News Finding: Because this is one of the first studies to examine brain inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis, Schrepf says, additional research is needed on the correlation.
Paper Finding: We conclude that the L IPL and mPFC are regions critical to the central response to peripheral inflammation in RA and may be part of a broader pattern of inflammation-linked network reorganization.
News Context: "By relating these advanced neuroimaging measures back to the patient experience, we provide evidence that the future targeting of central inflammatory pathways may greatly enhance the quality of life of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and potentially other chronic inflammatory disorders." Because this is one of the first studies to examine brain inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis, Schrepf says, additional research is needed on the correlation. Basu agrees, "Further exploration into this complex space demands strong multidisciplinary and collaborative working, and this study represents a fine example of trans-Atlantic team science."
Paper Context: These findings are strengthened by the agreement of some of the functional and structural outcomes and the broad agreement of analytic strategies. We conclude that the L IPL and mPFC are regions critical to the central response to peripheral inflammation in RA and may be part of a broader pattern of inflammation-linked network reorganization. Increases in ESR and CRP are indices of overall disease activity in RA and, together with pain/tenderness and swollen joints, represent an important metric for disease severity and a benchmark for the success of treatment .