Rheum Round-up: Disease Activity Affects COVID-19 Death, CRF and Mortality in RA, and more

Disease Activity, DMARDs May Affect COVID-19 Death Risk in Patients With Rheumatic Disease

In addition to known risk factors, including older age and certain comorbidities, disease activity and specific disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) may be tied to COVID-19 mortality risk in patients with rheumatic diseases, according to a study, emphasizing the importance of disease control particularly during the pandemic.

Most DMARDs, compared to methotrexate alone, did not increase mortality risk, but the “notable exceptions” were rituximab and sulfasalazine.

https://www.docwirenews.com/docwire-pick/rheumatology-picks/disease-activity-dmards-may-affect-covid-19-death-risk-in-patients-with-rheumatic-disease/

Reduced Cardiorespiratory Fitness Mediates Excess All-cause Mortality in Rheumatoid Arthritis

A study found that low cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) was a mediator of excess all-cause mortality among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and suggested that patients take part in physical activity to increase their CRF. The researchers recommended that CRF be “an integral part of standard treatment RA” in conjunction with medication.

https://www.docwirenews.com/docwire-pick/rheumatology-picks/reduced-cardiorespiratory-fitness-mediates-excess-all-cause-mortality-in-rheumatoid-arthritis/

Quality Over Quantity: Research Highlights Importance of Muscle Radiodensity Versus Mass in Patients with Cancer

When it comes to bone health in patients with cancer, muscle mass often takes the spotlight. But according to new research, a “quality over quantity” approach may improve more outcomes: the quality of muscle (muscle radiodensity) appears to play a larger role than the quantity of muscle (muscle mass).

https://www.docwirenews.com/docwire-pick/rheumatology-picks/quality-over-quantity-research-highlights-importance-of-muscle-radiodensity-versus-mass-in-patients-with-cancer/

High-Intensity Strength Training No Added Benefit for Knee Osteoarthritis

High-intensity strength training does not significantly improve knee pain with osteoarthritis compared with low-intensity strength training or a control condition, according to a study published in the Feb. 16 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

https://www.docwirenews.com/docwire-pick/rheumatology-picks/high-intensity-strength-training-no-added-benefit-for-knee-osteoarthritis/