Articles tagged with Rheumatology
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Researchers have identified six distinct subgroups of rheumatoid arthritis based on their cellular composition, using a cell atlas encompassing over 300,000 cells. This breakthrough could lead to more effective and personalized treatment plans for patients with the disease.
Researchers analyzed over 314,000 cells from rheumatoid arthritis tissue to define six types of inflammation involving diverse cell types and disease pathways. The findings shed new light on the cellular causes of RA, potentially informing targeted and effective therapeutic approaches.
Researchers found that pregnant women with very low titers of anti-Ro antibodies are not at risk for fetal atrioventricular (AV) block, a serious disorder affecting the heart's electrical system. In contrast, high-titer antibody pregnancies can benefit from ambulatory fetal heart rhythm monitoring to detect AV block.
A study at ACR Convergence 2023 found that hydroxychloroquine lowers the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in rheumatoid arthritis patients, particularly in women and men under 50. The medication may exert its effect through increased adiponectin levels, a hormone inversely linked to insulin resistance and inflammation.
A new study has found that tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, commonly used for inflammatory arthritis, are not associated with poor pregnancy outcomes. Women who continued treatment had lower risks of severe infections postpartum compared to those who stopped. The results provide reassuring data on the use of TNF blockers during pregna...
The American College of Rheumatology has developed five new quality measures to improve lupus care, focusing on steroid use, mental health support, and patient-reported outcome measures. The measures aim to address long-standing inequities in care and reduce lupus-related morbidity by 2030.
A study published at ACR Convergence 2023 found that patients with acute calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease have a doubled risk of fractures. The researchers analyzed data from over 1,100 patients and compared them to matched comparators without the disease.
A new rheumatology training program for Native American primary care physicians has expanded its reach to tribes in 15 states. The program, which includes virtual classes and case-based discussions, aims to improve diagnosis and management of rheumatoid arthritis, but faces challenges due to mistrust of accessing private health records.
Researchers developed a deep learning system to detect and predict joint space narrowing and erosions in hand radiographs of RA patients. The AI model achieved over 90% accuracy in detecting joints, but its performance may be lower than human radiologists for wrist joint analysis.
A study found that people with a specific genetic mutation in the CARD9 gene have higher IL-17 protein levels, making them more responsive to IL-17 inhibitor biologics. This discovery may lead to targeted treatment recommendations for ankylosing spondylitis patients.
A randomized controlled trial found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) significantly reduces fibromyalgia pain by decreasing pain-catastrophizing, a negative response that amplifies pain. CBT participants showed reduced connectivity between brain regions associated with self-awareness and emotional processing.
A study by Mass General Brigham researchers found that patients with rheumatic diseases who developed long COVID were more likely to have expanded, pro-inflammatory antibodies specific to a coronavirus that causes the common cold. The team identified OC43 as a potential biomarker for long COVID.
A new tool called PRESTO identifies patients with psoriasis at high risk of developing psoriatic arthritis. The tool uses a mathematical model to estimate a patient's risk based on factors such as age, sex, family history, and disease severity.
A new review describes the development and impact of a Latin American mentorship program for Fracture Liaison Services (FLS), resulting in 64 FLSs getting started and providing coverage for over 17,200 patients. The program also supports the establishment of active communities of mentors across Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, and Argentina.
The Capture the Fracture Partnership has successfully driven global Fracture Liaison Services implementation, effectiveness, and sustainability. The partnership's unique approach, including policy, coalitions, mentorship, and scalable solutions, has delivered impactful resources and activities to prioritize secondary fracture prevention.
A new position paper reviews TBS for fracture risk prediction, treatment initiation and monitoring in osteoporosis. The evidence-based guide provides practical guidance for clinicians to integrate TBS into clinical practice.
Extracellular vesicles from fibrotic lungs can activate dormant fibroblasts in healthy lungs, initiating fibrosis development and spreading. The study's findings support the potential use of EVs as a targeted drug therapy platform to slow fibrosis progression and improve patient outcomes.
Research in the BMJ Open journal suggests that mid-life structural changes to the jawbone may signal subsequent height loss in women. The study, conducted on a cohort of women in Gothenburg, Sweden, found that severe cortical erosion and sparse trabeculation in the jawbone predicted significant bone shrinkage over time.
A new special issue of Calcified Tissue International & Musculoskeletal Research explores how the skeleton functions as both a secretory organ and an endocrine target tissue. Researchers discuss key avenues in this area of research, including deciphering hormone messages encoded in bone cell secretory products.
A recent study has elucidated the genetic factors involved in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) development. The researchers found that HLA-DRB1*15:01 is primarily associated with SLE development in the Japanese population, suggesting its role in influencing disease progression. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of anal...
A global study predicts a significant increase in hip fractures worldwide by 2050, with the number projected to nearly double compared to 2018. The study highlights a post-fracture treatment gap in fracture prevention, particularly for men, leading to increased mortality and dependency.
The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) has developed new standards for postgraduate rheumatology training, setting out 28 competencies across seven domains. These include medical expertise, diagnosis and management of individual diseases, and effective communication with patients and colleagues.
A phase IIb trial found brepocitinib superior to placebo in reducing signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis after 16 weeks. Response rates were maintained or improved through week 52, with mostly mild or moderate side effects.
The new FRAXplus beta version offers a more user-friendly platform to refine risk factor information, allowing clinicians to explore the impact on individual patients. The tool provides helpful features such as saved data and export options to facilitate sharing.
A sharp increase in colchicine's price led to a 17% drop in its use and worsened disease control in gout patients. Patients turned to alternative medications with potentially different side effects, resulting in increased emergency department visits and specialist consultations.
Professor Nicholas Harvey received the prestigious IOF Olof Johnell Science Award for his outstanding scientific contributions to osteoporosis. The award recognizes his work on fracture risk assessment tools and musculoskeletal research.
Professor Bess Dawson-Hughes has been recognized with the 2023 IOF President’s Award for her significant contributions to advancing osteoporosis research and treatment. Her extensive body of work has led to a greater understanding of nutrition's role in age-related bone loss.
Bernard Cortet receives ESCEO-IOF Herbert Fleisch Medal for groundbreaking contributions to osteoporosis research, including publications on clinical recommendations and patient outcomes. He is recognized for his leadership roles in French Society of Rheumatology and Osteoporosis Research and Information Group.
Professor Osvaldo Daniel Messina was awarded the 2023 IOF CNS Medal for his significant contributions to osteoporosis prevention. He has expanded IOF's messages and outreach in Argentina and internationally, promoting fracture prevention and healthy mobility.
The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) has awarded five young investigators grants for their research on nutritional factors and musculoskeletal health. The winners' projects focus on various aspects of diet, exercise, and bone health, with potential to lead to clinical advances or preventative strategies.
The IOF-ESCEO World Congress on Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis, and Musculoskeletal Diseases is the largest international scientific event devoted to musculoskeletal disorders. The congress presents new clinical advances and research on osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, sarcopenia, frailty, and rare skeletal disorders.
The Build Better Bones platform provides practical guidance on strengthening bones through targeted exercises and bone-healthy nutrition. The platform also offers helpful information for caregivers, including support with daily tasks and medical specialty knowledge.
Rheumatologists are crucial in detecting neurologic Lyme disease due to its broad spectrum of symptoms and signs. Early treatment has a favorable prognosis, but delayed diagnosis can lead to severe symptoms.
A new study from Lund University estimates that regression to the mean can account for up to 1 point improvement in pain scores among osteoarthritis patients. This natural phenomenon can lead to false positives in clinical trials, masking the true efficacy of treatments.
Researchers at Linköping University found that C-reactive protein has a beneficial function in systemic lupus erythematosus, reducing interferon activity and promoting milder disease. The study's findings suggest new treatment strategies to reduce immune complexes and elevated interferon levels.
Researchers found a connection between arthritis flare-ups and periodontitis, suggesting that regular dental check-ups could help prevent rheumatoid arthritis. The study also identified potential therapeutic targets for cancer, including the use of mouthwash to prevent flares.
A new economic model estimates the health benefits and budget impact of Fracture Liaison Services, showing significant reductions in fragility fractures, hospital bed days, and social care costs. The model suggests that FLS implementation would lead to improved patient outcomes and cost-effectiveness.
A new study published by the University of Leeds reveals that people with arthritis are 20% less likely to be in work compared to their peers without the condition. The most striking finding is that non-university educated women aged 60-plus are at least 37% less likely to be in work if they have arthritis.
Researchers at NYU Langone Health identified the genetic basis of VEXAS syndrome in 2020, now estimating its prevalence among US men and women over 50. The study found that approximately 1 in 4,269 American men over age 50 and 1 in 26,238 women may develop the syndrome.
Biomarkers of bone turnover are essential for diagnosing and treating metabolic musculoskeletal diseases. The International Osteoporosis Foundation, IFCC, and ESCEO have collaborated to publish authoritative reviews on the use and interpretation of these biomarkers.
Researchers have discovered that a protein called CXCL5 may hold the key to treating systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus), an incurable autoimmune disease. By restoring balance of this protein in the blood, patients may experience improved survival rates and reduced inflammation.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine identified a novel molecular pathway that causes gout and its progression to joint tissue erosion. The findings position lubricin as a novel therapeutic target for both the prevention and treatment of the disease.
Researchers review myeloid-derived suppressor cells' phenotypes, mechanisms of immunosuppression, and roles in cancer treatment. Studies on non-malignant diseases, such as autoimmune disorders and obesity, are lacking, highlighting the need for further investigation.
Men with metabolic syndrome had nearly four-fold higher risk of developing gout compared to those without MetS. Recovery from MetS reduced incident gout risk by nearly half.
A phase 2 clinical trial has generated promising results for deucravacitinib, an oral inhibitor of tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2), in patients with active lupus. The study found that patients treated with deucravacitinib experienced significant improvements in disease activity, with response rates ranging from 34% to 58% compared to placebo.
A recent clinical trial shows that genicular nerve blocks provide short-term pain relief for patients with knee osteoarthritis. Patients who received the blocks reported significant improvement in pain scores, particularly at weeks 2 and 4.
Researchers report positive results from the first placebo-controlled trial of anifrolumab, a human monoclonal antibody targeting type I interferon receptor in patients with lupus. Treatment with anifrolumab was well-tolerated and sustained reduction in lupus disease activity.
The IOF and ESCEO position paper recommends retaining the current WHO diagnostic criteria for osteoporosis, which has served the field well. The paper suggests that distinguishing between diagnostic and intervention thresholds can help improve treatment of patients at high risk of fractures.
A unique bacterium found in the gut microbiome may trigger an autoimmune response that leads to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in individuals already at risk. The discovery opens up possibilities for targeted therapies and prevention strategies.
A recent analysis found that individuals at risk for rheumatoid arthritis and those with the disease have higher blood levels of antibodies against Prevotella copri, a bacterial strain typically found in the gut. This study suggests that targeted therapies may be developed to prevent or treat the disease.
Researchers successfully visualized systemic joint involvement in patients with autoimmune arthritis using ultra-low dose total body PET/CT scans. The scans showed high agreement with standard joint-by-joint rheumatological evaluations and a moderate to strong correlation with rheumatological outcome measures.
Researchers at Medical University of South Carolina found that scleroderma patients have reduced levels of antifibrotic protein Cathepsin L, packaged in an inactive state. Increasing Cathepsin L levels and function could have therapeutic benefits for patients with lung fibrosis.
The US Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade may limit medical treatment options for patients with rheumatic diseases, as abortion bans take effect in more states. Providers will need to balance evidence-based clinical recommendations with personal and professional risks of violating reproductive rights.
A new drug has proven effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis, with results at least as good as the current 'gold standard' treatment. The medication targets a specific messenger molecule involved in inflammation and joint damage, offering a new approach to managing autoimmune disease.
A substance produced by gut microorganisms, TMAO, can lead to scarring and vascular damage in scleroderma. The Western diet rich in meat contributes to TMAO formation, which reprograms cells to become scar-forming myofibroblasts.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine have discovered a molecular mechanism that drives the disease-causing effects of the most common genetic risk factor for lupus. The study suggests that targeting this new pathway could lead to the development of safe and effective treatments for SLE, an autoimmune disease that affects millions worldwide.
A study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology found that walking for exercise can reduce new frequent knee pain and slow joint damage in people with knee osteoarthritis. Researchers analyzed data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative and found a 40% decrease in odds of new frequent knee pain among walkers compared to non-walkers.
Researchers found that normal-appearing lupus skin contains the same inflammatory signals as skin with rashes, suggesting a primed state for inflammation. The study's findings provide new insights into how UV light triggers rashes in lupus patients and highlight the potential for precision medicine in treating the disease.
The UK National Osteoporosis Guideline Group has published a new guideline for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, which includes updated recommendations for vertebral fracture detection and anabolic treatment options. The guidance aims to improve service provision in both primary and secondary care settings.
A recent study suggests that many older adults with rheumatoid arthritis are not prescribed disease-modifying medications, despite guidelines calling for early and aggressive treatment. Only 45% of patients over 65 were prescribed these medications, highlighting the need to improve prescribing practices among primary care physicians.