A new intensive form of therapy for arthritis sufferers is being trialled in Leeds.

The Arthritis Research Campaign is funding the £500,000 trial which is testing 200 people in Leeds who suffer from psoriatic arthritis, an early form of the illness which also affects the skin. The trial, being run at Chapel Allerton Hospital concentrates on intensive therapy and monthly checks. The Leeds team believe that this form of treatment could reduce joint damage more effectively that the current, less frequent method. If successful it could become standard practice throughout the country.

Dr Philip Helliwell, who is leading the team at Chapel Allerton, said: “We think that a tighter, more aggressive treatment of psoriatic arthritis, in which patients are given escalating dosages of drugs if their condition is not responding, and see a specialist every month with the aim of controlling their symptoms fully and as soon as possible, will result in a good outcome after 12 months.”

http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/New-hope-for-Leeds-arthritis.6426598.jp