Psoriasis Doubles Mortality Risk

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Noe and colleagues have reported in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology that by estimating the extent of skin involvement in psoriasis (%BSA) they may assess future mortality risk. 

The Unregulated $37 Billion Supplement Industry

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In 1994 there were 600 supplement companies, producing 4,000 OTC supplement products for a total revenue of about $4 billion. Today we have close to 6,000 companies, producting nearly 75,000 supplement products, bringing in $37 billion annually.

Obesity Impairs TNF Inhibitor Responses in Axial Spondyloarthritis

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Investigators with the Swiss Clinical Quality Management (SCQM) program have studied the effects of obesity on patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and, specifically, their response to tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi).

The RheumNow Week in Review – 2 June 2017

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Dr. Jack Cush reviews highlights from the past week on RheumNow.com. 

High Fiber Intake May Decrease Osteoarthritis Knee Pain

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Dai, Felson and colleagues report in Annals of Rheumatic Disease that high dietary fiber lowers the risk of symptomatic osteoathritis (SxOA), but the radiographic benefits remain unclear. (Citation source http://buff.ly/2rHv9yd)

Mortality in Gout Increased

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Two current articles in the Journal of Rheumatology address issues surrounding mortality risk among those with new and established gout.

Obesity Associated with Late-Onset Psoriatic Arthritis

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A recent study reports that obesity is linked to late-onset psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA).  By contrast being of normal weight may be associated with an earlier onset of the disease adn HLA-B27.

Quarter of Patients Claim Diet Influences Their Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Patients often characterize certain foods as  “inflammatory” or “anti-inflammatory” as they combat their arthritis.

The RheumNow Week in Review – 27 January 2017

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Dr. Cush reviews highlights from the past week on RheumNow.com.

Dietary Intake Triggers Inflammation

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IL-1β, along with pancreatic insulin, helps regulate blood sugar levels, as well as chronic inflammation.

The RheumNow Week in Review – 6 January 2017

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Dr. Jack Cush reviews highlights from the first week of 2017 on RheumNow.com.

Happy New Year!

Bariatric Surgery Thwarts Gout and Hyperuricemia

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The rising incidence of gout has been directly linked to the obesity epidemic.  The influence of obesity on gout was further tested in a cohort study of obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery as part of the Swedish Obese Subjects (SOS) study.

Cannibis Abusers Have Decreased Bone Mass, More Fractures

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People who regularly smoke large amounts of cannabis have reduced bone density and are more prone to fractures, research has found. The study also found that heavy cannabis users have a lower body weight and a reduced body mass index (BMI), which could contribute to thinning of their bones.

Wearable Activity Trackers Don't Improve Weight Loss

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JAMA has reported the results of a 24-month trial showing that obese individuals on a long-term healthy diet and exercise program do not have significantly more weight loss from using a wearable device that tracks their activity. 

CPAP Use Fails to Prevent CV Events in Sleep Apnea Patients

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There are numerous health hazards associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), including an increased risk of cardiovascular events.

DASH Diet: A Role in Gout?

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People with hyperuricemia who followed the blood-pressure-lowering DASH diet showed significant decreases in serum urate levels, post-hoc analysis of data from an influential randomized study found.

In the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) study, participants adhering to the diet, which emphasizes the consumption of vegetables, fruits, and low-fat dairy foods as well as whole grains, poultry, fish, and nuts, had a mean decrease in serum urate levels of -0.35 mg/dL (95% CI -0.65 to -0.05), according to Stephen P. Juraschek, MD, PhD, of Johns Hopkins University, and colleagues.

RheumNow Week in Review – 15 July 2016

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Dr. Jack Cush reviews highlights from this week's rheumatology news on RheumNow.com.

A Rheumatologist's Guide to Bariatric Surgery

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Obesity is epidemic in North America, affecting nearly 76 million adults. Obesity is not only a risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, it clearly worsens pain and function in most musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions and has been shown to blunt DMARD and biologic resp

Leflunomide and Weight Loss in Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Weight change can have substantial effects on the outcomes of patients with arthritis. It has long been known that weight loss and low body mass index (BMI) are associated with poorer arthritis outcomes.