Clinical rheumatology
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Clinical rheumatology · Nov 2006
Determinants of sexual disability and dissatisfaction in female patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Previous research has identified two main problems of sexuality in female rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients: difficulties in sexual performance and diminution of sexual desire and satisfaction. This study attempts to determine the clinical and psychological factors significantly contributing to sexual disability and dissatisfaction in female RA patients. Ninety consecutive female RA outpatients were assessed by a gynecologist. ⋯ On the other hand, pain (p<0.001), age (p<0.05), and depression (p<0.05) were the significant determinants in the regression model for sexual dissatisfaction, all together contributing 36% of its variance. More than 60% of female RA patients experience variable degrees of sexual disability and diminished sexual desire and satisfaction. Difficulties in sexual performance are related more to overall disability and hip involvement, while diminished desire and satisfaction are influenced more by perceived pain, age, and depression.
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Clinical rheumatology · Nov 2006
The relationship between severity and extent of spinal involvement and spinal mobility and physical functioning in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.
The present study was undertaken to determine the relationship between spinal radiological changes of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), spinal mobility, and physical functioning. Thirty-one patients diagnosed as AS according to the modified New York criteria for AS were included in this study. Three radiographic scoring methods were used to assess spinal damage. ⋯ When BASMI and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index were taken as dependent variables, only the NoVI was found to be associated with BASMI. In our data, the extent of spinal involvement (NoVI) showed a more significant correlation with spinal measurements such as modified Schober and BASMI as compared with the other radiologic scores (SASSS and BASRI-S). Furthermore, because only the NoVI was found to be associated with BASMI, we can conclude that the extent of spinal involvement, which also includes thoracic vertebrae, affects spinal measurements.
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Clinical rheumatology · Nov 2006
ReviewSystematic review of measures and their concepts used in published studies focusing on the treatment of acute inflammatory arthritis.
To identify outcome measures and concepts cited in published studies focusing on the treatment of acute inflammatory arthritis, and to identify and quantify the concepts contained in these measures using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) as a reference. This 'research perspective' is part of the development process for an ICF core set in acute arthritis. Electronic searches of Medline, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Pedro and the Cochrane Library from January 2000 to July 2004 were carried out. ⋯ Ten (30%) of the 34 categories belong to the component "Body Functions", 3 (9%) to the component "Body Structures" and 21 (61%) to the component "Activities and Participation". The ICF provides a valuable reference to identify and quantify the concepts of outcome measures focusing on the management of patients with acute inflammatory arthritis. Our findings indicate there is good agreement on 'what should be measured' in acute inflammatory arthritis to allow for a comparison of patient populations.
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Clinical rheumatology · Nov 2006
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use in ankylosing spondylitis--a population-based survey.
The objective of the study is to describe the use, clinical efficacy, and toxicity of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) therapy in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). A cross-sectional population study of 1,080 AS patients was carried out by a written questionnaire in the year 2000. Seventy-eight percent of AS patients had regularly taken NSAIDs for their disease 12 months prior to the study. ⋯ We conclude that NSAIDs are effective in the management of inflammatory symptoms of many, but not all, patients with AS. There is a significant side effect profile, which frequently results in medication change or cessation. Anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy may reduce the need for intensive long-term NSAID therapy in AS.
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Clinical rheumatology · Nov 2006
ReviewTNF-receptor-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS): an autosomal dominant multisystem disorder.
The TNF-receptor-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS) is an autosomal dominant auto-inflammatory disorder, characterized by recurrent febrile attacks and localized inflammation. TRAPS is caused by mutations in the gene encoding the TNF Receptor Super Family 1A (TNFRSF1A) on chromosome 12p13. ⋯ Although the ethnic diversity and clinical heterogeneity may propose the role of other genes in the pathogenesis of TRAPS, some low-penetrance TNFRSF1A variants contribute to atypical inflammatory responses in other autoimmune diseases. Furthermore, molecular studies on TRAPS and other auto-inflammatory disorders could be suggested to identify additional genes coding the molecules in the TNF signalling process.