Research reveals obesity is associated with reduced rates of remission and increased rates of disability in RA patients. Effective weight screening and management should be a central feature of RA treatment plans.
A new study suggests that biologic therapies for rheumatoid arthritis during pregnancy do not significantly increase the risk of opportunistic infections in infants. Researchers found no significant difference in infection rates among infants whose mothers used biologics compared to those who did not.
Researchers have developed a new method to preserve tissue samples for rheumatoid arthritis research, allowing for the analysis of multiple samples in a uniform way. This approach has the potential to identify specific inflammatory pathways and guide treatment decisions.
Research finds that obesity is associated with a higher degree of synovitis in RA patients, leading to worse clinical responses to treatment. Patients who are overweight or obese tend to have higher histological scores and more inflammation in their joints.
A study found that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of healthy military recruits showed sacroiliac joint damage similar to axial spondyloarthritis after six weeks of intensive physical training. The high prevalence of lesions at baseline and the increase in lesions after training were striking results.
A study found that temporarily pausing methotrexate use for two weeks after flu vaccination improves the immune response in RA patients, with a higher rate of satisfactory responses and seroprotection rates. This approach has potential clinical implications, including improved vaccine efficacy without increasing disease activity.
Experts say pre-menopausal women with hormone-dependent advanced breast cancer should be included in clinical trials alongside older women. This could provide valuable insights into the best treatments for these patients, who make up a third of all advanced breast cancer cases globally.
A recent analysis has linked proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to a 33% increased relative risk of chronic kidney disease or kidney failure. The study, published at ASN Kidney Week 2017, suggests that providers should consider the potential risks of PPI therapy in patients.
A study found that increasing omega-6 to omega-3 ratios in the diet were associated with SLE disease activity. Intake of omega-3 fatty acids was also linked to better sleep quality and trended toward significant decreases in depressive symptoms.
A recent study found that women who stopped taking bisphosphonates for over two years had a substantially increased risk of hip fractures compared to those who continued their treatment. The study, which analyzed data from 156,236 women, showed that the longer the duration of the drug holiday, the higher the risk of hip fracture.
Bone marrow edema was most frequent in posterior lower ilium and anterior upper sacrum in young athletes. A better understanding of this condition may improve evaluation of magnetic resonance imaging in individuals with early axial spondyloarthritis.
A new study found that TRC101, a hydrochloric acid binder, increased serum bicarbonate levels in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and metabolic acidosis. The treatment was well-tolerated, with all adverse events being mild or moderate.
Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who have low vitamin D levels are at a higher risk of developing end-stage renal disease. Vitamin D supplementation has been shown to reduce urine protein and prevent future renal failure, according to the study's findings.
A history of kidney stones may increase the risk of metabolic and hypertensive complications during pregnancy. Research found that women with pre-existing kidney stones were more likely to experience gestational diabetes and hypertension.
The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) honored 43 researchers and thought leaders with its Master of the ACR designation, Awards of Distinction, and Distinguished Fellow Award for their contributions to the field of rheumatology. The recognitions are given annually to members who exhibit outstanding achievements in scholarly achiev...
A digital health coaching program improved RA patients' well-being, decreased symptoms, and reduced flare frequency. The program showed significant increases in physical activity, sleep hours, and medication adherence.
Research finds that RA patients who meet certain factors, including younger age and low CRP levels, are more likely to successfully taper their biologic drugs. Patients without concomitant steroid use also tend to have better outcomes.
The global burden of chronic kidney disease attributable to air pollution is estimated to be over 10.7 million cases per year, with varying impacts by geography. Air pollution may contribute to the rising incidence of CKD worldwide, particularly in Central America and South Asia.
New treatments for kidney disease, such as tolvaptan for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), have shown promising results in slowing kidney function decline. Bardoxolone methyl has also improved renal function in patients with diabetic kidney disease. Meanwhile, QPI-1002 has reduced the incidence and severity of acute...
A study found that patients with spine osteoarthritis and those under 65 are more likely to use opioids for pain management. The study also showed a significant association between opioid use and greater depressive symptoms, as well as higher levels of pain.
A phase 3 trial found tolvaptan slows the rate of decline in kidney function in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. The condition affects millions in the US and has no cure. The drug targets a mechanism contributing to cyst growth, potentially delaying transplant or dialysis need.
Research found associations between opioids and SSRIs with increased osteoporotic fracture risk in RA patients, particularly with long-term use. Patients who developed fractures had higher disease activity, longer disease duration, and more comorbidity at baseline compared to those who did not experience fractures.
The new dashboard provides actionable data to practices, allowing them to track quality improvement and financially reward their efforts in the MIPS program. Data from 548,990 patients reported by 491 clinicians and 109 practices showed varying performance on quality measures.
A new mobile app-based system, Smart System of Disease Management (SSDM), has been developed to improve care management for chronic illness patients. The system includes online consultation via a mobile app, which reduces costs and delays for arthritis patients by allowing them to access medical services remotely.
Researchers developed a new tool to analyze cellular and molecular profiles of synovial tissue and peripheral blood, which may help unlock clues about rheumatoid arthritis. The study found that robust cell yield from synovial tissue enables mass and flow cytometric data.
A study of 3725 participants with chronic kidney disease found that depressive symptoms were associated with a higher risk of early death in white individuals, but not in black individuals. Treatment of depressive symptoms may help lower this risk.
The EULAR and ACR presented draft new classification criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) at the 2017 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting. The updated criteria aim to improve patient identification, trial comparisons, and early disease detection, with a global collaboration involving over 150 investigators and data from 2,200 patients.
A study found that kisspeptin enhances male sexual attraction and decreases anxiety in male mice by activating specific neurons in the brain. Activation of these neurons increases social interaction and reduces anxiety, while having no effect on copulatory behavior.
A new online education tool has been developed to improve accessibility and disease self-management for teens with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The tool, which includes monthly calls with health coaches, improved health-related quality of life for participating teens compared to those who received standard disease education only.
Research found that lupus patients on Medicaid have lower HCQ therapy adherence in areas with high African-American populations, few hospitals, and Health Professional Shortage Areas. This association remained after controlling for individual-level characteristics like poverty and education.
A study found VA patients had significantly lower rates of kidney transplantation compared to those with private insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid. The researchers suggest that distance from transplant centers and other factors may contribute to these disparities.
Research findings from the ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting reveal that obesity is independently associated with worse patient-reported outcomes in women with systemic lupus erythematosus, including increased disease activity and depressive symptoms. Obesity was linked to higher levels of pain and fatigue as well.
A study found that positive sacroiliac MRI scans can be common in healthy individuals and frequent runners, suggesting the need for additional diagnostic measures. The research emphasizes the importance of considering these results in context to avoid misdiagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis.
A study of 1,678 RA patients found no increased risk of second malignancy among those treated with biologics after a primary cancer diagnosis. Hazard ratios showed a slightly higher mortality rate among RA patients who received biologics before their cancer diagnosis.
Research suggests that obesity is prevalent among axSpa patients, associated with increased disease activity, physical function impairment, and poorer quality of life. The study found that nearly two-thirds of the patient cohort were overweight or obese, highlighting the need for weight management strategies in treatment plans.
Researchers found that low-energy shock-wave therapy significantly reduced digital ulcers in scleroderma patients by stimulating growth factors and forming new blood vessels. The treatment also showed no serious adverse events during the study, making it a promising approach for managing refractory digital ulcers.
Research suggests anabolic androgenic steroid use may be associated with early coronary artery disease in healthy young individuals. The study found that steroid users had atherosclerosis, reduced HDL levels, and impaired HDL function.
The prevalence of obesity in the UK has almost doubled over two decades, with food taxes being suggested as a measure to correct this trend. However, experts disagree on its effectiveness, with some arguing it is too simplistic and overlooks other factors influencing obesity.
The new American College of Rheumatology/National Psoriasis Foundation treatment guideline provides pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic recommendations for treating adult patients with active psoriatic arthritis. The guideline development team used the GRADE methodology to evaluate evidence and create therapy options.