J Rheumatol
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Clinimetric evaluation of the bath ankylosing spondylitis metrology index in a controlled trial of pamidronate therapy.
The Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI) is an index comprising 5 measures of spinal and hip mobility in AS that has been primarily validated in the setting of a physiotherapeutic intervention and has not been validated in relation to functional outcomes. Our aim was to validate the BASMI and its individual components in relation to a validated functional index, the Bath AS Functional Index (BASFI), and to assess its responsiveness in patients with AS receiving 60 or 10 mg pamidronate monthly for 6 months in a double blind, randomized, controlled trial. ⋯ Responsiveness of the BASMI was poor with either scoring system. Lumbar side flexion was the most responsive of the BASMI components. Changes in the BASMI and its individual components did not correlate well with changes in functional outcomes.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Analgesic efficacy and safety of tramadol/ acetaminophen combination tablets (Ultracet) in treatment of chronic low back pain: a multicenter, outpatient, randomized, double blind, placebo controlled trial.
To evaluate the analgesic efficacy and safety of tramadol 37.5 mg/acetaminophen 325 mg (tramadol/APAP) combination tablets for treatment of chronic low back pain (LBP). ⋯ Tramadol 37.5 mg/APAP 325 mg combination tablets show efficacy in pain reduction, in measures of physical functioning and quality of life, and in overall medication assessments, with a tolerability profile comparable with other opioids used for the treatment of chronic LBP.
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Comparative Study
The Short Arthritis Assessment Scale: a brief assessment questionnaire for rapid evaluation of arthritis severity in research and clinical practice.
To develop a short, 4-item arthritis severity questionnaire that is simple to score, clinically useful and meaningful, and suitable for use in primary care, where osteoarthritis (OA) is the primary prevalent arthritis illness. ⋯ The SAS is a 4-item arthritis severity questionnaire that can be easily administered in primary care for patients with OA, but is suitable for use across all arthritis illnesses. Scoring is simple, requiring only the addition of four 10-point scales, and interpretation is straightforward. The SAS may have a role in rapid assessment of the arthritis patient in primary care practice.