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A recent study found that over 40% of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) screened positive for joint pain associated with spondyloarthritis (SpA), even though 75% of these patients had no history of arthritis. The study highlights the need for evaluation and treatment of joint pain in the IBD population. The researchers enrolled 669 patients from various clinics and hospitals and found that only 24% of those who screened positive had seen a rheumatologist in the previous year. Risk factors for screening positive included being female, older age, history of smoking, history of IBD-related surgery, and history of biologic or small molecule therapy. Further research is needed to determine if these patients are ultimately diagnosed with SpA or other inflammatory arthritis conditions. [Extracted from the article]

A study presented at the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) 2024 Annual Meeting found that the drug canakinumab effectively controlled systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) without the use of glucocorticoids for up to a year in most participants. The study involved 20 patients with newly diagnosed sJIA who were treated off glucocorticoids. After three monthly injections, fever was controlled in all patients and 16 patients achieved remission. The study suggests that canakinumab may be a promising first-line treatment for sJIA, although larger studies with longer follow-up periods are needed. [Extracted from the article]

Physiotherapy delivered via telemedicine has been found to be just as effective as in-person care for treating chronic knee pain, according to a new study. Participants in the trial who received telehealth sessions reported similar improvements in knee pain and physical function compared to those who had in-person sessions. The telehealth group also had better session attendance and found the online sessions more convenient. The findings suggest that telemedicine could be a valuable tool for increasing access to physical therapy and potentially reducing the need for knee replacement surgery. [Extracted from the article]

Omalizumab (Xolair) has been recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as a monotherapy for the treatment of food allergies. While it does not cure food allergies, a phase 3 trial found that after 16 weeks of treatment, two-thirds of participants were able to tolerate at least 600 mg of peanut protein without experiencing moderate to severe reactions. The treatment is approved for children as young as 1 year and is the only treatment approved for multiple food allergies. However, patients must be willing and able to commit to injections every 2-4 weeks, and the drug carries risks such as an increased risk of anaphylaxis. [Extracted from the article]

A case of locally acquired dengue fever has been confirmed in Baldwin Park, California, marking the third reported case in the state. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health emphasizes the importance of public vigilance to reduce mosquito-borne infections, despite the low risk of widespread transmission. Clinicians are advised to maintain suspicion for dengue in individuals with fever and recent travel history, as well as consider locally acquired cases in areas with mosquito vectors. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study found that isotretinoin, a medication commonly used to treat acne, was effective in treating acne in transgender individuals undergoing masculinizing hormone therapy. The study included 55 patients from four medical centers who were prescribed isotretinoin for acne associated with hormone therapy. Overall, 87.3% of patients experienced improvement, and 47.3% achieved clearance during treatment. Common adverse effects included dryness, joint pain, and headaches. The study suggests that further research is needed to understand optimal dosing and treatment barriers for transgender individuals receiving testosterone. [Extracted from the article]

Over-the-counter arthritis supplements that contain undisclosed glucocorticoids can lead to adrenal dysfunction, Cushing syndrome, and adrenal insufficiency. This was discovered in a study of 12 cases presented at the annual meeting of the Endocrine Society. The specific supplements involved were Artri King, Ardosons, and Ajo Rey, which are not sold in the United States but are available in Mexico and online. Patients who abruptly stop taking these supplements can experience symptoms of adrenal insufficiency, which can be life-threatening if not addressed. It is important for healthcare providers to ask patients about their supplement use and examine the products they are taking. [Extracted from the article]

The article shares tips to older adults for finding and hiring a personal trainer to prevent injury and train for strength and balance, that include hiring a trainer on a budget by joining a small group training and ensuring that a trainer has accredited certification, well qualified and has experience working with older adults.

The article focuses on the collaboration between AstraZeneca and BenevolentAI to employ artificial intelligence in developing new drugs for systemic lupus erythematosus, particularly affecting people of Asian origin in the UK.

A review is offered for the Ace Pickleball Club in Tucson, Arizona, a facility designed to welcome players of all skill levels and discusses the club's inclusive environment, the cushioned court design for comfort, and the owners' plans to expand across multiple locations.

The article discusses the benefits of starting a walking workout routine, emphasizing the importance of proper form and technique. Walking at a brisk pace for at least 150 minutes a week can improve sleep, memory, heart health, and weight management. The article also provides tips on proper walking form, including posture, foot placement, arm movement, and eye focus. Additionally, it highlights the importance of appropriate footwear and customization of walking routines to suit individual needs and preferences. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the health benefits of bone broth, with topics including the potential role of collagen in supporting joint health, the nutritional content of bone broth compared to other stocks, and the ongoing scientific investigation into its effects on inflammation and overall wellness.

A recent study found that a 1-year course of methotrexate (MTX) may prevent the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in at-risk individuals who test negative for anti-citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA). The study, conducted by researchers at Leiden University Medical Center, separated patients by seropositivity and found that risk-stratified analyses are necessary to assess the possibility of preventing RA in ACPA-negative individuals with clinically suspect arthralgia. While the results are promising, additional research is needed to investigate these findings and determine the clinical utility of MRI screening for ACPA-negative individuals with joint pain. [Extracted from the article]

As mosquito season continues due to warmer temperatures, concerns about diseases such as West Nile, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), and dengue are growing. So far this year in the US, 26 people have died from West Nile and at least one from EEE. However, serious health complications and deaths from these viruses are rare, with most people experiencing no symptoms or mild ones. Vector-borne diseases, including those transmitted by mosquitoes, are among the fastest-growing group of diseases globally, with climate change and rising temperatures contributing to their spread. To protect oneself, it is recommended to stay indoors during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active, wear insect repellent, and take other preventive measures such as draining standing water and using screens on windows and doors. [Extracted from the article]

A case of locally acquired dengue fever has been confirmed in Baldwin Park, California, marking the third reported case in the state and the first in Los Angeles County. While the risk of widespread transmission remains low, the public is urged to be vigilant in reducing mosquito-borne infections. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a health advisory on the increased risk of dengue infections in the United States, emphasizing the importance of early treatment and monitoring for severe cases. [Extracted from the article]

Would all patients coming into primary care with joint pain benefit from these blood-marker tests, Deane asked, or would only certain patients qualify? Two scores, one simple and one comprehensive, may predict inflammatory arthritis (IA) in people who are already at elevated risk for these immune-related conditions, according to new research from England. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study examined the factors that contribute to fatigue in patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). The researchers used data from the Danish Skin Cohort and found that joint pain and itch were major drivers of fatigue in these patients, rather than the severity of their skin condition. The study highlights the importance of a symptom-based approach when treating psoriasis, rather than solely focusing on objective measures of severity. However, the study had limitations, such as not being able to determine whether the pain was inflammatory or noninflammatory and lacking information about the use of methotrexate, which can cause fatigue. [Extracted from the article]

The article provides an answer to a question concerning ways to manage and reduce fatigue in older adults, emphasizing diet, exercise, health monitoring, and sleep adjustments.

This article discusses the identification and treatment of Lyme disease in primary care. The incidence of Lyme disease in the United States has been increasing, and physicians who have never encountered a patient with Lyme disease may now be seeing cases. The article provides information on identifying the bite and the diagnostic markers for Lyme disease. It also discusses testing steps and the importance of consulting with a lab before sending samples. The article emphasizes the need for suspicion in endemic areas and highlights the challenges of diagnosing Lyme disease in non-endemic areas. It also provides guidance on treatment options and the importance of early diagnosis. [Extracted from the article]

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are commonly used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other inflammatory diseases, despite limited understanding of their mechanisms and potential side effects. Medical societies recommend minimizing GC use due to associated risks. Low-dose GC protocols are being explored as an alternative, but more research is needed to assess their long-term benefits and risks. The article also highlights the financial relationships between medical professionals and pharmaceutical companies, with Dr. Spiera and Dr. Sattui receiving support and fees from various companies. The article was published on Medscape.com. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study found that isotretinoin, a commonly used treatment for acne, was effective in treating acne in transgender individuals undergoing masculinizing hormone therapy. The study included 55 patients from four medical centers who were prescribed isotretinoin for acne associated with hormone therapy. Overall, 87.3% of patients experienced improvement, and 47.3% achieved clearance during treatment. Common adverse effects included dryness, joint pain, and headaches. The study suggests that further research is needed to understand optimal dosing and treatment barriers for transgender individuals receiving testosterone. [Extracted from the article]

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved omalizumab (Xolair) for reducing allergic reactions to foods in adults and most children. The drug is meant to be taken regularly by patients with food allergies to reduce the risk for reactions, including anaphylaxis, in case of accidental exposure to allergens. Omalizumab is the first drug approved to mitigate allergic reactions to more than one food. However, it will not eliminate food allergies or allow patients to consume food allergens freely. The drug's safety and efficacy were studied in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, and the most common side effects include injection site reactions and fever. [Extracted from the article]

An 8-year-old male patient with asymptomatic brown rough plaques on the dorsum of the right hand and fingers, accompanied by widening of the knuckles, was brought to a pediatric dermatology clinic. The lesions had persisted for approximately 1 year despite treatment with over-the-counter antifungal creams and triamcinolone. The patient denied joint pain and had no other notable symptoms. Physical examination revealed hyperpigmented lichenified irregular plaques on the hand and fingers, as well as fusiform widening of the interphalangeal joints without pain, edema, or erythema. The diagnosis is not provided in the summary. [Extracted from the article]

The consumer affairs ministry has fined Indiyaa Distribution Network LLP, a direct-selling firm in Indore, ₹ 10 lakh for violating rules on misleading advertisements while promoting its joint-pain-relieving product 'Dhuandhar Oil'. The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) issued the order as part of a crackdown on unethical practices by direct sellers. The company made claims in its advertisements that it could not substantiate, such as the oil making users fit without surgery or physiotherapy. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses notable health concerns that affect seniors. It emphasizes that while certain conditions are commonly associated with aging, some health issues are not a natural part of the aging process. The article highlights several specific concerns, including cognitive decline, osteoarthritis, cataracts and refractive errors, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and balance issues. It provides information on the early warning signs of dementia and suggests that maintaining a healthy weight and staying active can help alleviate pain and improve joint function. The article also mentions the importance of managing conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol to avoid developing heart disease in later years. Additionally, it emphasizes the need to address balance issues, as they can lead to falls and serious health risks. [Extracted from the article]

Arthritis is a term that encompasses over 100 conditions characterized by joint pain or disease. It is the leading cause of disability in the United States and affects women more than men. Symptoms can vary from person to person and day to day. To make living with arthritis easier, individuals can work with an occupational therapist to modify their home and work environments, use smart devices for convenience, focus on kitchen tasks by utilizing prepared foods and lightweight cookware, consider relocating certain items to reduce trips up and down stairs, use a rollator for support and rest, and seek appropriate pain relief through medications, therapy, and exercise. By making these changes, individuals with arthritis can improve their quality of life. [Extracted from the article]

A study presented at the annual meeting of the British Society for Rheumatology found that optimizing the management of gout flares in hospitals and providing follow-up care can significantly increase the use of urate-lowering therapy (ULT) among patients. After a multifaceted intervention was introduced, 92% of patients admitted for gout flares were using ULT within 6 months of discharge, compared to 49% before the intervention. The intervention also led to more urate blood tests being done and fewer patients needing repeated hospital treatment. However, the study found that the rate of patients achieving urate levels below the recommended threshold was still low. The study also examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on gout incidence and found that new cases of gout dropped by about one third in the first year of the pandemic, potentially due to people not seeking medical care. The prevalence of gout slightly increased in 2022-2023 compared to 2015-2016. The study concluded that despite guidelines, the majority of people with gout are not receiving urate-lowering drugs, and there is too much reliance on diet and lifestyle modifications. The study was independently funded and the author disclosed financial support from various pharmaceutical companies. [Extracted from the article]

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expanded the approval of spesolimab-sbzo, an interleukin (IL)-36 receptor antagonist, for the treatment of generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) in adults and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older. Spesolimab-sbzo, marketed as Spevigo, is an injectable antibody that blocks the IL-36 receptor, a key factor in the development of GPP. The FDA's decision was based on a 48-week clinical trial that showed a significant reduction in GPP flares in patients who received spesolimab. However, treatment with spesolimab-sbzo was associated with an increased incidence of injection site reactions, urinary tract infections, arthralgia, and pruritus compared to placebo. Spesolimab-sbzo is currently available in 48 countries and is the first targeted therapy for the acute and chronic treatment of GPP. [Extracted from the article]

A new study from Michigan shows that people who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 are significantly less likely to experience long COVID. The study analyzed data from 4695 adults in Michigan and found that vaccinated individuals were 58% less likely to have symptoms lasting at least 30 days and 43% less likely to have symptoms lasting 90 days or more. The researchers conducted the study to provide more certainty on the effectiveness of vaccination against long COVID, as previous estimates have varied. The study suggests that COVID-19 vaccination may be an important tool in reducing the burden of long COVID. [Extracted from the article]

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved omalizumab (Xolair) for reducing allergic reactions to foods in adults and most children. The drug is meant to be taken regularly by patients with food allergies to reduce the risk for reactions, including anaphylaxis, in case of accidental exposure to allergens. Omalizumab is the first drug approved to mitigate allergic reactions to more than one food. The safety and efficacy of the drug were studied in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, where a significant percentage of patients were able to consume peanut and other allergens without severe symptoms. The most common side effects of omalizumab included injection site reactions and fever. [Extracted from the article]

Regular exercise is important for managing osteoarthritis (OA), but many patients with arthritis are inactive. Exercise can reduce pain, improve physical function, and prevent disability in OA patients. It can also have structural benefits for osteoarthritic joints and help prevent other chronic diseases. The ideal amount of exercise for OA patients is at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week, but even small amounts of exercise can be beneficial. There is no specific type of exercise that is best for OA, so it depends on patient preference. Resources such as evidence-based exercise programs and online guides are available to help patients with OA. Motivating patients to exercise requires a personalized approach and setting specific goals. Ongoing discussions about physical activity during clinic visits can be helpful. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the challenges in diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the potential for using technology to improve diagnostic accuracy. Currently, there is no single lab test that can definitively diagnose RA, so a combination of physical exams, markers of inflammation, and autoimmune antibodies are used. However, many unnecessary tests and referrals are being made, leading to increased costs and anxiety for patients. The article highlights a study conducted in Spain where an algorithm was developed to improve the diagnostic process, resulting in fewer unnecessary tests and referrals. The use of clinical decision support systems, like electronic health records, is suggested as a potential solution in the United States. [Extracted from the article]

A new study has found that postmenopausal women experience greater improvement in pain compared to premenopausal women when undergoing interventions such as physical therapy, despite being prescribed fewer medications. The study suggests that nonpharmacological interventions, such as physical therapy, may be more effective in managing pain for postmenopausal women. However, the study has limitations, including the use of age as a surrogate for menopause, and further research is needed to better understand pain management strategies for this population. The findings highlight the need for individualized care and prompt further investigation into pain management approaches for postmenopausal women. [Extracted from the article]

"Doctors need to realize that their patients could be at risk of these conditions, be it heart disease or lung problems or brain problems - they're at risk." People who have been infected with the COVID-19 virus have a greater risk of many long-term health conditions, including diabetes, lung problems, fatigue, blood clots, and disorders affecting the gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal systems. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on addressing concerns about radiation from smartphones, reassuring that there is no risk of anything hazardous or dangerous, according to experts like Gayle Woloschak, a professor of radiology at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

The article discusses the benefits of flotation therapy offered by Cloud Nine Flotation Center in Tucson, highlighting its ability to relieve stress, anxiety, and pain while providing a space for deep relaxation and mental rejuvenation. It mentions that the clients undergo sessions in saltwater-filled tanks, experiencing sensory deprivation to achieve a state of tranquility and potentially address issues such as PTSD, stress, and overstimulation.

Conference Coverage GLASGOW - Three-quarters of women going throughperimenopause and menopause experience unexpecteddistressing, debilitating, and embarrassing symptoms butoften fail to receive appropriate treatment, a large U.K.-basedsurvey found. Louise Newson, MBChB, who runs the U.K.'s largest menopauseclinic, said many women with symptoms of menopause feel themedical system "gaslights" them - dismissing their concernsas trivial or even fabricated. Prescribed antidepressants often precede HRT The new study sought to learn what women knew andexperienced with respect to menopause symptoms and whatthey thought was important. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on a study that tested whether curcumin supplements, derived from turmeric, could help alleviate symptoms of functional dyspepsia, a common gastrointestinal condition, and found that curcumin was as effective as omeprazole in reducing these symptoms.

The article reports that Bangladesh is facing its deadliest outbreak of dengue fever, with 293 deaths and around 61,500 infections so far in 2023; hospitals, particularly in Dhaka, are struggling to accommodate the high number of patients suffering from dengue symptoms.

The article focuses on the release of new 46-week data for the interleukin-17A inhibitor izokibep in the treatment of psoriatic arthritis (PsA). The data shows higher response rates in key areas of PsA, including joint pain, skin psoriasis and enthesitis; the drug was generally well tolerated with localized injection site reactions being the most common adverse event; an also mentions about patients with psoriasis, spondyloarthritis, noninfective uveitis and hidradenitis suppurativa.

The article announces that Anthony Shimkin was appointed New Chief Executive Officer at AVACEN Medical.

The article discusses the advantages of engaging into physical activities to prevent woes of body and joints breaking down including osteoarthritis, osteomalacia, osteoporosis and muscle mass which can contribute to fatigue, weakness and reduced tolerance to exercise. These physical activities include routinary exercise, use of elliptical machines, stationary bikes and rowing machines, treadmill walking and swimming and stretching or participating in yoga may be beneficial as well.

The article informs that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a new treatment for joint pain, a procedure known as visco-supplementation in which a painful joint is injected with a gel like substance called hyaluronic acid.