Articles tagged with Rheumatism
Researchers confirm that skin infections, not just throat infections, trigger acute rheumatic fever, with Māori and Pacific children at highest risk. The study's findings have huge implications for prevention, suggesting a new focus on addressing skin infections to reduce the risk of rheumatic fever in New Zealand and internationally.
A recent study identified several protein biomarkers that protect against the development of inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis and osteoarthritis. The researchers used Mendelian Randomization to determine whether high levels of these proteins are associated with a lower risk of disease.
Researchers at UToledo have developed a protein-based vaccine that promotes a strong immune response, effectively treating rheumatoid arthritis and improving bone quality. The findings suggest long-term benefits following immunization.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic's Center for Individualized Medicine found that the gut microbiome is connected to a patient's outcome in rheumatoid arthritis. By analyzing stool samples from 32 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, they identified several traits of the gut microbiome linked to future prognosis.
A study published in Current Rheumatology Reviews found that rehabilitation exercises significantly improved functional strength and reduced weight in knee osteoarthritis patients. The researchers also noted an increase in exercise adherence among the rehabilitation group compared to the control group.
The HIPGEN study, a multinational trial, investigates the efficacy and safety of allogeneic placenta-expanded adherent stromal cells to improve recovery after hip fracture arthroplasty. The trial aims to combat immobility and associated problems by strengthening periarticular hip musculature.
Researchers found significant alterations in serum amino acid profiles in children with ADHD, including lower levels of histidine, glutamine, and proline, as well as higher levels of aspartic acid and hydroxyproline. These findings may help develop new treatment strategies for the disorder.
Researchers developed an organ-preserving treatment method to repair damaged vein valves, achieving a success rate of 95.24% in eliminating varicose vein problems. The therapy uses a thin sheath around the defective vein to restore its normal diameter and prevent serious health issues.
The Hong Kong Society of Rheumatology has developed consensus recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination in adult patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases. The guidelines address concerns about vaccine efficacy and safety, as well as considerations for immunosuppressed patients.
A new protocol called Quit Connect has been shown to increase electronic referrals to free, state-run tobacco quitlines among patients with rheumatic diseases. The program, which leverages electronic health record prompts for nurses and medical assistants, resulted in a 71% increase in referrals.
Researchers found that patients with public health insurance, a history of Child Protective Services involvement, and an unscheduled hospitalization during pediatric care were at higher risk for end-stage renal disease and death. Childhood-onset lupus patients face significant challenges as they transition to adult healthcare.
Researchers found that calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) is expressed in neutrophils, monocytes/macrophages, and T lymphocytes, regulating cytokine secretion, chemotaxis, and ligand delivery. This receptor also contributes to the development of several diseases, including sepsis, cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes, and rheumatism.
A new study found that people with rare autoimmune rheumatic diseases are at a greater risk of dying during the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly those under 35 and women. The research also revealed that working-age individuals with these conditions face similar mortality rates to someone 20 years older in the general population.
The new guideline recommends increased use of biologic drugs, reduced steroid treatment, and regular immunizations for infectious diseases. Disease-modifying treatments are now more rapidly escalated in JIA patients, reducing the need for oral or intravenous steroids.
A global survey of 427 children with rheumatic diseases found only 5% developed COVID-19, with none requiring hospitalization or severe complications. The study suggests that children with rheumatic disease should continue their immunosuppressive medications during the pandemic.
Studies found Black, Latinx, and Asian patients with rheumatic diseases are more likely to experience severe COVID-19 outcomes. These disparities will worsen existing health issues for patients with rheumatic disease during the pandemic
A large European cross-sectional study found that patients with axial spondyloarthritis experience a significant delay in diagnosis due to misdirected referrals and involvement of multiple medical professionals. The study recommends initiating measures to prevent such delays and facilitate timely referral to a rheumatologist.
The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) has launched a Virtual Research Centre to address barriers in rheumatic and musculoskeletal disease research. The centre aims to facilitate collaborative research, provide access to resources and technology, and develop broad coalitions for innovation and training.
A growing number of patients in Europe are taking opioids for pain related to rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases, with risks of addiction and dependency identified. Experts warn that measures must be taken to use these analgesics more safely.
Doctors propose using antimalarial drugs like chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine to treat Covid-19 patients with pneumonia or as primary prophylaxis for healthy individuals at highest risk. However, limited global supplies may hinder this approach.
Researchers found that psoriasis onset age determines whether arthritis starts first, with a 65-month delay for arthritis onset after psoriasis. Early-onset psoriasis is strongly associated with arthritis onset, suggesting a different subgroup of PsA patients.
A preclinical study shows that IL-6 protects T follicular helper cells from deleterious effects of IL-2 by interrupting a feedback loop, allowing them to receive sustained T-cell receptor stimulation. This finding has important therapeutic implications for autoimmune diseases like lupus and may lead to better treatment options.
The phase 2B study demonstrated superior efficacy of tildrakizumab versus placebo in patients with psoriatic arthritis, achieving high response rates for PASI 90 and ACR 50. The treatment was generally safe, with minor adverse events reported.
A Phase IIa trial found that verinurad with febuxostat significantly reduced urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio by 39% and serum urate levels by 57% after 12 weeks. The effect was sustained through week 24.
A study of 71 post-menopausal women found that those receiving zoledronate prior to denosumab had significantly lower risk of BMD loss. Younger age and higher bone turnover markers increased the risk of BMD loss after denosumab discontinuation.
A study published in EULAR 2019 found that patients with osteoarthritis who undergo partial knee replacement have a 25-50% lower risk of venous thromboembolism, but an increased risk of revision compared to total knee replacement. The long-term benefits of partial knee replacement are offset by the higher risk of revision.
Researchers have identified two new biomarkers, ApoB:A1 ratio and metabolomic lipoprotein signatures, to predict cardiovascular risk in juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) patients. These biomarkers can help identify high-risk patients and inform tailored disease treatments.
A recent European survey found that gout is being diagnosed late, poorly controlled, and not regularly monitored. Eight out of ten patients are satisfied with their current treatment, indicating low expectations. The study highlights significant gaps in the management of gout, emphasizing the need for improved education and care.
A study found that cyclosporine significantly reduced proteinuria in patients with lupus nephritis, achieving higher remission rates compared to mycophenolate mofetil and azathioprine. After a 10-year follow-up, the majority of patients in the cyclosporine group achieved complete remission.
Ultrasound imaging of carotid arteries reveals clog extent and cardiovascular risk; combining data with traditional risk factors improves prediction accuracy. Early intervention through therapies like lipid lowering can lower cardiovascular event risk in patients with psoriatic disease.
Researchers at NYU Langone Health have found a strong link between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and an abnormal mix of bacteria in the gut. The study showed that patients with SLE had significantly higher levels of Ruminococcus gnavus bacteria in their guts, which triggered immune reactions and disease flares.
A molecular network controlling connective tissue deposition has been decrypted, revealing a key protein PU.1 that causes pathological scarring. Inhibiting PU.1 may provide a new way to treat fibrotic diseases such as systemic sclerosis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
In connective tissue diseases, excessive activation of connective tissue cells leads to hardening and scarring within organs. The discovery of the protein PU.1 reveals a molecular mechanism responsible for ongoing activation of these cells, leading to fibrotic diseases.
New research reveals a link between immune checkpoint inhibitors and the development of musculoskeletal and rheumatic diseases. The most commonly reported adverse events include arthralgia, myalgia, sicca syndrome, polymyalgia rheumatica, and systemic lupus erythematosus.
A Finnish study of 68,800 patients found that hip fracture surgery is associated with a significant risk of surgical complications. Patients with osteoarthritis, Parkinson's disease, and rheumatic diseases are particularly at risk, with 4.6% experiencing complications within three months of surgery.
Researchers have discovered that macrophage activity is lowered when they sit in tissue between cells, even with pro-inflammatory stimuli present. This mechanism helps prevent unnecessary inflammatory responses in healthy tissues.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered high levels of antiphospholipid antibodies in patients who suffered a heart attack without any autoimmune conditions. The study involved 800 patients and found that 11% had elevated IgG antibody levels, which is associated with blood clots.
Researchers identified 42 locations associated with 99 genes of interest in a genome-wide association study of over 500,000 people. The analysis found genes related to connective tissue cells and pathways, which could inform the development of new treatments for diverticulitis.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ...
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 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.
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.
The American College of Rheumatology has developed a formal curriculum for nurse practitioners and physician assistants to meet growing demands in rheumatic disease. The novel curriculum outline is expected to positively affect rheumatology workforce challenges.
The American College of Rheumatology has been awarded a grant to focus on projects that curb disparities in rheumatic diseases. The program aims to address health inequities by creating initiatives that increase ethnically diverse participation in clinical trials and improve healthcare access for minority populations. By doing so, the ...
The American College of Rheumatology now supports the use of biosimilars in treating patients with rheumatic diseases, citing rigorously acquired data. Communication between providers and patients is crucial to alleviate anxiety around newly available agents.
A new study establishes a decisive link between immune cells and systemic sclerosis, providing a starting point for developing new therapies. Hundreds of macrophage genes are identified as crucial for the development of the disease.
A new review article examines efforts to address variability in treating rare pediatric rheumatic diseases. Consensus treatment plans are a potential alternative to randomized clinical trials, and the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance is pioneering their use.
A new study by Hospital for Special Surgery researchers suggests that plasmacytoid dendritic cells play a key role in causing fibrosis and inflammation in scleroderma patients. The study's findings, published in Science Translational Medicine, also identify a potential target for treatment: the TLR8 receptor on the surface of these cells.
Researchers find that environmental triggers play a crucial role in lupus development alongside genetic predisposition. Environmental factors such as particulate air pollution, ultraviolet radiation, and heavy metals can exacerbate the condition.
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.
A new guideline has been published by the British Society of Rheumatology to improve the diagnosis and treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus). The guideline aims to provide advice on how to diagnose and treat patients with mild, moderate, and severe lupus, reducing disease flares and improving survival rates.
A breakthrough discovery in cardiovascular fibrosis research has led to a potential treatment for multiple fibrotic human diseases. The study identified a specific cytokine as a key driver of cardiac fibrosis, paving the way for the development of first-in-class therapeutics.
The risk of dying from rheumatic heart disease has dropped globally over the last 25 years, but progress is uneven, particularly in the world's poorest countries. An estimated 347,500 deaths occurred in 1990 and 319,400 in 2015, with a 48% decrease in death rates.
Recent developments in biofabrication can potentially regenerate cartilage and treat joint damage. Biofabrication allows for the generation of complex living structures using digital medical images as blueprints.
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.