Rheumatoid Arthritis: Kay L

McLean-Tooke A, Aldridge C, Waugh S, Spickett GP, Kay L. · Department of Immunology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, UK. · Rheumatology (Oxford). · Pubmed #19447771 No free full text.

Abstract: Low-dose MTX administered weekly remains a mainstay in the therapy of RA. There is a belief amongst rheumatologists that RA patients taking MTX have both an increased risk and severity of infection. Here we review the published data on the risks of infection associated with the use of MTX in patients with RA and make some recommendations for managing MTX in patients with infection.

Smith N, Gadsby K, Butt S, Carruthers D, Deeming A, Ledingham J, Fletcher M, Mulherin D, Roskell S, Kay L, Nicholl K, Cooper R, Worsley A, Deighton C. · Department of Rheumatology, Derbyshire Royal Infirmary, London Road, Derby, England, UK DE1 2QY. · Rheumatology (Oxford). · Pubmed #17666440 No free full text.

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines for anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) state that two pre-assessments of Disease Activity Score (DAS28) should be performed a month apart. We performed a retrospective audit of data from six centres to determine the stability of DAS28 between assessments, and the proportion of patients still satisfying eligibility criteria at baseline. METHODS: All RA patients assessed for anti-TNF from six centres had their pre-assessment DAS28 (DAS-1) compared with their baseline DAS28 (DAS0) using paired t-tests, and a similar analysis for the components of the DAS28. Patients who were no longer eligible for anti-TNF at DAS0 were noted. RESULTS: Six hundred and seventy-nine RA patients showed no significant change in the DAS28, with a mean DAS-1 of 6.74 and DAS0 of 6.73. (P = 0.86). Of the patients, 97.2% fulfilled the UK eligibility criteria at DAS0. Comparison of the individual components of the DAS28 between the two pre-assessment dates showed that there was no significant difference between either the numbers of swollen joints or the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), but there was a significant increase in the numbers of tender joints of 1.41 (P < 0.001) and in the visual analogue scale (VAS) of 4.22 (P < 0.001). DISCUSSION: The overwhelming majority of patients who fulfil eligibility criteria for anti-TNF drugs 1 month prior to baseline also fulfil the criteria at baseline. There is no significant change in the DAS28 over the month waiting to go onto anti-TNF therapy. A single assessment of the DAS28 would suffice to enable patients to go on to anti-TNF treatment.

Almeida C, Clarke B, O'Brien A, Hammond A, Ryan S, Kay L, Hewlett S. · Academic Rheumatology, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK. · Rheumatology (Oxford). · Pubmed #16449368 links to  free full text

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Rheumatological conditions are common and all health professionals (HPs) therefore need sufficient knowledge and skills to manage patients safely and effectively. The aim of this study was to examine current undergraduate education in rheumatology for HPs in the UK. METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to curriculum organizers and clinical placement officers for all undergraduate courses in adult nursing, occupational therapy (OT) and physiotherapy (PT) in the UK to ascertain the nature and amount of rheumatology theory and clinical exposure provided. RESULTS: Of the 47 adult nursing, 26 OT and 30 PT undergraduate courses surveyed, 85-90% responded. Overall, rheumatology teaching is 5-10 h over 3 yr. Nursing students receive moderate/in-depth teaching on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in only 52% of courses (OT 91%, PT 96%) and on osteoarthritis (OA) in 63% (OT 91%, PT 92%). Clinical experience of RA is probably/definitely available in only 56% of nursing courses (OT 72%, PT 88%), with similar results in OA. Overall, nursing students receive the least rheumatology exposure, particularly in psychosocial issues and symptom management, while PT students receive the most. OT students have limited opportunities for clinical exposure to psychosocial and joint protection issues. Use of local rheumatology clinical HP experts is variable (18-93%) and cross-disciplinary exposure is limited (0-36%). Many educators consider their rheumatology training to be insufficient (nursing 50%, PT 42%, OT 24%). CONCLUSIONS: Rheumatology training for undergraduate HPs is limited in key areas and often fails to take advantage of local clinical expertise, with nursing students particularly restricted. Clinical HP experts should consider novel methods of addressing these shortfalls within the limited curriculum time available.

Raftery G, Griffiths B, Kay L, Kane D. · No affiliation provided · Rheumatology (Oxford). · Pubmed #17567635 links to  free full text

This publication has no abstract.

Pratt A, Nicholl K, Kay L. · No affiliation provided · Rheumatology (Oxford). · Pubmed #17409126 links to  free full text

This publication has no abstract.