Dear Readers,

It gives me immense pleasure to bring the first IRA e-newsletter of 2024. The theme of this newsletter is Spondyloarthrits (SpA). The prevalence of SpA in India is about 7-9 per 10,000 persons. With this prevalence, India may have about 1 million persons affected with SpA at any given point in time. This reflects a huge disease burden on our working young population. The practicing rheumatologist should be acquainted with the effective treatment strategies for SpA patients which are customized to the individual needs. Our newsletter aims to provide practical insights into the SpA disease that are not routinely discussed. You will find enlightening and thought-provoking articles on SpA by the experts.

The interview section has eminent rheumatologists sharing their wisdom on newsletter theme and research prospects. Patient organizations are playing a key role in advancing awareness of rheumatic conditions in society and policymakers in advanced countries like the US, the UK, and Europe. The current issue of the newsletter has perspectives from two Indian patient organizations which are working with SpA patients.

Quarterly reviews of noteworthy articles in basic sciences, clinical sciences, pediatric rheumatology, interesting images, and mind-churning quizzes have been collated masterly by authors.

Life is more than work and material pleasures and we are appreciating these increasingly. In the Life Beyond section of the newsletter, authors have shared their individual experiences in literature and fitness (physical and mental), which will surely entice you to enjoy your interests in life.

I am very thankful to all the contributors for their time and efforts. I am also thankful to members of the IRA newsletter editorial board for allowing me to assist in editing this issue of newsletter.

Lastly, with a heavy heart, I pay my tributes to Prof Debashish Danda. Prof Danda was a constant source of inspiration for all of us and his untimely demise has left a big void in rheumatology field that will be difficult to fill.

Best wishes