ArthritisDigest2013
New study highlights bone density benefits of denosumab
A drug called denosumab increases bone mineral density and decreases bone turnover in women – great news for those at high risk of fractures, says research published in Osteoporosis.
Canadian scientists divided 17,000 women aged 55 years or older who had failed to benefit from treatment with bisphosphonates due to issues with adherence into two groups.
One group was given an injection of denosumab (60mg) every six months. The others took 150mg of an oral bisphosphonate (ibandronate or risedronate) every month for one year. Continue reading
No link between lupus and vaccination – new study finding
Vaccinations do not increase a person’s risk of developing lupus, says research published in Arthritis and Rheumatology.
A total of 105 people from 36 specialist centres investigated the relationship between the onset of systemic lupus erythematosus and vaccinations. The participants were at least 60 years old and had been recently diagnosed as having either definite or probable systemic lupus erythematosus. They were compared to healthy people of the same age, sex and region. Continue reading
Should pharmacists join the team that looks after people with osteoarthritis?
Including pharmacists in the team that cares for people with knee osteoarthritis can lead to better outcomes for the individual, says a study published in Arthritis Care & Research.
Experts in Canada wanted to establish if an approach that involved pharmacists working alongside others in the healthcare system could provide value for money compared to usual care in people newly diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis.
So pharmacies were randomly allocated to provide usual care and a leaflet or an interventional care approach comprising: Continue reading
Exercise can reduce fatigue in people with rheumatoid arthritis
Daily physical activity can make people with rheumatoid arthritis feel less tired, says research published in Arthritis Care & Research.
A team from the Netherlands looked at the relationship between daily activity level, fatigue, pain, coping and cognition in 167 people with rheumatoid arthritis. Fatigue scores were recorded using a standard measure and physical activity was monitored for 14 days. Continue reading
Early diagnosis vital as figures highlight people with rheumatoid arthritis take six times more sickness leave than average
The life-changing and debilitating symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis mean that people affected need over six times more sickness leave than the national average.
About 75% of people with rheumatoid arthritis are of working age – their absence is thought to cost the UK economy £1.8 billion a year.
The Simple Tasks Campaign marks the start of Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Week, which runs from 16th – 22nd June. The aim is to highlight the significant effects of rheumatoid arthritis on working people’s lives. Continue reading
