A Phase III study presented at EULAR 2011 found that tofacitinib achieved significant improvements in symptoms and activity scores for patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA), including improved ACR20 responses in 58.3% of patients, and a higher proportion of patients achieving ACR50 and ACR70 responses compared to placebo
The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) welcomes the EU Council's Conclusions on chronic diseases, which call for coordinated measures to address these conditions. EULAR highlights the importance of innovative approaches, patient-centred policies, and integrated healthcare systems to manage musculoskeletal diseases.
The European Union has recognized the importance of addressing rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases, which affect over 100 million Europeans. The conference called for an EU Musculoskeletal Disease Strategy and national action plans to improve healthcare and treatment.
A study of 356 RA patients found that achieving disease remission leads to significant improvements in work productivity, quality of life, and physical functioning compared to low disease activity. Longitudinal analysis over one year showed stable emotional aspects and significant reductions in overall activity impairment.
Patients with concurrent anemia, lymphocytopenia, or hypocomplementemia are more likely to develop lymphoma and experience increased mortality due to pulmonary and hepatic involvement. The study found that liver and lung involvement and non-Hodgkin lymphoma development were also related to an increased mortality in pSS patients.
Two studies confirm vitamin D deficiency is prevalent among patients with rheumatic conditions, including RA and osteoporosis. Supplementation with recommended daily doses fails to normalize vitamin D levels, highlighting the need for further research on effective treatment strategies.
A US-based longitudinal cohort study found a positive association between incident RA and increasing tea consumption, with women who drank ≥4 cups of tea per day having a significantly increased risk. No correlation was found between coffee consumption and RA incidence.
A UK study reveals that partners of RA patients experience common issues such as emotions and adaptation to the diagnosis. The research highlights the importance of offering support to partners at the time of diagnosis, which can lead to improved emotional outcomes for both parties.
A multinational study found that patients in rich countries are three times more likely to receive biologic treatments for rheumatoid arthritis than those in poor countries. The study also showed no impact of macro-economic status on RA patients' perceptions of disease severity, measured by patient-reported outcomes.
A new study found that SLE patients from Northern Europe tend to have photosensitivity, while those from Southern Europe experience more arthritis. The research highlights the impact of genetics on disease manifestations.
Studies from France and Brazil reveal that rheumatic conditions like RA and SLE significantly impact emotional relationships and sexual activity, with many patients unwilling to seek help. Patients often experience physical problems such as decreased libido and joint pain, as well as emotional consequences like guilt and frustration.
A new study reveals that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients have a two-fold increased risk of myocardial infarction (MI), comparable to diabetes patients. The risk is particularly high in young women with RA, increasing six-fold for those under 50 years old.
A new registry reveals key differences in Chinese SLE patients compared to those studied in the US, Europe, and Malaysia. Chinese patients are more likely to present with haematological disorders and kidney disease, but less likely to experience neurological manifestations.
A study found that the presence of Breast Cancer Resistance Protein (BCRP) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients may indicate higher disease activity and create a barrier to DMARDs. BCRP was detected in 41% of RA patient samples, suggesting it could be a predictive marker for treatment resistance.
Studies show smoking predicts RA diagnosis and poor response to anti-TNFs, altering gene expression and immune response. Swedish studies confirm smoking risk for RA, while mouse models reveal similar changes in human cells.
A multinational study has validated previous research showing NT-proBNP is a strong indicator for cardiovascular risk in arthritis patients. Early control of inflammation can help manage long-term CV risk associated with RA. Elevated inflammatory markers like CRP are also independent predictors of CV risk.
Research suggests that biologics-naïve Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) patients may have an elevated risk of cancer compared to the general population. The Swedish study found a higher incidence of cancers among paediatric JIA patients identified during the last 40 years.
A study of 825 postmenopausal women found that those with low calcium intake were more likely to develop both osteoporosis and hypertension. Researchers suggest that a low calcium diet may be a risk factor for these conditions.
A new study found that 72% of women with RA experience daily physical pain, affecting emotional and social aspects of their lives. The study highlights the importance of reducing pain in managing RA and improving patients' productivity at work.
A new study found that alcohol consumption is associated with a reduced risk of developing several arthritic conditions. However, the exact nature of this association remains unclear, with some researchers suggesting that moderate alcohol consumption may protect against systemic inflammation.
The study found that canakinumab significantly improved symptoms of systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) in children, achieving an ACR Pedi 50 score within 15 days. Steroid tapering was also observed in the majority of responders, and 'inactive' disease status was reached in 4 cases.
A new study identified biomarkers associated with inflammation and joint erosion in early rheumatoid arthritis. Levels of sYKL-40 and sMMP3 were consistently linked to disease activity measures, suggesting their potential use as predictors of bone and cartilage damage.
A new study found that increased levels of specific cytokines and chemokines can predict the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) up to three years before symptoms appear. The study identified key biomarkers, including IL-17, which were significantly higher in individuals who went on to develop RA compared to controls.
Three studies confirm etanercept's effectiveness in treating JIA, with improved HRQoL and reduced disease activity. The treatment showed a good safety profile, with most patients experiencing mild adverse events.
A new study found that 61.8% of AS patients showed substantial clinical benefit after 5 years on IFX therapy, including reduced arthritis and enthesitis. Patients who completed the trial demonstrated low disease activity, good functional status, and favorable spinal mobility.
A study found that 92.8% of SLE patients suffer from anxiety and depression, significantly impacting their quality of life. Depression was shown to be the most significant factor, inversely correlated with physical activity and cognitive function.
A new multinational study found that RA individuals in lower GDP countries are more likely to keep working despite higher disease activity and functional disability scores. The probability of individuals continuing work for 2 years was 80%, while the probability of continuing to work for 5 years was 68%. This highlights the significant...
A study found that 63% of RA patients suffer from psychiatric disorders, with the majority being in the depressive spectrum. Cognitive dysfunction and sleep disorders were also common among patients. Those with depression exhibited more severe RA symptoms, including pain and functional insufficiency.
A new study found that patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) whose symptoms first appear in winter or spring tend to have worse radiographic outcomes at six months compared to those with summer onset. The study suggests environmental factors such as vitamin D deficiency and winter viruses may contribute to this effect.
Over half of people with rheumatoid arthritis also have periodontitis, displaying fewer teeth and higher disease activity. Anti-TNF therapy improves periodontal status in RA patients, suggesting a link between the two conditions. Periodontitis may be a risk factor for developing RA, especially in non-smokers.
Rheumatology patients want more information and open dialogue about their sexual health with healthcare professionals, but face barriers due to nurse embarrassment. Nurses agree that patient-initiated conversations are preferable, but often hesitate to share their expertise.
Researchers found that anakinra treatment restored the deficient IL-18 response of natural killer cells and improved clinical parameters in patients with systemic onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SoJIA). The study suggests a potential new treatment strategy for children with newly-diagnosed SoJIA.
A new DNA vaccine using IL-10 has been shown to prevent kidney damage in mice with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by inducing antigen-specific tolerance. The study found lower levels of anti-Sm antibodies and significant proteinuria were less common in the vaccinated group compared to the control group.
A new study suggests that measuring serum levels of myeloid-related proteins 8 and 14 can predict disease activity, treatment response, and diagnose FMF in children and adolescents. The study also indicates a potential link between MRP 8/14 biomarkers and detection of subclinical inflammatory activity.
A new EULAR study found that patients with elevated MRP8/14 levels are at increased risk of relapse after methotrexate withdrawal. The study suggests that tracking biomarker levels may help predict treatment responses in JIA patients.
A quarter of active RA patients on CP-690,550 (10mg and 15mg) achieved ACR70 at week 12. The study demonstrated dose-dependent efficacy and statistical superiority to placebo in nearly all clinical outcomes.
A supervised exercise programme improved physical function, reduced steroid need, and decreased depression and anxiety in people with rheumatoid arthritis. Patients showed significant improvements in HAQ disability index, sit and stand test, and walk time test.
A new study found that re-treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients who failed initial treatment with rituximab after six months significantly improves clinical responses, including complete remission and EULAR responses. This strategy provides hope for patients classified as non-responders.
A new study found that childless women are diagnosed with chronic arthritides an average of 5.2 years before parous women. The study, which analyzed data from over 500 women, also found that nulliparous women have a higher educational level and may possess a lower disposition to developing arthritis.
A recent study found that individuals with rheumatoid arthritis experience significant disturbances in their body clock, leading to worsening of symptoms. The research identified a specific genetic pathway responsible for interactions between the genes regulating the body clock and those exacerbating arthritis symptoms.
A study found that certain single nucleotide polymorphisms within the IL2RA gene region are associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Three specific SNPs were investigated and one was significantly associated with UK cases of JIA, especially in female patients and those positive for antinuclear antibodies.
A new DNA microarray chip has been developed to predict severe disability and remission in RA patients, using genetic markers. The chip improves the accuracy of clinical scores in predicting functional impairment and disease remission.
New data from the ATTEST Trial shows that abatacept and infliximab can significantly improve clinical responses in methotrexate-refractory rheumatoid arthritis patients over time. Long-term treatment with these medications yields sustained benefits for managing chronic disease.
Studies find RA patients have a double risk of CVD events compared to the general population. The risk is comparable to that of people with type 2 diabetes. Healthcare professionals should advise patients on healthy lifestyle and early symptoms.
Researchers found that RA disease factors and CVD risk factors have a comparable impact on the risk of myocardial infarction or stroke. The study, which analyzed data from the CORRONA registry, identified specific RA factors such as nodules, HAQ-DI, and CDAI that increase the risk of cardiovascular events.
Researchers found that infants hospitalized for infection before their first birthday had a higher likelihood of developing JIA or adult rheumatoid arthritis later in life. The study also identified other factors, such as low birth weight and longer gestational periods, that may affect arthritis risk.
The TRAF1/C5 gene locus is associated with both type 1 diabetes and systemic lupus erythematosus, with a common odds ratio of 1.19 and 1.22 respectively indicating a modest genetic risk factor for these diseases. The study suggests that this genetic pathway may be shared across autoimmune disorders.
RA patients prioritise pain, function, and fatigue when evaluating disease impact; trust in physicians, potential benefits, and payment are key motivators for clinical trial enrolment.
Rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory rheumatic diseases increase cardiovascular risk; EULAR Task Force recommends adapted risk calculators and lifestyle changes to mitigate this risk. Aggressive inflammation suppression also lowers CV risk in patients with these conditions.
A new study found that 30.1% of patients with refractory rheumatoid arthritis achieved disease remission with tocilizumab plus methotrexate. The treatment showed significant clinical improvements in efficacy and safety, with low rates of serious adverse effects.