In a nutshell This study examined the association between socioeconomic status with clinical measures in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Some background Methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall) is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) and is currently the preferred initial treatment for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Recent studies have...
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In a nutshell This study investigated whether there is a window of opportunity for treating rheumatoid arthritis. Some background It has been reported that the longer rheumatoid arthritis is left untreated the worse the outcome is for patients. Unfavorable outcomes include more severe joint destruction, a higher need of surgery, a higher mortality...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study investigated whether exposure to tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) inhibitors increases the risk of herpes zoster (shingles) in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Some background Biologics (medicines extracted from biological sources, such as cells, that block immune responses) have significantly improved outcomes for...
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In a nutshell This study investigated the clinical effectiveness of hand exercise and joint protection sessions for adults with hand osteoarthritis. Some background Osteoarthritis mainly affects older or overweight adults and is the most common form of arthritis in the United States. It is also the leading cause of disability in older adults, with...
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In a nutshell This study investigated the safety and efficacy of the new drug baricitinib (LY3009104). Patients had moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis and an inadequate response to methotrexate (Trexall, Rheumatrex). Some background Methotrexate is the mainstay drug for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. However, not all patients have an...
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In a nutshell This study investigated creatinine levels in rheumatoid arthritis patients being treated with tofacitinib (Xeljanz, Jakvinus). It also examined whether there are increased kidney problems in these patients. Some background Creatinine is a chemical substance produced by the muscles. Measuring serum creatinine (creatinine in blood...
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In a nutshell This study examined whether blocking TNFalpha can also regulate the production of TNFalpha in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Some background Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) is a protein mainly produced by monocytes (white blood cells). It can exist in 3 different states: inside cells (intracellular), attached to the...
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In a nutshell This study will evaluate whether adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) gel can decrease disease symptoms in patients with rheumatoid arthritis that is uncontrolled by other medications. The success of this treatment will be measured by changes in disease activity (number of affected joints) after 12 weeks of treatment. This study is being...
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In a nutshell This study investigated whether rheumatoid arthritis patients have higher body fat and if this is more common in men than women. Some background Previous research has suggested that patients with rheumatoid arthritis have abnormal body composition. Patients, especially men, are more likely to have excess body fat and lean body mass...
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In a nutshell This study examined whether biologics (medicines extracted from biological sources, such as cells, that block immune responses) are a risk for pregnant women with rheumatoid arthritis. Some background A major advance in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is the use of biologics including infliximab (Remicade), etanercept (Enbrel),...
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In a nutshell This article reviewed guidelines for management of osteoarthritis. Some background Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and affects more than 27 million people in the United States. Older individuals and overweight individuals have a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis. One common symptom of the disease is joint...
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In a nutshell This study examined the disease characteristics and treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis plus hepatitis C infection. Some background Both rheumatoid arthritis and hepatitis C infection are relatively common diseases. It has been estimated that 0.02% of Americans are living with both of these diseases (40000 people)....
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