Systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) is a chronic inflammatory disease that predominantly affects women and can involve virtually any organ. The authors of this study analyzed secular trends and population characteristics associated with SLE mortality. Objective: Mortality statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are used for planning healthcare policy and allocating resources….
Poor Sleep Quality During Menopause Tied to Increased Inflammation
(Reuters Health)—Middle-aged women who get poor quality sleep have elevated levels of inflammatory markers, suggesting their risk for heart disease and other illnesses may be increased, U.S. researchers say. Based on sleep monitoring and blood tests of 295 women, most of whom were past menopause, researchers found those who had trouble falling asleep or who…
Healthy Diet Linked to Lower Hip Fracture Risk in U.S. Women
(Reuters Health)—Eating an overall healthy diet is tied to a lower risk of hip fracture among women over age 50, a U.S. study suggests. Researchers analyzed decades’ worth of dietary and health data for more than 100,000 U.S. men and women. They found that women who scored highest on the American Healthy Eating Index-2010 (AHEI)…
Menopause Linked with Functional Decline in Rheumatoid Arthritis
NEW YORK (Reuters Health)—In women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), menopause is associated with both functional decline and an acceleration of that decline, according to a longitudinal study from the U.S. However, several factors involving increased hormonal exposure were associated with less-severe functional decline in women with RA: ever having received hormonal replacement therapy (HRT), ever…
Family Planning Counseling & the Rheumatologist
Women with rheumatic diseases have unique reproductive health needs, and family planning counseling is a critical component to their overall healthcare. A new research review examines the barriers to patients with rheumatic disease receiving family planning counseling. Additionally, reviewers provide rheumatologists with practical suggestions to optimize communication with patients, as well as address the effect of medications and the effectiveness of contraception…
Baseline Bone Measures Predict Risk of Fragility Fracture in Postmenopausal
NEW YORK (Reuters Health)—Baseline measures of bone density, microarchitecture and strength predict the risk of fragility fractures in postmenopausal women, according to results from the Calgary CaMOS cohort. Changes in bone health were not associated with fracture risk, however, said Dr. Lauren A. Burt from the University of Calgary, Canada, who worked on the study….
Hip Fractures Increasing in Older U.S. Women
(Reuters Health)—The incidence of hip fractures in older women in the U.S. is rising after more than a decade of decline, according to a large new study of Medicare recipients. Hip fracture rates declined each year from 2002–2012, the researchers found. But starting in 2013, hip fracture rates leveled off and were higher than expected….
Strong Statistical Association Found Between Trauma and Lupus
They say the body remembers what the mind wants to forget. For those who have experienced trauma, not only does the body remember, in some cases it works on making things worse. Such is the situation with trauma and lupus, says a new study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology in October. The study, titled, “Association…
Rheumatic Disease Does Not Preclude Pregnancy
Preconception planning is essential to help women with autoimmune disease have optimal pregnancy outcomes. Unplanned pregnancy can also negatively impact disease course in some patients. Yet many rheumatologic patients of childbearing age do not receive adequate contraception or prepregnancy education and counseling. Rheumatologists must work collaboratively with other healthcare providers to make sure rheumatic patients…
Rheumatology & The Gender Pay Gap
On average, male rheumatologists earn 16.2%—or $38,493—more than female rheumatologists. Although the data seem jarring, a closer look at it is needed to truly understand the pay gap…