Lupus
Anti-malarial drugs can reduce risk of lupus, says new study
People with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who are of African descent and from lower socioeconomic groups face a higher risk of primary cardiac disease, suggest research published in Rheumatology. But those taking anti-malarial drugs reduce their risk.
The research involved records from more than 1,400 people from 34 centres across nine Latin American countries. People newly diagnosed with SLE were tracked between 1997 and 2005. Continue reading
Herbal cannabis to treat arthritis? Not recommended.
The suitability of using herbal cannabis to treat arthritis and related conditions is under scrutiny due to the results of a Canadian report.
A group of researchers looked at the dosing, administration, efficacy and risks of herbal cannabis in pain management in people with arthritis in the 20 US states where it is legal. Continue reading
Acupuncture Awareness Week: 3rd – 7th March 2014
Today heralds the first day of Acupuncture Awareness Week and the chance to get better informed about the ancient practice of traditional acupuncture. With 2.3 million acupuncture treatments carried out each year, acupuncture is one of the most popular complementary therapies practised in the UK today. But many people only discover acupuncture as a last resort despite its widely recognised health benefits. Continue reading
Lupus rates in US may be double previous estimates
Kelle Bryan, formerly of Eternal, is working to raise the profile of lupus
Lupus in the US may be twice as common as was thought, suggests research published in Arthritis & Rheumatology.
Two studies, believed to be the most accurate data to date, conclude that 128.7 in every 100,000 women in the US have lupus.
By looking at records of 4 million people, the experts were able to estimate the number of people with a new or existing lupus diagnosis from 2002 to 2004. They found that the condition is more common in women and in black people. Continue reading
