StemCell Therapy

It took 16 years after Ethan Nelsons arthritis diagnosis until he met someone who shared his condition.

There is definitely this generation where if you get diagnosed, you are alone, Nelson said. You dont have anyone.

Nelson, now 22 years old and a junior at Brigham Young University, was diagnosed with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis when he was 4 years old. He spent the last two years volunteering for arthritis-related causes and helping to build a network of young adults who share the same condition.

He was honored Dec. 7 in Salt Lake City at the Jingle Bell Run, a 5K that benefits the Arthritis Foundation.

The run honored six people, which also included Kendall Pogue, who is also a BYU student, and Spencer Hood, who, along with Nelson, had tried to connect young adults with arthritis.

Hood first connected Nelson with the Jingle Bell Run two years ago. This year, Nelson led a team and raised $530 of his groups $810 total.

He is a really great guy, said Debbie Jordan, the executive director of the Arthritis Foundation of Utah. You have to think about what it is like for a college kid to get up at 4 a.m. in the morning and help us out.

Jordan said the honorees are volunteers who have done more than the average for the foundation. She said theres typically about 40 BYU students who come to help out at the run.

The young adult volunteers, she said, show children with arthritis that they can still achieve their goals.

I think it gives them a lot of hope, Jordan said.

Its not the first time Nelson has been involved with raising awareness and funding for arthritis. He was the literal poster boy for the National Arthritis Foundation when he was about 5 years old, showing the effects that his treatment at the time, the steroid prednisone, has on the body.

Since then, hes had two hip replacements one when he was 13, the other at 16 and had surgery on his ankle.

He was on the tail end of a generation that exclusively used prednisone, which has been mostly replaced with biologic treatments and IV infusions for young patients. The last two years have been rough as he tried to find a medicine his body responded well to. After trying five different treatments, hes doing well again.

I feel like 100% normal, Nelson said. I can walk without pain.

Hes volunteered at Camp Kids Out to Defeat Arthritis, also known as Camp KODA. While there, he advocates for campers to become independent in order to prevent flare ups and joint damage.

I know these kids very personally now and I dont want my mistakes to rub off on them in the future, Nelson said. So it is like, dont let your arthritis hold you back, dont take advantage of it and stay on top of things.

The Arthritis Foundation estimates that one in four adults have arthritis, which includes 400,000 adults and 3,000 children in Utah.

Nelson said that while someone in their 20s is just as likely to be diagnosed as someone who is 60, young adults often dont talk about having arthritis.

It is so much easier to conceal, to hide, than cancer, and so I feel like people have the opportunity to hide it and so they do from others because they dont want to feel like the odd one out, he said.

While he feels the Arthritis Foundation does well with reaching young children and older adults, Nelson said young adults can be left out. He and Hood are trying to find more young adults who have arthritis for their group, Utah YA Champions. Nelson is also working to create a student association at BYU for students with arthritis.

More:
BYU student connecting 'lost generation' honored by Arthritis Foundation - Daily Herald

Lets start with what to eat and the foods to avoid eating. What follows will likely sound familiar to aficionados of a Mediterranean-style diet: a plant-based diet focused on fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and cold-water fish and plants like soybeans and flax seeds that contain omega-3 fatty acids.

A Mediterranean-style diet is rich in micronutrients like magnesium, vitamin E and selenium that have anti-inflammatory effects, and its high-fiber content fosters lower levels of two potent inflammatory substances, IL-6 and TNF-alpha.

Dr. Frank Hu, professor of nutrition and epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, strongly recommends limiting or eliminating consumption of foods known to have a pro-inflammatory effect. These include all refined carbohydrates like white bread, white rice and pastries; sugar-sweetened beverages; deep-fried foods; and red meat and processed meats. They are the very same foods with well-established links to obesity (itself a risk factor for inflammation), heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.

In their stead, Dr. Hu recommends frequent consumption of foods known to have an anti-inflammatory effect. They include green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale and collards; fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna and sardines; fruits like strawberries, blueberries, apples, grapes, oranges and cherries; nuts like almonds and walnuts; and olive oil. The recommended plant foods contain natural antioxidants and polyphenols, and the fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, all of which counter inflammation.

Coffee and tea also contain protective polyphenols, among other anti-inflammatory compounds.

The bottom line: the less processed your diet, the better.

At the same time, dont neglect regular exercise, which Dr. James Gray, cardiologist at the Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine, calls an excellent way to prevent inflammation. He recommends 30 to 45 minutes of aerobic exercise and 10 to 25 minutes of weight or resistance training at least four to five times a week.

Although exercise is pro-inflammatory while youre doing it, during the rest of the time it leaves you better off by reducing inflammation, and after all you live most of your life not exercising, Stephen Kritchevsky, professor of gerontology and geriatric medicine at Wake Forest School of Medicine, told me. Independent of any effect on weight, exercise has been shown to lower multiple pro-inflammatory molecules and cytokines.

More here:
Tackling Inflammation to Fight Age-Related Ailments - The New York Times

NORTH CHICAGO, Ill., Dec. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV), a research-based global biopharmaceutical company, today announced that the European Commission (EC) hasapproved RINVOQ (upadacitinib) for the treatment of adult patients with moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis who have responded inadequately to, or who are intolerant to one or more disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs).6 RINVOQ is a once-daily selective and reversible JAK inhibitor and may be used as monotherapy or in combination with methotrexate (MTX).

"We are proud to offer this once-daily tablet as a new treatment option for patients with moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis," said Michael Severino, M.D., vice chairman and president, AbbVie. "As a company that has been dedicated to discovering and delivering transformative therapies for people living with rheumatic diseases for nearly two decades, RINVOQ expands our portfolio of treatment options for people living with this disease in Europe."

The EC approval of RINVOQ was supported by data from the global Phase 3 SELECT rheumatoid arthritis program, which evaluated nearly 4,400 patients with moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis in five pivotal studies: SELECT-NEXT, SELECT-BEYOND, SELECT-MONOTHERAPY, SELECT-COMPARE and SELECT-EARLY.1-5 The studies include assessments of efficacy, safety and tolerability across a variety of patients, including those who failed or were intolerant to biologic DMARDs and who were nave or inadequate responders (IR) to MTX.1-5

"Nearly 3 million people in Europe are living with rheumatoid arthritis, the majority of whom don't reach remission and may be suffering from pain, fatigue, morning joint stiffness and flares," said Professor Ronald van Vollenhoven, M.D., Ph.D., Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. "As seen in this large Phase 3 clinical trial program in rheumatoid arthritis, upadacitinib has the potential to significantly improve signs and symptoms of the disease and help more patients achieve remission or low disease activity."

Highlights From the Phase 3 SELECT Rheumatoid Arthritis Program

Across the SELECT Phase 3 studies, RINVOQ met all primary and ranked secondary endpoints.1-6 Overall, both low disease activity (assessed by DAS28-CRP3.2) and clinical remission rates (assessed by DAS28-CRP<2.6) were consistent across patient populations, with or without MTX.1-6

Highlights included:

More information on these trials can be found at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02706847, NCT03086343, NCT02629159, NCT02706873, NCT02706951).

Earlier this year, RINVOQ received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis who have had an inadequate response or intolerance to MTX.9

About RINVOQ (upadacitinib) in the European Union6

RINVOQ (upadacitinib) is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis in adult patients who have responded inadequately to, or who are intolerant to one or more disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). RINVOQ may be used as monotherapy or in combination with methotrexate.

Important EU Safety Information6

RINVOQ is contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to the active substance or to any of the excipients, in patients with active tuberculosis (TB) or active serious infections, in patients with severe hepatic impairment, and during pregnancy.

Use in combination with other potent immunosuppressants is not recommended.

Serious and sometimes fatal infections have been reported in patients receiving upadacitinib. The most frequent serious infections reported included pneumonia and cellulitis. Cases of bacterial meningitis have been reported. Among opportunistic infections, TB, multidermatomal herpes zoster, oral/oesophageal candidiasis, and cryptococcosis have been reported with upadacitinib. Prior to initiating upadacitinib, consider the risks and benefits of treatment in patients with chronic or recurrent infection or with a history of a serious or opportunistic infection, in patients who have been exposed to TB or have resided or travelled in areas of endemic TB or endemic mycoses, and in patients with underlying conditions that may predispose them to infection. Upadacitinib therapy should be interrupted if a patient develops a serious or opportunistic infection. As there is a higher incidence of infections in patients 75 years of age, caution should be used when treating this population.

Patients should be screened for TB before starting upadacitinib therapy. Anti-TB therapy should be considered prior to initiation of upadacitinib in patients with previously untreated latent TB or in patients with risk factors for TB infection.

Viral reactivation, including cases of herpes zoster, were reported in clinical studies. Consider interruption of therapy if a patient develops herpes zoster until the episode resolves. Screening for viral hepatitis and monitoring for reactivation should be performed before starting and during therapy with upadacitinib.

The use of live, attenuated vaccines during, or immediately prior to therapy is not recommended. It is recommended that patients be brought up to date with all immunizations, including prophylactic zoster vaccinations, prior to initiating upadacitinib, in agreement with current immunization guidelines.

The risk of malignancies, including lymphoma is increased in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Immunomodulatory medicinal products may increase the risk of malignancies, including lymphoma. The clinical data are currently limited and long-term studies are ongoing. Malignancies, including non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), have been reported in patients treated with upadacitinib. Consider the risks and benefits of upadacitinib treatment prior to initiating therapy in patients with a known malignancy other than a successfully treated NMSC or when considering continuing upadacitinib therapy in patients who develop a malignancy.Periodic skin examination is recommended for patients who are at increased risk for skin cancer.

Absolute neutrophil count <1000 cells/mm3, absolute lymphocyte count <500cells/mm3, or haemoglobin levels <8g/dL were reported in <1% of patients in clinical trials. Treatment should not be initiated, or should be temporarily interrupted, in patients with these haematological abnormalities observed during routine patient management.

RA patients have an increased risk for cardiovascular disorders. Patients treated with upadacitinib should have risk factors (e.g., hypertension, hyperlipidaemia) managed as part of usual standard of care.

Upadacitinib treatment was associated with increases in lipid parameters, including total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The effect of these lipid parameter elevations on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality has not been determined.

Treatment with upadacitinib was associated with an increased incidence of liver enzyme elevation compared to placebo. If increases in ALT or AST are observed during routine patient management and drug-induced liver injury is suspected, upadacitinib therapy should be interrupted until this diagnosis is excluded.

Events of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) have been reported in patients receiving JAK inhibitors, including upadacitinib. Upadacitinib should be used with caution in patients at high risk for DVT/PE. Risk factors that should be considered in determining the patient's risk for DVT/PE include older age, obesity, a medical history of DVT/PE, patients undergoing major surgery, and prolonged immobilisation. If clinical features of DVT/PE occur, upadacitinib treatment should be discontinued and patients should be evaluated promptly, followed by appropriate treatment.

The most commonly reported adverse drug reactions are upper respiratory tract infections (13.5%), nausea (3.5%), increased blood creatine phosphokinase (2.5%), and cough (2.2%). The most common serious adverse reactions were serious infections.

Please see the full SmPC for complete prescribing information at http://www.EMA.europa.eu.Globally, prescribing information varies; refer to the individual country product label for complete information

About HUMIRA in the European Union10

HUMIRA, in combination with methotrexate, is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe, active rheumatoid arthritis in adult patients when the response to disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, including methotrexate, has been inadequate.

Important EU Safety Information10

HUMIRA is contraindicated in patients with active tuberculosis or other severe infections such as sepsis, and opportunistic infections and in patients with moderate to severe heart failure (NYHA class III/IV). It is also contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to the active substance or to any of the excipients; serious allergic reactions including anaphylaxis have been reported. The use of HUMIRA increases the risk of developing serious infections which may, in rare cases, be life-threatening. Rare cases of lymphoma and leukemia have been reported in patients treated with HUMIRA. On rare occasions, a severe type of cancer called hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma has been observed and often results in death. A risk for the development of malignancies in patients treated with TNF-antagonists cannot be excluded. Rare cases of pancytopenia, aplastic anaemia, demyelinating disease, lupus, lupus-related conditions and Stevens-Johnson syndrome have been reported in patients treated with HUMIRA. The most frequently reported adverse events across all indications included respiratory infections, injection site reactions, headache and musculoskeletal pain.

Please see the full SmPC for complete prescribing information at http://www.ema.europa.eu. Globally, prescribing information varies; refer to the individual country product label for complete information.

About AbbVie

AbbVie is a global, research and development-based biopharmaceutical company committed to developing innovative advanced therapies for some of the world's most complex and critical conditions. The company's mission is to use its expertise, dedicated people and unique approach to innovation to markedly improve treatments across four primary therapeutic areas: immunology, oncology, virology and neuroscience.In more than 75 countries, AbbVie employees are working every day to advance health solutions for people around the world. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us atwww.abbvie.com. Follow@abbvieon Twitter,Facebook,LinkedInorInstagram.

Forward-Looking Statements

Some statements in this news release are, or may be considered, forward-looking statements for purposes of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "project" and similar expressions, among others, generally identify forward-looking statements. AbbVie cautions that these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, competition from other products, challenges to intellectual property, difficulties inherent in the research and development process, adverse litigation or government action, and changes to laws and regulations applicable to our industry. Additional information about the economic, competitive, governmental, technological and other factors that may affect AbbVie's operations is set forth in Item 1A, "Risk Factors," of AbbVie's 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. AbbVie undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking statements as a result of subsequent events or developments, except as required by law.

References

SOURCE AbbVie

abbvie.com

Link:
AbbVie Receives European Commission Approval of RINVOQ (upadacitinib) for the Treatment of Adults with Moderate to Severe Active Rheumatoid Arthritis...

Tens of thousands of people with conditions including arthritis, MS and psychosis have had their benefits cut or stopped after moving to a new Tory system.

Detailed statistics from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show the reality of the 650,000 former Disability Living Allowance claimants who've lost out since 2013.

This week the Mirror reported how 46% of former DLA claimants lost money after moving to new benefit Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

In total, of the 1.424million DLA claimants reassessed for PIP by October 2019, 306,000 (22%) had their benefit cut, 293,000 (21%) had it stopped after an assessment, 58,000 (4%) had it stopped before assessment and 9,000 (1%) withdrew their claim.

In contrast 556,000 claimants (39%) saw their award rise and 200,000 (14%) had it unchanged.

But the DWP's detailed figures give a fascinating insight that show the real people behind the numbers.

The worst-hit were people with psychosis, 87,824 of whom either failed a PIP assessment entirely or had their money cut since 2013. By comparison, 63,395 saw their payment rise.

Some 86,042 arthritis sufferers had their PIP cut or stopped when they moved from DLA - while 68,256 saw it go up.

Scroll down for the full list of disabilities and how they are hit.

Epilepsy sufferers were also badly hit, with 23,640 losing some or all of their benefits compared to 12,344 who received more.

And 10,247 people with MS, 2,188 with AIDS and 960 with cystic fibrosis saw their money either cut or stopped.

Since 2013, even 69 double amputees have had their money cut when moving from DLA to PIP - while 161 saw their award go up.

Some groups were better off on average. 6,533 blind people saw payments cut or stopped but 23,098 saw them rise.

Likewise 39,020 people with learning difficulties lost out but 86,567 were better off.

These figures only relate to claimants who were already on the old DLA system when they claimed PIP.

And they do not include people who lost their benefits before an assessment, failed to attend an appointment, or withdrew their claim.

MS sufferer Rachel Taylor, from Halifax, West Yorkshire, told the Mirror she lost her adapted Motability car for around a year after her benefits were cut moving from DLA to PIP.

The 50-year-old mother-of-one and librarian uses a zimmer frame, walking stick and mobility scooter to get around.

But despite claiming DLA since 2002 she said she was awarded the lower rates of PIP after a 2016 assessment.

She waited around a year until, weeks before her appeal tribunal, she said she received a phone call saying she'd get the higher rate after all.

She told the Mirror: "I ended up taking several thousand pounds out of my pension pot.

"The stress has been immeasurable.

"I take pride in what Im able still able to do. But I now believe I was penalised for trying to keep my independence.

Ms Taylor still works part-time but said "I couldn't be more disabled."

She added: The local bus goes from a mile away but I cant walk to the end of my driveway.

"Theres no hope for me walking to catch a bus. I have a son that I have to get to school."

The DWP said Ms Taylor received 3,000 in arrears and a 2,000 transition payment for the Motability scheme.

A DWP spokesman added: Ms Taylor was granted enhanced level mobility Personal Independence Payment as soon as further evidence became available and a back payment of almost 3,000 was paid in arrears.

The DWP figures were condemned by charities earlier this week. Geoff Firmister of the Disability Benefits Consortium, which represents more than 100 groups, said: "These figures are very worrying and we suspect many of the decisions are wrong."

James Taylor of disability equality charity Scope said the figures were "extremely worrying". He added: Consistently high levels of PIP decisions are being overturned, which demonstrates the assessment is not fit for purpose."

A DWP spokesman said: The Government now spends more than 55 billion every year to support disabled people, more than at any time under the DLA system; with more people benefitting from support through PIP than did under DLA.

Most people get PIP after being reassessed from DLA.

"More than half have their award maintained or increased, with 29% receiving the highest level of support compared to 16% under DLA.

Here are the figures from the government.NOTE: Conditions are exactly as listed by the DWP. Figures only include reassessments from DLA to PIP.

Psychosis - More money: 63395 Less: 37916 Nothing: 49908

Psychoneurosis - More money: 48376 Less: 15408 Nothing: 35587

Learning Difficulties - More money: 86567 Less: 6697 Nothing: 32323

Arthritis - More money: 68256 Less: 65438 Nothing: 20604

Epilepsy - More money: 12344 Less: 8403 Nothing: 15237

Disease Of The Muscles Bones or Joints - More money: 31677 Less: 18572 Nothing: 12543

Back Pain - Other / Precise Diagnosis not Specified - More money: 31193 Less: 33449 Nothing: 8925

Neurological Diseases - More money: 22151 Less: 11918 Nothing: 7647

Heart Disease - More money: 9907 Less: 8829 Nothing: 4893

Chronic Pain Syndromes - More money: 11483 Less: 11254 Nothing: 4552

Hyperkinetic Syndrome - More money: 3737 Less: 1606 Nothing: 4452

Blindness - More money: 23098 Less: 2234 Nothing: 4299

Trauma to Limbs - More money: 10401 Less: 6658 Nothing: 4288

Personality Disorder - More money: 4755 Less: 3802 Nothing: 4165

Malignant Disease - More money: 5226 Less: 5431 Nothing: 3832

Cerebrovascular Disease - More money: 15472 Less: 7819 Nothing: 3631

Diabetes Mellitus - More money: 4560 Less: 3063 Nothing: 3426

Deafness - More money: 8864 Less: 2553 Nothing: 3396

Spondylosis - More money: 10520 Less: 10339 Nothing: 3087

Behavioral Disorder - More money: 3863 Less: 978 Nothing: 2811

Chest Disease - More money: 11761 Less: 8095 Nothing: 2632

Alcohol and Drug Abuse - More money: 4746 Less: 1900 Nothing: 2563

Major Trauma Other than Traumatic Paraplegia/Tetraplegia - More money: 4646 Less: 1727 Nothing: 2362

Multiple Sclerosis - More money: 11647 Less: 7970 Nothing: 2277

Unknown/Transfer from AA - More money: 21484 Less: 2813 Nothing: 2099

Asthma - More money: 3693 Less: 2614 Nothing: 1476

Renal Disorders - More money: 1984 Less: 2160 Nothing: 1417

Inflammatory Bowel Disease - More money: 979 Less: 1385 Nothing: 1184

Bowel and Stomach Disease - More money: 1535 Less: 1592 Nothing: 1182

Peripheral vascular Disease - More money: 2783 Less: 1968 Nothing: 1142

Skin Disease - More money: 1388 Less: 1069 Nothing: 1116

AIDS - More money: 552 Less: 1211 Nothing: 977

Multi System Disorders - More money: 2091 Less: 2156 Nothing: 928

Metabolic Disease - More money: 1809 Less: 1928 Nothing: 664

Terminally Ill - More money: 74 Less: 1292 Nothing: 641

Cystic Fibrosis - More money: 723 Less: 358 Nothing: 602

Blood Disorders - More money: 521 Less: 645 Nothing: 490

Dementia - More money: 2722 Less: 204 Nothing: 332

Parkinsons Disease - More money: 2353 Less: 1093 Nothing: 238

Cognitive disorder - other / precise diagnosis not specified - More money: 480 Less: 103 Nothing: 223

Haemophilia - More money: 113 Less: 164 Nothing: 141

Severely Mentally impaired - More money: 91 Less: 260 Nothing: 96

Haemodialysis - More money: 101 Less: 73 Nothing: 78

Traumatic Paraplegia/Tetraplegia - More money: 1104 Less: 687 Nothing: 61

Multiple Allergy Syndrome - More money: 60 Less: 44 Nothing: 45

Motor Neurone Disease - More money: 227 Less: 107 Nothing: 40

Infectious diseases - other / precise diagnosis not specified - More money: 56 Less: 37 Nothing: 39

Infectious diseases: Bacterial disease - Tuberculosis - More money: 37 Less: 37 Nothing: 25

Total Parenteral Nutrition - More money: 17 Less: 11 Nothing: 12

Infectious diseases: Bacterial disease - precise diagnosis not specified - More money: 15 Less: 10 Nothing: 10

Frailty - More money: 52 Less: 42 Nothing: 8

Deaf/Blind - More money: 153 Less: 13 Nothing: 5

Double Amputee - More money: 161 Less: 69 Nothing: ..

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DWP: How thousands with arthritis, MS and psychosis have lost benefits under new system - Mirror Online

Osteoarthritis is a common and potentially debilitating condition. Its a degenerative joint disease (often called the wear-and-tear type) in which the smooth lining of cartilage becomes thinned and uneven, exposing the bone beneath.

Although osteoarthritis is tightly linked with aging, we now know there is more to it than age alone: genetics, weight, physical activity, and a number of other factors can conspire to make it more likely that someone will develop osteoarthritis while someone else wont. Osteoarthritis is the primary reason that more than a million joints (mostly hips and knees) are replaced each year in the US.

Treatments short of surgery can help but they dont always work well, dont cure the condition, and may be accompanied by side effects. Surgery is usually the last resort, reserved for people who have declining function, unrelenting pain, or both despite trying other treatments such as pain relieving, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, others) or naproxen (Aleve, others), or injections of steroids or hyaluronic acid (a type of lubricant). Nonmedication approaches can also help, such as loss of excess weight, physical therapy, or use of a cane or brace.

Steroid injections can quickly relieve inflammation in the joints, and the effects may last from several weeks to several months. Ive seen a number of patients who got significant relief from steroid injections every three or four months. But, a new report of one medical centers experience and a review of past research came to some concerning conclusions about joint injections for osteoarthritis of the hip or knee. These included:

Other side effects include a temporary increase in blood sugar, bleeding into the joint, and, quite rarely, infection. And, of course, the injection itself can be painful, although numbing medication is usually provided.

The authors suggest that doctors order x-rays before each injection and not perform injections if there is evidence of any of these complications or unexplained pain. However, its not clear how effective this approach would be.

The findings of this report regarding injections of steroids for knee and hip osteoarthritis are disappointing, especially for those who have not improved with other treatments.

Regarding the benefit of the injections, its important to keep in mind that even if the average benefit of a treatment is small, it does not mean that treatment is useless. Though temporary, some people do report significant improvement with steroid injections.

Its also not entirely clear that the problems described in this study are actually caused by the steroid injections. And, from my own experience, the rates of complications seem high to me. That said, a 2017 study did find that people getting steroid injections had more thinning of joint cartilage than those getting placebo injections.

In my own practice, Ill still offer a steroid injection for osteoarthritis, but only after carefully reviewing the potential risks and benefits. If it is not terribly helpful, I would not encourage repeated injections. On the other hand, if it works well, a limited number of injections (up to three or four per year is a common limit) may reduce pain and improve function and quality of life.

Restricting the injections to those who improve the most and limiting the number of injections each year may be a better strategy than eliminating steroid injections altogether, especially since the most serious side effects are quite rare.

Well need additional studies that examine the type, dosage, and frequency of steroid injections that might provide more benefit than risk. And well need better ways to predict who will improve the most. Until then, I think its important to keep an open mind about just how helpful and how safe steroid injections for osteoarthritis truly are.

Follow me on Twitter @RobShmerling

Read this article:
A new look at steroid injections for knee and hip osteoarthritis - Harvard Health Blog - Harvard Health

With the help of Howell, weve put together some tips to help you deal with the holiday season.

Theres something about the holidays that makes us want to indulge a little, and rightly so. Its a time for fun, frivolity and enjoying quality time with good friends and good food. But, as tempting as it is, snacking on fruit mince pies or digging into a festive pudding is a big no-no.

Howell says arthritis sufferers should be really careful about what they eat during the festive period, adding that the types of food traditionally eaten at or associated with Christmas aggravate arthritis symptoms.

Every Christmas meal Ive ever had has been packed with ham, sausages, alcohol, chocolate, soft drink and bread, he says. Christmas lunches around Australia are full of sugar, saturated fats, refined carbohydrates, gluten and alcohol all of which are an arthritis sufferers worst nightmare.

Howell adds poor food choices can cause painful arthritis flare-ups, and even more serious health issues in the long-term.

If youre visiting family or friends overseas during the Christmas break and take arthritis medication, make sure you have a doctors certificate with you, Howell advises. You dont want to be caught in a situation where you cant take your meds with you.

A change in weather or humidity can also affect arthritis. Plan ahead and ensure you dress appropriately for the trip.

Howells biggest piece of advice for arthritis sufferers is to stay positive during the Christmas period.

Arthritis may stop you from doing a lot of things at Christmas, he says. You may not be able to eat exactly what you want or be able to participate in the family backyard cricket tournament. But its important to stay positive, especially during Christmas!

Howell recommends talking with your loved ones and suggesting activities that everyone can join in on, such as board games or cards.

Important information: The information provided on this website is of a general nature and information purposes only. It does not take into account your personal health requirements or existing medical conditions. It is not personalised health advice and must not be relied upon as such. Before making any decisions about your health or changes to medication, diet and exercise routines you should determine whether the information is appropriate in terms of your particular circumstances and seek advice from a medical professional.

Link:
How to manage arthritis flare-ups during the holidays - Starts at 60

The "Pain Management Drugs Market - Forecasts from 2019 to 2024" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The pain management drugs market was valued at US$101.189 billion in 2018 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 5.61% to reach a market size of US$140.371 billion by 2024.

The growing geriatric population suffering from pain related to joints and chronic diseases are driving the growth of the global pain management market in the forecast period. Other factors include the prevalence of chronic diseases, rising healthcare expenditures, an increase in the number of accidents and increasing surgical procedures. However, the availability of substitutes such as pain relief devices is hampering the growth of the global pain management drugs market in the forecast period.

Geographically, North America is expected to hold a significant market share owing to the highest health expenditure of the United States in addition to effective disease management owing to the prevalence of chronic diseases in this region.

Report Scope

This report is an exhaustive study that aims to present the key market trends through various chapters focusing on different aspects of the market. The study provides a detailed market overview through the market dynamics sections which detail key market, drivers, restraints, and opportunities in the current market. The report analyzes key opportunity regional markets, and the current technology penetration through lifecycle analysis. The report also analyzes the market through comprehensive market segmentation by drug type, by indication, and by geography.

The pain management drugs market has been segmented based on drug type, indication, and geography. Based on drug type, the market has been segmented into nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, acetaminophen, antidepressants, and anticonvulsant drugs. On the basis of indication, the market has been segmented into cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic back pain, post-operative pain, and others.

Regional analysis has been provided with detailed analysis and forecast for the period 2018 to 2024. The global market has been broken down into North America, South America, Europe, Middle East and Africa (MEA), and the Asia Pacific regions. The report also analyzes 15 major countries across these regions with thorough analysis and forecast along with prevailing market trends and opportunities which each of these countries present for the manufacturers.

Major players in the pain management drugs market have been covered along with their relative competitive position and strategies. The report also mentions recent deals and investments of different market players over the last year. The company profiles section details the business overview, financial performance for the past three years, key products and services being offered along with the recent developments of these important players in the pain management drugs market.

Key Topics Covered

1. INTRODUCTION

2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

2.1. Research Design

2.2. Secondary Sources

3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

4. MARKET DYNAMICS

4.1. Market Segmentation

4.2. Market Drivers

4.3. Market Restraints

4.4. Market Opportunities

4.5. Porter's Five Forces Analysis

4.5.1. Bargaining Power of Suppliers

4.5.2. Bargaining Power of Buyers

4.5.3. Threat of New Entrants

4.5.4. Threat of Substitutes

4.5.5. Competitive Rivalry in the Industry

4.6. Life Cycle Analysis - Regional Snapshot

4.7. Market Attractiveness

5. PAIN MANAGEMENT DRUGS MARKET BY DRUG TYPE

5.1. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

5.2. Corticosteroids

5.3. Acetaminophen

5.4. Antidepressants

5.5. Anticonvulsant drugs

6. PAIN MANAGEMENT DRUGS MARKET BY INDICATION

6.1. Cancer

6.2. Rheumatoid Arthritis

6.3. Chronic Back Pain

6.4. Post-Operative Pain

6.5. Others

7. PAIN MANAGEMENT DRUGS MARKET BY GEOGRAPHY

7.1. North America

7.1.1. USA

7.1.2. Canada

7.1.3. Mexico

7.2. South America

7.2.1. Brazil

7.2.2. Argentina

7.2.3. Others

7.3. Europe

7.3.1. Germany

7.3.2. United Kingdom

7.3.3. France

7.3.4. Spain

7.3.5. Others

7.4. Middle East and Africa

7.4.1. Saudi Arabia

7.4.2. Israel

7.4.3. Others

7.5. Asia Pacific

7.5.1. China

7.5.2. Japan

7.5.3. India

7.5.4. South Korea

7.5.5. Others

8. COMPETITIVE INTELLIGENCE

8.1. Competitive Benchmarking and Analysis

8.2. Strategies of Key Players

Story continues

8.3. Recent Investments and Deals

9. COMPANY PROFILES

9.1. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation

9.2. Eli Lilly and Company

9.3. Amgen Inc.

9.4. GlaxoSmithKline plc

9.5. AbbVie Inc.

9.6. Merck & Co., Inc.

9.7. Sanofi

9.8. F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.

9.9. Pfizer Inc.

9.10. Purdue Pharma L.P.

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/yq0q5w

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20191223005511/en/

Contacts

ResearchAndMarkets.comLaura Wood, Senior Press Managerpress@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900

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Analysis on the World's $140+ Billion Pain Management Drugs Market, 2019-2024 - Featuring Novartis, Eli Lilly, Amgen, GSK, AbbVie, and More -...

"When you become something on the internet and not something in real life," Clairo explains, "It's this very strange cognitive dissonance where you're like, 'Well, is something actually happening, or am I dreaming that people know who I am?' "

Clairo wasn't dreaming. She started college shortly after uploading a song called "Pretty Girl" to YouTube that same week, her bedroom music video reached a million views. Today, it has over 40 million views, and she's launched an entire music career from her viral success. She's appeared on late night television stages, played Coachella and is going on tour with Tame Impala in 2020. Clairo even produced her debut full-length album, Immunity, with a little help from Rostam Batmanglij.

We'll talk about how the former Vampire Weekend member reached out to Clairo on Instagram after hearing her 2017 song, "Flaming Hot Cheetos," how "Sinking" is a sexy song about rheumatoid arthritis ("Which is hilarious," she adds) and how she keeps up with her fans in relation to her rapidly rising profile. Hear the conversation in the player above, starting off with a live in-studio performance of "Bags."

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From 'Pretty Girl' To 'Immunity': Clairo On Her Rapid Rise : World Cafe - NPR

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The monthly joint mixer for the Coral Gables Bar Association and the Rotary Club of Coral Gables, held the second Wednesday of every month, had a twist in December.

That get together, held at Tapeo Eatery & Bar on Giralda, also served as a toy drive for three different organizations: the Marines Toys for Tots, Lighthouse for the Blind and the Coral Gables Free Childrens Dental Clinic for its holiday kids party. Among the many enjoying the event were RCCG president-elect Kelly Garces, Hadley Williams, Greg Martini, Walter Alvarez and Carol Brock.

Speaking of toy drives, Scott and Belinda Sime held their annual holiday party and toy drive, which is where many of the toys collected from the mixer were dropped off. The Simes party always is one that collects several hundred toys every year and is one of the best parties of the season for a cause. In addition to the Simes home. Toys were dropped off as Channel 10s Big Bus Toys for Tots caravan traveled the county with Jacey Birch and Eric Yutzy.

The Mitchell and West Family Fun 5K was one of many events held in front of Coral Gables City Hall on a picture perfect day. PJ Mitchell and Spencer West started this event years ago to raise funds for Alzheimers and now support various causes. This year the Coral Gables Womans Club Children Dental Clinic. The women of this club are everywhere and were among the many hundreds dressed in Santa and holiday attire who ran to support the Arthritis Foundation the morning of Dec. 8 at The Falls. The is the longest-running, holiday-themed 5K race series anywhere and it is no wonder why. It is hilarious. Two of the funniest were Eric Bradley and Phong Truong with their antler headpieces and colorful tutus.

CGWC had raised $1,000 for the Run at a Gringo Bongo fundraiser to match the annual $1,000 donation for a total gift of $2,000 that they presented at the race.

Representing the club that morning with this writer were board member Donna Myrill and dental clinic director Dr. Iris Torres. Club president Arely Ruiz also was on hand to emcee the event for the Foundations outgoing eecutive director and CGWC member Lisa Boccia.

The Arthritis Foundation is one close to the heart of this womans club whose past president Mireya Kilmon has been a spokesperson for the organization and has suffered with arthritis for years.

Speaking of events, Coral Gables Womans Club had two fundraisers just days before that weekend on Dec. 3, the club coordinated its monthly Gringo Bingo hosted by Clutch Burger to raise funds for the Junior Orange Bowl Festival and then two days later had a Prohibition Repeal Speakeasy Party at their clubhouse to benefit the Coral Gables Childrens Dental Clinic that serves currently 600 children of the working poor.

The Junior Orange Bowl, whose numerous events showcase our youth, and the Womans Clubs Dental Clinic and its Childrens Festival both serve our young people in their own unique ways. It was especially fun to have the JOBCs Youth Ambassadors and Jobie at Gringo Bingo to promote the festival and the JOBC Parade held Dec. 15.

Speaking of the JOBC, the festivals annual Junior Orange Bowl Parade was one of the best in years with a new date that certainly made it easier for visiting and local bands to participate. Coming off that event, the committee goes right into the JOBCs International Tennis Tournament (Dec. 14-23); the Junior Orange Bowls annual National Basketball Classic at Miami Palmetto High School on Dec. 27, 28 and 30, and the International Golf Tournament, Jan. 2-6, 2020. For more on these and other JOBC events, visit http://www.jrorangebowl.org.

Finally, save the date, Jan. 7, for the Gringo Bingo (7-9 p.m.). That night CGWC will direct the proceeds to Joshuas Heart Foundation. The Coral Gables Womans Club is extremely grateful for Clutch Burgers generous support in hosting these monthly events. As always, Clutch Burger owner Steven Bradley will entertain and call bingo while celebrity DJ Germain will once again donate his services providing music adding to the overall party atmosphere at these games.. For tickets, send email to gloria@cnews.net.

Until next time, keep making each day count.

Connect To Your Customers & Grow Your Business

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Gables Rotary and Bar Association mixer and toy drive benefits many - Miami's Community Newspapers

News Release

Monday, December 23, 2019

Mutations in the RIPK1 gene responsible for CRIA syndrome.

Over the last 20 years, three families have been unsuspectingly linked by an unknown illness. Researchers at the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), part of the National Institutes of Health, and other organizations have now identified the cause of the illness, a new disease called CRIA syndrome. The results were published in the journal Nature.

NHGRI scientific director Daniel Kastner, M.D., Ph.D., a pioneer in the field of autoinflammatory diseases, and his team discovered CRIA, which has symptoms including fevers, swollen lymph nodes, severe abdominal pain, gastrointestinal problems, headaches and, in some cases, abnormally enlarged spleen and liver.

The disorder has characteristics typical of an autoinflammatory disease, where the immune system appears to be activated without any apparent trigger. Although the condition is not life-threatening, patients have persistent fever and swollen lymph nodes from childhood to old age, as well as other symptoms that can lead to lifelong pain and disability.

When confronted by patients symptoms, who were first seen at the NIH Clinical Center, researchers looked for infections and cancer as the cause. After those were ruled out, they sought answers in the genome, a persons complete set of DNA. Kastner and his team sequenced gene regions across the genome and discovered only one gene RIPK1 to be consistently different in all patients.

Researchers identified a specific type of variation in the patients: a single DNA letter at a specific location incorrectly changed. This change can alter the amino acid added to the encoded protein. These are called "missense" mutations.

Remarkably, each of the three families had its own unique missense mutation affecting the very same DNA letter in the RIPK1 gene. Each affected person had one mutant and one normal copy of the gene, while the unaffected family members had two normal copies of the gene.

The researchers also looked at 554 people with sporadic unexplained fever, swollen glands and other symptoms or diseases, and then at over a quarter million people from public sequence databases to see if they encountered the same RIPK1 mutations. When they did not find such mutations elsewhere, it was clear that they were onto something new.

"It was as if lightning had struck three times in the same place," said Kastner, who led the NHGRI team. "This discovery underscores the tremendous power of combining astute clinical observation, state-of-the-art DNA sequencing, and the sharing of sequence data in large publicly-accessible databases. We live in a very special time."

The RIPK1 gene encodes for the RIPK1 protein, which is involved in the bodys response to inflammation and programmed cell death. To make sure that RIPK1 action does not initiate inflammation and cell death in all cells, another protein cuts the RIPK1 protein at a specific location in the protein sequence. The research team noticed that all the mutations in CRIA patients occur at the location where RIPK1 usually gets cut, resulting in an uncuttable, seemingly indestructible RIPK1 protein.

This suggests that cutting RIPK1, thereby disarming it, is crucial to controlling cell death and inflammation. Recognizing this cause-effect relationship, Kastners team named the resulting disease cleavage-resistant RIPK1-induced autoinflammatory (CRIA) syndrome.

Although the researchers made the connection between CRIA syndrome and RIPK1 mutations, they still needed to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in the disease. To do this, Kastner and his team collaborated with Najoua Laloui, Ph.D., and John Silke, Ph.D., at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute in Australia, who made specialized mouse models with similar RIPK1 mutations as seen in CRIA patients.

The Australian team discovered that mouse embryos with two mutant copies of RIPK1 (and no normal copy) did not survive in the uterus due to excessive cell death signals, which further confirmed the importance of cutting RIPK1 to limit its function in normal cells. However, mice bearing one mutant copy of RIPK1 and one normal copy, as is the case for CRIA patients, were mostly normal but had heightened responses to a variety of inflammatory stimuli, which the researchers think may suggest a possible mechanism for how the human disease occurs.

Kastner and his team worked to find a treatment for CRIA syndrome. Seven patients with the condition were given therapies that are known to reduce inflammation. While drugs such as etanercept and anakinra, which are routinely used to treat autoinflammatory and chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, had little effect on the patients, one biological drug called tocilizumab did. Tocilizumab, a drug that suppresses the immune system, reduced the severity and frequency of CRIA syndrome symptoms in five out of seven patients in some cases with life-changing effects.

Hirotsugu Oda, M.D., Ph.D., a post-doctoral researcher in Kastners laboratory and co-first author of the paper, said: "As a physician-scientist, the most thrilling experience to me was to hear the mother of a CRIA patient say that her son was a completely different, healthy child after the tocilizumab treatment. Through the genetic diagnosis, we were able to contribute to the treatment of a few patients. This is, after all, the ultimate goal."

Researchers are now trying to understand the detailed molecular mechanism that enables tocilizumab to treat CRIA. Specific inhibitors of RIPK1, which are under development, may also hold promise in both CRIA and other seemingly intractable inflammatory conditions.

The study included collaborations with the following NIH institutions: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, NIH Clinical Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and NIH Intramural Sequencing Center.

About the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) is one of the 27 institutes and centers at the NIH, an agency of the Department of Health and Human Services. The NHGRI Division of Intramural Research develops and implements technology to understand, diagnose and treat genomic and genetic diseases. Additional information about NHGRI can be found at:www.genome.gov.

About the National Institutes of Health (NIH):NIH, the nation's medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit http://www.nih.gov.

NIHTurning Discovery Into Health

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Original post:
NIH researchers discover new autoinflammatory disease and uncover its biological cause - National Institutes of Health

An Up to Date Report onRheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus Treatments Market size | Industry Segment by Applications (Hospitals and Clinics, Ambulatory Surgery Centers and Homecare Settings), by Type (Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatments and Lupus Treatments), Regional Outlook, Market Demand, Latest Trends, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus Treatments Industry Share & Revenue by Manufacturers, Company Profiles, Growth Forecasts 2025.Analyzes current market size and upcoming 5 years growth of this industry.

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Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus Treatments Market Research Report, Growth Forecas - News by aeresearch

Age-related increases in erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR) and 28-joint swollen joint count (28-SJC) scores without relevantcorresponding increases in patient global assessment (PGA) and 28-joint tenderjoint counts (28-TJCs) may imply that age-related processes such asphysiological ESR increase and soft tissue changes contribute to a higher28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28) in older patients, according to resultsfrom a concise report published inRheumatology.

The current study used the DAS28 and its components to investigate the potential effect of aging on patients with rheumatoid arthritis who are nave to treatment with disease activity in disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) from the Norwegian Register of DMARDs. Investigators used linear regression to explore associations between age (<45, 45-65, and >65 years) and each component of the DAS28 while accounting for sex and education. They calculated adjusted predicted scores for each component and total scores for each age range. Because significant interactions were found between age and sex for the 28-TJC, PGA, and ESR (P<.001), researchers stratified regression models for sex. Education was a signicant covariate, leading investigators to calculate predicted scores across age categories for different levels of education. Disease duration was not included in the model because it proved to not be a significant confounder.

Baseline data were available for 2037 patients (mean age55.2 years; 68% women). Compared with the youngest age group, men older than 65years with an intermediate education level had a 25% higher 28-SJC and 56%higher ESR, and women with an intermediate education level had a 27% higher28-SJC and 51% higher ESR. The differences between 28-TJC and PGA werenegligible (men: 28-TJC 3% and PGA 1%; women: 28-TJC 1% and PGA 2%). Thedifference in total DAS28-ESR score between the youngest and oldest agecategory was 10% for both men and women. In absolute values, the DAS28 was 5.5in the oldest group compared with 5 in the youngest.

Study limitations included using baseline data from patientswho were DMARD-nave entering the Norwegian Register of DMARDs and thepotential for confounding variables; however, the study investigators concludedthat the present study indicates that age has a significant positiverelationship with the DAS28-ESR, with the ESR and 28-SJC driving the increase.Validation of disease activity measures in elderly RA patients should be performedin future studies where the influence of comorbidity and physiologicalageingis studied. The age effect on DAS28 might be relevant in atreat-to-target strategy, but longitudinal data are needed to further explorethis.

Reference van Onna M, Putrik P, Lie E, Kvien TK, Boonen A, Uhlig T.What do we measure with 28-joint DAS in elderly patients? An explorative analysis in the NOR-DMARD study[published online October 26, 2019].Rheumatology (Oxford). doi:10.1093/rheumatology/kez490

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Effect of Aging on 28-Joint Disease Activity Score in Rheumatoid Arthritis - Rheumatology Advisor

December 13, 2019, 6:46 PM

3 min read

Eerie X-rays portray a rare condition nicknamed "telescoping fingers," in which bone loss causes the fingers to buckle back into the hand, like a collapsing telescope.

A female patient, age 69, was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis 18 years prior and presented at a rheumatology clinic in Turkey with the condition, according to a case study published in the New England Journal of Medicine this week.

Her fingers could be stretched to their original length, but then retreated back into her hand when released. She could not completely flex her fingers, nor make a fist.

X-rays revealed that her bones had been reabsorbed as a late-state consequence of her severe arthritis.

A 69-year-old woman in Turkey developed a rare condition known as "telescoping fingers."

Doctors treated her with a series of arthritis drugs, which reduced her pain and swelling but did not improve her hand functionality.

While an estimated 23% of Americans have some form of doctor-diagnosed arthritis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, developing telescoping fingers is extremely rare, even among people with arthritis.

The first case of the telescoping condition, described in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, was documented in 1913, and referred to it as "la main en lorgnette," or opera-glass hand.

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Rare 'telescoping fingers' condition caused woman's bones to reabsorb - ABC News

A recently published report presented at the 2019 AIBD Annual Meeting in Orlando, FL, discussed the case of a patient who developed ulcerative colitis (UC) following treatment with Secukinumab for her psoriatic arthritis and highlighted a novel approach for the management of both of her conditions simultaneously.

The patient, a 52-year-old female with a long history ofpsoriatic arthritis, presented complaining of bloody diarrhea over the pastmonth. Stool studies and biopsies as well as a CT Scan of Abdomen and Pelvis wereperformed and revealed normal results. A colonoscopy, however, revealed thatthe patient had ulcerative colitis (UC) extending from the hepatic flexure torectum. Biopsies showed crypt abscesses consistent with inflammatory boweldisease (IBD) alone with a positive serum p-ANCA, the authors explained. Thepatient stated that she had no history of UC or IBD but did note that herpsoriatic arthritis had been unsuccessfully treated with Etanercept,Leflunomide, Adalimumab, and Methotrexate in the past.

The patients Secukinumab was discontinued and she wasinitiated on prednisone 40mg daily and mesalamine 4.8g daily. The patientimproved and was, therefore, discharged. To allow for a prednisone taper, shewas later initiated on Tofacitinib 10mg twice daily for treatment of bothpsoriatic arthritis and UC. In addition to complete resolution of her bloodydiarrhea, objective improvement of the patients psoriatic arthritis was alsoobserved.

In their discussion, the authors stated that, although therehave been case reports of Secukinumab-induced UC published in the past,treatment typically involves infliximab, a monoclonal TNF-alpha antibody, ifsteroids initially fail. For this patient, however, optimizing immunologic therapywas difficult since she was resistant to multiple forms of THF-alpha inhibitionwith Adalimumab and Etanercept. Because of this, a novel approach of initial steroidtherapy followed by treatment with Tofacitinib provided excellent resolution ofthe patients symptoms and conditions.

Nonetheless, psoriatic arthritis cases on Secukinumab who develop ulcerative colitis and have failed prior TNF-alpha antibody treatment merit this novel approach to therapy with Tofacitinib, the authors concluded. They added, We might consider Tofacitinib even in cases who have not failed prior TNF-alpha antibody treatment given greater acceptance by patients of oral medical therapy.

Reference

Sethi V, Jacobs A, Sethi A. Secukinumab induced ulcerative colitis in a patient with psoriatic arthritis: A novel approach to refractory cases. Presented at: 2019 AIBD Annual Meeting; December 12-14 in Orlando, FL.

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Case Highlights Novel Approach to Treatment of UC, Psoriatic Arthritis - Monthly Prescribing Reference

It may have been a rainy day, but the dreary weather did little to dampen Sharon Stolbergs enthusiasm when speaking about SPARC (Sport, Art, and Recreation of Chattanooga) to the Civitan Club.

The teacher at Hunter Middle School, who has suffered from a severe form of arthritis for her entire life, has devoted herself to helping children with disabilities. She does so by encouraging disabled students to participate in adaptive sports.

Adaptive sports, such as wheelchair basketball, use unique equipment to make those activities accessible to people with disabilities. Possessing the ability to play these sports has several benefits to children and adults, said the middle school teacher.

Adaptive sports really increase confidence, said Ms. Stolberg on the benefits of adaptive sports, Theyre a good bridge builder between the disabled and the non-disabled population, and they help with strength and weight control.

Ms. Stolberg has been a proponent of adaptive sports for almost 15 years. Although they did not exist when she was a child, nothing stopped her from enjoying them as an adult.

I started horseback riding in 2005 in Cleveland, and then I got into adaptive water skiing, and it sort of avalanched after that, said the speaker on how she got into adaptive sports.

Ever since she started with SPARC, which is focused on adaptive sports, she has seen it grow from small beginnings into a widely accepted organization. And with growth, it has made her job much easier.

I think the demand has grown, and the acceptance has grown, said Ms. Stolberg, The willingness of people to work and modify has grown too. Going from having to scrounge for volunteers, and now we have many more volunteers than we would have a few years ago. Its just more public now, and more of an accepted thing, which is huge.

While adaptive sports are a blessing for many children, they can be a pricey endeavor for families. Organizations such as the Civitan Club often provide the funds necessary to make the crucial equipment needed for adaptive sports.

With the kids in the area, the Civitan Clubs are really essential to get things like adaptive bikes for them, said Ms. Stolberg.

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Teacher With Severe Arthritis Urges Others With Disabilities To Stay Active - The Chattanoogan

Halloween has passed, but the scariest time of the year has just begun: cold and flu season. Winter can be unsettling when you have juvenile arthritis. Some medications used to treat JA can weaken the immune system, making it easier to catch any viruses going around. Getting sick can be hard on kids with JA; they might feel extra soreness, and it may take them longer to feel better than their peers. They may even need to put JA treatments on hold until they recover.

Its natural to feel anxious at this time of year. Its especially worrying because kids often spend hours together in tight quarters such as day care, locker rooms, and classrooms. But there are many precautions you can take to help prevent the spread of disease.

Youngsters with JA should get a flu vaccine, especially if theyre using immunosuppressants. The best line of defense is to have everyone in your house get a flu shot, to reduce the risk of someone getting sick and spreading germs.

Keep communal spaces in the house clean and wash shared blankets frequently. Remind your children to wash their hands after gym classes and sports practices. Older kids and teens should keep sanitizer sprays on hand for use on personal sports equipment.

Even when youre taking all the precautions possible, it can be hard to avoid worrying. The last thing you want is for your child to get sick. It can be tempting to want to put them in a bubble.

But try to have faith in the flu shot; its an excellent first line of defense. And other options, such as antiviral medication, can make the flu easier to cope with. While its not a cure, it can reduce flu symptoms by one day, which is nothing to sneeze at. If your child is showing signs of an infection, such as a fever, its important to call the doctor right away. The doctor may recommend using one of these medications as a precaution.

Have faith in your children to do their part to stay clean. Encourage them to wash their hands before eating and to keep their hands to themselves. Older kids and teens often understand that these precautions are necessary. Even little ones can come around to the idea when you incorporate it into a routine.

I think its important to note that though its easy to get sick, it might not happen. Its entirely possible to stay healthy. While some years I felt as if Id caught every cold going around, some flu seasons passed without a hitch. Youll never know how the season will go, so try to be as positive as possible. With the right precautions, your family might do just fine this cold and flu season.

***

Note: Juvenile Arthritis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Juvenile Arthritis News, or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to juvenile arthritis.

Elizabeth Medeiros is a young adult who has dealt with juvenile arthritis since she was a small child. However, her pain hasnt stopped her from working on a product design degree in Boston. Her passion is to create products that make life easier for the chronically ill, such as shoes and walking canes. When shes not in class, Elizabeth enjoys writing about how shes coped with arthritis at such a young age. You can find more of her writings at ArthritisGirl.Blogspot.com and on Instagram @GirlWithArthritis.

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Flu Season Is the Scariest Time of the Year When You Have JA - Juvenile Arthritis News

'Were expanding the [biosimilars] initiative to make sure that our drug programs in Alberta are going to be sustainable,' Alberta Health Minister Tyler Shandro, seen here, said in an exclusive interview.

Jason Franson/The Canadian Press

Alberta will force 26,000 patients on government-sponsored drug plans to switch from expensive drugs that are known as biologics to cheaper near-copies of the medications, a move that will save the province hundreds of millions of dollars in the coming years.

The major policy change in favour of the less-expensive versions, called biosimilars, will take effect by next summer and is expected to save $227-million to $380-million over the next four years. Alberta will become the second province after British Columbia to stop covering some of the brand-name biologic drugs that have driven significant increases in prescription-drug spending across the country.

But the provincial government intends to go even further than B.C., including more drugs in the first phase of its plan and introducing a tiered framework that will limit drug choices for patients with rheumatoid arthritis and Crohns disease who are starting biologics for the first time.

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Were expanding the [biosimilars] initiative to make sure that our drug programs in Alberta are going to be sustainable," Alberta Health Minister Tyler Shandro said in an exclusive interview. We committed in the last election that we would find efficiencies and make sure that we were investing those savings.

The government is working to rein in Albertas health-care spending more broadly, an effort that has already drawn the ire of health-care workers unions and the Alberta Medical Association.

The provinces initiative is likely to earn plaudits from those who see promoting the less-expensive medications as a sensible way to free up money for other health-care priorities.

However, some gastroenterologists and patient advocacy groups, including Crohns and Colitis Canada, have expressed concern that inflammatory bowel disease patients forced to switch wont do as well on the cheaper drugs.

Health Canada and drug regulators around the world say biosimilars are as safe and effective as the original drugs they mimic.

Biologics are complex medications produced from living organisms and injected or infused into patients. They have dramatically improved the health of people with debilitating diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and Crohns disease chronic illnesses for which there used to be few good treatment options.

In Alberta, government spending on biologics skyrocketed to $238-million in 2018-19, up from just $21-million a decade earlier.

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Four of the top five drugs in terms of public spending in Alberta are biologics. At the top of that list is Remicade, also known as infliximab, an intravenous infusion for rheumatoid arthritis, Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis, which cost the provincial government as much as $91.2-million last year more than any other single drug.

The list price for Remicade in Alberta is $962.68 a vial, while the biosimilar versions, Inflectra and Renflexis, sell for $525 and $493 a vial, respectively. (List prices dont reflect the confidential discount deals that are now commonplace in the global pharmaceutical industry, meaning the Alberta government could be paying less.)

Biosimilars are almost like generics: They are cheaper near-copies of original biologic drugs whose patents have expired. However, biologics, unlike simple chemical pills, cant be replicated perfectly from batch to batch, even within the same brand.

That complexity has allowed some opponents to argue that biosimilars arent as safe or effective as original biologics, especially for patients who are being asked to switch for financial instead of health reasons.

But the bulk of the international evidence mainly from Europe, where more than 40 approved biosimilars are available has shown no significant differences in safety or efficacy after switching.

Albertas plan will require existing patients on government-sponsored drug plans to switch to the biosimilar versions of Remicade and four other drugs: Enbrel, which treats rheumatoid arthritis; Lantus, a long-acting insulin for diabetics; and Neulasta and Neupogen, both of which boost white-cell counts for chemotherapy patients.

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Existing users of a drug called Copaxone for multiple sclerosis will be switched to a complex generic at the same time. The government is including the drug in its initiative even though it is not technically a biologic.

The changes are expected to affect about 22,000 Albertans with diabetes, 2,000 with Crohns disease or ulcerative colitis, 1,400 with rheumatic diseases, 750 with multiple sclerosis, 450 with low white-blood cell counts and 35 with plaque psoriasis.

The changes, which kick in July 1, 2020, do not apply to patients with private insurance or patients who pay out of pocket for their prescription drugs.

Children and pregnant women will be exempt. Physicians who believe there is a medical reason why a patient should not switch will be allowed to apply to the province for an exemption.

For patients with Crohns disease, rheumatoid arthritis and related rheumatic diseases who are either starting biologics for the first time or switching away from a biologic that has stopped working, a new tiered framework means they will have to try cheaper biologic options first.

For example, Crohns patients new to biologics will first have to try one of the two Remicade biosimilars or another IV drug called Entyvio before they are allowed to access public coverage of Humira, an expensive treatment that patients can self-inject but for which biosimilar alternatives are not yet available in Canada.

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Current Humira patients will be allowed to retain government coverage for the drug.

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Alberta will force patients to switch from biologics to cheaper biosimilar medications - The Globe and Mail

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The endocrine system is a collection of glands all over the body that is responsible for the secretion of hormones into the bloodstream. An endocrine disorder happens when this system is no longer able to function properly.

The endocrine system is composed of a set of glands responsible for the production of hormones that play a vital role in the regulation of body signals. These include appetite, sleep, weight, breathing, and even puberty. Almost every aspect of the body has something to do with hormones.

Diseases such as diabetes, Graves Disease, and Cushings Syndrome are all endocrine disorders. Each of them is a unique disease treated in different ways, but CBD and endocrine diseases have become tangled one as a remedy for the other in the recent past.

How endocrine system disorders occur

Endocrine disorders occur when one or more endocrine glands no longer functions properly. If even one gland starts to produce too much or too little of a particular hormone, chances of an endocrine disorder occurring go up. Such a disorder can either be generic, or due to tumors, nodules or lesions inhibit an endocrine glands normal functioning.

In diabetes, for example, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin; and in hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland doesnt produce enough thyroid hormone. Hyperthyroidism is the opposite of this.

All in all, most endocrine disorders dont have a specific cure and can last with the patient for years or even their whole lives. If left untreated, they can result in the poor quality of life, general body pain, loss of weight, total inability to move, work or function and death.

However, there exist medications and therapies that can be used to manage the symptoms they exhibit. One of the ways these symptoms can be suppressed and managed is through the use of CBD.

CBD and the endocrine system

According to recent studies, CBD has the potential to regulate the endocrine system and manage harmful symptoms exhibited by some endocrine disorders. One case that stands out, in particular, is when the disorder is caused by the presence of a tumor on endocrine glands. CBD and endocrine diseases caused by cancer cells can be inhibited and, possibly have an invasion of prostate tumors prohibited.

There is also some evidence available that suggests CBD has some degree of influence over the production of hormones in some glands in the body, including the thyroid gland. Keep in mind that research into the effect of CBD on the endocrine system is in very preliminary stages, however.

What we are sure of, though, is the effect CBD has when it comes to keeping the symptoms of certain endocrine disorders under control. The most common of these are insomnia and anxiety.

Of all the uses CBD has found in the modern age, the most well-documented is its ability to reduce feelings of anxiety. This is thought to be as a result of its ability to bind directly with CB1 receptors in the brain and affect the production of cortisol and serotonin.

Serotonin is a mood-regulating hormone, whose deficiency is usually manifested via feelings of anxiety and depression. A high level of cortisol also leads to feelings of stress and impending doom, as exhibited by people with anxiety.

Another well-known property of CBD is getting rid of insomnia. Sleep is yet another part of human life thought to be controlled, at least in part, by the endocannabinoid system. This is done via the circadian rhythm, which keeps wakefulness and sleepiness in check. In people with anxiety, this rhythm can be thrown off, making them unable to fall asleep.

On the other hand, another common symptom of endocrine disorders is unsatisfying sleep. REM sleep is the part of sleeping where, if experienced properly, a person feels well-rested. In people with certain endocrine disorders and anxiety, REM sleep may be lacking. A CBD dropper or CBD tincture right before bed is a good way to

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Benefits of CBD and Arthritis in the Human Body - MMJ Reporter

Ru-Yin Hu,13,* Xiao-Bin Tian,3,* Bo Li,3 Rui Luo,3 Bin Zhang,3 Jin-Min Zhao1

1Department of Orthopaedics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Peoples Republic of China; 2Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Peoples Republic of China; 3Department of Orthopaedics, Guizhou Provincial Peoples Hospital, Guiyang 550002, Peoples Republic of China

*These authors contributed equally to this work

Correspondence: Jin-Min ZhaoDepartment of Orthopaedics, Guangxi Medical University, No. 22 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, Peoples Republic of ChinaTel +86 771 13985048001Email zhao948586007@126.com

Background: Existing drugs are far from enough for investigators and patients to administrate the therapy of rheumatoid arthritis. Drug repositioning has drawn broad attention by reusing marketed drugs and clinical candidates for new uses.Purpose: This study attempted to predict candidate drugs for rheumatoid arthritis treatment by mining the similarities of pathway aberrance induced by disease and various drugs, on a personalized or customized basis.Methods: We firstly measured the individualized pathway aberrance induced by rheumatoid arthritis based on the microarray data and various drugs from CMap database, respectively. Then, the similarities of pathway aberrances between RA and various drugs were calculated using a KolmogorovSmirnov weighted enrichment score algorithm.Results: Using this method, we identified 4 crucial pathways involved in rheumatoid arthritis development and predicted 9 underlying candidate drugs for rheumatoid arthritis treatment. Some candidates with current indications to treat other diseases might be repurposed to treat rheumatoid arthritis and complement the drug group for rheumatoid arthritis.Conclusion: This study predicts candidate drugs for rheumatoid arthritis treatment through mining the similarities of pathway aberrance induced by disease and various drugs, on a personalized or customized basis. Our framework will provide novel insights in personalized drug discovery for rheumatoid arthritis and contribute to the future application of custom therapeutic decisions.

Keywords: rheumatoid arthritis, drug repositioning, individualized pathway aberrance, differential pathway

This work is published and licensed by Dove Medical Press Limited. The full terms of this license are available at https://www.dovepress.com/terms.php and incorporate the Creative Commons Attribution - Non Commercial (unported, v3.0) License.By accessing the work you hereby accept the Terms. Non-commercial uses of the work are permitted without any further permission from Dove Medical Press Limited, provided the work is properly attributed. For permission for commercial use of this work, please see paragraphs 4.2 and 5 of our Terms.

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Individualized Drug Repositioning For Rheumatoid Arthritis Using Weigh | PGPM - Dove Medical Press

COLUMBUS (WCMH) Did you know the No. 1 cause of disability in the United States is arthritis?

More than 54 million Americans live with arthritis including 2.8 million people in Ohio.

On Saturday, at Genoa Park by COSI over 1,000 people came together to rally behind the arthritis foundation.

The annualJingle Bell Run for arthritis is bringing holiday cheer to downtown Columbus. Theirgoal was to raise $205,000 this year.

There is often a misconception that arthritis only affects older people, but thats far from the truth.

Five months ago I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, my life was miserable in the mornings, said 18-year-old, Colten Phay.

When I would wake up my whole body would be aching with pain, miserablewith pain and I couldnteven eat breakfast or put on clothes on, Colton said.

With the help of the research from the Arthritis Foundation, Colten went on a medication they helped discover and now his life is back to normal. It changed my life, expressed Colten. It helps so much. I feel fine now.

Christopher Haverlock with the Arthritis Foundation says that this is something that is a big deal.

It affects more people in the country than any other disease.

He also told us the Jingle Bell Run is more than just a way to raise money.

An event like this is great because they can be around other people who understand what theyre going through. They can celebrateliving and saying yes to doing more things, explained Haverlock.

Taking place in more than 100 cities nationwide, with Columbus being a Top Five Race, the Arthritis Foundations Jingle Bell Run benefits the more than 54 million Americans (1 in 4 adults), including 300,000 children (1 in every 250), living with arthritis every day.

From funding cutting-edge research for new treatments and ultimately a cure, to advocating for health care access, the Arthritis Foundation helps those living with arthritis score everyday victories, one step at a time.

To learn more visit JBR.org/Columbus or contact the Arthritis Foundation at 614-362-7370

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More than 1,000 participate in annual Jingle Bell Run for arthritis - NBC4 WCMH-TV