In a nutshell This study examined the long-term safety and effectiveness of abatacept (Orencia) and whether methotrexate (Trexall) enhances its effect. Some background Abatacept is a drug used to treat patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is generally given to patients in whom anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy has...
Read More
In a nutshell This review examined the effect of aerobic exercise on fatigue in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Some background 40-80% of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients experience fatigue. Fatigue is associated with physiological issues, pain and disability. The management of fatigue in RA is limited. It is believed that aerobic (use of...
Read More
In a nutshell This study examined whether smoking and gender can affect the response to treatment in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Some background The characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) differ between male and female patients. The number of affected patients, the outcome and the mortality rates differ between males and females. Males...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study examined the various characteristics of anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy remission in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Some background Anti-TNF therapy (Humira, Enbrel, Remicade and Cimzia) is used to treat patients who have a severe form of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Patients receiving anti-TNF therapy...
Read More
In a nutshell This study examined whether sleep disturbances, depression, obesity and low exercise are associated with fatigue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Some background Fatigue is common among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The cause of fatigue in RA patients is currently unknown. Identifying factors which can cause fatigue...
Read More
In a nutshell This study examined whether golimumab (Simponi) is safe and effective in rheumatoid arthritis patients who have previously used anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy. Some background Anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy (Humira, Enbrel, Remicade and Cimzia) is used to treat patients who have a severe form of rheumatoid arthritis...
Read More
In a nutshell This study examined whether the disease activity of rheumatoid arthritis and its treatment can influence patient survival. Some background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by inflammation of the joints. The severity of RA varies among patients. Some patients may have mild disease activity, with only a few affected joints....
Read More
In a nutshell This study examined whether various characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis can predict the severity of cardiovascular disease. Some background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is caused by an immune attack on the joints. The severity varies between patients. Some patients may have persistent disease while others may have flare-ups. Some...
Read More
In a nutshell This study examined the effects of exercise on mood when arthritis patients experience fatigue. Some background 40-80% of rheumatoid arthritis patients and 41-56% of osteoarthritis patients experience fatigue. Fatigue is associated with physiological issues, pain and disability. When patients experience fatigue, their mood declines...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study examined the frequency of gastrointestinal (digestive tract) events in at-risk rheumatic patients using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Some background Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil) are used to relieve pain in patients with rheumatic diseases. However, they can also cause...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study examined whether a combination of clinical and ultrasound assessments could identify rheumatoid arthritis patients suitable for a lower dose of anti-TNF alpha therapy. Some background Anti-TNF alpha therapy (Humira, Enbrel, Remicade and Cimzia) is used to treat patients who have a severe form of rheumatoid...
Read More
In a nutshell This study investigated the association between exercise and metabolic syndrome in patients with osteoarthritis Some background Metabolic syndrome is a group of conditions including high blood pressure, high blood glucose levels and high cholesterol levels. Metabolic syndrome can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2...
Read More
