Arthritis care & research
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Arthritis care & research · Mar 2014
Multicenter StudySurvival and predictors of mortality in systemic sclerosis-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension: outcomes from the pulmonary hypertension assessment and recognition of outcomes in scleroderma registry.
To assess cumulative survival rates and identify independent predictors of mortality in patients with incident systemic sclerosis (SSc)-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) who had undergone routine screening for PAH at SSc centers in the US. ⋯ This is the largest study describing survival in patients with incident SSc-associated PAH followed up at multiple SSc centers in the US who had undergone routine screening for PAH. The survival rates were better than those reported in other recently described SSc-associated PAH cohorts. Severely reduced DLCO and FC IV status at the time of PAH diagnosis portended a poor prognosis in these patients.
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Arthritis care & research · Feb 2014
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative StudyTwice daily versus once nightly dosing of pregabalin for fibromyalgia: a double-blind randomized clinical trial of efficacy and safety.
To compare the efficacy, discontinuation rates, and safety of once nightly versus twice daily dosing of pregabalin in a community-based trial. ⋯ While a nightly dosing schedule of pregabalin has been used by clinicians hoping to improve treatment, this study showed no significant difference (either beneficial or detrimental) between either treatment option. While there was a decrease in total patient-reported adverse events in the once nightly arm, the lack of specificity in relation to a particular adverse event suggested no real difference in adverse events.
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Arthritis care & research · Feb 2014
Comparative StudyAtherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in hospitalized patients with systemic sclerosis: higher mortality than patients with lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
Systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma) patients have an increased risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), possibly mediated through inflammatory and fibrotic mechanisms affecting the macrovasculature and microvasculature. We utilized the US Nationwide Inpatient Sample to assess the frequency of and mortality risk associated with ASCVD among hospitalized SSc patients. ⋯ SSc patients with ASCVD have higher in-hospital mortality than comparable groups of SLE and RA patients with ASCVD. Further research to elucidate the specific mechanisms underlying ASCVD in SSc is necessary.
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Arthritis care & research · Feb 2014
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyEducation, self-management, and upper extremity exercise training in people with rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized controlled trial.
To evaluate the effectiveness of a brief supervised education, self-management, and global upper extremity exercise training program, supplementing a home exercise regimen, for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA; the Education, Self-Management, and Upper Extremity Exercise Training in People with Rheumatoid Arthritis [EXTRA] program). ⋯ The EXTRA program improves upper extremity disability, function, handgrip strength, and self-efficacy in people with RA, with no adverse effects on disease activity.