ArthritisDigest2013
Treatments for childhood arthritis have strong levels of success today
Modern treatments for juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) deliver positive outcomes, according to a large study from Canada published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.
Data was assessed from 1,104 children diagnosed with JIA from 2005 to 2010. Results showed:
- Over 78% of the children were able to attain a state where none of their joints were affected by active disease within two years
- 70% achieved complete disease inactivity
- The probability of remission within five years was 46%–57%
- The likelihood of discontinuing treatment at least once within five years was 67%
Physiotherapy may not help hip osteoarthritis, new study says
Physiotherapy for osteoarthritis of the hip does not appear to relieve pain or increase function any more than sham treatments, says research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
A group of 102 adults with hip osteoarthritis were split into two groups. About half were given 10 treatment sessions of physiotherapy over 12 weeks. This involved education and advice, manual therapy, home exercise and gait aid if needed. Those in the other group were given sham treatment which comprised inactive ultrasound and inert gel. Continue reading
Key genetic link discovered between chronic pain conditions
A link has been found between four common chronic pain syndromes, suggesting that some people may be genetically predisposed to them, says research published in Pain.
By studying identical and non-identical twins (8,000 pairs altogether), the UK research team found that musculoskeletal pain, pelvic pain, irritable bowel syndrome and dry eye disease may have shared genetic pathways. Continue reading
Potential avenue of treatment for rheumatoid arthritis thanks to discovery of a new protein
A particular pair of protein molecules seems to be involved in the progression of rheumatoid arthritis, a finding that could lead to new treatments in the future, says research in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.
People with arthritis have swollen joints because a number of different types of cell move into the joints. The abnormal formation of blood vessels in joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis (angiogenesis) encourages the movement of these cells as it supplies them with oxygen and nutrients. Blocking this process could therefore help combat the development of arthritis. Continue reading
New blood tests to diagnose osteoarthritis are on the horizon
Blood tests that could help diagnose and monitor osteoarthritis are being developed by a team from The University of Bristol using state of the art technology – and a grant from Arthritis Research UK.
Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage at the ends of bones wears away, leading to stiff, swollen and painful joints. There is currently little effective treatment other than painkillers and joint replacement for those with most severe disease. Continue reading
