Articles tagged with Rheumatology
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Dr. Abramson is recognized for his research and contributions to the field of rheumatology, with over 200 publications in top-tier journals. He has also held key positions in academic institutions and regulatory agencies.
Women under 50 with rheumatoid arthritis are more likely to break bones than their counterparts, according to a Mayo Clinic study. Researchers found that even in younger patients, the condition increases fracture risk, particularly in women.
A study found that lupus patients with low socioeconomic status often miss appointments due to transportation and childcare issues. The researchers suggest improving transportation services or temporary childcare as a potential approach to ensure these patients receive necessary care.
Women with lupus can safely carry out pregnancy thanks to recent advances in rheumatology research, according to a study led by Jane Salmon. The study found that 80% of patients had a favorable pregnancy outcome when they had inactive lupus at the time of conception.
Experts from NYU Langone Medical Center presented new research findings on osteoarthritis, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis at the American College of Rheumatology 2011 Annual Scientific Meeting. A study found that increased prescription of narcotic analgesics for OA in the elderly is associated with increased falls and fractures.
Gout patients who wear poor footwear experience higher foot-related pain, impairment and disability due to lack of comfort, fit, support and adequate stability. Comfort, fit, support and cost are key factors influencing footwear choice among gout patients.
A study by researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine found that close supervision by rheumatologists and the use of immunosuppressant drugs can improve the survival of lupus patients with end-stage kidney disease. Patients who visited their rheumatologist regularly had significantly higher four-year survival rates compared to ...
A study published in Arthritis & Rheumatism found a strong association between cam-type deformities and early signs of hip damage in young, asymptomatic males. The researchers detected 67 definitive cam-type deformities, which were more common in men with higher body mass index and decreased internal rotation.
A clinical trial shows that chondroitin sulfate significantly decreases pain, improves hand function, and relieves morning stiffness in patients with osteoarthritis of the hand. The study found that 800 mg of chondroitin sulfate improved grip strength and reduced pain compared to a placebo group.
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis who have higher self-efficacy for physical activity are more likely to achieve their goals. Achieving these goals is associated with reduced arthritis pain and increased health-related quality of life.
Dr. Joanne Jordan has received the 2011 Distinguished Service to Rural Life Award from the Rural Sociological Society for her outstanding contribution to enhancing rural life and rural people through her work on the Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project, which improved health outcomes in rural North Carolinians.
A new study finds that gout prevalence has risen significantly in the US adult population, affecting 8.3 million people, while hyperuricemia affects 43.3 million adults. The study suggests that managing modifiable risk factors like obesity and hypertension could help prevent further escalation of gout and hyperuricemia.
Research reveals high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in psoriatic arthritis patients, but lacks correlation between vitamin D levels and disease activity. Vitamin D insufficiency was more common in northern regions during winter months.
A new study published in Arthritis & Rheumatism found that male smokers had a lower risk of undergoing total joint replacement surgery compared to non-smokers. High body mass index (BMI) and vigorous physical activity were also linked to an increased risk of arthroplasty in men, particularly those over 70 years old.
A recent study found that 91% of clinical trials with financial conflicts of interest reported positive outcomes, compared to 66.7% without FCOIs. Authors receiving consulting fees from industry had the strongest correlation with positive trial results.
A recent study published by the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) found that arthritis patients treated with anti-tumour necrosis factor agents do not have an overall increased cancer risk. The nine-year follow-up study showed no significant difference in cancer risk among patients with rheumatoid arthritis, ps...
A study of 98,454 patients found that RA patients were approximately 20% less likely to receive standard MI treatments after a heart attack. This trend remained relatively unchanged over time, highlighting potential undertreatment of cardiovascular disease in these patients.
A Chinese study shows that HPV vaccine Gardasil does not increase disease flares or antibody measures in inactive SLE patients receiving stable medications. The study confirms the safety of Gardasil vaccination to prevent HPV infection in this population.
A UK survey found variations in approaches to treating women with rheumatic conditions during pregnancy, with some clinicians continuing treatment while others discontinued it. Guidelines for managing this patient population are also lacking, with only 25% of rheumatologists and 6% of obstetricians having locally developed guidelines.
A Phase III study presented at EULAR 2011 found that tofacitinib achieved significant improvements in symptoms and activity scores for patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA), including improved ACR20 responses in 58.3% of patients, and a higher proportion of patients achieving ACR50 and ACR70 responses compared to placebo
A study of 1032 patients with early RA found that initial treatment with adalimumab plus methotrexate provided high levels of disease control, with 44% achieving sustained low disease activity. Patients who continued treatment maintained good clinical and radiographic responses, even after withdrawing treatment.
A new study reveals that adults with arthritis experience poorer health-related quality of life compared to those without the condition. The analysis found significant associations between low HRQOL, factors such as income, employment, access to care, diabetes, and physical inactivity.
The new guidelines provide evidence-based guidance for the initiation and safety monitoring of multiple medications used in treating JIA, including biologic therapies. The recommendations aim to improve short- and medium-term outcomes for children with JIA.
A case study reports that singing lowered a 76-year-old woman's blood pressure from 240/120 mm Hg to acceptable levels for knee replacement surgery. The patient's blood pressure remained lower after continued singing for several hours, and she was cleared for successful surgery.
Research published in Arthritis Care & Research found that traffic accidents increase the likelihood of developing chronic widespread pain by 84%. Individuals with poorer health or psychological issues may be more prone to developing this type of pain following a traumatic event.
Modified-release sildenafil reduced the frequency of Raynaud's phenomenon in patients with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis by 44%, according to a recent clinical trial. The treatment was well-tolerated, with only minor or moderate side effects reported.
A study found that bunion deformity progressively reduces health-related quality of life (HRQOL), affecting general and foot-specific well-being. Hallux valgus severity is linked to increased impairment and lower scores in pain and function subscales.
A recent study found that low socioeconomic status is associated with higher rates of depressive symptoms in RA patients. Researchers analyzed data from 466 patients and found significant disparities in mental health outcomes between those with high and low SES.