Dear Readers,

Welcome to the December 2025 edition of our IRA e-newsletter—a fitting finale to this editorial team’s enriching journey of science, collaboration, and shared purpose. As we hand over the baton to the new team, we feel grateful for the opportunity to have been part of this journey and to share the progress of rheumatology in India. 

This year also marks a proud moment for our community with IRACON 2025, a celebration of learning, collaboration, and innovation in Indian rheumatology. We hope this issue, like every edition before it, reflects the same spirit of curiosity and connection that defines our field.

This quarter’s theme, Connective Tissue Disease–Associated Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (CTD-PAH), highlights a condition that lies at the crossroads of rheumatology and cardiopulmonary medicine—one that challenges clinicians and researchers alike with its subtle presentation, complex pathophysiology, and profound impact on patients’ lives.

We begin with Dr Anu Balakrishnan, who lays the foundation with an insightful overview of PAH in connective tissue diseases, setting the tone for the issue. Dr Abhra Chandra Chowdhury follows with a practical discussion on screening for PAH in CTDs—when and how, emphasizing the importance of early detection in improving outcomes. Dr. Prateek Deo provides a lucid review of treatment guidelines in CTD-PAH, while Dr. Kishore Babu explores emerging therapies that may redefine the therapeutic landscape in the years to come.

Our Interview Section features two distinguished voices: Dr Rohini Handa, who shares valuable insights in “From Podium to Impact: Mastering the Art of Effective Lectures”, and Dr Mehret Birru Talabi, who discusses “Reproductive Rheumatology—Evolution and Prospects”, adding a global perspective to our issue.

The Quarter in Review continues to bring together recent advances from multiple fronts. Dr. Arun Tiwari highlights key developments in basic sciences, Dr. Naman Jain curates significant updates in clinical science, and Dr. Abarna Thangaraj presents pivotal progress in paediatric rheumatology.

In the Young Rheumatologists’ Corner, Dr Aravind P discusses “Using Twitter and Other Social Media”, reminding us how digital engagement can shape professional learning and collaboration in the modern era.

Our Quiz of the Quarter, crafted by Dr. Gaurang Deshpande, invites readers to test their knowledge under the lively title “Let’s Get Quizzical”, while Dr. Keerthi Vardhan Yerram leads the Images of the Quarter section with challenging “Spot the Diagnosis” cases that sharpen diagnostic acumen.

Beyond science, Dr Saurabh Malviya offers a refreshing glimpse into the human side of medicine through his travelogue “My Journey Through the Mountains”—a reminder that exploration, like learning, is an endless journey.

As this edition marks the conclusion of our tenure, we express our deepest gratitude to Dr Vinod Ravindran and the entire editorial board for their guidance, teamwork, and unwavering commitment. Together, we have sought to create a space that informs, connects, and inspires.

With immense warmth and optimism, we now pass the torch to the incoming editorial team, confident that they will continue to nurture this platform with the same passion and purpose. May this final issue not only deepen understanding of CTD-PAH but also celebrate the collective spirit of Indian rheumatology—anchored in curiosity, compassion, and collaboration.

With warm regards and heartfelt thanks,