In a nutshell This study looked at the characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis patients who were more likely to use reminders to adhere to their treatment plan and the effect this had on disease activity. The authors concluded that older white men were most likely to use medical reminders. The use of calendar reminders was associated with fewer tender...
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The benefits of injectable methotrexate compared to oral solutions for rheumatoid arthritis
In a nutshell This study looked at the benefits of switching from an oral dose of methotrexate (Rheumatrex) to a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection. The authors concluded that the benefits of subcutaneous methotrexate include improved effectiveness at higher doses and few side effects. Some background Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)...
Read MoreComparing treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis unresponsive to anti-TNF drugs
In a nutshell This study compared the effectiveness of different biological drugs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis who have already been unresponsive to anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) treatment. The authors concluded that a non-TNF biological treatment was more effective at lowering disease activity than taking a second anti-TNF...
Read MoreThe effect of rituximab treatment on the immune system
In a nutshell This study looked at the effect of rituximab (Rituxan) treatment on the immune system in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The authors concluded that prolonged treatment with rituximab can lower patients’ immune responses and increase the risk of serious infection. Some background Biological drugs are becoming more...
Read MoreIs it possible to predict if a patient will respond well to tocilizumab?
In a nutshell The study aimed to identify the features that are associated with a better response to tocilizumab (Actemra) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The authors concluded that patients who experience RA in areas other than the joints (extra-articular) are significantly more likely to respond well to tocilizumab. Some...
Read MorePatient-reported outcomes during treatment with tofacitinib
In a nutshell This study looked at patient reported outcomes during treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with tofacitinib (Xeljanz). Patients receiving tofacitinib reported significant improvements after 3 months of treatment compared to patients receiving a placebo (substance with no effect on the body). Some background...
Read MoreCan inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis patients lead to chronic kidney disease?
In a nutshell This study looked at the effect of inflammation on the development of chronic kidney disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The authors concluded that patients with persistent inflammation are at a higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease. Some background Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) most often...
Read MoreAre non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs associated with small intestinal injury?
In a nutshell This study assessed the association between non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and small intestinal injury in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. The authors concluded that there was a higher rate of small intestinal injury in patients treated with NSAIDs. Some background Patients with rheumatoid...
Read MoreDoes tocilizumab treatment aggravate lung disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis?
In a nutshell This study looked at the risk of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) during tocilizumab (Actemra) treatment. The authors concluded that patients over 60, smokers, or patients not responding well to tocilizumab treatment are at greater risk of developing ILD. Some background Interstitial lung...
Read MoreDoes leflunomide treatment increase the risk of lung disease in rheumatoid arthritis?
In a nutshell The aim of this study was to examine the link between leflunomide (Arava) treatment and lung disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The authors concluded that leflunomide was not associated with increased likelihood of lung disease. Some background Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) often experience...
Read MoreDoes tocilizumab lead to intestinal perforation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis?
In a nutshell This study looked at the risk of developing lower intestinal perforations (tears) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with tocilizumab (Actemra). The authors concluded that tocilizumab treatment increases the risk of lower intestinal perforations compared to other treatments. Some background One problem encountered by some...
Read MoreDo age and gender affect cardiovascular risk in RA patients?
In a nutshell This study examined link between age and gender and cardiovascular risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The authors concluded that the risk of cardiovascular disease is higher in all RA patients than in the general population. They also determined that the risk is highest in RA patients under 50. Some background It is...
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