People with evidence of systemic disease at the time of diagnosis have reduced long-term survival compared to people with simple sicca or dryness symptoms. INTRODUCTION Sjögren syndrome is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks glands that produce fluids, for example the lacrimal and salivary glands. The disease mainly affects women between the […]
Month: February 2016
Inflammation raises the risk of heart attack and stroke in people with rheumatoid arthritis
Coronary heart disease is a common cause of death in people with rheumatoid arthritis, and may be linked to systemic inflammation. INTRODUCTION Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects a person’s joints, causing pain and disability. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis often have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as coronary heart […]
New drug tabalumab offers limited efficacy in lupus
Tabalumab will not be developed any further for lupus, but may offer insights into future trial design for other treatment options. INTRODUCTION Systemic lupus erythematosus (also known as SLE or lupus) is an autoimmune disease. It typically affects women between the ages of 15 and 50 and symptoms flare up unpredictably. Lupus is caused by […]
In RA, etanercept can usually not be stopped, but in some patients who are doing well the dose may be reduced
Rheumatoid arthritis patients who have stable and improved symptoms should continue long-term maintenance treatment on full- or low-dose etanercept. INTRODUCTION Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects a person’s joints and sometimes their internal organs, causing pain and disability. Etanercept is one of a group of medicines called biologics that are used to […]
High-dose fish oil is no better than low-dose for osteoarthritis of the knee
Standard fish oil capsules offer relief for people with painful osteoarthritis. INTRODUCTION Osteoarthritis is a condition that makes a person’s joints stiff and painful. It is caused by thinning of the cartilage within the joints, which allows the bones to rub against each other. It is the most common of all the different types of […]
New recommendations for treat-to-target in rheumatoid arthritis
Treating to target by measuring disease activity and regularly adjusting therapy results in the best outcomes for people with rheumatoid arthritis. INTRODUCTION Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects a person’s joints and sometimes their internal organs, causing pain and disability. Treat-to-target is an important way of managing people with rheumatoid arthritis. Treating […]
