Articles tagged with Rheumatism
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.
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 national program in Denmark aims to address concerns of rheumatology patients switching to biosimilars for their arthritis treatment. The program includes independent patient information, closer monitoring of prescriptions, and a focus on patient safety.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.