Scientists unveil new pathway for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) affects up to one percent of the world’s population, and as such, it’s a disease many case managers deal with. Keeping an eye on new research is essential. A research team of scientists from Biogen Idec and the University of Geneva say they have found a new pathway to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Their work indicates that inhibiting the TWEAK molecule can interrupt the disease. TWEAK is one of the family of molecules known as Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) that play a major role in the immune system and inflammation. TNF creates inflammatory proteins known as cytokines and chemokines, and TNF-inhibiting therapies are often used to treat RA. This new research suggests that TWEAK promotes inflammatory proteins and metalloprotease enzymes, stimulating angiogenesis in synovial tissue. And, researchers say, it seems apparent that TWEAK promotes symptoms common to RA. Their work may well quickly trigger new research into therapies that can inhibit TWEAK, as the new biologics for treating RA — such such as Enbrel^® and Remicade^® — are blockbuster therapies. To read more, check out this report on Biogen Idec from Drug Researcher.

Watch for new guidelines from the FDA on nanotechnology

The FDA is setting up a task force to advise the agency on products derived from nanotechnology. The members of the task force will recommend ways to fill any policy or knowledge gaps in the field, with a particular focus on any health threats that could be posed by this cutting-edge science of the very small. A host of biotech companies have been using nanotechnology to develop or reformulate new therapies. Often, by changing a drug’s dose to microscopic-sized particles, researchers can change the way a therapy works. That creates new opportunities, as well as possible new pitfalls. To learn more, read this FDA news release. Case managers who want to delve deeper into nanotechnology and how it may impact practice should visit this FDA Web page on the topic.

Study: Cost of strokes in U.S. to top $2.2 trillion by 2050

Preventing stroke is a goal of many disease management programs. A group of health professionals is calling for more funding for the National Institutes of Health to address ischemic strokes, pointing out that the cost of strokes falls more heavily on blacks and Hispanics on a per capita basis. The study’s lead author also says research needs to focus more on discovering new treatments. To learn more, read this United Press International report.

Editor’s Note: If your organization has made progress on tackling lifestyle changes for those at risk for stroke, please email me an example. I will select the best for posting in next week’s Across My Desk for others to view.

MRSA infections becoming more common

The leader of a University of California at Los Angeles research team says everyone appears to be at risk of infection from Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA), one of the so-called superbugs. He says people who think they have a spider bite or other skin lesion that will not heal should consider MRSA a possible cause, and doctors should test to see whether serious infections to are of the MRSA strain. To learn more, read this Reuters report.

NOTE: Case In Point will cover this important issue in our 2006 Fall issue, due to arrive in your mailbox early October.

Minnesota hospitals launch English-training program for staff

In a new approach for immigrants working in U.S. hospitals, four hospitals in Ramsey County, Minn., are taking part in an english-training program to reduce communication problems among housekeeping staffs, which often include many immigrants. The teaching and mentoring program is supported by a $150,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, in addition to state funds. For more, read this Minneapolis/St Paul Business Journal report (free registration).

Study: Counseling helps blacks, minorities with heart failure

A nurse-led program focusing on specific problems can help prevent hospitalizations among blacks and other minorities for heart failure, according to a new study. Researchers found that patients given counseling by bilingual nurses about their diet, medication and self-management of symptoms had lower rates of hospitalization and better functioning after a year, compared to patients given standard care. For more, read this Reuters report.

Editor’s Note: This is a testimonial to the impact case management can have when efforts between the treating physician, the patient and the case manager come together.