EULAR 2006 News

New Study Supports Steroid Injections for Hip OA
July 8, 2006
Data from a new randomized, controlled trial support the EULAR recommendation on steroid injections for hip OA....Lambert RG, et al. EULAR 2006.

Bosentan Prevents Digital Ulcers, Improves Heart Function in Systemic Sclerosis
June 27, 2006
Bosentan reduces digital ulcer risk and improves heart function in systemic sclerosis patients... Allanore Y, et al. Presented at: EULAR 2006 Meeting; June 21–34, 2006; Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Abstract OP0120.

Lupus Treatment Moving "From Serendipity to Sense"
June 26, 2006
Lupus research has had a very good year... Isenberg DA. EULAR 2006 Meeting; June 21-24, 2006; Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Abstract SP0139.

PROMPT Trial Suggests Prompt MTX Stops Undifferentiated Arthritis Progression to RA
June 24, 2006
Patients with undifferentiated arthritis who are anti-CCP- or RF-positive are likely to have significantly slower progression to rheumatoid arthritis if treated with early MTX... Van Dongen H, et al. 2006 EULAR Meeting; June 21–24; Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Abstract OP0001.

New Imaging Methods Show Ligament Damage Is the First Stage of Hand OA
June 24, 2006
New, high-resolution MRI and PET imaging are bringing the details of hand OA into focus, and show that changes in ligaments are the first signs of disease... Tan AL. 2006 EULAR Meeting; June 21–24, 2006; Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Abstract SP0060.

Doctors Urged to Recognize Toll RA Takes on Patient's Sex Life
June 24, 2006
Health practitioners should be willing to provide information about sexual aids and positions that will allow patients with rheumatoid arthritis to continue to enjoy a healthy sex life without risking joint pain or damage... Helland Y, et al. EULAR 2006 Meeting; June 21–24, 2006; Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Abstract OP0134.

Quick Response to Steroids, Symmetrical Joint Pain Distinguish PMR From Elderly-Onset RA
June 23, 2006
Clinical and laboratory findings tend to be unhelpful in distinguishing between rheumatoid arthritis and polymyalgia rheumatica in the elderly; instead, the symmetric involvement of peripheral joints and the rapid response to low-dose oral corticosteroid therapy should be considered key diagnostic features of PMR... Salvarani, C. 2006 EULAR meeting; June 21–24 2006; Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

• EULAR 2006 Video: Press Conferences June 22-23, 2006*