Arthritis and rheumatism
-
Arthritis and rheumatism · Feb 2007
A patient-centered perspective on surgery avoidance for hip or knee arthritis: lessons for the future.
Research indicates that there is a discrepancy between need and patient preference for total joint arthroplasty (TJA), an efficacious and cost-effective treatment for severe hip or knee arthritis. To understand this discrepancy, we conducted qualitative research to assess the illness perceptions and preferred accommodations and coping strategies of patients with advanced osteoarthritis who had expressed a preference to avoid TJA. ⋯ Individuals with arthritis may benefit from additional counseling regarding effective medical and surgical treatments. Physicians may better meet patient needs by gauging patient preferences for a combination of self-management strategies and medical interventions.
-
Arthritis and rheumatism · Feb 2007
Randomized Controlled TrialGlucosamine sulfate in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis symptoms: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study using acetaminophen as a side comparator.
To assess the effects of the prescription formulation of glucosamine sulfate (1,500 mg administered once daily) on the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis (OA) during a 6-month treatment course. ⋯ The findings of this study indicate that glucosamine sulfate at the oral once-daily dosage of 1,500 mg is more effective than placebo in treating knee OA symptoms. Although acetaminophen also had a higher responder rate compared with placebo, it failed to show significant effects on the algofunctional indexes.
-
Arthritis and rheumatism · Feb 2007
Randomized Controlled TrialAdalimumab for long-term treatment of psoriatic arthritis: forty-eight week data from the adalimumab effectiveness in psoriatic arthritis trial.
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of treatment with adalimumab, a fully human anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) monoclonal antibody, over 48 weeks in patients with moderate to severe psoriatic arthritis (PsA). ⋯ Adalimumab improved joint and skin manifestations, reduced disability, and inhibited radiographic progression over 48 weeks in patients with PsA who were participants in ADEPT. MTX use at baseline was not required for clinical or radiographic efficacy. Adalimumab had a good safety profile through week 48.
-
Arthritis and rheumatism · Feb 2007
A prediction rule for disease outcome in patients with recent-onset undifferentiated arthritis: how to guide individual treatment decisions.
In patients with undifferentiated arthritis (UA), methotrexate is effective for inhibiting symptoms, structural damage, and progression to rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, 40-50% of patients with UA experience spontaneous remission. Thus, adequate decision-making regarding treatment of patients with early UA requires identification of those patients in whom RA will develop. ⋯ In patients who present with UA, the risk of developing RA can be predicted, thereby allowing individualized decisions regarding the initiation of treatment with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs in such patients.