ArthritisDigest2013
Pain in the neck – global burden is increasing
Neck pain is becoming an increasingly common health problem across the globe, says research published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.
A team from the University of Queensland in Australia assessed data from the Global Burden of Disease 2010 Study and found that 4.9% of people worldwide are affected by neck pains. And in 2010, 33.6 million disability-adjusted life years (years lost due to ill-health, disability or early death) were associated with the condition, up from 23.9 million in 1990. Continue reading
Zebrafish research sheds light on possible bone regeneration
Research into bone regeneration in zebrafish could one day form the basis of treatments for bone diseases, says research published in Cell Reports.
Two molecular pathways have been found that allow adult zebrafish to replace bones lost after fin amputation. One turns existing bone cells into a developmental stem cell-like state, helping them to grow and replace lost cells; the other encourages the newly-formed cells to turn back into functional, organised bone. Continue reading
Fibromyalgia and skin problems – new study
A study that looked at skin problems in people with fibromyalgia has found that no single diagnosis is over-represented, other than an increase in sweating.
Data from a group of 885 people with fibromyalgia from a tertiary referral centre was analysed. Problems identified included hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) in 270 (32%), burning sensation of the skin or mucous membranes in 29 (3.4%) and various unusual cutaneous sensations in 14 (1.7%). Pruritus without identified cause was noted by 28 patients (3.3%), with another 16 people (1.9%) reporting neurotic excoriations, prurigo nodules or lichen simplex chronicus. Some form of dermatitis other than neurodermatitis was found in 77 patients (9.1%). Continue reading
Metal allergy and fibromyalgia: small study has interesting results
Metal allergy is frequent in people with fibromyalgia, says a small study published in Neuro Endocrinology Letters.
A total of 15 women with fibromyalgia were tested for metal allergy and compared to 10 healthy age-matched women. All of the women with fibromyalgia were found to be allergic to at least one of the metals tested. The most frequent reactions were to nickel, followed by inorganic mercury, cadmium and lead. Some healthy women were allergic to inorganic mercury but most of the tests were negative. Continue reading
Rheumatoid arthritis drug tocilizumab shows promising results
Further evidence of the benefits of rheumatoid arthritis drug tocilizumab have been highlighted in research published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.
A trial designed to assess a regimen of tocilizumab plus methotrexate saw 556 adults whose rheumatoid arthritis was active despite methotrexate treatment divided into groups. Some received tocilizumab as well as methotrexate therapy and others were given tocilizumab and a placebo. There were assessed for one year. Continue reading
