Rheumatoid Arthritis

juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 11:04:00 -0800

How is it treated?

To prevent any more damage to children, they should be sent as soon as possible to the pediatric rheumatologist is the specialist who has more experience in the treatment and monitoring of disease. The child is a growing and developing, which could suffer lasting consequences different from those found in adults.

Every child diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis should be treated with medication and be referred for physiotherapy from the beginning of the diagnosis. If possible take the help of an occupational therapist, nutritionist and, where necessary, a psychologist.

How is drug treatment?

The initial drug treatment depends on the type of commitment that the child has.

a) Arthritis:

If the compromise is a few joints and joints are not included poor prognosis, such as coxofemurais and wrists, it is customary to use only non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for a period of 3 to 4 weeks to evaluate the clinical response. When this measure is not satisfactory may be required to present the introduction of a second medication, which varies according to the experience of the specialist.

However, when the child has from the beginning multiple joints involved, may require the early introduction of a more potent drugs such as methotrexate.

b) Systemic manifestations:

In cases where the manifestations are predominantly systemic, with involvement of the pericardium or persistent fever unresponsive to anti-inflammatory, it is necessary to use high doses of corticosteroids.

It is important to emphasize that corticosteroids are not drugs of choice for the treatment of arthritis, ie, the joint involvement. As far as possible avoid their introduction.

c) Eye complications:

In cases of ocular involvement, it is recommended to use eye drops and regular monitoring with the ophthalmologist. If the inflammation persists may require the use of oral corticosteroids or even immunosuppressive medications.

There are new drugs for the treatment of disease?

New drugs are emerging for the treatment of patients with chronic arthritis, however, very few have been studied in children. Etanercept is one of the medications being evaluated in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, but only for patients with polyarticular or systemic types who did not respond to currently available medications. Although preliminary, the results have been very promising.

When you stop treatment?

The duration of treatment is always unpredictable and will depend on the patient's response to medication and physiotherapy. Approximately 50% of patients maintained some activity of the disease after a follow-up period from 50 to 10 years. In such cases treatment should be maintained until they get the clinical and laboratory remission, or until the child has no more signs of disease activity for at least one year.

What are the nutritional care?

Special attention should be given to supply the patient with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. There are frequent nutritional disorders determined as much by chronic food for errors resulting from ignorance of his own family about the child's needs.

It is important that, as far as possible, the family of a patient with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis have the guidance of a nutritionist, at least initially. The diet of these children must be balanced with a protein, calories, iron and trace elements, tailored to the needs of a growing and be a chronic inflammatory disease.

How important is physical activity?

Physical activity should be encouraged in all cases because it is essential for maintaining joint function. Children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis should not sit still and much less confined to bed.

The restriction on their activities can occur especially in the onset, the presence of pain. Even so, the child should be encouraged to walk and participate in particular activities of physiotherapy and occupational therapy when possible.

While there may be many difficulties in daily life of some patients, such as in school (curiosity and discrimination from peers, having to climb the ladder to get in the classroom, can not run in the playground etc..), They should be encouraged to maintain normal activities of a child. Often, you need the support of teachers and guidance counselor's own so that difficulties do not become too heavy for the child and do give up social life.

What is the role of the family?

The role of family is fundamental to better child's development. The support and love from parents the support they need to feel safe and able to overcome the disease and the limitations imposed by it. However, parents should be careful not to confuse love with guilt and overprotection, which only impede the progress of patients.

arthritis symptoms

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 02:09:00 -0800

Our roundup of health news headlines on Monday 15 November.‘Homeopathy works - but it is talking not tinctures that helps patients’, reports the The Sunday Telegraph. They look at new research which finds the symptoms of patients with rheumatoid arthritis decrease following visit to a homeopathic doctor but ‘it made no difference whether the solution they received was a genuine homeopathic tincture prescribed to treat rheumatism, or a placebo.’Dr Sarah Brien, who led the study said previous research suggested homeopathy could help patients, ‘the study provided the first scientific evidence to show such benefits were “specifically due to its unique consultation process”.’The Independent gives us the worrying news that 'Quarter of cancers discovered late’ Research by the National cancer Intelligence Network found that 23% of cancer cases were detected only as patients underwent emergency treatment.’The statistics showed that ‘pensioners and those under 25 were most likely to be diagnosed with cancer during emergency procedures, while poor people were more likely to suffer from late detection than the rich.’‘Heads of UK's leading public health bodies warn coalition not to water down proposals for ban on tobacco displays in shops’. The Guardian reports that although the previous Labour government pledged to introduce the ban, public health minister Anne Milton has now said it is under review.Health campaigners believe removing the displays would reduce their influence on young people but the tobacco lobby say ‘it will lead to a surge in smuggling and prove costly for small shopkeepers.’‘The reason your diet is doomed before you even start? You carry the greediness gene’, according The Daily Mail ‘millions of Britons’ carry the gene, which apparently boosts appetite. The rogue gene was originally discovered in 1970, but now British researchers have found that the rogue gene called FTO does indeed ‘make us fat.’ Cream cakes all round.Spotted a story we've missed? Let us know and we'll update the digest throughout the day...

rheumatoid arthritis symptoms

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 02:09:00 -0800

In the study, 611 people with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis who had an inadequate response to at least one other drug were randomly assigned to one of two doses of tasocitinib or placebo.

Among the findings:

A total of 66% of patients who received the higher dose of tasocitinib had at least a 20% improvement in disease activity and symptoms after three months of treatment, compared with 60% of those given the lower dose and 27% of those who received a placebo.
Scores on a questionnaire that asks about dressing, arising, eating, walking, hygiene, reach, grip, and activities improved more than twice as much in people taking either dose of tasocitinib, compared with placebo.

But for the third primary study goal, remission according to the Disease Activity Score-28 (DAS-28) at three months, tasocitinib did not offer a substantial advantage at either dosage relative to placebo.

DAS-28 scores take into account such measures as the number of joints tender to the touch and the number of swollen joints. Using this measure, 10% of patients on the higher tasocitinib dosage, 6% on the lower dose, and 4% on placebo were in remission at three months. But the difference in remission rates did not reach what doctors call statistical significance, Fleischmann tells WebMD. He says he received consulting fees and research support from Pfizer, which makes the drug and funded the new study.

Boxed Warning Added to Rheumatoid Arthritis Drug Label

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 21:19:00 -0700

The FDA has added information on severe liver injury to the boxed warning for Arava (leflunomide, Sanofiaventis)—a drug used to treat rheumatoid arthritis—to highlight the risk for severe liver injury in patients using this drug and how this risk might be reduced. The FDA previously required a boxed warning stating that leflunomide was contraindicated in pregnant women or women of childbearing potential who were not using reliable contraception.

Although a bolded warning statement on severe liver injury was added to the leflunomide drug label in 2003, the FDA determined that information on severe liver injury should be included in the boxed warning to highlight the importance of appropriate patient selection before starting treatment, and monitoring once treatment has begun.

The decision to add information on severe liver injury to the boxed warning was based on the FDA’s 2010 review of adverse event reports that identified 49 cases of severe liver injury, including 14 cases of fatal liver failure, between August 2002 and May 2009. In this review, the greatest risk for liver injury was seen in patients taking other drugs known to cause liver injury and patients with pre-existing liver disease.

patients with rheumatoid arthritis is not satisfied with current equipment

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 07:34:00 -0700

Most patients with rheumatoid arthritis is not satisfied with current equipment subcutaneous self-administration of medication, a study released in Rome at a meeting of European League Against Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Between 80-90 percent of the participants reported at least one negative aspect of self-administration, the study RAISE, which was developed to gain a better understanding of the concerns of these patients using these devices.

Although more than half of patients consider the devices easy to use self-injection, over a third admitted to not knowing if the treatment is administered correctly

The study said 36 percent of patients questioned indicated pain and redness at the injection site, 10 percent admit I miss a dose because of the pain. In addition, 10 percent of patients fail treatment have thought the same reason.

symptoms of arthritis?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 09:31:00 -0800

The Symptoms of arthritis include pain and limited function of joints. Inflammation of the joints from arthritis is characterized by joint stiffness, swelling, redness, and warmth. Tenderness of the inflamed joint can be present.

Many of the forms of arthritis, but because they are rheumatic diseases, can cause symptoms affecting various organs of the body that do not directly involve the joints. Therefore, symptoms in some patients with certain forms of arthritis can also include fever, gland swelling (lymph node), weight loss, fatigue, feeling unwell, and even symptoms from abnormalities of organs such as the lungs, heart, or kidneys.

Consumption of wine associated with reduced risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 09:30:00 -0800

A survey conducted by Swedish scientists suggests that the consumption of five glasses of wine per week reduced by 50% the risk of rheumatoid arthritis, indicates a study published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.

The team, from Karolinska University, examined 2750 volunteers in two separate studies.

The researchers assessed the genetic and external factors that could contribute to the onset of the disease. The participants answered questionnaires on lifestyle and have them collected blood samples to assess the genetic factors.

Previous studies have pointed to the link between moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages and a reduction of other inflammatory processes, as in the study of cardiovascular disease. The reason for this, however, is not yet clear.
The leader of the research, Henrik Kallberg stressed that one of the most important discoveries was that smoking contributes significantly to increase the likelihood of developing rheumatoid arthritis.

Acute gouty arthritis Causes and risk factors:

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 09:29:00 -0800

Gout is caused by a defect in metabolism that results in an overproduction of uric acid, or a reduced ability of the kidneys to eliminate uric acid. The exact cause of the metabolic defect is unknown. The disorder may also develop in people with diabetes mellitus, obesity, sickle cell anemia and kidney disease, may also occur after therapy with drugs that interfere with the excretion of uric acid.

Gout has four phases: asymptomatic (without symptoms), acute, intercritical and chronic. In acute gouty arthritis, symptoms develop suddenly and usually involve only one or a few joints. The pain frequently starts during the night and is usually described comolatejante, devastating and overwhelming. The link appears infected with signs of warmth, redness and sensitivity. The attacks of painful joints may subside within a few days, but may recur at irregular intervals. Subsequent attacks tend to last longer. In some people, can progress to chronic gouty arthritis, while in others there are no further attacks.

Rheumatoid Arthritis - What is the treatment?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 09:28:00 -0800

The tests used are ESR (sedimentation rate of speed, also called and erythrocyte sedimentation rate), C-reactive protein and less often alpha-1 acid glycoprotein. They tend to be high in proportion to the severity of the disease and decrease with successful treatment. Do not forget that these tests are not specific. May be high in any disease that causes inflammation or infection.

The rheumatoid factor (RF) is the most striking immunologic abnormality of the AR. Appears in 80% of patients and therefore used as a diagnostic criterion for first line. However, besides not being present in 20% of patients with RA, it may take up to 1 year to become positive. Another important fact about the FR is its presence in other rheumatic and non-rheumatic such as chronic active hepatitis, viral hepatitis, leprosy, tuberculosis, malignancies and several others. In these cases, in general, the titre (concentration) is usually lower.

The test result should be a number. It is suggested not to accept tests expressed in crosses or only positive or negative.

Investigations described recently, perinuclear factor and anti-keratin, are less often positive but may be the only early changes and thus provide early diagnosis of the disease. This fact is important for the correct treatment is started immediately, avoiding the deformities already mentioned.

Complete blood count, platelets, transaminases and standard urine test are required to be able to assess the effects of the drugs. Lately, research on hepatitis viruses (especially hepatitis C) have been included in the initial assessment and, possibly, during evolution.

Also needed are tests to assess involvement of the kidneys and liver and others that the initial evaluation or the disease state.

Revenue Tea Sucupira to cure arthritis, given by Joey de Oliveira in the program do Jô

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 09:25:00 -0800

According to the actor Juca de Oliveira, Moreira was the actress with terrible shoulder pain caused by arthritis, she had already done several treatments including the United States. It was only cured when he took the tea Sucupira.

Revenue

Get 4 seed and sucupira maceta them in a mortar (or something hard) have to break the seeds, because this resin in it.
Boil the water, and boil as soon as the seeds play tricks, wait a boil again and to 1 ½ minutes (90segundos) off the heat and cover the pot as soon as it starts to cool start drinking ...
Drink like water (1 liter, 1.5 liters per day)

New drug for treatment of arthritis

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 09:24:00 -0800

The National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) approved the drug Actemra (tocilizumab), used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, a disease that affects 1% of the world, representing 21 million people. Brazil has about 1.5 million patients.

The approval was based on data from clinical studies in patients from several countries, including Brazil, which had 200 participants. According to the rheumatologist Morton Scheinberg, who conducted research with the drug, tocilizumab inhibits the action of interleukin 6 (IL-6), a substance produced in excess by patients with arthritis. The abnormal production of IL-6 is one of those responsible for chronic inflammation and progressive destruction of joints. "Blocking the action of IL-6 for the drug was effective in reducing inflammation of the joints, reducing pain, joint swelling, anemia and fatigue that often accompany the disease," he says.

Arthritis is a chronic disease that affects the joints, but is also systemic and can affect other organs.

Scientist Announces miracle cure for arthritis

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 09:19:00 -0800

In a country that, like the United States of America, has, according to Frederic Golden (`` Times''), about 16 million arthritic and osteoarthritic should not be necessary to invest large amount in advertising to launch a book on healing arthritis.

But Jason Theosakis young doctor who specializes in preventive medicine and sports, it is those who believe that does not hurt (my grandmother used to say that what is too sick), and therefore invested heavily in the launch of his book `` The Arthritis Cure''(St. Martins' Press).

He had one more reason to wait to sell 100 thousand copies of the first draft: that it is presented on TV climbing cliffs and doing exercises that require mobility of joints.

At the same time, had that a few months before, was virtually paralyzed by osteoarthritis, which limited the use of crutches and eventually a wheelchair. Said the new drug produced a `` true''miracle.

And that `` miracle''lived in two supplements he was taking with meals: glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, substances produced by the body, which form the lining of the articular cartilage.

The first stimulates the production of units of the cartilage, while the second blocks the enzymes that break down old cartilage.

The `` miracle''was already known in Europe since 1980 and is used to treat arthritis in dogs and horses, also applied use in the U.S..

Discouraged with conventional therapies, Jason decided to use a system based on two parts: the first consisted of the conventional recipes (ice, anti-inflammatory drugs, exercise, proper nutrition, etc.), the second were two food additives in pills.

Important to remember that not to be confused with osteoarthritis, due to wear of the joints for use with rheumatoid arthritis, a condition completely distinct autoimmune disease, ie, in which the body's specific defenses turn against certain tissues, attacking them and injuring them. Much remains to be explored in the treatment recommended by Jason. As the alleged effects are many, it is necessary to separate them for serious statistical analysis that is in progress.

It is an essay called `` duplocego'', in which neither the doctors who give the drugs to patients know if it is placebo or remedy.

Rheumatoid arthritis

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 09:05:00 -0800

Study shows effectiveness of new treatment used to fight rheumatoid arthritis
Repeat the treatment every six months brings better results

A recent study published during the last congress of the American Insitute of Reumathology (ACR), held in Philadelphia, USA, showed that substance use rituximab (MabThera ®) every six months can bring a better control of rheumatoid arthritis, and some cases, the remission of symptoms. Patients treated with multiple applications of rituximab achieved continuous improvement of symptoms, demonstrating the effectiveness of the drug in the long term. The study followed 850 patients for three years and proved that each new course of treatment, more patients reached remission of the disease.

Furthermore, patients who participated in the study demonstrated improvement in physical condition and better control of joint damage when compared with those not taking MabThera ® (rituximab), trade name of the drug. According to the study, best results are achieved when the use occurs systematically at intervals of six months.

If untreated, the disease causes damage to the joints that may prevent the patient to perform daily activities such as dressing, walking, holding a glass and even get out of bed in the morning. Once installed, the joint deformities are irreversible and lead to functional impairment.Therefore, the correct diagnosis and early diagnosis is important so that appropriate treatment has a chance to prevent the patient's life is jeopardized by the problems caused by the disease.

Arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease, mainly characterized by inflammation of the joints but also by systemic symptoms such as weakness and anemia. The disease, which as yet has no cure, affects 1.5% of world population and is more common in women between 30 and 50 years of age.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic inflammatory disorder that may affect many tissues and organs, but principally attacks the joints producing an inflammatory synovitis that often progresses to destruction of the articular cartilage and ankylosis of the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis can also produce diffuse inflammation in the lungs, pericardium, pleura, and sclera, and also nodular lesions, most common in subcutaneous tissue under the skin. Although the cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, autoimmunity plays a pivotal role in its chronicity and progression.About 1% of the world's population is afflicted by rheumatoid arthritis, women three times more often than men. Onset is most frequent between the ages of 40 and 50, but people of any age can be affected. It can be a disabling and painful condition, which can lead to substantial loss of functioning and mobility. It is diagnosed chiefly on symptoms and signs, but also with blood tests (especially a test called rheumatoid factor) and X-rays.

Diagnosis and long-term management are typically performed by a rheumatologist, an expert in the diseases of joints and connective tissues.Various treatments are available. Non-pharmacological treatment includes physical therapy,orthoses and occupational therapy. Analgesia (painkillers) and anti-inflammatory drugs, including steroids, are used to suppress the symptoms, while disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are often required to inhibit or halt the underlying immune process and prevent long-term damage. In recent times, the newer group of biologics has increased treatment options