Arthritis and rheumatism
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Arthritis and rheumatism · Sep 2008
ReviewAcupuncture for pain relief in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review.
To systematically review the efficacy of acupuncture on pain relief in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). ⋯ Despite some favorable results in active-controlled trials, conflicting evidence exists in placebo-controlled trials concerning the efficacy of acupuncture for RA. Rigorous and well-controlled randomized trials are warranted.
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Arthritis and rheumatism · Sep 2008
ReviewA systematic review on the effectiveness of treatment with antidepressants in fibromyalgia syndrome.
To systematically review the efficacy of treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) with antidepressants. ⋯ Amitriptyline 25-50 mg/day reduces pain, fatigue, and depressiveness in patients with FMS and improves sleep and quality of life. Most SSRIs and the SNRIs duloxetine and milnacipran are probably also effective. Short-term treatment of patients with FMS using amitriptyline or another of the antidepressants that were effective in RCTs can be recommended. Data on long-term efficacy are lacking.
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Arthritis and rheumatism · Sep 2008
Randomized Controlled TrialPhysical activity levels in patients with early knee osteoarthritis measured by accelerometry.
Physical activity (PA) is recommended for osteoarthritis (OA) management to reduce pain and improve function. The purpose of this study was to objectively assess the level and pattern of PA in male and female knee OA patients to determine adherence to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/American College of Sports Medicine and Exercise and Physical Activity Conference recommendations for PA. ⋯ Knee OA patients accumulate little VPA and most (70%) do not achieve recommended levels for MPA or greater. New strategies to increase levels of PA in this population are needed.
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Arthritis and rheumatism · Sep 2008
Associations of back and leg pain with health status and functional capacity of older adults: findings from the retirement community back pain study.
Low back pain (LBP) is the most frequently reported musculoskeletal problem in older adults, but its impact on health status is not well understood. Our objective was to determine whether LBP and concurrent leg pain are associated with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and function in a cohort of older adults, and to examine care-seeking behaviors related to LBP. ⋯ LBP is common among older adults and strongly associated with reduced HRQOL and function. These findings argue strongly for both identifying cases of LBP by health care practitioners and pursuing effective treatments for LBP given the potential consequences.