In a nutshell
The authors determined if patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at a greater risk of experiencing severe pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas – a gland in the stomach).
Some background
In RA, high levels of immune system proteins are generated. This causes inflammation, leading to chronic pain and structural damage in the joints. In addition to joints, RA can directly or indirectly affect other organs of the body. Pancreatitis is another health condition associated with RA . Although rare, pancreatitis can be a life-threatening complication in RA patients if it is not treated properly.
To evaluate the risk of acute pancreatitis in RA patients, larger patient population studies are needed.
Methods & findings
The authors aimed to determine if RA was a risk factor for developing severe pancreatitis and whether this risk was associated with different RA drugs.
29,755 adults with RA and 119,020 non-RA adults were included in this study. The total follow-up period was 11 years.
The RA group had a higher occurrence of severe pancreatitis compared to the non-RA group. Patients with RA had a 62% increased risk of developing severe pancreatitis compared to adults without RA. There was a 17% reduced risk of experiencing acute pancreatitis for RA patients who were treated with oral corticosteroids (steroid hormone used to prevent inflammation). This effect did not depend on the dose of the drug. Other commonly used RA drugs did not decrease the occurrence of acute pancreatitis. These drugs included DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs) and TNF-blockers (drugs that block the activity of TNF- a substance in the body that can cause inflammation).
The bottom line
The authors concluded that patients with RA were at an increased risk of experiencing acute pancreatitis. They also indicated that oral corticosteroid might decrease the risk of acute pancreatitis in RA patients.
Published By :
PLOS ONE
Date :
Aug 11, 2015
My wife has been diagnosed with rhumitoid arthritis at the age of nine years old. She is sixty now, she had her galblater removed ten years ago. Now she has a pancreas that has inflammation, they did a endoscopy and biopsy
RA has damaged her eyes, bones, heart ears, lungs and many different things. Is there anything that can be done to help her?
It is so important to be an informed patient and caregiver. Sign up for Medivizor to learn about new treatments that are available for RA. Seek out a second opinion if you feel that your loved one is not getting the treatment she needs. I wish you and your wife the best. Kathleen
I can totally relate to your wife. While I was diagnosed with RA in my 40s, it has affected my eyes, pancreas, stomach, bladder and liver! It has caused pancreatitis which has resulted in EPI. The pain from pancreatitis is severe so I hope it has not gotten to that point. From everything I have read, steroids like prednisone seem to be helpful, though Methatrexate or Paquinil may also help. I hope she finds an answer soon and let her know she is not alone!
My hubby has had a stomach ache for 4 months. He has had RA for 24 years. His stomach gurggles, bubbles and he has lots of gas. The colonoscopy, endoscopy and CT scan shows nothing. His gastroenterologIst says he has to be on a low fiber non dairy diet. This is very difficult. He does drink a very small amount of wine about 4 or 5 times a week. What do you think?