Articles tagged with Rheumatoid Arthritis
A meta-analysis of 70 randomized trials found that disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and glucocorticoids significantly reduced radiographic joint destruction, similar to biologic agents. Combination therapies also showed promise in reducing structural damage.
Researchers discovered a significant association between persistent statin use and reduced incidence of rheumatoid arthritis, compared to non-users. After adjusting for confounders, patients who used statins persistently had a lower risk ratio of developing rheumatoid arthritis, with no significant short-term effect.
Researchers have created a new animal model for rheumatoid arthritis that closely mimics the human disease. The KRN-CTM model exhibits chronic inflammation and cartilage damage similar to human cases.
A study by the University of South Florida found that the rheumatoid arthritis signaling protein GM-CSF reduces AD pathology and eliminates memory loss in mice. The researchers suggest that GM-CSF boosts immune cells to remove Alzheimer's plaques, improving memory decline.
Researchers found that gene variants associated with type-1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis confer previously unknown benefits to their human carriers. This suggests that the human race may be evolving towards greater susceptibility to complex diseases.
The new criteria redefine RA by classifying it based on the confirmed presence of synovitis in at least one joint, absence of alternative diagnoses, and a combined score from four domains. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent destructive joint damage with the help of synthetic and biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs.
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.
Researchers have discovered that ROCK2 protein is involved in regulating the production of IL-17 and IL-21, which are linked to autoimmunity. Administration of a ROCK inhibitor has shown promise in reducing disease symptoms and ameliorating conditions in mice models.
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.
Researchers found that patients treated with early combination disease-modifying antirheumatic drug therapy had less radiographic damage in small joints, even after 11 years. Early and aggressive treatment achieves excellent results for most patients, especially those who achieve strict remission at 1 year.
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.
A multinational study found that patients in rich countries are three times more likely to receive biologic treatments for rheumatoid arthritis than those in poor countries. The study also showed no impact of macro-economic status on RA patients' perceptions of disease severity, measured by patient-reported outcomes.
A study found that the presence of Breast Cancer Resistance Protein (BCRP) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients may indicate higher disease activity and create a barrier to DMARDs. BCRP was detected in 41% of RA patient samples, suggesting it could be a predictive marker for treatment resistance.
A US-based longitudinal cohort study found a positive association between incident RA and increasing tea consumption, with women who drank ≥4 cups of tea per day having a significantly increased risk. No correlation was found between coffee consumption and RA incidence.
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.
A UK study reveals that partners of RA patients experience common issues such as emotions and adaptation to the diagnosis. The research highlights the importance of offering support to partners at the time of diagnosis, which can lead to improved emotional outcomes for both parties.
A new study reveals that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients have a two-fold increased risk of myocardial infarction (MI), comparable to diabetes patients. The risk is particularly high in young women with RA, increasing six-fold for those under 50 years old.
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 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.
A new study found that 72% of women with RA experience daily physical pain, affecting emotional and social aspects of their lives. The study highlights the importance of reducing pain in managing RA and improving patients' productivity at work.
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.
A recent study by Boston University School of Public Health researchers found a strong association between vitamin D deficiency and an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis in women. The study, which analyzed data from the Nurses' Health Study, suggests that higher latitudes may lead to lower levels of vitamin D due to reduced sunligh...
Scientists at NYU Langone Health discovered a potential new target for treating rheumatoid arthritis by boosting the normal activity of regulatory T cells, which counterbalance conventional T cells' hyperactivity. The study reveals how an investigational drug wards off inflammation by holding an enzyme at bay.
Researchers at the University of Leicester have made a new discovery about how the body fights certain types of cancer and autoimmune diseases. A newly discovered protein, HVCN1, regulates antibody production and can be targeted for therapies to treat conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
Research found fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa) significantly inhibited disease progression of collagen-induced arthritis in mice. The study suggests potential drug development opportunities for arthritic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers used contrast-enhanced MRI to differentiate between rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, finding a significant difference in perfusion after 15 minutes. The study suggests that contrast-enhanced MRI could play a key role in targeted therapies for each condition.
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.
Researchers have identified several cytokines that increase significantly prior to rheumatoid arthritis disease onset, indicating immune system activation. Early diagnosis and treatment may prevent disease progression and improve quality of life for patients.
A researcher from Northwestern University has invented a novel way to halt and reverse rheumatoid arthritis by developing an imitation of a suicide molecule that targets hyperactive immune cells. The approach, tested on mice, showed promising results with a 75% success rate and no reported toxicity.
Researchers found that RA patients treated with rituximab in combination with methotrexate had the same immune response to the tetanus vaccine as those treated with methotrexate alone. However, patients on rituximab had a reduced response to the pneumonia vaccine compared to those on methotrexate alone.
Researchers found that RA patients treated with rituximab are partially protected by the influenza vaccine, but its effectiveness is drastically reduced in the first 6 months following treatment. The study's results suggest that RA activity was not influenced by the flu vaccine administration.
BG-12, an investigational oral therapy, shows promising results in reducing inflammation and neuroprotection in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The compound has activated the Nrf2 pathway, which defends against oxidative-stress induced neuronal death and supports myelin integrity.
Researchers found that chicken type II collagen (CCII) capsules improved joint function in RA patients with fewer side effects compared to the established antirheumatic drug methotrexate. Oral tolerance induction via dietary exposure is believed to contribute to this finding.
Family health history disclosure may not improve clinical decision making, according to researchers. Meanwhile, community-based interventions in developing countries have been shown to effectively reduce blood pressure. Early treatment of rheumatoid arthritis may also benefit from conventional DMARD therapy or biologics, but their cost...
A recent study by Swedish researchers found that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients taking anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy did not experience an elevated cancer risk. The study included data from 6,366 patients and compared their cancer risk to those who were not taking TNF inhibitors or using other immunosuppressant drugs.
Research found inflammation is associated with increased pain sensitivity at joint sites, while sleep problems are linked to increased pain sensitivity at both joint and non-joint sites. This study highlights the importance of considering inflammatory and non-inflammatory factors when evaluating pain in RA patients.
A new national network, TETRAD, will create a large database of treatment-response data and repository of DNA and blood cells from RA patients. This effort aims to predict which drugs will work best for individual patients and improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of current treatments.
A new Cochrane Systematic Review found that dynamic exercise programs improve aerobic capacity and muscle strength in RA patients. The study recommends routine practice of aerobic capacity training combined with muscle strength training as a standard treatment for RA.
Biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs are effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis, but direct comparisons of their effectiveness are needed. The researchers found that all biologics were very effective, with varying degrees of improvement in symptoms and adverse effect profiles.
Abatacept, a new biologic drug, is effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis by blocking immune cell actions, reducing pain and swelling. The review of seven trials found significant improvements in patients' symptoms and joint health, with no progression of joint damage at 12-month follow-up
Elsevier won 26 prizes in the 2009 British Medical Association Medical Book Competition, with Gray's Anatomy for Students and Elsevier's Rheumatoid Arthritis taking top honors. The company congratulated its authors and editors on their achievements, highlighting its commitment to quality content.
A study by researchers at the University of Wisconsin found a dramatic decline in rheumatoid vasculitis among US veterans between 2000 and 2006. The prevalence of RV decreased significantly, from 41 to 28 cases per 1,000 RA outpatients and from 32 to 15 cases per 1000 RA inpatients.
Researchers found a Chinese herbal remedy to be more effective than standard treatment in reducing symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. In contrast, elective induction of labor may reduce cesarean deliveries and improve fetal outcomes for pregnant women at term.
A new study published in The Lancet found that adding a TNF antagonist like infliximab to methotrexate treatment improves symptoms for patients with early rheumatoid arthritis who have not responded well to methotrexate alone. This approach can prevent overtreatment and reduce side effects and costs.
Studies reveal a significant positive association between depressive symptoms, CRP levels, and pain in RA patients. Higher levels of spouse depression predict worse disease course for individuals with RA.
A new study published in Nature Medicine suggests that the signal molecule tenascin-C can trigger chronic inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. High levels of tenascin-C in joints may cause the activated immune system to attack and lead to persistent inflammation.
Researchers found that golimumab significantly improved symptoms and function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis who had previously failed other treatments. A total of 35% of patients on 50mg golimumab and 38% on 100mg achieved a 20% improvement in symptoms, compared to 18% on placebo.
A clinical trial of masitinib has shown it to be well-tolerated and effective in reducing the severity of active rheumatoid arthritis. The treatment was found to significantly reduce inflammation and improve symptoms, with mild to moderate side effects.
A new study found that increased levels of specific cytokines and chemokines can predict the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) up to three years before symptoms appear. The study identified key biomarkers, including IL-17, which were significantly higher in individuals who went on to develop RA compared to controls.
A new study identified biomarkers associated with inflammation and joint erosion in early rheumatoid arthritis. Levels of sYKL-40 and sMMP3 were consistently linked to disease activity measures, suggesting their potential use as predictors of bone and cartilage damage.
A new study found that patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) whose symptoms first appear in winter or spring tend to have worse radiographic outcomes at six months compared to those with summer onset. The study suggests environmental factors such as vitamin D deficiency and winter viruses may contribute to this effect.
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...
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 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.
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.
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 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.