Bone mineral density in patients with recent onset rheumatoid arthritis: influence of disease activity and functional capacity
Article Abstract:
Patients recently diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis may experience a decline in bone mineral density. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disorder that affects connective tissue, the supporting or framework tissue of the human body. A study measured bone mineral density in the lumbar spine, the hip and the neck of the femur (thigh bone) in 97 patients between 27 and 80 years old who were recently diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. The average bone mineral density of the patients was lower than normal at all three skeletal sites and especially in the femur region. Decreases in bone mineral density in the hip region were associated with greater disease activity, such as more pain and more swollen joints. Patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis tend to be less physically active, which is another risk factor for bone mineral loss.
Publication Name: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4967
Year: 1993
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A tumour necrosis factor alpha polymorphism is not associated with rheumatoid arthritis
Article Abstract:
The gene for tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) probably does not play a role in the development or severity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). TNFalpha is a molecule frequently found in the joint fluid of RA patients. The gene for TNFalpha lies in the same area of the DNA strand reported to control the development and severity of RA. Researchers isolated DNA from blood samples of 115 patients with early-stage RA and 135 healthy people who served as controls. The RA patients were also X-rayed. The DNA analyses and X-rays were repeated after 3 years. There was no significant difference in the TNFalpha genetic makeup of RA patients as compared to controls. There also was no correlation in the progression of the RA disease, as documented on X-ray, with the TNFalpha genetic makeup of the RA patients.
Publication Name: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4967
Year: 1995
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Early treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: rationale, evidence, and implications
Article Abstract:
Early treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may reduce joint damage, which begins rapidly in the course of the disease. RA is an autoimmune inflammatory joint condition. Doctors have historically delayed treatment of new-onset RA because symptoms sometimes resolve without care, and some antiarthritic medications are toxic. Researchers have determined that early-treated patients have better outcomes than those in whom treatment is delayed. New physicians must be trained to recognize early arthritic symptoms so treatment can begin promptly.
Publication Name: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4967
Year: 1998
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