 |
|
Arthritis medications reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes
March 06, 2008Patients prescribed drugs to treat rheumatoid arthritis could be at a reduced risk of heart attacks and strokes, according to a study published today in the open access journal Arthritis Research & Therapy.
An international team of researchers led by Antonio Naranjo of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain, and colleagues in Argentina, Europe, and the USA have analyzed data from the QUEST-RA (Quantitative Patient Questionnaires in Standard Monitoring of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis) study. From this study, including 4,363 patients from 48 sites in 15 countries, the team has examined the causes and effects of rheumatoid arthritis, as well as the potential benefits of medications.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a known risk factor for hardening of the arteries and so can lead to stroke and heart attacks occurring in sufferers ten years earlier than in people without the condition. However, earlier studies have shown that treating rheumatoid arthritis with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), such as methotrexate, may reduce this risk. The current research quantifies this risk reduction in thousands of patients in the QUEST-RA study.
Naranjo and colleagues found that risk, when adjusted for age, sex, disease activity, and traditional risk factors such as lack of exercise, smoking, diabetes, and high cholesterol levels, correlated strongly with the use of drugs to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Taking methotrexate - the most widely used DMARD - for just one year for example was found to be associated with an 18% reduction in risk of heart attack and an 11% decrease in risk of stroke, the researchers say.
"Our study provides further support of the influence of both traditional and RA specific risk factors in the development of cardiovascular events, especially heart attack" the researchers conclude, "As assessed by this study, the risk was lower with the prolonged use of methotrexate, sulfasalazine, glucocorticoids, leflunomide and TNF-α blockers."
In an accompanying editorial, Dr Ronald van Vollenhoven of Karolinska Institute, Sweden, reviews the research article. "The possibility that antirheumatic therapy decreases the risk for cardiovascular complications is tantalizing," writes the author. "The current study, while not exactly proving this point, adds a further measure of support to the concept, and suggests that it must now be formally addressed.
BioMed Central
Naranjo and colleagues found that risk, when adjusted for age, sex, disease activity, and traditional risk factors such as lack of exercise, smoking, diabetes, and high cholesterol levels, correlated strongly with the use of drugs to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Taking methotrexate - the most widely used DMARD - for just one year for example was found to be associated with an 18% reduction in risk of heart attack and an 11% decrease in risk of stroke, the researchers say.
"Our study provides further support of the influence of both traditional and RA specific risk factors in the development of cardiovascular events, especially heart attack" the researchers conclude, "As assessed by this study, the risk was lower with the prolonged use of methotrexate, sulfasalazine, glucocorticoids, leflunomide and TNF-α blockers."
In an accompanying editorial, Dr Ronald van Vollenhoven of Karolinska Institute, Sweden, reviews the research article. "The possibility that antirheumatic therapy decreases the risk for cardiovascular complications is tantalizing," writes the author. "The current study, while not exactly proving this point, adds a further measure of support to the concept, and suggests that it must now be formally addressed.
BioMed Central
Rheumatoid Arthritis Current Events and Rheumatoid Arthritis News RSSResearchers find new way to attack inflammation in Graves' eye disease
A small group of patients with severe Graves' eye disease experienced rapid improvement of their symptoms - and improved vision - following treatment with the drug rituximab.
Pain thresholds linked to inflammation and sleep problems in arthritis patients
Despite recent advances in anti-inflammatory therapy, many rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients continue to suffer from pain.
New therapy for vasculitis will help patients avoid infertility and cancer
Researchers have identified that Rituxan, a drug previously approved for the treatment of non-Hodgkin's B cell lymphoma and rheumatoid arthritis, can treat severe ANCA-associated vasculitis as effectively as cyclophosphamide, the current standard therapy.
Strategy for mismatched stem cell transplants triggers protection against graft-vs.-host disease
A new technique being tested in stem-cell transplants from imperfectly matched donors has revealed a striking, unforeseen response that can suppress graft-versus-host disease, a common and dangerous complication of mismatched transplants, report scientists from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Grains and lamb offer new sources of omega-3
CSIRO research on grains and lamb aimed at developing new dietary sources of long-chain omega-3 oils will be presented at the World Congress on Oils and Fats in Sydney this week.
Visionary concept earns La Jolla Institute scientist prestigious NIH Pioneer Award
A scientist at the La Jolla Institute for Allergy & Immunology has received one of the National Institutes of Health (NIH)'s top awards -- the 2009 NIH Director's Pioneer Award.
Experimental approach may reverse rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis
Researchers have identified a mechanism that may keep a well known signaling molecule from eroding bone and inflaming joints, according to an early study published online today in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.
Promising new target emerges for autoimmune diseases
University of Michigan scientists say they have uncovered a fundamentally new mechanism that holds in check aggressive immune cells that can attack the body's own cells.
New 'biofactories' produce rare healing substances in the endangered Devil's claw plant
Deep in Africa's Kalahari Desert lies the "Devil's claw," a plant that may hold the key to effective treatments for arthritis, tendonitis and other illnesses that affect millions each year.
Abnormal Brain Circuits May Prevent Movement Disorder
Most people who carry a genetic mutation for a movement disorder called dystonia will never develop symptoms, a phenomenon that has puzzled scientists since the first genetic mutation was identified in the 1990's.
More Rheumatoid Arthritis Current Events and Rheumatoid Arthritis News Articles
 |
The First Year: Rheumatoid Arthritis: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed (First Year, The) by M.E.A. McNeil (Author), Kenneth Sack MD (Foreword) Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a disease characterized by inflammation of the joints, is one of the most disabling forms of arthritis and affects over two million people in the United States. Without proper treatment it can lead to long-term joint damage, chronic pain, loss of function, and disability. From the first moment of her diagnosis, author M.E.A. McNeil took charge and educated herself on every aspect of her condition. Now, as a "patient-expert," she guides those newly diagnosed step-by-step through their first year with RA. McNeil provides crucial information about the nature of the disease, treatment options, diet, exercise, social concerns, emotional issues, networking with others, and much more. The First Year—Rheumatoid Arthritis is an essential resource for everyone who wants... |
 |
The New Arthritis Breakthrough: The Only Medical Therapy Clinically Proven to Produce Long-term Improvement and Remission of RA, Lupus, Juvenile RS, Fibromyalgia, ... & Other Inflammatory Forms of Arthritis by Henry Scammell (Author) "...can be miraculous for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers."-- Health & Healing, Tomorrow's Medicine Today |
 |
Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis (Johns Hopkins Press Health Book) by Tammi L. Shlotzhauer MD (Author), James L. McGuire MD (Author), Carol M. Ziminski MD (Foreword) Already a trusted guide and an invaluable resource, Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis offers practical advice for the millions of people who live with this painful disease. Now thoroughly revised and expanded, this second edition brings readers up to date with the latest methods of diagnosis and treatment. Building on their accessible explanation of the disease and its causes, the authors describe the essential components of care: medication, joint protection, physical activity, and good nutrition. They provide a wealth of new information on medications, including biologic response–modifiers, alternative and complementary approaches, and treatments for osteoporosis (which often accompanies rheumatoid arthritis), and they describe safe and effective ways to cope with pain,... |
 |
Freedom from Rheumatoid Arthritis: The amazing story of one woman's recovery by Sonia St. Claire (Author) Freedom from Rheumatoid Arthritis is an inspirational book about survival. It tells the story of how one woman went from being a bed ridden cripple on and off for a year and a half, to reclaiming her health, happiness and quality of life stolen from her by this insidious disease. It is the story of a journey, a journey of discovery undertaken by one fiercely determined woman. A woman who has been to the depths and healed herself, and now with consummate compassion and grace, offers to share that process with you. This book includes a seven day menu, recovery and maintenance diet and recipes. |
 |
Rheumatoid Arthritis: The Infection Connection {Targeting and Treating the Cause of Chronic Illness} by Katherine M. Poehlmann (Author) Foreword by Dr. Harold W. Clark, author of "Why Arthritis?" Appendices by Dr. Joseph Mercola (mercola.com) and Dr. Garth Nicolson (Institute for Molecular Medicine) Definitions of terms ****************************** EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE CONSULTING YOUR DOCTOR! ****************************** A research scientist and former arthritis sufferer outlines a proven treatment that could banish your arthritis pain forever. This well-documented study presents evidence that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other chronic illnesses are caused by microbial infection. When the infection triggers allergic reactions, it appears that the body's immune system has turned on itself. Once the cause of the infection and allergies are identified and removed,... |
 |
Synova Total Joint Care with Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM for Osteo and Rheumatoid Arthritis - 60 Coated Caplets by Next Nutraceuticals Synova Total Joint Care provides the latest clinically tested ingredients for the body's moveable joints, called synovial joints. The shoulder, elbow, wrist, fingers, hip, knee, ankle and toes are synovial joints. Synova Total Joint Care works to support joint health as well as joint flare-ups.* *Glucosamine HCl - a precursor for glycosaminoglycans, the primary component of joint cartilage. Glucosamine can help rebuild, renew and strengthen synovial joint cartilage.* *Joint Serum (Hyaluronic Acid) - HA is a natural component of synovial fluid found to increase joint viscosity, naturally helping to lubricate and re-hydrate joints.* *Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) - a naturally occuring sulfur needed to form collagen, which is the protein found in all synovial connective... |
 |
The Arthritis Foundation's Guide to Good Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis, 3rd Edition by Dorothy Foltz-Gray (Author) From the Arthritis Foundation, a trusted source of health information and guidance for more than 50 years, Good Living With Rheumatoid Arthritis, 3rd Edition, explains new research and treatments in clear, simple language. Readers will learn how to be proactive patients, how to stretch daily to reduce pain and increase flexibility, and how to judge the many over-the-counter drugs and supplements on the market today. |
 |
Conquering Arthritis: What Doctors Don't Tell You Because They Don't Know: 9 Secrets I Learned the Hard Way by Barbara D. Allan (Author) This book provides hard-earned, practical, detailed information that is critical for successful healing of arthritis, but that has never before been collected in one book. Without this information many people with arthritis will not get well. The information is organized into a well-researched, easy-to-follow plan for getting well again and includes case histories of people with dramatic and lasting recoveries. It focuses not just on coping with the symptoms of arthritis, but on correcting its underlying causes using proven alternative medicine and pain management techniques. Anyone who is serious about healing from arthritis needs this book. |
 |
What To Do When The Doctor Says It's Rheumatoid Arthritis: Stop Your Pain, Become More Active, and Learn How to Talk to Your Doctors by Winnie Yu (Author), Harry D. Fischer (Author) Rheumatoid arthritis is a painful, incurable connective-tissue disease that attacks the hands, feet, and joints and may lead to deformities and permanent disabilities. This book, written by a doctor and health journalist will offer comprehensive medical advice and lifestyle information for the nearly three million Americans who suffer from this disease. The book uses mind-body techniques and alternative medicine to cope with the pain and discomfort, including information on: Pain relief Exercise Nutrition Managing your relationship with your doctors |
 |
Rheumatoid Arthritis, 2nd Edition by John J. Cush (Author), Michael E. Weinblatt (Author), Arthur Kavanaugh (Author) Emphasizes the importance of early intervention in Rheumatoid Arthritis with focus on pharmacologic treatments of RA. Detailed information on the various medications employed in treatment, including corticosteroids, NSAIDs, DMARDs, biologic agents, and combination therapy, is reviewed, including evidence based data on efficacy, safety, side effects, and monitoring requirements. Clinical evaluation is presented, including lab findings, joint scoring, diagnostic criteria, and radiographic outcomes. Surgical options and the management of advanced RA are discussed. |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |