Articles tagged with Arthritis
Research found knee monoarthritis in 296 patients (4.4%) with rheumatic disorders, a rare condition associated with operable non-small cell lung cancer. The disease is challenging to treat unless caught early, and the discovery provides new insights into potential early warning signs.
A new study found that hip and knee replacements are rarely performed in patients over 100 due to concerns about short-term life expectancy. However, the research suggests that these procedures should not be denied solely based on age and that the benefits may outweigh the risks.
A new study found that racial disparities play a significant role in the development of disability among older adults with arthritis. The study, which included over 7,200 respondents, showed that African Americans and Hispanic/Spanish groups experienced significantly higher rates of disability compared to whites.
A new study shows surgery significantly improves results for patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis and spinal stenosis compared to non-surgical alternatives. Surgery provides quick relief from symptoms and improved function, especially within six weeks after the procedure.
A recent study published in Arthritis & Rheumatism found gabapentin to be an effective treatment for fibromyalgia pain, with patients reporting significantly less pain and improved sleep. The medication was well-tolerated, with mild side effects such as dizziness and sedation.
A long-term study found that drinking 4 or more cups of coffee per day dramatically reduces the risk of gout in men. The study, which followed 45,869 men for 12 years, showed a 59% lower risk of gout among those who drank 6 or more cups of coffee daily.
The cost of treating arthritis in the US has more than doubled between 1998 and 2003 due to the increasing number of people with the disease and inflation-adjusted prescription costs. Total medical care expenditures for arthritis patients increased by $88 billion annually, with estimated incremental costs reaching $81 billion.
The study found a significant increase in arthritis prevalence from 36.8 million to 46.1 million adults between 1997 and 2003. Medical expenditures for prescription drugs almost doubled during this period, while inpatient expenditures declined, resulting in stable total medical care spending for individuals with arthritis.
A new study estimates that 6.9 million US adults have arthritis-attributable work limitation (AAWL), with 1 in 20 working age adults reporting AAWL, and 1 in 3 among those with arthritis. Adults with AAWL have poor physical health and function, including high body mass index, joint pain, and frequent doctor's office visits.
Women in their 70s who engage in moderate physical activity may reduce their risk of developing frequent arthritis symptoms. The study found that increasing exercise to 2 ½ hours per week can further decrease the likelihood of these symptoms appearing.
A trial comparison found that COX-2 inhibitors like etoricoxib are associated with fewer upper gastrointestinal clinical events in patients with arthritis, compared to traditional NSAIDs like diclofenac. The study suggests that COX-2 inhibitors may be a safer alternative for pain management.
A study found that children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis had significant direct medical costs, including $1,686 per year. The study also highlighted the importance of long-term medical and social costs in resource allocation.
Researchers found that etanercept, a TNF inhibitor, had no impact on new cartilage or bone formation in mice with spontaneous arthritis. The study suggests that joint fusion and joint inflammation are separate processes, which should be considered as distinct therapeutic targets.
Scientists at NIH/National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases have successfully imaged the influenza virus using electron tomography, revealing five distinct types of particles. This breakthrough provides insight into the virus's structure and potential targets for vaccine development.
The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) has funded four new Centers of Research Translation (CORTs) to translate basic discoveries into new treatments for arthritis and related diseases. The CORTs will focus on lupus, X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets, scleroderma, and other conditions.
A University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine study found that gout is an independent risk factor for myocardial infarction (heart attack) in men with no previous history of coronary artery disease. Gouty arthritis was associated with modest elevations in blood pressure, age, and body mass index.
Despite well-documented exercise benefits, individuals with arthritis face various barriers, including pain, lack of support, and limited facilities. To overcome these challenges, healthcare professionals can prescribe exercise, expand arthritis-specific programs, and emphasize adaptations for physical limitations.
Researchers argue that COX-2 inhibitors, including Vioxx, are as effective as traditional NSAIDs but carry fewer gastric side effects. They suggest these drugs may be the best option for some patients without cardiovascular risk factors who cannot tolerate traditional NSAIDs.
Researchers found that leptin blockade improved clinical symptoms of disease, slowed progression, reduced relapses, and reduced antigen-specific T cells in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Additionally, the study suggests that leptin neutralization may be a potential way to treat multiple sclerosis.
The new CD-ROM provides a wide range of resources, including patient education brochures, professional educational materials, and web links to numerous useful resources. The CD-ROM has been overwhelmingly approved by healthcare professionals, who will use it to better understand and manage childhood rheumatic diseases.
Research shows that Viagra reduced demand for seals, sea horses, and tigers used in TCM treatments. The study surveyed 256 Chinese men aged 50-76, finding more men previously used TCM treatments than current users.
Researchers found that endomorphin 1, a natural painkiller, had no effect on chronic arthritis pain. The study suggests the need for alternative pain management strategies for long-term arthritis sufferers.
A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that baby boomers' obesity rates grew substantially compared to previous generations, leading to a surge in arthritis cases attributed to obesity. The researchers suggest that public health strategies could have a major impact on the lives of aging baby-boomers.
A life impact study found that adults with childhood onset ankylosing spondylitis experience more serious physical deformity and work-related disability than those who develop the disease as adults. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve symptoms and prevent long-term effects.
Researchers from Imperial College London identified an enzyme called IKKá, which acts as a 'brake' on immune cell pathways. By inhibiting IKKa activity, the body's ability to fight off infection increased, but also led to higher inflammatory responses.
A long-term study found that lack of regular vigorous physical activity was the strongest predictor of functional decline in older adults with arthritis. Engaging in exercise or physical activity can reduce functional deterioration by up to 32 percent, according to researchers.
Researchers identified phenolic compounds in pine bark extract with high biological activity, including potent inhibition of nitric oxide and prostaglandin production. The study suggests that consuming pine bark-based food supplements may help alleviate arthritis symptoms.
A new study led by McGill University aims to collect data on the safety of medical cannabis use in Canada. The COMPASS study will follow patients with chronic pain and assess various safety issues, including adverse events and cognitive function.
Researchers at Cornell University Institute for Health and Productivity Studies estimate that presenteeism costs companies up to 60% of total worker illness expenses. Common conditions such as allergies, headaches, and mental health problems incur significant on-the-job productivity losses.
Researchers question current disease treatment theory, suggesting new treatments targeting neutrophil leukocytes instead. The study's findings could lead to a re-evaluation of antioxidant therapies and a shift in medical practice.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that people with lupus are more likely to develop fatty deposits in their arteries, accelerating atherosclerosis. The risk is higher in patients who have had the disease longer and those who have used less immunosuppressive treatment.
Labral tears in hip cartilage have been identified as a common injury among professional golfers, with MRI scans revealing significant damage. Eight pro golfers underwent successful arthroscopic surgery to repair labral injuries, marking a significant shift towards earlier diagnosis and treatment of hip pain.
New studies aim to improve diagnosis and treatment for patients with Neuropsychiatric-SLE, a major cause of death among people with lupus. Researchers will investigate the underlying causes of NP-SLE using new tools and approaches.
A study comparing limb reconstruction and amputation after trauma found that patients undergoing both procedures experienced similar functional recoveries, with 53% returning to work within two years. Despite medical advancements, those with amputations had higher rates of rehospitalization for complications.
A study found that individuals with lower incomes and education levels are more likely to have severe arthritis but less likely to be on waiting lists for joint replacement surgery. Women from lower socio-economic backgrounds are also less likely to discuss joint replacement with their doctors.
A study found that mailed health promotions reduced outpatient visits by an average of 4.84 visits among arthritis patients, while increasing visits for high blood pressure patients. The interventions generated significant savings, supporting the potential cost-effectiveness of health mailings for managing chronic conditions.
Researchers aim to enhance understanding of artificial and natural knee joint failures, improve surgical procedures, and create longer-lasting implants. They are developing computational wear models that make quantifiable predictions of deterioration, enabling surgeons to select individualized knee designs.
A study of 1.2 million Medicare beneficiaries found that those with multiple chronic conditions are 99 times more likely to be hospitalized than those with none. This highlights the importance of better-coordinated primary care in reducing hospitalizations and costs.
A large multicenter clinical trial will randomly assign patients with tibial fractures to either reaming or non-reaming surgical groups. Surgeons will assess participants at six weeks, three months, and one year to determine the success of the operation.
Researchers at Texas A&M University are refining a process using small gold clusters to improve materials, including textiles and antifreeze. This could lead to more efficient and environmentally superior production methods.
Researchers found that hip laxity is a solid risk factor for canine arthritis, which affects an estimated 70-80 percent of dogs in certain breeds. Selective breeding to avoid high-laxity individuals could slash the incidence of canine arthritis within 10 years.
The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) has established a national family registry for scleroderma research. The registry will study families with one or multiple cases of the disease to identify genetic factors, environmental triggers, and susceptibility genes.
The Canadian Arthritis Network hosted a conference showcasing advancements in arthritis research and one-stop services for industry and government. The event featured key developments in therapeutics, diagnostics, and devices.
A series on rheumatology highlights key steps for diagnosing arthritis and managing related conditions. The series aims to address the growing need for accurate diagnoses and treatment plans in an aging population.
Steven J. Swoap, an assistant professor of biology at Williams College, has been awarded a $497,000 National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to investigate the mechanism of how restricting caloric intake lowers blood pressure. He will also receive a $95,783 NIH award to study why skeletal muscle becomes more fatiguable under disuse.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that immune system cells can attack normal cells carrying mimic molecules, leading to autoimmune diseases like arthritis. The study suggests subtle changes that could underlie many autoimmune diseases and offers a starting point for investigating environmental or genetic triggers.