Articles tagged with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Researchers have found that hormone replacement therapy does not significantly affect the risk of developing or exacerbating rheumatoid arthritis. The study analyzed data from over 27,000 postmenopausal women taking part in a clinical trial, revealing no notable differences between those on hormone replacement therapy and placebo groups.
A study of 4,248 RA patients found that TNF inhibitors reduced heart failure risk when disease activity was high. The treatment also protected the heart and vital organs by reducing inflammation.
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 new study reveals that rheumatoid arthritis results in significant economic impact due to early retirement, with up to two-thirds of costs outside the healthcare sector. Patient access to disease-modifying biologic drugs is limited, particularly in Western Europe.
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.
Researchers identified the HLA-DRB1 gene as a predictor of premature death from cardiovascular disease in inflammatory arthritis patients. The study found that having two copies of the shared epitope allele increased the risk of death from all causes and cardiovascular disease, particularly among current smokers.
A comprehensive survey of rheumatic diseases in China found that the incidence of certain diseases is now more like Western countries. The study revealed that osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis affect different sites than Caucasian populations, with a higher prevalence among elderly people in northern China.
Anti-TNF compounds disrupt germinal centers, training grounds for immune cells in autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. The team found that these drugs eliminate abnormal B cell activity, raising the possibility of improved patient health.
Using modified-release prednisone significantly reduces morning stiffness duration in RA patients by adapting to circadian rhythms. The new formulation has a higher mean relative change of -22.7% and reduced morning stiffness time by 44 minutes compared to standard prednisone.
The National Arthritis Data Workgroup estimates over 46 million US adults have diagnosed arthritis or other rheumatic conditions. By 2030, this number is expected to rise to nearly 67 million, posing a significant burden on healthcare and public health systems.
Researchers found combining methotrexate with a biologic medication works better than using either alone. The combination also shows short-term results in reducing joint inflammation and improving quality of life.
The TOWARD study confirms Actemra plus DMARDs significantly improves RA symptoms and clinical remission rates compared to traditional DMARDs alone. Additionally, Actemra shows rapid normalisation of inflammation markers and improved quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic developed a simple approach to predict heart disease in rheumatoid arthritis patients, finding 85% of those 60-69 year olds had a 1 in 5 chance of developing serious cardiovascular events. The study emphasizes the importance of comprehensive cardiovascular risk assessment for all newly diagnosed patients.
A recent clinical trial demonstrated that 50% of patients with active early rheumatoid arthritis achieved clinical remission after one year of treatment with ENBREL plus methotrexate. The study also showed significant improvements in symptoms and joint damage, setting a new standard for earlier treatment of RA.
REMICADE has been used to treat more patients worldwide than all other anti-TNF-alpha agents combined. The treatment of patients with inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, has been transformed by the availability of REMICADE.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have identified a genetic variant on chromosome 6 associated with rheumatoid arthritis. The discovery may influence the behavior of a nearby gene, tumour necrosis factor associated protein (TNFAIP3), which is involved in inflammatory processes.
A Mayo Clinic study reveals no significant improvement in life expectancy for RA patients over the past four decades. Researchers found a widening mortality gap between RA subjects and the general population, with cardiovascular deaths contributing to this trend.
Scientists at Duke University Medical Center discovered how gold eases pain of arthritis by blocking release of HMGB1 from the nucleus, weakening inflammatory response. Gold inhibits HMGB1 release using interferon beta and nitric oxide, a promising mechanism for new treatments.
A genetic region on chromosome 9 containing two genes, TRAF1 and C5, has been identified as a potential contributor to rheumatoid arthritis risk. The study suggests that understanding the role of these genes may lead to new targets for therapy.
A study found that mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) therapy significantly improves psychological symptoms and well-being in RA patients, but has no impact on disease activity. After 6 months, the MBSR group achieved a 35% reduction in psychological distress.
A meta-analysis of 9 randomized trials found that static magnets have no effect on pain scores for patients with rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. However, the study suggests that further research is necessary to explore potential benefits for people suffering from osteoarthritis.
Researchers identified a consistent association between the TRAF1/C5 region and rheumatoid arthritis, suggesting a link to the inflammatory response. The study adds to accumulating evidence that this genetic region is associated with the disease, paving the way for further investigation into its role.
An international team of researchers has identified three new genes associated with rheumatoid arthritis, including TRAF-C5 and STAT4. The study analyzed the genomes of over 1,500 patients and 1,850 controls, revealing a broader understanding of the disease's genetic mechanisms.
Researchers have identified a genetic risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and lupus, with the STAT4 gene variant linked to increased disease risk in both conditions. The study suggests a shared disease pathway between RA and lupus, paving the way for potential new therapies targeting this pathway.
A study of 13,001 RA patients reveals that biologic treatment increases the risk of skin cancers, including melanoma, but not other types of cancer. The research suggests that current biologic therapy may be safe for RA patients, providing reassurance for those considering treatment.
A new study found that patients treated with HCQ were less likely to develop diabetes, and those who did were more likely to manage their disease without medications. The medication may also be suitable for people at high risk of developing diabetes as a preventive therapy.
Preliminary research suggests that hydroxychloroquine reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The study found a 38% lower risk among those taking hydroxychloroquine, which increased to 77% for longer-term users.
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...
Two new studies investigated patients' decisions regarding therapy for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and glucosamine use for osteoarthritis, finding that most RA patients prefer to maintain their current treatment as long as their condition doesn't worsen. The studies also highlighted discrepancies in clinical trial results for glucosamine...
Two studies identify smoking, low formal education, and glucose tolerance as independent predictors of rheumatoid arthritis. Smoking is associated with a higher risk, while better glucose tolerance is linked to a lower risk, suggesting alternative mechanisms may be at play.
A European multinational study showed that tocilizumab improved symptoms in 43.9% and 22% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, with a 70% improvement observed in over one-fifth, according to the first phase III trial results.
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.
Patients with ankylosing spondylitis who received REMICADE showed significant improvement in spinal mobility and reduced spinal inflammation over two years. This study found that REMICADE-treated patients experienced sustained reductions in spinal inflammation, as detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), compared to placebo group.
Research suggests that consuming three units of alcohol per week may reduce the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, with higher doses providing greater protection. Moderate alcohol consumption also appears to counteract the negative effects of smoking and genetic predisposition.
A study at EULAR 2007 found that early treatment with a combination of methotrexate and infliximab can induce clinical remission and reduce joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Almost one-fifth (17%) of patients reached clinical remission, while 51% were able to discontinue infliximab treatment.
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 multinational review of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) found significant national differences in disease severity, directly related to national health expenditure. The study, QUEST-RA, analyzed data from 100 patients across 21 countries and revealed a negative correlation between disease severity and GDP/health expenditure.
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.
Long-term steroid treatment decreases the risk of rheumatoid arthritis-related lymphoma, with benefits observed regardless of when treatment was started. The most pronounced protective effect was seen in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma subtype.
A new study has found that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptoms significantly improved during pregnancy, with 40% of patients experiencing a notable decrease in disease activity. Postpartum, 64% of patients remained stable or improved, while only 36% experienced flares.
A study of long-term Enbrel use found a consistent safety profile in patients with moderate-to-severe juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Sixty-one percent of patients completed four years of therapy, and 38% reached eight years without significant adverse effects.
New data demonstrates that MabThera effectively relieves RA symptoms and improves remission rates with subsequent courses of therapy. The safety profile remains consistent even after seven courses of treatment, providing confidence for physicians to make informed treatment decisions.
Three new drugs for rheumatoid arthritis have been approved, offering improved treatment options with reduced side effects and increased effectiveness. Rituximab, abatacept, and tocilizumab target different pathways to reduce inflammation and symptoms.
A new study has shown that long-term biologic treatment can significantly reduce disability in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, while maintaining a safe and effective profile. The analysis of over 2,000 patients demonstrates improvements in disability whilst safety was also sustained over the long-term.
University of Manchester researchers have identified evidence of several new genes behind rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic inflammatory disease that affects nearly all joints. The study, part of the largest ever genetics study, has provided insights into what leads people to develop RA and offers new avenues for treatments.
A University at Buffalo study finds that IL-17, a primary cause of bone destruction in autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, protects bones from infectious pathogens in the oral cavity. Researchers discovered that blocking IL-17's receptor increases susceptibility to periodontal disease.
A study found that green tea compound epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) inhibits production of inflammatory molecules involved in joint damage. EGCG also blocks the production of interleukin-6 and prostaglandin E2, reducing inflammation in joints.
A new study suggests that green tea compound epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) inhibits production of molecules that cause destruction of cartilage and bone in people with rheumatoid arthritis. EGCG also suppresses inflammatory products in connective tissue.
A study associates DRB1 shared epitope genotypes with increased risk of death in RA patients, particularly those who died young without clinical evidence of heart disease, highlighting the importance of genetic factors on mortality
A newly identified immunosuppressive protein, decoy receptor 3 (DcR3), is expressed in rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts and protects them from apoptosis. DcR3's expression is increased by TNFα, contributing to the excessive growth of synovial tissue in RA.
A study published in Arthritis Care & Research found that patients with rheumatic diseases experience increased psychological distress and depression, particularly due to appearance concerns. The results suggest that targeting appearance concerns can improve mood and reduce the impact of the disease on mental health.
Patients with RA have double the risk of death from cancer compared to the general population. However, RA patients do not have an increased risk of developing cancer. A long-term study found a 40% increase in mortality among those who suffered both RA and cancer.
Researchers identified 9 clinical variables that independently predict the development of rheumatoid arthritis in early arthritis patients. The formula allows physicians and patients to make evidence-based treatment choices, potentially avoiding serious complications associated with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs.
Researchers have developed a new breed of transgenic mice with autoimmune responses similar to human RA patients, revealing a significant sex bias. The study found that female mice developed arthritis at a higher rate than male mice, exhibiting all disease hallmarks at higher levels.
Research published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found that women with rheumatoid arthritis have a significantly lower chance of entering remission compared to men. After two and five years, approximately 32% and 31% of women were in remission respectively, compared to 48% and 52% of men.
A large-scale study found that immunosuppressive medications in RA patients may increase cardiovascular risk, particularly with cytotoxic agents and glucocorticoids. Biologic therapies, including TNF blockers, showed no protective effect against heart attacks or strokes.
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.
Enbrel, a biologic treatment, demonstrates sustained improvements in rheumatoid arthritis symptoms over up to nine years. Patients showed significant reductions in joint pain, stiffness, and disability.
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.
A population-based study of 393 patients with rheumatoid arthritis found that they aged at approximately 1.25 times the rate of people in the general population. This accelerated aging was consistent with increased mortality rates among RA patients, emphasizing the need for early diagnosis and intervention to address total health.