Test could help prevent arthritis

[Guest guest]

Test could help prevent arthritis

NEW YORK, A New York doctor said a test developed by Dutch researchers

could help prevent rheumatoid arthritis. Dr. Abramson said the

test could detect whether patients with temporary inflammatory arthritis

will eventually develop rheumatoid arthritis, which is characterized by

the body's immune system attacking itself, causing damage to joints,

cartilage and bone, CBS News reported Monday. The test seeks out the

presence of a specific antibody tied to the condition and allows doctors

to prevent the condition before it develops using arthritis drug

methotrexate. " The blood test can be positive in some people before they

even develop classical rheumatoid arthritis, " Abramson said. Six million

people in the United States suffer from inflammatory arthritis and half

of that number will develop the rheumatoid version of the ailment as a

result. Abramson said doctors are often reluctant to treat patients

before rheumatoid symptoms appear because of the drug's side effects.

However, he said, the test could allow doctors to know which patients

should receive treatment before developing the illness.

People may doubt what you say, but they will always remember what you

do.