J Rheumatol
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Upper gastrointestinal tolerability of celecoxib, a COX-2 specific inhibitor, compared to naproxen and placebo.
To determine the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tolerability of celecoxib, naproxen, and placebo in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). ⋯ The upper GI tolerability of celecoxib is superior to naproxen. A dose-response relationship between celecoxib and upper GI symptoms was not apparent.
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Osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affect a large proportion of the population. Low level laser therapy (LLLT) was introduced as an alternative noninvasive treatment for RA and OA about 10 years ago, but its effectiveness is still controversial. We assessed the effectiveness of LLLT in the treatment of RA and OA. ⋯ LLLT should be considered for short term relief of pain and morning stiffness in RA, particularly since it has few side effects. For OA, the results are conflicting in different studies and may depend on the method of application and other features of the LLLT. Clinicians and researchers should consistently report the characteristics of the LLLT device and the application techniques. New trials on LLLT should make use of standardized, validated outcomes. Despite some positive findings, this metaanalysis lacked data on how effectiveness of LLLT is affected by 4 factors: wavelength, treatment duration of LLLT, dosage, and site of application over nerves instead of joints. There is a need to investigate the effects of these factors on effectiveness of LLLT for RA and OA in randomized controlled clinical trials.
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Comparative Study
Measuring the epidemiology of distress: the rheumatology distress index.
(1) To examine clinical and psychological variables to determine which are associated with psychologic and psychosocial severity or "distress"; (2) to investigate whether patients with the 2 major rheumatic disorders, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA), differ in distress variables and distress; and (3) to develop and validate a simple, clinically acceptable index of distress suitable for routine care and research purposes. ⋯ Distress is a patient rather than a disease phenomenon. A simple, easy to administer self-report questionnaire can be used to classify patients according to their level of distress. The resulting index, the RDI. accurately identifies distressed and non-distressed patients. Such an index should be useful for patient care and research.
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Comparative Study
A comparison study of the back pain functional scale and Roland Morris Questionnaire. North American Orthopaedic Rehabilitation Research Network.
To determine whether the measurement properties of the Back Pain Functional Scale (BPFS) are superior to the Roland-Morris Questionnaire (RMQ). ⋯ The BPFS is a competitive functional status measure for patients with low back pain.
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To explore to what extent female rheumatologists perceived that gender had an influence on their professional practice or on their choice of specialty. ⋯ The differences in practice style may have a potential effect on health systems as feminization of the medical profession increases.