International journal of rheumatic diseases
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To assess the psychometric properties of the Japanese version of the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (JFIQR) in fibromyalgia (FM) patients. ⋯ The current psychometric assessment of the JFIQR demonstrated that it is a reliable and valid questionnaire in Japanese patients with FM. Usefulness of the JFIQR in clinical studies and medical practice for Japanese-speaking populations is expected.
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Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a major cause of mortality in connective tissue disease (CTD). The survival rates and mortality-predictive factors of a nationwide registry of Korean patients with CTD-PH measured by echocardiography were determined. ⋯ In Korean patients with CTD-PH, the 3-year survival rate was 87%. Low diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide (DLCO), pleural effusion and diabetes mellitus were independent poor prognostic factors. Anti-UI-RNP antibody was protective. Prompt PAH-specific vasodilator therapy may improve the survival of patients with severe CTD-PH.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
High-dose intravenous steroid pulse therapy in ocular involvement of Behcet's disease: a pilot double-blind controlled study.
To evaluate the efficacy of intravenous high-dose pulses of methylprednisolone (IVPM) for treatment of ocular involvement in Behcet's disease (BD). ⋯ Adding high-dose intravenous steroid pulse therapy to conventional combination therapy for severe ocular lesions of BD may cause better improvement on VA and fewer flares during the first 6 months of treatment.
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The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) on sleep quality and investigate the association between sleep quality and clinical parameters of PsA, quality of life and psychological state in patients with PsA. ⋯ Sleep quality is diminished in patients with PsA. Sleep disturbance is particularly associated with generalized pain, anxiety, enthesitis and levels of CRP and ESR in patients carrying the diagnosis of PsA.
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Comparative Study
Do male and female patients with chronic neck pain really have different health-related physical fitness, depression, anxiety and quality of life parameters?
The purpose of this study was to investigate whole body physical fitness parameters such as maximal aerobic capacity (VO2 max), muscle strength, trunk flexibility, daily physical activity, pulmonary function, body composition, anxiety and depression, as well as other disease-related changes in patients with chronic neck pain (CNP), and to compare them with healthy controls. ⋯ We suggest that, on the basis of gender, consideration of not only the neck region but also whole body physical fitness, anxiety and depression parameters in patients with CNP might be helpful to the development of more benefical strategies for illness management.