Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis patients taking a combination of etanercept (Enbrel) and methotrexate do better, but only slightly, than those on monotherapy with the tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitor, according to a Canadian multicenter clinical trial.

Final results from the international AMPLE Trial show nearly identical benefits for abatacept (Orencia) and adalimumab (Humira) plus methotrexate for early rheumatoid arthritis.

A biomarker of tissue destruction called C1M can show disease activity among rheumatoid arthritis patients to monitor drug therapy, and can detect joint damage progression.

Contrary to American College of Rheumatology recommendations, analysis of data from a clinical trial reveals methotrexate monotherapy as the best initial treatment for early rheumatoid arthritis that has a poor outlook.

Though recent reviews were unable to provide evidence of efficacy for several complementary treatments for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a group of researchers decided to clinically evaluate the effectiveness of static electric field therapy by high voltage alternating current (EF-HVAC) in the chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder.

Images taken 7 months apart show subtle densities of the left knee that has been causing pain. The woman also has subluxation of the fingers, without erosion.

EULAR 2013: Data to support effectiveness of a new biomarker test for rheumatoid arthritis that is already on the market have now been reported in a public presentation.

EULAR 2013: Two-year data from a head-to-head comparison of abatacept and adalimumab show them comparably effective for rheumatoid arthritis. But the former is less costly with fewer noteworthy adverse effects.

EULAR 2013: A study analyzing levels of physical activity in rheumatoid arthritis patients finds that being sedentary does not generally correlate with common signs of physical disability.

Quest Diagnostics says the biomarker 14-3-3eta in its new test greatly improves sensitivity in detecting early rheumatoid arthritis. But the data is not yet published.

Rheumatoid arthritis studies differ in definitions of symptom onset and progression, designs, and outcomes, but agree on the early treatment timing: 12 weeks.

Iron-deficiency anemia appears to be a good indicator of rapid progression of erosive rheumatoid arthritis not seen using standard disease activity measures.

Evidence-based analysis shows that weak opioids have at best a weak effect in rheumatoid arthritis pain. Steroid injections offer no long-term relief for tennis elbow.

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are at considerably increased risk of asymptomatic carotid artery disease, but standard scores have proven poor predictors of their actual cardiovascular risk. Special vigilance is warranted for these patients.

Research published within the past year has increased and refined support for the concept that this autoimmunity may arise initially in mucosal surfaces, predominantly the lung, the oral cavity, and the digestive system, prompted by the presence of microbes.

A closer look at racial disparities in treatments for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis show nuanced explanations for why African Americans are less willing to undergo drug therapy and surgery. More careful and clearer communication may go a long way toward closing the gap.

Refining the ample evidence that rheumatologists and their rheumatoid arthritis patients disagree on the severity of symptoms, new studies reported at ACR2012 point toward better definitions of disease status, and a way to identify patients for whom treatment targets may need to be reconsidered.

Results presented at the American College of Rheumatology/Association of Rheumatology Professionals 2012 annual meeting show that adalimumab and methotrexate are more effective than DMARDs and prednisone in achieving remission in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis or undifferentiated arthritis patients.

Among more than 5,000 rheumatoid arthritis patients followed for a quarter century, methotrexate use was associated with at least a 65% reduction in mortality risk

The long-term risk of rheumatoid arthritis is up to 26-fold greater and there is up to a 32% 10-year absolute risk of RA in persons in the general population who have elevated rheumatoid factor levels.

The burden of cognitive impairment in persons with rheumatoid arthritis is significant, according to recent study findings.

The risks are proven. The benefits are questionable. The alternatives are numerous. So is it ever a good idea to prescribe opioids for patients suffering with chronic pain from rheumatoid arthritis?

A 54-year-old Asian woman presented with ongoing renal insufficiency and anemia that were thought to be the result of analgesic nephropathy caused by NSAIDs.

The current “treat to target” approach to rheumatoid arthritis incorporates an intensive, individualized management algorithm that includes an expanded role for the rheumatology nurse.

Observing rheumatoid arthritis patients in a systematic way allows rigorous analysis of pain and function. Learn how in this review.