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Last updated15:00, March 10 2017

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Arthritis sufferers in South Canterbury will only be able to contact Arthritis New Zealand via online or telephone from the end of March when its office in Timaru closes.

Another not for profit organisation is closing its office doors in Timaru, this time Arthritis New Zealand South Canterbury will shut at the end of March so funds saved can be redirected.

Diabetes South Canterbury closed its Timaru office at the end of 2016.

March 31 will be the final day the Arthritis New Zealand South Canterbury office located at Community House will be open.

Nationally there are 620,000 adults suffering from arthritis and 1000 children. The condition causes joint pain, swelling, stiffness and decreased mobility. There are more than 100 types of arthritis.

Arthritis NZ chief executive Sandra Kirby said the organisation had signalled as early as 2011 that it would take up the the three office model, Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, closing its six regional offices.

"We did our best to retain experienced staff for as long as we could. Some (regional offices) closed before Christmas and the last local office will close in June."

Kirby said eight, part time staff members, had taken redundancy and in some cases that was voluntary. Thirty staff members would be left.

The closures would save about $300,000 annually which would be spent on more awareness and advocacy work. The board's decision for the redirection strategy was based on a review, consultations and feedback "on where energy needs to go".

"We are incredibly conscious and fortunate the community supports us. We are a charity and need to use the money wisely and be more cost effecitve."

Arthritis NZ needs $3.5million a year to function averaging $10,000 a day. Last financial year it ended with a deficit of $536,000 while the year before that had a surplus of $580,000.

She said the changes were a "strategic redirection" of funds with everything the offices offered available online and via telephone, except face-to-face interactions. In 2016 the organisation received 10,000 phone calls.

"We offer comprehensive support for people to self manage their chronic condition."

The organisation had dropped the physical support groups it ran but would link callers to other appropriate services already in their communities.

"A lot of people of all ages use online (services)."

Arthritis NZ's 0800 phone line was available during business hours with no plans to expand the service in the immediate future, Kirby said.

South Canterbury arthritis educator Vanessa Stone could not be contacted for comment.

-Stuff

Continue reading here:
Arthritis New Zealand South Canterbury office to close - Timaru Herald

Not only has the total number of diagnosed cases risen, but those who say arthritis has severely limited their activities has jumped 20 percent since 2002, to 24 million.

Arthritis is a painful, inflammatory condition of the joints that makes simple tasks like holding a cup, walking to a car or lifting a bag of groceries virtually impossible. It includes osteoarthritis, the most common form, as well as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus and fibromyalgia.

The CDCs analysis of recent federal health data also found that women are more likely to have arthritis than men, and so are those who are obese or who have heart disease or diabetes. About 49 percent of people with heart disease and 47 percent of those with diabetes have been diagnosed with arthritis, along with about a third of adults who are obese.

Despite the pain and stiffness that arthritis causes, the report suggests that many people could reduce these symptoms by 40 percent with regular physical activity, which helps keep joints from stiffening. Currently, 1 in 3 adults with arthritis report being inactive.

This phrase says it all: Rest is rust, motion is lotion, Schuchat said. Even though those with arthritis may be reluctant to try exercise because of their painful joints, studies have shown that being physically active helps lubricate the joints, easing pain and improving movement.

Continue reading here:
Arthritis Cases Surge - AARP News

ASK THE DOCTORS by Robert Ashley, M.D. For The Salinas Californian 9:01 p.m. PT March 8, 2017

Dr. Robert Ashley MD(Photo: Provided)

Dear Doctor: Are there natural remedies for arthritis? Exercises that could help? My pain is in the upper arms and shoulders.

Dear Reader: Osteoarthritis, the kind that youre describing, is caused by degeneration of the cartilage within a joint. Without the cartilage, one bone rubs upon the other, leading to pain and degeneration of the bone.

Doctors typically recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin; acetaminophen; and, more rarely, opiates. But NSAIDs can increase the risk of stomach ulcers and kidney problems when used chronically; acetaminophen at high doses can cause liver problems when used chronically; and opiate medications can lead to addiction. So I can understand your desire to look for an alternative for the pain.

The supplements chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine have been used for osteoarthritis for years. Chondroitin is one of the building blocks of cartilage in our body, so many people naturally believe that taking chondroitin can decrease the pain of arthritis.

A 2015 review of 43 randomized trials compared the use of chondroitin alone or in combination with glucosamine against the use of a placebo. Most of these studies looked at treatment for arthritis of the knees, with some looking at arthritis of the hips and hands. The studies measured pain on a 100-point scale. The use of chondroitin was found to be beneficial, whether with or without glucosamine, showing a small 8-point difference in pain compared with placebo. It didnt ease the stiffness and lack of mobility associated with arthritis, however.

In another study, a randomized trial of 606 patients with pain from osteoarthritis of the knee compared the use of glucosamine with chondroitin against the anti-inflammatory drug celecoxib (Celebrex). After six months, both groups found a greater than 50 percent reduction in both pain and joint swelling. What was interesting about the study was that it took a while for the glucosamine/chondroitin to work. At one to four months, Celebrex was much better at improving pain, but at six months it was no different than the glucosamine/chondroitin combination. So with the use of glucosamine and chondroitin, it is important to be patient.

The supplements MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) and DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) are anti-inflammatory agents that have been studied in arthritis of the knees without evidence of benefit, but its possible they could decrease pain in the joints of the hands. Arnica montana is a plant-based therapy that has some potential in topical use for pain relief, with one study finding a slight benefit for arthritis of the hands. Topical use of capsaicin cream, made from chili peppers, has shown potential as well, specifically for arthritis of the knee. Other natural remedies and supplements, such as fish oil, are touted for arthritis, but their use has not been well studied.

As for exercises, I would recommend physical therapy to increase your range of motion for your shoulder and to help increase your muscular strength. Yoga, Pilates and tai chi can also be beneficial, potentially increasing your range of motion without undue stress on your already aching joints. Over time, you may well see a difference in your ability to function with less pain.

Robert Ashley, M.D., is an internist and assistant professor of medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles.

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Ask the Drs.: Natural remedies for arthritis pain - The Salinas Californian

BOULDER For someone who spent much of her childhood unable to see her kneecaps because of joint swelling caused by rheumatoid arthritis, Jesse Knori has enjoyed a remarkable career as an athlete.

Knori, a senior nordic racer for the Colorado ski team, will retire after racing at the NCAA championships this week in New Hampshire because it wouldnt be good for her damaged joints to continue training at the levels her sport demands. She will be missed, not only because of her talent but also for the inspiration she provided to teammates for her ability to cope with pain and family tragedy.

Sometimes after a race she has to be carried from the finish line because she loses feeling in her legs.

I can feel that somethings wrong, but theres no spatial awareness of where my feet are, Knori said. Thankfully I have a really strong team. They can carry me.

Despite her arthritis she was an All-American last year, she won a race at the Alaska Anchorage Invitational this season, and she represented her country at the Under-23 nordic world championships last month, finishing 15th in a sprint race.

Her career has been one of overcoming obstacles. Knori was unable to compete her freshman season because of a long bout with whooping cough. Then she lost her father in a horseback-riding accident.

Without complaining at all, she has such dedication and perseverance, said CU nordic coach Bruce Cranmer. Knowing how much shes had to deal with, and been so positive, its an inspiration for everybody on the team.

The first signs of her disease showed up in the sixth and seventh grades. Knori started noticing she couldnt turn her neck without getting an electric pain in her spine. Then her knees began to swell.

I didnt know what my kneecaps looked like until I was probably 18, when I started seeing them again, Knori said. They were like giant grapefruits.

Knori had togive up volleyball and figure skating, which she loved. She could swim, and was on her high school team, but she longed to be outdoors. Growing up on a ranch in Jackson, Wyo., there was a lot out there to miss, so she gave cross country skiing a try and fell in love with it. It may not have been good for her joints, but it was great for her mental health.

When youre happier, your body tends to be healthier, Knori said, and I was having a great time.

She was good at it, too. After moving to Sun Valley, Idaho, she won a state high school title. She made it to junior nationals three times before enrolling at CU in 2013. There she had another major setback.

An injection that was supposed to control inflammation in her joints crashed her immune system, and within days she had whooping cough that lasted seven months. She kept going to class, but professors asked if was prudent for her to be out in public.

I would faint and puke just from coughing, she recalled. Every four weeks or so, I would have a good day. I think I trained like eight hours in six months. I just had to keep my mind positive and get ready for it to be over.

She did not consider quitting.

To me it was just, stuff happens and you get on with it, Knori said. I just loved the sport.

She joked that coughing is a good workout for abdominal muscles.But the blow that came in June after her freshman year wasnt something she could laugh off. One evening back in Jackson, her father went out for a horseback ride and his horse returned without him. Search-and-rescue was summoned.

Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post

They found him, he was brain dead on scene, Knori said. They transported him to an intensive care hospital and he passed away 12 hours after that. He hit his head on a rock.

At first, Knori wasnt sure if she could return to school, but at home there were constant reminders of her father. She went back to Boulder, grief-stricken.

I would break down (while) training, especially when we were doing really hard workouts, she said. Your mind is always challenging you when youre pushing really hard. When I would get into the red zone of training, I would break down in tears.

College ski teams spend enormous amounts of time together. There are three-hour roller-ski workouts in the summer and long van rides during the season seven hours to the Utah Invitational, 10 hours to Montana State. Her teammates were there for her.

It helped me so much more than I think any of them know, Knori said.

The camaraderie of nordic athletes goes beyond team.

When you cross the finish line, you see everyone from different teams congratulating each other and hugging each other because you all know youre doing the most masochistic sport out there, Knori said. You have to admire each and every person for doing that to themselves and loving it. Its not like they hate it. They love every second of it.

Knori is going to miss it. Being a casual recreational skier will have to suffice.

Its not smart for me, body-wise, to push it and see what I can do, Knori said. I just think I need to take care of my body a little bit more than I have for the past four years. I think Ive accomplished with skiing what I want. I still love it every day. Ill always do it. Ill be the crazy person roller skiing at age 50 because I think roller skiing is one of the more fun things anyone can do.

She wants to coach at the youth or high school level, and if one of her athletes has to go through something really difficult, she can share what battling arthritis has taught her: How she kept a positive attitude, because when she was diagnosed, she saw kids who were worse off, kids she knew would be bedridden for the rest of their lives.

Even if you are having a bad situation, Knori said, thinking positively about everything else you have in your life brings you to better places mentally than it would if you let it hold you down.

Original post:
Diagnosed with arthritis in middle school, CU's Jesse Knori managed to become a successful athlete - The Denver Post

GETTY

A study of four generations born between the 1930s and 1960s found rates of the agonising condition soared in each succeeding one.

The number of cases increased over time, especially among those who were carrying too many pounds. Women were most at risk.

In the UK, 10 million people now suffer from arthritis with 8.5 million of these with the most common form osteoarthritis - which is caused by wear and tear on joints where the cartilage is worn away.

Now, in the first study of its kind, researchers found more recent generations are most at risk, with increasing BMI (body mass index) to blame.

Scientists looked at 8,817 participants from the Canadian longitudinal National Population health Survey 1994 -2011 who were split into four birth groups

These included World War II (1935-44), older and younger baby boomers from the surge of births that followed (1945-54 and 1955-64) and Generation X (1965-74), born after the baby boomers.

The findings published in Arthritis Care & Research show members of Generation X are most likely to suffer the sore, creaky joints of arthritis, the ultimate badge of ageing.

Lead author Dr Elizabeth Badley, of the University of Toronto, explained arthritis rates rose over the period, especially in obese individuals.

GETTY

Within each birth cohort the proportion reporting arthritis increased

Dr Elizabeth Badley

She said: "Overall increases due to obesity were partially offset by concurrent increases in education, income and smoking cessation."

But she believes the impact of BMI on arthritis is "likely an underestimate."

Dr Badley warned: "Cohort differences focus attention on the need to target arthritis management education to young and middle aged adults."

There were 1,598 participants in the World War II cohort, 2,208 and 2,781 in the older and younger baby boomer respectively, and 2,230 in the 'Gen Xers'.

1 of 12

Dr Badley said: "Within each birth cohort the proportion reporting arthritis increased over the 18 years from 1994/95 to 2010/11."

She added: "Obesity and sedentary lifestyle also increased substantially across all cohorts over time."

Women were more likely to report arthritis than men.

Higher education and income protected against it, with BMI and smoking the significant behavioural factors that caused it.

Dr Badley said: "The odds of reporting arthritis increased with increasing levels of BMI. For example, those who were in the severe obese category were 2.5 times more likely to report arthritis than those of normal weight.

"Furthermore, non smokers were less likely to report arthritis than current smokers."

GETTY

She added that increases in BMI have to some extent been offset by the positive impact of improvements in education and income levels and decreases in smoking rates.

She said few studies have considered the possibility of people born at different times having greater prevalence of arthritis.

Dr Badley said: "Our overall finding of a cohort effect so that at the same age individuals in recent cohorts are more likely to report arthritis than those of the same age several years earlier would imply an increase in the prevalence of arthritis.

"Although this population-based study asked about arthritis in general, it is likely that the overall findings reflect osteoarthritis given the overwhelmingly higher prevalence of this type of arthritis.

"Our results are compatible with studies showing an increasing incidence in osteoarthritis over time based on data on visits to doctors."

Later parenthood may also be a factor in the higher rates of arthritis in recent generations.

Dr Badley said: "The age at which women have their children has increased dramatically resulting in a greater age difference between parents and children in more recent cohorts.

"Older parents are more likely to have arthritis, potentially increasing awareness in their children."

GETTY

There has also been an increase in leisure time physical activity over time in Canada.

The higher prevalence of arthritis in more recent cohorts could be related to exercise increasing awareness of joint symptoms, or injury bringing on osteoarthritis.

Added Dr Badley: "Not only was the cohort effect of higher arthritis prevalence more marked in those who were obese compared to those of normal weight, in all cohorts the age of onset of arthritis in obese individuals was earlier.

"This has implications for the targeting of public health messages for the control and management of arthritis."

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Obesity sparking a RISE in agonising arthritis among younger people - Express.co.uk

The Walk to Cure Juvenile Arthritis raises funds and awareness for juvenile arthritis, which, according to the Arthritis Foundation, affects more children than juvenile diabetes, cystic fibrosis and muscular dystrophy combined. Nearly 300,000 American children suffer from the autoimmune disorder, which causes inflammation of the joints, swelling, pain, stiffness and loss of motion.

In Kenley's case, it was impeding her ability to learn to walk.

"She was 14 months old and she was really tentative with her walking," her mother, Dongi Huss, said. "She would walk and fall and cry, take a couple more steps, then fall and cry again. I knew there was something wrong, but I had no idea what was going on."

Kenley was officially diagnosed with oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis at 16 months old. She began receiving steroid injections in her joints to help prevent any long-term damage while doctors tried to determine which medication would work best for her. Now 7 years old, Kenley has been on medication almost continuously since that time.

Huss said the drugs have helped keep her daughter's symptoms under control.

"It's not something you want your kids to be on long-term, but it helps," she said. "You have to try to find that balance between medication and quality of life long-term."

Huss said Kenley's symptoms are not severe enough that she requires more invasive IV treatments like some kids so. Other than having to visit a rheumatologuist and an eye doctor and have her blood drawn several times a year, she leads a fairly normal life. She is even active in baton twirling and dance.

"She's like any other kid," Huss said." As long as her medication is working, she does everything her friends do."

On Friday, Kenley conducted a live interview on WCCO "This Morning" to help provide awareness for her condition. And Saturday she got to share her story with 2,000 people at the The Walk to Cure Juvenile Arthritis kickoff celebration at the Mall of America.

"She read her speech and she was so amazing, and then I cried" Huss said.

After the pre-event festivities, which included face painting, hair painting and entertainment, Kenley's team of supporters walked several laps around the Mall of America to help raise awareness. This year, Kenley's Krew raised more than $12,500 to help fund research on juvenile arthritis in hopes of identifying better treatments and a cure.

"We had over 75 people walking with us, cheering us on, and clapping and screaming and jumping up and down," Huss said. "It was an amazing experience. It really was."

Kenley said she thought it was important to make more people aware of her juvenile arthritis. She also enjoyed her little brush with fame.

"I really liked being on TV so my friends could watch," she said.

Huss said the Arthritis Foundation has done an amazing job of advocating for kids with juvenile arthritis, and she was grateful for the opportunity to connect with others who are dealing with the same condition.

"For us, it's just so important to raise awareness because we had no idea this even existed until we got Kenley's diagnosis," Huss said. "There are almost 300,000 kids who have this, and we had no idea. It's important for people to know there are a lot of super tough kids out there that are battling and dealing with this. The more I get the word out, the more available we are to other families that might be dealing with this, and they will know they are not alone."

Here is the original post:
Rosemount girl is Arthritis Foundation's 2017 Youth Honoree - Rosemount Town Pages

Dear Doctor: Are there natural remedies for arthritis? Exercises that could help? My pain is in the upper arms and shoulders.

Dear Reader: Osteoarthritis, the kind that you're describing, is caused by degeneration of the cartilage within a joint. Without the cartilage, one bone rubs upon the other, leading to pain and degeneration of the bone.

Doctors typically recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin; acetaminophen; and, more rarely, opiates. But NSAIDs can increase the risk of stomach ulcers and kidney problems when used chronically; acetaminophen at high doses can cause liver problems when used chronically; and opiate medications can lead to addiction. So I can understand your desire to look for an alternative for the pain.

The supplements chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine have been used for osteoarthritis for years. Chondroitin is one of the building blocks of cartilage in our body, so many people naturally believe that taking chondroitin can decrease the pain of arthritis.

A 2015 review of 43 randomized trials compared the use of chondroitin alone or in combination with glucosamine against the use of a placebo. Most of these studies looked at treatment for arthritis of the knees, with some looking at arthritis of the hips and hands. The studies measured pain on a 100-point scale. The use of chondroitin was found to be beneficial, whether with or without glucosamine, showing a small 8-point difference in pain compared with placebo. It didn't ease the stiffness and lack of mobility associated with arthritis, however.

In another study, a randomized trial of 606 patients with pain from osteoarthritis of the knee compared the use of glucosamine with chondroitin against the anti-inflammatory drug celecoxib (Celebrex). After six months, both groups found a greater than 50 percent reduction in both pain and joint swelling. What was interesting about the study was that it took a while for the glucosamine/chondroitin to work. At one to four months, Celebrex was much better at improving pain, but at six months it was no different than the glucosamine/chondroitin combination. So with the use of glucosamine and chondroitin, it is important to be patient.

The supplements MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) and DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) are anti-inflammatory agents that have been studied in arthritis of the knees without evidence of benefit, but it's possible they could decrease pain in the joints of the hands. Arnica montana is a plant-based therapy that has some potential in topical use for pain relief, with one study finding a slight benefit for arthritis of the hands. Topical use of capsaicin cream, made from chili peppers, has shown potential as well, specifically for arthritis of the knee. Other natural remedies and supplements, such as fish oil, are touted for arthritis, but their use has not been well studied.

As for exercises, I would recommend physical therapy to increase your range of motion for your shoulder and to help increase your muscular strength. Yoga, Pilates and tai chi can also be beneficial, potentially increasing your range of motion without undue stress on your already aching joints. Over time, you may well see a difference in your ability to function with less pain.

Robert Ashley, M.D., is an internist and assistant professor of medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Excerpt from:
Natrual remedies available for nagging arthritis pain - Beatrice Daily Sun

That number is "alarmingly high," according to a report released Tuesday.

About 54.4 million American adults have had a doctor diagnose them with painful joint inflammation and stiffness, according to the new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Vital Signs Report. That breaks down to about one in four adults in the nation.

The number is probably an under-count since it does not include those who have had to go into nursing home care because of it. It also does not include people who may be suffering but haven't gone to the doctor.

"This is not your mother's arthritis," Acting CDC Director Anne Schuchat said. "Contrary to popular opinion, it is not an old person's disease."

Aging baby boomers aren't the only ones who have it. The majority of current cases of arthritis -- 32.2 million -- are in people under age 65. Women have it more than men, and the number is particularly acute for diabetics, heart patients and those struggling with obesity. About 49.3% of people with heart disease have arthritis, 47.1% of diabetics and 30.6% of people who are obese.

The new numbers come from self-reported data collected between 2013 and 2015.

The research also found that 23.7 million Americans with arthritis have had to limit their activities because of the pain. Some say they can't bend or stoop. Others report having difficulty kneeling or struggle with holding a cup; others find it tough to walk even three blocks.

Many people with arthritis take some kind of pain medication, including opioids, but there are safer and cheaper options.

"We do have to be careful about these exercise recommendations, though," said Guy Eakin, senior vice president of scientific strategy with the Arthritis Foundation. "We have more than 100 types of arthritis." That means some people can't exercise their way out of the pain, but many can and shouldn't be afraid to bike, walk or swim.

Eakin said more research into how to fight arthritis is needed. He, McDaniel and 400 other advocates went on Capitol Hill on Tuesday to talk to Congress about how to better invest in the disease.

Today, the condition costs the country $81 billion, and that number will probably go up. By 2040, scientists project, arthritis will affect 78.4 million people.

"The cost of care is dramatically outpacing what the country is putting into research," Eakin said. "Arthritis can rob people of their lives, and as a leading cause of disability, it is why people retire and go into assisted living, and it's a dramatic cost to our national economy. We can't fix health care if we can't fix arthritis."

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'This is not your mother's arthritis': Most cases found in younger Americans - CNN

Many Nova Scotians suffer with the pain of osteoarthritis. In fact, Nova Scotia is the province with the highest rate of osteoarthritis in Canada. This high rate of osteoarthritis may be due, at least in part, to the high number of seniors within Nova Scotia. We have the highest percentage of seniors in Canada, with more than 18 per cent of the population being 65 years of age or older.

In cases of advanced osteoarthritis of the hip or knee, a joint replacement procedure is an excellent treatment which provides pain relief and significant improvements in mobility. However, Nova Scotians may have to wait extended periods of time in order to receive a joint replacement.

Statistics were released recently by Nova Scotias auditor general on knee and hip replacement wait times here in Nova Scotia. The wait times are worrisome and falling far behind the national average. While the national benchmark for these joint replacement procedures is six months, Nova Scotians suffering with advanced arthritis are waiting over two years on average.

Many factors contribute to these lengthy wait times, including the number of people needing these surgeries, healthcare infrastructure and a shortage of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals.

Many people suffering with arthritis find themselves waiting for a joint replacement for extended periods of time (years) with pain which limits their lives. Unfortunately these arthritis sufferers may not be able to perform some activities of daily life including gardening, lifting heavy objects, doing yard work and walking short distances in some cases. Thankfully there are things which can be done in the meantime in order to limit the pain and disability associated with osteoarthritis of the hip and knee.

Exercise: Although exercise can be uncomfortable at times for some arthritis sufferers the discomfort typically eases after the first few minutes of exercise. The key is doing light to moderate levels of exercise on a regular basis and aiming to meet Canadas physical activity guidelines of at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise per week and two sessions of strengthening exercise per week. These goals could be achieved by walking briskly for 30 minutes five times per week and having two strength training sessions at a gym per week.

Weight management: Keeping a healthy bodyweight is important for the management of arthritis associated pain. If a person with osteoarthritis is overweight losing weight will help to alleviate their pain and improve their mobility.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP): A PRP injection is a treatment for osteoarthritis which research has shown can provide lasting relief for the pain associated with osteoarthritis. This treatment uses a small amount of a persons own blood plasma which is rich in platelets. Platelet rich plasma works by introducing platelets (which are rich in growth factors) directly to the site of damage. This high concentration of growth factors stimulates healing within the arthritic joint. PRP is a safe treatment as it uses simply a component of your own blood.

Read more:
Arthritis patience wearing thin across the province - TheChronicleHerald.ca

Orlando The advent of increasingly effective and still costly biologic drugs for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) has highlighted the fact that dermatologists do not know which patients would benefit most from preventative measures.

A key unanswered question in psoriasis is whether physicians can predict and therefore prevent progression to PsA, said Mark Lebwohl, M.D. He is Sol and Clara Kest Professor and Chairman, Department of Dermatology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

Before biologics, "The drugs that we had helped the pain of arthritis but were not dramatically effective at preventing joint destruction. Methotrexate is a classic example patients still benefit from it today, but the joints continue to deteriorate as evidenced by x-rays."

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha inhibitors were the first drug class allowed to claim that they prevent radiographic progression of PsA. "Etanercept was the first, followed by infliximab and adalimumab. Then came golimumab and certolizumab. These 5 drugs are dramatically effective for psoriatic arthritis they don't just get rid of the pain, but they also prevent x-ray progression."

More recently, the interleukin (IL) 17 blockers secukinumab and ixekizumab have shown similar abilities. "We have quite a few tools now to prevent joint damage. If we knew in advance which patients with psoriasis were going to develop psoriatic arthritis, it would help us help our patients. We could put them on those drugs early to prevent joint damage."

Among patients with psoriasis and PsA, he said, 72% present with psoriasis first. MRIs can show bone marrow edema (a sign of impending joint damage), "But we need better tests to predict which patients will get psoriatic arthritis." To that end, said Dr. Lebwohl, several companies are investigating genetic markers, while physicians continue to explore use of imaging modalities. "A genetic or serologic marker would be most helpful."

Similarly, researchers are attempting to predict which patients will develop other comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease. "When the biologics came out, patients were put into registries. And we've been finding, particularly with the TNF blockers, that there's a dramatic reduction in heart attacks in people who take these drugs."

A third knowledge gap, Dr. Lebwohl said, is which patients will respond to which treatments. "The new treatments that are coming out are dramatically effective in almost everybody. The problem is, they all cost a fortune." Knowing which patients would likely respond best and which ones would do just as well with cheaper treatments will help dermatologists and their patients immensely, he said.

Disclosures: Dr. Lebwohl has been a clinical investigator for most manufacturers of drugs for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. All payments from these companies go not to him but to Mount Sinai.

Visit link:
Research gaps persist in psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis - ModernMedicine

INDIANAPOLIS -- If the arthritis in Jonathan Allen's surgically repaired shoulders becomes a problem for him during his NFL career, it will have already been an awfully long one.

The former Alabama star said Saturday that doctors have told him the condition shouldn't affect him for 15-20 years, according to the doctors he spoke with.

"The shoulder feels good. Every doctor said if there's a problem, it's after football, way after football. I have no concerns with it at all," Allen said at the NFL Scouting Combine. "... They said I have some arthritis in my left shoulder. It's not really a problem now, but it might be a problem 15, 20 years down the road so I'm not worried about that right now. I'm worried about playing good for whichever team I go to."

NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Thursday that Allen has mild arthritis in both shoulders.

It certainly never showed up on the field at the college level. Allen was a durable anchor on Alabama's vaunted defensive line for more than two years as a starter. He piled up 22.5 sacks over his last two years in college, playing in all 30 Crimson Tide games over that stretch. With the versatility to play multiple positions along the defensive front, and an ability to defend the run to go with his pass rush skills, Allen is considered one of the elite prospects in the draft.

He repped 225 pounds 21 times on the bench press for NFL scouts Saturday, and said he's feeling fine physically.

"I have no restrictions on anything I do. Like I said I feel good. It's probably the best I've felt in the last four years. I feel good, refreshed, re-charged, ready to go," Allen said.

NFL Network draft expert Mike Mayock ranked Allen as the No. 1 interior defensive lineman in the draft entering the combine.

Follow Chase Goodbread on Twitter @ChaseGoodbread.

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Jonathan Allen unconcerned about shoulder arthritis - NFL.com

Trish Sahin was only in her thirties when she first began to suffer sharp pains in her knees.

At the time she was a hockey player and otherwise fit and well. A year later she was diagnosed with osteoarthritis and her life changed forever.

Today, Trish, 58, a former art and design teacher, is severely disabled. She walks with the aid of sticks and lives in permanent pain. Two years ago she had to give up work as a supply teacher in secondary schools because her mobility was so restricted. According to the Health and Safety Executive up to one third of people with a musculo-skeletal problem such as arthritis retire early, give up work or reduce their hours.

She is far from being alone in her suffering and yet the condition itself can be isolating. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritic disease and affects 8m people in the UK. The nature of the disease means that sufferers can end up feeling depressed and reluctant to make the effort to go out and about.

As Trish, who lives in Clayton West, explains: I know a lot of people like me who suffer like this and end up staying in all day. I get frustrated and very, very down at times. You isolate yourself, so you get lonely. I do have friends who I go out with but I have to remember not to talk about my arthritis because people get sick of hearing about it - even though its on your mind all the time.

In order to tackle the problem Trish has signed up to become a Champion Volunteer for the charity Arthritis Care, which runs a project entitled Living Well With Arthritis.

She is hoping to establish a peer support drop-in group in Kirkburton, at which arthritis patients can get together on a regular basis to share experiences and information. She said: It will get me out of the house and, hopefully, get other people out of the house. Its given me a purpose. The group is for people of all ages. I know of one young girl with arthritis who had two knee replacements by the age of 24.

Arthritis is an umbrella term for a vast array of conditions - from gout and lupus to rheumatoid arthritis, which is an auto-immune disease. Trish also has the auto-immune condition giant cell arteritis, an inflammation of blood vessels in the head. Many arthritic diseases are painful enough to require constant pain medication and the use of anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids.

Trish has had two knee replacements and hip surgery and is on a cocktail of medication, including steroids. A side effect has been weight gain, in itself bad news for arthritis sufferers as excess weight puts strain on joints. She recently joined a slimming club to lose the four stones gained in the last two years since taking steroids, but says shes battling against reduced mobility and an appetite stimulated by the drug.

Arthritis Care would like to hear from other arthritis patients in the area willing to work as volunteers at information and drop-in points (theres one at Dewsbury Hospital), run peer support workshops (like Trish) or offer telephone advice sessions on practical subjects such as diet and exercise, pain management and living aids.

For her own group Trish would like to hear from people able to provide transport so that those without their own vehicles can attend.

I want people to share their experiences, says Trish, so we can compare notes on medication, diet, benefits and pain management, that sort of thing.

Over the last couple of years shes faced practical issues, such as finding a single-storey house (a bungalow provided by Kirklees), getting a blue badge for her car, and accessing disability benefits to top up her pension. She understands the frustrations faced by disabled people undergoing fitness for work assessments. Theres an assumption that you are putting it on, she says, and you can have a good day when youre walking better. But the pain is awful. I lie in bed at night and its a dull, throbbing ache, that stops you sleeping. No-one wants to be like this. I get these really black moods, Im on anti-depressants as well as everything else.

Trish believes there may be a genetic component to her arthritis as other members of her family have developed joint problems. Many types of arthritis have no known cause but osteoarthritis may result from injury, obesity and ageing. While the condition cant be cured, Arthritis Care says that early diagnosis, treatment and good management can delay the progression and ease symptoms. However, a survey conducted by the charity last year found that many people wait two years or more before seeking help with painful joints.

If youd like to become a volunteer for Arthritis Care in the Kirklees area or help Trishs venture contact Emma Marshall, Volunteer Co-ordinator, on 07968624377 or EmmaM@arthritiscare.org.uk

Osteoarthritis can cause joint pain and stiffness; it is more common in women and the elderly. It develops when the cartilage protecting bones changes and erodes.

Rheumatoid arthritis affects 700,000 people in the UK and is an auto-immune condition that causes inflammation of the joints.

There are forms of arthritis that affect children and young people, it is not just a condition of the elderly.

By the year 2030 it is estimated that there will be a 50% increase in the number of people living with arthritic conditions in the UK.

Figures from Arthritis Care show that last year around 1 in 5 of the general population consulted their GP about a musculo-skeletal problem such as arthritis and 7.5m working days were lost because of arthritic conditions.

According to the World Health Organisation arthritis is the leading cause of disability.

Losing excess weight, taking exercise and eating a healthy diet - some sufferers, like Trish, recommend a Mediterranean diet - can all help ease the painful symptoms.

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Huddersfield woman's new self-help group for arthritis sufferers - Huddersfield Examiner

Fashion designer Michael Kuluva hasnt let rheumatoid arthritis (RA) get in his way.

But hes acknowledged a notable void in the fashion and beauty industries when it comes to adaptive options and more inclusive designs for people living with an illness or disability.

He isnt alone.

There are online initiatives in the form of hashtags, blogs, Twitter chats, and Instagram accounts that explore the relationship between fashion and chronic illness. It can be a pain for people in pain to dress themselves.

It can also be difficult to find fashionable, stylish options that are also adaptive and functional for anyone with a disability or aching body.

Read more: Get the facts on rheumatoid arthritis

Kuluva is the founder of the label Tumbler and Tipsy, which he debuted at New York Fashion Week.

However, the former figure skater didnt always dream of a career in fashion.

After he retired from his sport in his mid-20s, Kuluva realized that he had another interest and a talent that couldnt be ignored.

He began working as an assistant for a designer despite having no formal training. He eventually secured a scholarship to the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM).

During his time at FIDM, he found that he was performing well academically but couldnt perform some basic tasks.

I noticed I could not even draw a straight line, and I had other little setbacks. I had trouble cutting fabric and I began comparing myself to other students, Kuluva told Healthline. My joints just weren't doing what they should be. I had pain. Then, one day, walking from class to my car, my back suddenly gave out.

Kuluva first thought he had a kidney stone. He saw a urologist who told him the issue wasnt urological and suggested that Kuluva see a rheumatologist.

After visiting three doctors and waiting months to be seen at the Mayo Clinic, Kuluva was eventually diagnosed with RA. Through trial and error, he found a combination of medications that worked pretty well for controlling his condition.

No medication is ever 100 percent, but my regimen is going well, he said. If I miss a few weeks of treatment, because of travel or fashion shows for example, then I can definitely feel that. I didnt really have issues while figure skating. I had some bursitis, but I dont think it had anything to do with my RA. So, my decision to retire from skating was not related to my rheumatoid arthritis, but Im glad I retired when I did.

Read more: The making of an American Ninja Warrior

After showing a collection that would eventually help to launch the career of model Kendall Jenner, Kuluva started to think about how he could use his art and his platform for good.

Theres been a lot of proud moments a lot of great moments that are unforgettable. Kendall Jenner helped to launch my career and vice versa, he said. This gave me kind of a voice in society. So my CreakyJoints collection was a pivotal moment where I got to express myself within my fashion.

The collection is a collaboration with the arthritis-related nonprofit CreakyJoints, to promote RA awareness on the runway.

CreakyJoints has worked with celebrities like actress Megan Park to promote RA awareness, but this fashion collection came about rather organically.

Real Housewife of New York Jill Zarins daughter was backstage in my dressing room, and we got to talking because she has a form of arthritis, too. It got me thinking, and after our conversation I figured I might contact CreakyJoints after that collection was done, Kuluva recalled.

He said he just wanted to lend his voice to a cause and be an advocate for something.

I like the nonprofit mindset of CreakyJoints, all for the patients. The president, Seth, has [spondyloarthritis], and so he really gets it, Kuluva said. So we all had lunch and brainstormed what we could do together. They pretty much left it up to me. I came up with putting starbursts on all the joints in my SS2017 show. The starbursts, while fashionable, represent the joint pain.

Kuluva said the fashion industry still has a void to fill with adaptive and inclusive fashions for people who are sick or have disabilities. This is especially in terms of shoes and footwear.

Kuluva did acknowledge that some current trends of more comfortable and functional styles may be ideal for people with chronic pain.

As for his own work, he continues to dream big and strives to do more. Kuluva has a history of incorporating charity and social change in his work as a fashion designer.

I was hoping to inspire change with the collection that I did. I hope that it opens eyes and spreads awareness, Kuluva said.

In an interview for The Mighty, Kuluva explained his CreakyJoints collection by saying, It really shows the joints affected by arthritis. Its an explosion of colors on joints that would light up on tests for arthritis.

Being diagnosed with RA at age 28 could have destroyed his career or his vision for the future. But it didnt.

Kuluva advises other young people diagnosed with illnesses like RA to keep looking forward and not hiding their condition.

As long as you're open and honest with your doctor and your family with what is going on with you and your health, you can get the help you need. An organization like CreakyJoints can help you understand that you may have restrictions, but you can still achieve great things, he said.

Read more: Dolls with disabilities gaining in popularity

Kuluva is doing his part to spread awareness and other designers are, too.

Tommy Hilfiger has designed some adaptive clothing for children with special needs and physical disabilities.

Fashion bloggers have fought back against ableism in fashion shoots. (Like Kylie Jenner and Lady Gaga using gilded wheelchairs as props.)

Madeline Stewart has made headlines as a model with Down syndrome.

New York Fashion Week began to use models with disabilities, including amputee Shaholly Ayers.

Beyonc cast disability activist Jillian Mercado as a model in one of her advertising campaigns.

And many more brands are coming out with adaptive clothing that is fashionable and chic, yet still provides necessary comfort and functionality.

Still, many fashions dont have stylish, easy-to-wear or adaptive alternatives, or inclusive runway shows or advertising campaigns.

The beauty industry also lacks variety when it comes to ergonomic and adaptive options for hairstyling tools and makeup brushes.

But designers like Kuluva think that these baby steps toward progress are working in favor of people with health problems or physical disabilities.

I think the industry will get there, he said.

For now, the Arthritis Foundation has a list of approved arthritis-friendly products with the Ease of Use seal of approval, to help people with arthritis dress themselves more easily. They also have suggested footwear brands and options.

Other websites, like the now-defunct Arthriving site from Aleve, have attempted to catalog the best products to help people with arthritis pain function better when it comes to daily activities like drying their hair, cooking, buttoning a blouse, fastening a bra, or tying their shoes.

While that site is gone, there are many blogs that offer tips for living well with chronic pain or limitations in terms of physical mobility and ability.

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Fashion for People with Arthritis and Other Painful Conditions - Healthline

Rheumatoid arthritis: New treatment option for difficult-to-treat patients Science Daily Nowadays, treatments for rheumatoid arthritis are changed very quickly, once it is established that one is failing to effect any significant improvement. This means that many patients can be helped very quickly. On the other hand, there are patients ...

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Rheumatoid arthritis: New treatment option for difficult-to-treat patients - Science Daily

Scientists discover new mechanism that leads to inflammation in ... Science Daily New research findings suggest that synovial CD4+ T cells that produce IL-21 contribute to joint inflammation by activating synovial fibroblasts in rheumatoid ... and more »

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Scientists discover new mechanism that leads to inflammation in ... - Science Daily

By Staff

Scientists believe that certain synovial cells contribute to inflammation by activating synovial fibroblasts in people who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis (RA). They believe that having a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of inflammation in the disease is important for designing new therapies for RA.

In a study published in theJournal of Leukocyte Biology, points to synovial CD4+ T cells that produce IL-21 as the contributing factor to joint inflammation when they trigger synovial fibroblasts.

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis with active disease (inflamed joints) have difficulty for instance in using their hands and also with walking, said Maria Cristina Lebre, Ph.D., a researcher involved in the work from the Academic Medical Center at the University of Amsterdam, Department of Experimental Immunology in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

New targeted therapies such as that proposed in this study (decrease in inflammation) will certainly improve the quality of life of patients by increasing their mobility, she added.

Using a novel isolation method, scientists isolated T cells from synovial fluid from patients with rheumatoid arthritis that produced IL-21 and TNF and compared these with cells that did not produce this cytokine.

When cells that produced IL-21 were put in culture with synovial fibroblasts (which are the main contributors to joint inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis), they induced the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines by these synovial fibroblasts, and cells that do not produce IL-21, did not demonstrate this same outcome.

The results of this study suggest that a combined therapy targeting IL-21 and TNF might be beneficial for patients that do not respond to anti-TNF therapy or other current therapies.

This research could also have an impact on other diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis and Crohns disease.

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis often become refractory to treatment provoking the need to try different drugs targeting different pathways, said John Wherry, Ph.D., Deputy Editor of the Journal of Leukocyte Biology. The identification of a new inflammatory target in rheumatoid arthritis holds promise for better treatment for these patients and perhaps those with other autoimmune or inflammatory diseases.

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New Mechanism that Triggers Inflammation in Rheumatoid Arthritis Discovered - National Pain Report

Most people think that aromatherapy is all about bath and beauty products, but it is so much more than that. Ive used aromatherapy in the protocols for many different health conditions with great results for over 25 years. Here are some of my preferred essential oils for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout (a form of arthritis in the big toe) and fibromyalgia, which is technically a form of arthritis that affects the muscles and soft tissues of the body:

Use diluted in small amounts topically for healing joint pain. Black pepper essential oil provides a pleasant warming effect on the joints while its analgesic compounds go to work reducing pain. Because it is so strong, it can be a bit harsh on sensitive skin, so be sure it is well dilutedno more than one or two drops per teaspoon of carrier oil.

This highly effective natural analgesic oil works on most types of pain, including both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, as well as gouta type of arthritis of the big toe. Because it is extremely potent, use only one drop to one hundred drops, or about one teaspoon of carrier oil after first conducting a skin patch test. Avoid using if you have extremely sensitive skin.

Ginger essential oil brings a soothing warmth when applied to arthritic joint, but it is also great for easing the muscular pain and stiffness of fibromyalgia. Use no two to three drops in a teaspoon of carrier oil and apply topically to affected joints.

Both a pain reliever and nervous system relaxant, lavender is good for easing joint and muscle aches, as well as easing stiffness. If pain is keeping you awake at night, lavender essential oil is also great for sleep, particularly if a drop or two of the essential oil is rubbed on the soles of the feet or palms of the hands before bed. While most essential oils need to be diluted, lavender can often be tolerated neat (undiluted) by most people. However, if you have extremely sensitive skin, dilute two drops of lavender in about 4 drops of a carrier oil like fractionated coconut or apricot kernel oil.

Lemongrass oil is useful for toning the connective tissues and can be helpful when the tendons no longer hold the joints with precision. Dilute in few drops in a teaspoon of carrier oil.

Marjoram oil can be used for easing muscle aches and stiffness along with helping to heal bruises and joint sprains. It is a good choice for topical use for those with fibromyalgia, which is a form of arthritis. It helps with pain but also alleviates muscle tightness. Avoid marjoram essential oil if you have epilepsy.

Peppermint contains analgesic compounds that reduce pain and inflammation. Like lavender, it can usually be tolerated on the skin in its neat form (undiluted) to help reduce pain. A little goes a long way as this oil leaves an intense cooling sensation on the skin. Use one drop and massage into painful or inflamed joints. Wash hands immediately and avoid eye contact.

Make sure you select high quality, pure, undiluted essential oils. While you may end up diluting the oils yourself, most of the oils on the market are diluted in less-than-desirable oils. High quality oils cost more than the cheap varieties on the market but are worth the increased price. Many cheap varieties can also contain synthetic versions of the oils, which offer no therapeutic value and may actually be harmful. But, worse than that, many cheap oils are adulterated with solvents used during the extraction process or toxic pesticides used in the growing process of the herbs from which the oils are extracted.

After diluting the oil in carrier oil, always conduct a 48-hour patch test on a small inconspicuous part of your skin to determine whether you have any sensitivity to the essential oils.

Related:Dont Believe in Herbal Medicine? 10 Things to Change Your MindThe 5 Best Herbs to Soothe Your NervesShould You Actually Starve a Fever?

Dr. Michelle Schoffro Cook, PhD, DNM is the publisher of the free e-news Worlds Healthiest News, president of PureFood BC, and an international best-selling and 20-time published book author whose works include: Arthritis-Proof Your Life: Secrets to Pain-Free Living Without Drugs.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

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7 Essential Oils for Arthritis - Care2.com

Home Kidney Health National Kidney Month: Rheumatoid arthritis and kidneys, nephrotic syndrome, kidney damage, and yoga poses

March is kidney month as detailed by the American Kidney Fund. In recognition, here is Bel Marra Healths kidney health update, featuring information on rheumatoid arthritis, nephrotic syndrome, kidney damage, and yoga to improve kidney health.

Rheumatoid arthritis patients are at an increased risk for chronic kidney disease. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have found that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients have a higher risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) along with an increase in inflammation within the first year of diagnosis, corticosteroid usage, hypertension, and obesity. The researchers recommend that rheumatoid arthritis patients be tested periodically for signs of kidney problems. Patients should also work to manage blood pressure by avoiding high-salt diets and scaling back on medications that can harm the kidneys.

The study looked at 813 Mayo Clinic patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 813 patients without the condition. Over the course of 20 years, rheumatoid arthritis patients had a one in four chance of developing chronic kidney disease, in comparison to the general public who had a one in five chance.Continue reading

Nephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder that results from the release of too much protein in the urine. When damage is caused to the blood vessels within the kidneys, which filter waste and water, it can lead to nephritic syndrome. Nephrotic syndrome leads to swelling of the feet and ankles, along with other health conditions as well.

To treat nephritic syndrome, its important to treat the underlying health issue causing it. Because nephrotic syndrome can lead to other complications, its important to begin treatment right away.Continue reading

A deficiency of the anti-aging hormone klotho has been found in patients with diabetes who are also suffering from early stage kidney diseasea discovery that may lead to the development of new treatments. This hormone has previously been linked to the protection of the vascular system and has been found to help prevent abnormal symptoms of aging, such as atherosclerosisthe thickening of the artery walls. Atherosclerosis is characteristic of many age-related medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension, making klotho levels extremely relevant to healthy aging.

This newest study was conducted by Kings College London and tested blood and urine samples gathered from 78 participants with type 1 diabetes. Thirty-three of these participants were also showing signs of early stage diabetic kidney disease, also referred to as microalbuminuria. These 33 patients had much lower levels of klotho circulating in their systems, while the remaining participants had levels similar to those seen in healthy adults.Continue reading

A new method for detecting and locating kidney damage has been developed by researchers from Aarhus University. The method combines the use of blood tests and/or urine tests to first diagnose whether the kidney has been injured by measuring the levels of an enzyme called fumarase. Fumarase is released from the cells of the kidney when they are damaged by an outside factor. Researchers have concluded that the higher the level of fumarase present in the blood or urine tests, the greater the damage sustained to the kidney.

Once damage has been confirmed, patients are placed in a scanner that allows doctors to determine which kidney is damaged, as well as the specific location of the damaged tissue. This method is effective as early as half an hour after the injury first occurs, and for as long as one full week afterwards. The whole process takes approximately 45 minutes, making it extremely efficient in diagnosing patients so the treatment can start sooner and any further damage is prevented.Continue reading

Yoga can be beneficial in promoting kidney health. The main role of the kidneys is to help filter waste from the body, along with secreting necessary hormones and stabilizing blood pressure. The kidneys also help maintain homeostasis which goes to show how important the kidneys really are for the healthy functioning of the entire body, not just the urinary system.

Although modern medicine has come a long way in improving treatment for kidney diseases, there are natural remedies that can offer relief, too. Case in point, yoga can be an effective approach to the risk of kidney stones and improving kidney function.

Yoga promotes overall well-being and a healthy lifestyle. It is a safe mode of treatment for kidney disease patients because it is not associated with any adverse side effects.

Yoga can stimulate and massage various organs, this way promoting health. When paired with a kidney-friendly diet, it can yield even better results and more significant improvement.Continue reading

Related: Urinary tract infection update: Kidney stones vs UTI and risk factors, prevention, and natural treatment of UTI

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Lower back pain and frequent urination: Causes and treatments

Cloudy urine: Causes, symptoms, and treatments

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National Kidney Month: Rheumatoid arthritis and kidneys, nephrotic syndrome, kidney damage, and yoga poses - Bel Marra Health

March 2, 2017 by Johannes Angerer A hand affected by rheumatoid arthritis. Credit: James Heilman, MD/Wikipedia

Between 3 and 5 percent of the population suffers from a form of inflammatory rheumatism. It affects approximately 250,000 to 400,000 people in Austria. Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most common and also the most dangerous forms of this inflammatory rheumatic disease. Around 30 percent of patients achieve remission, described as successful control of symptoms, after just one or two years. However, despite frequent changes in treatment, many patients endure the active form of the disease on an ongoing basis. A multicentre, multinational study headed up by rheumatologist Daniel Aletaha of MedUni Vienna as principal investigator has now shown that a new drug (sirukumab) is a promising treatment option for these "refractory" patients. The study has now been published in The Lancet.

Today, doctors change treatments for rheumatoid arthritis very quickly if one treatment fails to effect any significant improvement in a patient. This means that many patients can be helped very quickly. On the other hand, there are patients who do not show any significant improvement even after the second or third biologic drug treatment typically with tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors. TNF is involved in systemic inflammation. The new drug now offers a promising option for such patients.

This is the result of one of the largest multicentre, international studies ever conducted into difficult-to-treat rheumatoid arthritis. It focuses on a new mechanism of action, an interleukin-6 cytokine blockade. In this treatment, the monoclonal antibody sirukumab directly inhibits the messenger substance IL-6, which, like TNF, is responsible for inflammatory processes in the joints.

"We were able to demonstrate this in one of the largest study populations to date, with around 900 patients in 35 countries. Despite having previously received treatments with biologic drugs, these patients still had a persistently active disease. Treatment options had been practically exhausted for many of these patients. However, even in this group of patients, treatment with sirukumab brought about a significant reduction in the inflammatory action of the disease," says Daniel Aletaha of MedUni Vienna's Department of Medicine III.

The efficacy and safety of sirukumab were tested in two different dosages (injections of 50 mg every four weeks or 100 mg every two weeks). The 100 mg dosage proved to be slightly more effective. "These results are very significant in the case of a progressive, inflammatory, musculoskeletal disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, especially for those patients who are resistant to treatment," says the MedUni Vienna expert. The drug could be approved very soon.

At the same time, the new findings with sirukumab could lead to new efficacy studies being instigated for other inflammatory diseases, such as other forms of arthritis or other inflammatory diseases, e.g. vasculitis. There may also be other indications in areas other than rheumatology.

Explore further: New assay may lead to a cure for debilitating inflammatory joint disease

More information: Daniel Aletaha et al. Efficacy and safety of sirukumab in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis refractory to anti-TNF therapy (SIRROUND-T): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multinational, phase 3 study, The Lancet (2017). DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(17)30401-4

Current treatments for rheumatoid arthritis relieve the inflammation that leads to joint destruction, but the immunologic defect that triggers the inflammation persists to cause relapses, according to research conducted at ...

(HealthDay)A non-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-targeted biologic is more effective than a second anti-TNF drug for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in patients with insufficient response to a first anti-TNF drug, according ...

A Mayo Clinic study is shedding light on why some rheumatoid arthritis patients respond poorly when treated with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, part of a class of drugs called biologics. It comes down to proteins: specifically, ...

A well-known rheumatoid arthritis medication containing the active agent adalimumab, a therapeutic human monoclonal antibody, is also effective for treating non-infectious uveitis, a rare eye disease. This has now been discovered ...

The immediate use of a biological agent associated with more side effects and higher costs in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis yields no better results than a less aggressive plan with the delayed use of biological agents ...

Together with colleagues from the international rheumatic diseases research community, scientists of the Charit Universittsmedizin Berlin have presented a new therapy approach for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis ...

A research team led by scientists from Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) has carefully scrutinized the immune cells from patients with rheumatoid arthritis, revealing a striking new subset of T-cells that collaborate with ...

Combining a drug for rheumatoid arthritis with one that targets the chikungunya virus can eliminate the signs of chikungunya arthritis in mice in the disease's earliest stage, according to researchers at Washington University ...

About one million Americans each year undergo total knee or hip replacements, but complications bring as many as 1 in 12 back to the hospital and result in higher use of post-acute services within 90 days.

Using a novel approach for imaging the movement of immune cells in living animals, researchers from the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases (CIID) have identified what appear ...

Older adults who suffer from arthritis need to keep moving to be functionally independent. But in an examination of a goal that is daunting for most of this aging population, a new Northwestern Medicine study found that performing ...

(HealthDay)Everybody believes running can leave you sore and swollen, right? Well, a new study suggests running might actually reduce inflammation in joints.

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New treatment option for difficult-to-treat rheumatoid arthritis patients - Medical Xpress

A mutation in the tumor-suppressing genePTENcauses uncontrolled growth in several types of cancer. Mount Sinai researchers foundan approved rheumatoid arthritis drug that stops this growth in its tracks and could be a possible new treatment for aggressive cancers.

PTEN mutations occur in many cancers, including the brain cancer glioblastoma, as well as lung, breast and prostate cancers. They modify a metabolic pathway in tumors, which accelerates DNA production and leads to the unchecked growth of the cancer.

The Mount Sinai team, led by Ramon Parsons, M.D., Ph.D., discovered thatthe drug leflunomide inhibits an enzyme in the pathway, which damages the DNA the pathway produces. This ends up destroying PTEN-mutant cancer cells while sparing healthy cells, according to the statement. Sanofi markets leflunomide as Arava.

To test the drugs efficacy, the researchers transplanted human breast cancer cells into mice. Leflunomide drastically reduced the breast cancer tumors in the mice. The findings are published in Cancer Discovery.

A number of groups are studying PTEN to find new options for difficult-to-treat cancers. Earlier this year, Cold Spring Harbor scientists found that the proteinImportin-11protects the PTEN gene by transporting it into the nucleus of cells. They noticed that lung cancer patients with low levels of Importin-11 also lacked PTEN. Meanwhile, Ohio State researchers discovered that the enzyme PMRT5 blocked PTENs tumor-suppressing activity.

Mount Sinai's Parsonshopes to pit leflunomide against breast and colon cancer in a clinical trial. "Finding successful targeted therapies for cancer is a challenging but important goal in the face of insufficient treatment options," said Parsons in the statement. "Targeted therapies that are tumor-specific are much needed, and identifying changes based on specific tumor suppressor or oncogene alterations will facilitate this effort. Due to the high mutation rate of PTEN in cancer, the effects of PTEN could be at the heart of targeted therapy."

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Rheumatoid arthritis drug a potential targeted therapy for aggressive cancer - FierceBiotech