J Rheumatol
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Comparative Study
Observations on cryoglobulin testing: I. The association of cryoglobulins containing rheumatoid factors with manifestation of cryoglobulinemic vasculitis.
To investigate the results of mixed cryoglobulin tests performed on patients with and without hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, to determine whether type II cryoglobulins containing rheumatoid factor (Type II-RF) were associated with cryoglobulinemic vasculitis. ⋯ Detection and quantification of Type II-RF may enhance clinical monitoring of cryoglobulinemic vasculitis in HCV-infected patients.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Diclofenac sodium gel in patients with primary hand osteoarthritis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
To measure the efficacy and safety of diclofenac sodium gel in patients with primary hand osteoarthritis (OA). ⋯ Topical diclofenac sodium gel was generally well tolerated and effective in primary hand OA. (NCT ID: NCT00171665).
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Patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FM) complain of inadequate sleep, which could contribute to common symptoms including sleepiness, fatigue, or pain. However, measures that consistently and objectively distinguish FM patients remain elusive. ⋯ Standard measures of sleep, a gold-standard measure of sleepiness, quantified alpha-delta EEG power, auditory arousal thresholds, and urinary free cortisol largely failed to distinguish FM and control subjects. However, HRV analyses showed more promise, as they suggested both increased sympathetic activity and decreased complexity of autonomic nervous system function in FM.