Arthritis care & research
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Arthritis care & research · May 2014
Randomized Controlled TrialAssociation of knee confidence with pain, knee instability, muscle strength, and dynamic varus-valgus joint motion in knee osteoarthritis.
To investigate associations between self-reported knee confidence and pain, self-reported knee instability, muscle strength, and dynamic varus-valgus joint motion during walking. ⋯ Worse knee confidence is associated with higher pain, worse self-reported knee instability, lower quadriceps muscle strength, and greater dynamic varus-valgus joint motion during walking. Since previous research has shown that worse knee confidence is predictive of functional decline in knee OA, addressing lack of knee confidence by treating these modifiable impairments could represent a new therapeutic target.
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Arthritis care & research · May 2014
Clinical TrialPilot study of etanercept in patients with refractory juvenile dermatomyositis.
To evaluate the efficacy of etanercept in patients with juvenile dermatomyositis (DM) refractory to standard treatment. ⋯ In this trial of patients with refractory juvenile DM, etanercept did not demonstrate appreciable improvement and some patients noted worsening of disease. Caution should be taken when recommending TNF receptor inhibitors to patients with active symptoms of juvenile DM, and close followup is warranted. Further investigation of the interaction of the TNFα-308A polymorphism and type I interferon is needed to define the mechanism of TNF blockade in juvenile DM.
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Arthritis care & research · May 2014
Cost effectiveness of duloxetine for osteoarthritis: a Quebec societal perspective.
To assess the cost effectiveness of duloxetine compared to other oral postacetaminophen treatments for osteoarthritis (OA) from a Quebec societal perspective. ⋯ Duloxetine was cost effective for a cohort of 55-year-old patients with OA, and more so in older patients and those with greater AE risks.
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Arthritis care & research · May 2014
Taking charge of systemic sclerosis: a pilot study to assess the effectiveness of an internet self-management program.
To assess the effects of an internet self-management program for systemic sclerosis on self-efficacy, health efficacy, and management of care, pain, fatigue, functional ability, and depression. ⋯ These findings from this pilot study suggest that a self-management program delivered using an internet format can lead to statistically significant changes in health efficacy and management of care, fatigue, and depression. These results need to be confirmed with a larger randomized controlled trial with a longer followup period.