Articles tagged with Rheumatism
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
New research at Karolinska Institutet reveals the role of Endoglin protein in vascular formation and malformation, leading to potential treatments for vascular diseases. The study also found that reducing vascular malformation can be achieved by manipulating endothelial cells.
A global study reveals significant disparities in healthcare access and quality among countries, with the US scoring poorly due to preventable causes. The study uses a novel analysis of mortality rates from 32 amenable causes, providing insights into gaps in healthcare systems worldwide.
A new study from the University of Liverpool has identified common 'cell messages' that can help diagnose osteoarthritis in both humans and rats. The research also found that these messages are strongly associated with diseased cartilage, suggesting a potential breakthrough in early diagnosis and personalized treatment for OA.
Research findings suggest that gut microbiomes of patients with antiphospholipid syndrome show higher levels of phospholipid-producing bacteria, pointing to microbes as a trigger for the disease. The study identified Slackia bacteria as a promising candidate, which can produce phospholipids including cardiolipin.
A study of 564 patients found that women with long-term axial spondyloarthropathy are at higher risk for extra-articular manifestations, including uveitis, which is significantly more prevalent in women (46.7%) and those in late disease stages. IBD prevalence was also higher in women (16.5%), particularly those with elevated CRP levels.
Samumed has been selected for seven presentations in five therapeutic areas at the ACR Annual Meeting. The company's novel Wnt pathway inhibitor compounds show potential for treating diseases such as chronic tendinopathy, degenerative disc disease, scleroderma, osteoarthritis, and psoriasis.
Researchers used radiocarbon dating to find that human cartilage is an essentially permanent tissue in healthy and osteoarthritic adults alike, which may explain limited success of cartilage transplant therapy for osteoarthritis.
Brendan Lee receives 2016 Curt Stern Award for his groundbreaking work on human inborn errors of metabolism and structural birth defects of the skeleton. The award recognizes his significant scientific contributions over the past decade, including identifying genetic causes of chrondrodysplasia and Marfan syndrome.
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 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.
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 women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have a doubled risk of pre-malignant cervical changes and potentially an increased risk of cervical cancer compared to the general female population. Regular cervical screening is crucial for women with SLE, regardless of treatment
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.
A newly developed PsA-comorbidity index (PsACI) can identify PsA patients at greater risk of hospitalisation and premature death. The index is expected to improve patient outcomes and reduce costs.
A heart monitor implant has been shown to detect potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias in patients with systemic sclerosis, a serious immune disease. The device can store ECG data automatically and pick up various heart rhythm abnormalities in over half of the cohort of SSc patients.
A study examining rheumatic heart disease prevalence in Eastern Nepal found that nearly 1 in 10 children have the condition. The study discovered a significant age-related increase in the incidence of rheumatic heart disease, highlighting the importance of early detection and intervention.
Research reveals childhood cancer survivors are at increased risk of developing autoimmune diseases, such as diabetes and thyroid disorders. The study found that survivors were up to 60% more likely to develop an autoimmune disorder than those without a history of childhood cancer, with the excess risk persisting for decades.
Researchers found significant decreases in skin scarring and expression of molecular markers after treating SSc patients with fresolimumab. The study suggests that targeting TGF-beta may provide a major treatment advance for scarring-mediated organ dysfunction.
Researchers identified IL-1β as a crucial factor in blood-induced cartilage damage. A new treatment targeting IL-1β may provide protection for cartilage after trauma or bleeding due to hemophilia, potentially reducing subsequent disability.
A study by EULAR found that inspiratory muscle training (IMT) significantly improves lung strength and efficiency in AS patients, outperforming conventional treatment. After just eight weeks of IMT, patients showed improvements in chest expansion, aerobic capacity, resting pulmonary function, and ventilator efficiency.
A new method has identified children with rheumatic disease who are eligible for a life-saving vaccine. The vaccine was found to be safe and effective even in patients taking immunosuppression treatment.
Researchers found a unique bacterial signature in the colon of people with systemic sclerosis, which may contribute to clinical symptoms and be used for diagnosis. The study suggests that an imbalance in gut bacteria could be a feature of SSc.
Women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and/or antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) are at increased risk of reduced fertility and pregnancy complications. EULAR's new recommendations provide guidance on supporting family planning, assisted reproduction, and healthy pregnancy in these patients.
Research reveals that NSAIDs can inhibit ovulation in women with mild musculoskeletal pain, affecting their ability to conceive. The study found that after just 10 days of treatment, progesterone levels decreased significantly across all treatment groups.
Researchers at Helmholtz Munich have identified FKBP10 as a potential new target molecule for treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a chronic lung disease. Analysis of patient data revealed elevated levels of the protein in IPF patients, which may lead to a new therapeutic approach.
A study of 14,348 Swiss individuals found that those with depressive symptoms have a higher risk of developing physical diseases, especially arthrosis and arthritis. The researchers suggest that lack of interest in physical activity or inflammatory processes may be key factors in this association.
A new study from NYU Langone Health has identified the most common causes of hospital readmissions following total hip and knee arthoplasty procedures. The study found that surgical complications accounted for 54% of readmissions, with an average cost of $36,038 for total hip replacements and $61,049 for total knee replacements.
Lupus and other rheumatologic diseases can initially present as neurological disorders such as headaches and seizures, leading to delayed diagnoses. Treatments for these conditions can also cause adverse neurological effects.
A new study finds that most men with gout have severe erectile dysfunction, highlighting the importance of screening for this condition. The study suggests that all men with gout should be routinely screened for erectile dysfunction to detect possible silent coronary artery disease.
New data show that biosimilar CT-P13 achieves statistically similar improvements in disease activity, disability, and mobility in patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis compared to its original reference product infliximab. The results demonstrate comparable efficacy and safety for CT-P13 as an alternative treatment option.
Lupus patients can successfully stop immunosuppressant therapy without triggering a flare by slowing down the tapering process and checking for positive serology. The study found that within two years, about 70% of clinically stable patients were able to stop their medication.
Ultrasound-guided injections of growth factors-containing platelet-rich plasma (PRP) have been shown to be no more effective than saline injections in treating recently developed epicondylitis, also known as tennis elbow. However, pain scores decreased significantly over the course of the trial.
EULAR has achieved recognition for Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases from the European Commission's Horizon 2020 initiative. The organization also launched the Foundation for Research in Rheumatology, FOREUM, which has awarded grant funding to four osteoarthritis projects.
A phase II study shows romosozumab significantly increases bone mineral density and bone content in the spine and hip compared to teriparatide and placebo. Romosozumab stimulates bone formation and decreases resorption by inhibiting sclerostin, a promising new treatment for postmenopausal osteoporosis.
A study identifies three microRNAs as biomarkers for predicting severe osteoarthritis, allowing for early detection and preventative measures. The findings could significantly reduce the socio-economic burden of the disease.
A third of all work-related disability worldwide is attributed to low back pain, primarily affecting agricultural sector workers and individuals between 35-65. The study analyzed data from the Global Burden of Disease 2010 study, indicating that these groups are almost four times more likely to develop low back pain disability.
A novel study reveals a severe shortage of rheumatologists in smaller micropolitan US regions, where patients often have to travel over 200 miles for care. The research highlights the need for interventions to increase the supply of rheumatologists in underserved areas.
Research suggests that fibromyalgia is associated with disrupted brain signals for reward and punishment, contributing to hyperalgesia. Fibromyalgia patients exhibit altered brain responses to pain anticipation and relief, which may explain the heightened sensitivity to pain and lack of effectiveness of pain medications.
A new study published in Arthritis & Rheumatism found that headaches in lupus patients are not linked to disease activity or specific autoantibodies. The study of over 1,700 lupus patients showed that nearly all headache episodes resolved on their own without treatment.
A new study found that young black women in Southeastern Michigan have the highest rate of developing lupus and are more likely to experience serious health complications. Lupus prevalence was three times higher among black females compared to white women, with a higher risk of kidney and neurologic complications.
The 2013 classification criteria for systemic sclerosis are more sensitive than the 1980 measures, enabling earlier identification and treatment of this autoimmune disease. The new criteria improve the classification of systemic sclerosis by clustering items and simplifying the weighting of different criteria.
The World Heart Federation is publishing a special issue to raise awareness about rheumatic heart disease (RHD), which is highly preventable but remains neglected globally. The special issue explores the burden of RHD, current challenges, and innovative solutions for prevention and treatment.
Current estimates of rheumatic heart disease deaths globally are likely underestimates, with new studies underway to address data gaps and inform control strategies. The authors propose re-evaluating the burden of disease in two categories: symptomatic and asymptomatic disease.
The American College of Rheumatology has released new guidelines for the treatment of systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The update includes over 1,200 clinical scenarios and covers various medication options, including biologics. The new recommendations aim to enhance care for children with this disabling disease.
A Penn study found that psoriasis patients with more severe skin disease are at higher odds of having major medical diseases, including lung disease, heart problems, and kidney issues. The researchers identified a common pathway involving TH-1 cytokines promoting inflammation and insulin resistance.
A new study describes imaging findings in H7N9 influenza, including rapidly progressive changes in lungs and pulmonary connective tissues. The severity of these findings is associated with the clinical condition of patients.
A randomized trial found that the MMR booster vaccination did not worsen disease activity in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The researchers also observed higher antibody concentrations and seroprotection rates after vaccination.
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.
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.
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.