Non-Hodgkins's lymphoma in rheumatoid arthritis

Article Abstract:

Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas are tumors of lymphocytes, white blood cells which are important in fighting infected, foreign, or cancerous cells. These lymphomas can occur at lymph nodes or elsewhere, and are associated with malaise, fever, weight loss, anemia, or lymphadenopathy (swelling of lymph nodes). Reports have linked non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with autoimmune diseases (in which the body inappropriately makes antibodies against its own tissues) such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and Sjogren's syndrome. One report suggested that patients with RA have a 2.7-fold greater risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, while another reported a 26-fold greater risk. Other reports, however, have shown no greater risk in a large population of RA patients. The association of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with RA appears to be independent of that with Sjogren's syndrome. Genetic predisposition to RA and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, or a common environmental cause of both, are two explanations of the association between the two diseases, but little evidence supports such theories. In addition, treatment of RA with cytotoxic (cell-killing) drugs also does not appear to be responsible for the link, although long-term effects of these drugs need more study. Instead, RA-related changes in immune function, similar to those observed in transplant recipients, appear to be the most likely reason for the linkage. Specifically, cell-mediated immunity, and possibly activity of natural killer cells, a specific type of lymphocytes, are probably deficient. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Physiological aspects, Lymphomas

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Prevalence of low body mass in rheumatoid arthritis: association with the acute phase response

Article Abstract:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) appears to be associated with weight loss and this can contribute to disability. Researchers measured body mass index in 97 RA patients and also took blood samples to measure chemicals associated with inflammation. Thirteen percent of the patients could be classified in the lowest body mass index seen in the general population. Weight loss appeared to be limited to lean mass rather than fat and was especially pronounced in the upper arm. Women who had lost 15% of their initial weight or more scored higher on tests of disability. They also had higher blood levels of inflammatory chemicals.

Measurement, Causes of, Weight loss, Acute phase reaction

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Effect of social deprivation on disease severity and outcome in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Article Abstract:

Socioeconomic status appears to be a significant predictor of disease progress among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Disease progress of 440 patients with RA was followed for five years. Patients' demographic characteristics were compared with the surrounding general populations. Patients living under the most deprived conditions were more likely to have worse disease and more difficulty with daily living tasks than those living under more affluent conditions. These trends remained even among patients who were equally consistent in taking their medication and had RA for a similar length of time.

Health aspects, Demographic aspects, Social status

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