Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 25, 2026

Preliminary Study on Acupuncture Combined with Grain-sized Moxibustion for Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis with Finger Joint Pain
Published on: May 16, 2025
Joint tenderness and swelling in biologic-treated inflammatory arthritis patients - a tricky trade off?
1Bone and Joint Unit, Department of Rheumatology, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. lenharty@yahoo.com
Objective:
To compare the pattern of joint responses in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis treated with TNF inhibitor (TNFi) therapy.
Methods:
A total of 182 PsA/Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients attending the rheumatology unit of a tertiary referral centre in Ireland were recruited and prospectively followed up by the attendant rheumatologists. Clinical progress of the patients was noted at baseline and 6 months after starting TNFi therapy.
Results:
A total of 114 RA and 68 PsA patients were assessed; 20% of the patients had one of either tender joints or swollen joints after 6 months of therapy. Rheumatoid arthritis patients had a significantly higher proportion of non-tender swollen joints compared with PsA patients, whereas PsA patients had a higher proportion of tender non-swollen joints (p < 0.05).
Conclusion:
Residual joint swelling was found more commonly in RA patients than in PsA patients following TNFi therapy, whereas residual tender joints occurred more frequently in PsA; this may reflect enthesiopathy or periostitis.
Related Concept Videos
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease
Inflammatory Response
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway
Acute Inflammation III: Local and Systemic Effects
Structural Joints: Synovial Joints