Recent research suggests patients with RA and a positive test for anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) may not have a different disease course than patients with RA who test negative for ANA. However, these patients may experience different treatment courses.
Bechman et al. set out to describe the frequency and predictors of nonserious infections and compare incidence rates across biologic DMARDs. They found all bDMARDs are associated with a greater risk of nonserious infection, with differences observed between agents. Although unmeasured confounding must be considered, the magnitude of effect is large.
In a study, Janus kinase inhibitors proved effective for patients with difficult-to-treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Lee et al. examined the use of a smartphone application to monitor longitudinal electronic patient-reported outcomes on satisfaction and disease activity in patients with RA.
In early June, the ACR released an updated guideline on the management of rheumatoid arthritis, which includes new recommendations for specific high-risk groups.1 The guideline includes 44 recommendations—seven of which are strong and 37 conditional. It underscores the role of methotrexate as a cornerstone therapy and emphasizes minimizing glucocorticoids, when possible. Guideline Development Process At…
When rheumatologists think about rheumatoid arthritis (RA), they are apt to picture the synovium, contemplate such antibodies as rheumatoid factor and those to citrullinated proteins, and consider how this interplay of factors manifests in disease. What is not as commonly discussed is the role the autonomic nervous system plays in the pathogenesis and symptomatology of…
RA shortens life expectancy, even with advances in treatment—and more so for women than for men, according to new research by Chiu et al.
(Reuters Health)—Non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation is safe and effective as an intervention for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a small proof-of-concept study suggests. The study enrolled 35 patients with active RA and an inadequate response to therapy with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). All DMARDS were discontinued four weeks prior to the trial. For the study, all participants…
ACR CONVERGENCE 2020—In a year like no other, the 2020 virtual ACR Convergence was a meeting like no other. Nonetheless, the meeting introduced a healthy mix of clinical insights and take-home pearls, according to panelists in the meeting’s closing session, Bright Future: Discovery & Growth. In this session, panelists discussed some of the biggest news…
NEW YORK (Reuters Health)—Magnesium-based micromotors showed promise as a delivery system for hydrogen therapy to inflamed joints in an experimental model of rheumatoid arthritis, researchers say. Hydrogen gas has been shown to neutralize overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can degrade cartilage and bone and activate inflammatory cytokines, according to Dr. Yingfeng Tu of…