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Fibromyalgia linked to heightened risk of death

A systematic review suggests fibromyalgia is associated with a 27% heightened risk of death from all causes, with elevated risks for cancer, accidents, and infections. Regular monitoring of patients' physical and mental health is crucial to minimize these risks.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalRMD Open·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 10, 2023

Polymyalgia Rheumatica could be safely, effectively treated with tofacitinib, avoiding the need for steroids, per new proof-of-concept Randomized Controlled Trial

A new proof-of-concept Randomized Controlled Trial found tofacitinib effective and safe for Polymyalgia Rheumatica treatment, potentially avoiding steroid use. The study's results suggest a promising alternative treatment option for patients with this condition.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 29, 2023

ProDERM study results of Octagam® 10% treatment in patients with dermatomyositis published in the New England Journal of Medicine

A large randomized clinical trial demonstrated Octagam 10% as an efficacious and well-tolerated treatment option for adult dermatomyositis patients. The study showed improved outcomes in patients with this rare disease, providing a much-needed treatment alternative.

SourceYankee Public Relations·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 6, 2022

Collaborative network led by Cincinnati Children’s receives $8 million grant to fund rheumatic heart fever research

A collaborative network led by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center has received an $8 million grant to identify and validate biomarkers for acute rheumatic fever. This will enable the development of a sensitive and specific diagnostic test, crucial for diagnosing rheumatic heart disease, which is caused by a slow but progress...

Brigham and Women’s Hospital announces $16 million grant from Helmsley Charitable Trust to expand access to care for severe noncommunicable diseases in lower-income countries

The Brigham and Women's Hospital will implement and evaluate an integrated service delivery model (PEN-Plus) for severe chronic noncommunicable diseases, such as type 1 diabetes and rheumatic heart disease, in eight low- and lower-middle-income countries. The initiative aims to enable one million of the world's poorest children and you...

Population screening for fracture risk: A logical step in reducing the osteoporotic fracture burden

The International Osteoporosis Foundation proposes a screening strategy to identify women at high risk of hip fracture, which could lead to a reduction in treatment gaps and improved identification of fractures. The approach combines low-cost assessment with targeted intervention using low-cost generic treatments.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalArchives of Osteoporosis·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 29, 2022

Program may help patients with rheumatic diseases quit smoking

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.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateApr 7, 2021

Calcium-sensing receptor of immune cells and diseases

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.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateMar 27, 2021

EULAR: Timely detection of axial spondyloarthritis

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.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateAug 11, 2020

How IL-6 allows the immune response to develop for a key cell, the T follicular helper

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.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalScience Immunology·DateSep 13, 2019

Patients at a reduced risk of venous thromboembolism and persistent pain after partial versus total knee replacement

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.