantation for severe MR and CS between 2018 and 2024 at a tertiary academic center. Of 440 screened cases, 47 met CS criteria and were stratified based on receipt of periprocedural Impella support. Clinical, procedural, and survival outcomes were compared between Impella-supported and unsupported cohorts using appropriate statistical methods. Results: Among the 47 patients, 24 received Impella support and 23 did not. The Impella group had greater illness severity, including higher rates of preprocedural intubation (75.0% vs. 43.5%) and SCAI stage D shock (50.0% vs. 13.0%). Despite these differences, procedural success was 100% in both groups. In-hospital (8.3% vs. 8.7%), 30-day (12.5% vs. 8.7%), and 1-year mortality (25.0% vs. 26.0%) were similar between Impella and non-Impella patients, respectively. Impella recipients had longer hospital stays (median 18 vs. 11 days; p=0.032) and higher 1-year readmission rates (55.0% vs. 21.7%; p=0.024), reflecting baseline acuity. There were no differences in major procedural complications or re-intervention rates. Conclusions: MitraClip implantation in CS patients supported with Impella is feasible and safe. Despite significantly worse hemodynamic profiles, outcomes were comparable to those without mechanical support. These findings suggest a potential role for tailored Impella use in expanding TEER to critically ill patients and underscore the need for prospective studies to guide support strategies in high-risk MR intervention.

Background: Patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) undergoing radiation therapy face potential risks of device malfunction. Proton beam therapy (PBT), with its reduced neutron scatter, has emerged as a potentially safer alternative, yet real-world safety data remain scarce. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 100 patients with CIEDs (76 pacemakers, 24 ICDs) who underwent PBT from 2016 to 2023 at a quaternary center. Baseline and serial device interrogations were performed before, during, and after treatment to assess lead impedance, capture thresholds, battery function, and arrhythmic events. Patients were stratified by pacemaker dependence and monitored accordingly. Primary outcomes included device malfunction and new-onset arrhythmias during treatment. Secondary outcomes included device parameter changes, one-year arrhythmia incidence, and cardiac-related hospitalizations. Results: No treatment-related deaths or major device failures occurred. Device malfunction was rare (2 pacemaker patients, 2.6%), with no malfunctions in ICD recipients. Transient, non-clinically significant changes in lead impedance and capture thresholds were observed. Arrhythmias during treatment occurred in 26% of pacemaker and 25% of ICD patients, but only 4% developed new arrhythmias. At one year, device-related complications and cardiac outcomes remained comparable across groups. Independent predictors of arrhythmias during treatment included a higher radiation dose per fraction (OR 1.45; p=0.001), a longer treatment duration (OR 1.12; p=0.04), and a higher number of fractions (OR 1.20; p=0.01). Conclusion: Proton beam therapy appears safe in patients with CIEDs, with a low incidence of clinically significant device malfunctions or arrhythmias. These findings support the integration of PBT into routine practice for this population and underscore the importance of structured monitoring protocols and prospective guideline refinement.

Abstract Disclosure: M. Kakakhel: None. S. Cheema: None. R. Haider: None. M.H. Alsaadi: None. M. Ikram: None. W. Ftih: None. H. Jawad: None. M.U. Rehman: None. R. Akhtar: None. A. Qadeer: None. M. Khawar: None. A. Ullah: None. H. Ahmad: None. F. Ahmed: None. R. Alcaraz: None. Introduction: Conditions that disrupt the adrenal glands' typical function are known as adrenal gland ailments or diseases. This study examines the distribution of adrenal disorders across various demographic and geographic groups in the United States, including gender, census region, race, age groups, and urbanization levels. Our objective was to identify disparities and trends to inform targeted interventions and resource allocation. Methods: From 1999 to 2020, mortality statistics for adrenal diseases were extracted from the CDC-WONDER database. Age, sex, race, location, urbanization status, and place of death were used to stratify the age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) and crude mortality rates (CMRs) per 100,000. We calculated the average annual percentage change (APC) using Joinpoint regression software. Results: A total of 31,028 fatalities were reported due to adrenal disorders from 1999-2020 (AAPC: 1.277; 95% CI, -0.032 to 2.6032, p=0.055916). An initial rising trend was observed from 1999-2003 (APC: 2.4799), followed by a declining trend from 2003-2013 (APC: -3.0094), then a modest rise from 2013-2018 (APC: -0.9188), and finally a sharp increase from 2018-2020 (APC: 2.9445). Males had a higher AAMR (6.8) than females (6.4). The West census region had the highest AAMR (7.2), followed by the Midwest (7.1), South (6.3), and Northeast (5.6). The highest crude mortality rate was observed in individuals aged 85+ years (52.2). Several disparities were noted when stratified by urbanization and race, including the highest AAMR in Non Core (Nonmetro) regions (7.9) and among American Indian or Alaska Native populations (8.2). The highest percentage of deaths occurred in medical facilities. Conclusions: The findings underscore the need for tailored public health strategies to address disparities in adrenal disorders among vulnerable populations. Specific attention should be directed towards the male gender, West census region, American Indian or Alaska Native populations, and the geriatric population. Future research should explore underlying causes and interventions to mitigate these disparities. Presentation: Monday, July 14, 2025

Abstract Disclosure: M. Kakakhel: None. S. Cheema: None. R. Haider: None. F. Saleem: None. M.H. Alsaadi: None. H. Jawad: None. A.Z. Khan: None. A. Qadeer: None. M. Khawar: None. A. Ullah: None. M.F. Hemida: None. H. Ahmad: None. F. Ahmed: None. R. Alcaraz: None. Background: Globally, pediatric endocrine anomalies are a significant cause of early mortality. This study examines the discrepancies of paediatric endocrine abnormalities across various demographic and geographic groups in the United States, including gender, census region, race, age groups, and urbanization levels. Our objective was to identify disparities and trends to inform targeted interventions for the vulnerable demographics. Methods: Adhering to STROBES criteria, we extracted the mortality statistics due to endocrine disorders in the paediatric population from 1999-2020 from the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention-Wide Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic research (CDC-WONDER). We calculated Age-Adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) per 100,000 individuals. We calculated the Annual Percentage Change (APC) and Average Annual Percentage Change (AAPC) to assess trends stratified by age, gender, urbanization, race, census region, and states. Joinpoint regression model was used for analysis. Results: Between 1999 and 2020, 5161 deaths among children less than 1 year to 14 years of age in the United States were related to endocrine-related disorders. Most occurred due to thyroid disorders, diabetes mellitus, and other miscellaneous disorders related to glucose regulation and pancreatic internal secretion. The overall AAPC for endocrine-related mortality in the pediatric population increased from 1.4866 in 2008 to 2.4982 in 2020, with an AAPC of 0.1346 (95% CI: -3.1216 to -3.5003, p &gt; 0.000001). The male population had higher AAPCs than the female population (women: -0.9938; men: 0.7223). There were notable racial differences: The Hispanic or Latino population had the highest AAPC (0.15), followed by the Black population (-0.195) and then the White population with the lowest AAPC (-0.166). According to the age group stratification, the age group with the highest AAPC was the 5-14 age group (2.03) and the lowest the less than 1 year age group, with AAPC (-2.007). There was a significant decrease in deaths in the less than 1 year age group from 1999 to 2020 (p value &lt; 0.05) with APC (-2.0) (95% CI: -3.0191 to -0.9861) and for the 5-14 age group from 2010 to 2020 with APC (10.8861) (95% CI: 3.4843 to 18.8). Depending on the urban-rural categorization, metro areas had a higher AAPC (0.1508) compared to the non-metro areas with an AAPC (-0.4467). Conclusion: The overall decline in endocrine-related deaths in the pediatric population from 1999 to 2020 hails an improvement in efforts made to manage these disorders. However, the recent uptick in the Hispanic-Latino population emphasizes the necessity for targeted efforts to tackle these disparities and improve the health outcomes of affected communities as well as in children 1-4 years of age, depicting the increased vulnerability and need for added care in this age group. Presentation: Saturday, July 12, 2025

Abstract Disclosure: M. Kakakhel: None. F. Saleem: None. A. Ullah: None. K. Abdul Rehman: None. M.H. Alsaadi: None. H. Ahmad: None. A. Qadeer: None. R. Haider: None. M. Khawar: None. H. Jawad: None. J. Ikram: None. M. Filal: None. F. Ahmed: None. R.W. Kirchoff: None. Background: Thyroid disorders are common endocrine disorders including thyrotoxicosis, thyroiditis, hypothyroidism, and autoimmune thyroid diseases. Although it affects an estimated 200 million people globally, the epidemiology of this condition remains underexplored. Here we aimed to investigate mortality trends attributable to thyroid disorders in the US stratified by year, sex, race, and region. Methods: Using data from the CDC WONDER database, we calculated the crude and age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) per 1,000,000 individuals (≥25 years) and used Joinpoint regression to determine annual and average annual percent change (AAPC) in the mortality trends. Results: Between 1999 and 2020, 561,089 deaths were recorded among patients with thyroid disorders in the United States, with an overall increasing trend in mortality (AAPC = 0.78). The age-adjusted mortality rate (AAMR) declined gradually from 1999 to 2018 (APC = -0.43, 95% CI: -0.65 to -0.22) before rising sharply from 2018 to 2020 (APC = 13.05, 95% CI: 6.39 to 20.12). Females had a higher AAMR (139.75) than males (81.99). Among racial and ethnic groups, Whites exhibited the highest AAMR (124.09), followed by American Indian or Alaskan Natives (121.36), Hispanics (89.13), Black or African Americans (88.44), and Asian or Pacific Islanders (59.36). Regional disparities showed the highest AAMR in the Midwest (130.45) and the lowest in the South (109.40). West Virginia (199.93) and North Dakota (198.82) reported the highest state-level AAMRs, while Nevada (60.18) and Florida (65.49) had the lowest. Non-metropolitan areas experienced higher mortality rates (141.04) than metropolitan areas (112.21), underscoring significant geographical and demographic variations in thyroid disorder-related mortality. Conclusion: Adults in the US have shown a rising trend in Thyroid-related deaths, with the highest mortality rates seen in females, Whites, and people living in the Midwest and Non-metropolitan areas. Our study also highlights the disparities across different demographics. Policy makers should focus on equitable access to healthcare to control this increasing mortality. Presentation: Monday, July 14, 2025

Stereotactic radiosurgery was associated with a higher obliteration rate compared with embolization in patients with eloquent brain arteriovenous malformations, whereas there was no evidence of a difference in functional outcomes or complications after adjustment.