January 2018 Autoimmune News

Use of biological drugs in patients with psoriasis (PsO) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in Italy: Results from the PSONG survey. Adalimumab could be the best therapeutic option over other anti–TNF agents for the treatment of PsO and PsA patients. PubMed, Dermatol Ther, 12/07/2017. (Also see Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis and Biologic Agents)

Effect of low and high HDL-C levels on the prognosis of lupus nephritis (LN) patients: a prospective cohort study. Our results demonstrate that high HDL-C levels were associated with increased risk of end–stage renal disease in LN patients with advanced renal dysfunction. PubMed, Lipids Health Dis, 2017 Dec 6;16(1):232. (Also see Symptoms and Complications of Lupus)

Increased lipid and protein oxidation and lowered anti–oxidant defenses in systemic lupus erythematosus are associated with severity of illness, autoimmunity, increased adhesion molecules. Increased nitro–oxidative stress takes part in the (auto)immune pathophysiology of SLE and modulates severity of illness and adhesion molecule expression. PubMed, Immunol Res, 11/29/2017. (Also see Causes of Lupus)

Prevalence, incidence and prognosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) classified according to current guidelines: a large retrospective cohort study of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. The incidence of CKD increases over time among RA patients and prevalent CKD may be an insidious risk factor linked to increased mortality in RA patients. PubMed, Nephrol Dial Transplant, 2017 Dec 1;32(12):2035-2042. (Also see Symptoms and Complications of Rheumatoid Arthritis)

Is this the formula for reversing type 2 diabetes? Remission of type 2 diabetes may be achievable through intensive weight management programs supported by routine primary care. Medical News Today, 12/06/2017. (Also see Prevention of Diabetes)

Clinical features and outcome of lymphoma patients with pre–existing autoimmune diseases. Lymphoma patients with and without autoimmune disorders had comparable outcomes and autoimmune diseases are not an obstacle to lymphoma treatment. PubMed, Int J Rheum Dis, 12/05/2017. (Also see Cancer)

Mouth bacteria linked to esophageal cancer. An analysis of microbes sampled from the mouths of more than 120,000 people has found that two types of bacteria that lead to gum disease are also linked to higher risk of esophageal cancer. Medical News Today, 12/01/2017. (Also see Cancer)

Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Blood test offers new way to monitor disease activity. Monitoring disease activity in individuals with MS, might be done with a simple blood test that measures levels of a nerve protein, according to a new study from Norway. Medical News Today, 11/30/2017. (Also see Multiple Sclerosis)

Dosing down and then discontinuing biologic therapy (bDMARD) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA): a review of the literature. In patients who have achieved low disease activity or remission, down–titration and discontinuation of bDMARD therapy may be attempted, with careful monitoring. PubMed, Int J Rheum Dis, 12/04/2017. (Also see Treatments for Rheumatoid Arthritis and DMARDs)

Biomarkers in connective tissue diseases. This review describes select current biomarkers that aid in the diagnosis and treatment of several major systemic autoimmune connective tissue disorders and also newly proposed biomarkers. PubMed, J Allergy Clin Immunol, 2017 Dec;140(6):1473-1483. (Also see Connective Tissue Disease)

SCLERO.ORG is the world's leading nonprofit for trustworthy research, support, education and awareness for scleroderma and related illnesses. We are a 501(c)(3) U.S.-based public charitable foundation, established in 2002. Meet Our Team. Donations may also be mailed to: