The general opinion in the literature is that these topics remain clearly understudied and underrated, with many unknown aspects and with controversial results in the respective areas of research. Based on the previous experience of our groups regarding such matters investigated separately, here we attempt a short overview upon their links. Thus, we summarize here the current state of knowledge regarding the connections between oxidative stress and: (a) orthopedic conditions; (b) COVID-19. We also present the reciprocal interferences among them. Oxidative stress is, of course, an interesting and continuously growing area, but what exactly is the impact of COVID-19 in orthopedic patients? In the current paper we also approached some theories on how oxidative stress, metabolism involvement, and even antibiotic resistance might be influenced by either orthopedic conditions or COVID-19. These manifestations could be relevant and of great interest in the context of this current global health threat; therefore, we summarize the current knowledge and/or the lack of sufficient evidence to support the interactions between these conditions.

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease which predominantly affects joints, but it can also lead to significant extra-articular complications, particularly cardiovascular disease (CVD). Chronic systemic inflammation promotes endothelial dysfunction and accelerates atherosclerosis, increasing cardiovascular risk. Methods: Current data were analyzed to explore the mechanisms between RA and CVD, focusing on systemic inflammation, pro-inflammatory cytokine patways (IL-1, IL-6, TNF, and JAK-STAT), and their interactions with traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Recent studies and clinical guidelines were reviewed to highlight gaps and advances in risk assessment and management. Results: Persistent disease activity and the presence of autoantibodies significantly increase cardiovascular risk in RA contributing to atherosclerosis and major cardiovascular events. Data also suggest that anti-inflammatory treatments, including methotrexate and biologic agents, may lower this risk. Conclusion: This review highlights the pathophysiological mechanisms between RA and CVD, and the need for early diagnosis and active monitoring to identify and assess cardiovascular risk. A multidisciplinary approach, involving rheumatologists and cardiologists is essential for optimizing cardiovascular risk management and improving patient outcomes. Optimization of cardiovascular risk management strategies in patients with RA should be an essential component of current medical practice, with the main goal of reducing morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular complications.

Systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality in systemic sclerosis. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is widely used as first-line immunosuppressive therapy; however, real-world descriptions of pulmonary functional and radiologic evolution during MMF therapy remain limited, particularly according to high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) pattern. Objectives: To descriptively evaluate pulmonary function evolution, radiologic findings, and safety outcomes in patients with SSc-ILD treated with MMF in routine clinical practice, with exploratory analyses according to HRCT pattern and subsequent antifibrotic use. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective single-center study including 20 patients with SSc-ILD treated with MMF. Clinical, functional (forced vital capacity [FVC]; diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide [DLCO]), and radiologic (HRCT Warrick score) parameters were assessed at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Patients were stratified according to nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) and usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) patterns. Statistical analyses were exploratory and descriptive. Results: Pulmonary function remained overall stable during follow-up under MMF therapy, while DLCO improvement was observed at 6 months and remained stable at 12 months. Radiologic progression appeared more limited in patients with NSIP pattern, whereas patients with UIP pattern generally exhibited more frequent radiologic progression during follow-up. Patients who subsequently received nintedanib generally presented with UIP-pattern disease, lower baseline DLCO values, and more advanced pulmonary involvement. MMF was generally well tolerated, with treatment discontinuation due to adverse events observed in a single patient. Conclusions: This small retrospective real-world case series describes pulmonary functional and radiologic evolution in patients with SSc-ILD treated with MMF in routine clinical practice. Overall functional stabilization was observed during follow-up, while radiologic progression was more frequently observed in patients with UIP-pattern disease and more advanced baseline pulmonary involvement. Because of the exploratory descriptive design and limited sample size, these observations should be interpreted cautiously and considered hypothesis-generating only. Further prospective studies with standardized radiologic assessment are required.

Essential hypertension in children is a very important biological aspect in child pathology, caused by the synergic action of multiple risk factors, with an increasing prevalence. Since there is not much knowledge about juvenile essential hypertension in childhood, in this paper we will clarify the existing data about this pathology and its management, mainly by referring to the correlations during different stages. We found significant correlations between hypertension and the individual values of birth weight and gestational age, which suggest that there is an important relationship between birth weight and gestational age, as important biological markers vs. the different stages of essential hypertension.