Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Rheumatology for July 2010. This roundup includes the latest research news from journal articles, as well as the FDA approvals and regulatory changes that are the most likely to affect clinical practice.
Exercise Adherence Helps Osteoarthritis Patients
FRIDAY, July 30 (HealthDay News) -- Greater adherence to home exercise and more physical activity in general appear to enhance the long-term effectiveness of exercise therapy in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip and/or knee, according to research published in the August issue of Arthritis Care & Research.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Calcium Supplements May Increase Heart Attack Risk
FRIDAY, July 30 (HealthDay News) -- Calcium supplementation is associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction, according to a meta-analysis published online July 29 in BMJ.
Abstract
Full Text
Editorial
Specialties See Modest Compensation Increases in '09
FRIDAY, July 30 (HealthDay News) -- Most medical specialties saw modest compensation increases in 2009, but many provider organizations are still operating at a substantial loss, according to the findings of the American Medical Group Association's (AMGA) 2010 Medical Group Compensation and Financial Survey.
More Information
Drinking Alcohol May Thwart Rheumatoid Arthritis
WEDNESDAY, July 28 (HealthDay News) -- Drinking alcohol appears to be protective against the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to be associated with less severe symptoms in those who have the condition, according to research published online July 28 in Rheumatology.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Back Pain Diagnostic Blocks Delay Pain Relief, Add Cost
MONDAY, July 26 (HealthDay News) -- Performing one or more temporary diagnostic nerve blocks to establish arthritis as the cause of back pain before treatment with radiofrequency denervation results in unnecessary tests, delayed pain relief, and added cost, according to a study in the August issue of Anesthesiology.
Full Text
BMI at Age 18 Found to Predict Psoriatic Arthritis Risk
MONDAY, July 19 (HealthDay News) -- Psoriasis patients with a higher body mass index (BMI) at age 18 have an increased risk of developing psoriatic arthritis (PsA) than those with a lower BMI at that age, according to research published in the July issue of the Archives of Dermatology.
Abstract
Full Text
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
FDA: Antirheumatic Drug Gets New Boxed Warning
WEDNESDAY, July 14 (HealthDay News) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has added information on risk of severe liver injury to the boxed warning of leflunomide (Arava), a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug.
More Information
Risk of GI Bleeding Varies by NSAID Type, Dosage
WEDNESDAY, June 2 (HealthDay News) -- The risk of gastrointestinal (GI) complications due to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use varies by the specific drug used and by dosage, and those with a slow-release formulation or long half-life are associated with a greater risk, according to research published in the June issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Many Doctors in Specialties Other Than Their Early Choices
WEDNESDAY, July 7 (HealthDay News) -- Ten years after graduation, approximately one-fourth of doctors work in a specialty other than the one they chose in their third year post-graduation, according to research published online July 6 in BMJ.
Abstract
Full Text
Editorial
Vaccinations Not Associated With Rheumatoid Arthritis Risk
WEDNESDAY, July 7 (HealthDay News) -- There does not appear to be any association between routine vaccinations in adults and an increased risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA), according to a study published online July 5 in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Bone Area Predicts Defect Development, Cartilage Loss
FRIDAY, July 2 (HealthDay News) -- Subchondral bone mineral density (sBMD) predicts cartilage defect development but not cartilage loss, while bone area predicts both cartilage loss and defect development, according to a study in the July issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Report Addresses Physician Financial Conflicts in Care
THURSDAY, July 1 (HealthDay News) -- In a new report, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) urges U.S. teaching hospitals to establish policies that ensure financial relationships between physicians and industry do not result in conflicts of interest that influence patient care.
Press Release
Lupus Associated With Oxidative, Nitrosative Stress
THURSDAY, July 1 (HealthDay News) -- People with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have higher levels of oxidative and nitrosative stress markers, and the levels of markers appear to increase with the degree of disease activity, according to research published in the July issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
