A two-year study found that zoledronic acid did not reduce knee pain or bone marrow lesion size in patients with osteoarthritis. However, it showed symptomatic benefit in those with milder disease. The study's results may suggest a potential role for zoledronic acid in relieving symptoms in patients with mild osteoarthritis.
Two studies presented at EULAR 2018 found that sleep problems predict the onset of chronic widespread pain and are associated with chronic pain in adolescents. Sleep difficulties, fatigue, and anxiety were identified as key predictors of chronic pain.
Research suggests that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) play a causal role in the cardiovascular risk of patients with osteoarthritis. A study found that over two-thirds of the increased cardiovascular risk associated with osteoarthritis is linked to NSAID use, particularly for congestive heart failure and ischemic heart ...
Lenabasum demonstrates significant clinical benefit in treating diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc), improving symptoms such as skin thickening, joint pain, and lung disease. The treatment has acceptable safety and tolerability with no severe or serious adverse events.
Researchers have found that canakinumab significantly reduced the rate of gout flares in patients with stable atherosclerosis by more than half. Serum urate levels were not affected by canakinumab, but it was shown to reduce high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels.
A study published in EULAR 2018 found that childhood and adult obesity are associated with an increased risk of developing hip and knee osteoarthritis, but not hand osteoarthritis. The research used genetic variants to investigate the causal relationship between obesity and OA.
A study found that 46% of women with early rheumatoid arthritis did not achieve remission within a year, while 38% of men experienced the same issue. Lifestyle changes such as smoking cessation and weight reduction may facilitate rapid reduction of inflammation in early RA.
The frequency of joint replacements in rheumatoid arthritis patients decreased by 51.9% over the past decade, suggesting improved treatment strategies. Biological therapy was found to have a limited impact on this reduction, with no significant association with total hip replacement or knee replacement procedures.
A study of over 1.23 million Medicare beneficiaries found a significant association between gout and increased risk of dementia in the elderly. Gout was linked to a 17-20% higher risk of dementia, with the risk being highest in older age groups, females, and people with comorbidities.
A study examining the rate of incident malignancy in patients with RA who newly started on tocilizumab or a TNFi found no significant differences. The incidence of malignancy per 100 person-years ranged from 0.83 to 2.32 in TCZ patients and from 0.96 to 2.15 in TNFi patients.
A recent study presented at EULAR 2018 reveals an increased risk of acute coronary syndrome in siblings of individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. The findings show a significant association between RA and ACS, suggesting shared susceptibility between the two diseases.
A study found that decreased physical performance and greater structural disease severity are associated with a higher risk of experiencing depressive symptoms in patients with knee osteoarthritis. The study suggests using a combined treatment strategy to target both conditions.
A cohort study showed that adding non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors can slow radiographic progression in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. Celecoxib, a specific NSAID, was associated with the greatest reduction in radiographic progression.
A phase II clinical study of baricitinib demonstrated significant clinical improvements in SLE patients, while a randomized controlled trial showed the live attenuated shingles vaccine was well-tolerated and effective in preventing infection in stable SLE patients.
A population study shows that individuals with AS are almost twice as likely to self-harm compared to their comparators. The most frequent method of self-harm is poisoning or self-mutilation. This study highlights the need for routine evaluation of self-harm behavior in patients with chronic inflammatory arthritis.
The Youth-R-Coach program, presented at EULAR 2018, enables young people with rheumatic or musculoskeletal diseases to become 'experts-by-experience' and provide insights into living with chronic illness. Participants develop self-written books based on their personal experiences to act as a source of support for peers.
A study found that daily text messages to remind patients to take allopurinol significantly improved adherence rates and serum urate levels in gout patients. After 12 weeks, 88.1% of intervention group patients were considered adherent, compared to none in the control group.
Pregnancies in women with rheumatoid arthritis are associated with an increased risk of low birth weight, prematurity, and small size at birth. However, there were no reported adverse outcomes for the mothers themselves, except for premature delivery.
A new relapse prediction tool has been developed to reduce the cost of rheumatoid arthritis treatment. The tool, which combines two measurements to predict the risk of relapse in patients with RA, allows for successful dose reduction of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), resulting in significant cost savings.
An educational programme implemented by the Galician Rheumatology League improved employees' self-confidence in their work capacity and awareness of solvable limitations. The programme also helped employers understand specific needs of people with RMDs, making necessary adaptations to keep them at work.
A study found that chronic immune-mediated inflammatory diseases are linked to a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease in patients. The research identified specific genetic patterns associated with cardiovascular disease risk across different chronic IMID patient groups, which could lead to the development of more efficient preve...
A meta-analysis found that the excess risk of cardiovascular events in RA patients has decreased since the year 2000. The reduced risk appears to be related to better management of cardiovascular risk and control of chronic systemic inflammation.
A large population study found that passive smoking in childhood increased the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adulthood. Smoking also speeds up disease progression in ankylosing spondylitis, a painful and disabling form of arthritis.
Two new drug classes, tofacitinib and guselkumab, have shown significant improvements in treating psoriatic arthritis. Tofacitinib demonstrated superiority over placebo in ACR20 response rates and HAQ-DI score at 3 months, while guselkumab improved joint symptoms, physical function, and quality of life in patients with active PsA.
A national program in Denmark aims to address concerns of rheumatology patients switching to biosimilars for their arthritis treatment. The program includes independent patient information, closer monitoring of prescriptions, and a focus on patient safety.
A Swedish study found a significant increase in gout hospitalizations between 2000 and 2012, with only one-fourth of patients receiving recommended urate-lowering treatment. In contrast, a UK study showed that nurse-provided patient education and support significantly improved adherence to ULT, leading to better patient outcomes.
A study at EULAR 2017 found low-dose CT scanning to be more sensitive than conventional X-rays in monitoring Ankylosing Spondylitis disease progression. It consistently detected patients with signs of disease progression, such as new bony growths.
A nurse-led vaccination programme significantly improves pneumococcal vaccination coverage among patients with chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases. The study found that nursing staff accurately identified candidates for vaccination and informed them about its benefits.
Studies highlight limitations in current PsA treatment, with self-reported pain being common despite biologic therapies. Comorbidities like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and depression negatively impact PsA treatment adherence and response.
A Danish study found a clear downward trend in knee and hip replacements in RA patients since the introduction of biological DMARDs to treatment protocols. The incidence of total knee replacements decreased by 0.20 per year after 2003, while the incidence of total hip replacements also showed a downward trend.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy significantly reduced self-reported depression and anxiety among chronic pain patients participating in a pain rehabilitation program. The treatment also improved self-efficacy, activity engagement, and pain acceptance.
Researchers have identified a biomarker that can detect increased risk of stroke and heart attack in lupus patients without CVD symptoms. A study found that lupus patients with high levels of High Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T (HS-cTnT) are eight times more likely to develop fatty deposits in their carotid arteries.
A population study found that being overweight or obese, as defined by body mass index, abdominal obesity, and higher body fat percentage, is associated with a higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis in women. In contrast, no clear association was found between RA risk and BMI criteria for men.
A pharmacokinetic study found no significant placental transfer of certolizumab pegol (CZP) from mothers to infants during pregnancy. CZP levels in infant blood samples were below the lower limit of quantification, suggesting a safe treatment option for women with rheumatoid arthritis during pregnancy.
Researchers developed two new tools to diagnose systemic sclerosis earlier: nailfold videocapillaroscopy and a blood test detecting SSc-specific autoantibodies. These tools show promise in identifying patients with the characteristic appearance of early SSc patterns, aiding targeted treatment before irreversible damage occurs.
A meta-analysis published at EULAR 2017 found that early treatment of pre-rheumatoid arthritis (pre-RA) significantly reduces the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Patients who received active treatment had a lower risk of RA at 52 weeks or more compared to those on placebo.
A study found that patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome are 11 times more likely to have had a prior nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infection than controls. NTM infection was also linked to increased risk of developing the disease, particularly among those aged 45-65 years.
A new class of drug, romosozumab, has been shown to rapidly and significantly reduce the risk of vertebral fractures in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. In a clinical trial, women treated with romosozumab had a 83% lower risk of vertebral fracture compared to those receiving placebo.
A new imaging technique called Fluorescence Optical Imaging (FOI) is more effective than ultrasound at detecting inflammation in the absence of symptoms and signs in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. FOI provides greater information on microcirculation and can be performed by non-medically qualified personnel.
A study presented at EULAR 2016 found that a combination of text messages and individual counselling sessions motivated patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis to be more active, resulting in reduced daily sitting time and improved cholesterol levels. This behavioural intervention was effective in improving patient-reported clinical outcomes.
A new study found that Facebook advertising is effective in identifying adults with Inflammatory Back Pain (IBP), a condition often delayed in diagnosis due to lack of awareness. The study recruited over three quarters of patients through Facebook, resulting in earlier referrals to specialist treatment and improved treatment outcomes.
A new treatment approach has shown promising results in improving symptoms of juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) in children, a rare chronic autoimmune disease. The study found significant reductions in muscle weakness and skin inflammation, as well as improved overall disease activity.
Two studies presented at EULAR 2016 found that patients with positive expectations and autonomy are more likely to adhere to their treatment. Non-adherence is associated with factors such as anxiety, depression, and negative feelings, highlighting the need for strategies to improve treatment adherence.
A new study published at EULAR 2016 found that oestrogens significantly slow down fibrosis in experimental models representative of systemic sclerosis. This could lead to the development of potential hormone therapies for this difficult-to-treat condition.
A study found that over one-third of active rheumatoid arthritis patients suffer from sexual problems, including low libido and painful intercourse. Factors contributing to these issues include lack of attraction, anxiety, and relationship problems.
A study presented at EULAR 2016 found that UK rheumatologists often deviate from NICE guidance on cost when treating RA patients, citing clinical autonomy and patient involvement as key factors. The study suggests that further research is needed to explore the impact of these deviations on patient outcomes and cost-effectiveness.
A study found an association between a specific genetic pathway and the development of mouth ulcers in SLE patients. The VEGF genetic pathway was significantly associated with mouth ulcers and antinuclear antibodies, offering new insights into disease mechanisms and potential treatment targets.
A new study reveals that prolonged repetitive physical workload increases the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, with certain types of work increasing the odds more than others. The study also found a significant interaction between genetic makeup and physical workload in relation to the development of RA.
A recent study published at EULAR 2016 found that patients with osteoarthritis (OA) are more likely to have their condition underestimated by rheumatologists than those with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The study highlighted the importance of understanding the impact of disease severity on treatment compliance and future outcomes. Resear...
A new study has confirmed a direct link between air pollution exposure and lupus disease activity in children and adolescents. The study found that fine pollution particles triggered an increase in disease severity, including worsening of renal and haematological involvement.