Articles tagged with Rheumatology
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 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 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 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.
Current smokers with early rheumatoid arthritis showed reduced response to treatment with methotrexate and tumor necrosis factor inhibitors. The study found that smoking history did not impact the effectiveness of these therapies.
Researchers found distinguishing characteristics of the ANA-HEp-2 test in healthy individuals and patients with autoimmune disease, reducing erroneous diagnoses. The study confirmed that the ANA-HEp-2 pattern is critical for diagnosing autoimmune disorders.
Current clinical practice deviates from medical evidence-based recommendations for osteoarthritis management. Researchers suggest that weight loss programs and exercise are essential but often overlooked by clinicians. The study aims to improve the quality of OA healthcare by promoting a patient-centered approach.
African Americans who smoke cigarettes have a higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA), with heavy smokers at greatest risk. The study found that limiting cumulative smoking exposure to less than 10 pack-years could prevent roughly one in six new cases of RA.
A recent study published in Arthritis & Rheumatism found that early diagnosis and treatment with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) can significantly improve outcomes for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Delayed treatment was associated with increased joint destruction and lower chances of achieving DMARD-free remission.
A new study finds that patients with knee osteoarthritis who also experience lower back or foot pain report more severe knee pain. Additionally, having multiple pain locations, including elbow pain, is associated with higher knee pain scores.
Researchers found that homeopathic consultations can significantly reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis when combined with conventional treatment. The benefits were attributed to the consultation process, not the remedies used.
A new assessment tool, SMILEY, helps shed light on the quality of life of children with lupus around the world. The study found that parents and children perceive the disease differently, with Asian countries reporting a better quality of life than Europe or South America.
A recent study identified factors that increase the risk of falls among orthopedic inpatients, particularly those undergoing total hip replacements. The study found that THR patients are more likely to have serious falls earlier in their stay, highlighting the need for close monitoring and vigilance.
Researchers identified advanced stage cancer as the key factor predicting joint pain in breast cancer patients on aromatase inhibitor therapy. The study also found that tenosynovitis, inflammation of tendon sheaths, was present in some symptomatic subjects, but no correlation with depression or autoimmune markers was observed.
Researchers present advances in preventing falls in orthopedic patients, improving quality of life in children with lupus, and understanding joint pain caused by breast cancer medication. The hospital also recognizes three faculty members as masters at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting.
Researchers found that etanercept treatment significantly increased mean height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) percentiles in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Growth improvements were observed in both etanercept alone and combined with methotrexate treatments.
Research by Imperial College London and UCSF suggests that anti-inflammatory drugs could help prevent cognitive problems after surgery. The study found that a specific inflammatory response in the brain triggers memory loss, and targeting this response with TNF inhibitors may be an effective treatment approach.
Research from Utrecht University reveals that anger and sadness amplify pain equally in both women with and without fibromyalgia. The study also found that emotional sensitization of pain may be especially detrimental in people who already have high pain levels.
The American College of Rheumatology has announced revised classification criteria for rheumatoid arthritis, allowing researchers to study patients earlier in the course of the disease. The new criteria aim to prevent joint damage and improve patient outcomes.
A new study published in Rheumatology found that moderate alcohol consumption may reduce the severity of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and risk. The study, which involved over 1,800 patients, showed a significant inverse association between frequency of alcohol consumption and RA severity.
Researchers found that regular aerobic exercise improves function, lessens joint pain, and increases quality of life in patients with stable rheumatoid arthritis. The study analyzed 14 studies and meta-analysis included 510 patients, showing that cardio-respiratory conditioning is safe and beneficial for this group.
Patients with concurrent anemia, lymphocytopenia, or hypocomplementemia are more likely to develop lymphoma and experience increased mortality due to pulmonary and hepatic involvement. The study found that liver and lung involvement and non-Hodgkin lymphoma development were also related to an increased mortality in pSS patients.
A study of 356 RA patients found that achieving disease remission leads to significant improvements in work productivity, quality of life, and physical functioning compared to low disease activity. Longitudinal analysis over one year showed stable emotional aspects and significant reductions in overall activity impairment.
Studies from France and Brazil reveal that rheumatic conditions like RA and SLE significantly impact emotional relationships and sexual activity, with many patients unwilling to seek help. Patients often experience physical problems such as decreased libido and joint pain, as well as emotional consequences like guilt and frustration.
Two studies confirm vitamin D deficiency is prevalent among patients with rheumatic conditions, including RA and osteoporosis. Supplementation with recommended daily doses fails to normalize vitamin D levels, highlighting the need for further research on effective treatment strategies.
A new registry reveals key differences in Chinese SLE patients compared to those studied in the US, Europe, and Malaysia. Chinese patients are more likely to present with haematological disorders and kidney disease, but less likely to experience neurological manifestations.
A new study found that SLE patients from Northern Europe tend to have photosensitivity, while those from Southern Europe experience more arthritis. The research highlights the impact of genetics on disease manifestations.
A multinational study has validated previous research showing NT-proBNP is a strong indicator for cardiovascular risk in arthritis patients. Early control of inflammation can help manage long-term CV risk associated with RA. Elevated inflammatory markers like CRP are also independent predictors of CV risk.
Studies show smoking predicts RA diagnosis and poor response to anti-TNFs, altering gene expression and immune response. Swedish studies confirm smoking risk for RA, while mouse models reveal similar changes in human cells.
A new study found that alcohol consumption is associated with a reduced risk of developing several arthritic conditions. However, the exact nature of this association remains unclear, with some researchers suggesting that moderate alcohol consumption may protect against systemic inflammation.
A recent study found a significant rise in rheumatoid arthritis incidence among women between 1995 and 2007. Researchers attribute the increase to environmental factors such as vitamin D deficiency, cigarette smoking, and lower-dose synthetic estrogens in oral contraceptives.
A study found that nearly one-third of RA patients and their physicians disagreed on assessing the disease severity. The disagreement was most prevalent in patients with depressive symptoms or poor overall function.
Researchers found African-Americans were less likely to have a varus thrust but more likely to have a valgus thrust than Caucasians. This disparity may help explain differences in knee osteoarthritis (OA) involvement at the knee.
A study published in Arthritis Care & Research found that obesity and physical inactivity contribute to a higher prevalence of arthritis and activity limitations in the US compared to Canada. Women are particularly vulnerable, with a higher incidence of arthritis and activity limitations in both countries.
Researchers have identified a biomarker that can help predict which patients with rheumatoid arthritis are likely to benefit from therapy with TNF-antagonist drugs. The study found that patients with higher baseline levels of type I interferon and increased IFN-beta/alpha ratio were more likely to respond to therapy.
Researchers found that touch typing training significantly improved keyboarding speed in RA workers, regardless of impairment. However, impairments in hand function were associated with reduced mouse speeds, highlighting the need for effective strategies to maintain productivity in computer users with RA.
A recent US study reveals that pediatric patients with rheumatic diseases have significantly lower mortality rates compared to previous studies. The Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance estimates that 300,000 children in the US suffer from some form of arthritis or rheumatic disease.
The study found that all three groups demonstrated improvements in physical function tests and decreased self-reported pain and disability. Self-management programs showed the highest compliance rates, leading researchers to suggest they may be an equally effective early treatment for knee OA.
A recent study found that increasing patient responsibility for medical decisions decreases their willingness to accept risky treatments. Patients who were presented with choices reported higher worry about risks and lower uptake of treatment.
A recent study published in the Journal of Rheumatology has found a clear link between smoking and skin problems in people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The study, led by Dr. Christian A Pineau, reveals that smokers are at higher risk for skin damage, including permanent hair loss and scarring from skin inflammation.
A comprehensive collection of 38 articles written by international experts provides a detailed overview of current rheumatology research. The resource covers basic, translational, and clinical research in rheumatology, offering clinicians and researchers a valuable reference work.
Over half of people with rheumatoid arthritis also have periodontitis, displaying fewer teeth and higher disease activity. Anti-TNF therapy improves periodontal status in RA patients, suggesting a link between the two conditions. Periodontitis may be a risk factor for developing RA, especially in non-smokers.