ArthritisCentral News and Views #17 -- 07/07/05

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DATE : Thu, 7 Jul 2005 13:00:00 -0500
Entered in Database : 2005-07-07 18:00:00
length : 13344896
Link to the Show / Show Notes

• A new vaccine (Zostavax) to help prevent shingles, as well as reduce the pain following this condition is pending approval by the FDA.
  
• Dr. Rutstein presents information about shingles (herpes zoster infection) and why it is important to try to avoid developing this condition (to avoid post-herpetic neuralgia, blindness).
  
• A gene, Foxo3a, has been discovered that may represent a potential treatment target in rheumatoid arthritis. Blocking this gene may allow detrimental white blood cells to die and thereby stop them from further damaging the joints.
  
• What is the "appropriate" way to grieve about one's own health or the loss of a loved one? Dr. Rutstein suggests that this should probably be based on an individual's preferences rather than some established standard. Some people prefer to grieve privately and then move on with their lives.
  
• Obesity may be less of a health risk factor than it used to be because of better control of hypertension and high cholesterol levels. The controversy regarding obesity as a risk factor for dying is re-visited.
  
• Enbrel gets a couple of additional "kudos" in its role in the treatment of psoriatic arthritis. Improved physical function and the prevention of radiographic damage in the joints are discussed.
  
• Concerns about bone damage to the jaw secondary to bisphosphonate medications is heating up with the recent filing of a class action lawsuit against Merck and litigation against the manufacturers of other bisphosphonates (including intravenous forms).
  
• Depression appears to be a separate risk factor in contributing to deaths in rheumatoid arthritis patients. It needs to be adequately addressed by RA patients and their physicians.
  
• The myth that exercise is somehow "bad" for arthritis is dispelled. A poll from Spine-health.com revealed that slightly over half the patients polled chose to avoid exercise as an essential part of their treatment. The advantages of participating in an exercise program are discussed.
  

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