Articles tagged with Rheumatology
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.
A new study found that black and Hispanic SLE patients were more likely to be readmitted to the hospital within 30 days of discharge compared to white patients. Lupus patients with kidney inflammation, serositis, or low blood platelet count were also at higher risk for early readmissions.
Researchers found a slight increase in lower back pain risk with higher wind speed but it was not clinically significant. This contradicts previous studies that linked cold or humid weather to increased symptoms.
A recent study reveals that over one third of knee replacement surgeries in the US were deemed inappropriate, citing variation in knee pain and functional loss. The findings emphasize the need for standardized patient selection criteria among medical professionals to ensure effective use of this procedure.
A new study shows that walking 6,000 or more steps per day can reduce the risk of functional limitation associated with knee osteoarthritis. Researchers found that walking just 1,000 extra steps daily reduces incident functional limitation by 16-18% two years later.
EULAR has achieved recognition for Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases from the European Commission's Horizon 2020 initiative. The organization also launched the Foundation for Research in Rheumatology, FOREUM, which has awarded grant funding to four osteoarthritis projects.
New patient empowerment initiatives unveiled at EULAR 2014 aim to reduce treatment costs, improve patient experience and increase patient involvement in treatment decisions. These initiatives include self-monitoring, online learning resources, patient decision aids and video guides.
A new study found that sprifermin (recombinant human fibroblast growth factor 18) reduces total and lateral femorotibial cartilage thickness and volume in patients with knee osteoarthritis. The treatment was shown to improve joint space width and WOMAC pain score, particularly at a dose of 100µg.
New research suggests that women who frequently consume fat-free or low-fat milk may reduce the progression of knee osteoarthritis. The study found that joint space width decreased by 0.38mm, 0.29mm, and 0.26mm in women with increasing milk intake.
A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found no decrease in knee cartilage damage or improvement in bone marrow lesions with glucosamine supplementation. Glucosamine did not reduce urinary excretion of C-telopeptides of type II collagen, a predictor of cartilage destruction.
Patients with rheumatic conditions are turning to herbal cannabis for symptom relief, but medical evidence is lacking. The study advises healthcare providers to discourage patients from using this drug as therapy due to potential harm and availability of other therapies.
Researchers found that non-restorative sleep is a strong predictor of widespread pain onset among adults over 50. Anxiety and poor physical health also increase the risk of developing widespread pain. The study suggests combined interventions for both site-specific and widespread pain are needed for older adults.
A large longitudinal study found that postmenopausal women with RA and anti-CCP antibodies had a significantly higher mortality rate compared to those without these antibodies. The main cause of death was cardiovascular disease, including coronary heart disease and stroke.
Researchers found that anxiety, depressed mood, and physical disability among RA patients decreased by half over the past two decades. Improved treatment options, including early therapy intervention and biologics, have led to reduced disease activity and better daily living for these patients.
A novel study reveals a severe shortage of rheumatologists in smaller micropolitan US regions, where patients often have to travel over 200 miles for care. The research highlights the need for interventions to increase the supply of rheumatologists in underserved areas.
Researchers from NYU Langone presented new findings on a drug called hydroxychloroquine, which shows promise in preventing recurrent heart disease in at-risk pregnancies. The study identified multiple genetic risk variants for congenital heart block and may lead to new therapies for autoimmune and rheumatic conditions.
Early, aggressive drug treatment shows promising results in patients with psoriatic arthritis, reducing joint damage and disability. A £550,000 clinical trial involving over 200 patients found significant improvements in joint and skin outcomes with tight control of disease activity.
A survey of rheumatologists reveals that many face moral dilemmas when trying to provide the best care for their patients. The study found that physicians often compromise on ethical principles to obtain necessary treatments or medications for their patients.
The American College of Rheumatology has released new guidelines for the treatment of systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The update includes over 1,200 clinical scenarios and covers various medication options, including biologics. The new recommendations aim to enhance care for children with this disabling disease.
A major clinical trial has shown that specialist nurse-led clinics can manage people with rheumatoid arthritis just as effectively as traditional doctor-led services. The study found significant improvements in disease activity, pain control, and patient satisfaction, while also reducing healthcare costs.
A novel study in Arthritis Care & Research examines the medical response and imaging technologies used to treat Boston Marathon bombing victims. The study found that radiology resources should be used liberally to save lives and limbs in urgent situations like the Boston Marathon bombing.
A nurse-led program improved patient self-assessment and led to changes in drug therapy among 89% of participants. The program also showed significant actions taken to reduce comorbidities, particularly cardiovascular disease, at a rate of 17.2%.
A study at EULAR 2013 found that depression indicators are stronger predictors of work disability in early arthritis than disease activity or response to therapy. Patients with moderate to severe depression were more likely to consider or enter early retirement.
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.
Professors Barry Bresnihan and Jean-Michel Dayer received the Meritorious Service Award from EULAR for their dedication to advancing rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. They have conducted pivotal research that substantially improved patient lives, particularly in rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.
Psoriatic arthritis patients treated with ustekinumab showed significant and sustained improvements in signs and symptoms, even in those previously treated with biologic agents. The treatment was well-tolerated with no deaths or serious adverse events.
A study of 333 female patients with fibromyalgia found that weather conditions had no significant impact on their pain and fatigue symptoms. Individual patients may still experience some sensitivity to certain weather conditions, but this is not associated with demographic or mental health status.
Research finds fibromyalgia is a spectrum disorder with nearly 40% of patients meeting criteria for physical symptom disorder. The prevalence is 2.1%, higher in women than men.
A University of Michigan study reveals how certain genes activate cells that cause rheumatoid arthritis in mice, potentially leading to new treatments for both arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. The discovery challenges long-held theories on the association between HLA genes and autoimmune disorders.
Researchers found that rituximab can improve outcomes in patients with antiphospholipid antibodies who suffer from non-criteria APS manifestations. The study showed that rituximab may be effective in treating cognitive dysfunction, thrombocytopenia, skin ulcers, and kidney disease in aPL-positive patients.
Research finds women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have a two-fold increase in risk of preeclampsia. DMARD use during pregnancy may also pose a slight risk, with the severity of autoimmune disease contributing to the increased risk.
The American College of Rheumatology recommends using musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) to diagnose and manage rheumatic diseases. MSUS can provide a faster, more accurate diagnosis, better measurement of treatment success, reduced procedural pain, and improved patient satisfaction.
The newly approved guidelines educate patients on effective methods to prevent gout attacks, including dietary recommendations and lifestyle choices. The guidelines also provide recommended therapies for long-term management of gout, such as xanthine oxidase inhibitors and non-drug treatments.
Researchers found that community-based pharmacists can identify knee osteoarthritis patients and improve their quality of care, pain management, and function. The study suggests a novel approach to preventing and treating knee OA, highlighting the importance of multidisciplinary care.
Researchers found no statistically significant difference in mortality rates among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who were exposed to adalimumab, etanercept, or infliximab. The study of RA patients in Sweden compared overall mortality rates among those treated with individual TNF inhibitors.
Researchers found that RA patients primarily cite joint pain as the reason for their perceived change in disease activity, while physicians emphasize swollen joints. The study's results suggest a discrepancy between patient and physician perceptions of disease activity, with potential implications for improved shared decision-making.
A new study finds that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients receive regular cancer screenings, including breast, cervical, and colon cancer tests, at similar rates to the general population. The study's results challenge previous research suggesting RA patients receive fewer cancer screenings.
A recent study found that gout and hyperuricemia affect 8.3 million and 43.3 million Americans, respectively, with high rates of related medical disorders like hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and obesity.
A new study found that smoking significantly affects the response to anti-TNF treatment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, as measured by disease activity scores and clinical indices. Smoking cessation strategies may help maximize treatment effectiveness and improve quality of life for these patients.
A new study validates the RABBIT Risk Score as a tool to predict serious infections in RA patients treated with anti-TNFs or DMARDs. The score successfully predicted infections in patients with ≥1 risk factor, including chronic lung disease and age above 60 years.
A study found that 22% of European countries have no biologics reimbursed for rheumatoid arthritis treatment, with inconsistent criteria across the continent. This leads to unequal access to essential medications, affecting patients' health status and socio-economic welfare.
A retrospective analysis found that methotrexate injection was not more effective than oral therapy in treating juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The study suggests that the oral approach may be a more suitable option for pediatric patients, sparing them from the pain of injections.
The American College of Rheumatology has released new guidelines for the screening, treatment, and management of lupus nephritis. The guidelines include methods for identifying renal disease, newer therapies, and treatment of pregnant patients with kidney involvement. Patient survival rates are significantly lower when lupus nephritis ...
A recent study by CDC researchers found that one-third of US adults with arthritis experience anxiety or depression. Anxiety is nearly twice as common as depression among people with arthritis, despite more focus on the latter mental health condition.
A Mayo Clinic study of 813 adults with rheumatoid arthritis found that obesity accounted for 52% of the increase in cases among women from 1985-2007. The study suggests a potential link between excess weight and autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) has released updated guidelines for the use of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologic agents in treating rheumatoid arthritis. The new recommendations aim to improve treatment outcomes and quality of life for patients.
The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) has endorsed six standardized measures to determine rheumatoid arthritis disease activity. These measures are sensitive to change, can discriminate between low, moderate, and high disease activity states, and include remission criteria, making them feasible to perform in a clinical setting.
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis who discontinue statin therapy are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease and other causes. A population-based study found that RA patients should be advised to maintain medication compliance to reduce mortality risk.
The American College of Rheumatology has released the first classification criteria for polymyalgia rheumatica, aimed at improving diagnosis and treatment. The new criteria define key disease features that help identify patients with this condition.
A new study found that 2 in 5 adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were inactive, with motivation and beliefs about exercise being key risk factors. Researchers suggest that promoting physical activity can improve RA management and overall public health.
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 12-year longitudinal study found that 63% of women aged 50 and older reported persistent knee pain, with predictors including higher BMI and radiographic osteoarthritis. The study's findings confirm variable pain patterns and highlight the need for targeted treatment options.
A walking skills training program improved physical performance and self-reported physical functioning in patients with total hip arthroplasty. Patients who received the program showed significant improvement in walking distance and stair climbing abilities compared to those in the control group.
Scientists have identified two novel susceptibility genes, EDIL3-HAPLN1 and ANO6, related to bone formation and cartilage development. The study also confirms the previously reported association with HLA-B*27 variants, suggesting a complex interplay of immune mechanisms.
A special issue of Arthritis Care & Research provides over 250 patient outcomes measures for assessing adult pain, including tools for measuring sleep, fatigue, physical function, and depression. The updates aim to improve the care of patients with rheumatic conditions.