Researchers Probe Treatment Options, Origins of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Although it has been described in the scientific literature for thousands of years, rheumatoid arthritis remains in many ways a medical mystery. First identified as a specific disorder by ancient Greek physicians, the first detailed scientific analysis of the disease was recorded in 1800, making it one of the most longstanding autoimmune system diagnoses.

While rheumatoid arthritis remains a relatively rare disorder, afflicting only an estimated one percent of the adult population, this diagnosis can be life-shattering for those who suffer from it. The chronic pain and inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis make it difficult for sufferers to function normally. One recent study demonstrated that a majority of those diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis are able to remain fully independent a decade after first showing symptoms of the disease.

Because of the crippling course of rheumatoid arthritis and its devastating impact upon many who suffer from the disease, an international contingency of research scientists has been hard at work looking for more insight into the disorder, its causes, and possible treatment options. This week, we?ll take a look at three significant research findings that have been published in the leading scientific journals in recent months.

Emerging Pharmaceutical Treatment May Help Rheumatoid Arthritis Sufferers

The stubborn symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis are often resistant to common forms of treatment. However, recent research efforts have identified several possible options that could prove to be more effective at reducing the chronic pain, inflammation, and mobility problems often experienced by sufferers.

At a recent conference hosted by the American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting in Boston, researchers presented the results of a study that indicated that the drug certolizumab pegol, when administered in combination with the now-standard treatment methotrexate, may greatly reduce the symptoms experienced by patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Furthermore, the reported side effects of the drug were fewer than those associated with other standard treatments. The researchers indicated that these treatments may form the basis of a powerful new treatment protocol for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers.

Possible Genetic Origins of Rheumatoid Arthritis Detected

The causes and epidemiological variables of the debilitating disorder rheumatoid arthritis have long been sought by scientists. Although these issues have long been the source of contentious debate among researchers, little progress had been made in the process of identifying the origins of the disorder.

However, the findings of a recent study seem to indicate that a genetic factor may be involved in the etiology of rheumatoid arthritis. An international group of researchers working at a number of prestigious institutions worldwide recently published a significant breakthrough that seems to point clearly to the presence of an inherited component to the disease.

According to the research team, three specific sites on the human genome have been linked to an inherited risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis or a number of other related disorders. Although the findings are preliminary and have yet to be confirmed by further investigation, the researchers have expressed their hope that the results could lead to the development of more effective treatments, prevention methods, and diagnostic procedures for the disease.

New Treatment Option Shows Great Promise in Leading Rheumatoid Arthritis Sufferers to Remission

The chronic pain and inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis has long proven to be resistant to many common forms of treatment. As a result, many doctors have treated the disorder as a degenerative, incurable disease.

However, according to the results of a recent study presented at the European Congress of Rheumatology in Barcelona, Spain, one increasingly popular approach to rheumatoid arthritis has shown amazing promise as a long-term course of treatment.

When given a regimen that combines the drugs methotrexate and infliximab, many rheumatoid arthritis sufferers experienced a near-total cessation of common symptoms, including pain and inflammation. In fact, nearly half of the patients in the study were eventually able to discontinue all treatment and maintain a remission status, with no significant symptoms.

Although the researchers agreed that further investigation was necessary, they came to the preliminary conclusion that this course of treatment may represent a radically effective departure from the standard method of managing rheumatoid arthritis. They further asserted that if the cocktail of methotrexate and infliximab was administered soon after early detection of rheumatoid arthritis, the very course of the disease?s progression may be interrupted. The researchers contended that these findings offer a great deal of hope to rheumatoid arthritis sufferers.

If you or a loved one is living with rheumatoid arthritis, be sure to work closely with your doctor to develop an effective management plan. Be sure to check back each week for more of the health science news you need!