In a nutshell This study examined the features of long-term disease remission in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on reduced treatment. The study concluded that disease activity, synovitis, rheumatoid factor and a history of smoking are associated with treatment failure. Some background Biological (b)DMARDs (disease-modifying...
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Sarilumab versus adalimumab in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis – a patient’s perspective
In a nutshell This study compared sarilumab and adalimumab for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). They found that sarilumab–treated patients reported greater improvements in overall health and disability, quality of life and pain scores. Some background Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) involves medications to reduce...
Read MoreDo glucocorticoid drugs increase the risk of adverse events in patients with rheumatoid arthritis?
In a nutshell This study investigated adverse events associated with glucocorticoid medications in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The study found that patients with RA have an increased incidence of adverse events associated with the use of glucocorticoids. Some background Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) involves taking...
Read MoreNon-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in rheumatoid arthritis: a potential risk factor for stroke or heart attack?
In a nutshell This study investigated if non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) increase the risk of heart attack or stroke in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). They found that non-selective NSAIDs were associated with an increased risk of both stroke and heart attack in RA patients. Some background One type of medication used to...
Read MoreAssessing cancer risk in patients using disease-modifying drugs and corticosteroids to treat rheumatoid arthritis
In a nutshell This study investigated the risk of skin cancer in patients taking disease-modifying drugs (DMARDs) and corticosteroids to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA). They concluded that certain DMARDs and corticosteroids are associated with an increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancer. Some background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a...
Read MoreJuvenile arthritis: can we predict disease progression and improve treatment outcomes?
In a nutshell This study investigated the factors that may predict disease progression in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). They found that prediction models based on clinical factors can predict the likelihood of achieving remission and the level of disability long-term. Some background Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a...
Read MoreWhat predicts rapid disease progression in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis?
In a nutshell This study investigated the factors that may predict disease progression in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis. They found that history of smoking and elevated inflammation may predict rapid radiological progression. Some background Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition that causes painful swelling and inflammation in the...
Read MoreDoes reduced muscle density contribute to physical dysfunction in rheumatoid arthritis?
In a nutshell This study investigated the effects of low muscle density on physical strength and function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The study concluded that low muscle density was associated with greater disease activity, reduced muscle strength and poorer physical function. Some background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a...
Read MoreImproving function and reducing pain in arthritis: the importance of footwear
In a nutshell This study investigated the effectiveness of footwear on foot pain and function in patients with foot and ankle arthritis. The authors determined that footwear interventions were associated with reduced pain and improved function and mobility in patients with arthritis of the foot and ankle. Some background Arthritis causes...
Read MoreIs abatacept safe in combination with synthetic disease-modifying drugs for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis?
In a nutshell This study investigated the safety and effectiveness of abatacept (Orencia) in combination with other medications to treat rheumatoid arthritis. The study concluded that abatacept in combination with conventional synthetic DMARDs was well tolerated and similarly effective as abatacept and methotrexate. Some background...
Read MoreThe safety of etoricoxib in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis
In a nutshell This study investigated the safety of etoricoxib for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. They found that etoricoxib did not increase the risk of gastrointestinal adverse events. Some background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) are conditions that cause painful swelling in the joins and bones of...
Read More5 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Your Adrenal Glands
The adrenal glands-which are also called suprarenal glands-are part of the endocrine system and are found on the top of each kidney. How the endocrine system hormones work Hormones secreted from glands of the endocrine system travel in the bloodstream to target cells. Target cells have receptors that are specific to each hormone. The hormones and receptors...
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