International journal of rheumatic diseases
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To determine if familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) genetic testing should be advised in children with initial presentation of monoarthritis and to identify clinical parameters associated with FMF-induced arthritis that warrant genetic investigation. ⋯ In Mediterranean populations where FMF is relatively common we recommend for every child with a first episode of arthritis, without an identifying cause to strongly consider MEFV genetic testing of the common mutations in the relevant population.
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High rates of fibromyalgia (FM) are reported in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Advances in RA management have occurred, but information regarding current significance of FM in RA is limited. This investigation estimated the prevalence and health effects of concomitant FM in Australian RA patients. ⋯ FM continues to demonstrate a high prevalence in a population of RA patients. RA patients with FM have more symptoms of other chronic sensitivity syndromes in addition to FM. They have a lower quality of life outcome and higher medication use. This has important clinical implications in terms of diagnosis, response to therapy, prescribing choices and clinical outcomes.