MedWorm: Arthritis

Continuous passive motion following total knee arthroplasty in people with arthritis.

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 06:22:03 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: The effects of continuous passive motion on knee range of motion are too small to justify its use. There is weak evidence that continuous passive motion reduces the subsequent need for manipulation under anaesthesia. PMID: 20238330 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews)

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Arthritis Research UK

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 03:30:01 +0100

(formerly known as the Arthritis Research Campaign) is the leading charity in the fight against all forms of arthritis. The charity funds high quality research, educates and informs the public and health professionals on all aspects of the condition, and campaigns for better treatment and support for all those living with arthritis. The website contains a wealth of information including: information on various musculoskeletal conditions, including the different types of arthritis; resources for patients, researchers, allied health professionals, medical students, GPs, and hospital doctors; latest news; videos; and access to 'Arthritis Today' magazine and other publications. (Source: Latest Internet resources added to Intute: Health and LifenSciences nursing gateway)

Whole blood cytokine attenuation by cholinergic agonists ex vivo and relationship to vagus nerve activity in rheumatoid arthritis

Journal of Internal Medicine — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion. These findings suggest that it is possible to pharmacologically target the [alpha]7nAChR dependent control of cytokine release in RA patients with suppressed vagus nerve activity. As [alpha]7nAChR agonists ameliorate the clinical course of collagen induced arthritis in animals, it may be possible in the future to explore whether [alpha]7nAChR agonists can improve clinical activity in RA patients. (Source: Journal of Internal Medicine)

Mapping of a standard documentation template to the ICF core sets for arthritis and low back pain

Physiotherapy Research International — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions. The arthritis and LBP Core Sets were reflected in the contents of the template. ICF categories in the Core Sets were reflected in the template (demonstrating up to 55% match). Potential integration of ICF in documentation templates could be explored and examined in the future to enhance clinical encounters and multidisciplinary communication. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: Physiotherapy Research International)

Leg Ulceration in Rheumatoid Arthritis An Underreported Multicausal Complication with Considerable Morbidity: Analysis of Thirty-Six Patients and Review of the Literature

Karger Publishers — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Dermatology (DOI:10.1159/000284583) (Source: Karger Publishers)

Ultrasound Guidance Does Not Improve Benefit of Joint Injections for Arthritis

Medscape Today Headlines — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 17:55:27 +0100

Most joint injections are delivered via clinical examination to guide the injection, but many studies have demonstrated inaccuracy rates of up to 63%, which may contribute to lack of clinical benefit. Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

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High specificity but low sensitivity of the cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) test in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis

Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 17:52:47 +0100

Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 48 (4): 569-570 (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine)

Ultrasound to Treat Chronic Pain

Medicineworld.org: New Article Alert — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:44:09 +0100

Imagine that after long day tending to patients, a middle-aged nurse feels a burning pain in her knees so intense she can barely walk. For millions of people who suffer from arthritis or other chronic joint pain, this is a familiar story. Right now there are few day-to-day therapies available for these patients, and a number of involve strong medications that can be harmful over time........ (Source: Medicineworld.org: New Article Alert)

Assessing the functional status and quality of life of patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Revista Brasileira de Reumatologia — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:37:09 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that RA is associated with higher disease burden, reflected on pain, impact on global health, and functional and working status, as well as the physical and emotional dimensions of the HRQL. The need for changes in the treatment of this psychologically vulnerable group of patients is paramount. (Source: Revista Brasileira de Reumatologia)

The importance of vitamin D levels in autoimmune diseases

Revista Brasileira de Reumatologia — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:37:09 +0100

This article reviews the physiology and immunomodulatory role of vitamin D, emphasizing its involvement in rheumatic diseases such as SLE and RA. (Source: Revista Brasileira de Reumatologia)

Lymphadenopathy and systemic lupus erythematosus

Revista Brasileira de Reumatologia — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:37:09 +0100

We report the case of a patient with recurrent episodes of lymphadenopathy associated with hepatosplenomegaly, fever, and weight loss since the age of 13 years. The patient also developed arthritis, hypertension, proteinuria, cardiomyopathy, and peripheral neuropathy. His condition was investigated extensively without diagnostic clarification; he was treated, empirically, for tuberculosis. The patient received a diagnosis of SLE only five years after the original presentation and received the specific treatment. Early diagnosis in those cases is difficult because laboratorial exams may not show the presence of auto-antibodies and low complement levels. (Source: Revista Brasileira de Reumatologia)

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Antibiotic Combos Effective for Chlamydia-Induced Arthritis

Medscape Internal Medicine Headlines — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:22:38 +0100

Two rifampin-containing antibiotic combos appear to be effective therapy for Chlamydia-induced reactive arthritis, the results of a small study suggest. Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Internal Medicine Headlines)

RA: Lowering Cardiovascular Risk With Statins

Medscape Cardiology Headlines — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 12:40:27 +0100

In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, managing cardiovascular risk is as important as RA-specific therapy. Nature Reviews Rheumatology (Source: Medscape Cardiology Headlines)

Opinions of Japanese rheumatology physicians regarding clinical practice guidelines

International Journal for Quality in Health Care — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 11:24:01 +0100

Conclusions. Clinical practice guidelines are well accepted among Japanese rheumatology physicians, albeit that the proportion decreased slightly after the introduction of new guidelines. One reason for this may be concern about the use of the guidelines in malpractice litigation. To facilitate implementation, trends in physician support for the guidelines should be closely monitored. (Source: International Journal for Quality in Health Care)

Rheumatologists Are Eager To Use Roche-Genentech's ACTEMRA, According To New Study By BioTrends

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0100

This report is the first in a three wave series and is derived from on-line survey responses from 77 rheumatologists and qualitative interviews with 20 rheumatologists... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Rheumatologists Are Eager To Use Roche-Genentech's ACTEMRA, According To New Study By BioTrends

Pharma Industry News From Medical News Today — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0100

BioTrends is pleased to announce the publication of a new syndicated report, LaunchTrends®: ACTEMRA. Actemra (tocilizumab), marketed by Roche-Genentech, is the first IL-6 receptor inhibitor agent approved for rheumatoid arthritis... (Source: Pharma Industry News From Medical News Today)

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Life stories of people with rheumatoid arthritis who retired early: how gender and other contextual factors shaped their everyday activities, including paid work

Musculoskeletal Care — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Interventions by health professionals in people with RA may benefit from an approach sensitive to personal and environmental factors. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: Musculoskeletal Care)

Characterizing the clinical practice and professional behaviour of rheumatology nurse specialists: a pilot study

Musculoskeletal Care — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: We have begun the process of developing a questionnaire that can identify the clinical activities, perceived self-competence and professional behaviour of RNSs. This method of characterizing advanced nursing practice offers potential as a model for nurse specialists in other disciplines. Further work is required to validate the questionnaire on a large cohort of RNSs. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: Musculoskeletal Care)

A literature review regarding the management of varicella-zoster virus

Musculoskeletal Care — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Chickenpox and shingles (varicella-zoster virus [VZV]) pose a threat to individuals who are immunosuppressed and/or have rheumatoid arthritis or another inflammatory musculoskeletal condition. In this paper we present a literature review of the condition, management and prevention. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: Musculoskeletal Care)

Teaching medical students about chronic disease: patient-led teaching in rheumatoid arthritis

Musculoskeletal Care — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: We have demonstrated that our patient was at least as good as a doctor at teaching about the impact of chronic disease on patients. Furthermore, this experience is valued by students who appreciate the personal insight that a patient can offer. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: Musculoskeletal Care)

B-lymphocyte stimulator/a proliferation-inducing ligand heterotrimers are elevated in the sera of patients with autoimmune disease and are neutralized by atacicept and B cell maturation antigen-immunoglobulin

Arthritis Research and Therapy — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Recombinant BLyS/APRIL heterotrimers have biologic activity and are inhibited by atacicept and BCMA-Ig, but not BAFF-R-Ig. A novel immunoassay demonstrated that native BLyS/APRIL heterotrimers, as well as BLyS and APRIL homotrimers, are elevated in patients with autoimmune diseases. (Source: Arthritis Research and Therapy)

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Anticentromere antibody positive Sjogren's Syndrome: a retrospective descriptive analysis

Arthritis Research and Therapy — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: ACA+/SS has a clinical phenotype intermediate between ACA-/SS and SSc and shows little tendency to evolve to SSc. (Source: Arthritis Research and Therapy)

Light, Flat Shoes May Be Best for Arthritic Knees

Medscape Medical News Headlines — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:52:17 +0100

When it comes to easing the pain of arthritic knees, footwear choice matters, new research shows. Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines)

The Discovery of Novel Experimental Therapies for Inflammatory Arthritis

Mediators of Inflammation — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:18:55 +0100

Conventional and biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs have revolutionized the medical therapy of inflammatory arthritis. However, it remains unclear as to what can be done to treat immune-mediated chronic inflammation after patients become refractory to these therapies or develop serious side-effects and/or infections forcing drug withdrawal. Because of these concerns it is imperative that novel targets be continuously identified and experimental strategies designed to test potential arthritis interventions in vitro, but more importantly, in well-validated animal models of inflammatory arthritis. Over the past few years, sphingosine-1-phosphate, interleukin-7 receptor, spleen tyrosine kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, mitogen-activated protein kinase 5/p38 kinase reg...

PI3K p110{delta} regulates T-cell cytokine production during primary and secondary immune responses in mice and humans

Blood — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:02:03 +0100

In this study, using the isoform-selective inhibitor IC87114, we show that sustained p110 activity is required for interferon- production. Moreover, acute inhibition of p110 inhibits cytokine production and reduces hypersensitivity responses in mice. Whether p110 played a similar role in human T cells was unknown. Here we show that IC87114 potently blocked T-cell receptor–induced phosphoinositide 3-kinase signaling by both naive and effector/memory human T cells. Importantly, IC87114 reduced cytokine production by memory T cells from healthy and allergic donors and from inflammatory arthritis patients. These studies establish that previously activated memory T cells are at least as sensitive to p110 inhibition as naive T cells and show that mouse models accurately predict p110 functi...

Muscle Cramps

MedicineNet Arthritis General — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Muscle CrampsCategory: Diseases and ConditionsCreated: 12/31/1997Last Editorial Review: 3/18/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Arthritis General)

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Brief Meditation Training Brings Pain Relief

MedicineNet Arthritis General — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Brief Meditation Training Brings Pain ReliefCategory: Health NewsCreated: 3/17/2010 4:45:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 3/18/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Arthritis General)

Slit3 inhibits Robo3-induced invasion of synovial fibroblasts in rheumatoid arthritis

Arthritis Research and Therapy — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Taken together, our data showed that deregulation of the Robo3 receptor in synovial fibroblasts in RA correlates with aggressiveness of the fibroblasts. Slit3 reduces the migratory activity of synovial cells from patients with RA, potentially by repulsion of the cells in analogy to the neuronal system. Further studies will be necessary to prove Slit activity in vivo. (Source: Arthritis Research and Therapy)

Development of proteoglycan-induced arthritis depends on T cell-supported autoantibody production, but does not involve significant influx of T cells into the joints

Arthritis Research and Therapy — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our results suggest that antigen-specific T cells, which home to lymphoid organs and provide help to B cells for systemic autoantibody production, play a greater role in the development and progression of autoimmune arthritis than the small population of T cells that migrate to the joints. (Source: Arthritis Research and Therapy)

Vasculogenesis in rheumatoid arthritis

Arthritis Research and Therapy — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Decreased number and impaired functions of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) leading to impaired vasculogenesis have been associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Defective vasculogenesis has also been implicated in premature atherosclerosis in RA. Recently, early outgrowth, monocytic and late outgrowth, hemangioblastic EPC subsets have been characterized. Hemangioblastic EPCs may exert increased numbers in active RA and may play a role in vascular repair underlying RA. (Source: Arthritis Research and Therapy)

Limited educational attainment and radiographic and symptomatic knee osteoarthritis: a cross-sectional analysis using data from the Johnston County (North Carolina) Osteoarthritis Project

Arthritis Research and Therapy — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

IntroductionApplying a cross-sectional analysis to a sample of 2627 African American and Caucasian adults aged [greater than or equal to]45 years from the Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project, we studied the association between educational attainment and prevalence of radiographic knee osteoarthritis and symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. Methods: Age- and race-adjusted associations between education and osteoarthritis outcomes were assessed by gender-stratified logistic regression models, with additional models adjusting for body mass index, knee injury, smoking, alcohol use, and occupational factors. Results: In an analysis of all participants, low educational attainment ( (Source: Arthritis Research and Therapy)

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Fc γ R IIIB polymorphisms: their association with clinical manifestations and autoantibodies in SLE patients from Western India

APLAR Journal of Rheumatology — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Among SLE patients studied, NA2 was the prominent allele. It was commonly associated with clinical manifestations such as skin rash, arthritis, hematological and immunological disorders. This suggests that the primary involvement of Fc [gamma] R IIIB NA2 allele is more likely involved with disease susceptibility of SLE. (Source: APLAR Journal of Rheumatology)

Miliary tuberculosis and necrotizing tuberculous fasciitis – An unusual coexistence in a rheumatoid arthritis patient

APLAR Journal of Rheumatology — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We report a case of a 65-year-old Korean female patient with rheumatoid arthritis, who presented with extensive necrotizing fasciitis of the gluteus muscles, as an unusual initial manifestation of miliary tuberculosis. The patient had been previously treated with conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and low-dose steroids for 7 years. However, she recently developed fever, warmth and painful swelling in her right buttock. Magnetic resonance imaging indicated necrotizing fasciitis of the gluteus muscles and a fasciectomy specimen revealed a Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Two weeks after a fasciectomy, miliary tuberculosis of the lung was diagnosed by high resolution chest computed tomography. Soft tissue infection due to M. tuberculosis should be included as a differenti...

Acute non-traumatic hip pathology in children: incidence and presentation in family practice

Family Practice — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 21:41:56 +0100

Conclusion. In family practice, most children with acute non-traumatic hip pathology present with pain as the initial symptom. FPs need to be more aware that fever is the main distinguishing factor between a harmless condition and a life-threatening condition. Transient synovitis is the diagnosis with the highest incidence rate. (Source: Family Practice)

Rheumatoid arthritis tied to pregnancy complications

Reuters: Health — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 19:13:34 +0100

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Pregnant women with rheumatoid arthritis may have increased risks of high blood pressure, having an underweight baby or needing a cesarean section, a new study suggests. (Source: Reuters: Health)

Light, flat shoes may be best for arthritic knees

Reuters: Health — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:58:07 +0100

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - When it comes to easing the pain of arthritic knees, footwear choice matters, new research shows. (Source: Reuters: Health)

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Rituximab Promising in IgG4-Related Diseases

Medscape Rheumatology Headlines — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:09:53 +0100

A small study of patients with refractory IgG4-related systemic disease showed prompt improvement with rituximab (Rituxan and MabThera), researchers report in a February 26th online paper in Arthritis and Rheumatism. Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Rheumatology Headlines)

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Licorice and Roasted Licorice Extracts on TPA-Induced Acute Inflammation and Collagen-Induced Arthritis in Mice

Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:37:28 +0100

The anti-inflammatory activity of licorice (LE) and roated licorice (rLE) extracts determined in the murine phorbol ester-induced acute inflammation model and collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model of human rheumatoid arthritis. rLE possessed greater activity than LE in inhibiting phorbol ester-induced ear edema. Oral administration of LE or rLE reduced clinical arthritis score, paw swelling, and histopathological changes in a murine CIA. LE and rLE decreased the levels of proinflammatory cytokines in serum and matrix metalloproteinase-3 expression in the joints. Cell proliferation and cytokine secretion in response to type II collagen or lipopolysaccharide stimulation were suppressed in spleen cells from LE or rLE-treated CIA mice. Furthermore, LE and rLE treatment prevented oxidative dam...

A Possible Role for Epigenetics in Age-Dependent Bone Diseases

Clinical Reviews in Bone and Mineral Metabolism — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:51:42 +0100

Abstract Epigenetics, the study of changes in gene expression without alteration of the DNA sequence, has emerged as a promising area of research in the field of age-related diseases. Epigenetic processes, mainly DNA methylation and histone acetylation, can influence genotypes as a response to environmental and stochastic factors. The aging process is considered to be an accumulation of molecular errors, which also affect epigenetic mechanisms and could contribute to the appearance of age-related diseases. Based on the role of epigenetics in several age-dependent diseases, in this paper we discuss its possible involvement in age-dependent bone diseases such as osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original PaperDOI 10.1007/s12018-0...

iTRAQ-based proteomic identification of leucine-rich {alpha}-2 glycoprotein as a novel inflammatory biomarker in autoimmune diseases

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:46:00 +0100

Conclusions LRG represents a novel serum biomarker for monitoring disease activity during therapy in autoimmune patients, particularly useful in patients with active disease but normal CRP levels. (Source: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases)

Lipoma arborescens co-existing with psoriatic arthritis releases tumour necrosis factor alpha and matrix metalloproteinase 3

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:46:00 +0100

(Source: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases)

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Synovial tissue and serum biomarkers of disease activity, therapeutic response and radiographic progression: analysis of a proof-of-concept randomised clinical trial of cytokine blockade

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:45:59 +0100

Conclusions Synovial tissue analysis identified biomarkers of disease activity, therapeutic response and radiographic progression. Biomarker expression in tissue was independent of the levels measured in the serum. (Source: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases)

Increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with rheumatoid arthritis: a nationwide population-based study

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:45:59 +0100

Conclusion Women with RA had an increased risk of LBW, SGA babies, preeclampsia and CS compared with unaffected women. (Source: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases)

Long-term efficacy and safety of infliximab plus methotrexate for the treatment of polyarticular-course juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: findings from an open-label treatment extension

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:45:59 +0100

Conclusions In the limited population of JRA patients remaining in the study at 4 years, infliximab was safe and effective but associated with a high patient discontinuation rate. Clinical trials registration number NCT00036374. (Source: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases)

CARD8 p.C10X polymorphism is associated with inflammatory activity in early rheumatoid arthritis

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:45:59 +0100

Conclusions Carriage of CARD8-X is associated with a worse disease course in early RA. (Source: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases)

Repair of joint erosions in rheumatoid arthritis: prevalence and patient characteristics in a large inception cohort

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:45:59 +0100

Conclusions Repair occurred in 7.2% of the patients with RA, particularly in clinically inactive joints in patients with severe destructive disease. (Source: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases)

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Diagnostic value of anti-MCV antibodies in differentiating early inflammatory arthritis

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:45:59 +0100

Conclusion The diagnostic performance of the anti-MCV test in the differential diagnosis of early arthritis is lower than that of the anti-CCP tests. (Source: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases)

Association of an ERAP1 ERAP2 haplotype with familial ankylosing spondylitis

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:45:59 +0100

Conclusion This study shows that one ERAP1 SNP and a haplotype in the ERAP1 and ERAP2 locus are associated with familial AS. (Source: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases)

Overproduced interleukin 6 decreases blood lipid levels via upregulation of very-low-density lipoprotein receptor

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:45:59 +0100

Conclusions Overproduced IL6 decreased blood lipid levels by increasing VLDLR expression in several tissues. It is concluded that IL6 blockade normalises reduced lipid levels caused by IL6, but does not affect normal lipid metabolism. (Source: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases)

FoxO3a involved in neutrophil and T cell survival is overexpressed in rheumatoid blood and synovial tissue

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:45:59 +0100

Conclusion The overexpression of FoxO3a in blood from patients with RA, particularly in PMNs, suggests a potential role for this gene in the pathogenesis of RA through increased survival of blood PMNs. In synovium from patients with RA, FoxO3a mainly detected in inflammatory aggregates may also regulate the chronic survival of T lymphocytes. (Source: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases)

PADI4 genotype is not associated with rheumatoid arthritis in a large UK Caucasian population

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:45:58 +0100

Conclusion In the largest study performed to date, the PADI4 genotype was not a significant risk factor for RA in people of European ancestry, in contrast to Asian populations. (Source: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases)

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Effectiveness and retention rates of methotrexate in psoriatic arthritis in comparison with methotrexate-treated patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:45:58 +0100

Conclusion In this real-life study, MTX treatment was associated with improvement in disease activity and health-related quality of life in patients with PsA after 6 months of treatment. Retention rates of MTX were similar in PsA and RA. (Source: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases)

Is shift work a risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis? The Finnish Public Sector study

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:45:58 +0100

(Source: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases)

Statin use in rheumatoid arthritis in relation to actual cardiovascular risk: evidence for substantial undertreatment of lipid-associated cardiovascular risk?

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:45:58 +0100

Conclusions Depending on the risk stratification method, 2% to 26% of patients with RA without CVD have sufficiently high risk to require statin therapy, yet most of them remain untreated. To address this issue, we would recommend annual systematic screening using the nationally applicable risk calculator, combined with regular audit of whether treatment targets have been achieved. (Source: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases)

The TRAF1-C5 region on chromosome 9q33 is associated with multiple autoimmune diseases

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:45:58 +0100

Conclusion A significant association was found for the TRAF1-C5 locus in SLE, implying that this region lies in a pathway relevant to multiple autoimmune diseases. (Source: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases)

Genetic variants of STAT4 associated with rheumatoid arthritis in persons of Asian and European ancestry do not replicate in African Americans

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:45:57 +0100

(Source: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases)

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'Treat to target': moving targets from hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and diabetes to rheumatoid arthritis

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:45:57 +0100

(Source: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases)

Treating rheumatoid arthritis to target: recommendations of an international task force

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:45:57 +0100

Conclusion The 10 recommendations are supposed to inform patients, rheumatologists and other stakeholders about strategies to reach optimal outcomes of RA based on evidence and expert opinion. (Source: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases)

Evidence for treating rheumatoid arthritis to target: results of a systematic literature search

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:45:57 +0100

Conclusion Only few studies employed randomised controlled settings to test the value of treatment to a specific target. However, they provided unanimous evidence for benefits of targeted approaches. Nevertheless, more data on radiographic and functional outcomes and on patients with established RA are needed. (Source: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases)

Assessment of active spinal inflammatory changes in patients with axial spondyloarthritis: validation of whole body MRI against conventional MRI

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:45:57 +0100

Conclusion WB MRI and CON MRI scores showed a high correlation and comparable high reliability for the detection of active inflammatory lesions in the spine of patients with clinically active SpA. (Source: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases)

Rheumatoid arthritis, treatment with corticosteroids and risk of malignant lymphomas: results from a case-control study

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:45:57 +0100

Conclusion In this RA population, use of steroids was associated with reduced lymphoma risk. Whether this association is a generic effect of steroids or specific to the studied population remains unknown. (Source: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases)

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Menopause

MedicineNet Arthritis General — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

Title: MenopauseCategory: Diseases and ConditionsCreated: 12/31/1997Last Editorial Review: 3/17/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Arthritis General)

ACTEMRA(tocilizumab) filed in the US for Prevention of Structural Joint Damage and Improvement of Physical Function in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Roche Investor Update — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 06:00:00 +0100

Roche announced today that it has submitted a supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) to the United States (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for ACTEMRA (tocilizumab, RoACTEMRA in the European Union) for the prevention of structural joint damage and to improve physical function in adults with moderately to severe active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). ACTEMRA was approved by the FDA on January 8, 2010 as the first interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor-inhibiting monoclonal antibody to treat RA in adult patients after an inadequate response to at least one other medicine called a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonist. (Source: Roche Investor Update)

Genentech Submits Supplemental Biologics License Application for ACTEMRA(R) (tocilizumab) for Prevention of Structural Joint Damage and Improvement of Physical Function in Rheumatoid Arthritis

HSMN NewsFeed — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 02:17:34 +0100

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.--(HSMN NewsFeed)--Genentech, Inc., a wholly-owned member of the Roche Group (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY), today announced that the company submitted a supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) to the U.S. Food and Drug A... Biopharmaceuticals, FDAGenentech, Roche Group, ACTEMRA, tocilizumab, rheumatoid arthritis, LITHE trial (Source: HSMN NewsFeed)

Development of a self-administered early inflammatory arthritis detection tool

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: An eleven-question, EIA detection tool suitable for self-administration was developed to screen subjects with six to 52 weeks of musculoskeletal complaints. Psychometric and performance property testing of the tool is ongoing. (Source: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders)

Arthritis Drug Salsalate in Clinical Trials for Type 2 Diabetes

About Diabetes — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

According to a press release from Joslin Diabetes Center, the arthritis drug, salsalate proved to lower blood glucose levels significantly. In the study, salsalate lowered A1c levels by 0.5%, as well as lowering triglycerides and raising a protein that appears to benefit cardiac health. "These results are exciting," says Allison Goldfine, M.D., Joslin's Director of Clinical Research and an Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School. "They indicate that salsalate may provide an effective, safe and inexpensive new avenue for diabetes treatment." Dr. Goldfine goes on to say that although the drug looks promising for treating type 2 diabetes, clinical trials are still ongoing. Scientists involved in the study recommend that patients do not use this medication for their diabetes until fur...

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Old Arthritis Drug May Help Diabetics (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Nephrology — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:13:08 +0100

A drug widely used to treat joint pain improved blood glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes, researchers said. (Source: MedPage Today Nephrology)

Viron Reports Positive Proof of Concept Results in Arthritis for its VT-346 anti-TNF Therapeutic

Drugs.com - Clinical Trials — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:40:30 +0100

LONDON, ON, March 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Viron Therapeutics Inc. announced that VT-346, an anti-TNF protein therapeutic, demonstrated positive results in a pivotal proof of concept study in the gold standard transgenic mouse model for arthritis.... (Source: Drugs.com - Clinical Trials)

Generic Drug For Type 2 Diabetes Passes Next Clinical Hurdle

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Clinical studies of a generic drug called salsalate, widely prescribed for arthritis, now provide early promising results that it may be useful for the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes as well. Salsalate is an atypical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent that is chemically similar to aspirin but a bit easier on the stomach. In a three-month trial of people with type 2 diabetes that was led by Joslin Diabetes Center researchers, those who took the drug showed significantly improved blood glucose levels... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Generic Drug For Type 2 Diabetes Passes Next Clinical Hurdle

Diabetes News From Medical News Today — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

NICE Draft Guidance Proposes Treatment Options For Psoriatic Arthritis

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has published draft guidance recommending etanercept (Enbrel, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals) and adalimumab (Humira, Abbott Laboratories) for the treatment of adults with active and progressive psoriatic arthritis when specific criteria are met. Infliximab (Remicade, Schering-Plough) is also recommended where neither etanercept nor adalimumab can be used... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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NICE Draft Guidance Proposes Treatment Options For Psoriatic Arthritis

Arthritis News From Medical News Today — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has published draft guidance recommending etanercept (Enbrel, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals) and adalimumab (Humira, Abbott Laboratories) for the treatment of adults with active and progressive psoriatic arthritis when specific criteria are met... (Source: Arthritis News From Medical News Today)

Anti-thymocyte globulin plus etanercept as therapy for myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS): a phase II study

British Journal of Haematology — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Immunosuppressive therapies have proven valuable in treating patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). We evaluated the combination of equine anti-thymocyte globulin (ATGAM®) and the soluble tumour necrosis factor receptor, etanercept (Enbrel®), in a phase II trial. Twenty-five patients with MDS [4-refractory anaemia (RA), 2-RA with ring sideroblasts, 15-refractory cytopenia with multilineage dysplasia (RCMD), 3-RCMD and ring sideroblasts, 1-RA with excess blasts type 1] in International Prognostic Staging System risk groups low (n = 11) or intermediate-1 (n = 14) were enrolled. All patients were platelet or red cell transfusion-dependent. Nineteen patients completed therapy with ATG at 40 mg/kg per day for four consecutive days, followed by etanercept, 25 mg subcutaneous twice a we...

Cyclophilin–CD147 interactions: a new target for anti-inflammatory therapeutics

Clinical and Experimental Immunology — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CD147 is a widely expressed plasma membrane protein that has been implicated in a variety of physiological and pathological activities. It is best known for its ability to function as extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (hence the other name for this protein, EMMPRIN), but has also been shown to regulate lymphocyte responsiveness, monocarboxylate transporter expression and spermatogenesis. These functions reflect multiple interacting partners of CD147. Among these CD147-interacting proteins cyclophilins represent a particularly interesting class, both in terms of structural considerations and potential medical implications. CD147 has been shown to function as a signalling receptor for extracellular cyclophilins A and B and to mediate chemotactic activity of cyclophilins towards ...

A role for human endogenous retrovirus-K (HML-2) in rheumatoid arthritis: investigating mechanisms of pathogenesis

Clinical and Experimental Immunology — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are remnants of ancient retroviral infections within the human genome. These molecular fossils draw parallels with present-day exogenous retroviruses and have been linked previously with immunopathology within rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Mechanisms of pathogenesis for HERV-K in RA such as molecular mimicry were investigated. To clarify a role for HERVs in RA, potential autoantigens implicated in autoimmunity were scanned for sequence identity with retroviral epitopes. Short retroviral peptides modelling shared epitopes were synthesized, to survey anti-serum of RA patients and disease controls. A novel real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was also developed to quantify accurately levels of HERV-K (HML-2) gag expression, relative to normalized ...

Salsalate As a Type 2 Diabetes Treatment? It Looks Promising

U.S. News - Health — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 21:05:00 +0100

A longtime arthritis medicine could one day be an affordable diabetes treatment. (Source: U.S. News - Health)

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Arthritis Drug May Fight Diabetes, Too

MedlinePlus Health News — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 21:00:00 +0100

Study finds that salsalate helps control blood sugar levels Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Pages: Arthritis, Diabetes, Medicines (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

The Long-term Impact of Rituximab for Childhood Immune Thrombocytopenia

Current Rheumatology Reports — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:00:40 +0100

Abstract Rituximab administered at standard doses induces universal B-cell depletion. It shows good efficacy in patients with a variety of autoimmune diseases and has been licensed for use in rheumatoid arthritis. Despite prolonged B-cell depletion, side effects appear to be minimal. The use of B-cell depletion in children in whom the immune system is more immature may have other unknown complications, although the literature remains sparse. This review summarizes the available studies of rituximab in children with immune thrombocytopenia and assesses some of the short-term and potential long-term consequences of B-cell depletion. Overall, rituximab appears well-tolerated in children. The incidence of serum sickness may be higher than it is in adults, but infections remain...

Hyperimmunoglobulin D Syndrome in Childhood

Current Rheumatology Reports — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:00:38 +0100

Abstract Hyperimmunoglobulinemia D and periodic fever syndrome, an autoinflammatory syndrome, is caused by mutations in the gene coding for mevalonate kinase. The disease is clinically characterized by recurrent attacks of fever accompanied by an array of inflammatory symptoms including lymphadenopathy, rash, arthritis, and gastrointestinal complaints. Most patients have their first attack in the first year of life, typically after a childhood vaccination. The frequency of attacks is highest during childhood, with a gradual decrease after adolescence. Frequent fever attacks impair quality of life and the achievement of educational milestones. Recent reports show promising results with anakinra and etanercept to treat the attacks. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007...

Myeloid DAP12-associating lectin (MDL)-1 regulates synovial inflammation and bone erosion associated with autoimmune arthritis

The Journal of Experimental Medicine — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:12:57 +0100

DNAX adaptor protein 12 (DAP12) is a trans-membrane adaptor molecule that transduces activating signals in NK and myeloid cells. Absence of functional Dap12 results in osteoclast defects and bone abnormalities. Because DAP12 has no extracelluar binding domains, it must pair with cell surface receptors for signal transduction. There are at least 15 known DAP12-associating cell surface receptors with distinct temporal and cell type–specific expression patterns. Our aim was to determine which receptors may be important in DAP12-associated bone pathologies. Here, we identify myeloid DAP12-associating lectin (MDL)-1 receptor (also known as CLEC5A) as a key regulator of synovial injury and bone erosion during autoimmune joint inflammation. Activation of MDL-1 leads to enhanced recruitment ...

NICE publishes new arthritis advice

Nursing in Practice — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:02:10 +0100

NICE has updated its draft guidance on the use of etanercept and adalimumab for adults with active and progressive psoriatic arthritis (Source: Nursing in Practice)

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Pediatric Lyme Arthritis Twice as Common as Septic Arthritis in Endemic Areas of Lyme Disease

Medscape Today Headlines — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:48:05 +0100

Pediatric joint effusions are more likely to be due to Lyme arthritis than septic arthritis in the Northeastern United States and other areas where Lyme disease is more prevalent. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Do quick workouts beat long ones?

NHS News Feed — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:42:00 +0100

Conclusion This small observational study has demonstrated an improvement in muscle health following low-volume, high-intensity training in seven healthy men. There are a number of points to keep in mind when considering the results of this research, including: The small sample size. The study included only seven men with an average age of 21. The researchers report that they were healthy and “recreationally active two or three times a week”, but that “none were engaged in a structured exercise training programme”. The results of the study cannot therefore be taken to represent the wider population, particularly older people. This study lacked a comparator group. While newspapers have reported that short bursts of high-intensity exercise are as effective as longer-term traini...

The PTPN22 R620W polymorphism is not associated with systemic rheumatic diseases in South Africans

Rheumatology — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:35:47 +0100

(Source: Rheumatology)

Cost-effectiveness modelling of biological treatment sequences in moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis in France

Rheumatology — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:35:46 +0100

Conclusion. Advanced simulation models based on clinical evidence and medical practice appear to be a promising approach for comparing cost-effectiveness of biologic strategies in RA. (Source: Rheumatology)

How to improve DAS28 use in daily clinical practice?--a pilot study of a nurse-led intervention

Rheumatology — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:35:46 +0100

Conclusions. DAS28 measurement by a nurse was as effective as usual care; however, this intervention without protocolized treatment adjustments is not sufficient to lead to a considerable reduction in disease activity compared with trials with protocolized treatment adjustments. (Source: Rheumatology)

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Cost-utility of different treatment strategies after the failure of tumour necrosis factor inhibitor in rheumatoid arthritis in the Finnish setting

Rheumatology — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:35:46 +0100

Conclusions. Treatment with RTX is a cost-effective treatment strategy in RA patients in Finland. (Source: Rheumatology)

Activated fibrocytes: Circulating cells that populate the arthritic synovium?

Rheumatology — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:35:45 +0100

(Source: Rheumatology)

NICE guidance on rheumatoid arthritis: Implications and challenges for rheumatologists

Rheumatology — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:35:45 +0100

(Source: Rheumatology)

Fibrocyte activation in rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatology — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:35:45 +0100

Conclusions. These data suggest that activated fibrocytes may influence the disease process in RA and may serve as surrogate markers for disease in the PB of affected patients. (Source: Rheumatology)

Association between transforming growth factor-{beta}1 T869C polymorphism and rheumatoid arthritis: a meta-analysis

Rheumatology — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:35:45 +0100

Conclusions. There was heterogeneity between studies, and no clear evidence of an association on a worldwide population was observed. Subgroup analysis results suggest that TGF-β1 T869C might play a role in RA susceptibility for Asians but not for non-Asians. Further studies are required for definite conclusions. (Source: Rheumatology)

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Synovial fluid proteomic fingerprint: S100A8, S100A9 and S100A12 proteins discriminate rheumatoid arthritis from other inflammatory joint diseases

Rheumatology — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:35:45 +0100

Conclusion. The most enhanced proteins in RA SF, the S100A8, S100A9 and S00A12 proteins, distinguished RA from MIA with high accuracy. Possible implication of resident cells in this increase may play a role in RA physiopathology. (Source: Rheumatology)

Superiority of SDAI over DAS-28 in assessment of remission in rheumatoid arthritis patients using power Doppler ultrasonography as a gold standard

Rheumatology — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:35:45 +0100

Conclusions. Our results suggest that the SDAI classification of remission is closer to the concept of an absence of inflammatory activity, as defined by the absence of positive PD signal by US. (Source: Rheumatology)

Efficacy and safety of anti-TNF therapies in psoriatic arthritis: an observational study from the British Society for Rheumatology Biologics Register

Rheumatology — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:35:45 +0100

Conclusions. Anti-TNF therapies have a good response rate in PsA, and have an adverse event profile similar to that seen in a control cohort of patients with seronegative arthritis receiving DMARD therapy. (Source: Rheumatology)

NICE recommends three new arthritis therapies

Nursing Times Breaking News — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:38:00 +0100

Three new treatments for psoriatic arthritis have been recommended for use by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). (Source: Nursing Times Breaking News)

Developments in the Clinical Understanding of Lupus

Medscape Today Headlines — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:04:35 +0100

Progress in understanding the pathogenic underpinnings of SLE bodes well for the development of new therapeutic agents. Arthritis Research & Therapy (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

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High-Impact Sports Might Not Harm Knee Replacements

MedicineNet Arthritis General — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

Title: High-Impact Sports Might Not Harm Knee ReplacementsCategory: Health NewsCreated: 3/12/2010 10:10:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 3/15/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Arthritis General)

Study: Total Knee Replacement Improves Balance, Relieves Pain

Medical Headlines From Ivanhoe.com — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0100

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Total knee replacement (TKR) successfully relieves pain and improves function in patients with advanced knee arthritis, according to a new study. Researchers found the surgery also improves balance among elderly patients. (Source: Medical Headlines From Ivanhoe.com)

Golimumab: a guide to its use in rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis

Drugs — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 02:05:42 +0100

(Source: Drugs)

Scientists identify genes for codeine and morphine

Guardian Unlimited Science — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:02:06 +0100

Discovery raises possibility of manufacturing painkillers more cheaply using vats of microbes rather than fields of flowersScientists have identified the two genes in opium poppies which are used to make codeine and morphine, two of the most important painkillers in a doctor's armoury.The discovery opens the door to alternative ways of making the drugs which do not involve giving over vast areas of farmland to growing the flowers. One hope is to transfer the genes into microbes, which could be grown in vats and provide huge quantities of the drugs at a fraction of the cost of farming and processing the plants.Researchers said the findings could lead to the creation of strains of opium poppies that cannot make morphine, the opiate chemical turned into heroin and exported from Afghanistan an...

Genes for codeine and morphine identified

Guardian Unlimited Science — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:02:06 +0100

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Effectiveness of adalimumab in treating patients with ankylosing spondylitis associated with enthesitis and peripheral arthritis

BioMed Central — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Treatment with adalimumab improved enthesitis and peripheral arthritis in patients with active AS.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00478660. (Source: BioMed Central)

Live polio vaccine exposure while receiving anti-TNF therapy for reactive arthritis

APLAR Journal of Rheumatology — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

International guidelines state that live vaccines are contraindicated in patients on anti-TNF therapy. However, we report the experience of a patient who inadvertently received live polio vaccine whilst receiving anti-TNF therapy. Patient did not suffer from any infectious sequel as a result. No clear guidelines are available for all vaccines in patients with specific rheumatic diseases. However, if we consider adult patients with rheumatic diseases to have altered immunocompetence, it is recommended that they receive the usual inactivated vaccines according to standard schedules, and live vaccines should be avoided in those who are treated with more potent forms of immune suppression. Patients should be counseled regarding the risks of live vaccines prior to treatment with anti-TNF therap...

Foot deformities in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: the relationship with foot functions

APLAR Journal of Rheumatology — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: In this study, it has been shown that foot deformities are frequent in patients with RA and that there is slight deterioration in foot functions related to RA. Our results indicated that foot deformities have small, but clinically important changes on foot functions. There is a need for more studies, which evaluates the foot deformities, to further explore the relationship between the foot deformities and foot function in patients with RA. (Source: APLAR Journal of Rheumatology)

Incidence of gastroduodenal ulcers during treatment with celecoxib or diclofenac: pooled results from three 12-week trials in Chinese patients with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis

APLAR Journal of Rheumatology — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: In Asian patients with minimal significant risk factors, treatment with celecoxib was associated with a modest but significantly reduced incidence of gastric ulcers at the end of 12 weeks. (Source: APLAR Journal of Rheumatology)

Daytime patterning of fatigue and its associations with the previous night's discomfort and poor sleep among women with primary Sjögren's syndrome or rheumatoid arthritis

Musculoskeletal Care — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Fatigue management for people with rheumatic disease could include strategies for coping with discomfort at night and difficulties in sleeping. Further research into ameliorating fatigue should include assessments of persistent discomfort or periods of insomnia and identify disease-specific needs that require targeted intervention. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: Musculoskeletal Care)

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Self-efficacy in rheumatoid arthritis: translation and test of validity, reliability and sensitivity of the Danish version of the Rheumatoid Arthritis Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (RASE)

Musculoskeletal Care — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: RASE-DK met the appropriate standards for validity, reliability and sensitivity, and is appropriate for use in Denmark. However, the concept of self-efficacy may be too abstract for a few individuals, and relaxation is interpreted in various ways by the Danish patients. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: Musculoskeletal Care)

Two additive mechanisms impair the differentiation of 'substrate-selective' p38 inhibitors from classical p38 inhibitors in vitro

BMC Systems Biology - Latest articles — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our integrated mechanistic modeling and experimental validation provides an example of how systems biology approaches can be applied to drug discovery and provide a basis for decision-making with limited chemical matter. We find that, given our current understanding, it is unlikely that 'substrate-selective' inhibitors of p38 will work as originally intended when placed in the context of more complex cellular environments, largely due to a stoichiometric excess of MK2 relative to p38. (Source: BMC Systems Biology - Latest articles)

NICE issues preliminary recommendations (ACD) for etanercept, infliximab, & adalimumab for psoriatic arthritis

NeLM - News — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Source: NICE Area: News The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has published an "appraisal consultation document" on the use of etanercept, infliximab and adalimumab for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis. The appraisal Committee's preliminary recommendations are (taken directly from source): 1. Etanercept and adalimumab are recommended for the treatment of adults with active and progressive psoriatic arthritis when the following criteria are met. . The person has peripheral arthritis with three or more tender joints and three or more swollen joints. . The psoriatic arthritis has not responded to adequate trials of at least two standard disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), administered either individually or in combination. &nb...

Psychological well-being in rheumatoid arthritis: a review of the literature

Musculoskeletal Care — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The psychological well-being of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an important issue, and the advent of measurement tools has led to a better understanding of the mental aspects associated with this chronic illness. Patients with RA are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression and low self-esteem, with high levels of associated mortality and suicide. The loss of the ability to carry out daily functions owing to RA is also associated with the onset of depressive symptoms. Furthermore, the psychological effects of RA can extend to the partners, families and carers of sufferers. Conventional treatment has focused on treating the symptoms of RA and containment of disease progression, but may not necessarily address the psychological issues associated with the condition. Furtherm...

Evaluation of the Personal Impact Health Assessment Questionnaire (PI HAQ) to capture the impact of disability in osteoarthritis

Musculoskeletal Care — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: These studies provide an initial evaluation of an instrument to measure the personal impact of disability in people with OA, setting disability within a personal context. Further studies, including sensitivity to change, are required. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: Musculoskeletal Care)

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Relative Over-Reactivity of Human versus Chimpanzee Lymphocytes: Implications for the Human Diseases Associated with Immune Activation.

Journal of Immunology — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, we show that human T cells are more reactive than chimpanzee T cells to a wide variety of stimuli, including anti-TCR Abs of multiple isotypes, l-phytohemagglutin, Staphylococcus aureus superantigen, a superagonist anti-CD28 Ab, and in MLRs. We also extend this observation to B cells, again showing a human propensity to react more strongly to stimuli. Finally, we show a relative increase in activation markers and cytokine production in human lymphocytes in response to uridine-rich (viral-like) ssRNA. Thus, humans manifest a generalized lymphocyte over-reactivity relative to chimpanzees, a finding that is correlated with decreased levels of inhibitory sialic acid-recognizing Ig-superfamily lectins (Siglecs; particularly Siglec-5) on human T and B cells. Furthermore, Siglec-5 ...

Immunodominant T cell epitopes of hnRNP-A2 associated with disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

European Journal of Immunology — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Trembleau S, Hoffmann M, Meyer B, Nell V, Radner H, Zauner W, Hammer J, Aichinger G, Fischer G, Smolen J, Steiner G The heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2 (hnRNP-A2) has been described as important autoantigen in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) since it is targeted by autoantibodies, autoreactive T cells, and is aberrantly expressed in synovial cells in patients. To identify hnRNP-A2-specific T cell epitopes possibly associated with pathogenicity, we used an innovative approach. We first scanned 280 overlapping hnRNP-A2 peptides for binding to the RA-associated class II molecules HLA-DR4 and HLA-DR1, leading to a comprehensive selection of binders. The finally selected peptides were tested in IFN-gamma-specific ELISPOT assay: PBMC from 18% of RA patients showed a significant...

Health Literacy Predicts the Discrepancy Between Patient and Provider Global Assessments of Rheumatoid Arthritis Activity at a Public Urban Rheumatology Clinic.

J Rheumatol — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Health literacy was independently associated with the extent of discrepancy between PTGA and MDGA in English-speaking patients with RA at an urban clinic. This finding should influence our interpretation of disease measures. PMID: 20231210 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: J Rheumatol)

Risk Factors for Axial Inflammatory Arthritis in Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis.

J Rheumatol — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: These results suggest that severe peripheral arthritis and HLA-B*27 are risk factors for AxPsA. PMID: 20231209 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: J Rheumatol)

Interstitial Lung Disease Associated with Anti-PM/Scl or Anti-Aminoacyl-tRNA Synthetase Autoantibodies: A Similar Condition?

J Rheumatol — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Anti-PM/Scl and anti-ARS antibodies are associated with similar clinical manifestations, with the exception only of more overt myositis in the latter, therefore challenging the clinical specificity of the antisynthetase syndrome. PMID: 20231208 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: J Rheumatol)

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Cytokine Profiles of Macrophage Activation Syndrome Associated with Rheumatic Diseases.

J Rheumatol — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: The cytokine profiles associated with MAS differed between patients with SLE and patients with AOSD. The patients with SLE showed a prominent increase in serum M-CSF levels, as did the patients with AOSD in serum IL-18 level. Patients who died had higher serum M-CSF and ss2m levels, and this suggests that aggressive treatment for patients with MAS and these profiles should be promptly started. PMID: 20231207 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: J Rheumatol)

Genetic Variations in Genes Encoding RANK, RANKL, and OPG in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Case-Control Study.

J Rheumatol — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: The minor allele of the RANK SNP rs35211496 may be protective against RA, while the minor alleles of the RANKL SNP rs2277438 may increase susceptibility to RA. PMID: 20231205 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: J Rheumatol)

Relationship Between Arterial Stiffness and Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients without Overt Arterial Disease.

J Rheumatol — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: In patients with RA who are free of overt arterial disease, higher RA disability is associated with increased arterial stiffness independently of traditional cardiovascular risk factors and RA characteristics. PMID: 20231203 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: J Rheumatol)

Single-joint Outcome Measures: Preliminary Validation of Patient-reported Outcomes and Physical Examination.

J Rheumatol — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Single-joint PRO, particularly the TJ global score, are simple to administer and demonstrate construct validity and responsiveness in patients with inflammatory arthritis. (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT00126724). PMID: 20231202 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: J Rheumatol)

Risk Factor Profiles for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in Black and Other Africans with Established Rheumatoid Arthritis.

J Rheumatol — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: The overall conventional and nonconventional atherosclerotic CVD risk burdens and arterial stiffness were not reduced in black patients with RA. CVD risk should be assessed and managed independent of ethnic origin and epidemiological transition stage in RA. PMID: 20231201 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: J Rheumatol)

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Decreased Circulating CD28-negative T Cells in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated with Abatacept Are Correlated with Clinical Response.

J Rheumatol — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: After therapy with abatacept, circulating CD28- T cells and other effector populations decrease in patients with RA. This decrease is correlated with clinical response. PMID: 20231200 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: J Rheumatol)

Reproducibility of Joint Swelling Assessment by Sonography in Patients with Long-lasting Rheumatoid Arthritis (SEA-Repro Study Part II).

J Rheumatol — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: PD findings explain most of the difference between clinical and sonographic joint assessments for synovitis in patients with long-standing RA. PMID: 20231197 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: J Rheumatol)

Lack of Association Between the rs6920220 (G/A) Polymorphism of the 6q23 Region and Biopsy-proven Giant Cell Arteritis.

J Rheumatol — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Our results show no involvement of this 6q23/TNFAIP3 gene region SNP in the susceptibility to or clinical expression of GCA. PMID: 20231195 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: J Rheumatol)

Minimally Important Difference for Patient-reported Outcomes in Psoriatic Arthritis: Health Assessment Questionnaire and Pain, Fatigue, and Global Visual Analog Scales.

J Rheumatol — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: This is the first study investigating MID of patient-reported outcomes in PsA. MID for HAQ-DI, pain, and global VAS were shown to be the best predictors for a patient's perception of overall changes in disease status. PMID: 20231193 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: J Rheumatol)

Excellent therapeutic effect of tocilizumab on intestinal amyloid a deposition secondary to active rheumatoid arthritis

Clinical Rheumatology — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 12:25:46 +0100

Abstract A 64-year-old woman suffering from progressive amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, associated with active rheumatoid arthritis, was transferred to our hospital due to hypovolemic shock. Although intensive care, including treatment with prednisolone and methotrexate, improved the hypovolemic shock, paralytic ileus became dominant instead of the marked diarrhea, suggesting the terminal stage of AA amyloidosis of the GI tract. Thus, we administered tocilizumab, a humanized anti-interleukin 6 receptor antibody (8 mg/kg, repeated every 4 weeks). Two weeks after the first injection of tocilizumab, serum AA rapidly returned to their normal ranges in accordance with the amelioration of paralytic ileus and systemic joint pain. Surprisin...

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Anti-agalactosyl IgG antibody in ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis

Clinical Rheumatology — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 12:25:44 +0100

Abstract Anti-agalactosyl IgG antibody (anti-Gal(0) IgG) has been regarded as a useful serological marker for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is unknown whether it is also elevated in serum and implicated in the pathogenesis of joint inflammation in seronegative spondyloarthropathy (SpA) such as ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Sera were collected from 43 patients with AS or PsA with axial joint involvement, 22 patients with RA, and 25 healthy normal individuals for the detection of anti-Gal(0) IgG with a cup-type lectin enzyme immunoassay (Eitest CA.RF). The disease activity of the AS/PsA was evaluated by Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (BASDAI), the serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and IgA were measured by nephelometry, and erythro...

The Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Activity and Function Indices (BASDAI and BASFI) and their correlation with main symptoms experienced by patients with spondyloarthritis

Clinical Rheumatology — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 12:25:43 +0100

Abstract With the aim of assessing whether the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Activity and Function Indices (BASDAI and BASFI) are reliable measures of disease activity and function in patients with spondyloarthritides (SpAs), 341 patients with SpA (representing ankylosing spondylitis (14.5%), psoriatic arthritis (27.3%), enteropathic arthritis (6.3%), reactive arthritis (4.9%), and undifferentiated arthritis (46.5%) were asked to complete the BASDAI and BASFI. They were asked to report what their main problems associated with the disease were from a list of seven symptoms: fatigue, neck pain, upper back pain, lower back pain, stiffness, joint pain or swelling, and pain with pressure on joints. Correlations between the main symptoms experienced by patients with SpAs and the i...

The role of interleukin-6 in rheumatoid arthritis-associated osteoporosis

Osteoporosis International — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 11:30:06 +0100

Conclusion The development of agents that modulate the actions of IL-6 and those of other pro-inflammatory mediators of bone loss may provide alternative osteoporosis management strategies for patients with RA than existing general osteoporosis therapies. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory ReviewDOI 10.1007/s00198-010-1192-7Authors C. J. Edwards, Southampton University Hospital Department of Rheumatology Tremona Road Southampton SO16 6YD UKE. Williams, Southampton University Hospital Department of Rheumatology Tremona Road Southampton SO16 6YD UK Journal Osteoporosis InternationalOnline ISSN 1433-2965Print ISSN 0937-941X (Source: Osteoporosis International)

Bee stings as therapy? Apitherapy can treat arthritis and more

NaturalNews.com — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

(NaturalNews) A bee sting is an unpleasant experience that undoubtedly everyone would choose to avoid if given the choice. However a growing number of people are choosing to be stung by bees in an alternative form of illness treatment called apitherapy. Apitherapy contends that bee venom holds therapeutic value in treating serious illness and that it is a viable alternative to dangerous pharmaceutical drugs that often do not work and have harmful side effects.Apitherapy, a traditional folk remedy that has been used in many other countries for centuries, takes advantage of the healing power contained in honeybee venom which helps to alleviate serious conditions like multiple sclerosis, arthritis, and lupus. According to 51-year-old Reyah Carlson of Vermont, a proponent of apitherapy, bee ve...

Knee replacement in elderly patients shown to improve balance

ScienceDaily Headlines — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0100

Total knee replacement (TKR) successfully relieves pain and improves function in patients with advanced knee arthritis, according to a new study. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

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Multiple Benefits To Surgery Reported For Patients With Advanced Osteoarthritis

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Total knee replacement (TKR) successfully relieves pain and improves function in patients with advanced knee arthritis, according to a study presented at the 2010 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). The surgery also significantly improves dynamic balance among elderly patients. Impaired balance and increased tendency to fall are common complaints among the elderly suffering from severe osteoarthritis (worn cartilage)... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Multiple Benefits To Surgery Reported For Patients With Advanced Osteoarthritis

Seniors / Aging News From Medical News Today — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Total knee replacement (TKR) successfully relieves pain and improves function in patients with advanced knee arthritis, according to a study presented at the 2010 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). The surgery also significantly improves dynamic balance among elderly patients... (Source: Seniors / Aging News From Medical News Today)

Etanercept and Venous Thromboembolism: A Case Series

Medscape Rheumatology Headlines — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:51:31 +0100

Three arthritis patients taking Etanercept, an anti-TNF agent, present with deep vein thrombosis (DVT.) Journal of Medical Case Reports (Source: Medscape Rheumatology Headlines)

MRC Scientists Announce Advance In Understanding Body's Natural Defences

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0100

CBio Secures Another Clinical Trial Milestone

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0100

Australian drug development company CBio Limited (ASX: CBZ) announced the achievement of a clinical trial milestone under its option agreement with global pharmaceutical leader Novo Nordisk A/S. The agreement relates to the development of XToll, the potential new-generation drug therapy which could provide safer and more effective treatment of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The clinical trial milestone was triggered by the recruitment of the 75th patient into the current 150 patient phase II clinical trial... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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MRC Scientists Announce Advance In Understanding Body's Natural Defences

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0100

Medical Research Council (MRC) scientists at the University of Leicester have made a new advance in understanding how the body fights certain types of cancer and other disease such as Lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Dr Melania Capasso, one of the authors of the study, described the findings as being 'very significant'. "We showed that a newly discovered protein, HVCN1, regulates antibody production through modulation of intracellular oxidation. In the absence of HVCN1, the immune response is blunted... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

CBio Secures Another Clinical Trial Milestone

Pharma Industry News From Medical News Today — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0100

Australian drug development company CBio Limited (ASX: CBZ) announced the achievement of a clinical trial milestone under its option agreement with global pharmaceutical leader Novo Nordisk A/S. The agreement relates to the development of XToll, the potential new-generation drug therapy which could provide safer and more effective treatment of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA)... (Source: Pharma Industry News From Medical News Today)

Knee Replacement In Elderly Patients Shown To Improve Balance

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Total knee replacement (TKR) successfully relieves pain and improves function in patients with advanced knee arthritis, according to a study presented today at the 2010 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). The surgery also significantly improves dynamic balance among elderly patients. Impaired balance and increased tendency to fall are common complaints among the elderly suffering from severe osteoarthritis (worn cartilage)... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Knee Replacement In Elderly Patients Shown To Improve Balance

Seniors / Aging News From Medical News Today — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Total knee replacement (TKR) successfully relieves pain and improves function in patients with advanced knee arthritis, according to a study presented today at the 2010 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). The surgery also significantly improves dynamic balance among elderly patients... (Source: Seniors / Aging News From Medical News Today)

Health Tip: IBD May Contribute to Other Health Problems

MedicineNet Arthritis General — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Health Tip: IBD May Contribute to Other Health ProblemsCategory: Health NewsCreated: 3/11/2010 10:10:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 3/12/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Arthritis General)

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New Knee May Improve Balance

MedicineNet Arthritis General — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

Title: New Knee May Improve BalanceCategory: Health NewsCreated: 3/11/2010 10:10:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 3/12/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Arthritis General)

Long-Term Use of Osteoporosis Drugs Linked to Fractures

MedicineNet Arthritis General — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Long-Term Use of Osteoporosis Drugs Linked to FracturesCategory: Health NewsCreated: 3/11/2010 2:10:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 3/12/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Arthritis General)

Differences between the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI) and the modified HAQ (mHAQ) score before and after infliximab treatment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Modern Rheumatology — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 06:51:27 +0100

Abstract We conducted a 1-year prospective study to clarify differences between the Health Assessment Questionnaire disability index (HAQ-DI) and the modified HAQ (mHAQ) score among rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients treated with infliximab. A total of 87 patients were scheduled to receive infliximab infusion at a dose of 3 mg/kg at weeks 0, 2, and 6, and every 8 weeks thereafter for 54 weeks; all patients received a full examination at each infusion appointment. The 28-joint disease activity score (DAS28) and functional capability of each patient was assessed at each visit, using the HAQ-DI and the mHAQ score. A strong correlation was observed between the HAQ-DI and the mHAQ score at baseline (r = 0.892). Over the course of the treatment, the mean ...

Work disability remains a major problem in rheumatoid arthritis in the 2000s: data from 32 countries in the QUEST-RA study

Arthritis Research and Therapy — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

IntroductionWork disability is a major consequence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), associated not only with traditional disease activity variables, but also more significantly with demographic, functional, occupational, and societal variables. Recent reports suggest that the use of biologic agents offers potential for reduced work disability rates, but the conclusions are based on surrogate disease activity measures derived from studies primarily from Western countries. Methods: The Quantitative Standard Monitoring of Patients with RA (QUEST-RA) multinational database of 8,039 patients in 86 sites in 32 countries, 16 with high gross domestic product (GDP) (>24K U.S dollars (USD) per capita) and 16 low-GDP countries ( (Source: Arthritis Research and Therapy)

DNA microarray analysis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) susceptibility genes identified by genome-wide association studies (GWAS)

Arthritis Research and Therapy — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This study aims to clarify whether DNA microarray analysis and GWASs produce comparable results with respect to RA susceptibility genes. (Source: Arthritis Research and Therapy)

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Preferences for health outcomes associated with Group A Streptococcal disease and vaccination

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Parents strongly prefer to prevent GAS disease in children compared to vaccine adverse events. However, WTP/QALY thresholds were higher for the prevention of vaccine adverse events. Regret for errors of commission vs. omission may differ and should be considered by vaccine policymakers. (Source: Health and Quality of Life Outcomes)

Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Converting Enzyme: An Encouraging Target for Various Inflammatory Disorders

Chemical Biology and Drug Design — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Tumor necrosis factor alpha is one of the most common pro-inflammatory cytokines responsible for various inflammatory disorders. It plays an important role in the origin and progression of rheumatoid arthritis and also in other autoimmune disease conditions. Some anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha antibodies like Enbrel®, Humira® and Remicade® have been successfully used in these disease conditions as antagonists of tumor necrosis factor alpha. Inhibition of generation of active form of tumor necrosis factor alpha is a promising therapy for various inflammatory disorders. Therefore, the inhibition of an enzyme (tumor necrosis factor alpha converting enzyme), which is responsible for processing inactive form of tumor necrosis factor alpha into its active soluble form, is an encouraging tar...

SSRIs Show Anti-Inflammatory Benefit in RA Models

Modern Medicine — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Fluoxetine and citalopram show an anti-inflammatory benefit in rheumatoid arthritis in laboratory experiments, with findings pointing toward endosomal Toll-like receptors as a target for therapy in the disease, according to research published in the March issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism. (Source: Modern Medicine)

Lipoprotein Autoantibodies Higher in More Active Lupus

Modern Medicine — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, those with persistently high disease activity have higher levels of anti-apolipoprotein A-I and anti-high-density lipoprotein than those with low disease activity, according to research published in the March issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism. (Source: Modern Medicine)

MedWorm: Arthritis

Continuous passive motion following total knee arthroplasty in people with arthritis.

Arthritis Research UK

Whole blood cytokine attenuation by cholinergic agonists ex vivo and relationship to vagus nerve activity in rheumatoid arthritis

Mapping of a standard documentation template to the ICF core sets for arthritis and low back pain

Leg Ulceration in Rheumatoid Arthritis  An Underreported Multicausal Complication with Considerable Morbidity: Analysis of Thirty-Six Patients and Review of the Literature

Ultrasound Guidance Does Not Improve Benefit of Joint Injections for Arthritis

High specificity but low sensitivity of the cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) test in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis

Ultrasound to Treat Chronic Pain

Assessing the functional status and quality of life of patients with rheumatoid arthritis

The importance of vitamin D levels in autoimmune diseases

Lymphadenopathy and systemic lupus erythematosus

Antibiotic Combos Effective for Chlamydia-Induced Arthritis

RA: Lowering Cardiovascular Risk With Statins

Opinions of Japanese rheumatology physicians regarding clinical practice guidelines

Rheumatologists Are Eager To Use Roche-Genentech's ACTEMRA, According To New Study By BioTrends

Rheumatologists Are Eager To Use Roche-Genentech's ACTEMRA, According To New Study By BioTrends

Life stories of people with rheumatoid arthritis who retired early: how gender and other contextual factors shaped their everyday activities, including paid work

Characterizing the clinical practice and professional behaviour of rheumatology nurse specialists: a pilot study

A literature review regarding the management of varicella-zoster virus

Teaching medical students about chronic disease: patient-led teaching in rheumatoid arthritis

B-lymphocyte stimulator/a proliferation-inducing ligand heterotrimers are elevated in the sera of patients with autoimmune disease and are neutralized by atacicept and B cell maturation antigen-immunoglobulin

Anticentromere antibody positive Sjogren's Syndrome: a retrospective descriptive analysis

Light, Flat Shoes May Be Best for Arthritic Knees

The Discovery of Novel Experimental Therapies for Inflammatory Arthritis

PI3K p110{delta} regulates T-cell cytokine production during primary and secondary immune responses in mice and humans

Muscle Cramps

Brief Meditation Training Brings Pain Relief

Slit3 inhibits Robo3-induced invasion of synovial fibroblasts in rheumatoid arthritis

Development of proteoglycan-induced arthritis depends on T cell-supported autoantibody production, but does not involve significant influx of T cells into the joints

Vasculogenesis in rheumatoid arthritis

Limited educational attainment and radiographic and symptomatic knee osteoarthritis: a cross-sectional analysis using data from the Johnston County (North Carolina) Osteoarthritis Project

Fc γ R IIIB polymorphisms: their association with clinical manifestations and autoantibodies in SLE patients from Western India

Miliary tuberculosis and necrotizing tuberculous fasciitis – An unusual coexistence in a rheumatoid arthritis patient

Acute non-traumatic hip pathology in children: incidence and presentation in family practice

Rheumatoid arthritis tied to pregnancy complications

Light, flat shoes may be best for arthritic knees

Rituximab Promising in IgG4-Related Diseases

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Licorice and Roasted Licorice Extracts on TPA-Induced Acute Inflammation and Collagen-Induced Arthritis in Mice

A Possible Role for Epigenetics in Age-Dependent Bone Diseases

iTRAQ-based proteomic identification of leucine-rich {alpha}-2 glycoprotein as a novel inflammatory biomarker in autoimmune diseases

Lipoma arborescens co-existing with psoriatic arthritis releases tumour necrosis factor alpha and matrix metalloproteinase 3

Synovial tissue and serum biomarkers of disease activity, therapeutic response and radiographic progression: analysis of a proof-of-concept randomised clinical trial of cytokine blockade

Increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with rheumatoid arthritis: a nationwide population-based study

Long-term efficacy and safety of infliximab plus methotrexate for the treatment of polyarticular-course juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: findings from an open-label treatment extension

CARD8 p.C10X polymorphism is associated with inflammatory activity in early rheumatoid arthritis

Repair of joint erosions in rheumatoid arthritis: prevalence and patient characteristics in a large inception cohort

Diagnostic value of anti-MCV antibodies in differentiating early inflammatory arthritis

Association of an ERAP1 ERAP2 haplotype with familial ankylosing spondylitis

Overproduced interleukin 6 decreases blood lipid levels via upregulation of very-low-density lipoprotein receptor

FoxO3a involved in neutrophil and T cell survival is overexpressed in rheumatoid blood and synovial tissue

PADI4 genotype is not associated with rheumatoid arthritis in a large UK Caucasian population

Effectiveness and retention rates of methotrexate in psoriatic arthritis in comparison with methotrexate-treated patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Is shift work a risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis? The Finnish Public Sector study

Statin use in rheumatoid arthritis in relation to actual cardiovascular risk: evidence for substantial undertreatment of lipid-associated cardiovascular risk?

The TRAF1-C5 region on chromosome 9q33 is associated with multiple autoimmune diseases

Genetic variants of STAT4 associated with rheumatoid arthritis in persons of Asian and European ancestry do not replicate in African Americans

'Treat to target': moving targets from hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and diabetes to rheumatoid arthritis

Treating rheumatoid arthritis to target: recommendations of an international task force

Evidence for treating rheumatoid arthritis to target: results of a systematic literature search

Assessment of active spinal inflammatory changes in patients with axial spondyloarthritis: validation of whole body MRI against conventional MRI

Rheumatoid arthritis, treatment with corticosteroids and risk of malignant lymphomas: results from a case-control study

Menopause

ACTEMRA(tocilizumab) filed in the US for Prevention of Structural Joint Damage and Improvement of Physical Function in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Genentech Submits Supplemental Biologics License Application for ACTEMRA(R) (tocilizumab) for Prevention of Structural Joint Damage and Improvement of Physical Function in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Development of a self-administered early inflammatory arthritis detection tool

Arthritis Drug Salsalate in Clinical Trials for Type 2 Diabetes

Old Arthritis Drug May Help Diabetics (CME/CE)

Viron Reports Positive Proof of Concept Results in Arthritis for its VT-346 anti-TNF Therapeutic

Generic Drug For Type 2 Diabetes Passes Next Clinical Hurdle

Generic Drug For Type 2 Diabetes Passes Next Clinical Hurdle

NICE Draft Guidance Proposes Treatment Options For Psoriatic Arthritis

NICE Draft Guidance Proposes Treatment Options For Psoriatic Arthritis

Anti-thymocyte globulin plus etanercept as therapy for myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS): a phase II study

Cyclophilin–CD147 interactions: a new target for anti-inflammatory therapeutics

A role for human endogenous retrovirus-K (HML-2) in rheumatoid arthritis: investigating mechanisms of pathogenesis

Salsalate As a Type 2 Diabetes Treatment? It Looks Promising

Arthritis Drug May Fight Diabetes, Too

The Long-term Impact of Rituximab for Childhood Immune Thrombocytopenia

Hyperimmunoglobulin D Syndrome in Childhood

Leg Ulceration in Rheumatoid Arthritis An Underreported Multicausal Complication with Considerable Morbidity: Analysis of Thirty-Six Patients and Review of the Literature