Articles tagged with Rheumatology
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.
A new multinational study found that RA individuals in lower GDP countries are more likely to keep working despite higher disease activity and functional disability scores. The probability of individuals continuing work for 2 years was 80%, while the probability of continuing to work for 5 years was 68%. This highlights the significant...
Rheumatology patients want more information and open dialogue about their sexual health with healthcare professionals, but face barriers due to nurse embarrassment. Nurses agree that patient-initiated conversations are preferable, but often hesitate to share their expertise.
Three studies confirm etanercept's effectiveness in treating JIA, with improved HRQoL and reduced disease activity. The treatment showed a good safety profile, with most patients experiencing mild adverse events.
A study found that 63% of RA patients suffer from psychiatric disorders, with the majority being in the depressive spectrum. Cognitive dysfunction and sleep disorders were also common among patients. Those with depression exhibited more severe RA symptoms, including pain and functional insufficiency.
A new study found that 61.8% of AS patients showed substantial clinical benefit after 5 years on IFX therapy, including reduced arthritis and enthesitis. Patients who completed the trial demonstrated low disease activity, good functional status, and favorable spinal mobility.
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.
A new study found that childless women are diagnosed with chronic arthritides an average of 5.2 years before parous women. The study, which analyzed data from over 500 women, also found that nulliparous women have a higher educational level and may possess a lower disposition to developing arthritis.
A new EULAR study found that patients with elevated MRP8/14 levels are at increased risk of relapse after methotrexate withdrawal. The study suggests that tracking biomarker levels may help predict treatment responses in JIA patients.
A quarter of active RA patients on CP-690,550 (10mg and 15mg) achieved ACR70 at week 12. The study demonstrated dose-dependent efficacy and statistical superiority to placebo in nearly all clinical outcomes.
A study found that ultrasound significantly changed management decisions for 50% of patients with rheumatic hand and foot conditions. Ultrasound increased certainty in clinical findings, ranging from 24% to 56%, and led to a decrease in the use of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for difficult-to-assess patients.
A survey of 2,400 practicing clinicians found that only 65% were aware of at least one major clinical trial on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies. Clinicians who were aware of CAM trials reported greater ability to interpret evidence and acceptance of its value.
The guidelines aim to ensure physicians worldwide are aware of available treatments for patients with psoriatic arthritis. Newer medications inhibiting tumor necrosis factor (TNF) are recommended for consideration.
Rheumatoid arthritis incidence and prevalence are on the rise among women in the US, with a 54% increase in female cases from 36 to 54 per 100,000 annually, according to a Mayo Clinic study. Researchers believe an environmental factor may be contributing to this trend, which could indicate a need for further research.
The new guidelines update strategies for treating rheumatoid arthritis with a focus on preventing joint damage and disability. The recommendations include the use of methotrexate or leflunomide therapy, as well as anti-TNF agents in combination with these therapies.
A study found that abatacept reduced flare events and improved symptoms in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, but its design raised questions about its true effectiveness. The treatment was well-tolerated, but the study's limitations highlighted the need for further research to establish its role in treating this condition.
Adalimumab therapy shows promise in treating ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis patients who have failed other treatments. After 12 weeks of treatment, AS patients experienced a mean reduction in BASDAI of -2.4, while RA patients showed a mean reduction in DAS28 of -1.9.
A systematic step-up DMARD treatment schedule led to remission in 38.8% of early RA patients at week 24 and 52.1% at week 36. The researchers achieved these results through a tightly regulated treatment scheme involving methotrexate, sulfasalazine, adalimumab, and other medications.
A recent study found that general practitioners diagnosed 79% of rheumatoid arthritis cases, but only 27% of those cases were referred to a rheumatologist. Furthermore, many patients were not even confirmed to have rheumatoid arthritis despite being seen by a specialist in the first three months after diagnosis.
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are at a higher risk of developing depression due to chronic pain and functional disability. Only one in five RA patients discuss their symptoms with their rheumatologists, highlighting the need for improved communication about mental health.
A study of rheumatoid arthritis patients found that almost 11% experienced moderate to severe depression symptoms. Patients who were restricted in their activities were more likely to have these symptoms, and few discussed their condition with their rheumatologists.
Geisinger's rheumatology department redesigned osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis care by simplifying the ordering process for bone density scans. As a result, 88% of patients received the scan, compared to 18% previously, with quadrupling the number of patients who underwent testing.
Researchers evaluated mycophenolate mofetil to reduce lupus flares in SLE patients and found significant reductions, especially for severe flares. The treatment was effective even with reduced use of anti-inflammatory drug prednisone.
Research at University of Bath finds fibromyalgia pain caused by a mismatch between sensory and motor systems. The study suggests that confusing the brain's sensory-motor systems can exacerbate symptoms, and may even trigger pain flares.
Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston have identified two genes, ARTS1 and IL23R, that contribute to the development of ankylosing spondylitis, a chronic and disabling form of arthritis. This discovery is expected to lead to new therapies and potentially allow for early identification of patients at risk.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine are conducting a worldwide study on treating myositis, a rare autoimmune disorder. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of rituximab in improving symptoms of dermatomyositis and polymyositis, with 202 participants from North America and Europe involved.
Researchers found a genetic link between high levels of interferon-alpha and an increased risk of developing lupus. The study suggests that individuals with high interferon-alpha levels may be more likely to develop the disease, especially if triggered by environmental factors.
A study by USF Health found that rheumatologists consistently rate their patients' functional disability higher than the patients themselves, particularly in advanced stages of the disease. The researchers used the Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI) and evaluated 223 patients, finding that rheumatologist...
A study published at EULAR 2007 found that longer-term breastfeeding is associated with a lower risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis in mothers. The study, which involved 136 women with RA and 544 controls, suggested that naturally-induced hormones during breastfeeding may offer protective benefits against the disease.
Preliminary results show that 59% of patients receiving certolizumab pegol 200mg plus methotrexate achieved a 20% improvement in symptoms after 24 weeks, compared to 14% for those taking methotrexate alone. The treatment combination also resulted in higher ACR70 responses and lower discontinuation rates due to adverse events.
A study of 1041 RA patients found obese participants reported significantly increased ratings for pain and fatigue compared to normal weight counterparts. Obese patients also experienced worse physical functioning, with lower overall quality of life assessments.
A study at EULAR 2007 found that taking x-rays of the semi-flexed knee is the most reliable and responsive way to determine structural severity in knee OA. Measuring joint space width was shown to be more able to detect change over time or after treatment than other techniques.
Women with rheumatoid arthritis receive anti-TNF treatments at a higher level of disease symptoms than men, despite similar disease activity measurements. The study suggests that physicians often rely on objective markers rather than subjective measures, leading to unequal treatment.
Researchers tracked 172 patients with hand osteoarthritis for two years, showing a significant increase in pain intensity and functional limitations. Radiological progression was also detected in 20% of subjects, highlighting the need for early intervention to prevent irreversible progression.
A study published in Arthritis Care & Research found that older and lower-income patients with SLE are less likely to see a rheumatologist. Despite access to healthcare through Medicare and Medicaid, these patients face additional barriers to accessing specialized care.
Researchers at University of Michigan confirm fibromyalgia as a real condition characterized by lower pain threshold and associated with genetic factors. Studies using neuroimaging techniques reveal abnormalities in central brain structures and increased neural activity in patients.
A Mayo Clinic study found a significant association between rheumatoid arthritis and chronic lung diseases, with cumulative incidence rates increasing over time. The study followed 603 patients with RA for up to 30 years, revealing higher rates of obstructive lung disease and diffuse parenchymal infiltrative lung disease.
Repeat MabThera treatment improves physical and mental aspects of quality of life measures in RA patients, with significant improvements in disease symptoms and structure. The therapy also inhibits joint structural damage, providing evidence of radiographic progression inhibition.
The American College of Rheumatology and John Wiley & Sons launch The Rheumatologist, a monthly newsmagazine providing breaking news and information to rheumatology professionals. The publication will cover general research topics, clinical trends, and people-focused content.
A new study found that many primary care trusts in the UK are refusing to fund adequate treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, despite NICE approval. The study revealed a postcode lottery, where funding and access to effective treatments like anti-TNF therapy vary widely across the country.
A new study found that steroid injections can improve pain and stiffness in patients with late-stage hip osteoarthritis. The treatment was more effective than placebo in primary and secondary endpoints, offering hope for patients who have not responded to conservative therapy.
The study found that HAQ responsiveness decreases with increasing RA duration, suggesting an irreversible disability component. This makes it challenging to detect functional improvement and distinguish it from placebo effects.
The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) is urging governments to recognize the extraordinary burden of rheumatic diseases, which affect over 100 million Europeans. The campaign aims to secure a disability-specific EU directive to prevent discrimination across all services.
A large patient group observed for five years found that women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) had a more aggressive disease course compared to men. Only 32% and 31% of women were in remission at 2 and 5 years, respectively, whereas 49% and 52% of men achieved remission during the same period.
A double-blind phase III study found tocilizumab improved signs and symptoms of active rheumatoid arthritis by 80.3% at 24 weeks, compared to 25.0% for methotrexate. The treatment was well-tolerated, with few adverse events reported.
A study across 5 Norwegian departments found that anti-TNF treatments worked better in patients with PsA and AS compared to RA. The combination of anti-TNF and MTX was shown to improve adherence and outcomes in these groups, while monotherapy was more effective for RA patients.
A recent study found that methotrexate can delay and prevent the progression of rheumatoid arthritis in patients. Patients who showed a positive anti-CCP test benefited the most from the treatment, indicating a lower risk of developing full-blown RA.
The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) has developed core recommendations for rheumatology care in Europe, focusing on key disease areas such as musculoskeletal disorders and gout. These guidelines aim to enhance the standard of care across the continent and provide valuable resources for healthcare professionals.
A study found rodeo athletes recover from whiplash injuries faster and report fewer symptoms compared to spectators, suggesting a different attitude toward injury. The team plans to investigate why rodeo athletes can continue working despite being trampled by bulls.
Researchers explore rheumatic pain mechanisms, debunking common misconceptions. Comprehensive treatment approaches are discussed, including exercise, dietary supplements, and opioid analgesics.
Golimumab, a fully-human anti-TNF-alpha monoclonal antibody, achieves primary endpoint and shows significant improvement in signs and symptoms of moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis. Patients receiving golimumab plus MTX achieved higher ACR response rates compared to placebo.
Researchers have identified a link between lupus patients and an overabundance of specific immune cells in their tonsils, which may lead to the disease's characteristic auto-reactivity.
The hospital will train four fellows a year in pediatric rheumatology, addressing the shortage of specialists due to limited certification. Dr. Raphael Hirsch's lab is working on finding new targets for therapy and improving diagnosis.
Researchers in The Netherlands found a positive trend in rheumatoid arthritis disease activity over the last decade, coinciding with more aggressive treatment strategies. The study showed that patients diagnosed with RA within the last ten years had less severe disease activity and a more favorable course of their disease.