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Penn uncovers dose of medication more likely to put patients with pemphigus into remission

Researchers at Penn Medicine have discovered that a higher dose of rituximab is more likely to put patients with pemphigus into complete remission compared to the standard treatment regimen. The study found that patients over 65 had a nearly 10-fold greater chance of achieving complete remission, while those with moderate to severe obe...

'Locking' an arthritis drug may be key to improving it

Researchers attach a removable lock to an arthritis drug to reduce systemic immune suppression and neutralization, making it safer and more effective. The modified form of the antibody shows promise in treating rheumatoid arthritis with fewer infections and less development of anti-infliximab antibodies.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 13, 2019

Disease burden in osteoarthritis is similar to rheumatoid arthritis

A new study reveals that osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have comparable impacts on patients when first visiting rheumatologists. Treatment significantly improves RA outcomes, whereas OA experiences a higher burden of disease, highlighting an urgent need for improved treatments.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateMar 20, 2019

Yoga regimen reduces severity of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms

A study published in Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience found that eight weeks of intensive yoga practice significantly decreases the severity of physical and psychological symptoms in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis. The results show marked improvements in inflammatory biomarkers, functional status, and disease activity.

SourceIOS Press·JournalRestorative Neurology and Neuroscience·DateFeb 5, 2019

Novel PET imaging method more fully evaluates extent of rheumatoid arthritis inflammation

A new PET imaging method evaluates the extent of rheumatoid arthritis inflammation by targeting translocator protein (TSPO) expression in joint lining tissue. The study demonstrates that TSPO PET can image not only synovial macrophages but also activated synovial fibroblasts, a critical process in RA pathogenesis.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJul 9, 2018

Rates of depression and anxiety may correlate with disease activity in early RA

A study suggests that rates of depression and anxiety in early RA patients correlate with measures of disease activity, particularly inflammation. Depression scores were significantly associated with inflammatory markers like c-reactive protein, while anxiety scores were linked to female gender, younger age, and low body mass index.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateJun 15, 2018

Early, intensive treatment of RA offers long-term benefits, may normalise mortality rates

A 23-year follow-up study suggests early, intensive treatment of rheumatoid arthritis can lead to long-term benefits, including normalization of mortality rates. The study found that patients treated with a combination of medications had lower mortality rates compared to those treated with a single medication.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateJun 15, 2018

Frequency of joint replacements halved in rheumatoid arthritis patients between 1997-2010

The frequency of joint replacements in rheumatoid arthritis patients decreased by 51.9% over the past decade, suggesting improved treatment strategies. Biological therapy was found to have a limited impact on this reduction, with no significant association with total hip replacement or knee replacement procedures.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateJun 15, 2018

Significant increase in self-harm attempts following ankylosing spondylitis diagnosis

A population study shows that individuals with AS are almost twice as likely to self-harm compared to their comparators. The most frequent method of self-harm is poisoning or self-mutilation. This study highlights the need for routine evaluation of self-harm behavior in patients with chronic inflammatory arthritis.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateJun 14, 2018