Annals of the rheumatic diseases
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Randomized Controlled Trial
A mindfulness-based group intervention to reduce psychological distress and fatigue in patients with inflammatory rheumatic joint diseases: a randomised controlled trial.
To evaluate the effects of a mindfulness-based group intervention, the Vitality Training Programme (VTP), in adults with inflammatory rheumatic joint diseases. ⋯ The VTP improved most primary and secondary outcomes compared with individual use of CD exercises. Improvements were maintained at 12 months, suggesting that the VTP is a beneficial complement to existing treatments for patients with inflammatory rheumatic joint diseases.
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To compare the risk of keratinoctye skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)) in patients treated for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared with the general population, and to determine whether anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) therapy exacerbates this risk. ⋯ Skin cancers were increased among treated patients with RA. No evidence was found that anti-TNF therapy exacerbates the risk of BCC or SCC but this cannot be excluded. Patients with RA should use sun protection and be monitored for skin cancer.
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To explore associations between MRI features and measures of pain and physical function in hand osteoarthritis (OA). ⋯ MRI-defined synovitis, BMLs, erosions and attrition were associated with joint tenderness. Synovitis and BMLs may be targets for therapeutic interventions in hand OA.
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There is strong evidence from clinical trials that a 'treat to target' strategy is effective in reaching remission in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the question is whether these results can be translated into daily clinical practice and clinical remission is a reachable target indeed. ⋯ In early RA, a tight control treatment strategy aiming for remission leads to more rapid DAS28 remission and higher percentages of remission after 1 year than does a usual care treatment.
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Fibrosis and vascular disease are cardinal features of systemic sclerosis (SSc). Stimulators of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) are vasoactive drugs that are currently being evaluated in phase III clinical trials for pulmonary arterial hypertension. ⋯ These findings demonstrate potent antifibrotic effects and good tolerability of sGC stimulators in various experimental models of SSc. Given their potential vasoactive properties, sGC stimulators may be promising candidates for the dual treatment of fibrosis and vascular disease in SSc.