Rheumatic DiseaseInfo Center

Losing the Brain in RA
As people grow old, they may start to have problems with memory, language, thinking and judgment. Some diseases may play a role in this loss of brain function known as cognitive impairment.
Drug May Have No Benefit in PsA
Methotrexate (sold as Rheumatrex and Trexall ) may be the first-choice drug for treating rheumatoid arthritis. But how does it fare in patients with psoriatic arthritis? A recent study found no evidence that methotrexate improves joint inflammation in people with psoriatic arthritis.
Blood Testing in RA-Diabetes Combo
Heart disease is a common complication of diabetes. To stay healthy, diabetes patients need to keep a close eye on levels of blood sugar and fat.
Arthritis Drug has Dizzying Side Effects
Despite decades of use, methotrexate (sold as Rheumatrex and Trexall) remains a first-choice drug for treating conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. But some side effects lead patients to stop taking the drug.
High Flu Risk in RA Patients
Every year, thousands of Americans come down with the flu. If you have a condition like rheumatoid arthritis, you may be more likely to get the flu.
Heavy Women May Face Arthritis Risk
If you are obese, all that extra weight is putting a strain on your body. Obesity has been linked to a number of health problems, including several types of arthritis.
Childhood Lupus Spreads to Other Organs
To best deal with complications of lupus in children, doctors need to know the natural course of the disease. If they can spot which young lupus patients are at risk, they can take steps to manage the disease closely.
Different Views on RA Disease Activity
Joint pain and joint swelling are two of the main ways to measure disease activity in people with rheumatoid arthritis. Doctors and patients may disagree on which measure is more important.
Simple Blood Test Tracks RA Activity
To decide how best to treat rheumatoid arthritis, doctors need to track the course of disease in their patients. In the past, disease activity has been tracked through observation.
RA Patients Get Tested for Cancer
It's important to get regular cancer screenings, especially if you have a disease like rheumatoid arthritis - which may also boost your cancer risk.