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Obsevations were made that indicated that MTX was well tolerated even after a period of 12 years. Go to the link named (Longterm methotrexate use in rheumatoid arthritis) below for more details

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Q: Effects of long term use a year or longer of methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis?
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What are some treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis?

Decades ago, if a person were diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, the rheumatologist would tell that person that he or she would have a poor prognosis and would likely be disabled in in the future from the ravages of rheumatoid arthritis. Now, with modern medicine and the latest in research developments now making its breakthroughs tangible, having rheumatoid arthritis no longer means being crippled as one gets older. Medicines used for other purposes have now found usage in rheumatoid arthritis due to better understanding of the disease. New medications have also revolutionized the outlook of rheumatoid arthritis. The conservative treatments are always suggested first, such as using over the counter pain medications (NSAIDs, Tylenol) and heat/ice, but more physicians are beginning to use medications called DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs) earlier in the course of rheumatoid arthritis. The oral forms of these drugs range in type and indication, but the most common ones used are methotrexate, Plaquenil, leflunomide, sulfasalazine, and ciclosporine. Clinical studies have indicated that earlier, more aggressive usage of these medications can not only show earlier benefit, but also slow or even halt progression of rheumatoid completely. Corticosteroids are still used for rheumatoid flares, but most treatments are kept as short as possible because of their side effects. Patients started on oral steroids take a strong dose of steroids and gradually taper the dose until they are weaned off. For rheumatoid that has not been controlled with DMARDs on a regular basis, the new biologic agents have shown lots of promise in managing rheumatoid arthritis. These new agents work by blocking one of the biochemicals in the body that trigger inflammation. This halts an inflammatory cascade that causes a marked reduction in inflammation, and as a result decreases or even halts the immune system's attack on joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis. Such medications include etanercept, infliximab, and adalimumab. These medications have revolutionized the treatment and management of rheumatoid arthritis, but have its disadvantages as well. For one, it can only be taken as an injectible form because the stomach's acid degrades this product before it reaches the body. Another downside is the increased risk for infections. Though there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, there are many options available for managing the disease. However, with the current research in understanding this disease process, there is hope a better treatment or even a cure will be found.


Is Rheumatoid arthritis a disease in which the body's immune system rejects its own tissue This is an example of what physiological theory of aging?

Yes RA is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly rejects particular types of tissues of the body. However even baby's can have Rheumatoid arthritis. the cause for is is not known but there does deem to be genetic factors involved. I doubt that you would be able to describe it as anymore then a disease and the only part aging plays in it is that as one lives longer one is more likely to become a victim to its effects if one is predisposed to it.


Why do arthritis attack people?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic joint disease that damages the joints of the body. It is also a systemic disease that potentially affects internal organs of the body and leads to disability. The joint damage is caused by inflammation of the joint lining tissue. Inflammation is normally a response by the body's immune system to "assaults" such as infections, wounds, and foreign objects. In rheumatoid arthritis, the inflammation is misdirected to attack the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is often referred to as RA.The inflammation in the joints causes pain, stiffness, swelling, and loss of function.The inflammation often affects other organs and systems of the body, including the lungs, heart, and kidneys.If the inflammation is not slowed or stopped, it can permanently damage the affected joints and other tissues.Rheumatoid arthritis should not be confused with other forms of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis or arthritis associated with infections. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. This means that the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the tissues it is supposed to protect.The immune system produces specialized cells and chemicals, which are released into the bloodstream and begin to attack body tissues.This abnormal immune response causes inflammation and thickening of the membrane (synovium) that lines the joint. Inflammation of the synovium is called synovitis and is the hallmark of an inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis.As the synovitis expands inside and outside of the joint, it can damage the bone and cartilage of the joint and the surrounding tissues, such as ligaments, tendons, nerves, and blood vessels.Rheumatoid arthritis most often affects the smaller joints, such as those of the hands and/or feet, wrists, elbows, knees, and/or ankles, but any joint can be affected. The symptoms often lead to significant discomfort and disability.Many people with rheumatoid arthritis have difficulty carrying out normal activities of daily living, such as standing, walking, dressing, washing, using the toilet, preparing food, and carrying out household chores.The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis interfere with work for many people. As many as half of those with rheumatoid arthritis are no longer able to work 10-20 years after their condition is diagnosed.On average, life expectancy is somewhat shorter for people with rheumatoid arthritis than for the general population. This does not mean that everyone with rheumatoid arthritis has a shortened life span. Rheumatoid arthritis itself is not a fatal disease. However, it can be associated with many complications and treatment-related side effects that can contribute to premature death.Although rheumatoid arthritis most often affects the joints, it is a disease of the entire body. It can affect many organs and body systems besides the joints. Therefore, rheumatoid arthritis is referred to as a systemic disease.Musculoskeletal structures: Damage to muscles surrounding joints may cause atrophy (shrinking) that results in weakening. This is most common in the hands. Atrophy also may result from not using a muscle, usually because of pain or swelling. Damage to bones and tendons can cause deformities, especially of the hands and feet. Osteoporosis and carpal tunnel syndrome are other common complications of rheumatoid arthritis.Skin: Many people with rheumatoid arthritis develop small nodules on or near the joint that are visible under the skin. These rheumatoid nodules are most noticeable under the skin on the bony areas that stick out when a joint is flexed. Dark purplish areas on the skin (purpura) are caused by bleeding into the skin from blood vessels damaged by rheumatoid arthritis. Purpura is particularly common in those patients who have taken cortisone medication. This damage to the blood vessels is called vasculitis, and these vasculitic lesions also may cause skin ulcers.Heart: A collection of fluid around the heart (pericardial effusion) from inflammation is not uncommon in rheumatoid arthritis. This usually causes only mild symptoms, if any, but it can be very severe. Rheumatoid arthritis-related inflammation can affect the heart muscle, the heart valves, or the blood vessels of the heart (coronary arteries). Heart attacks are more frequent in patients with rheumatoid arthritis than those without it.Lungs: Rheumatoid arthritis' effects on the lungs may take several forms. Fluid may collect around one or both lungs and is referred to as a pleural effusion. Inflammation of the lining tissues of the lungs is known as pleuritis. Less frequently, lung tissues may become stiff or scarred, referred to as pulmonary fibrosis. Any of these effects can have a negative effect on breathing. Lung infections become more common.Digestive tract: The digestive tract is usually not affected directly by rheumatoid arthritis. Dry mouth, related to Sjögren's syndrome, is the most common symptom of gastrointestinal involvement. Digestive complications are much more likely to be caused by medications used to treat the condition, such as gastritis (stomach inflammation) or stomach ulcer caused by NSAID therapy. Any part of the digestive tract may become inflamed if the patient develops vasculitis, but this is uncommon. If the liver is involved, it may become enlarged and cause discomfort in the abdomen.Kidneys: The kidneys are not usually affected directly by rheumatoid arthritis. Kidney problems in rheumatoid arthritis are much more likely to be caused by medications used to treat the condition. Nevertheless, severe, long-standing disease can uncommonly lead to a form of protein deposition and damage to the kidney, referred to as amyloidosis.Blood vessels: Inflammation of the blood vessels can cause problems in any organ but is most common in the skin, where it appears as purple patches (purpura) or skin ulcers.Blood: Anemia or "low blood" is a common complication of rheumatoid arthritis. Anemia means that you have an abnormally low number of red blood cells and that these cells are low in hemoglobin, the substance that carries oxygen through the body. (Anemia has many different causes and is by no means unique to rheumatoid arthritis.) A low white blood cell count (leukopenia) can occur from Felty's syndrome, a complication of rheumatoid arthritis that is also characterized by enlargement of the spleen.Nervous system: The deformity and damage to joints in rheumatoid arthritis often lead to entrapment of nerves. Carpal tunnel syndrome is one example of this. Entrapment can damage nerves and may lead to serious consequences.Eyes: The eyes commonly become dry and/or inflamed in rheumatoid arthritis. This is a result of inflammation of the tear glands and is called Sjögren's syndrome. The severity of this condition depends on which parts of the eye are affected. There are many other eye complications of rheumatoid arthritis, including inflammation of the whites of the eyes (scleritis), that often require the attention of an ophthalmologist.Like many autoimmune diseases, rheumatoid arthritis typically waxes and wanes. Most people with rheumatoid arthritis experience periods when their symptoms worsen (known as flares or active disease) separated by periods in which the symptoms improve. With successful treatment, symptoms may even go away completely (remission, or inactive disease).About 1.3 million people in the United States are believed to have rheumatoid arthritis.About 75% of these are women. Women are two to three times more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than men.Rheumatoid arthritis affects all ages, races, and social and ethnic groups.It is most likely to strike people 35-50 years of age, but it can occur in children, teenagers, and elderly people. (A similar disease affecting young people is known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.)Worldwide, about 1% of people are believed to have rheumatoid arthritis, but the rate varies among different groups of people. For example, rheumatoid arthritis affects about 5%-6% of some Native-American groups, while the rate is very low in some Caribbean peoples of African descent.The rate is about 2%-3% in people who have a close relative with rheumatoid arthritis, such as a parent, brother or sister, or child.Although there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, the disease can be controlled in most people. Early, aggressive therapy, soon after the initial diagnosis, is optimally targeted to stop or slow down inflammation in the joints can prevent or reduce symptoms, prevent or reduce joint destruction and deformity, and prevent or lessen disability and other complications.


Does reliv arthaffect slow scleroderma?

I was diagnosed with three different autoimmune diseases several years ago--Lupus, Scleroderma, and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Arthaffect has successfully taken care of the inflammation that comes with Scleroderma, and I am no longer experiencing any of the symptoms from any of the autoimmune diseases I was diagnosed with.


What is End arthritis?

inflammatory arthritis that has reached a joint where a joint and it surrounds have been totally destroyed and there is no longer any arthritic activity is refereed to as end arthritis.


What is a normal rheumatoid factor?

Results are usually reported in one of two ways:Less than 40-60 u/mLLess than 1:80 (1 to 80) titerA low number (normal result) generally means you do not have rheumatoid arthritis or Sjogren syndrome. However, these conditions still can still occur in some people who have have a "normal" or low rheumatoid factor (RF).Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories.Rheumatoid factor (RF) blood tests measures the amount of the RF antibody in the blood.The results of the rheumatoid factor (RF) test may be reported in titers or units:A titer is a measure of how much the blood sample can be diluted before RF can no longer be detected. A titer of 1 to 20 (1:20) means that RF can be detected when 1 part of the blood sample is diluted by up to 20 parts of a salt solution (saline). A larger second number means there is more RF in the blood. Therefore, a titer of 1 to 80 shows more RF in the blood than a titer of 1 to 20.Nephelometry units indicate how much light is blocked by the blood sample in the tube. A high level of RF causes the sample to be cloudy, so less light passes through the tube than when the RF level is low. So an RF level of 100 units is higher than one of 40 units.NormalNormal values vary from lab to lab. Results are usually available in a day or two.Rheumatoid factor (RF) Titers1:20 to 1:80 Units14 units/mL to 60 units/mLPatients should check with their heath profesional to see what the normal range is for the lab that tested your blood.Rheumatoid factor is an immunoglobulin (antibody) which is able to bind to other antibodies. Rheumatoid factor is usually not found in the general population. it is only found in about 1-2% of healthy people. Rheumatoid factor increases with age and about 20% of people over 65 years old have an elevated rheumatoid factor.A blood test is done to detect the presence of rheumatoid factor. This is normally ordered to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid factor is present in 80% of adults who have rheumatoid arthritis The incidence of rheumatoid factor increases with duration time: at 3 months the incidence is 33%, at one year it is 75%. Up to 20% of rheumatoid arthritis sufferers remain negative for rheumatoid factor (also known as "seronegative rheumatoid arthritis") throughout their disease.Results are usually reported in one of two ways:Normal values are LESS than 60 U/ml.A low number (normal result) usually means you do not have rheumatoid arthritis or Sjogren syndrome. However, some people who do have these conditions still have a "normal" or low rheumatoid factor (RF).


What is Aslo titret test means?

Results are usually reported in one of two ways:Less than 40-60 u/mLLess than 1:80 (1 to 80) titerA low number (normal result) generally means you do not have rheumatoid arthritis or Sjogren syndrome. However, these conditions still can still occur in some people who have have a "normal" or low rheumatoid factor (RF).Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories.Rheumatoid factor (RF) blood tests measures the amount of the RF antibody in the blood.The results of the rheumatoid factor (RF) test may be reported in titers or units:A titer is a measure of how much the blood sample can be diluted before RF can no longer be detected. A titer of 1 to 20 (1:20) means that RF can be detected when 1 part of the blood sample is diluted by up to 20 parts of a salt solution (saline). A larger second number means there is more RF in the blood. Therefore, a titer of 1 to 80 shows more RF in the blood than a titer of 1 to 20.Nephelometry units indicate how much light is blocked by the blood sample in the tube. A high level of RF causes the sample to be cloudy, so less light passes through the tube than when the RF level is low. So an RF level of 100 units is higher than one of 40 units.NormalNormal values vary from lab to lab. Results are usually available in a day or two.Rheumatoid factor (RF) Titers1:20 to 1:80 Units14 units/mL to 60 units/mLPatients should check with their heath profesional to see what the normal range is for the lab that tested your blood.Rheumatoid factor is an immunoglobulin (antibody) which is able to bind to other antibodies. Rheumatoid factor is usually not found in the general population. it is only found in about 1-2% of healthy people. Rheumatoid factor increases with age and about 20% of people over 65 years old have an elevated rheumatoid factor.A blood test is done to detect the presence of rheumatoid factor. This is normally ordered to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid factor is present in 80% of adults who have rheumatoid arthritis The incidence of rheumatoid factor increases with duration time: at 3 months the incidence is 33%, at one year it is 75%. Up to 20% of rheumatoid arthritis sufferers remain negative for rheumatoid factor (also known as "seronegative rheumatoid arthritis") throughout their disease.Results are usually reported in one of two ways:Normal values are LESS than 60 U/ml.A low number (normal result) usually means you do not have rheumatoid arthritis or Sjogren syndrome. However, some people who do have these conditions still have a "normal" or low rheumatoid factor (RF).


What happend when Romans no longer wanted a monarchy?

A revolution and the formation of the republic were the effects of the Romans no longer wanting a monarchy.A revolution and the formation of the republic were the effects of the Romans no longer wanting a monarchy.A revolution and the formation of the republic were the effects of the Romans no longer wanting a monarchy.A revolution and the formation of the republic were the effects of the Romans no longer wanting a monarchy.A revolution and the formation of the republic were the effects of the Romans no longer wanting a monarchy.A revolution and the formation of the republic were the effects of the Romans no longer wanting a monarchy.A revolution and the formation of the republic were the effects of the Romans no longer wanting a monarchy.A revolution and the formation of the republic were the effects of the Romans no longer wanting a monarchy.A revolution and the formation of the republic were the effects of the Romans no longer wanting a monarchy.


Why do rheumatoid labs take longer than other labs?

some of the blood tests require a settling time.


What is low density lipoprotien of 138 Also what is rheumatoid factor 20?

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is one of the five major groups of lipoproteins, which in order of size, largest to smallest, are chylomicrons, VLDL, IDL, LDL, and HDL, that enable transport of multiple different fat molecules, including cholesterol, within the water around cells and within the water-based bloodstream. Studies have shown that higher levels of type-B LDL particles (as opposed to type-A LDL particles) promote health problems and cardiovascular disease, they are often informally called the bad cholesterol particles, (as opposed to HDL particles, which are frequently referred to as good cholesterol or healthy cholesterol particlesNormal Rgeumatoid factorResults are usually reported in one of two ways:Less than 40-60 u/mLLess than 1:80 (1 to 80) titerA low number (normal result) generally means you do not have rheumatoid arthritis or Sjogren syndrome. However, these conditions still can still occur in some people who have have a "normal" or low rheumatoid factor (RF).Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories.Rheumatoid factor (RF) blood tests measures the amount of the RF antibody in the blood.The results of the rheumatoid factor (RF) test may be reported in titers or units:A titer is a measure of how much the blood sample can be diluted before RF can no longer be detected. A titer of 1 to 20 (1:20) means that RF can be detected when 1 part of the blood sample is diluted by up to 20 parts of a salt solution (saline). A larger second number means there is more RF in the blood. Therefore, a titer of 1 to 80 shows more RF in the blood than a titer of 1 to 20.Nephelometry units indicate how much light is blocked by the blood sample in the tube. A high level of RF causes the sample to be cloudy, so less light passes through the tube than when the RF level is low. So an RF level of 100 units is higher than one of 40 units.NormalNormal values vary from lab to lab. Results are usually available in a day or two.Rheumatoid factor (RF) Titers1:20 to 1:80 Units14 units/mL to 60 units/mLPatients should check with their heath profesional to see what the normal range is for the lab that tested your blood.Rheumatoid factor is an immunoglobulin (antibody) which is able to bind to other antibodies. Rheumatoid factor is usually not found in the general population. it is only found in about 1-2% of healthy people. Rheumatoid factor increases with age and about 20% of people over 65 years old have an elevated rheumatoid factor.A blood test is done to detect the presence of rheumatoid factor. This is normally ordered to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid factor is present in 80% of adults who have rheumatoid arthritis The incidence of rheumatoid factor increases with duration time: at 3 months the incidence is 33%, at one year it is 75%. Up to 20% of rheumatoid arthritis sufferers remain negative for rheumatoid factor (also known as "seronegative rheumatoid arthritis") throughout their disease.Results are usually reported in one of two ways:Normal values are LESS than 60 U/ml.A low number (normal result) usually means you do not have rheumatoid arthritis or Sjogren syndrome. However, some people who do have these conditions still have a "normal" or low rheumatoid factor (RF).


How does rheumatoid arthritis present?

Rheumatoid arthritis causes stiffness (especially in the mornings), swelling, and, often, crippling pain. It can also cause fatigue, anaemia and weight loss. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder: it is a "Auto immune disease". The body's immune system improperly identifies the synovial membranes as foreign. Inflammation results, damaging cartilage and tissues in and around the joints. Normal spaces within the joints become narrowed and the bones may even fuse together. This disease can affect many other parts of the body like the brain, Heart, lungs, blood vessels, eyes ans kin as well. A doctor will check for multiple joint inflammation, warmth in inflamed joints, Rheumatiod factor in the blood, signs of inflammation through blood tests, as well as comparative x-rays to enable him/her to check on the progress of damage caused by the disease.


What cause arthritis?

Most forms of arthritis are found in the joints of the body and are characterized by pain and dysfunction The main forms are inflammatory and non inflammatory arthritisRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints. RA can also cause inflammation of the tissue around the joints, and in other organs and tissue in the body. An autoimmune disease is a condition where body's tissues are mistakenly attacked by the body's own immune system. The immune is designed to "seek and destroy" invaders or foreign materials of the body, especially infections. Persons with autoimmune diseases have antibodies in their blood that attack their own body tissue, where they can be associated with inflammation. Because it can affect several organs of the body it is known as a systemic illness and is sometimes called rheumatoid disease. Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic illness, meaning it can last for years, patients may experience long periods of time without symptoms. Rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive illness that has the potential to cause joint destruction and functional disability.Osteoarthritis is another very common form of arthritis and this is more likely to come later in life as the result of wear and tear. and sometimes trauma causing joint damage and displacement.Gouty arthritis is another form of arthritis that is the result of the formation of crystals being formed in joints and other parts of the body. this disease tent to be prevalent mainly in men