In a nutshell This review evaluated recent research into genetic predictors of response to treatments with methotrexate (MTX) and TNF-blocking agents. Some background The treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is based on drugs which modify the behavior of the immune system and reduce the extent of inflammation. Methotrexate (MTX), a commonly used...
Read MoreRheumatoid Arthritis Posts on Medivizor
Ocular complications associated with rheumatoid arthritis
In a nutshell This review covers common ocular complications (related to the eyes) associated with rheumatoid arthritis and provides an overview of available therapies. Some background Complications of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) include inflammation of various parts of the eye, including scleritis (inflammation of the white part, or sclera) and...
Read MoreAn analysis of TNF-blocking agents in combination with methotrexate for active rheumatoid arthritis
In a nutshell This analysis investigated the benefits of combined methotrexate (MTX) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers in the treatment of active rheumatoid arthritis. Some background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by the improper activation of the immune system leading to chronic inflammation and joint damage. Active RA is...
Read MoreEffectiveness and harms of rheumatoid arthritis drugs
In a nutshell This review compared the benefits and safety of different rheumatoid arthritis drugs. Some background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that typically affects the small joints in the hands and feet causing progressive joint damage and physical disability. The treatment for RA is directed toward the control...
Read MoreDelayed progression of joint damage with aggressive initial treatment in early rheumatoid arthritis
In a nutshell This study evaluated the frequency of disease remission and the long-term progression of joint damage in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis initially treated with aggressive combination therapy compared to a single anti-rheumatic drug. Some background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a life-long condition characterized by chronic...
Read MoreRituximab and methotrexate in early RA: 2-year results
In a nutshell This study evaluates the outcomes associated with 2 years of treatment with rituximab + methotrexate versus methotrexate alone in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Some background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that typically affects the small joints in the hands and feet. It is an autoimmune disorder,...
Read MoreAchieving stable low disease activity with adalimumab plus methotrexate
In a nutshell This trial compared the efficacy of 2 treatment regimens: methotrexate (MTX) monotherapy versus dual therapy of MTX plus biological drug in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis. Some background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, in...
Read MoreA new biologic therapy for RA patients who failed methotrexate
In a nutshell This study evaluated the safety and efficiency of a range of doses of tabalumab in alleviating the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Some background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that results in inflammation, pain and damage to joints. Autoimmune diseases occur when the body’s own cells are attacked and...
Read MoreHide and Go Seek…Continues: Prevalence
Deep Breathing Time Again… We’re about to seek the answer to another of the numbers that health and medical professionals use daily from statistics. Are you ready? Here it goes… What does Prevalence Rate in Statistics Mean? The prevalence rate is the total number of cases of a disease in a specific population divided by the total number of people...
Read MoreCount to 10… then Hide: Incidence! Understanding Statistics
Ready to play Hide and Seek? Or are you just ready to hide? Most people feel like hiding when faced with the numbers that health and medical professionals use daily, statistics. So we’re going to start slowly and cover different mathematical concepts you might have heard. This will be a series of posts so if there are any math concepts that you...
Read More