Recent advances in rheumatology reflect a shift toward early and personalized management of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. In inflammatory rheumatic diseases, the advent of the ever-evolving Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors represents a major breakthrough for 2024. By targeting the JAK-STAT pathway, these oral agents complement the current therapeutic armamentarium with a promising efficacy and tolerability profile.

In the field of systemic rheumatic diseases, particularly systemic lupus erythematosus, new recommendations encourage the early use of targeted therapies such as belimumab and anifrolumab, complemented by innovative approaches (CAR-T cells and bispecific antibodies) that offer promising prospects for deeper B-cell depletion and induce sustained remissions. 

Finally, in rheumatoid arthritis, optimal patient management – from early to difficult-to-treat forms – relies on accurate identification of prognostic factors (seropositivity, bone erosions, comorbidities) and rapid therapeutic intervention aimed at reducing glucocorticoid exposure and improving treatment efficacy. 

Taken together, these innovations illustrate the emergence of precision medicine in rheumatology, with the potential to sustainably improve patient prognosis and quality of life.

Cleft lip and palate are frequent congenital malformations, posing a surgical challenge, particularly for the correction of nasal deformity. Nasoalveolar Molding (NAM) is a pre-surgical orthopedic technique designed to improve anatomical relationships prior to surgery. By progressively realigning the labial and maxillary segments while reshaping the nasal cartilage, NAM reduces cleft width and optimizes primary surgery. This approach improves nasolabial esthetics, reduces tissue tension, and minimizes the need for secondary corrections. However, it remains demanding for clinicians and families. The emergence of digital technologies and artificial intelligence opens up new prospects for optimizing and facilitating this treatment.

The cIMPACT-NOW 8 (2024) update refines meningioma classification by incorporating copy number variations (CNV) and reconsidering brain invasion, whose presence alone is no longer sufficient for Grade 2 classification. 1p loss with 22q deletion warrants Grade 2, while additional genetic alterations improve risk stratification. Some biomarkers remain under investigation, and molecular classification may guide patient selection for radiotherapy and targeted therapies.

The year 2024 saw significant advances in the therapeutic management of patients with IgA nephropathy. Strict control of proteinuria is essential to slow down the progression to kidney failure. The first immunomodulatory agent to target the pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy is now available in Belgium, and promising new targeted therapies are being investigated. In kidney transplantation, the prophylaxis and treatment of CMV disease have benefited from the advent of new drugs. Since March 2024, maribavir has been reimbursed in Belgium for the treatment of refractory or resistant CMV disease, or in cases of intolerance to treatment due to myelotoxicity or nephrotoxicity.