A full day session at the American College of Rheumatology conference was dedicated to how inflammatory arthritis affects patients throughout their lifespan. Various types of arthritis are diagnoses in children generally referred to as Juvenile Inflammatory Arthritis. Although some children may go into remission and not have these conditions in adulthood, many do continue to require treatment throughout their life.
We often think of people being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in midlife, however some people develop the condition when they are over age 65. It was greatly encouraged that these patients receive the same level of treatment as those diagnosed younger. Treatments are effective at any age and the risk of side effects was not seen to be greater in this age group, although some dosage adjustments may be required based on the person’s kidney and liver function and other medications they are taking.
Our pharmacist, Carolyn Whiskin, recently returned from The American College of Rheumatology Conference, the largest international meeting held for rheumatology. Over 15,000 health professionals from around the world specializing in research and the care of people with arthritis were in attendance. Today’s blog post is one several to come with information Carolyn learned at the Conference.