Clin Exp Rheumatol
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To determine whether circulating levels of insulin-like growth factors and their binding proteins are altered in patients with adult onset rheumatoid arthritis. ⋯ Increased levels of IGFBPs in RA may result in the reduced availability of free IGFs that can bind to IGF receptors. The observed changes in the IGF system may thus participate in the catabolic processes in rheumatoid arthritis.
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Comparative Study
Psychological well-being in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome.
To evaluate quality of life and psychological symptoms in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome and to compare this with patients with rheumatoid arthritis. ⋯ The results suggest that patients with pSS have a reduced quality of life, a higher degree of distress and a lower sense of well-being than patients with RA.
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In order to understand the disturbances in the neurophysiological, endocrine (including the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis), and immune systems objectively and in detail, we measured and compared various test items in the peripheral blood which were considered to reflect the state of these systems, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and in control subjects. ⋯ In RA patients the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is altered and this condition is correlated to a deterioration in symptoms.
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To report our experience of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) in pediatric rheumatology clinic settings. ⋯ The clinical spectrum of FMS in children is similar to that of adults but with better outcomes. The TP count correlates with clinical status only in patients who had improved. Active exercise programs seem to correlate with better outcomes. Prospective and larger patient population studies, and a longer follow-up of children with FMS are needed to clarify these findings.
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Cervicogenic headache is a relatively common pain syndrome related to functional and/or degenerative alterations of the cervical spine tract. Administration of steroid represents an effective therapy for this headache, due to the anti-inflammatory effects combined with its direct analgesic effects on the C fibers. The epidural injection of steroids, while requesting skilled personnel for its execution, gives short term (2-month) pain relief with few risks or side effects. Moreover, epidural steroids allow reduction of analgesic drug consumption.