Articles tagged with Rheumatoid Arthritis
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 ...
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.
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.
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.
RA patients prioritise pain, function, and fatigue when evaluating disease impact; trust in physicians, potential benefits, and payment are key motivators for clinical trial enrolment.
Epidemiological Investigation of Rheumatoid Arthritis (EIRA) study reveals a protective effect of oily fish intake on developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA), with a 20-30% reduced risk. Psychosocial stress and smoking, however, increase RA risk through dose-dependent mechanisms.
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.
A new study found that low hand bone mineral density is a significant predictor of mortality in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Bone mineral density measured by digital X-ray radiogrammetry was as effective as established means like radiographic damage and functional disability in predicting mortality.
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.
Baminercept alfa, a dual-mechanism inhibitor of the LT-β and LIGHT pathway, has shown improved efficacy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, including reduced swollen joint count and tender joint count. The Phase IIa trial results suggest that baminercept alfa is well-tolerated and may be effective in treating RA
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.
Golimumab shows significant improvements in physical function, disease activity, and remission rates in patients with active RA despite ongoing treatment with MTX. The combination therapy also achieves clinically relevant improvements in HAQ scores.
Researchers found that RA patients are nearly eight times more likely to have periodontal disease than healthy controls. The study suggests that impaired oral hygiene is only part of the connection and that other systemic inflammatory disorders may play a role.
A Phase 3 study demonstrated significant improvements in signs and symptoms, physical function, and disease activity in RA patients who received golimumab after being previously treated with anti-TNF agents. The study showed sustained improvements through six months.
Research published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found that moderate alcohol consumption reduces the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis by up to 50%. The study, which involved over 2,750 participants, also highlighted the importance of quitting smoking as a key preventive measure.
A survey of infectious diseases physicians found that patients taking immune-modulating therapies are at risk for nontuberculosis mycobacterial infections, histoplasmosis, and invasive S. aureus infections. Clinicians should be vigilant for these infections, particularly in patients with underlying lung disease.
Feldmann and Maini were selected for their role in the discovery of TNF-alpha as a therapeutic target for rheumatoid arthritis. Their pioneering work led to the development of anti-TNF drugs, transforming treatment for chronic inflammatory conditions.
Researchers at the University of New Hampshire Glycomics Center have identified a specific carbohydrate structure that confers anti-inflammatory activity to a glycoprotein antibody. This discovery may lead to improved treatment options for autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
A study published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found that breastfeeding for more than a year halves the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Women who breastfed for 13 months or more were 50% less likely to get the disease.
The UK's NICE rejected abatacept for treating rheumatoid arthritis due to its estimated cost-effectiveness ratio. Despite being one of the most effective treatments, it was deemed too expensive for the NHS. The decision has raised concerns about balancing clinical efficacy with resource constraints.
A recent study found that new anti-TNFα drugs are better than standard treatments for RA, with patients experiencing improved response when combined with methotrexate therapy. However, these drugs also have a higher frequency of adverse side effects, particularly at high doses.
The anti-arthritis drug tocilizumab has been proven effective in two separate trials involving both adults and children. In the adult trial, patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis showed significant improvements in signs of RA. In the pediatric trial, children and young adults with systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arth...