Shingles, also known as herpes zoster (HZ), is a common and sometimes debilitating disease that disproportionately affects elderly individuals and those who are immunocompromised. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have a 1.5–2-fold higher risk of developing HZ compared with healthy adults. Treatment with some disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) has been shown to increase this risk….
Search results for: shingles
Herpes Zoster & the Risk of Stroke in Patients with Autoimmune Diseases
Herpes zoster (HZ) infection, also known as shingles, is caused by reactivation of latent varicella-zoster virus infection generally acquired decades earlier. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that the incidence of stroke immediately following HZ infection is increased in patients with autoimmune diseases compared with the incidence of stroke at later time points. Results: In patients with autoimmune diseases, incident HZ was associated with as much as a twofold increased risk of stroke. Prompt antiviral therapy was associated with lower incidence of subsequent stroke…
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Rheumatology Patient, Investigator Reflect on Advancements in Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatments
In 1969, Martha Lovato passed away from renal failure due to complications of lupus. Martha was 18 years old and survived only two years following her diagnosis. At the time, Martha’s disease was still a mystery to many physicians and researchers. Her treatment options were limited. In fall 2004, after an unprecedented battle with shingles…
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Tips on Vaccinating Patients with Rheumatic Diseases
CHICAGO—In October of last year, a 52-year-old woman came to see Kevin Winthrop, MD, MPH, associate professor in infectious diseases, public health and preventive medicine at the Oregon Health & Sciences University. She had rheumatoid arthritis and was taking methotrexate and prednisone. She had had little change in her RA disease severity and was considering…
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The Effect of Tofacitinib on Live Vaccine Responses
New research indicates that vaccination for the herpes zoster virus in patients with rheumatoid arthritis starting tofacitinib appears to be both safe and useful. Rheumatologists may want to check the patient’s pre-existing immunity status prior to administering the vaccine…
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Varicella Zoster Virus May Cause Giant Cell Arteritis
Researchers have recently discovered a connection between the varicella zoster virus infection, which causes chicken pox and shingles, and giant cell arteritis…
Vaccines and Biologics: What Rheumatologists Need to Know
How vaccines, medications and rheumatic disease-related effects on immune system interact
The Science of Chronic Itch
Inside the pathophysiology, clinical presentations of chronic pruritus
Vaccinations for Immunocompromised Patients Are Shared Responsibility of Specialists, Primary Care Physicians
Infectious Diseases Society of America recommends both physician groups educate patients, household members on importance of vaccines
ACR Winter Rheumatology Symposium: Answers to Your Tough Questions about Rheumatic Disease Therapy
Panelists discuss vaccination, biologics and infection, methotrexate, cardiovascular risk, and serial immunoglobulin testing and imaging