Pregnancy and its effect on the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis

Article Abstract:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disease that affects the joints. It is more common in women than in men, and it is not uncommon for a woman who has RA to notice that her symptoms are less severe during pregnancy. In 75 percent of the pregnant women who have RA, an improvement in RA-related symptoms occurs in the first trimester, continues through the second trimester, and is greatest during the third trimester of pregnancy. However, in 90 percent of women with RA, the symptoms will become worse after delivery. Previous studies have suggested that female hormones may play a role in the development of RA, and that oral contraceptives may protect against the development of RA. Both pregnancy and the use of oral contraceptives reduce ovulation, but it is not clear how this may affect the development of RA. Many different studies have examined the relationship between pregnancy and RA, but have yielded conflicting results. However, when the results of these studies are summarized, several trends emerge: the symptoms of RA are more mild during pregnancy; RA is more common in women who have not had a child than in those who have; becoming pregnant at a younger age may reduce the risk of developing RA; pregnancy may delay the onset of RA until after delivery; and having an unsuccessful pregnancy is not likely to be a risk factor for RA. The exact way in which pregnancy alters the course of RA is not known. It has been suggested that female sex hormones may suppress the immune system and in this way reduce or prevent the inflammation and tissue damage that occurs during RA. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Pregnancy, Autoimmune diseases in pregnancy

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A reappraisal of the evidence that rheumatoid arthritis and several other idiopathic diseases are slow bacterial infections

Article Abstract:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and several other autoimmune diseases may be caused by a slow bacterial infection. A slow bacterial infection is an infection caused by slow growing microorganisms. Bacteria that cause these types of infections include the spirochetes and the mycobacteria. The spirochetes cause Lyme disease and syphilis, and the mycobacteria cause tuberculosis and leprosy. The immune response to a slow bacterial infection may be characterized by the production of autoantibodies. Autoantibodies are antibodies that attack the tissues of the body rather than the disease-causing microorganism. This can lead to the development of reactive arthritis, a disorder similar to RA. Patients with RA have characteristics that are similar to those of patients who are suffering from slow bacterial infections caused by the spirochetes or the mycobacteria.

Bacterial infections

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How vigorously should we exercise our rheumatoid arthritis patients?

Article Abstract:

Preliminary evidence suggests that more aggressive, closely supervised exercise programs result in improved overall physical and joint functioning as well as long-term improvement in disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Traditionally recommended stretching and non-aerobic exercises have not shown similar improvement. Aerobic and weight-bearing programs should ideally be ongoing and probably inadvisable during arthritis flare-ups. Improvements in bone density may also be seen in patients who participate in aerobic and weight-bearing exercises.

Care and treatment, Usage, Exercise therapy

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