Arthritis drug may help treat inflammation in Graves' eye disease patients.Byline: ANI Washington, Nov 7 (ANI): A drug used to treat rheumatoid arthritis rheumatoid arthritis Chronic, progressive autoimmune disease causing connective-tissue inflammation, mostly in synovial joints. It can occur at any age, is more common in women, and has an unpredictable course. has been found effective in reducing inflammation in patients with Graves' eye disease after steroids failed. Graves' eye disease is an autoimmune disease autoimmune disease, any of a number of abnormal conditions caused when the body produces antibodies to its own substances. In rheumatoid arthritis, a group of antibody molecules called collectively RF, or rheumatoid factor, is complexed to the individual's own gamma that causes inflammation and fatty deposits in the eye muscles and connective tissue surrounding the eye. The symptoms include pronounced bulging eyes, retracted re·tract v. re·tract·ed, re·tract·ing, re·tracts v.tr. 1. To take back; disavow: refused to retract the statement. 2. eyelids eyelids, n.pl a moveable fold of thin skin over the eye. The orbicularis oculi muscle and the oculomotor nerve control the opening and closing of the eyelid. , dry eyes A condition in which the eyes feel dry or have a burning or stinging sensation due to an insufficient amount of tears. Dry eyes can be caused by the lack of blinking, which often occurs when users stare at a computer screen. , and, in severe cases, loss of vision. Women are more likely than men to develop the disease. The study suggests that drug rituximab is a potentially effective new treatment for the most severe forms of Graves' eye disease. "These patients had already received the maximum level of steroid treatment," Dr Raymond S. Douglas, an oculoplastics specialist who recently joined the faculty of the U-M U-M University of Michigan (also seen as UM) Kellogg Eye Centre. "Treatment with rituximab calmed inflammation, stopped progression of the disease, and saved the patients from having to undergo surgery," Douglas added. In the current study, Douglas observed improvement among the patients, four of whom were women, as early as four weeks following the first infusion of rituximab. They also found that positive results were sustained 4 to 6 months after treatment. "Treatment of the inflammatory component of Graves' eye disease has not advanced appreciably over several decades," said Douglas. High-dose steroids, sometimes in combination with orbital radiation, are still the first line treatment. "But these are imperfect options because inflammation often recurs when the treatment ends," Douglas added. He is hopeful that rituximab can offer sustained improvement. The study appears online in journal Ophthalmology. (ANI) Copyright 2009 Asian News International The Asian News International (ANI) agency provides multimedia news to China and 50 bureaus in India. It covers virtually all of South Asia since its foundation and presently claims, on its official website, to be the leading South Asia-wide news agency. (ANI) - All Rights Reserved. Provided by Syndigate.info an Albawaba.com company |
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