Current Arthritis News and Research 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 Gout Passed Across the Pacific http://4-arthritis-info.com/gout-passed-across-the-pacific/ http://4-arthritis-info.com/gout-passed-across-the-pacific/#comments Mon, 17 Jan 2011 22:47:24 +0000 awesome http://4-arthritis-info.com/wp/2007/12/27/gout-passed-across-the-pacific/ Interesting story from New Zealand discussing the possibility that high rates of gout in Pacific Islanders may be a genetic trait passed to them by ancient voyagers across the Pacific Ocean.

Dr. Hallie Buckley, from Otago University’s Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, has been studying bones from the oldest cemetery found in thePacific [...] No related posts.]]> Interesting story from New Zealand discussing the possibility that high rates of gout in Pacific Islanders may be a genetic trait passed to them by ancient voyagers across the Pacific Ocean.

Dr. Hallie Buckley, from Otago University’s Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, has been studying bones from the oldest cemetery found in thePacific Islands. These remains are estimated to be 3000 to 3200 years old and were discovered on Efate Island in Vanuatu.

Dr. Hallie’s team examined the bones from 20 skeletons using radiography and other techniques and found damage to the joints in seven of them. Analysis of the damage, or erosive lesions, indicated that they were most likely caused by gouty arthritis, a build up of uric acid crystals in the joints.

The skeletons that were studied were from a people known as “Lapita”. They were named for the distinctive decorated pottery that has been found across the Pacific.

The Lapita’s diet would have consisted of plants and seafood, a diet that is rich in purines which are organic compounds that are a crucial part of DNA and RNA. This high purine diet may have set off attacks of gout in people that are susceptible.

There are scientists that have theorized that as the descendents of the Lapita people migrated across the Pacific they passed their genetic predisposition to gout on to their descendents. This is known as the “founder effect”, where a small number of people pass a genetic trait on to a large number of descendents. This could explain the high incidence of high uric acid levels and gout in many modern Pacific Island societies. The Maori of New Zealand have an incidence of gout of over 10%.

Dr. Hallie’s research was published in the publication Current Anthropolgy.

Originally posted 2007-12-27 19:54:50. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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]]> http://4-arthritis-info.com/gout-passed-across-the-pacific/feed/ 0 IBS Common in Fibromyalgia Patients http://4-arthritis-info.com/ibs-common-fibromyalgia-patients/ http://4-arthritis-info.com/ibs-common-fibromyalgia-patients/#comments Mon, 17 Jan 2011 22:47:23 +0000 awesome http://4-arthritis-info.com/wp/?p=284 There can be several other conditions that are co-existent with fibromyalgia. One of those conditions that has recently been identified is irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS.

IBS is a gastrointestinal disorder that has no apparent cause. Symptoms include intestinal discomfort and pain along with “alterations” in bowel habits. This means constipation, diarrhea or switching between the two. IBS is reported to affect as many as 20% of the general population and is 2 to 3 times more prevalent in women than men.

Diagnosis of IBS generally is made after eliminating all other possible causes of the digestive issues.

Current studies indicate that as many as 77% of patients with fibromyalgia also have IBS. In fact, there are four conditions that have a higher than expected rate of co-occurrence with IBS that have little relationship to the digestive system:

  • Fibromyalgia
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  • Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ or TMD)
  • Chronic Pelvic Pain

Other studies have shown that patients with both fibromyalgia and IBS experience symptoms that are 38% more severe than patients with only one of the conditions. Studies have also shown that people with both conditions tend to have a worse quality of life than those with only one.

Common Characteristics

Fibromyalgia and IBS are both complex, chronic conditions that actually have a number of common characteristics. Several studies have attempted to determine a causal link between the two conditions, but to date have not been successful. But these characteristics have been noted:

  • Both Fibromyalgia and IBS exhibit abnormalities in the function of the autonomic nervous system. However, the pattern of the dysfunction is different in the two conditions and actually tends in opposite directions
  • Pain sensitivity is also a common and shared characteristic of both conditions but likewise does not have a comparable pattern. IBS patients have pain inside the intestine whereas fibromyalgia patients have musculoskeletal pain but not intestinal.
  • Stress is also a common characteristic including hormonal response to stress, such as corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) and adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH). But again, the pattern between the two conditions is different. IBS appears to have exaggerated stress hormone activity while fibromyalgia has suppressed stress hormone activity.

These facts lead some researchers to theorize that fibromyalgia and IBS are different “surface reflections” of the same broader “somatic syndrome”.

Originally posted 2008-12-04 12:00:27. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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]]> http://4-arthritis-info.com/ibs-common-fibromyalgia-patients/feed/ 3 Exercise for Arthritis Part 1 http://4-arthritis-info.com/exercise-arthritis-1/ http://4-arthritis-info.com/exercise-arthritis-1/#comments Mon, 17 Jan 2011 22:47:22 +0000 awesome http://4-arthritis-info.com/?p=507 Research has shown that one of the best treatments for arthritis sufferers is exercise. Exercising strengthens the muscles which contributes to reduced stress on the joints. This then leads to improving the strength of the bones and health and flexibility of the connecting cartilage tissue.

For most arthritis patients the recommendation is to get [...] No related posts.]]> Research has shown that one of the best treatments for arthritis sufferers is exercise. Exercising strengthens the muscles which contributes to reduced stress on the joints. This then leads to improving the strength of the bones and health and flexibility of the connecting cartilage tissue.

For most arthritis patients the recommendation is to get a minimum of 30 minutes of activity a day. Of course you should talk to your doctor before beginning any new exercise program to make sure there are no unforeseen risks.

Regardless of the type of exercise you want to undertake all sessions should start with a warm-up session. Mild stretching is recommended as the best way to warm up. This will help you prepare for more strenuous exercises by getting your body moving, and helping you to relax and ease tension from your body. Good range of motion exercises include yoga and tai chi. Range of motion exercises can be done in a pool, hot tub, warm bath or on dry land. Increase the length of time performing range of motion exercises until you are able to 15 minutes continuously. At that point additional aerobic and strengthening exercises can be added.

One of the most underrated exercises, but typically one of the best, is walking. Walking is an excellent exercise for improving the symptoms of arthritis. Adding weights as little as one pound and using your arms as you walk can involve the whole body. The best way to stay motivated is to make walking an interesting exercise. Walk through different parks, change the route that you take, walk through the local mall or shopping district. And one of the best ways to keep the motivation up is to walk with a friend. That way you can encourage each other.

Aquatic exercise is another excellent way to improve your flexibility and relieve your arthritis symptoms. Since water can provide both warmth for the joints and support for the body, it help provide strength training for arthritis patients without the stress on the joints that jogging brings. Additionally, aquatic exercise can get your entire body involved which gives the added benefit of cardiovascular exercise. Heated pools or spas provide the best environment for arthritis patients to do aquatic exercise. The warm water helps to relax the muscles which then makes it easier to exercise. Furthermore, warm water increases blood circulation by causing the blood vessels to dilate.

Many people do not have easy access to a pool, but fortunately spas are also a good choice for people with arthritis. Spas enable higher heat than a pool which, along with the spa’s water jets, can provide additional relief to aching joints. Many exercises can be performed in a spa, or the spa can be used after your workout to provide soothing heat to the joints, while helping increase the blood circulation.

Additional options for exercise include yoga. In general, yoga is known in the West as a group of pose oriented stretching exercises. Practitioners of yoga extol it as being beneficial for increasing flexibility and reducing mental and physical stress. Yoga classes are frequently offered through local community colleges or community organizations.

Originally posted 2009-06-15 12:00:43. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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]]> http://4-arthritis-info.com/exercise-arthritis-1/feed/ 0 Majority of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Suffer From Psychiatric Disorders http://4-arthritis-info.com/majority-rheumatoid-arthritis-patients-suffer-psychiatric-disorders/ http://4-arthritis-info.com/majority-rheumatoid-arthritis-patients-suffer-psychiatric-disorders/#comments Mon, 17 Jan 2011 22:47:21 +0000 awesome http://4-arthritis-info.com/?p=505 A new study presented at the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) Annual Congress in Copenhagen, Denmark indicates that a majority (63%) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients also have psychiatric disorders. According to the report, 87% of these disorders are depression related. The report also says that more than half (52%) of the patients in [...] No related posts.]]> A new study presented at the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) Annual Congress in Copenhagen, Denmark indicates that a majority (63%) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients also have psychiatric disorders. According to the report, 87% of these disorders are depression related. The report also says that more than half (52%) of the patients in the study indicated that they had experienced stress events before the onset of their RA.

There were several other interesting findings in the report about the emotional impacts of RA:

  • Impairments in cognitive function were found more frequently in patients that were over 50 years old (39% vs. 9%)
  • One third (33%) of RA patients suffer from sleep disorders
  • Cognitive dysfunction was diagnosed in 23% of patients, with 16% of these ascribed to depression
  • The age of rheumatoid arthritis patients when they first used prednisone was significantly higher in those with depression (48 years) compared to those without (30 years)
  • Those RA patients with depression also displayed more severe symptoms as measured by X-ray, greater loss of function and pain than patients without depression. In addition, rheumatoid arthritis patients with depression received less aggressive treatment than patients without depression.

Dr Tatiana Lisitsyna from the State Institute of Rheumatology RAMS, Russian Federation, who conducted the study, said: “Psychiatric disorders are a very common comorbidity for people with RA, and they tend to be stress-related and associated with disease activity and chronic pain. Evaluating and addressing the mental health of those with RA should be a regular feature of rheumatology practice to improve quality of life and reduce the potentially distressing psychological burden of RA.”

The study included 75 RA patients, 72 of whom were women, with a median age of 52, with diagnosis based on the American College of Rheumatology definition. Psychiatric disorders were diagnosed in accordance with the ICD-10 (International Classification of Disease) scale, and other psychiatric and psychological scales.

The results were presented on June 12, 2009.

Originally posted 2009-06-12 12:39:49. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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