Heavy Birthweight Increases Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis

People with a birthweight of 10 pounds or more are twice as likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis when they are adults compared to people who were of average birthweight. Researchers are unclear about the exact mechanism that would explain the association between birthweight and disease risk but the study does suggest there is a modifiable risk factor (a risk factor that can be changed).

The study from Hospital of Special Surgery, a study to be published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, played out the results of a 2003 study that forumulated similar conclusions. The HSS study was on a larger population and researchers explained that patients with rheumatoid arthritis have a dyregulated HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis. The axis can be affected in utero. “The HPA axis is the neuroendocrine system — responsible for handling stress by regulating production of cortisol, neurotransmitters, and key hormones.” Knowing all of this, researchers believe it gives more pieces of the puzzle — what causes or contributes to rheumatoid arthritis.

Related Resources:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis May Be Tied To Birth Weight
• 10 Things You Should Know About Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis Screening Quiz
• Test Your Knowledge - Rheumatoid Arthritis

_{Photo by Ekaterina Monakhova (iStockphoto)}