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Link between mood, pain in rheumatoid arthritis patients

Researchers link positive and negative mood to daily pain in rheumatoid arthritis patients, suggesting that interventions targeting depression and momentary mood may improve pain and quality of life. The study's findings may have implications for individuals with chronic pain beyond rheumatoid arthritis.

SourcePenn State·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateJul 28, 2015

Ultrasound identifies RA patients in clinical remission who need more intensive treatment

Two studies show ultrasound can identify RA patients in clinical remission with active subclinical synovitis, highlighting the risk of progressive joint damage. High-resolution ultrasound diagnoses active subclinical synovitis identifies patients who benefit from more intensive treatment.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateJun 12, 2015

Validated measurements of fatigue should be used to optimize its treatment in RA

Fatigue remains a debilitating problem for RA patients, with healthcare professionals often failing to measure it. New guidelines recommend validated fatigue measurements to improve patient outcomes. In contrast, treatment aimed at achieving disease remission is unlikely to be effective in addressing fatigue.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateJun 12, 2015

Intensive initial therapy with triple DMARDs improves functional ability in early RA

The tREACH trial found that combination DMARDs (methotrexate, sulfasalazine, and hydroxychloroquine) improve measures of disease activity and functional ability in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis. This suggests an earlier decrease in disease severity and improvements in functional ability compared to monotherapy.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateJun 10, 2015

Team publishes findings about compound with potential for treating rheumatoid arthritis

A team of researchers from Montana State University has identified a new chemical compound called IQ-1S that shows promise in treating rheumatoid arthritis. The study found that IQ-1S significantly reduced the severity of collagen-induced arthritis and inhibited the destruction of cartilage and bone.

SourceMontana State University·JournalJournal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics·DateMay 21, 2015

Patients grapple with high cost of arthritis medications

A recent study found that patients with rheumatoid arthritis face high initial copayments and then fall into a coverage gap, where they pay 45% of drug costs. This financial burden can be substantial, with some patients paying over $2,700 annually before receiving relief from catastrophic coverage.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateApr 21, 2015

Anti-inflammatory drug counters obesity in mice

A study led by Tokyo Medical University researcher Toshihiro Nakajima found that an anti-inflammatory drug can counteract obesity in mice by regulating mitochondrial biogenesis and fatty acid breakdown. The drug, LS-102, inhibits the Synoviolin gene, leading to increased energy control pathways.

SourceEMBO·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateFeb 19, 2015

NIH announces network to accelerate medicines for rheumatoid arthritis and lupus

The National Institutes of Health has established an Accelerating Medicines Partnership in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus (AMP RA/Lupus) Network to transform the current model for identifying promising biological targets for new drugs and diagnostics. The network will analyze interplay among biological pathways, including at the single...

Study shows cognitive-behavioral coping skills training has positive effects on rheumatoid arthritis

A study by Wayne State University researchers found that cognitive-behavioral coping skills training significantly improved RA patients' pain and mood for at least a year. In contrast, written emotional disclosure had only short-term benefits on joints and functioning. The combination of both therapies showed no unique benefits.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·DateAug 22, 2014

Curing arthritis in mice

A new fusion molecule has been developed to treat rheumatoid arthritis in mice, with promising results showing the animals' symptoms disappear completely. The therapy targets specific immune messengers and reduces side effects by concentrating the active substance at the site of disease, offering a potential long-term cure.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 6, 2014