Talk Over RA – What I Learned About Remission And Rheumatoid Arthritis At The 2023 American College Of Rheumatology Conference
About Remission
Rheumatoid arthritis remission is a state where the signs and symptoms of the disease are significantly reduced or completely absent. It refers to a period of time when the disease is inactive and the patient experiences very little or no pain, inflammation, or joint damage. During remission, patients may have improved joint function, increased mobility, and overall better quality of life. It is important to note that achieving and maintaining remission can vary greatly from person to person, and it often requires personalized treatment plans and regular monitoring by healthcare professionals.
About The American College of Rheumatology Conference
The American College of Rheumatology Conference is an annual event that serves as a platform for experts, researchers, and professionals in the field of rheumatology to come together and share their knowledge and insights. During this conference, attendees have the opportunity to attend presentations, workshops, and debates that cover a wide range of topics related to rheumatic diseases and conditions. The conference also provides a valuable networking opportunity, allowing participants to connect with peers and potential collaborators. Overall, the American College of Rheumatology Conference plays a vital role in advancing the field of rheumatology and promoting the exchange of ideas and research findings.
About The Talk Over RA Campaign
The Talk Over RA campaign is a social initiative aimed at raising awareness about rheumatoid arthritis. It promotes open conversations and dialogue among individuals living with RA, their loved ones, and healthcare professionals. Through various platforms such as social media, public events, and online communities, the campaign encourages sharing personal experiences, providing support, and disseminating accurate information about the condition. By fostering communication and breaking the silence around RA, the campaign seeks to improve understanding, reduce stigma, and ultimately enhance the well-being of those affected by this chronic autoimmune disease.
For the Talk Over RA 2023 campaign I wanted to highlight some key points I learned about remission and that are important for patients to know about rheumatoid arthritis and remission. New research fascinates me and can teach us so much about our condition.
The main key of the campaign is a printable PDF to fill out before your next rheumatologist visit. The questions however can be used for a variety of members on your care team.
Medications
- A subgroup of rheumatoid arthritis patients who never use biological treatments may achieve sustained remission with DMARDs.
- Older age at diagnosis, shorter symptom duration, and lower disease activity scores contribute to increased likelihood of sustained DMARD-free remission.
- Female patients and those with a longer disease duration have higher risks of relapse.
Symptoms
- Rheumatoid arthritis patients in low disease activity state or remission still experience significant hand disability.
- The study used the Functional Dexterity Test to assess hand disability in these patients.
- A disconnection between Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) and hand functional status was observed.
Prevalence of Objectively Measured Sleep Disturbance in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
- The study focused on the prevalence of objectively measured sleep disturbance in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
- Results showed that 61.1% of RA patients experienced sleep disturbances, which is higher than the general population.
- Sleep disturbance in RA patients was found to be associated with increased disease activity, pain, and fatigue.
- Researchers concluded that better management of sleep disturbances could lead to improved health outcomes for RA patients.
Social Determinants of Health
- Study found a link between wealth and arthritis prevalence
- Wealthier individuals more likely to be diagnosed with arthritis
- Less wealthy individuals experiencing underdiagnosis and undertreatment
- Further research needed to explore the reasons behind this wealth gap in arthritis care
- Access to healthcare services and financial barriers may play a role
- Study addresses the relationship between social determinants of health, functional disability, and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
- Reveals higher neighborhood poverty rate is associated with worse functional disability and disease activity.
- Indicates lower household income and education also correlate with higher disease activity and greater functional disability.
- Concludes that addressing social determinants of health could lead to improved outcomes for rheumatoid arthritis patients.
- Suggests further research on interventions to mitigate these disparities.
New Fatigue Guidelines for EULAR
- 2023 EULAR recommendations aim to manage fatigue in people with inflammatory rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases.
- The recommendations highlight the importance of a comprehensive assessment addressing mental, physical, and personal/social factors.
- Non-pharmacological interventions, including physical activity and psychological/educational support, are advised.
- Pharmacological treatments should be considered if non-pharmacological interventions fail.
- Healthcare professionals are encouraged to monitor patients’ fatigue levels regularly and adjust treatment accordingly.
Comorbidities
Multimorbidity Burden Predicts Lower Likelihood of Remission in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Multimorbidity burden negatively impacts remission rates in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
- Patients with higher multimorbidity scores showed a lower probability of achieving remission.
- Female patients, older age, and White ethnicity were associated with a higher multimorbidity burden.
- The study analyzed the impact of comorbidities on bDMARD effectiveness and retention rate in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
- Data was collected from the Spanish registry BIOBADASER over a 2-year follow-up period.
- The presence of comorbidities was found to negatively affect the first bDMARD’s effectiveness.
- Patients without comorbidities had a higher retention rate for their first bDMARD treatment.
- The study suggests that managing comorbidities could improve treatment outcomes for rheumatoid arthritis patients.
- Obesity is a risk factor for poor response to treatment in early rheumatoid arthritis.
- Study conducted within the NORD-STAR clinical trial, including 774 patients.
- Obese patients had lower rates of remission and higher disease activity scores after six months of treatment.
- Weight loss interventions may improve treatment outcomes for obese patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
- Further research needed to establish guidelines for weight management in rheumatoid arthritis treatment plans.
- Obesity is linked to worse flare symptoms and quality of life in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.
- The study utilized the RA Flare Questionnaire to evaluate the impact of obesity on flare severity.
- Obesity was associated with increased pain, longer flare duration, and worse quality-of-life scores.
- Obese RA patients may require more aggressive treatment and weight management strategies to improve outcomes.
The Relationship Between Disease Activity of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Kidney Function
- The study investigates the relationship between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease activity and kidney function.
- Researchers discovered that a higher RA disease activity associates with a decline in kidney function.
- Patients who did not reach a low RA disease activity score demonstrated a significant decline in their kidney function.
- The study emphasizes the need for close monitoring and management of RA disease activity to prevent potential kidney function decline.
Download The Talk Over RA Discussion Guide
TalkOverRA is a platform that aims to empower people living with rheumatoid arthritis to advocate for themselves and their healthcare needs. It provides resources, community support, and tools to help individuals communicate effectively with their doctors and healthcare providers. The campaign emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy and provides tips for assertive communication and asking the right questions.
2023 Talk Over RA Content
- Patient Leaders Talk Over RA Video
- Canada – Dr. Cheryl Barnabe
- United States – Dr. Jen Barton
- Brazil – Dr. André Luiz Luquini Pereira
- Talk Over RA 2020 – 2023 Recap
- Talk Over RA – Important Questions To Ask Your Rheumatoid Arthritis Care Team
- Talk Over RA – Understanding Obesity and Remission with Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Talk Over RA – What I Learned About Remission and Rheumatoid Arthritis At The 2023 American College of Rheumatology Conference
Be Sure To Follow The Other Talk Over RA Advocates!
- Lene Andersen –@theseatedview
- Julia McNally –@the.ra.yogi
- Michael Kuluva – @michaelkuluva