News A new painkiller for osteoarthritis? In recent years, several meta-analyses have suggested that paracetamol has little effect on pain. NSAIDs show some benefit although they have side effects and there are problems associated with taking opioids. What is promising, however, is that a number of new painkillers are in latephase clinical trials for osteoarthritis of the knee. One of these trials for the drug triamcinolone acetonide uses an intraarticular delivery system, where an injection is given directly into the joint to reduce side effects. Triamcinolone acetonide works by blocking inflammatory mediators, suchas leukocytes and fibroblasts. Thetrial uses a formulation of the drug that gives a delayed or prolonged release, which means that it is always present in the joint. Benefits have been seen up to 12 weeks after the injection is given. It is not currently licensed for use in the UK, but it could potentially become a treatment option for osteoarthritis in the future. Weight-loss benefits Losing weight can significantly improve pain and function in overweight and obese people with osteoarthritis as well as quality of life according to a new analysis of a study. The findings, published in Arthritis Care & Research, revealed that a 20 percent or more weight loss had the added benefit of continued improvement in physical healthrelated quality of life. It wasalso show to reduce pain. The analysis looked at data from a study inwhich 240 overweight and obese adults with knee osteoarthritis lost weight over an 18-month period. Researchers found that the greater the weight loss, the better the participants fared in terms of pain, function, six-minute walking distance andmental and physical health, among other factors. DID YOU KNOW? People at risk of rheumatoid arthritis have increased levels of gum disease and diseasecausing bacteria.* An unexpected result A new study suggests that certain drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis could be used in pregnancy without increased health risks to the unborn baby. The research, published in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatology, analysed babies exposed to certain tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFs), which are commonly used to relieve inflammation and pain. Although the drugs did cross the placenta, the scientists found that TNFs might not increase immunosuppression or compromise the childs ability to fight infections. There was no marked excess risk ofserious side effects when compared with unexposed children from mothers with rheumatoid arthritis, and children from the general population. Women should continue to follow current medical guidelines regarding arthritis drugs and pregnancy. For more on pregnancy and arthritis, take a look at our feature. Source: * Mankia K, Cheng Z, Do T, et al. An increased prevalence of periodontal disease, porphyromonas gingivalis and aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in anti-CCP positive individuals at-risk of inflammatory arthritis. EULAR 201