Rheumatoid Arthritis

This authoritative clinical reference provides comprehensive coverage of all aspects of rheumatoid arthritis. The basics of rheumatoid arthritis are thoroughly covered in order to provide a firm foundation for the main focus of the text: therapy and clinical management of the disease. Practitioners will find detailed information on both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic courses of management, with special emphasis on the management of pain. More than 100 full-color illustrations provide clear visual support for the concepts in the text. Online references in each chapter, as well as an entire chapter on Web-based information resources, keep this book on the cutting edge of this rapidly evolving field.

One of the earliest signs of rheumatoid arthritis may be pain in the foot. However, this part of the body is very often neglected during clinical assessment of the illness in favour of the articulations of the upper limbs, knees and hips. Nevertheless, it appears evident that a detailed clinical examination of the forefoot, ankle and heel could be useful in order to get closer to a rheumatological diagnosis. Thanks to blood tests and conventional imaging, completed with a scanner or MRI if needed, every doctor should be in a position to detect the beginning of rheumatoid arthritis in the foot or ankle. As well as its diagnostic contribution, this book broaches the theme of the most recent medicinal treatments, that of orthoses, made-to-measure shoes (the prescription of which practitioners and the rheumatologists often hand over to the orthopaedic surgeons), and finally that of local injections. These elements constitute the main treatment of the rheumatoid foot. Taking care of the ill subject does not necessarily stop there and a surgeon may need to operate on the forefoot, which is more common, or on the mid-foot or the ankle.

This book, the third volume of the new series 'Current Directions in Autoimmunity', is the first one to exclusively focus on one disease. Written by experts in genetics and immunobiology, the articles reflect the complexity and multiple facets of the disease process but also show their convergence to a better understanding of pathogenetic mechanisms and the evolving clinical applications. The models and concepts described in this volume have implications for studies of other inflammatory diseases and are of interest not only for clinical and basic scientists devoted to the study of rheumatoid arthritis but for investigators of autoimmune diseases in general.

Emphasizes the importance of early intervention in RA with focus on pharmacologic treatments of RA. Detailed information on the various medications employed in treatment, including corticosteroids, NSAIDs, DMARDs, biologic agents, and combination therapy, is reviewed, including evidence-based data on efficacy, safety, side effects, and monitoring requirements. Clinical evaluation is presented, including lab findings, joint scoring, diagnostic criteria, and radiographic outcomes. Surgical options and the management of advanced RA are discussed.

A helpful question-and-answer resource addresses readers' most common concerns about rheumatoid arthritis, discussing the debilitating effects of this immune system disorder, its possible causes and symptoms, and the treatments--conventional, complementary, and alternative--available to sufferers. Original. 10,000 first printing.

Designed to be a practical handbook on clinical trial management in these key therapeutic areas, 'Clinical Trials in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis' is aimed at principal investigators pharmaceutical physicians and other pharmaceutical staff involved in the design, conduct and monitoring of these increasingly complex diseases. In the last several years a new classes of biologic agents have emerged and changed the treatment paradigm for patients, not only with classically defined rheumatoid arthritis, but also with other related diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis. Furthermore, osteoarthritis is a major disease state that is often treated by the rheumatologist, but is one where patient management programs are currently limited with a need for new therapeutic approaches. In both inflammatory and non-inflammatory arthritic conditions, clinical trials have become both large and complex due to the nature of the diseases, with ever-challenging new surrogate end-points being employed. Topics covered in this title will therefore include study design, clinical endpoints, technical issues, data collection, use of centralized medical image reading facilities and biochemical marker laboratories, as well as data analysis and future therapies. This book takes the user through the process step-by-step from start to finish, also providing a background on the regulatory guidelines, ethical implications, endpoints, and current therapies.

Comprehensive and accessible, this unique book emphasizes a practical and evidence-based approach to the foot and ankle in rheumatoid arthritis. Information is concise, up to date, and well illustrated. The team of authors consists of rheumatologists and podiatrists based at the highly respected Foot and Ankle Studies in Rheumatology (FASTER) programme, with contributors including both surgeons and orthotists. A companion DVD contains many video clips of examination and injection techniques and gait analyses, additional downloadable images, assessment tools and an interactive injection resource. Unique - no other text of this nature has been written for podiatrists and rheumatologists. Comprehensive - all major aspects of the disease in relation to the foot and ankle are covered. Companion DVD contains many video clips of examination and injection techniques and gait analyses, additional downloadable images, assessment tools and an interactive injection resource. Practical and evidence-based approach. Up-to-date text incorporates the latest findings from experts in the field.

Rheumatoid Arthritis FAQs, part of the Geisinger Healthcare System FAQs series, is intended as a patient education tool for those afflicted with the joint inflammation, stiffness and pain that accompany rheumatoid arthritis. There are more than 100 types of arthritis and this book will help you and your doctor develop an effective treatment programme after diagnosis. The authors provide brief, focused answers to common questions raised by their patients-from how joints work, to how other organ systems can be affected by this autoimmune disease. The text offers discussions of the different methods of treating rheumatoid arthritis while discussing the everyday symptoms, tests and challenges that affect patients. The text includes a detailed discussion of available anti-inflammatory medications, their strengths and weaknesses. A gentle exercise regimen is outlined in detail. As with all titles in the FAQ series, this book works to educate patients and provide concise, current information for common ailments.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a lifelong, progressive, musculoskeletal disease that causes severe pain, swelling and inflammation of the joints, and can lead to reduced joint function and disability. An estimated 580,000 people in England have the disease, with 26,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Annual healthcare costs to the NHS are £560 million, with costs to the economy of £1.8 billion in sick leave and work-related disability. Early diagnosis is crucial: starting treatment within three months can stop the disease getting worse and yet the time between experiencing symptoms and receiving treatment is typically nine months, unchanged since 2003. People's low awareness of the disease, causing them to delay seeking medical help, and GPs failing to spot the early symptoms and refer quickly enough for diagnosis by a specialist, cause the delay. Once diagnosed there may be a postcode lottery of care and wide variation in spending on rheumatoid arthritis across Primary Care Trusts. Access to the range of services needed to manage rheumatoid arthritis also varies. Three quarters of people with rheumatoid arthritis are diagnosed when of working age, and one third of people stop working within two years of being diagnosed. People with the disease often lack the right support mechanisms to help them maintain their independence and make an economic contribution to society. Dame Carol Black's review "Working for a healthier tomorrow" (2008, ISBN 9780117025134) recommended help for people with musculoskeletal conditions to remain in work, but this has yet to filter through to action on the ground.

This volume focuses on therapeutic targets that were identified after TNF blockade. All these targets have recently been registered or are currently under development for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Each chapter explores the biological rationale of a distinct therapeutic target in great detail. Readers will discover the latest in vitro work, animal models, and results from clinical trials.

First Prize, Orthopaedics and Rheumatology, BMA Awards 2009 This state-of-the-art reference provides current insights into the etiology, diagnosis and management of rheumatoid arthritis. Leading international authorities in RA examine all of the latest scientific and clinical developments in understanding and managing this challenging disease, including new concepts in pathogenesis, epidemiology, risk factors, imaging, clinical outcomes and treatment. It’s the guidance you need to offer optimal care to your patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Presents the work of leading international experts in rheumatoid arthritis for guidance you can trust. Provides the very latest understanding of the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis, including molecular pathways/mechanisms, and genetic and environmental factors that instigate and drive the disease. Includes comprehensive coverage of clinical features of rheumatoid arthritis including articular, peri-articular and extra-articular manifestations, comorbidities, and outcome measures—disease activity, joint assessment, imaging, and more—for expert diagnosis and monitoring of disease progression. Examines evidence-based treatment options—including traditional and biologic DMARDs and combination therapies—as well as promising therapies on the horizon, placing up-to-date guidance on disease modifying or disease controlling agents at your fingertips.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a common but often debilitating disorder. Given the intricate and challenging nature of treating rheumatoid arthritis, it is imperative to educate physicians on the disease's initial symptoms and complications, as well as to provide accurate and up-to-date information regarding effective treatment. Designed to help eradicate misconceptions concerning rheumatoid arthritis and its treatment, this concise volume helps clinicians to understand and then effectively diagnose and treat patients with the condition. Part of the Oxford American Rheumatology Library, this concise guide serves as a practical, user-friendly reference for rheumatologists and other healthcare professionals. The book provides an overview of rheumatoid arthritis, including its epidemiology, symptoms, signs, and pathophysiology. Using the most current information available, the author evaluates both traditional and innovative treatment methods. A thorough glossary defines key terms and the appendix includes related resource information - associations, journals and doctors/researchers - all devoted to the study and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Many advances have occurred in the last 5 years especially in understanding genetic susceptibility factors, the role of immune response in chronic arthritis and the relationship between cellular processes that underlie inflammation and tissue damage. All these are dealt with in depth in the individual contributions. Genetics studies included illustrate how studies of HLA genes and genes controlling the autoantibody repertoire may be involved. Environmental factors are believed to be important and studies both in humans and in experimental models on the role of viral and bacterial agents are covered. The fascinating relationship between microbes, dysregulated immune responses and oncogenes are also examined. Since autoimmunity is the key aspect of the immunological response in rheumatoid arthritis, the role of antigens is re-examined as is the part played by immune T and B cells. New areas of clinical application of basic science is well presented in this book, forexample, in examining how markers of cartilage destruction may become important in monitoring disease activity. A chapter reviewing possible future novel therapies is included.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which inflammation plays a major role in causing joint problems. Warmth and swelling in the joints, along with significant stiffness and pain, can make daily life difficult. Many people with rheumatoid arthritis also experience fatigue, low-grade fever, loss of appetite, depression, and muscle aches. In this, the third edition of Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis, Tammi L. Shlotzhauer describes new findings about causes and treatments, including • New research on risk factors and triggers, including pathologic bacteria in the digestive tract, smoking, and exposure to pollutants and chemicals • Lifestyle and diet modifications that can help avoid potential triggers • How stress contributes to inflammation and other symptoms • Information about new biologic disease-modifying drugs • Promising research on biomarkers that may generate a personalized approach to treatment • Remarkable gains in reducing disability, hospitalizations, and surgeries In addition to explaining the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for people who have rheumatoid arthritis, Dr. Shlotzhauer offers practical strategies for coping with the pain, fatigue, and emotional toll of a chronic illness. She provides new information on associated diseases such as osteoporosis, tips for finding safe and reliable information online, and information on how to get an accurate diagnosis.

This book will enable you to: * Understand more about Rheumatoid Arthritis and the medication involved * Reduce the pain that you experience * Use joint protection techniques * Appreciate the importance of exercise and good posture * Relax and manage your stress * Adapt to the changes in your working and leisure life * Achieve a positive outlook * There's also an A-Z of well being and a list of useful resources.