Current Arthritis News and Research » Arthritis http://4-arthritis-info.com Regular Updates on the Many Forms of Arthritis Tue, 08 Nov 2011 17:30:28 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 New Treatment for Adult-Onset Still’s Disease Studied http://4-arthritis-info.com/treatment-adult-onset-stills/ http://4-arthritis-info.com/treatment-adult-onset-stills/#comments Thu, 27 Jan 2011 21:48:10 +0000 awesome http://4-arthritis-info.com/?p=5224 Still’s Disease is a form of arthritis that is characterized by high spiking fevers and transient salmon-colored rash. Still’s disease was first described in children, but it is now known to occur, much less commonly, in adults (in whom it is referred to as adult-onset Still’s disease). There is commonly swelling of the lymph [...] No related posts.]]> Still’s Disease is a form of arthritis that is characterized by high spiking fevers and transient salmon-colored rash. Still’s disease was first described in children, but it is now known to occur, much less commonly, in adults (in whom it is referred to as adult-onset Still’s disease). There is commonly swelling of the lymph glands, enlargement of the spleen and liver, and sore throat. Some patients develop inflammation of the lungs (pleuritis) or around the heart (pericarditis) with occasional fluid accumulation around the lungs (pleural effusion) or heart (pericardial effusion). Although the arthritis may initially be overlooked because of the impressive nature of the systemic symptoms, everyone with Still’s Disease eventually develops joint pain and swelling. This usually involves many joints (polyarticular arthritis). Any joint can be affected, although there are preferential patterns of joint involvement in Still’s Disease.

There is no known cause or cure for Still’s Disease but there is research into treatment options. One such study was reported in the January, 2011 issue of Arthritis Care & Research.

This was a small cohort study which included only 14 patients with Still’s Disease. The study participants had failed all available therapies, which in some cases included three TNF inhibitors, abatacept, and rituximab. Eight of the patient’s had suffered irreversible joint damage as a result of their arthritis. Recurrent systemic symptoms were present in seven of the patients.

The 14 study participants were treated with the anti-interleukin (IL)-6 receptor antibody tocilizumab (Actermra). The dosages varied in the study, but the most common was the recommended dose for rheumatoid arthritis – 8mg/kg every 4 weeks.

The average disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS28) decreased from 5.61 at the beginning of the study to 3.21 after three months and decreased further, to 2.91 after six months.

Based on the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR), a good response to treatment requires a DAS28 score or 3.2 or lower. 64% of the patients achieved this level. In addition, EULAR describes remission as a DAS28 score below 2.6, which was achieved by 57% of the patients.

Concurrent with the treatment with tocilizumab the patient’s average dosage of prednisone fell from 23.3 mg/day and the beginning of the study to 13 mg/day after three months and to 10.3 mg/day after six months.

A 60% improvement was seen in number of tender and swollen joints and in patient global health rating at six months and systemic symptoms resolved in 86% by three months.

The study was conducted by Xavier Puéchal, MD, PhD, of Le Mans General Hospital in Le Mans, France, and colleagues.

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]]> http://4-arthritis-info.com/treatment-adult-onset-stills/feed/ 2 Antibiotic-Refractory Lyme Arthritis http://4-arthritis-info.com/antibiotic-refractory-lyme-arthritis/ http://4-arthritis-info.com/antibiotic-refractory-lyme-arthritis/#comments Mon, 17 Jan 2011 22:46:44 +0000 awesome http://4-arthritis-info.com/wp/2007/11/29/antibiotic-refractory-lyme-arthritis/ Lyme disease, or borreliosis, is an infectious bacterial disease that can result from the bite of an infected deer tick. Symptoms generally begin with a bulls-eye skin rash and flu-like symptoms followed by muscle and joint pain and potentially heart problems including heart block and palpitations. Lyme disease can be treated successfully with antibiotics [...] No related posts.]]> Lyme disease, or borreliosis, is an infectious bacterial disease that can result from the bite of an infected deer tick. Symptoms generally begin with a bulls-eye skin rash and flu-like symptoms followed by muscle and joint pain and potentially heart problems including heart block and palpitations. Lyme disease can be treated successfully with antibiotics if diagnosed early. Patients do not start treatment early enough develop intermittent or persistent arthritis, generally arthritis of the knee. Some of these patients experience arthritis symptoms for months or even years. This condition is known as antibiotic-refractory Lyme arthritis.

Recently, a team of researchers at the Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases at Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School and the National Center for Infections Diseases studied the survival of the bacteria that causes Lyme following antibiotic treatment. What they found was that joint inflammation persisted after the bacteria had been killed. Their report is being published in the December, 2007 issue of Arthritis Rheumatism.

The team compared blood samples taken from people that had contracted Lyme disease in the late 1970’s before the cause of the disease was known. Three classes of patients were identified which included patients with antibiotic-refractory arthritis, antibiotic-responsive arthritis and non-antibiotic-treated controls.

3 blood samples were studied for each patient and were tested for levels of the bacteria. The non-antibiotic treated group had high levels of bacteria and persistent arthritis lasting 2 to 5 years. The antibiotic-reactive patients show reducing levels of bacteria and relief from joint swelling within the first 3 months of treatment. The antibiotic-refractory patients showed slight increases in bacteria during the first 1 to 3 months of treatment with persistent arthritis for an average of 10 months. However, the bacteria level did decline to the level of the other antibiotic treated group within 4 to 6 months.

They concluded that antibiotics did result in the eradication of the bacteria even though the arthritis symptoms could continue after the infection was cleared.

Originally posted 2007-11-29 21:03:46. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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]]> http://4-arthritis-info.com/antibiotic-refractory-lyme-arthritis/feed/ 0 Arthritis Awareness Month http://4-arthritis-info.com/arthritis-awareness-month/ http://4-arthritis-info.com/arthritis-awareness-month/#comments Mon, 17 Jan 2011 22:46:43 +0000 awesome http://4-arthritis-info.com/wp/?p=100 May is national Arthritis Awareness Month and if you hadn’t noticed, there are several activities being held around the U.S. Many communities are holding walks or runs to raise funds for arthritis research.

The Los Angeles walk in Brentwood had over 650 participants that raised nearly $200,000. The participants included former Dodger Ron Cey.

[...] No related posts.]]> May is national Arthritis Awareness Month and if you hadn’t noticed, there are several activities being held around the U.S. Many communities are holding walks or runs to raise funds for arthritis research.

The Los Angeles walk in Brentwood had over 650 participants that raised nearly $200,000. The participants included former Dodger Ron Cey.

Nearly 300 people participated in the Arthritis Walk in Charlottesville, many who walked with their 4 legged friends. 20 teams participated in the 2nd annual run/walk in Bismark North Dakota.

If you are interested in helping out in one of these events you can check the Arthritis Foundation’s event page to find the date of the event near you.

Originally posted 2008-05-05 18:49:36. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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]]> http://4-arthritis-info.com/arthritis-awareness-month/feed/ 1 FDA Investigates Link Between TNF Blockers and Cancer http://4-arthritis-info.com/fda-investigates-tnf-blockers-cancer/ http://4-arthritis-info.com/fda-investigates-tnf-blockers-cancer/#comments Mon, 17 Jan 2011 22:46:42 +0000 awesome http://4-arthritis-info.com/wp/?p=114 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has begun an investigation into links between anti-TNF (tumor necrosis factor) drugs, used to treat arthritis, and an increased risk of cancer in children. TNF blockers, sold under the names Enbrel, Remicade and Humira, are commonly used for the treatment of arthritis. The review is being conducted by the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.

The FDA has received 30 reports of cancer in children under the age of 18 who had been treated for JIA with anti-TNF drugs along with other medications, such as methotrexate, or similar immunosuppressant drugs.

Nearly 50% of the reports state the patients developed Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The other reports indicate development of melanoma, leukemia and solid organ cancers.

Besides rheumatoid arthritis, TNF blockers are used to treat psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease, plaque psoriasis, ankylosing spondylitis, as well as other diseases. TNF blockers are know to result in inflammation and weakening of the immune system.

The manufacturers of these drugs have been directed by the FDA to provide information about all TNF blocker recipients who have developed cancer, and in some cases to track cancer reports for 10 years. The FDA has also requested the assistance of medical professionals and patients in reporting any side effects from TNF blockers through the MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program at www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm.

Originally posted 2008-06-06 22:25:05. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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]]> http://4-arthritis-info.com/fda-investigates-tnf-blockers-cancer/feed/ 0 Arthritis a Barrier to Heart Disease Management http://4-arthritis-info.com/arthritis-heart-disease-management/ http://4-arthritis-info.com/arthritis-heart-disease-management/#comments Mon, 17 Jan 2011 22:46:40 +0000 awesome http://4-arthritis-info.com/wp/?p=469 According to a new study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), over half of Americans with heart disease also have arthritis. They also found that people that have both diseases are less likely to physically active than those with only heart disease.

The study is one of the first to measure the [...] No related posts.]]> According to a new study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), over half of Americans with heart disease also have arthritis. They also found that people that have both diseases are less likely to physically active than those with only heart disease.

The study is one of the first to measure the relationship between the two diseases as well as the impacts of arthritis on physical activity of those with heart disease.

“People with arthritis often fear physical activity will worsen their pain – and that’s a major myth,” said Patience White, MD, MA, chief public health officer for the Arthritis Foundation.

Chad Helmick, M.D., a co-author of the study and medical epidemiologist with the CDC, says adults with arthritis and heart disease have unique barriers to being physically active such as concerns about pain, aggravating or worsening joint damage and not knowing how much or what types of physical activity are safe for them.

Research shows that participating in joint-friendly activities such as walking, swimming, biking and arthritis-specific exercise programs can help manage both conditions. For patients with heart disease, physical activity helps to lower blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels. For those who have arthritis, physical activity reduces pain, improves function and delays disability.

This is similar to a study from 2008 by the CDC found that more than half of adults with diabetes also had arthritis and those patients that had both diseases were more likely to have higher levels of inactivity. This also led to problems managing both diseases.

The study was published in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) on February 27th .

Originally posted 2009-03-26 14:29:32. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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