Seminars in arthritis and rheumatism
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Semin. Arthritis Rheum. · Apr 1994
ReviewThe fibromyalgia syndrome: musculoskeletal pathophysiology.
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain disorder that afflicts predominantly middle-aged women with cardinal symptoms of diffuse musculoskeletal pain, defined tender points, deprived sleep, and fatigue. The etiology and pathological mechanisms are poorly understood, and treatment approaches are largely ineffective. ⋯ Musculoskeletal dysfunction can be considered secondary to central abnormalities of pain modulation and altered sleep physiology precipitated by emotional stress in genetically predisposed individuals. Contemporary evidence favors treatment strategies that emphasize pain control, sleep enhancement, and a program of conditioning.
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Semin. Arthritis Rheum. · Dec 1992
Review Case ReportsLaryngeal involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus.
Laryngeal involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can range from mild ulcerations, vocal cord paralysis, and edema to necrotizing vasculitis with airway obstruction. In this report, four cases showing the range of severity of this disease manifestation are presented, accompanied by a comprehensive review of the literature. The clinical course of 97 patients with laryngeal involvement with SLE are reviewed, of whom 28% had laryngeal edema and 11% had vocal cord paralysis. ⋯ Other, less common causes of this entity included subglottic stenosis, rheumatoid nodules, inflammatory mass lesions, necrotizing vasculitis, and epiglottitis. The clinical presentation of laryngeal involvement in patients with SLE follows a highly variable course, ranging from an asymptomatic state to severe, life-threatening upper airway compromise. With its unpredictable course and multiple causations, this complication remains a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge to physicians involved in the care of patients with SLE.
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Semin. Arthritis Rheum. · Aug 1990
ReviewTherapeutic exercise for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Therapeutic exercise in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis may be useful in improving aerobic capacity, strengthening muscles, improving endurance and increasing flexibility. This article reviews the major studies of exercise in these conditions and summarizes the authors recommendations regarding the use of therapeutic exercise in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis osteoarthritis.