NEWS & EVENTS

Welcome To New Investigators

We are very excited that Carolina Digestive Health Associates in Birkdale is joining Carolinas Research Associates as investigators for GI studies. Barry Schneider, MD, Susan Nikrooz, MD, John Clements, MD, and Sabrina Raja, PA-C will be doing studies on GERD, Ulcerative Colitis, Ulcer Prevention, IBS and other GI conditions.

You may get more information about all our GI investigators by visiting their website at http://www.carolinadigestive.com/.

Arthritis & NSAIDs
Arthritis by definition is an inflammation of a joint, usually accompanied by pain, swelling, and stiffness, and resulting from infection, trauma, degenerative changes, metabolic disturbances, or other causes. It occurs in various forms, such as bacterial arthritis, osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis. 

The part of the joints that cushion the ends of bones is called cartilage.  Osteoarthritis is the breakdown of cartilage that causes bones to rub against each other creating pain.  Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis affecting more than 20 million Americans.

“NSAIDs” are Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.  The most common NSAIDs are aspirin, ibuprofen, Celebrex, Vioxx, and Naproxen. For a large percentage of those 20 million Americans, physicians prescribe an NSAID for coping with the pain and discomfort.  However, traditional NSAIDs (aspirin and ibuprofen) have some major side effects one of which is stomach ulceration and/or bleeding.  It is estimated that 15-20% of patients on chronic NSAID treatment for their arthritis experience gastrointestinal problems and/or complications from associated ulcers.  Kidney damage and platelet dysfunction (which causes easy bruising) are also serious side effects.

COX Enzymes – The COX enzyme has two isoforms.  COX-1 and COX-2. 

• COX-1 enzyme works to maintain the integrity of the lining of the stomach.  It helps maintain normal platelet and kidney functions. 

• COX-2 enzyme is associated with instances of inflammation, fever and pain.

A new class of NSAID’s, COX-2 inhibitors, have become available in the past few years.  Celebrex and Vioxx are this new breed of medication that specifically targets this inflammation yet, protects the stomach lining.  These new drugs offer lower risks of complications for ulcers.  Therefore, controlling the COX-2 enzyme helps treat the symptoms from inflammation without disruption to the COX-1 enzymes critical function. 

Only a physician can diagnose arthritis symptoms.  If you are experiencing arthritis complications contact your doctor for treatment options.  Your doctor can advise you about NSAID treatments, risks that are associated with traditional and new options, as well as advise on joint protection, exercise, and diet.  Additional reading for people with arthritis are listed below:

Pain-Free Arthritis: A 7-Step Plan for Feeling Better Again; Harris H. McIlwain, Debra Fulghum Bruce, Debra Fulgham Bruce

Strong Women and Men Beat Arthritis; Miriam E. Nelson, Ronenn Roubenoff, Kristin Baker, Kristin R. Baker, Lawrence Lindner

Maximizing The Arthritis Cure: A Step-By-Step Program To Faster, Stronger Healing During Any Stage of the Cure; Jason Theodosaki, Barry Fox, Brenda Adderly

Arthritis; Eugene Zampieron, Burton Goldberg, Alternative Medicine Editors, Ellen Kamhi

The Arthritis Cure: The Medical Miracle That Can Halt, Reverse, and May Even Cure Osteoarthritis; Jason Theodosakis, Brenda Adderly, B. Adderly, Barry Fox, B. Fox

Arthritis of the Hip and Knee: The Active Person's Guide to Taking Charge; Ronald J. Allen, Victoria A. Brander, Victoria Anne Brander, S. David Stulberg, Contribution by Patricia A. Lee

Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis; Tammi L. Shlotzhauer, James L. McGuire

Overcoming Arthritis: How to Relieve Pain and Restore Mobility; Paul Lam, Judith Horstman

How to Eat Away Arthritis; Lauri M. Aesoph, Norman D. For

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