HWN Suggests

Current Status and Future Challenges in the Treatment of Rheumatic Diseases

Despite the many advances made in the past three decades on the knowledge of the pathogenesis of many rheumatic diseases and the identification of several novel therapeutic targets and treatments, we have been unable to identify which treatment will be of more benefit for each patient, and in most cases, treatment recommendations are based on a trial-and-error approach. Predicting which treatment will be efficacious for an individual patient or disease domain involvement would be extremely valuable both for patients and physicians. However this does not mean the creation of a drug or medical device that is unique to a patient, but rather the ability to classify individuals into subpopulations…

read full article

Articles of Interest

Arthritis & Rheumatism: No Preventive Prescription

Today it is clear that in most cases, arthritis and rheumatism are not single, definable diseases but names loosely applied to many disorders in and around joints. They make up a majority of the 83 related ills listed by an expert committee of the American Rheumatism Association, and the causes of most of them remain unknown.

Epidemiology of rheumatic diseases

Rheumatic diseases are among the oldest diseases recognized. The classification of rheumatic diseases is sometimes difficult due to unknown aetiology and heterogeneity in their clinical presentation. Osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are the two most common rheumatic diseases, accounting for a large percentage of disability worldwide. The economic and social burden of these diseases is great. Their impact on both individuals and society results from a decreased quality of life, lost productivity and increased costs of health care.

Exploring the Link Between Menopause and Rheumatic Disease

Interactions between reproductive stages and the onset and severity of rheumatic disease have long been a topic of interest in rheumatology. Observed fluctuations in disease activity around these various stages, as well as specific reproductive events such as menarche and pregnancy, have prompted ongoing investigation into the potential impact of menopause on rheumatic disease outcomes.

Genetics & Rheumatic Diseases

Many forms of rheumatic diseases, including forms of arthritis, have a genetic basis. The study of genetics focuses on how human characteristics are inherited from one’s ancestors including appearance and even risk for disease. There are approximately 20,000–25,000 genes. These genes, which are a small portion of a chromosome, are randomly passed from parents to offspring.

Rheumatic diseases and metabolism: where centre and periphery meet

Over the past few decades, the connection between metabolism and various inflammatory and rheumatic diseases has been an area of active investigation. Nonetheless, the precise mechanisms underlying these relationships remain a topic of ongoing debate, owing in part to conflicting data.

Rheumatologist reflects on the past, future of rheumatic disease research

Just two decades ago, hospital waiting rooms were packed with patients sitting in wheelchairs suffering, debilitated, from the pains of rheumatoid arthritis and other related diseases. “My colleagues and I did our best to treat and relieve the suffering the best we could, knowing all too well that we were limited to the few therapies available at the time,” writes Eric Matteson, a rheumatologist at the Mayo Clinic...

Teens with chronic conditions face challenges and risks when they age out of pediatric rheumatology care

Living with severe inflammatory arthritis or any other serious condition of the joints, bones and muscles is challenging for anyone, perhaps most of all for children. Young patients often experience pain, swelling and stiffness in many joints, which can limit their day-to-day activities. Kids and teens with chronic conditions, particularly those caused by autoimmune disorders like inflammatory arthritis, face special challenges as they painfully work their way through school and adolescence, which are already difficult enough. But a special and highly unfortunate form of 18th birthday gift awaits these patients when they pass from the world of pediatric care and into the adult system.

Trials and tribulations for children with rheumatic diseases

Paediatric rheumatology research is not doing enough to serve patients and paediatric trial designs are unacceptable for children and families. This is the critical view of a UK-based patient and parent network with lived experience of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), who say that reform is urgently needed to ensure that trials meet the needs of children and young people with rheumatic diseases.

Types of Rheumatic Disease

Historically, "rheumatism" was a term used to describe a range of painful conditions affecting muscles, tendons, joints, and bones. Nowadays, we prefer the more precise term "rheumatic disease." which are a group of inflammatory, often autoimmune, conditions that affect joints, muscles, bones, and organs. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common of the rheumatic diseases but the group of diseases is much more, encompassing over 200 different conditions.

What Do You Know About Rheumatic Diseases?

A rheumatic disease is an autoimmune and inflammatory condition that causes the body’s immune system to attack a person’s joints, muscles, bones, and organs. There are about 30 rheumatic diseases and musculoskeletal conditions. Some include juvenile idiopathic arthritis, fibromyalgia, and Raynaud's. It is estimated that by 2040, 78 million US adults would be diagnosed with a rheumatic condition.

Resources

7 Myths About Rheumatic Disease

There are more than 100 types of rheumatic disease and more than 50 million Americans of all ages and genders live with a rheumatic condition. Unfortunately, the symptoms are often dismissed and a variety of misconceptions can often delay people from seeking help. Furthermore, early treatment is the most crucial to minimize side effects and improve long-term health.

Rheumatic Disease Clinics

Rheumatic Disease Clinics updates you on the latest trends in patient management, keeps you up to date on the newest advances, and provides a sound basis for choosing treatment option

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

Rheumatic diseases usually affect joints, tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles.