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| Autoimmune Diseases:
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) |
| This page was written
by Shelley Ensz, and has
not yet been medically edited. See Disclaimer. |
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| Overview of Rheumatoid
Arthritis |
| Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a
chronic autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints.
However, it may also cause anemia, eye inflammation, heart
attacks, heart failure, myocarditis, pericarditis, pleurisy,
vasculitis, shortness of breath, skin ulcers, stomach ulcers,
strokes, and neuropathies (numbness and tingling). |
| Rheumatoid
Arthritis MedicineNet. |
| Morning stiffness and its influence on early retirement in patients with recent onset rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Severe morning stiffness in the early course of the disease has a high impact on RA patients’ decision to withdraw from working life. G. Westhoff. Rheumatology Access Online. April 15, 2008. (Also See: Disability) |
| Don’t ignore that pain. Rheumatoid arthritis may start suddenly, with many joints becoming inflamed at the same time. Most often however, it starts subtly, gradually affecting the joints and may go unnoticed or ignored. The inflammation is usually symmetrical whereby if one side of the body is affected, the corresponding joint on the other side is also affected. The Star On-line. 07/01/07. |
| Two kinds of arthritis most prevalent. The word arthritis is a broad term used to refer to more than 100 conditions that can cause joint pain. Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are the most well known. Pocono Record. 06/07/07. (Also see: Arthritis) |
| Study
Offers New Perspective on Nitric Oxide Signaling in Rheumatoid
Arthritis. Scientists have found evidence that challenges
current thinking about the cause of rheumatoid arthritis. Newswise.
10/30/06. |
| Gold Therapy in Women Planning Pregnancy: Outcomes in One Center. Our clinic experience and the published literature support the current practice that in patients with RA, gold may still be considered a treatment option in women planning pregnancy. J Rheumatol 2007;34:1827-31. (Also see: Pregnancy and Scleroderma) |
| Symptoms of Rheumatoid
Arthritis |
| Symptoms
of Rheumatoid Arthritis. The disease usually begins gradually
with fatigue, morning stiffness (lasting more than one hour),
widespread muscle aches, loss of appetite, and weakness.
Eventually, joint pain appears. When the joint is not used
for a while, it can become warm, tender, stiff, and swollen.
Joint pain is often felt on both sides of the body, and may
effect the wrist, knees, elbows, fingers, toes, ankle or
neck. Medline Plus. |
| Rheumatoid
arthritis can cause other problems in the body, such
as vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels), osteoporosis
(loss of bone density), lung disease, rheumatoid nodules
(small bumps) under the skin, and blood disorders. Rheumatoid
arthritis that begins with a high fever and other general
symptoms is called Still's disease. Milton S. Hershey
Medical Center, College of Medicine. |
| Echocardiographically
Guided Pericardiocentesis for Treatment of Clinically Significant
Pericardial Effusion in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Echocardiographically
guided pericardiocentesis is a safe and effective treatment
for this uncommon but serious complication of RA. J Rheumatol
2006;33:2173–7. (Also see: Cardiac
Involvement) |
| Ultrasonography
shows increased cross-sectional area of the median nerve
in patients with arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Cross-sectional
areas of the median nerves were significantly higher in the
CTS patients compared with the rhematoid arthristis controls
and healthy persons. No significant differences in cross-sectional
areas were observed between the two control groups, or between
the right and left hand in the control groups. Rheumatology
2006 45(5):584-588. (Also see: Carpal
Tunnel Syndrome and Arthritis) |
| Causes of Rheumatoid
Arthritis |
| Advances in the genetics of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) point to subclassification into distinct disease subsets. More genetic risk factors have now been identified that predispose to RA. Interestingly, several of the observed genetic variants conferred risk to anticitrulline-peptide antibody (ACPA)-positive RA and two variants may be restricted to ACPA-negative RA, pointing to the need for subclassification of RA. Arthritis Research & Therapy 2008, 10:205. |
| LIGHT Induces Cell Proliferation and Inflammatory Responses of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Synovial Fibroblasts via Lymphotoxin ß Receptor(LTßR). Findings suggest that LIGHT ((lymphotoxin-like, exhibits inducible expression and competes with herpes simplex virus glycoprotein D for herpes virus entry mediator, a receptor expressed by T lymphocytes) signaling via LTßR plays an important role in the pathogenesis of RA by affecting key processes such as the proliferation and activation of RA-fibroblast-like synoviocytes. Satoru Ishida. J Rheumatol First Release April 15 2008. |
| Cells of the synovium in rheumatoid arthritis. Synovial fibroblasts. A body of evidence has accumulated illustrating that rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts are active drivers of joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis. Ulf Müller-Ladner, Caroline Ospelt, Steffen Gay, Oliver Distler, and Thomas Pap, Arthritis Research & Therapy 2007, 9(6): 223. (Also see: Prof. Ulf Müller-Ladner, MD: ISN Medical Advisory Board and Dr. Oliver Distler: ISN Medical Advisory Board) |
| Genes Boost Risk for Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus. Two genes boost the risk of painful rheumatoid arthritis, and one of them also increases the odds for lupus, according to two new reports. WashingtonPost.com. 09/05/07. (Also see: Lupus) |
| Breakthrough Developments in Rheumatoid Arthritis Reported at Federation of Clinical Immunology Services Meeting in San Diego. About one percent of the US population will develop rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that leads to painful joint swelling. Scientists are cracking the genetic code that makes the immune system wage an attack on a person's joints. PRWebNewswire. 06/09/07. |
| Rheumatoid
Arthritis (RA) and Sex Differences. The findings suggest
that the sisters of men with RA are approximately twice as
likely to be anti-CCP autoantibody positive and to have higher
anti-CCP titers as the general population of women with RA. eMaxHealth.
09/28/06. |
| Sleepless
Night Triggers Immune System’s Inflammatory Response;
Findings Reveal New Avenue for Fighting Autoimmune Disorders. This
study shows that even a modest loss of sleep for a single
night increases inflammation, which is a key factor in the
onset of cardiovascular disease and autoimmune disorders
such as rheumatoid arthritis. UCLA News. 09/22/06. (Also
see: Sleep
and Autoimmunity and Causes
of Scleroderma: Sleep Disorders) |
| Increased
odds of rheumatoid arthritis in women smokers without genetic
risk factor. Results of a study showed that smoking almost
doubled the odds of developing rheumatoid arthritis in women
who had not inherited the most well established genetic risk
factor for the disease, HLA-DRB1 SE. EurekAlert! 08/02/06. |
| Rheumatoid
arthritis gene link proven. The gene PTPN22 has been
confirmed as one of the factors that cause rheumatoid arthritis
by University of Otago researchers. PTPN22, is also over-represented
in people with Type 1 diabetes and thyroiditis, providing
extra evidence it is a causal factor in autoimmune diseases
generally. Scoop NZ 07/04/05. (Also see: Diabetes and Thyroid
Disease) |
| Diagnosis of Rheumatoid
Arthritis |
| Rheumatoid arthritis is generally
diagnosed and treated by rheumatologists, in most countries. |
| Rheumatoid
Arthritis: How is it diagnosed? The symptoms of rheumatoid
arthritis are similar to many other conditions, so a diagnosis
is made based upon a pattern of symptoms and the results
of some specific tests. Blood tests may check for erythrocyte
sedimentation rate, anemia, and rheumatoid factor. X-rays
may show changes in the joints. Synovial fluid samples and
biopsy of rheumatoid nodules may also be done. Milton
S. Hershey Medical Center, College of Medicine. |
| The Cutoff Points of Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) with High Negative and Positive Predictive Values. Analysis of 5655 Cases. The cutoff point of ANA titer 160 is appropriate to exclude SLE (Lupus), MCTD (Mixed Connective Tissue Disease), SSc (Systemic Scleroderma) in most of the clinical setting. ANA 640 or higher deserves further investigation such as disease specific autoantibodies even without characteristic clinical findings, especially after proper exams for chronic liver and thyroid diseases and RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis). Hisanori Shimizu. 1515/129. ACR 2007. (Also see: Antibodies, SSc, Lupus,and MCTD) |
| Identification
of masqueraders of autoimmune disease in the office. There
are several rheumatologic and autoimmune disorders that can
masquerade as allergic disease. These conditions include
rheumatoid and juvenile arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome, systemic
lupus erythematosus, Behcet's and antiphospholipid syndromes,
systemic sclerosis, vasculitis, sarcoidosis, chronic fatigue
syndrome, and fibromyalgia. PubMed. Allergy Asthma Proc.
2003 Nov-Dec;24(6):421-9. (Also see: Sjogren's
Syndrome, Lupus, Behcet's, Antiphospholipid, Systemic
Sclerosis (Scleroderma), Vasculitis, Sarcoiditis, Fibromyalgia
and CFS) |
| Antibodies of Rheumatoid
Arthritis |
| Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibody, Smoking, Alcohol Consumption, and Disease Duration as Risk Factors for Extraarticular Manifestations (EAM) in Korean Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Longer disease duration, smoking history, and positive anti-CCP antibody contributed significantly to the occurrence of EAM in Korean patients with RA. Alcohol consumption in patients with RA had a negative association with EAM. J Rheumatol First Release May 1 2008. (Also see: RA Prevention). |
| Vegan diet promotes atheroprotective antibodies in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The effect was seen when a group of patients who kept to a gluten-free vegan diet for a year were compared with a control group which had followed ordinary dietary advice. Karolinska Institutet. Arthritis Research & Therapy, 18 March 2008. |
| Reactivation of Rheumatoid Arthritis after Pregnancy is Accompanied by Increased Phagocyte and Recurring Lymphocyte Gene Activity in the Peripheral Blood. The increase in lymphocytes and related cell activation pathways indicates an important contributory role of theses cells in disease flare. It also demonstrates a suppression of the adaptive immune response during pregnancy. Thomas Haeupl. 823/68. ACR 2007. (Also see: Pregnancy) |
| Natural
compounds block autoimmune response in diabetes, arthritis. Natural
compounds from a sea anemone extract and from the rue shrub
plant block autoimmune disease responses in both type 1 diabetes
and rheumatoid arthritis, U.S. researchers report. EurekAlert!
University of California, Irvine. 11/06/06. (Also see: Causes
of Scleroderma: B Cells and T Cells and Diabetes) |
| Anti-Cyclic
Citrullinated Peptide versus Anti-Sa Antibodies in Diagnosis
of Rheumatoid Arthritis in an Outpatient Clinic for Connective
Tissue Disease and Spondyloarthritis.Our results suggest
that presence of anti-Sa antibodies in serum may be useful
as a complementary assay when anti-CCP antibodies are negative
and RA is suspected. J Rheumatol 2006;33:1476–81.
08/08/06. |
| Use
of antibodies recognizing cyclic citrullinated peptide in
the differential diagnosis of joint involvement in systemic
sclerosis. Anti-CCP antibodies can be detected in patients
with SSc, but less commonly present than in adults with rheumatoid
arthritis. PubMed. Clin Rheumatol. 2006 May 3. (Also see: Skeletal
Involvement and Antibodies) |
| Anti-lactoferrin
antibodies in patients with connective tissue diseases. Patients
with connective tissue diseases are known to develop multiple
auto-antibodies; anti-lactoferrin antibodies mainly of IgG1
isotype can also be found in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
and more often in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. PubMed.
Folia Med (Plovdiv). 2003;45(4):25-30. (Also see: Lupus,
and Antibodies) |
| Scleroderma and Rheumatoid
Arthritis |
| Clinical
Aspects of Systemic Sclerosis Overlap Syndromes. The
association of systemic sclerosis (SSc) with other connective
tissue diseases (dermato/polymyositis (DM/PM), rheumatoid
arthritis (RA) et al) is poorly understood and is an actively
discussed clinical problem. SSc-PM/DM and SSc-RA overlaps
occur most often. O. V. Desinova. AB0191 EULAR 2005. (Also
see: What is Scleroderma?, Overlap
Syndrome, and Dermatomyositis) |
| Clinical
features of patients with systemic sclerosis accompanied
by rheumatoid arthritis. These results suggest that systemic
sclerosis patients with elevated RF and a history of arthralgia
prior to Raynaud's phenomenon should be followed up with
serial measurements of CRP due to their risk of developing
RA. PubMed. Clin Exp Rheumatol 2003 Jan-Feb;21(1):91-4.
(Also see: Overlap
Syndrome) |
| Prevention of Rheumatoid
Arthritis |
| Self-care
Tips. Although there is no known way to prevent the development
of rheumatoid arthritis, you can reduce the pain of flare-ups
and prevent joint deformity by following your doctor's treatment
recommendations. Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, College
of Medicine. |
| Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibody, Smoking, Alcohol Consumption, and Disease Duration as Risk Factors for Extraarticular Manifestations (EAM) in Korean Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Longer disease duration, smoking history, and positive anti-CCP antibody contributed significantly to the occurrence of EAM in Korean patients with RA. Alcohol consumption in patients with RA had a negative association with EAM. J Rheumatol First Release May 1 2008. (Also see: RA Antibodies). |
| Rheumatoid arthritis patients who smoke have a higher need for DMARDs and feel worse, but they do not have more joint damage than non-smokers of the same serological group. The higher use of DMARDs may indicate that smoking weakens the potency of anti-rheumatic drugs and/or is needed to control an otherwise higher disease activity. G. Westhoff. Rheumatology Access Online. April 4, 2008. |
| The
effects of tobacco smoking and rheumatoid factor seropositivity
on disease activity and joint damage in early rheumatoid
arthritis. Tobacco smoking has an adverse effect on patients
with early RA and this is possibly immunologically mediated. Rheumatology
2006 45(6):734-740. |
| Treatments of Rheumatoid
Arthritis |
| Rheumatoid
Arthritis Treatments. It is essential that the patient
and the patient’s family be educated about the nature and
course of the disease. The major goals of treatment of the
arthritis are to reduce pain and discomfort, prevent deformities
and loss of joint function, and maintain a productive and
active life. Johns Hopkins University. |
| Treatments
for Rheumatoid Arthritis include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs); COX-2 inhibitors; corticosteroids; disease-modifying
antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such as hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil),
the gold compound auranofin (Ridaura), sulfasalazine (Azulfidine),
minocycline (Dynacin, Minocin), methotrexate (Rheumatrex);
immunosuppressants; tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers;
and joint replacements. Immunosuppressants include leflunomide
(Arava), azathioprine (Imuran), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)
and cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan). Mayo Clinic. |
| Changing patterns of medication use in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in a Medicaid population. The utilization of DMARDs increased in TennCare patients with RA, and by 2004, use of biologics was substantial. C. G. Grijalva. Rheumatology Advance Access. May 22, 2008. |
| Triple therapy in early active rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized, single-blind, controlled trial comparing step-up and parallel treatment strategies. Highly effective control of disease activity can be achieved using conventional DMARDs as part of an intensive disease management strategy. Within this setting, step-up therapy is at least as effective as parallel triple therapy. (Wiley Interscience) Arthritis & Rheumatism, 25 Apr 2008. |
| Low-dose Prednisolone in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Adverse Effects (AE) of Various Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARD). Low-dose glucocorticoids retard radiological progression of RA and exhibit a differential effect on survival of DMARD and degree of AE due to DMARD. J Rheumatol April 15 2008 (Also see: Medications: steroids and DMARDS) |
| Cod liver oil (n-3 fatty acids) as an non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drug sparing agent in rheumatoid arthritis. Out of 49 patients 19 in the cod liver oil group and out of 48 patients 5 in the placebo group were able to reduce their daily NSAID requirement by >30%. (PubMed) Rheumatology (Oxford). 2008 Mar 24. (Also see: Alternative Therapies, and Pain Management) |
| Treatment of Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) with Disease Modifying Drugs: Comparison of Drugs and Adverse Reactions. For both diseases methotrexate (MTX) was the most frequently used disease modifying drug (39% of patients with PsA, 30% with RA), with over 70% of patients in both diseases still taking the drug. Journal of Rheumatology. Vol 35: No. 3 March 2008. (Also see: Psoriatic Arthritis) |
| Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), cardiovascular disease and physical exercise: a systematic review. There is strong evidence suggesting that exercise from low to high intensity of various modes is effective in improving disease-related characteristics and functional ability in RA patients. Rheumatology 2008 47(3):239-248. |
| Who Receives Biologics For Treatment Of RA? In multivariable comparisons of biologic users versus a subgroup of patients predominantly managed with steroids, biologic use was associated with younger age, lower baseline pain level, shorter disease duration, and less co-morbidity. Esi Morgan DeWitt. 74/74. ACR 2007. (Also see: Medications) |
| Folic Acid May Undermine Methotrexate Efficacy. Folic acid supplementation can decrease the risk of adverse events associated with low-dose methotrexate treatment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, but it also can decrease the efficacy of the methotrexate therapy and delay the drug's clinical efficacy. Rheumatology News. Vol 7, Issue 2, P5 (Feb 2008) (Also see: Medications) |
| The impact of infliximab treatment on quality of life in patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases. Patients in large randomized controlled studies of infliximab in Rheumatoid Arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis had similar impairment in physical aspects of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) at baseline and showed significantly greater improvement in HRQoL after treatment with infliximab. Arthritis Research & Therapy 2007, 9:R103. (Also see: Psoriasis, and Medications) |
| Efficacy and Safety of hydroxychloroquine sulphate in rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial - an Indian experience. Hydroxychloroquine was found to be an effective and well-tolerated drug in rheumatoid arthritis in Indian patients. Current Medical Research and Opinion, Volume 23, Number 9, September 2007 , pp. 2227-2234(8) (IngentaConnect). (Also see: Medications: DMARDs ) |
| Anti-rheumatic drug use and risk of serious infections in rheumatoid arthritis. In this large cohort of RA patients, the most heightened risk of serious infections was seen with the use of glucocorticoid agents and immunosuppressive DMARDs. Rheumatology. Volume 46, Number 7 Pp. 1157-1160. (Also see: Medications) |
| Latest Data Show MabThera(R) Provides Significant and Sustained Relief From Signs and Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis. New data demonstrate that MabThera's (rituximab) effectiveness in relieving patients of the distressing symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis is sustained or further improved with subsequent courses of treatment, as is the number of patients achieving remission. CNW Telbec. 06/14/07. |
| Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Undergoing Surgery: How Should We Deal with Antirheumatic Treatment? Continuation of methotrexate (MTX) appears to be safe in the perioperative period. To avoid the antiplatelet effect during surgery, NSAIDs other than aspirin should be withheld for a duration of 4 to 5 times the drug half-life. (Science Direct) Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism
Vol 36, Issue 5 , April 2007, Pages 278-286. (Also see: Rheumatic Treatments) |
| Why Should Rheumatologists Consider Vitamin D Supplementation for their Patients? Given the low cost of vitamin D, its excellent tolerability, combined musculoskeletal- and suggested antiinflammatory/ cardio-vascular benefits, vitamin D supplementation holds a significant public health potential. IngentaConnect. Current Rheumatology Reviews, Vol 3, No 2, May 2007, pp. 129-134(6). (Also see: Causes of Scleroderma: Vitamin D Deficiency) |
| Glucocorticoids and cardiovascular events in rheumatoid arthritis: A population-based cohort study. RF-positive but not RF-negative patients were at increased risk of cardiovascular events following exposure to glucocorticoids. (Wiley InterScience) Arthritis and Rheumatism Vol 56, Issue 3 , Pages 820 - 830. (Also see: Medications) |
| Corticosteroid Use in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Prevalence, Predictors, Correlates, and Outcomes. Corticosteroid use is associated with adverse longterm outcomes, but the ability to discern causal associations is severely limited by confounding by indication. The idea of "once on corticosteroids, always on corticosteroids" is incorrect and applies to only a minority of patients. J Rheumatol 2007;34:696-705 4 April 2007. (Also see: Medications) |
| Studying the Benefit/Risk Ratio of Glucocorticoids (GC) in Rheumatoid Arthritis GC treatment is a dynamic process, with lots of patients stopping or starting these drugs each year. This shows that physicians constantly scrutinize the need for ongoing treatment, although the study also demonstrated that the indication-setting to start or stop GC was highly variable between individual practices. Editorial Journal of Rheumatology Vol 34: No. 4 April 2007. (Also see: Medications) |
| Sex Differences And Rheumatoid Arthritis. Sex hormone balance is a crucial factor in the regulation of immune and inflammatory responses. Modulation of this balance should represent part of advanced biologic treatments for RA. Medical News Today. 01/03/07. (Also see: Causes of Scleroderma: Hormones and Chromosomes) |
| The
Impact of Immunosuppressive Medications on Cardiovascular
Events in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients. TNF blockers
were not associated with either a reduction or an increase
in the risk of heart attack or stroke compared with the most
commonly used RA treatment, methotrexate. American College
of Rheumatology. 11/29/06. (Also see: Cardiac
Involvement) |
| Efficacy and safety of combination etanercept (ETN) and methotrexate
(MTX) versus etanercept alone in patients with rheumatoid
arthritis (RA) with an inadequate response to methotrexate:
the ADORE study. Both the addition of ETN to MTX and
the substitution of ETN for MTX in patients with RA who had
an inadequate response to MTX resulted in substantial improvements
in clinical signs and symptoms and were generally well-tolerated. PubMed.
Ann Rheum Dis. 2006 Nov;65(11):1478-83. |
| Collateral
Benefits of Fish Oil Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis. In
a small study, the proportion of patients in remission at
3 years was greater in the Fish Oil group than the No Fish
Oil group (72% vs 31%). Editorial, Journal of Rheumatology.
Vol 33: No 10 Oct 2006. (Also see: Alternative
Therapies) |
| Tumor
necrosis factor blockers may not cause cancer after all. Study
finds no increased risk of lymphoma or tumors associated
with anti-TNF therapy over methotrexate use among rheumatoid
arthritis patients. EurekAlert! 08/31/06. (Also see: Clinical
Trials) |
| New
cell-based targets for treating autoimmune inflammatory diseases. Studies
uncover platelet-regulating gene mutation involved in lupus
nephritis and novel adhesion molecule implicated in rheumatoid
arthritis. EurekAlert! 08/31/06. (Also see: Lupus) |
| Rheumatoid
arthritis could be prevented if the timing is right: Methotrexate
shown to delay and prevent RA progression. Patients diagnosed
with undifferentiated rheumatoid arthritis could have their
disease outlook changed if treatment is given at the right
time. Innovations Report. 06/22/06. (Also see: Medications) |
| The
efficacy and safety of rituximab in patients with active
rheumatoid arthritis despite methotrexate treatment: Results
of a phase IIB randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled,
dose-ranging trial. Research to examine the efficacy
and safety of different rituximab doses plus methotrexate,
with or without glucocorticoids, in patients with active
rheumatoid arthritis resistant to disease-modifying antirheumatic
drugs (DMARDs), including biologic agents. Wiley Interscience.
05/02/06. |
| Prednisone
associated with increased risk of Pneumonia. Pneumonia
is among the major causes of mortality and morbidity in rheumatoid
arthritis. According to a study conducted by the National
data bank for Rheumatic diseases prednisone is associated
with a 70 percent increased risk of developing pneumonia. arthritis.about.com.
03/16/06. (Also see: Medications) |
| Alternative
treatments for rheumatoid arthritis include relaxation
techniques, meditation, hypnosis, acupressure, acupuncture,
yoga, and nutritional supplements such as fish oils, bromelain
and pancreatin, and vitamins A, C, and E, selenium, and zinc.
A diet rich in fish and berries may also be helpful. If your
flare-ups of rheumatoid arthritis have been linked to food
allergies, work with an allergy specialist to determine which
foods you need to avoid. Milton S. Hershey Medical Center,
College of Medicine. |
| Scientists
stumble on potential arthritis drug target. For
patients with rheumatoid arthritis, these new findings raise
the possibility that medications designed to prevent the
blood vessels from becoming leaky might one day be used to
delay the onset of arthritis or to prevent flare-ups of disease. DrugResearcher.
02/16/06. |
| Research of Rheumatoid
Arthritis |
| Heart failure among younger rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and Crohn's (CD) patients exposed to TNF-{alpha} antagonists. We found only a small number of presumed HF cases in a large population of relatively young RA and CD patients. Rheumatology 2007 46(11):1688-1693. (Also see: Medications and Crohn's Disease) |
| Queensland rheumatoid arthritis
research offers hope for sufferers. A research
team has been working on a new cell free therapy that will target the patient’s own auto-immune
system to kick in and treat the disease. PressZoom. 07/11/07. (Also see: Causes of Scleroderma: Dendritic Cells) |
| Clinical
Trial: Pain and Stress Management for People With Rheumatoid
Arthritis. Self-management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
symptoms using written emotional disclosure (ED), coping
skills training (CST), or a combination of both may benefit
people with RA. The purpose of this study is to determine
the benefits of these therapies together in adults with RA.
This study will be conducted at Wayne State University in
Detroit, Michigan and Duke University Medical Center in Durham,
North Carolina. NIH. Study dates 2005-2009. |
| Single-Blind
Randomized Trial of Combination Antibiotic Therapy in Rheumatoid
Arthritis. Combined antibiotic therapy with intravenous
clindamycin and oral tetracycline may be useful in the management
of active RA. A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of
therapy is justified. J Rheumatol 2006;33:224-7. |
| Sarcoidosis
succumbs to antibiotics-implications for autoimmune disease. From
time to time there have been reports of autoimmune disease
succumbing to tetracycline antibiotics, but many have assumed
this was due to coincidence, or to some ill-defined 'anti-inflammatory
property' of the tetracyclines. But now the inflammation
of sarcoidosis has succumbed to antibiotics in two independent
studies. Finally, data showing that the behavior of this
hormone is also aberrant in rheumatoid arthritis,
systemic lupus erythematosus, and Parkinson's, raise the
possibility that these diseases may also have a CWD bacterial
pathogenesis. PubMed. Autoimmun Rev. 2004 Jun;3(4):295-300.
(Also see: Lupus, Sarcoidosis and Causes
of Scleroderma: Infection) |
| Pilot
study finds poorer outcomes for African-Americans with rheumatoid
arthritis. Both disease activity and the resulting disabilities
were worse in African-Americans. Further analysis showed
that this was linked primarily to socio-economic status, not to
race. Washingtom University in St. Louis. 07/11/05. |
| Further
clues to recognition of patients with fibromyalgia from a
simple 2-page patient multidimensional health assessment
questionnaire (MDHAQ). Patients with fibromyalgia had
high ratios of pain:physical function and fatigue:physical
function scores, and a high number of reported symptoms.
A simple 1-page, 2-sided patient questionnaire provides quantitative
information which may contribute to identify patients with
fibromyalgia, including patients with RA who may also have
coexistent fibromyalgia. PubMed. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2004
Jul-Aug;22(4):453-61. (Also see: Fibromyalgia) |
| Support for Rheumatoid
Arthritis |
| Australia, New South Wales: Arthritis
New South Wales |
| United States: Arthritis
Foundation |
| Personal Stories of
Rheumatoid Arthritis |
| These stories are from people who
have rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or who have been nearly diagnosed,
or misdiagnosed with it; as well as those who have RA in overlap
with other autoimmune diseases. (Also see: Difficult
Diagnosis) |
| Angela
S: Overlap Syndrome I am twenty-five years old and
I was diagnosed with polymyositis and scleroderma, rheumatoid
arthritis, mitral valve prolapse, a heart murmur, and pericarditis... |
| Anna:
Linear Scleroderma (Poland) I realised that it is
not worthwhile to give up, even during the most difficult
moments; it is necessary to fight and to believe that it
will be better. If I had not believed I would not have been
alive now... |
| Becky
H: CREST Scleroderma I am interested in becoming a
pen pal with someone so that we can be supportive to each
other as changes occur and compare notes... |
| Beverly:
CREST Scleroderma I was overtired and needed naps
in the afternoon, pain was slowly getting the better of me
and I finally went to the doctor... |
| Boo:
CREST Scleroderma Finally in 1994, it was labeled
as CREST syndrome, which is a form of systemic scleroderma... |
| Darlene:
Diffuse Scleroderma (New Jersey) Now that I have become
more knowledgeable about scleroderma, I feel I can cope with
it better... |
| Debbie
M: CREST Scleroderma, Systemic Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis,
Ankylosing Spondylitis, and Fibromyalgia When we are
given the CREST diagnosis, does that mean that we definitely
will have the tight skin eventually? |
| Debby
B: Systemic Sclerosis I began experiencing unexplained
aches and fatigue, along with swelling and numbness in my
hands, at the end of 1999... |
| Dianne
R: Crest, Pulmonary Fibrosis Twelve years ago they
told me I would never see fifty and I have beaten them by
three years... |
| Franco:
Sjögren's Syndrome (Italy) My name is Franco,
I am 57 years old, and three years ago I was diagnosed with
Sjögren's Syndrome... |
| (Italiano)
Franco: Sindrome di Sjögren Sono Franco ho 57
anni,da tre anni mi hanno diagnosticato la Sindrome di Sjögren,
ma in realta' sono quasi trenta anni che ne soffro. |
| Iris:
Family History of Scleroderma Is there anyone else
who feels that their family has a history of scleroderma? |
| Jim:
Scleroderma I have already been found fully disabled
by Social Security for my ankle alone, but this isn't enough
for the good folks at the insurance company... |
| Jo:
Mother of a Child with Morphea Scleroderma Last year
we noticed that our daughter had a blotchy, purple/red "rash"... |
| Joanne:
Diffuse Scleroderma (Now in memory of Joanne by Lis)
My hands became very swollen and I was unable to make a fist... |
| Johnny:
CREST Scleroderma I have just won the fight to save
my left foot. I spent the previous year and half fighting
to save my big toe, but it had to go, because the pain was
so unbearable... |
| Keith
H: Eosinophilic Fasciitis (EF) I have a rare skin
disease called eosinophilic fascitiis, a skin and muscle
disease which causes tightness of the skin, and sometimes
a reddish coloration of the skin in areas... |
| Keua:
Possibly Scleroderma I finally decided to see my doctor
when I could not even straighten my fingers without pain
and discomfort and was feeling extremely lethargic... |
| Kevin:
Undiagnosed Scleroderma, Lupus, Mixed Connective Tissue Disease,
Rheumatoid Arthritis, etc.? All I do is live, sleep
and breathe the pain in my hand... |
| LadyBugDi:
Acrocyanosis (now Raynaud's) I was tired of going
to the doctor and being told it was from stress... |
| Linda
F: CREST Scleroderma, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyalgia,
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, Hematoma, and Osteomyelitis I
need to tell you all the gory details so you can truly understand
what a miracle it is that I am alive today... |
| Lisa
C: Limited Scleroderma My mother has rheumatoid arthritis
(RA) and my thirteen-year-old daughter has what is believed
to be early lupus... |
| Lyn:
Systemic Sclerosis I thought my life was ending and
that I would never have that little girl I always wanted.
I was wrong. I did make it through somehow... |
| Martina:
Linear Morphea (Ireland) I am twenty-four years old.
I was diagnosed with linear morphea in September... |
| Natasha
Lubin: My Eyes Say It All When
I was only eight years old, my hands were blue, red, white,
purple, numb, stinging... |
| Papa
V: Lupus, Antiphospholipid Syndrome, Myasthenia Gravis, and
Scleroderma About thirty years passed, and then—BAM!—I
got a heart blockage, stroke, liver biopsy due to elevated
enzymes, skin rash, high blood pressure, very high ANA...
. |
| Shar:
Lupus, Scleroderma, Sjögren's, and Fibromyalgia Was
my battle with Hepatitis C worth it? Yes! |
| Sue "SASA":
Morphea Scleroderma I am a thirty-eight-year-old woman
living in South Australia, where there is a high incidence
of morphea... |
| Susie:
CREST Syndrome I have had CREST syndrome for the past
eight years. My specialist is Dr. Frederick Wigley, from
Johns Hopkins... |
| William
M: Scleroderma or Lupus I
had to give up my career of being a registered nurse (RN)
over two years ago due to total disability... |
| Yuri: CREST Syndrome Now, one month before my nineteenth birthday, I live with CREST Syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, acid reflux and anemia... |
| Media Articles about
Rheumatoid Arthritis |
| Early detection of arthritis can help down the road. For 56-year-old Mary Boudreau, her bad days often outnumber her good days.
In 1993, Boudreau was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, one of the most
serious and debilitating autoimmune diseases. Oxford Press. 06/29/07. |
| Chemist
finds new ways to make vaccines. Rheumatoid arthritis
is an autoimmune disease that causes the body to break down
its own cartilage, causing stiffness, pain, and swelling. Boston
Globe 03/09/04. |
| Dry
eyes can cause misery but no tears. Autoimmune diseases
such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis or Sjogren's syndrome
are the leading causes of the aqueous form, said David Sullivan,
a senior scientist at Schepens. The Boston Globe, 2/24/2004.
(Also see: Lupus and Sjogren's
Syndrome) |
