J Rheumatol
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To elucidate the role of cytokines in the pathogenesis of familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), an inherited disease characterized by attacks of serosal membrane inflammation. ⋯ Our results suggest that the cytokine network is activated during attacks of FMF. IL-6 appears to play an important role in the evolution of FMF attacks. Whether TNF-alpha or IL-1beta has a function in initiating the attacks remains to be established.
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Review Case Reports
"Centripetal flagellate erythema": a cutaneous manifestation associated with dermatomyositis.
We describe 3 patients with dermatomyositis who presented with flagellate erythema. This cutaneous eruption is characterized by erythematous linear lesions on the trunk and proximal extremities. ⋯ Review of the literature and records of 183 patients with connective tissue diseases from our institution has shown that this peculiar eruption has been reported only in dermatomyositis. Because of the location of this eruption, we encourage the use of the term "centripetal flagellate erythema" to distinguish this entity from other linear eruptions seen in patients with connective tissue diseases.
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Twenty-two children with fibromyalgia (FM), found in a population based study of 1756 Finnish preadolescents, were prospectively and blindly followed for one year to investigate their physical and psychological background factors and to determine the one year persistence of FM. ⋯ This study supports a previous one, in which FM in children had a good outcome. However, fluctuation of pain symptoms in children might partly explain the outcome. Children with persistent FM showed persistent disability with a number of distress symptoms.
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Letter Clinical Trial
Treatment of whiplash associated neck pain with botulinum toxin-A: report of 8 cases.
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Comparative Study
Chronic widespread pain in the community: the influence of psychological symptoms and mental disorder on healthcare seeking behavior.
To determine whether psychological symptoms and mental disorder are an intrinsic part of the chronic widespread pain syndrome or whether they have been observed in clinic attenders primarily because of their influence on the decision to seek a medical consultation. ⋯ The results suggest that psychological distress is associated with chronic widespread pain in addition to any effect on whether consultation is sought for symptoms. The finding that one-quarter of consulters to primary care with chronic widespread pain have a mental disorder should alert primary care physicians and rheumatologists to screen for mental disorder in this group.