J Rheumatol
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To determine factors that correlate with recommendations for nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic interventions (comprehensive therapy) in community dwelling adults. ⋯ In our setting, many people with hip or knee arthritis were not receiving even minimum recommended treatment. Changes in educational and organizational policies are needed to address this situation.
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To study pain quality and variability in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). ⋯ The results indicate a general profile of no change in pain sensation, affect, and emotional quality in clinic monitored patients with ongoing RA and ongoing, moderate levels of disease activity and function. The MPQ provides qualitative detail to patient's report of pain severity that could be a useful addition to longterm documentation of RA outcome. Regular MPQ documentation of current pain in outpatients could indicate whether any significant change in pain levels is reflected in altered word selection that reflects physiological or psychological change, and could assist clinicians to select the most appropriate form of therapy for RA pain.
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Rheumatologists often deal with patients' pain, as commonly measured by clinical scales. However, no published study in the last 25 years has explored patient preferences for the 2 most frequently used clinical scales the verbal rating scale (VRS) and the visual analog scale (VAS). We (1) evaluated patient preferences for the 10 cm horizontal VAS versus the 5 point VRS and identified associated reasons for their preferences; and (2) validated the test-retest reliability and construct validity of these scales. ⋯ Both scales are valid measures of pain intensity. The choice should depend on the setting, the clinician's goal, and the patient's level of education. Patient preference is central to better physician-patient communication.
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To assess the determinants and responsiveness of the Norwegian version of the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ) in patients with early juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and to compare health status in patients and controls. ⋯ The CHQ discriminated between patients with early JIA and controls. The most important determinants of the CHQ physical summary score were the child's pain, morning stiffness, CHAQ, ESR, overall well-being, and physician's global assessment of disease activity. The CHQ was sensitive to clinical changes in children with JIA.
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Comparative Study
Is there a difference in the perception of symptoms between african americans and whites with osteoarthritis?
To determine if there is a difference in the perception of pain and functional disability between African Americans and Whites at any given radiographic severity of osteoarthritis (OA). Ethnic differences in utilization of joint replacement may reflect differences in the perception of symptoms of OA. ⋯ In this sample of male veterans, African Americans and Whites perceived the same degree of pain and functional difficulties at any given radiographic severity of OA. Differences in the perception of symptoms cannot explain the observed ethnic disparity in utilization of joint replacement.