Long-term remission & control of CVD risk factors can reduce the risk of atherosclerosis in lupus; triple APL positivity raises the risk of CVD, study finds.
Study: Are TNF Inhibitors Safe for Patients with RA-ILD?
Despite anecdotal reports to the contrary, a large observational study concludes that TNF inhibitors, compared with non-TNF biological or targeted synthetic DMARDs, do not cause higher rates of death or respiratory hospitalization in patients with RA-ILD.
The Rheumatic Dangers of Wildfire Smoke
A recent study in A&R identifies an association between air pollutants, including fire smoke particulate matter, & both rheumatoid arthritis (RA) & RA-associated interstitial lung disease.
Study Finds Potential Biomarkers for Cardiovascular Risk in Women with Lupus
When it comes to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and cardiovascular events (CVEs), the rheumatology community is woefully lacking in information, say researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) David Geffen School of Medicine and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Their recent work on biomarkers associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular events in women with…
Dusty Trades: Inorganic Dust Exposure During Military Service May Be an Occupational Risk Factor for RA
Mounting evidence indicates that exposure to inorganic dust is a risk factor for the development of autoimmune diseases. According to a recent study, dust exposure during military service in dusty environments represents an occupational and environmental risk and was associated with a 10% increased risk of developing RA.
Race As a Risk Factor for Sjögrens Syndrome
A new study in Arthritis Care & Research highlights potential differences in incidence, the presentation of prominent symptoms and laboratory findings in African Americans and Native Americans with Sjögren’s syndrome compared with white populations. Native Americans appear to be at higher risk of the disease, although they often display fewer of the classic symptoms. Importantly,…
Race May Not Be a Risk Factor for Giant Cell Arteritis
Past research has identified being of Northern European descent as a risk factor, among others such as age, sex and HLA DRB1, for developing giant cell arteritis (GCA). But new research casts doubts on this idea, finding that rates of biopsy proven GCA may not differ by race…
Obesity, Drinking & Unhealthy Diet Add to Gout Risk
(Reuters Health)—Behavior changes could potentially reduce a large part of the risk for developing gout, a U.S. study suggests. Based on data from more than 14,000 people, researchers calculated how much factors like being overweight, following a diet that isn’t heart healthy, drinking alcohol or taking diuretics contribute to high levels of uric acid—a precursor…
Catch Your Breath: Insights into ILD in RA Patients
Detecting interstitial lung disease in RA patients can be challenging. But evaluating risk factors and the use of imaging can help clinicians identify and manage this condition in patients…
Researchers Seek to Predict & Prevent Rheumatoid Arthritis
Preventing adverse outcomes in individuals who have rheumatic diseases is a daily goal for rheumatologists. For example, rheumatologists prescribe medications and perform screening to prevent erosions in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), renal failure in systemic lupus erythematosus and flares across all diseases. Many of these actions are classified as secondary or tertiary prevention, because individuals have…