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Better outcome for rheumatoid arthritis patients given intensive outpatient treatment (p 263)
July 14, 2004Results of a UK study in this week's issue of THE LANCET suggest that intensive monthly outpatient treatment with antirheumatic drugs and steroid injections can substantially improve patients' symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis compared with standard three-month outpatient treatment.
Duncan Porter (Gartnavel General Hospital, Glasgow, UK) and colleagues investigated whether a more intensive approach-monthly assessment of patients' disease activity score (DAS) to guide treatment with oral antirheumatic drugs and steroid injections-could be more effective in improving symptoms than standard three-monthly assessment without a DAS calculation to guide treatment.
The investigators randomized 111 people with rheumatoid arthritis to either intensive management or routine care. The study's main outcome measure was to compare the proportion of patients in each group achieving a good response to treatment-defined as a DAS below 2"˘4 and a fall in this score from baseline by more than 1"˘2 points. Comparisons between patients in the two groups were made after 18 months.
82% of patients given intensive therapy achieved a good response to treatment compared with 44% in the standard treatment group. Furthermore, 65% of patients in the intensive group were in remission at the end of the study compared with only 16% of patients in the standard group. Intensive treatment was no more costly than standard treatment.
Dr Porter comments: "The results of this study have considerable implications for the management of people with rheumatoid arthritis. Despite initial concerns, cost did not differ between intensive management of patients and routine treatment. Whether the improvement in patients' outcomes will translate into longer-term savings, such as a reduction in work disability, the need for joint-replacement surgery, or the need for institutional care, remains to be seen. More importantly, our results show that a strategy of optimising current techniques and treatment regimens can deliver substantial patients' benefits within a cost-neutral framework."
Lancet
82% of patients given intensive therapy achieved a good response to treatment compared with 44% in the standard treatment group. Furthermore, 65% of patients in the intensive group were in remission at the end of the study compared with only 16% of patients in the standard group. Intensive treatment was no more costly than standard treatment.
Dr Porter comments: "The results of this study have considerable implications for the management of people with rheumatoid arthritis. Despite initial concerns, cost did not differ between intensive management of patients and routine treatment. Whether the improvement in patients' outcomes will translate into longer-term savings, such as a reduction in work disability, the need for joint-replacement surgery, or the need for institutional care, remains to be seen. More importantly, our results show that a strategy of optimising current techniques and treatment regimens can deliver substantial patients' benefits within a cost-neutral framework."
Lancet
Arthritis Current Events and Arthritis News RSSMultiple health concerns surface as winter, vitamin D deficiences arrive
A string of recent discoveries about the multiple health benefits of vitamin D has renewed interest in this multi-purpose nutrient, increased awareness of the huge numbers of people who are deficient in it, spurred research and even led to an appreciation of it as "nature's antibiotic."
Can EP4 agonist alleviate gastric lesions?
Over 300 million patients use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the world to treat pain, arthritis, fever and other diseases. Nearly 30% of the users suffer from gastric lesions and bleeding.
Thoughtful words help couples stay fighting fit
Couples who bring thoughtful words to a fight release lower amounts of stress-related proteins, suggesting that rational communication between partners can ease the impact of marital conflict on the immune system.
Penn Study Provides First Clear Idea of How Rare Bone Disease Progresses
An international team of scientists, led by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, is taking the first step in developing a treatment for a rare genetic disorder called fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), in which the body's skeletal muscles and soft connective tissue turns to bone, immobilizing patients over a lifetime with a second skeleton.
Aileron collaborates study in Nature: Stapled peptides inhibit Notch1 transcription factor
This research validates the potential for Stapled Peptides to modulate key intracellular biological targets, such as transcription factors, that have not been addressable with current small molecule or biologic drug modalities.
Researchers 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.
Common Pain Relievers May Dilute Power of Flu Shots
With flu vaccination season in full swing, research from the University of Rochester Medical Center cautions that use of many common pain killers - Advil, Tylenol, aspirin - at the time of injection may blunt the effect of the shot and have a negative effect on the immune system.
Mending meniscals in children, improving diagnosis and recovery
The meniscus is a rubber-like, crescent moon-shaped cartilage cushion that sits between the leg and thigh bone. Each knee has two menisci: one on the inside of the knee joint and one on the outside.
Study finds link between childhood physical abuse and arthritis
Adults who had experienced physical abuse as children have 56 per cent higher odds of osteoarthritis compared to those who have not been abused, according to a new study by University of Toronto researchers.
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.
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Imak Arthritis Gloves Medium (Pack of 2) by IMAK The IMAK Arthritis Gloves help relieve aches, pains and stiffness associated with Arthritis of the hands. The unique design provides mild compression, offers warmth and helps increase circulation and promote healing. The Arthritis Gloves are made of soft |
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Conquering Arthritis: What Doctors Don't Tell You Because They Don't Know by Barbara D Allan (Author) This book is newly revised and updated with important updates that make healing from arthritis even easier and quicker. It has been used with great success by many people with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and other forms of arthritis, to heal themselves. It provides practical, detailed information that is critical for the successful healing of arthritis, but that has never before been collected in one place. 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. ... |
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Arthritis Advantage-Once Daily Arthritis Therapy, 96 Caplets (3 Pack) by Digestive Advantage |
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Arthritis Advantage for Arthritis Dietary Supplement Caplets, 32-Count Box (Pack of 2) by Arthritis Advantage APR Arthritis Advantage for relief of arthritis symptoms |
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The Arthritis Cure, Revised and Updated: The Medical Miracle That Can Halt, Reverse, And May Even Cure Osteoarthritis by Jason Theodosakis (Author), Sheila Buff (Author), Barry Fox (Author) Since its original publication in 1996, The Arthritis Cure has swept the nation, providing amazing relief for the millions who suffer chronic arthritis pain. By outlining a nine-point program that includes a new effective supplement, ASU, The Arthritis Cure Revised Edition describes a program that can halt, reverse, and possibly even cure degenerative osteoarthritis. Based on the most recent and cutting-edge medical research, this invaluable resource promises readers: --The latest research indicating that prescription arthritis drugs are not only expensive but can also be dangerous--they can raise blood pressure and damage the kidneys. --New studies supporting the use of glucosamine and chondroitin to treat arthritic symptoms. --Dr. Theodosaki's ratings of the current... |
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Arthritis Dexterity Kit - Set of 11 Aids for Daily Living by Distributed by Wellhaven Gifts for Seniors & Boomers Make everyday tasks easier with the Dexterity Kit. It contains 11 products that help provide arthritis pain relief. The Dexterity Kit contains: 1 Folding Zipper & Button Puller - for home or travel use, 2 Spoon & Fork Holders - removable - use with your existing silverware, 2 Lamp Switch Enlargers - no permanent installation required, 3 Pen and Pencil Cushions - use on artist paint brushes, knitting needles, etc., 3 E-Z Key Turners - 3 different colors for key color coding |
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Arthritis Gloves - Medium - 1 pair by Imak IMAKs® Arthritis Gloves are designed to help relieve aches, pains, and stiffness associated with arthritis of the hands. The unique design of the IMAK Arthritis Gloves provides mild compression for warmth and helps increase circulation, which ultimately reduces pain and promotes healing. The Arthritis Gloves are made of soft, breathable cotton Lycra®, meaning they are comfortable enough to wear all day and night. The open fingertips allow you complete freedom to feel, touch and grip, so you can perform daily tasks without issue. |
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Arthritis, What Exercises Work: Breakthrough Relief For The Rest Of Your Life, Even After Drugs & Surgery Have Failed by Dava Sobel (Author), Arthur C. Klein (Author) What is the most powerful arthritis treatment ever developed to help restore you to a healthy, pain-free, and vigorous life--for the rest of your life? It's the very same breakthrough that has: --Helped more arthritis sufferers than drugs, surgery, or any other treatment--without dangerous side effects. --Been widely prescribed by medical doctors and other health practitioners. The answer? Exercise. Here are the right exercises for your kind of arthritis, pain-level, age, occupation, and hobbies. And they're the most effective exercises for arthritis available anywhere--rated "best" by arthritis sufferers themselves in an unprecedented nationwide survey...supported by medical doctors...and backed by the latest research. only this book has them. Let... |
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Duro-Med Arthritis Natural Pain Relief Microwavable Therabead Moist Heat Standard Pack with Cover, 9 X 12 by Duro-Med Duro-Med Industries' amazing Therabeads microwaveable heat products represent a major breakthrough in moist heat therapy. TheraBeads delivers moist heat safely and effectively. By utilizing the convenience of a microwave oven, TheraBeads provide therapeutic moist heat at the correct temperature levels needed for effective therapy. Full 9"x12" size is ideal for most parts of the body including shoulders, knees and back. Deliver uniform moist heat to help relieve soreness and stiffness. With proper care Therabeads can be used indefinately. Includes wrap cover. |
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How to Eat Away Arthritis: Gain Relief from the Pain and Discomfort of Arthritis Through Nature's Remedies by Laurie M. Aesoph (Author) This revised and expanded edition of the perennially popular self-help book details how arthritis sufferers can improve their conditions with the foods they eat. Using the simple dietary procedures described in this book, readers can reverse some cases of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis without expensive drugs or equipment. |
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