Rheumatology international
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Effectiveness of physical activity in reducing pain in patients with fibromyalgia: a blinded randomized clinical trial.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of muscle-strengthening exercises (MS) and a walking program (WA) in reducing pain in patients with fibromyalgia. Ninety women, 30-55 years of age, diagnosed with fibromyalgia according to the American College of Rheumatology 1990 criteria, were randomized into 3 groups: WA Group, MS Group, and control group. Pain (visual analog scale) was evaluated as the primary outcome. ⋯ Mean FIQ total scores were lower for the WA and MS groups (P = 0.96) compared with the control group (P < 0.01). Patients in the WA and MS groups reported higher scores (better health status) than controls in almost all SF-36 subscales. MS was as effective as WA in reducing pain regarding all study variables; however, symptoms management during the follow-up period was more efficient in the WA group.
-
Comparative Study
The correlation between durometer score and modified Rodnan skin score in systemic sclerosis.
The aims of the present study were to determine the correlation between durometer scores with modified Rodnan skin scores (MRSS), scleroderma symptoms, and physical functions. A total of 31 patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc, 16 diffuse and 15 limited type) were enrolled in this study. Skin involvement was measured using a durometer and MRSS. ⋯ Total durometer scores correlated well with MRSS (r = 0.537, P = 0.002) and KTF scores (r = 0.608, P < 0.001), but poorly correlated with HAQ disability indices (r = 0.202, P = 0.276), and individual scleroderma-VAS scores. Durometer-measured skin hardnesses were found to correlate well with the MRSS scores of fingers, hands, forearms, upper arms, thighs, and feet. The authors suggest that these skin sites should be included when durometer measurements are made in systemic sclerosis.
-
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic joint disorder. Relationships between knee OA and physical performance have been examined, but mainly in patients with knee OA. Clarifying the relationship between knee OA and physical performance among community-dwelling individuals is thus important. ⋯ Furthermore, chair stand and walking took longer for women with painful knee OA than for women with radiographic knee OA. Women with knee OA showed deteriorated performance of chair stand and walking. Painful knee OA was associated with poorer performance than radiographic knee OA.
-
Comparative Study
Sonographic assessment of carpal tunnel syndrome in rheumatoid arthritis: prevalence and correlation with disease activity.
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is one of the most frequent extra-articular manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). High frequency ultrasonography (US) is a sensitive and specific method in diagnosis of CTS. This study is aimed to: firstly assess diameter frequency of CTS in RA with US and compare with a control group; secondly, investigate relationship of CTS with disease activity. ⋯ CTS group had long disease duration and worse functional status. CTS could be a result of the chronic course in RA. In patient with CSA between 10 and 13 mm(2), Boston CTS questionnaire might give additional idea about CTS.
-
We report the usage of the TNF-alpha antagonist adalimumab in patients with progressive multisystem sarcoidosis. Three patients with multisystem sarcoidosis (MSS) were treated with adalimumab for 12 months. All three patients were quickly responded to adalimumab and experienced a nearly complete regression of the symptoms that lead to an intensive immunosuppression. ⋯ However, the experience with TNF-alpha antagonists in patients with sarcoidosis is still limited. Multicenter trials and a comparison of the different agents are needed to validate the safety and efficacy in these patients. Optimal dosage, duration of therapy and long-term toxicity of anti-TNF therapy in patients with refractory sarcoidosis are yet to be determined in prospective trials.