Psoriatic arthritis
New class of anti-arthritis drugs could treat multiple inflammatory diseases
A new class of anti-arthritic drugs reduces both arthritic joint inflammation and periodontitis (gradual loss of bone and tissues that support the teeth) says a study in The American Journal of Pathology.
One of the issues with current drugs is that medication effective for one disorder may exacerbate the other – making it difficult to treat people with more than one inflammatory disease.
The new class of drugs (DTrp) are known as MC receptor agonists. Continue reading
UK reform essential in care of people with arthritis
Widespread reform is needed to enable high quality care planning for people in the UK with long-term conditions, such as arthritis, says a Health Committee report. The settings discussed include home, hospitals and specialist care.
Services for rheumatology patients should be maintained across all settings and cannot simply be moved into the community, according to evidence submitted to the Health Committee by The British Society for Rheumatology. The report reads: Continue reading
Exercise produces molecular changes that suppress inflammation in rheumatic disease
Taking exercise can decrease inflammation in localised regions and around the entire body, says research presented at the European League Against Rheumatism Annual Congress. The study adds to the growing body of evidence that highlights that exercise can help achieve clinical efficacy in rheumatic disease.
The current work looked at the detailed physiological changes created by exercise and their impact on inflammation. Studies on mice found that exercise generates a true biological response and leads to molecular changes that stimulate anti-inflammatory effects. Continue reading
Ustekinumab is NOT recommended for people with psoriatic arthritis in the UK
The use of ustekinumab (Stelara) as a new therapy for psoriatic arthritis has been given the red light by the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
The efficacy of the drug compared to other therapies has been called into question along with its cost effectiveness.
But people currently receiving ustekinumab for psoriatic arthritis can continue treatment until they and their clinicians consider it appropriate to stop. Continue reading
New survey says 70% of people with arthritis live in constant pain
The enduring pain experienced by many people with arthritis is highlighted in a recent survey from Arthritis Care, released today to herald the start of Arthritis Care Week (Monday 19th – Sunday 25th May).
A total of 2,008 people with arthritis answered questions that aimed to assess their experience and real-life implications of pain. Results indicated that: Continue reading
