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Rheumatoid Arthritis drug study helps bring hope to patients of Allen doctor.

Dr. John Lavery and Dorina Bojan

By Phil Cooper

Published: Monday, July 30, 2012 4:33 PM CDT

More than 50 million Americans suffer from arthritis, including an estimated 4 million in Texas alone. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes joint inflammation. Women are twice as likely to suffer from rheumatoid arthritis as men. There is no known cause of this chronic joint disease, but rheumatoid arthritis symptoms may include fatigue, fever, tender joints, swollen joints, and weight loss. However, Texas arthritis sufferers have hope; recent studies show advances in chronic joint pain treatment and offer promise for those living with this autoimmune disease.

Leading the way in a new drug study for rheumatoid arthritis is Allen, Texas Rheumatologist Dr. John Lavery. Working along with Accent Clinical Research Professionals, LLC., Dr. Lavery provides a place for willing volunteers to come and play a vital role in finding new rheumatoid arthritis treatments. People who have been diagnosed with RA and would like more information should call Dorina Bojan at 972-439-8449.

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Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic, autoimmune disease that causes pain, stiffness, swelling and loss of function in the joints. The cause of RA is unknown. As an autoimmune disease, it fools your own body into mistakenly attacking healthy tissue.

The A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia, describes RA symptoms as painful or stiff joints most commonly affecting wrists, fingers, knees, feet and ankles. Further, RA usually affects the joints on both sides of the body at the same time.

2 MILLION AMERICANS SUFFER

Rheumatoid Arthritis occurs in people between 30 and 50 years old, but can occur at virtually all ages. Some sources report that between 1.3 to 2 million Americans have RA and that 70 percent of those sufferers are women.

If not managed properly, RA can cause joint damage and joint destruction. According to the website for the Arthritis Foundation (arthritis.org), “Rheumatoid arthritis may affect many different joints and cause damage to cartilage, tendons and ligaments – it can even wear away the ends of your bones. One common outcome is joint deformity and disability. Some people with RA develop rheumatoid nodules; lumps of tissue that form under the skin, often over bony areas exposed to pressure. These occur most often around the elbows, but can be found elsewhere on the body, such as on the fingers, over the spine or on the heels. Over time, the inflammation that characterizes RA can also affect numerous organs and internal systems.”

EARLY DIAGNOSIS IMPORTANT

Researchers studying RA believe that bone and joint damage can begin in the first year or two following onset. One study found that more than 50 percent of patients had joint damage on x-ray two years after the beginning of symptoms. Early detection and treatment are essential in reducing the effect of this often-debilitating disease.

Rheumatologist Dr. John Lavery of Allen stresses the importance of early detection and treatment. “Complications of Rheumatoid Arthritis can be complex and far reaching. RA can damage the lungs, blood vessels, increase risk of arterial hardening and can even lead to congestive heart failure.”

He goes on to say, “the degenerative affect of joint decay can affect every day functions like opening doors and containers and can even cause spinal injury if the neck bones become damaged.”

TREATMENT

Early and aggressive treatment can reduce the impact of RA. Normal procedure calls for lifelong treatment, including medications, physical therapy, exercise, education and possibly surgery. According to Lavery, while there are no test that can determine for sure whether you have RA. Most patients with RA will have some abnormal test results. Using various lab tests, ultra sound and MRI your Rheumatologist can develop the proper treatment for their patient.

NEW DRUGS

In years past, RA has been treated with antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), anti-inflammatory drugs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), Antimalarial drugs and Corticosteroids.

“These drugs affect the patient differently, many only provide temporary relief and many have side affects that are uncomfortable for the patient,” advises Dr. John Lavery.

New drug formulations are developed all the time and there are many new drugs emerging for treatment options. Each new drug offers a new hope for RA patients. These new drugs must go through several studies with patients before general release.

Lavery is currently conducting a drug study for Rheumatoid Arthritis.

“Each participant in the study performs a vital role in helping other sufferers get healthier,” says Dorina Bojan of Accent Clinical Research Professionals, LLC.

“By helping others, the study volunteers also help themselves. We provide medications and related treatment during the study. We even pay for travel to and from the study location,“ Bojan adds.

According to Bojan, once the study is complete, study volunteers continue to receive the drug therapy for up to five years free of charge.

“Our study participants can make a significant contribution to improving the quality of life of others, as well as helping themselves treat this debilitating condition,” said Dorina Bojan.

People who have been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and would like more information should call Dorina Bojan at 972-439-8449.

Dr. John P. Lavery M.D., PA

Board Certified Rheumatology

997 Raintree Circle, Suite 120

Allen, TX 75013

972-747-0709