Clinical rheumatology
-
Clinical rheumatology · Nov 2015
Review Meta AnalysisEfficacy of tripterygium glycosides tablet in treating ankylosing spondylitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Hundreds of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on tripterygium glycosides tablet (TGT) in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) have been published, but the therapeutic effects have never been systematically reviewed yet. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy of TGT on AS based on RCTs. PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, China Journals Full-text Database, and Wanfang Data were searched. ⋯ MD of CRP was 1.86 (95% CI -2.03, 5.76). Subgroup, sensitivity, and meta-regression analyses found the robust results. In conclusion, TGT could not treat AS effectively, as suggested by the moderate RCT quality and meta-analysis evidence.
-
Clinical rheumatology · Nov 2015
Comparative Study Observational StudyFactors that influence fatigue status in patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and good disease outcome following 6 months of TNF inhibitor therapy: a comparative analysis.
The objective of the present study is to determine the factors associated with persistent fatigue in patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and good disease response to 6 months of tumour necrosis factor inhibitor therapy. Eligible patients with either persistent (PF) or no fatigue (NF) were compared. Using validated questionnaires and bivariate analysis, this cross-sectional survey explored if clinical characteristics, pain, self-efficacy, sleep and mood/depression differed between groups. ⋯ These findings enhance the fatigue literature in patients with RA prescribed tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibition therapy, identifying the potentially modifiable factors of pain and depression, previously demonstrated to be strongly associated with fatigue in non-biologic populations. In addition, this study highlights the association between persistent fatigue and an on-going state of low disease activity. This infers that more judicious disease management could minimise the symptom burden of pain and depression and consequentially fatigue.
-
Clinical rheumatology · Nov 2015
Anti-TNFα agents and methotrexate in spondyloarthritis related uveitis in a Chinese population.
This study seeks to evaluate the clinical characteristics of spondyloarthritis (SpA)-related uveitis in a cohort from South China and to assess the efficacy and safety of therapies based on TNF blockers. SpA patients with uveitis admitted to a south China hospital were enrolled. Demographic information, clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, intraocular inflammation, visual acuity, macular thickness, and treatments were documented. ⋯ Uveitis is common in SpA patients. Severe complications may develop in prolonged and intractable cases. Treatments based on anti-TNFs had good clinical response, and better safety documentation were observed in etanercept plus MTX compared to the other two anti-TNF monoclonal antibodies plus MTX.