Remicade (Infliximab) Shows Impact on Severe Spondyloarthropathy

[Guest guest]

Thank you so much for the information this article gave. Buzz goes for his first dose of Remicade Thurs. morning. I appreciate so much the time you take to find and send all this information.

Amy

Remicade (Infliximab) Shows Impact on Severe Spondyloarthropathy

Remicade (Infliximab) Shows Impact on Severe Spondyloarthropathy

http://www.docguide.com/news/

GHENT, BELGIUM -- March 11, 2002 -- For the first time, there may be an effective therapeutic option for severe cases of spondyloarthropathies (SpA), a group of rheumatic inflammatory diseases that affect the spinal column, peripheral joints and tendons.

A study, published in the March 6 issue of Arthritis and Rheumatism, found that patients treated with infliximab (also known as Remicade®) monotherapy, experienced median improvements in disease activity of 73 and 78 percent as determined by validated patient and physician global assessment measurement tools, respectively. In comparison, patients treated with placebo experienced virtually no response. "The future of patients suffering from spondyloarthropathy is hopeful," stated Professor M. Veys, MD, Ghent University Hospital. "It seems as if all requirements have been met to allow us to hope that this treatment will be able to prevent the stiffening of the spinal column and the destruction of the peripheral joints, and that the quality of life of these patients will improve considerably." Spondyloarthropathies are a group of chronic related disorders of the joints that include ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, and the arthritis associated with inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis). SpA may also include severe inflammation in the eye (uveitis). These diseases affect about 1 percent of the total population and often develop into seriously debilitating conditions with complete stiffening of the spinal column and destruction of the peripheral joints (hips, knees, wrists and/or fingers). Thus far, treatment of these diseases has been limited to the administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. While these drugs may help to relieve pain for some patients, they do not impact the progression of the disease. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a messenger molecule (cytokine) that is released by stimulated immune cells when inflammation occurs and which, in the case of spondyloarthropathy, induces changes in the bone, joints and tendons. The objective of the 12-week double-blind, placebo-controlled study was to confirm the safety and efficacy of infliximab, a monoclonal antibody that specifically targets TNF-alpha, in forty patients with several sub-types of spondyloarthropathies. "The results were impressive with regard to subjective complaints, symptoms of inflammation of the spinal column and the peripheral joints, and inflammation markers measured in the blood," stated Prof. Veys. These results confirm the findings of a separate, long-term, open-label study initiated by the department of rheumatology of the RUG [state University of Ghent, Belgium], involving intravenous injections of infliximab in 21 patients suffering from various forms SpA (E. Kruithof et al, Ann Rheum Dis, 2002; 61: 207-212). SOURCE: University of Ghent

[Guest guest]

Hi,

Amy, you're very welcome. And know that both you and Buzz will be in our thoughts on Thursday.

Sometimes, when things are as busy as they have been around here the last few weeks, I worry about not being able to keep up in a timely manner with everything that's going on in this group. My first priority is to get a handle on the latest arthritis news. Definitely don't want us to miss out on any major medical breakthroughs. But it's such a pleasure to see the amount of dialogue that takes place here ... even when I (unfortunately) can't be a very active participant.

Kayla's already started her 2 week Spring Break. Josh has off next week. All my baby birds from the first clutch have gone to their new homes but ... when I take babies out of the nest it's like a signal for Tosh and Sweetie to get busy again. Needless to say, we have another clutch of healthy babies. In a couple days I'll be taking over their full-time rearing. Then that'll be it, for at least another 6 months.

I'm also still caring for my friend's almost 2 year old daughter in the afternoons. Her regular day care provider was recently diagnosed with inoperable cancer so for the time being, she needed to stop working. I think she'll be doing chemo and radiation, hopefully with good results. The baby's Mom is young, single, didn't have many convenient options. Afraid of losing her job. I've always told her she could count on me if she ever needed help with the baby. Plus, the children and I love being able to spend time with her, so it's working out well for all.

Anyway, good luck on Thursday. Please let us know how it goes.

Aloha,

Georgina

Re: Remicade (Infliximab) Shows Impact on Severe Spondyloarthropathy

Thank you so much for the information this article gave. Buzz goes for his first dose of Remicade Thurs. morning. I appreciate so much the time you take to find and send all this information.

Amy

Remicade (Infliximab) Shows Impact on Severe Spondyloarthropathy

http://www.docguide.com/news/

GHENT, BELGIUM -- March 11, 2002 -- For the first time, there may be an effective therapeutic option for severe cases of spondyloarthropathies (SpA), a group of rheumatic inflammatory diseases that affect the spinal column, peripheral joints and tendons.

[Guest guest]

A warm hello to all! I too am the one people call upon to watch their kids. I live in an area that none of the family is here. Most of my friends have no one here. I really put the kids first and they love this. I have the possibility that allows me to stay home and enjoy the moment even if I don't at the time..... What a gift. has a question for all of you. Is there a chat room that has been set up for the kids to vent without the parent or adult guardian getting a copy of the issue at hand. I had to tell her I had no idea. That everyone here was offering info and support for the caregiver. I hope all had a Green St. Patty's day and have a sunny week! ---- Original Message -----

From: Georgina

Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2002 6:40 PM

Subject: Re: Remicade (Infliximab) Shows Impact on Severe Spondyloarthropathy

Hi,

Amy, you're very welcome. And know that both you and Buzz will be in our thoughts on Thursday.

Sometimes, when things are as busy as they have been around here the last few weeks, I worry about not being able to keep up in a timely manner with everything that's going on in this group. My first priority is to get a handle on the latest arthritis news. Definitely don't want us to miss out on any major medical breakthroughs. But it's such a pleasure to see the amount of dialogue that takes place here ... even when I (unfortunately) can't be a very active participant.

Kayla's already started her 2 week Spring Break. Josh has off next week. All my baby birds from the first clutch have gone to their new homes but ... when I take babies out of the nest it's like a signal for Tosh and Sweetie to get busy again. Needless to say, we have another clutch of healthy babies. In a couple days I'll be taking over their full-time rearing. Then that'll be it, for at least another 6 months.

I'm also still caring for my friend's almost 2 year old daughter in the afternoons. Her regular day care provider was recently diagnosed with inoperable cancer so for the time being, she needed to stop working. I think she'll be doing chemo and radiation, hopefully with good results. The baby's Mom is young, single, didn't have many convenient options. Afraid of losing her job. I've always told her she could count on me if she ever needed help with the baby. Plus, the children and I love being able to spend time with her, so it's working out well for all.

Anyway, good luck on Thursday. Please let us know how it goes.

Aloha,

Georgina

Re: Remicade (Infliximab) Shows Impact on Severe Spondyloarthropathy

Thank you so much for the information this article gave. Buzz goes for his first dose of Remicade Thurs. morning. I appreciate so much the time you take to find and send all this information.

Amy

Remicade (Infliximab) Shows Impact on Severe Spondyloarthropathy

http://www.docguide.com/news/

GHENT, BELGIUM -- March 11, 2002 -- For the first time, there may be an effective therapeutic option for severe cases of spondyloarthropathies (SpA), a group of rheumatic inflammatory diseases that affect the spinal column, peripheral joints and tendons.

[Guest guest]

Remicade (Infliximab) Shows Impact on Severe Spondyloarthropathy

GHENT, BELGIUM -- March 11, 2002 -- For the first time, there may be an

effective therapeutic option for severe cases

of spondyloarthropathies (SpA), a group of rheumatic inflammatory diseases that

affect the spinal column, peripheral joints

and tendons.

A study, published in the March 6 issue of Arthritis and Rheumatism, found that

patients treated with infliximab (also

known as Remicade®) monotherapy, experienced median improvements in disease

activity of 73 and 78 percent as

determined by validated patient and physician global assessment measurement

tools, respectively. In comparison,

patients treated with placebo experienced virtually no response.

" The future of patients suffering from spondyloarthropathy is hopeful, " stated

Professor M. Veys, MD, Ghent

University Hospital. " It seems as if all requirements have been met to allow us

to hope that this treatment will be able to

prevent the stiffening of the spinal column and the destruction of the

peripheral joints, and that the quality of life of these

patients will improve considerably. "

Spondyloarthropathies are a group of chronic related disorders of the joints

that include ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic

arthritis, and the arthritis associated with inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's

disease or ulcerative colitis). SpA may also

include severe inflammation in the eye (uveitis). These diseases affect about 1

percent of the total population and often

develop into seriously debilitating conditions with complete stiffening of the

spinal column and destruction of the peripheral

joints (hips, knees, wrists and/or fingers).

Thus far, treatment of these diseases has been limited to the administration of

non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. While

these drugs may help to relieve pain for some patients, they do not impact the

progression of the disease.

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a messenger molecule (cytokine) that is released

by stimulated immune cells when

inflammation occurs and which, in the case of spondyloarthropathy, induces

changes in the bone, joints and tendons.

The objective of the 12- week double-blind, placebo-controlled study was to

confirm the safety and efficacy of infliximab,

a monoclonal antibody that specifically targets TNF-alpha, in forty patients

with several sub- types of

spondyloarthropathies.

" The results were impressive with regard to subjective complaints, symptoms of

inflammation of the spinal column and the

peripheral joints, and inflammation markers measured in the blood, " stated Prof.

Veys.

These results confirm the findings of a separate, long-term, open- label study

initiated by the department of rheumatology

of the RUG [state University of Ghent, Belgium], involving intravenous

injections of infliximab in 21 patients suffering from

various forms SpA (E. Kruithof et al, Ann Rheum Dis, 2002; 61: 207-212).

SOURCE: University of Ghent

[Guest guest]

there is a sight for kids to go and chat about jra and things..at

arthritisinsight.com plus another is jraworld.com

karen(tab17..poly)

From: " Carol Shroyer " <car54ol@...>

Reply-

< >

Subject: Re: Remicade (Infliximab) Shows Impact on Severe

Spondyloarthropathy

Date: Tue, 19 Mar 2002 19:59:08 -0500

A warm hello to all! I too am the one people call upon to watch their kids.

I live in an area that none of the family is here. Most of my friends have

no one here. I really put the kids first and they love this. I have the

possibility that allows me to stay home and enjoy the moment even if I don't

at the time..... What a gift. has a question for all of you. Is

there a chat room that has been set up for the kids to vent without the

parent or adult guardian getting a copy of the issue at hand. I had to tell

her I had no idea. That everyone here was offering info and support for the

caregiver. I hope all had a Green St. Patty's day and have a sunny week!

---- Original Message -----

From: Georgina

Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2002 6:40 PM

Subject: Re: Remicade (Infliximab) Shows Impact on Severe

Spondyloarthropathy

Hi,

Amy, you're very welcome. And know that both you and Buzz will be in our

thoughts on Thursday.

Sometimes, when things are as busy as they have been around here the last

few weeks, I worry about not being able to keep up in a timely manner with

everything that's going on in this group. My first priority is to get a

handle on the latest arthritis news. Definitely don't want us to miss out on

any major medical breakthroughs. But it's such a pleasure to see the amount

of dialogue that takes place here ... even when I (unfortunately) can't be a

very active participant.

Kayla's already started her 2 week Spring Break. Josh has off next week.

All my baby birds from the first clutch have gone to their new homes but ...

when I take babies out of the nest it's like a signal for Tosh and Sweetie

to get busy again. Needless to say, we have another clutch of healthy

babies. In a couple days I'll be taking over their full-time rearing. Then

that'll be it, for at least another 6 months.

I'm also still caring for my friend's almost 2 year old daughter in the

afternoons. Her regular day care provider was recently diagnosed with

inoperable cancer so for the time being, she needed to stop working. I think

she'll be doing chemo and radiation, hopefully with good results. The baby's

Mom is young, single, didn't have many convenient options. Afraid of losing

her job. I've always told her she could count on me if she ever needed help

with the baby. Plus, the children and I love being able to spend time with

her, so it's working out well for all.

Anyway, good luck on Thursday. Please let us know how it goes.

Aloha,

Georgina

Re: Remicade (Infliximab) Shows Impact on Severe

Spondyloarthropathy

Thank you so much for the information this article gave. Buzz goes for

his first dose of Remicade Thurs. morning. I appreciate so much the time

you take to find and send all this information.

Amy

Remicade (Infliximab) Shows Impact on Severe Spondyloarthropathy

http://www.docguide.com/news/

GHENT, BELGIUM -- March 11, 2002 -- For the first time, there may be

an effective therapeutic option for severe cases of spondyloarthropathies

(SpA), a group of rheumatic inflammatory diseases that affect the spinal

column, peripheral joints and tendons.

[Guest guest]

you have a heart of gold..georgina!!!!!

From: " Georgina " <gmckin@...>

Reply-

< >

Subject: Re: Remicade (Infliximab) Shows Impact on Severe

Spondyloarthropathy

Date: Tue, 19 Mar 2002 13:40:03 -1000

Hi,

Amy, you're very welcome. And know that both you and Buzz will be in our

thoughts on Thursday.

Sometimes, when things are as busy as they have been around here the last

few weeks, I worry about not being able to keep up in a timely manner with

everything that's going on in this group. My first priority is to get a

handle on the latest arthritis news. Definitely don't want us to miss out on

any major medical breakthroughs. But it's such a pleasure to see the amount

of dialogue that takes place here ... even when I (unfortunately) can't be a

very active participant.

Kayla's already started her 2 week Spring Break. Josh has off next week. All

my baby birds from the first clutch have gone to their new homes but ...

when I take babies out of the nest it's like a signal for Tosh and Sweetie

to get busy again. Needless to say, we have another clutch of healthy

babies. In a couple days I'll be taking over their full-time rearing. Then

that'll be it, for at least another 6 months.

I'm also still caring for my friend's almost 2 year old daughter in the

afternoons. Her regular day care provider was recently diagnosed with

inoperable cancer so for the time being, she needed to stop working. I think

she'll be doing chemo and radiation, hopefully with good results. The baby's

Mom is young, single, didn't have many convenient options. Afraid of losing

her job. I've always told her she could count on me if she ever needed help

with the baby. Plus, the children and I love being able to spend time with

her, so it's working out well for all.

Anyway, good luck on Thursday. Please let us know how it goes.

Aloha,

Georgina

Re: Remicade (Infliximab) Shows Impact on Severe

Spondyloarthropathy

Thank you so much for the information this article gave. Buzz goes for

his first dose of Remicade Thurs. morning. I appreciate so much the time

you take to find and send all this information.

Amy

Remicade (Infliximab) Shows Impact on Severe Spondyloarthropathy

http://www.docguide.com/news/

GHENT, BELGIUM -- March 11, 2002 -- For the first time, there may be an

effective therapeutic option for severe cases of spondyloarthropathies

(SpA), a group of rheumatic inflammatory diseases that affect the spinal

column, peripheral joints and tendons.

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MSN Photos is the easiest way to share and print your photos:

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[Guest guest]

Well,

Buzz's appt. was cancelled early this morning. It seems a really bad virus is going around in Mobile. All but one of the nurses are out with it and alot of the office employees. We had to reschedule for next Wed. I guess it all worked out for the best. His little brother began complaining yesterday about his heart beating too fast. I ended up having to take him into the doctor this morning. He is having heart palpitations. We will be seeing a ped. card. on April 5. We don't know yet what could be causing this.

Amy

Re: Remicade (Infliximab) Shows Impact on Severe Spondyloarthropathy

Thank you so much for the information this article gave. Buzz goes for his first dose of Remicade Thurs. morning. I appreciate so much the time you take to find and send all this information.

Amy

Remicade (Infliximab) Shows Impact on Severe Spondyloarthropathy

http://www.docguide.com/news/

GHENT, BELGIUM -- March 11, 2002 -- For the first time, there may be an effective therapeutic option for severe cases of spondyloarthropathies (SpA), a group of rheumatic inflammatory diseases that affect the spinal column, peripheral joints and tendons.

[Guest guest]

Amy((((hugs)))))) to you!!!!!! Sorry to hear the appointment had to be

canceled. I hope all goes well with your other son..you will be in my

thoughts!

karen(tab17..poly)

From: " Amy Luker " <amyluker@...>

Reply-

< >

Subject: Re: Remicade (Infliximab) Shows Impact on Severe

Spondyloarthropathy

Date: Thu, 21 Mar 2002 19:41:10 -0600

Well,

Buzz's appt. was cancelled early this morning. It seems a really bad virus

is going around in Mobile. All but one of the nurses are out with it and

alot of the office employees. We had to reschedule for next Wed. I guess

it all worked out for the best. His little brother began complaining

yesterday about his heart beating too fast. I ended up having to take him

into the doctor this morning. He is having heart palpitations. We will be

seeing a ped. card. on April 5. We don't know yet what could be causing

this.

Amy

Re: Remicade (Infliximab) Shows Impact on Severe

Spondyloarthropathy

Thank you so much for the information this article gave. Buzz goes for

his first dose of Remicade Thurs. morning. I appreciate so much the time

you take to find and send all this information.

Amy

Remicade (Infliximab) Shows Impact on Severe Spondyloarthropathy

http://www.docguide.com/news/

GHENT, BELGIUM -- March 11, 2002 -- For the first time, there may be

an effective therapeutic option for severe cases of spondyloarthropathies

(SpA), a group of rheumatic inflammatory diseases that affect the spinal

column, peripheral joints and tendons.