Rheumatic diseases are characterized by chronic inflammation that affects the joints but also internal organs such as lungs, heart and other organs [1,2]. These disorders, if untreated, may lead to chronic disability and reduced quality of life in many patients. Furthermore, rheumatic/autoimmune diseases are associated with increased mortality compared to the general population [3], with cardiovascular events, infections, and malignancy being the leading causes of death [4–6].
