Background and Objectives: Artificial intelligence has emerged as a transformative tool in healthcare, offering capabilities such as early diagnosis, personalised treatment, and real-time patient monitoring. In the context of rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic autoimmune disease that demands timely intervention, artificial intelligence shows promise in overcoming diagnostic delays and optimising disease management. This study examines the role of artificial intelligence in the diagnosis and management of rheumatoid arthritis, focusing on perceived benefits, challenges, and acceptance levels among healthcare professionals and patients. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a detailed questionnaire distributed to 205 participants, including rheumatologists, general practitioners, and rheumatoid arthritis patients from Romania. The study used descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression to analyse AI acceptance in rheumatology. Data visualisation and multiple imputations addressed missing values, ensuring accuracy. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05 for hypothesis testing. Results: Respondents with prior experience in artificial intelligence perceived it as more useful for early diagnosis and personalised management of RA (p < 0.001). Familiarity with artificial intelligence concepts positively correlated with acceptance in routine rheumatology practice (ρ = 1.066, p < 0.001). The main barriers identified were high costs (36%), lack of medical staff training (37%), and concerns regarding diagnostic accuracy (21%). Although less frequently mentioned, data privacy concerns remained relevant for a subset of respondents. The study revealed that artificial intelligence could improve diagnostic accuracy and rheumatoid arthritis monitoring, being perceived as a valuable tool by professionals familiar with digital technologies. However, 42% of participants cited the lack of data standardisation across medical systems as a major barrier, underscoring the need for effective interoperability solutions. Conclusions: Artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionise rheumatoid arthritis management through faster and more accurate diagnoses, personalised treatments, and optimised monitoring. Nevertheless, challenges such as costs, staff training, and data privacy need to be addressed to ensure efficient integration into clinical practice. Educational programmes and interdisciplinary collaboration are essential to increase artificial intelligence adoption in rheumatology.

Background: Elderly patients with COVID-19 often exhibit a complex interplay between hypercoagulability and coagulopathy, key factors in determining the risk of severe complications and mortality. This study aimed to analyze coagulation and inflammatory markers to identify critical predictors of adverse outcomes in this vulnerable population. Material and Methods: The retrospective study was conducted on a sample of 1429 elderly patients (≥60 years) diagnosed with COVID-19, hospitalized in “Sf. Ap. Andrei” St. Apostle Andrew’s County Emergency Hospital in various wards between March 2020 and August 2022. Data were collected from medical records and included inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, ESR) and coagulation markers (prothrombin time, INR, fibrinogen, D-dimer). The SPSS 2.0 statistical software was used to conduct the study. Results:Coagulation markers: Prothrombin activity averaged 74.22%, below normal levels, indicating a heightened bleeding risk, while fibrinogen levels were significantly elevated (mean: 531.69 mg/dL), reflecting hypercoagulability. Prolonged prothrombin time (mean: 17.28 s) and elevated INR (International normalized ratio) (mean: 1.51) were associated with increased mortality, emphasizing their role in risk stratification. Elevated D-dimer levels (mean: 2.75 mg/L) further highlighted thromboembolic risks. Inflammatory markers: C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) showed marked elevations (mean CRP: 92.09 mg/L, mean ESR: 58.47 mm/h), correlating with heightened systemic inflammation and poor outcomes. Bacterial infections: Elevated procalcitonin (mean: 1.98 ng/mL) suggested secondary bacterial infections, particularly in mechanically ventilated patients, significantly worsening prognosis. Conclusions: The duality of hypercoagulability and coagulopathy in elderly COVID-19 patients underscores the importance of consistently monitoring coagulation markers such as prothrombin time, INR, D-dimer, and fibrinogen. Simultaneously, elevated inflammatory markers and secondary bacterial infections require prompt therapeutic interventions. This study highlights the critical need for personalized management strategies to mitigate complications and reduce mortality in this high-risk population.

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterised by systemic inflammation and the progressive damage of joints, significantly impacting patients’ quality of life. Managing this condition requires a complex approach that integrates pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies, alongside psychosocial support and patient education. Aim: This study aims to highlight the importance of an interdisciplinary approach in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, focusing on the role of pharmacological therapies, monitoring treatment response, and the involvement of a multidisciplinary team in the effective management of the disease. Methods: The analysis was based on a review of the specialised literature concerning the role of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs, both conventional and biological), the use of inflammatory markers (CRP and ESR), advanced imaging techniques, and the contribution of various medical specialities to the holistic management of rheumatoid arthritis. A total of 595,900 records were identified, of which 53 studies were ultimately included in the detailed analysis. Relevant studies from fields such as rheumatology, nutrition, psychology, and physical therapy were included. Results: The findings underline that DMARDs, in combination with other pharmacological therapies, remain essential for slowing disease progression. Monitoring treatment response through inflammatory markers and imaging techniques allows for the adjustment of therapeutic strategies and the prevention of complications. An interdisciplinary approach, involving the rheumatologist, general practitioner, physiotherapist, nutritionist, and psychologist, provides significant benefits, such as reducing inflammation, improving joint function, and offering psychosocial support. Conclusions: The effective management of rheumatoid arthritis requires a personalised interdisciplinary approach. Integrating various specialities, along with patient education and psychosocial support, contributes to better disease management, the prevention of disabilities, and improved quality of life. This review is not registered.

Background: Quality of life (QoL) in oncology patients is shaped by the interplay of biological, psychological and treatment-related factors. While prior studies have addressed the independent effects of treatment toxicity and psychological distress, little is known about the interaction between depressive–anxious disorders, kidney failure and haematological toxicity on QoL among patients with head and neck cancer undergoing chemoradiotherapy. Objective: This study aims to examine the combined effect of haematological toxicity, depressive–anxious disorders and chronic renal disease on the total QLQ-H&N43 score, a validated measure of QoL in patients with head and neck cancer. Methods: A total of 93 patients were included in an observational study. PROCESS macro for SPSS was used to test the three-way interaction between haematological toxicity (X), depressive–anxious disorders (W) and kidney failure (Z) on QoL (Y). Results: The three-way interaction was statistically significant (β = 31.04, p = 0.032), accounting for 18.9% of the variance in QLQ-H&N43 scores (R² = 0.1888). Patients presenting both depressive–anxious disorders and renal comorbidities reported higher QoL scores, indicating poorer quality of life in the presence of severe treatment toxicity. Conclusions: Psychological distress and kidney failure may synergistically exacerbate the negative effects of chemoradiotherapy toxicity on quality of life. These findings underscore the need for integrated care models addressing both psychological vulnerability and medical comorbidities in oncology.

Background. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease frequently accompanied by cardiovascular, respiratory, skeletal, psychiatric, and neoplastic comorbidities that are associated with higher morbidity and poorer health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study evaluated the associations between comorbidities and patient-reported physical health, emotional distress, daily functioning, and social relationships in adults with RA and explored patient-reported unmet needs relevant to integrated care. Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 286 adults with physician-confirmed RA, using a structured questionnaire (ICRA-Q) administered between June and July 2025 via online platforms and in-hospital supervised completion. The survey captured demographics, patient-reported physician-diagnosed comorbidities (current and/or past), perceived disease impact, functional limitations, emotional and social consequences, access to treatment, financial burden, and support needs. Analyses included descriptive statistics, χ² tests, t-tests/ANOVA, effect sizes (Cramer’s V and standardized mean differences), and multivariable logistic regression to explore predictors of high HRQoL impact and high difficulty in disease management. An exploratory classification into high-risk phenotypes was performed using predefined clinical, psychological, and socioeconomic criteria. Results. Most participants (98.6%) reported at least one comorbidity, most commonly hypertension, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease. Higher comorbidity burden and depression/anxiety were strongly associated with higher pain, reduced mobility, emotional distress, and financial strain. Exploratory high-risk phenotypes (severe somatic multimorbidity, high psychological vulnerability, high socioeconomic burden, and a composite very high-risk profile) were associated with poorer HRQoL indicators. Younger age, shorter disease duration, and higher perceived social support were associated with lower perceived burden. Conclusions. In this cross-sectional, patient-reported study, comorbidity burden—particularly psychological comorbidity—was strongly associated with poorer HRQoL and greater management difficulty in RA. These findings support the need for multidisciplinary, integrated care pathways; however, subgroup phenotypes should be considered exploratory and require external validation.

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) are chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases associated with impaired quality of life, persistent disease burden, and increased healthcare utilization. Treatment adherence and psychosocial factors may influence outcomes, but their longitudinal associations in real-world hospitalized populations remain insufficiently characterized. Methods: We conducted a single-center, retrospective, mid-term longitudinal observational study including 50 adults with RA or AS who experienced repeated hospitalizations over a four-year period. The final dataset comprised 196 hospitalization episodes analyzed as repeated observations nested within individual patients. Disease activity was assessed using DAS28 in RA and ASDAS and/or BASDAI in AS, according to data availability and routine clinical practice. Treatment adherence, quality of life, anxiety, social isolation, patient–provider communication, dietary support, inflammatory markers, and hospitalization-related outcomes were extracted from medical records and structured inpatient assessments. Linear mixed-effects models were used for continuous outcomes, and ordinal mixed-effects models were used for ordered categorical outcomes, with adjustment for age, sex, and time where appropriate. Results: In RA, higher treatment adherence was associated with lower disease activity over time. In AS, comparable associations were not detected, possibly reflecting disease-specific factors, limited variability in adherence, and reduced statistical power in the smaller AS subgroup. Better patient–provider communication was associated with higher adherence and lower anxiety, whereas greater social isolation was associated with poorer quality of life. More favorable dietary support was associated with better adherence, although the magnitude of this association should be interpreted cautiously because of sparse categories and wide confidence intervals. Lower inflammatory burden, particularly lower CRP over time, was associated with lower hospitalization-related costs. Conclusions: In this selected cohort of repeatedly hospitalized patients with RA or AS, treatment adherence, psychosocial factors, and supportive care indicators were associated with clinically relevant longitudinal outcomes. The findings support a multidisciplinary, patient-centered approach to inflammatory rheumatic disease care. However, because of the retrospective design, modest sample size, selected inpatient population, non-standardized assessment of several variables, and possible instability of some ordinal model estimates, the results should be interpreted as exploratory and confirmed in larger prospective cohorts.