Rheumatoid arthritis: treat now, not later!

Article Abstract:

Doctors need to begin treatment with disease-modifying or slow-acting anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDS or SAARDS) sooner in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. DMARDS and SAARDS include the drugs sulfasalazine, gold salts, hydroxychloroquine, D-penicillamine, cyclosporine, and azathioprine. A study has shown that new patients with rheumatoid arthritis had less pain and disability as compared to patients taking the traditional initial treatment with only nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. There was, however, no difference in joint damage between the two groups. No studies have indicated that any of the DMARDS or SAARDS is more effective than the others. Choice of treatment depends on a number of factors including the patient's age, stage of the disease, and interaction with other medications. Treatment can begin earlier in patients with rheumatoid arthritis if there is better communication between primary care givers and arthritis specialists.

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Risk factors for methotrexate-induced lung injury in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a multicenter, case-control study

Article Abstract:

Several factors may increase the risk for lung damage among patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with methotrexate. Medical, social, and treatment characteristics were compared among 29 treated rheumatoid arthritis patients with lung damage and 82 treated patients without lung damage. Patients with lung damage were more likely to be diabetic, have low blood levels of albumin, have used other drug treatments for rheumatoid arthritis, be older, or have previous lung disease. It may be advisable to closely monitor these high-risk patients during methotrexate treatment.

Complications and side effects, Risk factors, Lungs, Lung, Lung diseases, Methotrexate

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Etanercept Therapy in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Article Abstract:

Etanercept appears to significantly improve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Etanercept is a recombinant form of human tumor necrosis factor receptor fusion protein. Researchers treated 234 patients with either etanercept or placebo for six months. At least a 20% improvement in disease activity was achieved by 62% of patients treated with the drug and only 23% of placebo-treated patients. Many more drug-treated patients achieved a 70% improvement in their joint disease.

United States, Health aspects, Evaluation, Product/Service Evaluation, Tumor necrosis factor, Etanercept (Medication)

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