Arthritis and rheumatism
-
Arthritis and rheumatism · Feb 2008
Serum uric acid is an independent predictor of all-cause mortality in patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease: a preventive cardiology information system (PreCIS) database cohort study.
Uric acid is a product of the activity of xanthine oxidase, an enzyme linked to oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and heart failure. It is unclear whether adding uric acid levels to the assessment of cardiovascular risk might contribute to the improved ability to stratify cardiovascular risk. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of serum uric acid levels in a large cohort of men and women at high risk of cardiovascular disease. ⋯ Serum uric acid levels are an independent predictor of death in patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease. Further studies are warranted to evaluate its prognostic implications and potential utility in the monitoring of therapy.
-
Arthritis and rheumatism · Jan 2008
Review Meta AnalysisPatellar taping and bracing for the treatment of chronic knee pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
To evaluate the evidence for patellar taping and bracing in the management of chronic knee pain. ⋯ There was evidence that tape applied to exert a medially-directed force on the patella produces a clinically meaningful change in chronic knee pain. There was limited evidence to demonstrate the efficacy of patellar bracing. These outcomes were limited by the presence of high heterogeneity between study outcomes and significant publication bias.
-
Arthritis and rheumatism · Jan 2008
Missing data in randomized controlled trials of rheumatoid arthritis with radiographic outcomes: a simulation study.
To assess the impact, in terms of statistical power and bias of treatment effect, of approaches to dealing with missing data in randomized controlled trials of rheumatoid arthritis with radiographic outcomes. ⋯ Our simulation study demonstrated multiple imputation, offering the smallest bias in treatment effect and the highest power. These results can help in planning trials, especially in choosing methods of imputation and data analysis.
-
Arthritis and rheumatism · Jan 2008
Asking the experts: exploring the self-management needs of adolescents with arthritis.
To explore the self-management needs of adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and the acceptability of a Web-based program of self-management aimed at improving quality of life. ⋯ Adolescents were united in their call for more information, self-management strategies, and meaningful social support to better manage their arthritis. They believed that Web-based interventions were a promising avenue to improve accessibility and availability of these interventions.