Focus on Rheumatoid Arthritis

 

The Rheumatology Network rheumatoid arthritis clinical focus page provides information on the latest rheumatoid arthritis news, study and clinical trial findings, and clinical guideline updates. We feature expert interviews with leading physicians and investigators, articles, videos, podcasts, and breaking FDA approvals for rheumatoid arthritis drugs.

Many Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis Struggle to Engage in Physical Activity

May 13, 2021

Recent analysis indicated that a rheumatoid arthritis (RA) diagnosis pervaded every facet of a patient’s perception of physical activity (PA), both as motivators and as hinderances. These results may be helpful in ultimately creating a PA strategy that can support each individual and improve clinical practice.

Caring for Caregivers

May 12, 2021

Caregivers are a rheumatologist's most important allies. Learn the warning signs of caregiver burnout and how to combat the symptoms. Remember: their health is prerequisite to patient care.

Q&A: Rheumatoid Arthritis Linked to More Severe COVID-19 Outcomes

May 11, 2021

Bryant England, MD, PhD, discusses his study, "Risk of COVID‐19 in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A National Veterans Affairs Matched Cohort Study in At‐Risk Individuals." Investigators found that patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are not only at a higher risk for contracting COVID-19, they are more likely to have severe outcomes, such as hospitalization and death, when compared with the general population.

Oral Microbiome Linked to Onset of Rheumatoid Arthritis

May 06, 2021

Both patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (ERA) and those at-risk for developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) had a significantly different oral microbiome when compared with a control group. Most notably, the pro-inflammatory discriminative zero-radius operational taxonomic units (zOTUs), Prevotella and Veillonella, were much more prevalent in these groups than in patients with no history of autoimmune conditions.

Biologics May Increase Risk of Infection in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

May 05, 2021

Patients receiving csDMARDs had a significant reduction (40%) in non-serious infection (NSI) risk when compared with biologics.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Increases Risk of Death From COVID-19

May 03, 2021

A UK-based study indicated that patients with RA were more likely to have severe COVID-19 outcomes, including death. However, patients with gout did not appear to have an increased risk.

Impaired Long-Term Outcomes After Myocardial Infarction Compounded by Glucocorticoid Use in RA

April 22, 2021

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have a poorer prognosis after myocardial infarction (MI) than patients without RA, and longer RA disease duration and glucocorticoid use before MI are associated with higher mortality and recurrent MI.

Patients With Inadequate Response to DMARDs at Higher Risk of Heart Attack

April 19, 2021

An analysis of medical data from a major database in Taiwan suggests an inadequate response to DMARD therapy among patients with rheumatoid arthritis was associated with increased risk of acute coronary syndrome.

Total Glucosides of Paeony Reduces Leukopenia, Hepatic Adverse Effect From Some RA Drugs

April 12, 2021

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, investigators aimed to evaluate the clinical safety of total glucosides of paeony (TGP) adjuvant therapy in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Rheumatology Network's Top 5: April 2, 2021

April 02, 2021

Take 5 minutes to catch up on Rheumatology Network's highlights from the week ending April 2, 2021.