Articles tagged with Rheumatology
A study by University of Oxford researchers found that the Best Practice Tariff scheme saved up to 7,600 lives in England between 2010 and 2016. The scheme led to improved standards of care for hip fracture patients, including increased surgeries within 36 hours and reduced hospital readmissions.
The Cyprus League Against Rheumatism has successfully implemented the first rheumatology nurse educational program in Cyprus, improving patient care and safety skills. A randomized controlled trial shows that nurse-led patient education can significantly improve essential safety skills in patients with inflammatory arthritis.
A large pan-European survey found significant gaps in rheumatoid arthritis care, with 'diagnosis within six weeks' being the most concerning standard of care. The study highlights the need for improved care in essential aspects of rheumatoid arthritis care.
A study of 71 post-menopausal women found that those receiving zoledronate prior to denosumab had significantly lower risk of BMD loss. Younger age and higher bone turnover markers increased the risk of BMD loss after denosumab discontinuation.
Researchers found no vaccine infections or disease flares in children given live-attenuated booster vaccination while on immune suppressing therapies. The study supports the use of flu vaccine and other vaccinations in patients with rheumatic diseases.
A randomized controlled trial demonstrated that approximately two-thirds of patients achieving disease control on tocilizumab experience successful treatment outcomes following glucocorticoid tapering. Most patients in both groups achieved treatment success, with a small loss of disease control observed at the total study population le...
A new study reveals that occupational exposure to inorganic dust increases the risk of gout in women by 27%. The study also confirms known risk factors for gout, such as alcoholism and obesity. Gout is a disabling disease caused by uric acid deposits in joints, leading to inflammation and flares.
A three-year study found that patients with rheumatoid arthritis in remission had an 80% reduced risk of clinical and pre-clinical cardiovascular disease. Type II diabetes was significantly associated with both cardiovascular outcomes and pre-clinical cardiovascular disease.
A recent European survey found that gout is being diagnosed late, poorly controlled, and not regularly monitored. Eight out of ten patients are satisfied with their current treatment, indicating low expectations. The study highlights significant gaps in the management of gout, emphasizing the need for improved education and care.
A large clinical trial found that statins reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in moderate-risk rheumatoid arthritis patients by 40%, but the difference was not statistically significant. Statins also lower LDL cholesterol and C-reactive protein levels, making them a safe treatment option for these patients.
A student-led rheumatology interest group at George Washington University significantly increased student engagement with the field of rheumatology. The group's establishment led to a rise in publications by rheumatology students and enrollment in the rheumatology elective.
A study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology found that prescription opioids are commonly used long-term to treat pain in older patients with severe osteoarthritis. The study also revealed substantial statewide variation in rates of treatment with long-term opioid therapy for osteoarthritis, which was not fully explained by difference...
A Canadian population study tracked back pain patterns over 16 years, identifying four trajectories: persistent, developing, recovery, and occasional. The persistent and developing groups had more pain and disability, while the recovery group increased opioid use.
Jillian Rose, Hospital for Special Surgery's director of Community Engagement, Diversity and Research, received the ARHP Distinguished Educator Award for her innovative teaching, innovative initiatives, and dedication to promoting health equity in rheumatology care. Her work has been recognized nationally and internationally.
A phase 3 clinical trial found that ixekizumab significantly improves AS symptoms, disease activity and quality of life after 16 weeks. The treatment was well-tolerated despite more frequent adverse events compared to placebo.
A randomized controlled trial found that a nurse-led care approach with a treat-to-target strategy significantly lowered uric acid levels and reduced the risk of gout flares and tophi compared to usual care. The study suggests that educating patients and providing regular follow-up can improve treatment adherence and outcomes.
A study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology found that people with obstructive sleep apnea have a higher risk of developing gout. The risk was highest one to two years after diagnosis and was seen in patients with normal body mass index, regardless of weight status.
Studies have found that pain, insomnia, and depression significantly increase healthcare use in osteoarthritis patients. Concomitant symptoms like insomnia or depression can lead to increased healthcare utilization.
A study of 221 patients found that increased synovitis led to cartilage damage over time. Individuals with synovitis may be at greater risk for cartilage damage, and further research on treatment could help advance treatment paradigms.
The American College of Rheumatology has received two grants from the Office of Minority Health to increase minority participation in lupus clinical trials. The MIMICT and LuCTT programs will address challenges in recruiting minority populations affected by lupus, utilizing community health workers as referral sources.
A new study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology reveals that cardiac magnetic resonance imaging can detect early indicators of silent heart problems in patients with newly diagnosed lupus. The study found structural and functional changes in the hearts of patients with lupus, which were related to the disease stage.
The frequency of joint replacements in rheumatoid arthritis patients decreased by 51.9% over the past decade, suggesting improved treatment strategies. Biological therapy was found to have a limited impact on this reduction, with no significant association with total hip replacement or knee replacement procedures.
Two studies provide insight into molecular changes prior to arthritis onset, identifying gene signatures associated with disease development. Researchers found that specific autoantibodies and B-cell receptor clones can predict imminent onset of rheumatoid arthritis in at-risk individuals.
Pregnancies in women with rheumatoid arthritis are associated with an increased risk of low birth weight, prematurity, and small size at birth. However, there were no reported adverse outcomes for the mothers themselves, except for premature delivery.
A new Phase III clinical trial found that belimumab, a monoclonal antibody therapy, significantly reduces SLE disease activity and incidence of severe flares. The treatment's subcutaneous formulation offers an alternative to intravenous administration, making it more accessible to patients.
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.
The US rheumatology workforce is projected to face a shortage due to an aging population, retiring baby boomer rheumatologists, and changing practice trends. By 2030, the supply of rheumatologists is expected to fall short of demand, with some regions facing a particularly severe maldistribution.
A single-center study found that cancer immunotherapy is safe for patients with rheumatologic diseases, with only a minority experiencing adverse effects. The treatment was successfully administered to all six affected patients, paving the way for its use in select groups with pre-existing conditions.
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.
Research indicates that being overweight or obese can lead to poorer RA treatment outcomes and higher mortality risk. Studies show that patients with healthy weights are more likely to achieve remission, while those who are overweight or obese face a 25-47% lower chance of sustained remission despite similar treatments.
Research suggests that US arthritis prevalence is much higher than current estimates, especially among younger adults. The study found that 91.2 million US adults are affected by arthritis, with a significant impact on healthcare costs and productivity.
Researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery found that black patients living in economically deprived areas experience worse physical function after hip replacement surgery compared to their white counterparts. The study suggests that community-based outreach and education may help improve outcomes.
The Academy supports innovative research in rheumatology education and promotes teaching excellence, resulting in the creation of unique curricula, iBooks, and mobile apps. Grant recipients have produced national meeting abstracts, given presentations, and written manuscripts, enhancing their careers and improving patient care.
Researchers have developed a new method to preserve tissue samples for rheumatoid arthritis research, allowing for the analysis of multiple samples in a uniform way. This approach has the potential to identify specific inflammatory pathways and guide treatment decisions.
A study found that increasing omega-6 to omega-3 ratios in the diet were associated with SLE disease activity. Intake of omega-3 fatty acids was also linked to better sleep quality and trended toward significant decreases in depressive symptoms.
Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who have low vitamin D levels are at a higher risk of developing end-stage renal disease. Vitamin D supplementation has been shown to reduce urine protein and prevent future renal failure, according to the study's findings.
Research finds that RA patients who meet certain factors, including younger age and low CRP levels, are more likely to successfully taper their biologic drugs. Patients without concomitant steroid use also tend to have better outcomes.
A new mobile app-based system, Smart System of Disease Management (SSDM), has been developed to improve care management for chronic illness patients. The system includes online consultation via a mobile app, which reduces costs and delays for arthritis patients by allowing them to access medical services remotely.
A new online education tool has been developed to improve accessibility and disease self-management for teens with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The tool, which includes monthly calls with health coaches, improved health-related quality of life for participating teens compared to those who received standard disease education only.
A study found that positive sacroiliac MRI scans can be common in healthy individuals and frequent runners, suggesting the need for additional diagnostic measures. The research emphasizes the importance of considering these results in context to avoid misdiagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis.
The new American College of Rheumatology/National Psoriasis Foundation treatment guideline provides pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic recommendations for treating adult patients with active psoriatic arthritis. The guideline development team used the GRADE methodology to evaluate evidence and create therapy options.
A study found that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of healthy military recruits showed sacroiliac joint damage similar to axial spondyloarthritis after six weeks of intensive physical training. The high prevalence of lesions at baseline and the increase in lesions after training were striking results.
A recent study found that women who stopped taking bisphosphonates for over two years had a substantially increased risk of hip fractures compared to those who continued their treatment. The study, which analyzed data from 156,236 women, showed that the longer the duration of the drug holiday, the higher the risk of hip fracture.
The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) honored 43 researchers and thought leaders with its Master of the ACR designation, Awards of Distinction, and Distinguished Fellow Award for their contributions to the field of rheumatology. The recognitions are given annually to members who exhibit outstanding achievements in scholarly achiev...
A study found that patients with spine osteoarthritis and those under 65 are more likely to use opioids for pain management. The study also showed a significant association between opioid use and greater depressive symptoms, as well as higher levels of pain.
Researchers developed a new tool to analyze cellular and molecular profiles of synovial tissue and peripheral blood, which may help unlock clues about rheumatoid arthritis. The study found that robust cell yield from synovial tissue enables mass and flow cytometric data.
Research found that lupus patients on Medicaid have lower HCQ therapy adherence in areas with high African-American populations, few hospitals, and Health Professional Shortage Areas. This association remained after controlling for individual-level characteristics like poverty and education.
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.
Research reveals obesity is associated with reduced rates of remission and increased rates of disability in RA patients. Effective weight screening and management should be a central feature of RA treatment plans.
A study found that temporarily pausing methotrexate use for two weeks after flu vaccination improves the immune response in RA patients, with a higher rate of satisfactory responses and seroprotection rates. This approach has potential clinical implications, including improved vaccine efficacy without increasing disease activity.
Bone marrow edema was most frequent in posterior lower ilium and anterior upper sacrum in young athletes. A better understanding of this condition may improve evaluation of magnetic resonance imaging in individuals with early axial spondyloarthritis.
A digital health coaching program improved RA patients' well-being, decreased symptoms, and reduced flare frequency. The program showed significant increases in physical activity, sleep hours, and medication adherence.
The new dashboard provides actionable data to practices, allowing them to track quality improvement and financially reward their efforts in the MIPS program. Data from 548,990 patients reported by 491 clinicians and 109 practices showed varying performance on quality measures.
The EULAR and ACR presented draft new classification criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) at the 2017 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting. The updated criteria aim to improve patient identification, trial comparisons, and early disease detection, with a global collaboration involving over 150 investigators and data from 2,200 patients.
Research findings from the ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting reveal that obesity is independently associated with worse patient-reported outcomes in women with systemic lupus erythematosus, including increased disease activity and depressive symptoms. Obesity was linked to higher levels of pain and fatigue as well.
Researchers found that low-energy shock-wave therapy significantly reduced digital ulcers in scleroderma patients by stimulating growth factors and forming new blood vessels. The treatment also showed no serious adverse events during the study, making it a promising approach for managing refractory digital ulcers.
Research reveals that rheumatoid arthritis may increase the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Individuals with chronic inflammatory conditions are at a higher risk, emphasizing the need for controlled inflammation and early symptom monitoring.
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.