In a nutshell This study looked at the link between additional medical conditions and mortality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The authors identified a number of specific conditions that significantly increased mortality risk in RA patients. Some background Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have an increased risk of mortality...
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Can the weather affect disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis?
In a nutshell This study examined how the weather can affect disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The authors concluded that increased exposure to sunshine and lower humidity can decrease disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Some background In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the immune system attacks the healthy...
Read MoreExamining the link between rituximab treatment, immune cell response and disease activity?
In a nutshell This study looked at the effect of rituximab (Rituxan) and levels of immune cells in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).The authors concluded that certain immune cells are linked to disease activity in patients treated with rituximab. Measuring the levels of these cells could be used to determine if rituximab re-treatment is...
Read MoreGuest Post: Fight Inflammation with Stuffed Bell Pepper Bake
Holly Clegg shares another of her delicious recipes for the holidays. Here’s one from Eating well to Fight Arthritis (inflammation recipe) called Stuffed Bell Pepper Bake To Fight Inflammation. Anti-Inflammatory Foods What’s the big deal about anti-inflammatory foods? Certain foods can actually help ease arthritis symptoms. Chronic, or...
Read MoreCan glucocorticoid therapy cause adrenal insufficiency in adults?
In a nutshell This study looked at the relationship between glucocorticoid (GC) therapy and adrenal insufficiency (AI) in adults. The authors concluded that there is evidence of AI at different doses and durations of treatment with GCs and therefore physicians should test for AI in all patients taking GCs. Some background Glucocorticoids...
Read MoreAn exercise-based program to improve hand function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
In a nutshell This study examined if different types of hand exercises can improve hand function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The authors concluded that techniques used to improve grip strength can lead to an improvement in hand function. Some background Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are affected by swelling and pain in their...
Read MoreThe relationship between obesity and rheumatoid arthritis remission
In a nutshell This study looked at the relationship between obesity and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remission (no evidence of disease). The authors concluded that obesity decreases the chances of achieving or sustaining remission and affects disease activity in patients with RA. Some background Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) often...
Read MoreCombining sarilumab with methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis
In a nutshell The study looked at the safety and effectiveness of a new treatment for rheumatoid arthritis called sarilumab used in combination with methotrexate (Rheumatrex). The authors concluded that the combination of these two treatments can reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis compared to methotrexate alone. Some...
Read MoreFibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis
In a nutshell This study compared symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and fibromyalgia in patients with RA. The authors reported higher levels of disease activity but fewer inflamed joints in patients with both RA and fibromyalgia. Some background In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the immune system attacks the healthy joints. Patients...
Read MoreSafety and effectiveness of tocilizumab treatment for rheumatoid arthritis
In a nutshell This study looked at the effectiveness and safety of tocilizumab (Actemra) in previously treated patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The authors concluded that tocilizumab, used alone or as a combination therapy, was effective in patients who did not tolerate prior therapies. Some background Conventional disease-modifying...
Read MorePatient-reported side effects associated with methotrexate treatment for rheumatoid arthritis
In a nutshell This study looked at patient-reported side effects associated with methotrexate (Rheumatrex) when taken in tablet form or by injection for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The authors concluded that there are a number of side effects associated with both forms of methotrexate that may not be recorded during routine treatment. Some background...
Read MoreExamining fatigue in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis
In a nutshell The aim of this study was to assess levels, causes and effects of fatigue in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The authors concluded that fatigue is common in patients with JIA and is related to time of day, disease activity, pain, mental wellbeing, and sleep. Some background Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a...
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