A new study found a high prevalence of NSAID prescriptions in patients with ischaemic heart disease or risk factors, highlighting the need for safer alternatives and physician guidelines to prevent cardiovascular harm. Diclofenac was commonly prescribed in 56% of cases, raising concerns about its safety.
A new study reveals overweight and obese patients are less likely to achieve successful remission in early rheumatoid arthritis. These patients require 2.4 times more anti-TNF therapy to achieve similar outcomes.
Women who have given birth are at a higher risk of developing ACPA-negative rheumatoid arthritis, according to a new study. The increased risk is more pronounced among those who deliver within the first year of symptoms.
A study at EULAR 2013 found that depression indicators are stronger predictors of work disability in early arthritis than disease activity or response to therapy. Patients with moderate to severe depression were more likely to consider or enter early retirement.
Patients with Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (SJIA) who received canakinumab successfully tapered off corticosteroids, achieving a CS-free status in 42 out of 128 patients. This reduction in corticosteroid use has significant long-term health benefits for children suffering from SJIA.
A study analyzing US data reveals that up to one-third of rheumatoid arthritis patients discontinue therapy within the first year, with loss of efficacy being the leading reason. The findings highlight the need for early intervention and improved adherence to treatment to enable patients to lead active lives.
A head-to-head trial shows that subcutaneous abatacept is as effective as adalimumab in clinical and functional outcomes for patients with active rheumatoid arthritis. The study found comparable efficacy and safety profiles between the two treatments, with fewer injection site reactions in the abatacept group.
The CHERISH trial demonstrates the effectiveness of tocilizumab in reducing symptoms and signs of juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Patients with polyarticular JIA achieved significant clinical responses, including ACR30/50/70 responses, with as many as 65% attaining an ACR70 response.
Apremilast administered to patients with psoriatic arthritis showed significant clinical responses beyond 24 weeks, with up to 65% achieving ACR20 response rates at week 52. The novel PDE-4 inhibitor was well-tolerated with an acceptable long-term safety profile.
Psoriatic arthritis patients treated with ustekinumab showed significant and sustained improvements in signs and symptoms, even in those previously treated with biologic agents. The treatment was well-tolerated with no deaths or serious adverse events.
The European Rheumatology Research Foundation was launched to support high-quality, peer-reviewed research on rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. The foundation aims to improve diagnosis and treatment of SSc by introducing revised classification criteria.
RA patients identified seven key categories essential for adopting and maintaining physical activity, including personal incentives, peer support, and professional coaching. The study aimed to develop an internet-based physical activity intervention that caters to these needs, promoting exercise habits among RA patients.
A new study reveals that one in eight high-risk patients using over-the-counter NSAIDs take the medication despite knowing the risks. The most common reasons for use were musculoskeletal complaints, with 67% citing this as a reason.
Professors Barry Bresnihan and Jean-Michel Dayer received the Meritorious Service Award from EULAR for their dedication to advancing rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. They have conducted pivotal research that substantially improved patient lives, particularly in rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.
A study presented at EULAR 2013 found that a progressive muscle strengthening programme using a Swiss ball significantly improves functional capacity, muscle strength, and mobility in patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis. The programme also showed no harmful effects on disease activity, leading to improved treatment satisfaction.
A new study demonstrates the efficacy of a radiographic scoring method to evaluate joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis, revealing progressive destruction even under TNF-blocking therapies. Patients with pre-existing damage showed significant increases in joint damage, highlighting the importance of early and accurate evaluation.
A new study shows that rapid evaluation for Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) using Color Doppler Ultrasound (CDUS) followed by immediate treatment significantly reduces permanent vision loss. The 'fast track' approach led to 11.1% transient visual manifestations, with none suffering from permanent visual loss.
A study demonstrates that brodalumab effectively reduces PsA symptoms and improves quality of life. The treatment also shows promise for those with prior biologic exposure, indicating a potential new therapeutic approach for this progressive disease.
Patients with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) treated with Ustekinumab 90mg achieved a 24.9% improvement in ACR50, compared to 8.7% in the placebo group. The study also showed significant improvements in DAS28-CRP responses and clinical meaningful changes in HAQ-DI.
A new study found that smoking significantly affects the response to anti-TNF treatment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, as measured by disease activity scores and clinical indices. Smoking cessation strategies may help maximize treatment effectiveness and improve quality of life for these patients.
A recent study published at EULAR 2012 found that obese patients with psoriatic arthritis have a lower chance of achieving minimal disease activity when treated with anti-TNFs. However, following a hypocaloric diet can increase the likelihood of achieving treatment goals.
A new study reveals that lung changes are a primary manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in ACPA-positive patients. The study found HRCT abnormalities and local production of ACPA in the lungs of patients before RA onset, suggesting site-specific extra-articular changes as the initiating event of the immune response.
A new study validates the RABBIT Risk Score as a tool to predict serious infections in RA patients treated with anti-TNFs or DMARDs. The score successfully predicted infections in patients with ≥1 risk factor, including chronic lung disease and age above 60 years.
A new study published at EULAR 2012 found that patients with early menopause are 50% less likely to develop severe rheumatoid arthritis. The research also revealed a link between hormonal changes and distinct pathways leading to disease progression. Early menopause was associated with a milder form of the chronic inflammatory disease.
Baricitinib demonstrates dose-dependent efficacy in active rheumatoid arthritis, with 76% of patients achieving ACR20 response compared to 41% on placebo. Patients also showed significant improvements in disease activity and functional outcomes.
A study presented at EULAR 2012 found that biologic treatments significantly reduce mortality risk in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Achieving early and sustained remission is associated with improved overall survival.
Patients treated with anti-TNF medications have a higher risk of developing herpes zoster, or shingles, than those treated with traditional DMARDs. The study suggests that prophylactic treatment may be necessary for those at risk.
A study at EULAR 2012 found that tailoring biologic treatment to individual patients with rheumatoid arthritis can save €2,595,557 in costs over three years while increasing effectiveness by an average of 3.67 quality-adjusted life years
A head-to-head study in rheumatoid arthritis patients found that abatacept achieved comparable efficacy to adalimumab, with similar rates of ACR20 and ACR50 responses. The study also showed fewer injection site reactions with abatacept.
A Phase III study found that certolizumab pegol significantly improved symptoms of psoriatic arthritis, with increased responses at both the ACR20 and PASI 75 benchmarks. The treatment also showed similar safety profiles to those observed in rheumatoid arthritis.
A phase III trial showed that haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) significantly increases long-term survival compared to conventional treatment for patients with poor prognosis early diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis. The study found more deaths in the conventional group, with half of them being treatment-related.
A retrospective analysis found that cumulative anti-TNF therapy for 1-3 years reduced cardiovascular event risk by 24-56% in RA patients. Longer treatment duration further decreased risk, particularly among older patients and those without prior methotrexate use.
A new American study shows that nearly two-thirds of osteoporotic hip fractures occur in people aged 80 years or older, highlighting a growing concern as this population segment is expected to comprise 25% of the US population by 2050. The study recommends more aggressive measures to prevent, diagnose and treat osteoporosis, including ...
A study found that 22% of European countries have no biologics reimbursed for rheumatoid arthritis treatment, with inconsistent criteria across the continent. This leads to unequal access to essential medications, affecting patients' health status and socio-economic welfare.
The ADACTA trial showed that tocilizumab was more effective than adalimumab in reducing signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), with significant improvements in DAS28, low disease activity, and ACR20/50/70 responses. Safety results were similar between groups.
Researchers identified five biomarkers that can predict the progression of structural damage in the spine of patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis, who are already at high risk of disease progression. These biomarkers include matrix metalloproteinase 3, bone-morphogenetic protein 2, and vascular endothelial growth factor.
A study of 98,454 patients found that RA patients were approximately 20% less likely to receive standard MI treatments after a heart attack. This trend remained relatively unchanged over time, highlighting potential undertreatment of cardiovascular disease in these patients.
A recent study found that 91% of clinical trials with financial conflicts of interest reported positive outcomes, compared to 66.7% without FCOIs. Authors receiving consulting fees from industry had the strongest correlation with positive trial results.
A recent study published by the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) found that arthritis patients treated with anti-tumour necrosis factor agents do not have an overall increased cancer risk. The nine-year follow-up study showed no significant difference in cancer risk among patients with rheumatoid arthritis, ps...
A new study by EULAR suggests that using placebo in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) clinical trials can negatively impact patients. The study analyzed current study designs for new therapies and found that patients in the placebo group experienced no change in medication, forcing them to continue with their former ineffective treatment.
A Chinese study shows that HPV vaccine Gardasil does not increase disease flares or antibody measures in inactive SLE patients receiving stable medications. The study confirms the safety of Gardasil vaccination to prevent HPV infection in this population.
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are two times more likely to develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) compared to healthy controls. The study controlling for risk factors like smoking and obesity found a significant association, suggesting a link between the two conditions
A small study on yoga in rheumatoid arthritis patients showed statistically significant improvements in disease activity scores, while another study demonstrated positive effects on the quality of life for patients with fibromyalgia. Yoga practice has been found to reduce anxiety levels and improve overall well-being.
A UK survey found variations in approaches to treating women with rheumatic conditions during pregnancy, with some clinicians continuing treatment while others discontinued it. Guidelines for managing this patient population are also lacking, with only 25% of rheumatologists and 6% of obstetricians having locally developed guidelines.
A study found that RA patients had lower seroprotection rates and seroconversion rates compared to healthy individuals after receiving the H1N1 vaccine. This highlights the need for specific immunization strategies for patients with rheumatoid arthritis in future flu pandemics.
A pan-European study found gout prevalence highest in the UK and lowest in France, with lower quality of life scores and more comorbidities. New treatments like pegloticase demonstrated long-term efficacy and safety, with up to 90% complete resolution of tophi and improved patient-reported outcomes.
A study of 1,030 patients with celiac disease found they were 4.5 times more likely to develop osteoporosis compared to healthy individuals. The bone mineral density loss was significantly pronounced in the lumbar spine but not the femoral neck.
A study found that patients with Sjögren's syndrome are more likely to experience difficulty identifying and describing emotions (alexithymia), which is associated with poorer mental wellbeing. The inability to cry may also contribute to this issue, as patients rely on words and facial expressions instead of tears.
A study involving 257 children aged 9-15 found that excessive gaming device use leads to increased wrist and finger pain. The length of time spent playing heightened the pain suffered, with each additional hour increasing the odds of reporting pain.
A study of 1032 patients with early RA found that initial treatment with adalimumab plus methotrexate provided high levels of disease control, with 44% achieving sustained low disease activity. Patients who continued treatment maintained good clinical and radiographic responses, even after withdrawing treatment.