J Rheumatol
-
Clinical Trial
Preliminary evaluation of a visual analog function scale for use in rheumatoid arthritis.
Key outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are evaluated with multi-item ratings scales such as the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and visual analog scales (VAS) such as pain and patient and physician global. As VAS scales are easy to use and particularly effective in research and patient care, we studied the characteristics, association, and psychometric properties of a VAS function scale (VAS-F) to determine if it could be used in RA studies and clinical practice. ⋯ The distribution differences between HAQ and HAQ-II and the VAS-F suggest that patients do not see minor limitations as problematic, but rate major limitations as being particularly limiting and worthy of high ratings. A VAS functional scale represents a patient-weighted functional assessment in which additional interpretation is given to the meaning of the limitations by the patient. VAS-F scales may be suitable for use in the clinic and in research. However, studies to assess sensitivity to change are required to determine the appropriate role of this scale.
-
To investigate whether chronic widespread pain predicts illness seen in general practice in a 3 year followup period. ⋯ People who report chronic widespread pain subsequently consult more frequently about non-MSK and MSK problems than people with no pain, and this is not explained by psychological distress. The overall impact on healthcare use is substantial. Our study provides more evidence for overlap and links between morbidities that may be part of a larger pathological or somatization syndrome.
-
To determine whether it is possible to specify different score patterns for hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA), and to identify the degree of responsiveness and the validity of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) factors, which are alternative health dimensions obtained by factor analysis of the WOMAC items. ⋯ The WOMAC factors are valid measures. Analyzing the WOMAC by the WOMAC factors facilitates and improves the differential relevance and accuracy of the WOMAC for specific conditions such as hip and knee OA.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
A randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled triphosphate in study of oral adenosine subacute low back pain.
To assess the efficacy and safety of oral adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in subacute low back pain. ⋯ Oral ATP might have an early acting effect in subacute low back pain.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Efficacy of rofecoxib, celecoxib, and acetaminophen in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. A combined analysis of the VACT studies.
To compare efficacy among 1578 patients with osteoarthritis randomized to take acetaminophen 4000 mg (n=269), celecoxib 200 mg (n=523), rofecoxib 12.5 mg (n=259), or rofecoxib 25 mg (n=527) in a double blind trial [Vioxx, Acetaminophen, Celecoxib Trial (VACT2)]. Results were also pooled with the similarly designed VACT1 trial. ⋯ Rofecoxib and celecoxib provided superior efficacy to acetaminophen. There was a more rapid and greater response with rofecoxib 25 mg than celecoxib 200 mg. Rofecoxib 12.5 mg demonstrated greater efficacy than celecoxib 200 mg over the first 6 days, and was similar over 6 weeks. All study medications were generally well tolerated.