Researchers recently performed a review of literature published on the topic of central nervous system (CNS) involvement in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the incidence of new-onset CNS diseases in patients with RA receiving antitumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) or non-anti-TNF biologics.
In patients with rheumatoid arthritis who have experienced treatment failure, switching to a second TNF inhibitor is generally successful, according to investigators.
Researchers are exploring whether there is another window of opportunity in which drug treatment in patients at high risk for RA might prevent the disease.
Rheumatologists reviewed the outcomes of patients with rheumatoid arthritis who used hand exercise to improve function and subsequently improved daily living skills.
Physicians interviewed by Rheumatology Advisor recommend using the Clinical Disease Activity Index and to treat-to-target by measuring clinical response and adapting therapy rapidly for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers found data that showed in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, the delta-tetrahydrocannabinol found in medical cannabis is likely to contribute to an increase in heart rate in patients who are susceptible to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Medical cannabis was also not found to provide therapeutic effects when comparing it with a combination of cannabinoid type 1 antagonist, fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor, and nonpsychotropic cannabidiol.
Rheumatology Advisor interviewed Dr Sofat, who suggests that better control of periodontal disease might improve outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis.
Ocular symptoms can be the dominant clinical manifestation of rheumatic disease in some cases and knowledge of these relationships can improve the care of both the eye and the joint disease.
Novel nonsurgical treatments for osteoarthritis are being developed, but the benefits of new treatments must be weighed against their cost and potential risks.
Investigators found evidence that both aerobic and resistance training lowers insulin resistance, but further studies are needed to determine the specific effects in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
