Articles tagged with Rheumatoid Arthritis
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.
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
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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 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 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 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 new study found that re-treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients who failed initial treatment with rituximab after six months significantly improves clinical responses, including complete remission and EULAR responses. This strategy provides hope for patients classified as non-responders.
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.
A supervised exercise programme improved physical function, reduced steroid need, and decreased depression and anxiety in people with rheumatoid arthritis. Patients showed significant improvements in HAQ disability index, sit and stand test, and walk time test.
A study of 133 women with rheumatoid arthritis found that symptoms such as pain and depression significantly impacted sleep quality. Treating depression may also improve pain and medication adherence, according to researchers.
A recent study found that individuals with rheumatoid arthritis experience significant disturbances in their body clock, leading to worsening of symptoms. The research identified a specific genetic pathway responsible for interactions between the genes regulating the body clock and those exacerbating arthritis symptoms.
Researchers at Northwell Health have identified a new risk factor gene, REL, associated with rheumatoid arthritis. The study found that this gene is common in people in North America and may confer an important survival advantage.
A new study by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reveals that surgical intervention is beneficial for RA patients with severe hand deformities. Researchers found positive self-reported outcomes and statistically significant improvement in both early and late-stage patients after reconstruction.
A new study found that all HLA-DRB1 shared epitope alleles strongly interact with smoking in conferring an increased risk of ACPA-positive RA. Smoking is identified as the main risk factor for developing rheumatoid arthritis, with a strong gene-environment interaction observed.
A study found that specialty tiering and high coinsurance in Medicare Part D plans impose a heavy financial burden on rheumatoid arthritis patients. Patients with high-cost biologic DMARDs may delay or discontinue therapy due to high out-of-pocket costs.
Researchers studied postmenopausal women with RA, finding that hip bone mineral density correlated with bone erosion but not spine BMD. The study suggests that inflammation may play a role in both focal erosions and osteoporosis.
Researchers found that treating gum disease improved rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, including reduced swollen joints and morning stiffness. The study's results suggest a link between periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis, highlighting the importance of good oral health in overall well-being.
A new study found that people with arthritis experience significant difficulties with computer use due to pain, restricted movement, and muscle weakness. The study suggests that providing individuals with arthritis with strategies and equipment can reduce work limitations and prevent disabilities.
African American patients are more likely to prioritize risks over benefits when making treatment decisions, which may contribute to disparities in care. The study's findings suggest that physicians should confirm patients' expectations and ensure they have an informed understanding of available treatment options.
A new study reveals genetic risk factors for autoantibody-negative RA and show that these risks also apply to ACPA-negative RA. The study found a high heritability of RA in both forms, with HLA SE alleles contributing less to the genetic variance of ACPA-negative RA.
Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine discovered that immune cells from patients with rheumatoid arthritis have trouble turning on the enzyme that replenishes telomeres, leading to premature aging. This finding suggests that restoring defective telomerase could help 'reset' the immune system in rheumatoid arthritis.
A recent study has identified Placental Growth Factor (PIGF) as a key player in the inflammatory process of rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers found that PIGF stimulates the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNFα and IL-6, contributing to joint destruction.
Researchers have demonstrated that gene therapy can reduce pain and swelling in patients with advanced rheumatoid arthritis. The therapy involves implanting a normal gene to compensate for a defective gene, resulting in lower amounts of disease-related proteins and reduced symptoms.
Researchers have identified new folate antagonists that selectively target activated macrophages in the joints of RA patients. These agents show high binding affinity for folate receptor β, a highly specific pathway involved in rheumatoid arthritis.
Research published in BioMed Central's Arthritis Research and Therapy found that women experience more severe symptoms, greater disability, and poorer treatment outcomes compared to men. The study of over 6,000 patients revealed a significant gender gap in disease activity measures, treatments, and clinical characteristics.
Researchers found that tiny structures in the joint lining mimic antibody-producing lymph nodes and support specific antibody production, potentially leading to joint destruction. The processes can occur independently of the body's lymph nodes, suggesting a new treatment modality for rheumatoid arthritis targeting lymphoid structures.
A new study found a population of anergic B cells in the blood of healthy adults, which accounted for 2.5% of circulating B cells. These cells may contain precursors to self-attacking immune cells seen in autoimmune diseases like lupus and RA.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have successfully treated periodontal disease using gene therapy, showing over 60-80% sparing of periodontal tissues. The approach delivers an inactivated virus to produce more of a naturally-produced molecule that soaks up excessive levels of tumor necrosis factor.
A recent study published in Arthritis Research & Therapy found that more effective use of existing arthritis treatments is crucial for achieving better patient outcomes. The research, led by Isidoro González-Alvaro, suggests that disease activity and disability have improved independently of new therapies.
Researchers have created a new strategy for controlling autoimmune responses in rheumatoid arthritis by genetically engineering Foxp3 regulatory cells. These cells can be activated to suppress the immune response, potentially reversing or inhibiting the disease process.
Researchers discovered that using hydroxychloroquine reduces diabetes risk in rheumatoid arthritis patients by 53%. The study suggests HCQ improves glucose tolerance, preventing diabetes onset.
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.
Research at the American College of Rheumatology 2008 Annual Meeting found that rheumatoid arthritis patients are at a higher risk of dying from heart-related complications after a heart attack. Biomarkers have been identified to determine the most effective treatment for muscle tissue inflammation and age-related bone loss in men and ...
Researchers have identified Smurf1 as a signaling partner that damages bone in rheumatoid arthritis, guiding the development of new drugs to reverse bone loss. The study also suggests potential applications against osteoporosis by targeting Smurf1 with specific drugs.
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.
Arthritis treatment drugs show promise in treating atherosclerosis and other autoimmune diseases by targeting cytokines, protein messaging molecules released by immune cells. The discovery of anti-cytokine therapy holds potential for treating multiple biological processes and unmet medical needs.
A combination treatment with methotrexate and etanercept improves remission rates by 50% and radiographic non-progression by 21% compared to methotrexate alone. The treatment also increases the ability of patients to remain in employment, with significant implications for employers and society.
Research from Hospital for Special Surgery found that individuals born with a birthweight over 10 pounds are twice as likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis as those with average birthweight. A study of 87,077 women identified a significant association between high birthweight and rheumatoid arthritis.
A large cohort study of over 87,000 women found that heavy birthweight female babies are twice as likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis in adulthood. The findings support the fetal origin of disease theory, suggesting that certain conditions and diseases may be programmed by factors during pregnancy.
A new DNA microarray chip has been developed to predict severe disability and remission in RA patients, using genetic markers. The chip improves the accuracy of clinical scores in predicting functional impairment and disease remission.
Researchers found that RA disease factors and CVD risk factors have a comparable impact on the risk of myocardial infarction or stroke. The study, which analyzed data from the CORRONA registry, identified specific RA factors such as nodules, HAQ-DI, and CDAI that increase the risk of cardiovascular events.
Rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory rheumatic diseases increase cardiovascular risk; EULAR Task Force recommends adapted risk calculators and lifestyle changes to mitigate this risk. Aggressive inflammation suppression also lowers CV risk in patients with these conditions.
New data from the ATTEST Trial shows that abatacept and infliximab can significantly improve clinical responses in methotrexate-refractory rheumatoid arthritis patients over time. Long-term treatment with these medications yields sustained benefits for managing chronic disease.
Researchers found that infants hospitalized for infection before their first birthday had a higher likelihood of developing JIA or adult rheumatoid arthritis later in life. The study also identified other factors, such as low birth weight and longer gestational periods, that may affect arthritis risk.
A new study found that 30.1% of patients with refractory rheumatoid arthritis achieved disease remission with tocilizumab plus methotrexate. The treatment showed significant clinical improvements in efficacy and safety, with low rates of serious adverse effects.
Studies find RA patients have a double risk of CVD events compared to the general population. The risk is comparable to that of people with type 2 diabetes. Healthcare professionals should advise patients on healthy lifestyle and early symptoms.