J Rheumatol
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To determine if major reduction of inflammation with longterm tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonist treatment has any influence on the adrenal and gonadal axes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). ⋯ The increased DHEAS levels may indicate an improved adrenal function during 2 years' treatment with TNF antagonists. Improved physical function, correlated to increased DHEAS levels, may be an effect of better adrenal function during powerful antiinflammatory treatment. The stability in individual hormone levels suggests a stable hormonal homeostasis, independent of inflammatory activity.
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Multicenter Study
The burden of prevalent fractures on health-related quality of life in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis: the IMOF study.
Vertebral fractures are a common complication of osteoporosis and may have a negative effect on health-related quality of life (HRQOL). We investigated the effect of prevalent vertebral fractures on HRQOL in patients with osteoporosis. ⋯ Our results confirm previous findings that HRQOL, assessed by generic and osteoporosis-specific instruments, is decreased in patients with vertebral fractures due to osteoporosis as a function of the number of vertebral fractures, presence of comorbid conditions, and age.
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To examine disparities in disability, pain, and global health between Caucasian (n = 4294) and African American (n = 283) and Caucasian and Hispanic (n = 153) patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). ⋯ Results of this exploratory study suggest that in a relatively similar cohort of patients with RA, minority health disparities exist. Both ethnic groups had poorer outcomes for all 3 measures than Caucasians after adjustment. Additional study and longitudinal research with larger numbers of patients are needed to improve our understanding of these differences and to assess potential causal roles.