Annals of the rheumatic diseases
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Comparative Study
Interleukin (IL) 18 stimulates osteoclast formation through synovial T cells in rheumatoid arthritis: comparison with IL1 beta and tumour necrosis factor alpha.
To determine whether IL18 has any indirect effects on osteoclastogenesis mediated by T cells in RA synovium, and compare its effects with those of IL1 beta and TNF alpha. ⋯ IL18, IL1 beta, or TNF alpha can indirectly stimulate osteoclast formation through up regulation of RANKL production from T cells in RA synovitis; IL18 is as effective as IL1 beta, but less potent than TNF alpha.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
A randomised controlled trial of intra-articular corticosteroid injection of the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb in osteoarthritis.
To investigate the efficacy of corticosteroid injections into the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb (CMCJ) in patients with osteoarthritis. ⋯ No clinical benefit was gained from intra-articular steroid injection to the CMCJ in moderate to severe osteoarthritis compared with placebo injection.
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Comparative Study
A comparison of four shoulder-specific questionnaires in primary care.
To compare the validity, responsiveness to change, and user friendliness of four self completed, shoulder-specific questionnaires in primary care. ⋯ Cross sectional comparison of the four shoulder questionnaires showed they had similar overall validity and patient acceptability. SPADI and SRQ were most responsive to change. Additionally, SPADI was the quickest to complete and scores did not change significantly in stable subjects.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Suprascapular nerve block in chronic shoulder pain: are the radiologists better?
Suprascapular nerve block is a safe and effective treatment for chronic shoulder pain in arthritis, which can be performed either by direct imaging (CT guided) or in the clinic using anatomical landmarks to determine needle placement. ⋯ The CT guided control and landmark approaches to performing suprascapular nerve blocks result in similar significant and prolonged pain and disability reductions; both approaches are safe.
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Comparative Study Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical Trial
Efficacy of etanercept in the treatment of acute, severe sciatica: a pilot study.
To explore the efficacy of a tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) inhibitor (etanercept, Enbrel) in patients with severe sciatica. ⋯ In this open, historical group controlled study, patients with severe sciatica had sustained improvement after a short treatment with etanercept that was better than standard care plus a short course of methylprednisolone. These results suggest that inhibition of TNFalpha is beneficial in the treatment of sciatica and support a pathological role for TNFalpha in the pathogenesis of sciatica. These results need to be confirmed by a randomised controlled trial.