Arthritis Digest Autumn 2013 100000 | Page 21

AD3_AUT13_8,11,20,21, 25,27,29_News_Layout 1 12/09/2013 16:46 Page 21 digestnews rheumatoid arthritis Autumn 2013 Remission in rheumatoid arthritis harder for the overweight The research Overweight and obese people are less likely to achieve successful remission in early rheumatoid arthritis compared with those of normal weight, says a study presented at the Annual Congress of the European League Against Rheumatism. Scientists looked at 346 people who had been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis for less than 12 months. Those who were obese or overweight needed 2.4 times more anti-TNF therapy throughout the study than people of a normal weight, and still didn’t achieve similar remission outcomes. The implications “Obesity and rheumatoid arthritis are both on the rise, with devastating effects on individuals and society as a whole,” says researcher Elisa Gremese. “These data reinforce the link between obesity and inflammation, and establish that body mass index is one of the few modifiable variables influencing the major outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis.” Next steps... “There is an urgent need to address the issues of overweight and obesity to improve patients’ chance of successful remission.” Poor oral hygiene may increase risk of rheumatoid arthritis found in the blood of people with rheumatoid arthritis – or those who are at risk of being affected in the future. “Periodontitis may impact on rheumatoid arthritis initiation and progression,” says Dr David Lappin in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology. “Understanding such a relationship will be crucial to improving preventative and therapeutic strategies for both diseases independently and in combination.” Periodontal disease, a disease that attacks the gum and bone and around the teeth, may begin changes in the body that increase susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis. A Scottish research team looked at serum and plaque samples from 39 people being treated for periodontitis and 36 healthy people. Those with the gum disease had higher levels of certain antibodies that are often D I F F I C U LT Y B A T H I N G ? N O T W I T H O U R W A L K- I N , L I E - D O W N B A T H . FITTED IN A DAY!* Open the door and enjoy a full length soak! (or shower!) The normal size bath that you can walk into and lie down for a full length soak or stand up & shower in! G G Fits in the same space as your old bath G Quick and easy install G Adjust seat height with easy to use handset Optional powered safety seat gently and effortlessly lifts you up and down G Water-tight door The bath is elegantly styled and comes in a range of colours to match your existing bathroom suite. GUARANTEED watertight seal G Fits in the same space as your old bath Even lower, safe bath threshold Optional hydro-therapy spa G Door available on left or right side of bath FOR A FREE COLOUR BROCHURE CALL NOW ON 0800 316 9798 ASK FOR EXT. 9028 You can shower in it too! Lines are open 24 hours 7 days a week. Or write to: Freepost Nationwide Mobility. Please contact me to arrange a FREE no-obligation Home Survey Please send me a FREE brochure on The Simplicity “ The thought of being able to stretch again is just wonderful! *Based on a straightforward fitting ” Name 9028 Tel Address Postcode Send the coupon to: Freepost Nationwide Mobility. www.nationwide-mobility.co.uk ARTHRITIS www.arthritisdigest.co.uk 21