Articles tagged with Rheumatology
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.
The American College of Rheumatology and the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons developed guidelines to manage anti-rheumatic medication in patients with joint replacement. The recommendations prioritize preventing infection over potential disease flares, and aim to lower the risk of complications.
A meta-analysis found that the excess risk of cardiovascular events in RA patients has decreased since the year 2000. The reduced risk appears to be related to better management of cardiovascular risk and control of chronic systemic inflammation.
A randomized study found that group-based quality improvement sessions improved TTT scores from 11% to 57% in intervention patients, while control patients saw a decline to 25%. The learning collaborative positively impacted implementation of the recommended care approach.
New studies examine rheumatoid arthritis patients' mortality, disease activity, and physical function over 20 years. Early treatment has been shown to have a significant impact on long-term outcomes, with patients experiencing relatively good results.
The journal highlights several notable research findings, including the benefits of quitting smoking abruptly, low-dose aspirin for cardiovascular prevention, and statins in rheumatoid arthritis. These updates aim to promote excellence in medicine and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers investigated the use of abatacept, an immune cell modulator, in treating two rare forms of vasculitis: giant cell arteritis (GCA) and Takayasu's arteritis. The studies found promising results for GCA patients, with improved relapse-free survival rates and longer duration of remission compared to placebo.
A study found that performing even a third of the recommended activity is beneficial for older adults with arthritis. Participants who achieved a minimum of 45 minutes of moderate activity, such as brisk walking, per week were 80% more likely to improve or sustain high function over two years.
A global survey found that patients with RA are often not involved in decision-making, despite doctors acknowledging the importance of patient engagement. The study highlights gaps in communication between healthcare providers and their patients, with few patients having shared treatment goals or feeling comfortable voicing concerns.
A 10-year precision trial involving 24,081 patients in 13 countries investigated the cardiovascular safety of widely used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and COX-2-specific inhibitors. The trial found that celecoxib shares similar cardiovascular toxicity with rofecoxib, leading to increased nuance in analgesic recommendations for ...
Researchers found that patients treated with rituximab as their first biologic had a lower mortality risk compared to those treated with TNFi. The study included 353 patients with RA-ILD and analyzed five-year mortality rates, with RTX-treated patients showing numerically lower but not statistically significant risks.
Researchers identified three gene expression signatures that can help rheumatologists predict which patients are more likely to respond to certain therapies. The findings could lead to higher response rates and reduced likelihood of ineffective treatment, ultimately improving patient care.
A study of 9,362 surgeries on 5,544 RA patients found that continuing DMARDs prior to surgery does not increase post-operative infection risk. Researchers recommend considering medication continuation during the perioperative period to maintain better control over RA and reduce complications.
Researchers found that people with RA have double the risk of CV events as those in the general population, rates similar to those with type-2 diabetes. Chronic inflammation in RA contributes independently to cardiovascular risks for these patients.
New research from the American College of Rheumatology finds that most people with knee osteoarthritis (OA) meet the minimum physical function level necessary to walk at least 6,000 steps a day. This suggests that many individuals with OA can adopt physically active lifestyles and achieve significant health benefits.
Research finds that tumor necrosis factor inhibitors used to treat juvenile idiopathic arthritis do not increase the risk of malignancy. The study, which analyzed data from over 27,000 children with JIA, concluded that TNFi are not associated with a significantly increased risk of incident malignancy.
A new Wnt inhibitor drug has shown significant improvements in knee OA pain, joint function, and even slowed or reversed cartilage loss. The study found that the drug improved outcomes for 76% of patients in the high-dose group compared to 36% on placebo.
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.
Researchers found a significant interaction between TNF-inhibitors and NSAIDs, with patients experiencing a 70% reduction in radiographic progression when used together. The study suggests that combining these therapies may be especially helpful for patients at higher risk of disease progression.
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.
The U.S. adult rheumatology workforce is projected to decline by 31% by 2030 due to an aging workforce and insufficient graduate medical education funding. To address this gap, researchers suggest creating financial incentives for medical students and residents to pursue rheumatology training.
A Mayo Clinic study found that type 1 interferon beta levels are associated with poor response to tumor necrosis factor inhibitors in rheumatoid arthritis patients. This discovery may lead to more personalized treatment approaches based on individual patient biology.
Quality of care varies significantly among rheumatology practices, with the largest gaps seen in osteoporosis and gout care, and some practices consistently performing well across measures. The study highlights the need for improvement in preventive care and counseling, and RISE provides a tool for guiding quality-improvement efforts.
Research found no association between allopurinol use and increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) Stage 3 or higher in gout patients with normal kidney function. Allopurinol may be beneficial for preventing renal decline, suggesting its safe use in managing gout symptoms.
New research findings suggest that men and women have different post-surgical outcomes after total hip arthroplasty. Women who had improved functional recovery showed more abductor strength improvement and better gait function during walking. Tailoring rehabilitation to each sex may help patients achieve better outcomes.
Research shows that many patients with RA, spondyloarthritis, and other inflammatory joint diseases are not receiving adequate CVD-preventive medications, despite being at high risk. Only half of those who start treatment achieve their goals, highlighting a significant need for improvement in CVD prevention.
Research suggests that RA patients who receive combined care from primary-care physicians and rheumatologists are more likely to be screened for hyperlipidemia. This study found that 47% of patients seeing both a PCP and rheumatologist were screened, compared to 42% of those seeing only a PCP.
A retrospective cohort study found that chronic kidney disease patients who achieve target urate levels show improvement in kidney function. The study suggests that urate-lowering therapy may help stabilize or improve kidney function in patients with significantly elevated serum uric acid and moderate kidney failure.
Researchers found distinct monocyte gene expression signatures in RA patients with different responses to anti-TNF therapy, potentially leading to personalized treatment approaches.
New research finds that African-Americans, Asians, and those with a high school education or less experience significant delays in receiving lupus diagnosis and treatment. The study highlights the need for targeted solutions to address these disparities in access to specialty care.
Researchers found that statin initiation was associated with a 33% reduction in all-cause mortality among AS and PsA patients. The study suggests that statins' dual benefits of lowering lipids and reducing inflammation may be the reason for this significant benefit.
A new study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology suggests that the DASH diet can effectively lower blood levels of uric acid, a known trigger of gout. The DASH diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, was found to lower uric acid by an average of 0.35 mg/dL.
A recent study published in Postgraduate Medical Journal found that female physicians in the US were reimbursed around $18,677.23 less than their male counterparts in 2012, with the largest gaps found in nephrology, rheumatology, and pulmonary medicine.
The American College of Rheumatology has received a $335,000 grant from the Office of Minority Health to develop an expert-informed program model that improves health outcomes for people with lupus in rural and underserved areas. The program aims to increase awareness and access to care for patients living with lupus.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine report a link between cancer immunotherapy drugs and rheumatologic diseases, including inflammatory arthritis. The study highlights the need for awareness among patients and clinicians about potential side effects of these drugs.
A study presented at EULAR 2016 found that a combination of text messages and individual counselling sessions motivated patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis to be more active, resulting in reduced daily sitting time and improved cholesterol levels. This behavioural intervention was effective in improving patient-reported clinical outcomes.
A new study found that Facebook advertising is effective in identifying adults with Inflammatory Back Pain (IBP), a condition often delayed in diagnosis due to lack of awareness. The study recruited over three quarters of patients through Facebook, resulting in earlier referrals to specialist treatment and improved treatment outcomes.
A study presented at EULAR 2016 found that UK rheumatologists often deviate from NICE guidance on cost when treating RA patients, citing clinical autonomy and patient involvement as key factors. The study suggests that further research is needed to explore the impact of these deviations on patient outcomes and cost-effectiveness.
A recent study confirms a strong association between depression symptom severity and the level of disease activity and disability in adolescent patients with juvenile inflammatory arthritis. The findings underscore the need for psychological health assessment and support to be fully integrated into their routine care.
A study published in Arthritis Care & Research found that knee buckling is a significant cause of falls and injuries in older adults with knee osteoarthritis. Targeted exercises and joint replacement surgery may help prevent knee instability and reduce the risk of falls.
A new review found scant scientific evidence supporting cannabinoid use in rheumatic diseases, citing only four small studies with limited information. Rheumatologists cannot recommend cannabinoids as a therapeutic option due to high side effects and limited long-term efficacy data.
Deaths from cardiovascular disease among people with rheumatoid arthritis are declining, according to a new study. Researchers found that efforts to prevent and diagnose heart problems may be paying off for patients with the chronic condition.
Biosimilars are complex proteins that provide therapeutically equivalent alternatives to expensive biologics, reducing treatment costs in rheumatology and other fields. The introduction of biosimilars into clinical practice requires careful management to ensure patient safety and efficacy.
A new classification system for gout has been developed to standardize its diagnosis and treatment. The system uses evidence-based criteria and has been validated by comparing it to existing published criteria, outperforming them in performance.
A new study found that patients with knee osteoarthritis who have poor sleep habits display greater central sensitization, an amplification of clinical pain. Catastrophizing thoughts about pain also contribute to increased central sensitization and greater clinical pain in OA patients.
A recent study found that patients with rheumatoid arthritis face high initial copayments and then fall into a coverage gap, where they pay 45% of drug costs. This financial burden can be substantial, with some patients paying over $2,700 annually before receiving relief from catastrophic coverage.
A case-crossover study found that engaging in manual tasks with awkward positions, being distracted during activities, or feeling fatigued significantly increases the risk of acute low back pain. The study, published in Arthritis Care & Research, identified 12 modifiable triggers for an episode of low back pain.
Women with primary Sjögren's syndrome experience impaired sexual functioning and higher levels of distress compared to healthy controls. Vaginal dryness, pain, fatigue, and depressive symptoms significantly contribute to their symptoms. Healthcare providers should acknowledge and discuss these issues to help patients cope.
A new study reveals that Asian and Hispanic patients with systemic lupus erythematosus have lower mortality rates compared to Black, White, or Native American patients. The risk for death among White patients is much lower than in Black and Native American SLE patients.
Research finds that nocturnal gout attacks are 2.4 times higher at night and 1.3 times higher in the evening compared to daytime hours. Prophylactic measures may be more effective in preventing flares, especially at night.
A study at Hospital for Special Surgery found that a support group addressing the psychological and educational needs of people recently diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis has a strong positive impact on their lives. The program improved patients' ability to manage their disease, connect with others, and cope with emotional challenges.
Research found that babies born to mothers with rheumatoid arthritis have lower fetal growth and are more likely to be born prematurely. Studies show a 1.5 times higher risk of preterm birth in children exposed to maternal or preclinical RA compared to those without exposure.
A newly created turmeric-based formulation releases curcumin's anti-inflammatory goodness throughout the body, halting acute inflammatory reactions and recruitment of immune cells. The study suggests that this delivery system could be used to prevent certain diseases and combat chronic inflammation.
Researchers found a significant association between low birth weight and preterm birth with an increased incidence of hip arthroplasty independent of age, sex, BMI, education level, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and physical activity. No significant association was found with knee replacement surgery.
Researchers used CT scans to investigate royal Egyptian mummies from the 18th-20th Dynasties, ruling out signs of ankylosing spondylitis. Instead, they found evidence of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) in four Pharaohs, suggesting a degenerative spinal condition, not inflammatory arthritis.
Research finds sleep disturbances are independently associated with pain and depression in osteoarthritis patients, while disability is not linked. High pain levels exacerbate depression in individuals with poor sleep, highlighting the vicious cycle of OA distress.
Research finds fibromyalgia patients exhibit reduced activation in primary sensory regions and increased activation in sensory integration areas. This abnormal brain response may contribute to the condition's characteristic hypersensitivity to daily visual, auditory, and tactile stimulation.
A new study found that high sodium intake in smokers doubles the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. The study suggests an additive interaction between sodium and smoking as a risk factor for RA.
Lupus and other rheumatologic diseases can initially present as neurological disorders such as headaches and seizures, leading to delayed diagnoses. Treatments for these conditions can also cause adverse neurological effects.