Articles tagged with Rheumatism
Apremilast administered to patients with psoriatic arthritis showed significant clinical responses beyond 24 weeks, with up to 65% achieving ACR20 response rates at week 52. The novel PDE-4 inhibitor was well-tolerated with an acceptable long-term safety profile.
A study presented at EULAR 2013 found that a progressive muscle strengthening programme using a Swiss ball significantly improves functional capacity, muscle strength, and mobility in patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis. The programme also showed no harmful effects on disease activity, leading to improved treatment satisfaction.
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.
A new study shows that rapid evaluation for Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) using Color Doppler Ultrasound (CDUS) followed by immediate treatment significantly reduces permanent vision loss. The 'fast track' approach led to 11.1% transient visual manifestations, with none suffering from permanent visual loss.
The CHERISH trial demonstrates the effectiveness of tocilizumab in reducing symptoms and signs of juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Patients with polyarticular JIA achieved significant clinical responses, including ACR30/50/70 responses, with as many as 65% attaining an ACR70 response.
A new study reveals that one in eight high-risk patients using over-the-counter NSAIDs take the medication despite knowing the risks. The most common reasons for use were musculoskeletal complaints, with 67% citing this as a reason.
Scientists have discovered that cartilage cells have a functioning body clock that can be reset by imposing an artificial rhythm, which could lead to new treatments for osteoarthritis. The research found that older mice had weaker body clocks, and that resetting the clock may alleviate symptoms.
New research published in Arthritis & Rheumatism found that vitamin C supplementation had a weak effect on lowering uric acid levels in gout patients. The study suggests that vitamin C may not be a viable therapy for reducing uric acid levels in patients with established gout.
Researchers have identified a gene mutation that causes a spectrum of disorders affecting the bones and connective tissue, including SEMD-JL1 and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. The study reveals that B3GALT6 is essential for the development and maintenance of these tissues.
Researchers found that mobility shoes significantly reduced knee loading and improved gait in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Long-term use of the shoes helped participants adapt their walking pattern, leading to a 18% reduction in knee adduction moment.
A new urine test using protein biomarkers may enable early diagnosis and treatment of Kawasaki disease, a rare but increasingly prevalent condition that can cause inflammation of blood vessels and lead to heart attacks. The test has shown promising results in distinguishing children with Kawasaki disease from those with other conditions.
A new study found that cherry consumption lowered gout attack risk by 35% compared to non-consumers, while combined with allopurinol it decreased risk by 75%. The findings suggest cherries may be a preventive option for patients with gout.
Rhode Island Hospital has been awarded a $10.8 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to support translational research on cartilage and joint health. The five-year project aims to develop treatments and preventative tactics for diseases such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and bone-related cancers.
The $100,000 Taubman Prize is awarded to Dr. Harry Dietz for his pioneering work on modifying genetic defects in connective tissue, potentially leading to new treatments for Marfan syndrome and other disorders. The prize recognizes the clinician-researcher who has transformed laboratory discoveries into clinical applications.
Research suggests that functional disability in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) patients affects their ability to achieve educational success and secure employment. Patients with JIA often experience joint damage, disability, and lowered quality of life, leading to higher rates of unemployment compared to healthy counterparts.
Research shows that adult JIA patients with higher functional disability have lower educational achievement and job stability, while those with oligoarticular JIA perform better. Education is key to success for these individuals, suggesting that career guidance and disease management are crucial for employment outcomes.
Researchers found Bartonella infection in 62% of patients with conditions like arthritis, chronic fatigue, and Lyme disease. The study suggests a possible link between Bartonella bacterium and rheumatoid illnesses in humans.
Research finds that children with JIA have a significantly increased cancer risk, with rates 3.9 times higher for methotrexate-only patients and 4.4 times higher overall compared to peers without the disease. The study suggests that treatment, including TNF inhibitors, may not be directly linked to this increased risk.
A large study found that overweight and obese adults are more likely to have disc degeneration than those with a normal body mass index. Disc degeneration was associated with an increased number of levels of degenerated disks and greater severity of disc degeneration, including narrowing of the disc space.
A recent study published in Arthritis & Rheumatism found a rapid increase in knee replacement surgeries among women aged 50-59, with incidences higher in younger age groups. The study's findings suggest that more data is needed on the long-term effects of knee replacement surgeries in younger patients.
A phase II clinical trial demonstrated that rilonacept significantly reduced acute gout flares by 81% compared to a placebo. The treatment was found to be well-tolerated with no serious infections or adverse events reported.
A recent trial shows cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective in reducing functional disability and depressive symptoms in adolescents with juvenile fibromyalgia. The study also found CBT to be safe and superior to disease management education, improving daily functioning and overall wellbeing.
Researchers found a link between large-scale wind patterns and Kawasaki disease outbreaks in Japan, Hawaii, and San Diego. Wind currents carrying potential infectious agents may be triggering the disease, with seasonal shifts in winds exposing regions to air masses from Central Asia.
Dr. Abramson is recognized for his research and contributions to the field of rheumatology, with over 200 publications in top-tier journals. He has also held key positions in academic institutions and regulatory agencies.
A study found that patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis who responded well to etanercept treatment had lower disability scores, younger age at onset, and fewer disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs used before treatment. These factors are associated with a better long-term outcome.
A BUSM researcher has received two NIH grants totaling over $11 million to study systemic sclerosis (SSc), a rare and complex rheumatic disease. The funding will support clinical research, molecular studies, and identification of biomarkers to accelerate the understanding of SSc and develop new treatments.
Research suggests African Americans have a higher burden of multiple large-joint osteoarthritis, with significant racial differences in OA phenotypes. The study found that African Americans are more likely to have knee OA and have a greater risk of joint involvement, particularly hip and spine OA.
A Northwestern University study reveals that people with arthritis are not engaging in physical activity critical to their health. The research found that more than half of women and 40 percent of men with arthritis were inactive.
Research shows significantly higher osteoarthritis (OA) incidence rates among US military personnel compared to the general population, with differences increasing with advancing age category. Black service members have higher OA rates than white military personnel or those in other racial categories.
A new study found that systemic sclerosis is an independent determinant for moderate to severe coronary calcification or atherosclerosis in patients. The research team discovered that 57% of patients with systemic sclerosis had high coronary calcification scores, compared to 29% of healthy controls.
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.
Patients with necrotizing myopathies who test positive for novel autoantibodies against 200-kd and 100-kd proteins may benefit from immunosuppressive therapy due to their autoimmune nature. Researchers also found a unique association between statin use and muscle symptoms in this patient group.
Researchers developed lists of physical features to aid in early detection of Marfan and Loeys-Dietz syndromes, which can be life-threatening if left untreated. These lists are reliable without imaging tests and can help doctors spot the disorders during a physical exam.
A recent study found a link between elevated intrinsic brain connectivity and spontaneous pain intensity in fibromyalgia patients. The research shows an interaction of multiple brain networks, providing insights into how pain arises in these individuals.
Researchers found higher levels of oxidative and nitrosative stress markers, including anti-MDA and anti-HNE antibodies, in SLE patients with greater disease activity. These biomarkers suggest an imbalance between reactive oxygen and nitrogen species production and antioxidant defense mechanisms in SLE.
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.
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.
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 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.
Researchers found a combination of antibiotics to be an effective treatment for Chlamydia-induced reactive arthritis, with significant improvements seen in patients receiving a 6-month course of combination antibiotics. The results suggest potential for eradication of the persistent infection and improvement in clinical sequelae.
Researchers found African-Americans were less likely to have a varus thrust but more likely to have a valgus thrust than Caucasians. This disparity may help explain differences in knee osteoarthritis (OA) involvement at the knee.
Dr. Rimoin was recognized for his research into skeletal dysplasias and heritable disorders of connective tissue, and for helping to organize the field of medical genetics. He is one of the true giants of medical genetics, with a long distinguished career of research and leadership.
A 52-year follow-up study found that higher serum uric acid levels increase gout risk in women, with the risk being 46 times higher among those above 8mg/dl. Other factors such as age, obesity, and hypertension also contribute to the risk of developing gout.
Researchers found that SLE patients with high disease activity have higher levels of anti-Apo A-I, anti-HDL, and anti-CRP antibodies, contributing to the development of atherosclerosis. This association may place SLE patients at risk for cardiovascular disease.
A population-based study of over 10,000 participants found that women with gout were 39% more likely to have a heart attack and 41% more likely to experience a non-fatal heart attack. This risk was significantly higher than in men with gout.
A Johns Hopkins study reveals that musculoskeletal issues are the leading cause of medical evacuation from war zones in Iraq and Afghanistan. Psychiatric diagnoses also increased over four years, despite mental health teams. Most evacuated personnel do not return to duty.
A study published in The Lancet found that non-battle-related disorders, such as musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders, are the leading cause of medical evacuation from the front line. The study also identified factors associated with return to duty, including senior officer status and non-battle related injuries.
A study by researchers from Stony Brook University found that osteoarthritis increases aggregate health care expenditures in the U.S. by $185.5 billion annually. The disease disproportionately affects women, with out-of-pocket expenses nearly 100 percent higher for them than men.
A comprehensive collection of 38 articles written by international experts provides a detailed overview of current rheumatology research. The resource covers basic, translational, and clinical research in rheumatology, offering clinicians and researchers a valuable reference work.
Researchers found that PCPs can effectively screen for serious diseases like vertebral fractures and cancer using red flag clinical features. The study identified a diagnostic rule containing four variables, which can increase the probability of vertebral fracture when multiple flags are present.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that mice deficient in Type IX collagen develop osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease, leading to impaired physical abilities and increased pain sensitivity. The study provides valuable insights into the effects of collagen deficiency on musculoskeletal disorders.
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 model suggests mechanical forces play a crucial role in blood vessel growth, challenging previous assumptions about chemical gradients. This finding opens up new possibilities for treating diseases such as tumors, rheumatism, and eye disorders.
A study found that systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients have significant olfactory deficits compared to healthy controls. Patients with more active disease and past neuropsychiatric SLE manifestations had lower total TDI scores, suggesting an immune-mediated mechanism.
Researchers identify PARF motif bacteria as cause of rheumatic fever, a precursor to rheumatic heart disease. A new test strip reacting to the PARF motif is being developed to filter out cases and treat them at an early stage.
Researchers at UT Health Science Center aim to identify genetic clues to scleroderma by studying the genes of 1,500 patients and 3,000 controls. The goal is to develop better treatments and improve symptoms for those affected by this chronic disease.
A study of 325 obese patients found they benefited from knee replacements, with improved mobility scores compared to a comparison group. The research suggests that obese patients can undergo the procedure without increased risk, making it unjustified to deny them the surgery.
A long-term study of 1,471 patients with ankylosing spondylitis who received repeated intravenous injections of 224Radium found a significantly increased rate of leukaemias, particularly acute myeloid leukaemia, compared to a control group
Research shows that people with temporal arteritis, an inflammatory artery disease, are three times more likely to experience blindness due to swollen arteries restricting blood flow. The disease is often accompanied by symptoms like headaches and jaw soreness, and if left untreated can lead to severe vision loss or stroke.