StemCell Therapy

If you suffer with arthritis, finding a supplement right for you isn't always the easiest task. There's a lot of pills and potions that claim to relieve you of your symptoms, but which ones really work?

Arthritis and other joint conditions affect around 10 million of us in the UK and contrary to popular beliefs, can affect people of all ages.

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the two most common types and both include symptoms that will cause inflammation, occasional swelling and stiffness of the joints - which over time will become painful and reduce mobility.

Whether you're in the early spectrum of your arthritis or you're just looking for something to manage the pain, there are supplements out there to help and assist with symptoms in the long run.

Before taking any supplement it's always advised to consult with a medical professional first. We've listed top picks worth considering in our roundup below.

Solgar Boswellia Resin Extract capsules are great for many reasons, one being they're nice and inclusive - suitable for vegetarians, vegans and kosher approved.

Boswellia is also known as Indian frankincense, the active components in the extract are widely known for naturally having anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, it's also been used to treat a number of inflammatory conditions across the globe for centuries.

Some studies have also shown that it may be able to slow the autoimmune process, thus helping to further prevent cartilage loss, which should allow for more freedom in movement that can be comfortably enjoyed.

Price: 15.99, Amazon - buy here now

These supplements are specially formulated for women and are packed full of anti-inflammatory ingredients that will make you feel better from the inside out - at 7 a pop it's not a bad asking price either.

The four main active ingredients in the formula are cayenne, capsicum extract, tumeric and bioperine. Cayenne, capsicum extract, tumeric are all known for their anti-inflammatory and pain reducing properties, whilst the bioperine helps the nutrients to be properly absorbed.

Not only are results seen in the short term, long term pain is reportedly decreased with consistent use too. The tablets are suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

Price: 7, Amazon - buy here now

Cats Claw Cats claw contains a host of active ingredients that can benefit the immune system and overall health.

It's been widely credited by a number of sources to help with joint pain in the long run compared to some of the heavier placebos used to treat inflammatory conditions.

Price: 9.99, Holland and Barrett - buy here now

S-adenosylmethionine, or the lesser mouthful of SAM-e is a natural pain reliever with anti-inflammatory properties, making it a top contender for treating joint related pains.

As well as producing cartilage growth, it's also suggested to affect transmitters that ultimately reduce pain perception, which could be a great benefit for alleviating discomfort long term when it comes to activity.

Price: 18.13, iHerb - buy here now

If you're not ready to give up activity just yet, it's good practice to replenish what you're losing.

Our bodies naturally create glucosamine and chondroitin, they're what form all of the cartilage components, cartilage absorption in the early stage of arthritis is what you'll want to repair and rejuvenate in order to comfortably move around.

If you're running, doing intense training or any activities that might need a little bit of absorption on impact.

Price: 16.55, My Protein - buy here now

The active ingredient in tumeric is curcumin, curcumin has been popular for centuries and is known for its range of health benefits.

Curcumin however, isn't easily absorbed in the body - this fast acting formula from Opti, combines Curcumin with vitamin C in a highly absorbable formula that's hard working, seven times more so than powdered tumeric.

It's a great combination for supporting cartilage formulation and overall joint health.

Price: From: 10.95, Health Span - buy here now

Another hard working duo, these High Strength Glucosamine & Chondroitin Complex capsules help with the overall production of the cartilage and joint tissue, promoting overall joint and immune health.

These tablets also contain MSM, which is a a natural form of organic sulphur that further aids the bodys production of natural glycosaminoglycans.

Price: 12.99, Holland and Barrett - buy here now

If you're looking for the dream trio of anti-inflammatory properties - this supplement from FSC is it.

Ginger is thought to have similar effects to taking an ibruprofen and is used as a home remedy to treat a number of painful ailments.

Packed full of antioxidants and quick-absorbing nutrients that help to promote healing, relieving pain and reducing inflammation in the joints.

The supplement is suitable for vegans.

Price: 9.99, Amazon - buy here now

Fish oil is regularly used as a supplement to treat joint stiffness and inflammation.

Containing 360mg of active EPA/DHA with 25g of vitamin D3, the EPA and DHA are high in Omega-3 - good, fatty acids.

These compounds are converted by our bodies, into powerful chemicals called resolvins which are natural anti-inflammatories, that we just need a bit of help to produce.

Price: 19.99, Holland and Barrett - buy here now

To give yourself and your immune system a fighting chance against sickness, check out the best probiotic supplements to try in 2020.

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Best supplements for arthritis to try in 2020 - Mirror Online - Mirror Online

Inflammation, although a life-saving immune response, can also range from unpleasant to downright life-threatening. When a body is injured or infected, the white blood cells rush to the affected area to release signaling proteins for protection, while also pushing out potential pathogen, and then start the healing process.

However, blood flow and spark fluid secretions are increased by these proteins, which cause redness, swelling, and pain, which is inflammation. Inflammation is commonly caused by the false identification of harmless substances, even our tissues, by the immune system, which in turn produces painful and often chronic conditions like arthritis, ulcerative colitis, skin conditions, asthma, and general soreness and joint paint.

Mass-market drugs by the dozen are used for the treatment of inflammation, including over-the-counter aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, that although reliable and effective, carry side effects. Furthermore, herbal and natural remedies have also gained popularity in recent years.

However, even the most popular inflammation treatments have their side effects such as ulcers, liver damage, and kidney damage that can be caused by taking high doses of Advil with the active ingredient ibuprofen, over long periods.

Furthermore, fluid retention, high blood pressure, mood, and memory swings, and hormonal imbalance, can be caused by steroids even in the short-term.

Meanwhile, all kinds of inflammation are shown to be alleviated by medical cannabis, which also works in ways that are different from conventional drugs. Cannabis compounds have been shown to suppress cytokines and chemokines the inflammation-causing proteins, unlike the hormone-mimicking steroids and ibuprofen, which works by blocking prostaglandins (released in the brain in response to injury).

National Institutes of Health funded a comprehensive scientific peer review that was published in the journal, Future Science, in 2009, that explained that compounds in cannabis can identify when and where the immune system is over-reacting, and can hence help down-regulate those responses at the site instead of throughout the body.The effectiveness of cannabis in particular for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), is singled out in the review. This disease, not limited to, can include ulcerative colitis and Chrohns disease.

Regulation of the tissue response to excessive inflammation in the colon has been shown by cannabinoids. The results suggesting the modulation of the physiological activity of the cannabinoid system during colonic inflammation could potentially be a therapeutic tool for the treatment of several diseases.

130 clinical studies that mostly involved lab mice, and similar academic reviews and papers are cited by the review. The review concludes that receptors in the endocannabinoid system, are found on the immune system, which is why cannabinoids can play an important role in the regulation of the immune system.

Despite the promising research, clinical trials involving humans have not been performed. Dr. Sue Sisley, the pioneering medical researcher with a groundbreaking study of cannabis for PTSD, has also shown agreement to the general findings of the 2009 review. Sisleys research, placebo-controlled, blind clinical study that involved more than 70 former US soldiers for their response to cannabis therapy, will help understand the effect of cannabinoids on inflammation in the human body.

According to Sisley, although they have not quantified the degree of anti-inflammation, drawing blood for markers for inflammation, and measuring it pre-treatment and post-treatment, can help see if cannabis has an impact on the inflammatory process.

The results of Sisleys research will not be revealed until it is completed later this year or early next. However, a positive outcome could cause renewed interest in further exploration of the development of cannabis therapies for inflammation, including the different consumption methods, strains, and terpene profiles that will be best suited for certain types of inflammatory response.

However, Sisley has explained although it is believed that strains high in the terpenes Myrceneand Pinene may have the highest anti-inflammatory effects, there is no proper evidence to support this.

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Does Cannabis Help Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis? - Cannabis Health Insider

A recent market study on the global Canine Arthritis Treatment market reveals that the global Canine Arthritis Treatment market is expected to reach a value of ~US$ XX by the end of 2029 growing at a CAGR of ~XX% during the forecast period (2019-2029). The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global Canine Arthritis Treatment market is discussed in the presented study.

The Canine Arthritis Treatment market study encloses a thorough analysis of the overall competitive landscape and the company profiles of leading market players involved in the global Canine Arthritis Treatment market. Further, the presented study offers accurate insights pertaining to the different segments of the global Canine Arthritis Treatment market such as the market share, value, revenue, and more.

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The following doubts are addressed in the market report:

Key Highlights of the Canine Arthritis Treatment Market Report

The presented report segregates the Canine Arthritis Treatment market into different segments to ensure the readers gain a complete understanding of the different aspects of the Canine Arthritis Treatment market.

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Segmentation of the Canine Arthritis Treatment market

Competitive Outlook

This section of the report throws light on the recent mergers, collaborations, partnerships, and research and development activities within the Canine Arthritis Treatment market on a global scale. Further, a detailed assessment of the pricing, marketing, and product development strategies adopted by leading market players is included in the Canine Arthritis Treatment market report.

The second dominant market in canine arthritis treatment is Germany owing to the rise in prevalence of chronic diseases in animals, particularly dogs. It has been found that with growing age of pets, the prevalence of diseases such as allergies, lower appetite, reduced energy, arthritis, lameness, dysplasia and behavioural anxieties increases, especially in dogs and cats. This growth in terms of pet adoption in European countries and increasing number of pets suffering from arthritis is likely to boost the growth of canine arthritis treatment in Europe. This has been driving the demand for innovative therapies and drugs in Canine Arthritis Treatment, such as stem cell Canine Arthritis Treatment and arthritis drugs NSAIDs and opioids. Canine arthritis treatment/drugs in Germany have taken initiatives to incentivize innovation in the field of veterinary treatment in order to address the urgent need of better veterinary care and to combat rapid growing prevalence of animal diseases. Additionally, increasing expenditure on vet care in high economic European countries such as Germany, France and the U.K. also boosts the growth of the market for canine arthritis treatment. As per the American Pet Products Association, about US$ 6.1 Bn was spent on vet care in 2017 in Europe.

Increasing pet adoption in China and India is expected to drive the growth of the canine arthritis treatment market in Asia-Pacific. In Japan and the Middle East and Africa, the population of dogs is decreasing due to poor vet care facilities, which is expected to hamper the growth of canine arthritis treatment market to some extent.

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The impact of the coronavirus on the Canine Arthritis Treatment Market Report Provide the Development Strategies Adopted by Key Industry Players to...

Researchers at Georgia State University have found that auranofin, a drug approved for rheumatoid arthritis, may be an effective treatment against the coronavirus.

The team set out to study how drugs already approved by the Food & Drug Administration interact with the virus, known among scientists as SARS-CoV-2.

Drug repurposing is the fastest way to get a treatment for SARS-CoV-2, because its already been established that these medicines are safe to use in humans, says Mukesh Kumar, lead author of the study, in a press release on GSUs website. Kumar and his colleagues shared their work on bioRxiv for peer review.

Like all viruses, COVID-19 cannot self-reproduce. It needs host cells animal or human in order to make copies of itself.

Effective drugs need to interfere with this replication process, shutting down the virus ability to proliferate inside the host, says Hussin Rothan, a co-author of the study.

With auranofin, the coronavirus was cut down by 95% in human cells within 48 hours, and inflammation caused by the disease was significantly mitigated.

One of the primary causes of death in COVID-19 patients is a syndrome called a cytokine storm, wherein the bodys healing response to illness goes haywire, causing immune cells to attack healthy tissue, leading to organ failure. Cells treated with auranofin, however, saw a significant drop in cytokines, the proteins that signal immune cells to attack.

This shows that the drug not only could inhibit replication of SARS-CoV-2, mitigating the infection, but also reduce the associated lung damage that often leads to severe respiratory distress and even death, says Kumar.

Auranofin, including the brand-name drug Ridaura, was approved by the FDA in 1985. The drug is unique for being partially composed of gold particles, which have been used for centuries for their anti-inflammatory properties. Treatments involving gold compounds have also been considered for use against HIV, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and parasitic and bacterial infections.

The team at Georgia State University says they plan to continue their study on how auranofin impacts the coronavirus in animal models.

Read more:
Researchers find rheumatoid arthritis drug is promising coronavirus treatment - New York Post

According to theArthritis Foundation, people with autoimmune or inflammatory arthritis with high disease activity generally have a higher risk of infections due to reduced immune function.

Regarding children with arthritis, the Arthritis Foundation suggests that factors such as arthritis type, disease activity, the involvement of organs, and the level to which their immune system is suppressed may all play a role in the risk of coronavirus infection.

Someresearchsuggests that people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have an increased risk of infection because their immune system is impaired. This is typical in autoimmune conditions such as RA.

Furthermore, these people may take medications such as corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs that also affect immune function. This may increase their risk of contracting the virus.

The presence of other underlying conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, can further increase risk.

There is not yet enough evidence to confirm this, but it seems that people with autoimmune or inflammatory arthritis may be at higher risk of infection or severe COVID-19 symptoms.

TheCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)report that conditions or medications that weaken the immune system increase the risk of severe illness with COVID-19.

Expertssuggest that the main concerns for those with autoimmune conditions who develop COVID-19 include secondary bacterial infections and other complications that may result from the initial viral infection.

In general, those who take immunosuppressive medications, such as biologics or corticosteroids, are at higher risk of a severe viral infection. People who take immunosuppressive medications and who develop flu-like symptoms should call their doctor immediately.

Healthcare professionals typically do not recommend immunosuppressive treatments in those with active infections, but the risk of disease flares is also worth consideration. A person can determine whether to discontinue, taper, or maintain their medication by consulting their doctor.

Those who take immunosuppressive drugs and who do not have symptoms of COVID-19 should discuss their options with their doctor. In some cases, the risk of arthritis flares may outweigh the potential benefits of stopping treatment.

In either case, it is important that people do not adjust their dosage or stop taking their medication without first seeking medical advice.

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What To Know About COVID-19 And Arthritis - South Florida Reporter

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The "Veterinary Orthopedic Implants Market Global Report 2020-30" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global veterinary orthopedic implants market was worth $98.11 million in 2019. It is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.64% and reach $131.71 million by 2023. North America is expected to be the largest for the period 2019-2025.

The increase in the incidence of obesity and arthritis increases the demand for veterinary orthopedic implants market. As reported by Banfield Pet hospital in U.S, in 2017, 31 per 100 cases suffered from obesity and 450 per 10,000 suffered from arthritis in dogs. Further, 34 per 100 cases suffered from obesity and 90 per 10,000 suffered from arthritis in cats. Thus, the increase in health conditions affecting the bones of pets such as obesity and arthritis positively affect the growth of the veterinary orthopedic market.

The high cost of orthopaedic surgery inhibits the growth of veterinary orthopaedic implants market. The surgery cost includes the equipment, X-ray, and consumables among others, which many of the households cannot afford. For instance, in the USA, a typical examination of the problem costs around $400 and the cost of orthopaedic surgery ranges from $1,500 to $4,000. Thus, the high cost of orthopaedic surgery restricts the growth of the veterinary orthopaedic market.

The companies in veterinary orthopaedic implants market are investing in 3D printing technique for creating veterinary orthopaedic implants. 3D printing in veterinary orthopaedics market is being used for creating printed bone models, surgical guides and titanium implants. The use of 3D printing reduces the surgical time, cost and removes the engineering complexities in orthopaedic procedures. Following the trend, many dogs with bone deformities have been treated by Langford Veterinary Services, a UK based provider of veterinary services, through its collaboration with CBM.

The collaboration enabled CBM to create 3D printed models of animal implants using titanium Ti6AI4V EL material. The MRI or CT scans are sent from Langford Veterinary Services in Bristol to CBM who then produces 3D printed models using Arcam EBM Q10plus machine. CBM is a U.K based company focused on advanced research, product development, and batch manufacturing facility. Thus, the use of 3D printing is one of the latest trends in veterinary orthopaedic implants market and will contribute to the growth of the market.

In 2019, Infiniti Medical, a USA based designer and distributor of medical devices for the veterinary market, acquired Orthomed Ltd. for an amount undisclosed. Through the acquisition, Infiniti Medical aims to expand its product portfolio by adding products and services from Orthomed. Orthomed Ltd is a UK based provider of orthopedic products and systems in veterinary industry.

Major players in the market are KYON Pharma, Inc., Veterinary Orthopedic Implants Inc., BioMedtrix, LLC, IMEX Veterinary Inc., Orthomed (UK) Ltd, Securos Surgical, B.Braun Vet Care, Bluesao and DePuy Synthes Vet.

Key Topics Covered

1. Executive Summary

2. Veterinary Orthopedic Implant Market Characteristics

3. Veterinary Orthopedic Implant Market Size And Growth

3.1. Global Veterinary Orthopedic Implant Historic Market, 2015-2019, $ Billion

3.1.1. Drivers Of The Market

3.1.2. Restraints On The Market

3.2. Global Veterinary Orthopedic Implant Forecast Market, 2019-2023F, 2025F, 2030F, $ Billion

3.2.1. Drivers Of The Market

3.2.2. Restraints On the Market

4. Veterinary Orthopedic Implant Market Segmentation

4.1. Global Veterinary Orthopedic Implant Market, Segmentation By Product Type, Historic and Forecast, 2015-2019, 2023F, 2025F, 2030F, $ Billion

4.2. Global Veterinary Orthopedic Implant Market, Segmentation By Animal, Historic and Forecast, 2015-2019, 2023F, 2025F, 2030F, $ Billion

4.3. Global Veterinary Orthopedic Implant Market, Segmentation By End-User, Historic and Forecast, 2015-2019, 2023F, 2025F, 2030F, $ Billion

5. Veterinary Orthopedic Implant Market Regional and Country Analysis

Companies Mentioned

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/35hfp1

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Veterinary Orthopedic Implants Market Forecast, 2020-2030 - Increase in Incidence of Obesity and Arthritis is Spurring Demand - ResearchAndMarkets.com...

The report on the Systemic Idiopathic Juvenile Arthritis Treatment market provides a birds eye view of the current proceeding within the Systemic Idiopathic Juvenile Arthritis Treatment market. Further, the report also takes into account the impact of the novel COVID-19 pandemic on the Systemic Idiopathic Juvenile Arthritis Treatment market and offers a clear assessment of the projected market fluctuations during the forecast period. The different factors that are likely to impact the overall dynamics of the Systemic Idiopathic Juvenile Arthritis Treatment market over the forecast period (2019-2029) including the current trends, growth opportunities, restraining factors, and more are discussed in detail in the market study.

The Systemic Idiopathic Juvenile Arthritis Treatment market study is a well-researched report encompassing a detailed analysis of this industry with respect to certain parameters such as the product capacity as well as the overall market remuneration. The report enumerates details about production and consumption patterns in the business as well, in addition to the current scenario of the Systemic Idiopathic Juvenile Arthritis Treatment market and the trends that will prevail in this industry.

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What pointers are covered in the Systemic Idiopathic Juvenile Arthritis Treatment market research study?

The Systemic Idiopathic Juvenile Arthritis Treatment market report Elucidated with regards to the regional landscape of the industry:

The geographical reach of the Systemic Idiopathic Juvenile Arthritis Treatment market has been meticulously segmented into United States, China, Europe, Japan, Southeast Asia & India, according to the report.

The research enumerates the consumption market share of every region in minute detail, in conjunction with the production market share and revenue.

Also, the report is inclusive of the growth rate that each region is projected to register over the estimated period.

The Systemic Idiopathic Juvenile Arthritis Treatment market report Elucidated with regards to the competitive landscape of the industry:

The competitive expanse of this business has been flawlessly categorized into companies such as

The following manufacturers are covered:Alteogen Inc.Bristol-Myers Squibb CompanyEpirus Biopharmaceuticals, Inc.Johnson & JohnsonMomenta Pharmaceuticals, Inc.Mycenax Biotech Inc.Novartis AGOncobiologics, Inc.

Segment by RegionsNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndia

Segment by TypeAdalimumab BiosimilarCanakinumabGolimumabTocilizumab BiosimilarOthers

Segment by ApplicationClinicHospitalOthers

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Exclusive details pertaining to the contribution that every firm has made to the industry have been outlined in the study. Not to mention, a brief gist of the company description has been provided as well.

Substantial information subject to the production patterns of each firm and the area that is catered to, has been elucidated.

The valuation that each company holds, in tandem with the description as well as substantial specifications of the manufactured products have been enumerated in the study as well.

The Systemic Idiopathic Juvenile Arthritis Treatment market research study conscientiously mentions a separate section that enumerates details with regards to major parameters like the price fads of key raw material and industrial chain analysis, not to mention, details about the suppliers of the raw material. That said, it is pivotal to mention that the Systemic Idiopathic Juvenile Arthritis Treatment market report also expounds an analysis of the industry distribution chain, further advancing on aspects such as important distributors and the customer pool.

The Systemic Idiopathic Juvenile Arthritis Treatment market report enumerates information about the industry in terms of market share, market size, revenue forecasts, and regional outlook. The report further illustrates competitive insights of key players in the business vertical followed by an overview of their diverse portfolios and growth strategies.

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Some of the Major Highlights of TOC covers:

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COVID-19: Potential impact on Systemic Idiopathic Juvenile Arthritis Treatment Market to Witness Widespread Expansion During 2019-2060 - Jewish Life...

Compared with patients without access restrictions to biologic or targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) only, patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) whose insurance plans restrict access to these DMARDs have lower odds of treatment effectiveness, according to study results published in PharmacoEconomics Open.

According to the researchers, novel DMARDs can slow disease progression in RA and PsA; however, many health insurance plans require prior authorization or step therapy for access to these treatments. The objective of this study was to compare treatment effectiveness in patients with RA or PsA with and without plan-level access restrictions to biologic or targeted synthetic DMARDs, and also to compare medication adherence between each group.

Researchers used the IBM MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters Database to analyze data from patients aged 18 to 64 years with RA or PsA with 1 claims for subcutaneous biologic DMARDs between January 2014 and December 2015. Patients included in the study were stratified into 1 of 2 cohorts: RA with or without PsA, and PsA only. The primary outcome was treatment effectiveness during the 12 months after the first DMARD claim; the secondary outcome was adherence to the index medication. Multivariate analysis was used to examine differences in the primary outcome of treatment effectiveness between patients with and without DMARD access restrictions.

Researchers revealed that among patients with RA (n=3993) and PsA (n=1713), 34.2% and 35.1%, respectively, had plan-level access restrictions. Among patients with access restrictions, 70.5% and 78.9% of patients with RA and PsA, respectively, had plans that required step therapy. The odds of treatment effectiveness during the 12-month follow-up were 19% lower among patients with RA (odds ratio [OR], 0.81; 95% CI, 0.67-0.98; P =.033) and 27% lower among patients with PsA whose plans included step therapy (OR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.5-0.98; P =.037) compared with patients whose plans did not include step therapy. The odds of medication adherence among patients enrolled in plans with vs without step therapy were 19% lower among patients with RA (OR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.68-0.96; P =.014) and 29% lower among patients with PsA (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.54-0.94; P =.017).

Study limitations included possible miscoding or undercoding of the datasets used, lack of control for several baseline characteristics and medication use behaviors in patients, and the inability to generalize data for patients who were uninsured or had other types of insurance plans.

Researchers concluded, Compared with patients in plans without access restrictions or with PsA only, patients [with] RA and PsA in insurance plans with step therapy had lower odds of treatment effectiveness, mainly [because of] lower odds of adhering to treatment, during the 12 months [after] subcutaneous [biologic] DMARD initiation.

Disclosure: This clinical trial was supported by Elli Lilly and Company. Please see the original reference for a full list of authors disclosures.

Reference

Boytsov N, Zhang X, Evans KA, Johnson BH. Impact of plan-level access restrictions on effectiveness of biologics among patients with rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis. Pharmacoecon Open. 2020;4(1):105-117.

This article originally appeared on Rheumatology Advisor

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Lower Treatment Effectiveness in Patients With RA and PsA With Insurance Restrictions for DMARDs - Medical Bag

An Eli Lilly drug for rheumatoid arthritis carries a warning on its label saying patients with infections should not take it because it can make infections worse. Yet the National Institutes of Health is about to test it in people hospitalized with coronavirus infections.

The study, whose innovative design is meant to find out fast what works, began at the end of February with the antiviral drug remdesivir made by Gilead Sciences. Four hundred patients have been treated either with remdesivir or a placebo. The results are now being analyzed and will be known within a few weeks.

Then the study will move on to baricitinib, made by Eli Lilly and Company, the company said.

Jennifer Routh, a spokeswoman at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, confirmed that the drug would now be tested in the federal trial but said the institute could offer no further comment.

Dan Skovronsky, chief scientific officer at Lilly, explained how and why baricitinib was chosen.

In February, when the new coronavirus was emerging as a pandemic threat, a company in the United Kingdom called Benevolent AI began using its artificial intelligence system to look for approved drugs that could possibly help people with coronavirus infections. It pointed toward baricitinib precisely because it suppresses the immune system. That, the company suggested, might allow it to quell a cytokine storm, a disastrous immune system response that kills patients.

As a coronavirus infection progresses, the amount of the virus infecting cells does not appear to be extremely high. But the immune system in some people goes into overdrive, sending out vast amounts of small proteins cytokines that trigger inflammation. Cytokine storms can kill patients with other diseases, including flu. This immune overreaction, some scientists think, could explain why some people infected with coronavirus have only mild symptoms while others have severe or fatal illnesses.

Benevolent AI also noted another potential advantage of baricitinib, said Dr. Vincent Marconi of Emory University, a key investigator in the federal trial. The drug might have anti-viral activity. That, plus the chance of subduing cytokine storms, Dr. Marconi said, made a compelling case for baricitinib to be explored further in a clinical trial.

At Lilly, executives were a bit skeptical.

Our initial reaction was, Does it make sense to immunosuppress when patients are trying to fight off an infection? Dr. Skovronsky said. The warning label on the drug, he added, tempered our enthusiasm.

As Covid-19 spread, some doctors started giving patients the drug anyway. It is a pill and there is a huge supply, making it easy for doctors to prescribe it off-label.

Dr. Skovronsky and his colleagues at Lilly were concerned.

We are extremely cautious, said Patrik Jonsson, Lillys president of biomedicines. We cannot encourage use.

But such warnings were not enough.

In desperate times, doctors are trying everything, Dr. Skovronsky said. Various drugs are just being tried on patients in clinical trials without a control. It is really hard to interpret those kinds of data.

The company realized it had to accept the offer to contribute its drug for the federal trial.

Dr. Andre Kalil, a principal investigator in the federal trial, urged doctors and patients to refrain from using baricitinib until the results of the federal trial are known, which should be in a matter of months.

This is a drug that has never been used before in this situation, he said. That is why it needs to be tested in a randomized clinical trial. We dont know if it will help or harm. We have so much uncertainty.

The final design of the next phase of the federal trial is still being worked out, but the expectation is that it will include 600 to 800 patients, Dr. Marconi said. If the first phase of the study finds that remdesivir seems to help patients, half of the patients in the second phase will take remdesivir plus a placebo pill, and half will get remdesivir plus baricitinib.

If remdesivir is no better than or even worse than placebo a very real possibility given the progress so far of a company-sponsored study in China one group of patients will get a placebo pill and the other group will get baricitinib.

We are looking for a strong effect, Dr. Skovronsky said. If it works, it will be big. If it doesnt, we will move on.

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Despite Qualms, Arthritis Drug Is to Be Tested in Coronavirus Study - The New York Times

Posted: Apr 15, 2020 / 04:42 PM CDT / Updated: Apr 15, 2020 / 04:42 PM CDT

The Arthritis Foundation helps people living with arthritis live their best life by creating a powerful network of support through shared experiences, empowering information and meaningful connections. Thats important now more than ever. Darci Hustrulid is the executive director of the Arthritis Foundation of South Dakota. We are also joined by Gerard Faini with Faini Designs Jewelry Studio via zoom. They are here to tell us how the Arthritis Foundation is working to push for change and create community connections that welcome, inform and uplift everyone involved with this very worthwhile cause.

If youd like to find out more about the Arthritis Foundations resources for patient support or if you wish to support the Arthritis Foundation with a donation, You can reach them by phone at 605-223-5170. You can also register and find out more about this years Art for Arthritis Gala Online at arthritis.org/southdakota.

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Tradition of Caring recipient: Arthritis Foundation - KELOLAND.com

ATLANTA Georgia State University researchers report potential progress in identifying a medicine that can help people who are infected with COVID-19, by reducing symptoms, or even getting rid of the virus altogether.

The research team, led by Dr. Mukesh Kumar, said the drug - in lab tests- attacks and kills coronavirus that has infected human cells.

So when we treat the cells with this drug, Dr. Kumar said Wednesday, the virus completely goes away. And all the inflammation that we see with the untreated cell also goes away. So thats very significant.

Kumar and his teamjust shared their findings online, prior to routine peer review and publication in a medical journal, so researchers world wide can see the preliminary research right away.

What Kumars team reports is that a drug called Auranofin, which is already approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat rheumatoid arthritis, can also, in lab tests, kill coronavirus that has infected a human cell.

Georgia State University

RELATED: Four students at GSU work tirelessly to create COVID-19 test kits

If you do not treat that [infected] cell,Kumar said, eventually there will be so much virus duplication that it will kill that cell. So eventually, after a few hours, you will not have any cells. The virus will just kill everything. But when you treat it with this drug, you see that all the cells are still there, they are healthy."

"Theres no virus after a few hours," he said. "Theres no other stress to that cell, the cell looks very healthy. So it protects you, both from the virus, as well as the lung injury.

The Georgia State University team is among dozens of research teams across the country conducting experiments with many, existing FDA-approved drugs, to see if any of them can be repurposed and quickly approved- to treat COVID-19 patients, as well.

RELATED: 'This will give us the answer' | Emory expert explains importance of new coronavirus antibody test

And the good thing about that is because theres previous data with existing medication, youre not reinventing the wheel, it shouldnt take as long" to get FDA approval for use in treating COVID-19 patients, said 11Alive Medical Correspondent Dr. Sujatha Reddy. "Some of the drugs that are really showing promise are the ones like at Georgia State, and Im quite hopeful that one of these is really going to help us conquer this virus.

The goal is to get a medicine on the market some time this year, to treat COVID-19 patients, while researchers continue trying to develop a vaccine that would prevent infection in the first place.

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GSU researchers: Lab tests with rheumatoid arthritis drug reduce or eliminate COVID-19 from human cells - 11Alive.com WXIA

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An Eli Lilly drug designed to treat arthritis is the latest anti-inflammatory being tested as a potential treatment for seriously ill Covid-19 patients.

On Friday, Eli Lilly (ticker: LLY) said its drug baricitinib, which the Food and Drug Administration has approved as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, would be included in a large study run by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases to test various potential therapies to treat Covid-19.

Called the Adaptive Covid-19 Treatment Trial, the randomized, controlled study will give patients potential treatments that include Lillys baricitinib and Gileads (GILD) remdesivir, while others will receive a placebo.

In an interview on Monday, the president of Lilly Bio-Medicines, Patrik Jonsson, said the decision to test baricitinib in Covid-19 patients came after the artificial-intelligence firm BenevolentAI published an article in the medical journal The Lancet arguing that the drug might be able to keep the virus from infecting lung cells.

The first priority is to see if baricitinib is effective in treating those patients, Jonsson said. The data needs to be compelling, but if thats the case, were also in the position to rapidly work with regulatory bodies across the globe.

The NIAID trial will test baricitinib in hospitalized patients with Covid-19. Jonsson said the first patient would be receive treatment at the end April, with data expected two months later. He said that hundreds of patients would receive baricitinib during the trial.

Other arthritis drugs are also being tested in Covid-19 patients, including at least two so-called IL-6 inhibitors, Sanofi (SNY) and Regenerons (REGN) Kevzara, and Roches (RHBBY) Actemra. Baricitinib is a JAK inhibitor, rather than an IL-6 inhibitor, but part of the theory for why it might help Covid-19 patients is the same as for the IL-6 inhibitors. The idea is that the drug could beat back the inflammation in the lungs that can cause serious complications in some Covid-19 patients.

Jonsson also said that there is a secondary hypothesis that baricitinib could have an antiviral effect. He said there is a hypothesis, laid out in BenevolentAIs Lancet article, that the drug could disrupt a particular receptor used by the virus that causes Covid-19 to infect lung cells.

Independent investigators have already run some small trials involving baricitinib. Jonsson said the company has been in touch with those scientists, though it hasnt been involved in the trials. What we have heard so far is the experience is a positive experience, he said, but the trials have involved small numbers of patients.

The NIAID trial will be key to finding answers about baricitinib in Covid-19, along with other drugs.

I am very proud of the partnership with NIAID, and I am very proud of the speed at which weve been able to act, Jonsson said.

Lilly also announced Friday it will begin a smaller Covid-19 trial late this month of a monoclonal antibody initially developed to treat cancer patients. The drug, called LY3127804, will be tested in patients hospitalized with Covid-19 who are at higher risk of developing acute respiratory distress syndrome. The trial will test whether the drug can diminish the need for ventilators, or keep those patients progressing to ARDS.

Shares of Lilly were down 0.9% early afternoon as the S&P 500 fell 1.5%.

Write to Josh Nathan-Kazis at josh.nathan-kazis@barrons.com

Here is the original post:
Eli Lilly Arthritis Drug Will Be Tested in Seriously Ill Covid-19 Patients - Barron's

In patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), higher body mass index (BMI) is associated with lower foot health, indicating that future RA research should consider BMI as a possible therapeutic target for improving foot health in this population, according to findings published in the Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology.

High BMI is prevalent in patients with RA, with a possible effect on foot joints. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine possible associations at a single point in time of BMI and foot pain, deformity, functional limitations, and synovitis in patients from the Amsterdam Foot cohort with RA (n=230; mean age, 5813 years; 80% women). In the regression analyses, the independent variable was BMI and the dependent variables were foot pain, forefoot plantar pressure, foot synovitis, foot-related activity limitations, and foot deformity.

The findings showed that higher BMI was associated with small to modest reductions in many of the studied measures of foot health. The most notable association was that of higher BMI and increased foot pain. With a B value (unstandardized regression coefficient) of 0.12, every 1-point increase in BMI produced a 0.12-increase in pain as measured using a 0-10 numeric rating scale (P =.001).

Higher BMI was also associated with foot-related activity limitations, as measured by the disability subscale of the Foot Function Index, the disability subscale of the Leeds Foot Impact Scale, and the physical functioning subscale of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, but not the 10-Metre Walk Test time. Although BMI was not associated with barefoot-measured plantar forefoot pressure, higher BMI was associated with higher in-shoe measured forefoot pressure.

With respect to gait characteristics, increased BMI was associated with greater contact area and longer heel contact time, but no relationship was found with BMI and total contact time. Finally, although a higher BMI was associated with foot synovitis (P =.009) and midtarsal pain, it was not associated with foot deformity. When BMI was assessed as an ordinal (categoric) variable, the results were similar, except for foot structure. Patients with BMIs in the obese range had significantly lower rates of deformity than those with BMIs in the normal range.

Study investigators concluded that these findings, particularly the associations between higher BMI and increased foot pain and activity limitations, suggest the need for mechanistic and longitudinal studies, including the effects of interventions.

Reference

Dahmen R, Konings-Pijnappels A, Kerkhof S, et al. Higher body mass index is associated with lower foot health in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: baseline results of the Amsterdam-Foot cohort [published online March 10, 2020]. Scand J Rheumatol. doi:10.1080/03009742.2019.1663920

Originally posted here:
Higher BMI Associated With Reduced Foot Health in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis - Rheumatology Advisor

Arthritis is a common problem in older generations as the cartilage protecting our joints begins to wear down.

The problem can also arise in younger adults who spend a lot of time in the gym or on the pitch.

No matter who you are, joint pain can cause a major reduction in your quality of life and make it hard to get out of bed let alone moving around at work or at home.

Whats worse, arthritis can prevent us from doing the things we love. It can hinder our golf game, keep us out of the gym, or stop us from going out for a walk in the park.

This is why a lot of people are reaching for a bottle of CBD cream to help dull the pain in their joints.

In this article, well introduce you to some of the top-rated CBD creams for arthritis symptoms currently available.

Theres nothing like a gentle warming action to soothe painful joints. The heating action brought on by ingredients like cayenne pepper, ginger root, and turmeric activate special receptors known as the vanilloid receptors which have a powerful inhibitory effect on pain pathways essentially blocking the transmission of pain at the source.

This pain creamalso contains herbal extracts of arnica which is a well-known vulnerary (speeds healing) used for cuts, scrapes, and broken bones. This particular herb is perfect for promoting the healing of damaged joint tissues as well.

The rest of the formula contains a myriad of anti-inflammatory agents such as eucalyptus, sweet marjoram, roman chamomile, and of course, CBD.

This is one of the more impressive formulas weve seen yet consisting of over a dozen ingredients all working together to fight pain, inflammation, and tenderness in the joint tissue.

As with allRoyal CBD products, this is a full-spectrum hemp product made from premium-quality American-grown hemp.

If you prefer a cooling action on sore joints Royal CBD also offers a roll-on icy menthol CBD gel as well though we find the cooling option is better for muscle strains than arthritic joints.

Visit Royal CBD and use code SF10 for 10% off your order.

Gold Beeis a Delaware-based brand that specializes in making small-batch, full-spectrum,organic CBD products.

The company has won several awards locally for its CBD roll-on pain gel complete with soothing cooling action and easy applicator.

Gold Bee has become so popular, local cannabis shops struggle to keep these products on store shelves. Its even been featured on a number of popular cannabis websites such asWeed News,We Be High, and the popular parenting websiteHMHB.org.

Gold Bee only recently entered the online space and has been making moves to strengthen the supply chain in order to keep up with the increasing demand.

This pain gel is popular because it offers an ideal cost to potency ratio which means you pay less for each milligram of CBD in the formula compared to other brands.

Gold Bee pain gel is also formulated with other herbal extracts such as arnica and menthol to further improve the pain-killing effects and add a gentle cooling sensation. Within seconds youll start to feel the effects of this pain rub produce a soothing sensation in the joints.

Maximum effects gradually fade in over the course of about 20 or 30 minutes.

SF Weekly readers can save 10% off Gold Bee products by using the code SF10 during checkout.

This CBD cream combines the cooling effects of menthol with CBD isolate.

Within seconds of applying this topical joint cream, youll begin to feel a strong cooling sensation on the joints. This is especially useful if youd describe your joint pain as hot as is common with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or autoimmune joint pain.

The CBD dose is lower than wed really like, but the cooling effect is very strong and can take the edge off just about any level of discomfort and swelling.

This CBD pain rub can also be used on other sources of skin and connective tissue pain such as sunburns, muscle strains, and sprains, or cuts and scratches (dont use on any open wounds). Its made with a broad-spectrum hemp extract which means it contains a range of cannabinoids and terpenes aside from THC.

Keeping the THC concentrations to the bare minimum (nearly undetectable) allows Hemp Bombs to sell this product all over the world. This was a wise decision from Hemp Bombs because including THC in a formula like this offers little to the therapeutic value of the rub (CBD and other ingredients are much more relevant) but significantly limits where the product can be sold. Hemp Bombs has plenty of soliduser-reviewsaround the webfrom happy customers as well.

This is a great CBD topical to keep around for use after an injury or for chronic hot arthritis or joint pain.

CBD is one of the most popular topical joint creams for muscle and joint pain around the world and for good reason.

CBD actively fights the underlying causes of pain (such as inflammation) while simultaneously muting the transmission of the pain signals sent to the brain.

Within just a few minutes after application, the active ingredients in a high-quality topical will already begin to absorb into the skin and enter the affected tissue.

Its crucial you choose a topical product from a reputable CBD manufacturer to avoid wasting your money. There are plenty of products being sold on the market that contain trace amounts of CBD yet are advertised as miracle pain-rubs. This couldnt be further from the truth.

In order to save yourself from wasting your money on impotent CBD rubs, we highly recommend you do a little bit of research on the brand youre interested in buying from before you make your order starting with some of the brands listed above.

Go to Royal CBD and use code SF10 for 10% off your order.

Best CBD Oil: Top 3 Brands of 2020Best CBD Gummies: Top 3 Brands of 2020Best CBD Capsules: Top 3 CBD Pills of 2020Best CBD Oil for Pain: Top 3 Brands for 2020Best CBD Oil for Anxiety & Depression: Top 3 Brands for 2020Best CBD Oil for Sleep: Top 3 Brands for 2020Best CBD Oil for Arthritis: Top 3 Brands of 2020Best CBD Oil for Dogs: Top 3 Brands for Sale in 2020Buy CBD Oil: Top 3 CBD Oils for Sale in 2020

Excerpt from:
Best CBD Cream for Pain: Top 3 Brands for Arthritis in 2020 - SF Weekly

Its just OA, right? That common creaky, achy condition we ourselves get in our knees, backs, and other joints over time. Sure, but its important to understand some of its complexities and why it can be so challenging to manage in horses.

Osteoarthritis is a slowly progressive disease process within the horses joint, which leads to damage of the articular cartilage (within) the joint, the bone beneath the cartilage, and local soft tissue structures, Jarvis says. There are many initiating factors that could lead to OA in later life, such as general wear and tear over the years, uneven weightloading through the joint due to poor conformation or hoof care, or a traumatic incident.

Unfortunately, theres currently no cure for arthritisveterinarians cant completely stop or reverse the conditions effects. So owners of arthritic horses and their veterinarians are left to simply manage the pain caused by the condition, and thats the biggest challenge, Malinowski says.

Every horse will perceive the pain level differently, she says. Some will exercise right through it, while others will not.

Finding and implementing appropriate treatments with a veterinarians help is key, and well cover that in a moment. But theres something else thats important to remember about OA.

We know that horses with arthritic joints do benefit from movement and regular exercise, Malinowski says. Therefore, horse owners should exercise these horses as long as the animal is able to do so without obvious discomfort.

Excerpt from:
Conditioning Arthritic Horses: Do's and Don'ts - TheHorse.com

The feasibility and efficacy of a joint dermatology-rheumatology clinic for the treatment of patients with psoriasis (PsO) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is supported by study data published in Dermatological Therapies.

Established at Attikon General University Hospital in Athens, Greece, the Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Clinic (PPAC) integrates expertise from dermatologists and rheumatologists for the treatment of patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. The dual clinic is held once a week by 6 specialists; the same hospital also holds regular psoriasis clinics twice weekly. On average, the PPAC receives 40 new patients per month. Patients typically belong to 2 categories: patients with psoriasis who are suspected to also have psoriatic arthritis, and patients with a rheumatology diagnosis in whom psoriatic arthritis is suspected. Demographic and clinical characteristics were extracted from patients who attended the clinic from 2017 to 2018. In addition, patient satisfaction with PPAC care was assessed using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).

The PPAC saw 185 patients with psoriasis who were diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis from December 2018 to January 2019. In these patients, mean age of psoriasis onset was 34 16 years and mean age of psoriatic arthritis onset was 47 12 years. The majority of patients had a diagnosis of severe plaque psorisis (78%). The most commonly diagnosed psoriatic arthritis was asymmetric oligoarticular arthritis (32%). More than half of patients were receiving biologic agents (57%) as treatment for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Comorbidity rates were high, with 40% and 37% reporting hypertension and dyslipidemia, respectively.

In addition, 9% and 11% were being monitored for diabetes and depression, respectively. Patients reported high levels of satisfaction with the PPAC facility compared with attending separate clinics on referrals. The mean satisfaction-VAS score was 8611.5. Patients typically endorsed that the PPAC was timely, efficient, and patient-centered. Most patients also agreed that collaboration and teamwork between dermatologists and rheumatologists was essential to their care. When surveyed, dermatologists in the PPAC also agreed that interprofessional collaboration improved patient care quality and clinical outcomes.

These data support the feasibility of dual dermatology-rheumatology clinics for the management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, study authors assert. Investigators noted that a strong word of mouth impact was observed from the PPAC, with many patients recommending the clinic to spouses or other family members. From a single clinical site and a relatively small cohort, results may not be generally applicable to other patient populations. Despite this, data support the concept of combined clinics delivering better integrated care forpatients [with PsO and PsA], the authors concluded.

Reference

Theodorakopoulou E, Dalamaga M, Katsimbri P, Boumpas DT, Papadavid E. How does the joint dermatology-rheumatology clinic benefit both patients and dermatologists? [published online February 24, 2020]. Dermatol Ther. doi: 10.1111/dth.13283

This article originally appeared on Dermatology Advisor

See original here:
Dermatology-Rheumatology Care Clinic Reports High Satisfaction From Patients With Psoriasis, Psoriatic Arthritis - Rheumatology Advisor

VANCOUVER, April 15, 2020 /CNW/ -Arthritis Research Canada/Arthrite-recherche Canada is collaborating with the COVID-19 Global Rheumatology Alliance onan international initiative collecting information on rheumatology patients with COVID-19from around the world. By gathering data specific to rheumatology patients, the Alliance will gain important insights on how COVID-19 impacts rheumatology patients, and more specifically, how autoimmune diseases and immunosuppressive medications influence the risk of infection and the outcomes of COVID-19.

Arthritis Research Canada is pleased to announce that our Associate Scientific Director, Dr. Diane Lacaille, is the Regional Canadian Leadon the COVID-19 Global Rheumatology Alliance. "By collecting world-wide data and analysing it in real time, this important research will inform treatment recommendations specific to rheumatology patients," Dr. Lacaille said. "Simply put, we will be able to answer our patients' questions on what to do with their immunosuppressive medications, based on real data about their medications' safety and efficacy. Currently we assume it is better for people to stay on their immunosuppressants because the severe manifestations of COVID-19 are due to the immune system's reaction to the virus, but it would be very useful to have real data confirming this."

More information on this initiative may be found at: http://rheum-covid.org/.

A separate initiative by the COVID-19 Global Rheumatology Alliance, is collecting information from adults (and parents of children) with rheumatic diseases to gain a better understanding of how the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting people living with rheumatic diseases. If you would like to participate, please visit https://rheum-covid.org/patient-survey/.

Thereare currently over 6 million Canadians, young and old, who struggle with one or more of the 100 types of arthritis. This collaboration is significant to Arthritis Research Canada's scientific team as they work to address the current COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on people with arthritis.

ABOUT ARTHRITIS RESEARCH CANADA: Arthritis Research Canada is the largest clinical arthritis research institution inNorth America. Our mission is to transform the lives of people living with arthritis through research and engagement. Led by world-renowned rheumatologist, Dr.John Esdaile, Arthritis Research Canada's scientific team of over 100 are creating a future where people living with arthritis are empowered to triumph over pain and disability. Within British Columbia,AlbertaandQuebec, Arthritis Research Canada is leading research aimed at arthritis prevention, early diagnosis, new and better treatment, and improved quality of life.

SOURCE Arthritis Research Canada

Excerpt from:
Arthritis Research Canada/Arthrite-recherche Canada collaborates on global initiative to respond to COVID-19 Pandemic - BioSpace

Arthritis and coronavirus: All you need to know

New Delhi, April 13 (IANSlife) Older people are more prone to novel Covid-19, owing to their underlying health conditions which weaken their body immunity with age. Arthritis is one of the most common health problems that comes with age and though arthritis can be immune-related (Rheumatoid arthritis) or non-immune-related (osteoarthritis), patients should take utmost precautions to reduce the risk of infection during this pandemic.

Vipul Jain, Chief Executive Officer, Advancells answers important questions regarding healthcare management for arthritis patients in times of Covid-19.

Q. Is arthritis a major risk factor for Covid-19?

Jain: When it comes to Covid-19, arthritis may not be on the frontline as cardiovascular risks or metabolic disorders in the category of underlying health conditions, but a higher percentage of the older patients who are more prone to coronavirus infection, are suffering from arthritis. Arthritis and immune dysfunction go a long way. Pain and inflammation in arthritis can trigger immune system to function in an autoimmune manner by harming one''s own body and conversely, the immune system can also trigger autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis. Thus severe arthritis can damage the body from within and pave an easier path of coronavirus to attack.

Q. Are patients with autoimmune or inflammatory arthritis more prone to the virus?

Jain: In general, people with inflammatory arthritis with severe conditions seem to have an increased risk of coronavirus infections due to higher levels of immune deregulation. Arthritis experts emphasize that one of the main concerns for people with autoimmune disease is due to the immunosuppressive drugs that they have been prescribed by their doctors. It is difficult for doctors to work around the effects of immunosuppressive drugs in case of treating coronavirus infections.

Q. How do immunosuppressive drugs risk Covid-19?

Jain: Although it is not intrinsically known whether taking immunosuppressant drugs can further risk the infection of Covid-19, previous research suggests that some of the drugs used to treat autoimmune and inflammatory types of arthritis may contribute to higher risk or severity of viral infection. The concern with immune suppression in the body is that without a triggered immune system, the virus replication is more unchecked and could replicate more freely, causing more severe disease condition. Therefore, it is very important to let the doctor know regarding your medications one is already taking, if you find flu-like symptoms during this Covid-19 outbreak.

Q. Is there an alternative to NSAIDs for arthritis in times of Covid-19?

Jain: Immunosuppressive drugs like NSAIDs (Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) can be continued for arthritis patients, after a thorough consultation with the doctor in case no symptoms of Covid-19 are suspected. Although, no direct confirmation has been reported against the use of NSAIDs for aged patients with arthritis in these times of coronavirus outbreak, but it is futile to take any risk regarding this without discussing with the appropriate medical personnel.

So, is there an alternative? Yes, the alternative is to go for immune-modulation instead of immune-suppression. And that is where stem cells come into the picture. Regenerative medicine treatment of arthritis can help one overcome the issue of immune-suppression and also support the body immune system to fight against viral infections.

--IANS

pg/tb/sdr/

Disclaimer :- This story has not been edited by Outlook staff and is auto-generated from news agency feeds. Source: IANS

Read more:
Arthritis and coronavirus: All you need to know - Outlook India

Among patients with systematic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who have stable or inactive disease at conception, disease flares during and after pregnancy are typically mild and occur at similar rates, according to study results published in Arthritis Research & Therapy.1

Patients with SLE with active disease have increased risk for poor fetal outcomes, ranging from preterm birth and restricted growth to fetal loss, in addition to maternal nephritis and pre-eclampsia. As a result, current clinical guidelines call for conception after low disease activity for 6 months.2 However, the effects of lupus flares and its predictors are less widely known during and after pregnancy.

The study evaluated data from 384 patients enrolled in the multicenter prospective PROMISSE (Predictors of Pregnancy Outcome: Biomarkers in Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) study. Between September 2003 and December 2012, the study included consecutive patients who were pregnant and met the revised American College of Rheumatology criteria for SLE, as well as the inclusion criteria for age (18-45 years), hematocrit (>26%), and gestation (<12 weeks). The study aimed to assess the number, severity, and risk factors for flares during and after pregnancy in patients with quiescent or stable mildly active disease and avoid other known risk factors for pregnancy complications in patients with SLE. Patients were enrolled at 8 to 12 weeks gestation and had follow-ups monthly and at 2 to 6 months postpartum. Disease activity was measured using the Physician Global Assessment (PGA) and the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Pregnancy Disease Activity Index (SLEPDAI); the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus National Assessment (SELENA)-SLEDAI flare index was used to assess patient flares.

Of the 384 patients (average age, 30.9 years), 100 (26%) experienced flares (SLEPDAI >4; PGA >1) at any point during their pregnancy. Among patients with flares, 20.8% had 1 mild/moderate flare and 6.25% had 1 severe flare. In postpartum patients, 27.7% had mild/moderate flares and 1.7% experienced severe flares. During pregnancy and postpartum, mild flares rarely required treatment.

Baseline demographic and clinical variables predictive of flares during and after pregnancy included ethnicity/race (P =.019) and age (P =.002), with black, Hispanic, and younger patients likelier to experience flares. Low C4 was also significantly associated with flares (P =.005), and higher disease activity at baseline significantly predicted flares during pregnancy. Among women who experienced flares vs those who did not experience flares, mean SLEPDAI >4 (P =.011) and mean PGA >1 (P =.005) were higher at baseline. In contrast, baseline patient characteristics had no correlations with postpartum flares. Similarly, no correlations existed between postpartum flares and laboratory values, disease activity, and medication use at the last visit during pregnancy.

Logistic regression analysis showed that the baseline variables that were independently predictive of 1 flare during pregnancy included age at screening (P =.003), low C4 (P =.024), and PGA score (P =.005). Overall, older patients and those with quiescent disease at baseline were at reduced risk for flares.

Study limitations included the inclusion of patients with quiescent disease at baseline and the exclusion of patients with SLE who required high-dose prednisone and with nephritis, the possibility of the researchers missing some flares because of scheduling, and the fact that postpartum visits were scheduled after 3 months and not soon after delivery.

Based on these results, physicians can reassure their patients that if they plan their pregnancy at a time of quiescence, they are unlikely to have a flare during or in the 6 months after pregnancy, the researchers concluded.

References

1. Davis-Porada J, Kim MY, Guerra MM, et al. Low frequency of flares during pregnancy and post-partum in stable lupus patients. Arthritis Res Ther. 2020;22 (1):1.

2. Skorpen CG, Lydersen S, Gilboe I-M, et al. Disease activity during pregnancy and the first year postpartum in women with systemic lupus erythematosus. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2017;69(8):1201-1208.

Continue reading here:
Low Frequency of Flares During and After Pregnancy in Patients With Inactive or Stable Lupus - Rheumatology Advisor

The COVID-19 pandemic has left many in Canadas workforce worried about their health and finances. Those worries are even greater for workers living with an underlying and invisible chronic health condition.

In the planning of health and safety responses to COVID-19 and the ultimate reopening of workplaces, employers should be aware of the unique needs of this potentially vulnerable group of workers.

Data show that some of the most commonly reported chronic health conditions experienced by Canadas working population have no visible signs or symptoms and may go unnoticed by employers.

According to the 2019 Sanofi Canada Healthcare Survey on workplace benefit plans, 54 per cent of workers reported having such a condition, with high blood pressure, arthritis and diabetes among the top five. In the same survey, employers estimated that only 29 per cent of their staff had a chronic condition, pointing to a gap in awareness within workplaces.

Our growing understanding of COVID-19 illustrates that the virus poses a particular threat to workers with underlying health conditions.

A review of 46,000 people with COVID-19 in China found that the odds of having severe symptoms were two or more times higher for people with an underlying health condition. Although the data are limited, a recent analysis conducted by the U.S.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also shows that 38 per cent of COVID-19 cases in the United States had an underlying health condition including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic lung disease and immmunocompromised conditions.

Going to work, therefore, could mean being exposed to a virus that disproportionately targets those with underlying health conditions. Of course, staying at home would be the best solution for workers with chronic health conditions. But even after the provinces ordered the closure of businesses, people in a large cross-section of essential services found themselves having to continue to show up for work.

These include people who work in health care, grocery stores, drug stores, warehouses, gas stations, fast-food chains and other restaurants, hotels, long-term care homes, among many others.

Despite the provinces encouraging workers who feel unwell to stay home and the availability of emergency relief for compensation, workers with chronic health conditions may not want to sacrifice a paycheque during a period of economic uncertainty. They may decide to accept the risk of going to work.

This is a predicament that many community groups are highlighting. As Sin Bevan, chief science officer at the Arthritis Society, puts it: Some people in these essential roles may be fearful for their employment if their condition makes them unable to work and fearful to let their employer know about their health concerns for fear of losing their jobs. Many immunosuppressed people with rheumatic conditions are afraid to go to work, but afraid to tell their employer why.

Commendably, some employers are offering hero pay to compensate for the added risk that workers face. Yet the extra wages could also have the unintended effect of encouraging people with chronic health conditions who face income insecurity to go to work.

Growing research conducted by the Toronto-based Institute for Work & Health highlights the challenges that workers with chronic health conditions face when asking for accommodations that will allow them to continue working productively while maintaining their health. This is especially the case for those living with invisible health conditions that may fluctuate in severity, young workers, those new to their jobs and other vulnerable groups.

In the current health and economic crisis brought about by COVID-19, the inability of these individuals to ask for protective accommodation poses a potentially serious risk to the health and safety, and the long-term employment, of people with chronic health conditions in the workforce.

These are trying times, and from many accounts, employers are doing their best to keep essential services running while safeguarding the health and safety of workers. As they continue to navigate the way forward and develop back-to-work plans, employers should acknowledge that they may have workers with a chronic health condition who could be reluctant to ask for support.

Employers should also be encouraged to open up the lines of communication with all workers so that those with underlying conditions feel supported in bringing forward their concerns. While workers are not obligated to talk about their health, more than ever, supportive workplace environments are needed to encourage people to communicate what assistance they need to stay healthy while working productively.

Laurie Proulx, vice-president of the Canadian Arthritis Patient Alliance, sums it up well. She sees the COVID-19 pandemic as: an opportunity for employers to build credibility with their employees by listening and finding ways for workers with underlying health conditions to still make important contributions and not put themselves and their families at risk.

Arif Jethais ascientist at the Institute of Work and Health and an assistant professor at theUniversity of Torontos Dalla Lana School of Public Health.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Link:
Coronavirus: U of T expert on the risks to essential workers with hidden health conditions - News@UofT