Effect of Body Mass Index on the Disease Activity of Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis in a Gender-Specific Manner and the Association of Respective Serum C-Reactive Protein Levels With the Body's Inflammatory Status.

Background Current literature evaluating the effect of high body mass index (BMI) on the disease activity of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is mixed as some studies have shown a positive, linear relationship between BMI and disease activity while others have demonstrated an inverse correlation. Through this study, we have expanded the effect of BMI on disease activity in patients with RA. We have further expanded on whether BMI influences the disease activity depending on the gender being studied.

Patient Perspectives on Intravenous Biologics for Rheumatologic Disease.

Objective: Two surveys were conducted with patients with rheumatologic diseases to evaluate perceptions of different routes of administration (intravenous [IV] or subcutaneous [SC]) for biologic therapy.

Methods: In Survey I, patient preferences toward biologic treatment were evaluated at a rheumatology practice in Buffalo, New York. In Survey II, Canadian patients enrolled in the BioAdvance patient support program and scheduled to receive IV biologic therapy were asked about their opinions of IV treatment.

Monitoring response to therapy in rheumatoid arthritis - perspectives from the clinic.

The major objectives in treating patients with rheumatoid arthritis are managing the symptoms of disease and preserving joint structure, with the ultimate goal of disease remission. Several independent studies have shown that treatment decisions driven by quantitative rather than subjective monitoring of disease activity result in significantly improved patient outcomes. Various assessment tools are available that measure both clinical and patient-reported outcomes.