Articles tagged with Rheumatology
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Dr Nicholas Fuggle, a UK researcher, has been awarded the prestigious ESCEO-IOF Pierre Meunier Young Scientist Award for his significant contributions to research in musculoskeletal ageing. He is recognized for his work on determinants of musculoskeletal ageing and digital healthcare.
Professor René Rizzoli has been recognized for his significant and longstanding contribution to the advancement of osteoporosis research through his work on bone metabolism and mineralization. He is a respected researcher, clinician, and leader in the field of osteoporosis, with a strong focus on prevention and treatment.
The Virtual WCO-IOF-ESCEO 2022 Congress will feature leading experts on osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and musculoskeletal diseases, with a focus on new clinical research and advances in prevention and patient care. Prestigious awards will also be presented.
The International Osteoporosis Foundation awarded Professor Thierry Thomas the IOF Committee of Scientific Advisors (CSA) Medal of Achievement for his outstanding scientific contributions to osteoporosis. The award recognizes his work on secondary fracture prevention and post-fracture care coordination programs.
Professor Elaine Dennison has been awarded the IOF Olof Johnell Science Award for her significant work in musculoskeletal aging, osteoporosis, and metabolic bone diseases. She is recognized as an internationally renowned clinician, researcher, and educator.
Researchers identified common features of pediatric antiphospholipid syndrome, a rare autoimmune disease causing inflammation and recurring blood clots. Nearly half of children with APS experienced recurrent blood clots despite treatment, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and prevention.
The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) has published guidelines for analyzing safety and effectiveness of new therapies using observational data. The guidelines aim to increase trustworthiness of results gained from observational data.
A biodegradable nanoparticle has shown promise in reducing skin and lung scarring in mice with scleroderma. The treatment targets specific immune cells responsible for the disease's chronic inflammation and scarring.
A study suggests that targeting necroptosis in muscle fibers using an inhibitor can lessen myositis-induced muscle weakness and cell death, promoting muscle regeneration. This approach shows promise for treating polymyositis with potentially fewer infectious complications than current immunosuppressive therapies.
Researchers found higher-than-expected levels of antiphospholipid autoantibodies in COVID-19 patients, causing endothelial cell activation and promoting clotting. Removing these antibodies from blood samples lost the activation effect, suggesting a potential cause of severe COVID-19 symptoms.
Researchers aim to determine if knee structure changes predict clinical outcomes in people with osteoarthritis. The study will examine 76,000 X-rays and clinical data from diverse cohorts to establish healthy knee structure ranges.
Patients under immunosuppressive therapy have increased risk of severe COVID-19 disease courses if they don't respond to primary vaccination. A recent study found that a third booster vaccination is safe and effective in these patients, who were initially unable to produce antibodies after vaccination.
Researchers developed a new 'Easy-BILAG' tool to measure lupus disease progression, enabling accurate and consistent assessments in 91.3% of cases. The single-page document uses color-coding to make assessment more user-friendly, reducing completion time from 80 minutes to under an hour.
A registry study found that people with inflammatory RMDs, such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, tolerate their COVID vaccine well, with short-lived reactions being the most common side effect. The majority of participants were able to continue on their normal medication with no changes.
Researchers found that defibrotide suppresses neutrophil release of NETs and reduces downstream blood-clotting in mice with antiphospholipid syndrome. The treatment neutralizes toxic histones, preventing activation of blood vessel cells.
A study published in Science Translational Medicine reveals that blocking the excess production of MIF could lead to disease remission and prevent disability and mortality linked to SpA. Researchers have successfully tested a MIF blocker, called MIF098, in pre-clinical models.
Researchers will focus on understanding the disease, identifying B cell characteristics and plasma cells that create attacking antibodies. The study aims to enhance knowledge of SLE pathogenesis and differences in clinical manifestations, outcomes, and therapeutic responses.
The Lupus Research Alliance is funding two projects that examine why lupus varies for each person. Researchers will investigate the differences in genetic and environmental factors contributing to lupus variability.
The new EULAR consensus provides guidance for investigating treatments in people at risk of RA. The guidelines recommend considering subclinical inflammation, clinical arthritis, or progression to RA as study endpoints across trials.
A new study examines the similarities and differences among disease activity indices used to monitor rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers found that while there are high correlations among the indices, they were not interchangeable, highlighting the need for further analysis of RA in patients using various indices.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine found that COVID-19 vaccination elicited a response in nearly nine out of ten people with weakened immune systems. However, the responses were only about one-third as strong as those mounted by healthy people. Despite this, the discovery is encouraging news for a population at hig...