News and information about the National Data Bank for Rheumatic Diseases (NDB) and arthritis and rheumatology research. Written for NDB participants and anyone with a rheumatic disease.
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Tuesday, March 16, 2004
Smoking can trigger Lupus
"Lupus is a rare disease....But we found a small, yet significant, increased risk of developing lupus among current smokers compared with people who never smoked." - from HealthDay
"Lupus is a rare disease....But we found a small, yet significant, increased risk of developing lupus among current smokers compared with people who never smoked." - from HealthDay
Friday, March 12, 2004
Progress in cartilage repair research
"New research from Duke University offers potential for a new way of repairing cartilage damage....'We feel that the outcomes from this study suggest that therapies like this one hold promise for future, successful cartilage repair procedures,' researcher Dan Nettles says in a prepared statement." - from HealthDay
"New research from Duke University offers potential for a new way of repairing cartilage damage....'We feel that the outcomes from this study suggest that therapies like this one hold promise for future, successful cartilage repair procedures,' researcher Dan Nettles says in a prepared statement." - from HealthDay
Wednesday, March 10, 2004
Dairy, meat and fish consumption and the risk of gout in men
First author Hyon K. Choi, a regular NDB collaborator, concludes that "Higher levels of meat and seafood consumption are associated with an increased risk of gout, whereas a higher level of consumption of dairy products is associated with a decreased risk. Moderate intake of purine-rich vegetables or protein is not associated with an increased risk of gout." - from the New England Journal of Medicine Abstract: Purine-Rich Foods, Dairy and Protein Intake, and the Risk of Gout in Men. Here's the HealthDay article about the study.
First author Hyon K. Choi, a regular NDB collaborator, concludes that "Higher levels of meat and seafood consumption are associated with an increased risk of gout, whereas a higher level of consumption of dairy products is associated with a decreased risk. Moderate intake of purine-rich vegetables or protein is not associated with an increased risk of gout." - from the New England Journal of Medicine Abstract: Purine-Rich Foods, Dairy and Protein Intake, and the Risk of Gout in Men. Here's the HealthDay article about the study.
Study: Fibromyalgia, mood disorders aggregate in families
A research article in Arthritis and Rheumatism concludes; "FM and reduced pressure pain thresholds aggregate in families, and FM coaggregates with major mood disorder in families. These findings have important clinical and theoretical implications, including the possibility that genetic factors are involved in the etiology of FM and in pain sensitivity. In addition, mood disorders and FM may share some of these inherited factors." - Abstract from A&R
A research article in Arthritis and Rheumatism concludes; "FM and reduced pressure pain thresholds aggregate in families, and FM coaggregates with major mood disorder in families. These findings have important clinical and theoretical implications, including the possibility that genetic factors are involved in the etiology of FM and in pain sensitivity. In addition, mood disorders and FM may share some of these inherited factors." - Abstract from A&R
Thursday, March 04, 2004
From the forum: Who's using Medrol or Prednisone?
"I'm trying to find out, if possible, how many rheumatoid arthritis patients are on long-term use of medrol or prednisone for their treatment. My pulmonary doctor was concerned about my high sed rate - 118, 123 and put me on high doses of medrol to bring it down." Join the discussion: National Databank Forum
"I'm trying to find out, if possible, how many rheumatoid arthritis patients are on long-term use of medrol or prednisone for their treatment. My pulmonary doctor was concerned about my high sed rate - 118, 123 and put me on high doses of medrol to bring it down." Join the discussion: National Databank Forum
Tuesday, March 02, 2004
Study: Methotrexate and Anti-TNF drugs are better together
"A year after treatment began, 35% of the patients in the combination group were in remission, compared with 13% of those on methotrexate alone and 16% of those on Enbrel alone." - from USA Today, based on a Lancet article. USATODAY.com - Drug combo best for rheumatoid arthritis
"A year after treatment began, 35% of the patients in the combination group were in remission, compared with 13% of those on methotrexate alone and 16% of those on Enbrel alone." - from USA Today, based on a Lancet article. USATODAY.com - Drug combo best for rheumatoid arthritis
Now available for your support group or arthritis meetings....Our new pamphlets explain what we do and how you and can help. Each one has a postage-paid postcard to request more information or join the project. The pamphlets and a small table-top stand are available free from the NDB. Just send us an email!