Screening for latent TB in patients with inflammatory arthritis who will be starting TNFα inhibitors is important to prevent complications of TB-reactivation. However, currently there is no ‘gold standard’ for the diagnosis of latent TB.
Pregnancy Concerns Among Women with Rheumatoid Arthirits and Lupus
Many autoimmune diseases have a female predominance. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are no exception. Both of these diseases can affect young women in their reproductive years, but little is known about the impact of RA and SLE on a woman’s opinion regarding pregnancy or, further, how this translates into family planning.
Don’t Stop Exercising!
It has been established that patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have decreased muscle and increased fat compared to those without RA.
Vaccinations in RA: Stay Healthy!
Vaccinations are a critical component of RA clinical management, and their importance in preventing infection cannot be stressed enough. The majority of patients with RA are on immunosuppressive treatment, and a data driven approach to vaccinations in this high-risk population is essential.
Does Antioxidant Intake Protect Against the Development of Rheumatoid Arthritis or Lupus?
Antioxidants may protect tissues against damage, reduce systemic inflammation, and modulate antigen presentation by inflammatory cells. However, no large-scale investigation on whether dietary and/or supplement intake of antioxidants is protective against the development of autoimmune rheumatic disease. Here, Costenbader et al (American Journal of Epidemiology 2010; 172(2): 205) explore antioxidant intake and the risk of […]
