Articles tagged with Rheumatoid Arthritis
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...
A gluten-free vegan diet has been shown to lower blood levels of oxidized LDL-cholesterol and increase anti-PC antibodies, providing atheroprotective effects. This study suggests that diet can impact the immune system and reduce disease incidence.
A study published in Arthritis Research & Therapy found that a gluten-free vegan diet can lower cholesterol and oxidized LDL levels, while raising natural antibodies against phosphorylcholine in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. This may help protect against heart attacks and stroke.
Researchers analyzed data from the QUEST-RA study, which included 4,363 patients from 48 sites in 15 countries. The study found that treating rheumatoid arthritis with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs can lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes by up to 18%.
A recent study found that general practitioners diagnosed 79% of rheumatoid arthritis cases, but only 27% of those cases were referred to a rheumatologist. Furthermore, many patients were not even confirmed to have rheumatoid arthritis despite being seen by a specialist in the first three months after diagnosis.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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 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.