Heavier babies may have higher risk of arthritis later in life

According to a study published in the Annals of Rheumatic Diseases, a birthrate of over 4.54 kg or 10 pounds doubled the risk of developing rheumatic arthritis (RA) when they are adults compared with individuals with average birthweight.


The finding is based on a review of the data on 87,077 participants in the Nurses' Health Study. Although the mechanism for the association was not clear to the investigators, researchers said that foetal growth is influenced by nutrition and enviroment independent of genetics, if nutrition has an impact on rheumatoid arthritis, it is a potentially modifiable factor.

Source: "Is birthweight associated with risk of arthritis? Data from a large cohort study." Annals of Rheumatic Diseases 2008; Jul 1 [Epub ahead of print]"

Arthritis drug withdrawn from market

Prexige, an arthritis drug called COX2 inhibitors, made by Novartis, has been ordered to be withdrawn from the market by drug regulators in Britan after growing international evidence that it has caused severe liver damage - according to the Guardian.

Another drug in the group, Vioxx made by Merk was withdrawn from the market in 2004 after reports of heart problems.