J Rheumatol
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Influence of ibuprofen-arginine on serum levels of nitric oxide metabolites in patients with chronic low back pain--a single-blind, placebo controlled pilot trial (ISRCTN18723747).
To determine whether ibuprofen-arginine has a cyclooxygenase-independent pain modulating property in addition to its known antiinflammatory effect. ⋯ An early lowering of the serum NO metabolite levels after ibuprofen-arginine administration could be detected in patients with chronic low back pain.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of adding a cognitive behavioral treatment to the rehabilitation of chronic low back pain.
To investigate return to work and cost-effectiveness of the addition of cognitive-behavioral treatment to standard therapy compared to standard 3-week inpatient rehabilitation for patients with chronic low back pain. ⋯ Adding a cognitive behavioral component to standard therapy may reduce work days lost and thus decrease indirect costs. From a societal perspective, the cost of the psychological treatment was compensated by lower indirect costs.
-
The Cochrane Musculoskeletal Group (CMSG), one of 50 groups of the not-for-profit international Cochrane Collaboration, prepares, maintains, and disseminates systematic reviews of treatments for musculoskeletal diseases. To enhance the quality and usability of systematic reviews, the CMSG has developed tailored methodological guidelines for authors of CMSG systematic reviews. ⋯ Systematic reviews need to be conducted according to high methodological standards. These recommendations on developing and performing a systematic review will help improve consistency among CMSG reviews.
-
Cytophagic histiocytic panniculitis (CHP) is a rare, usually fatal disease of childhood; it typically presents with daily high spiking fevers and severe panniculitis. Hemophagocytosis from macrophage activation during a cytokine storm can result in pancytopenia and disseminated intravascular coagulopathy. We describe a 14-year-old girl with long-standing CHP who developed severe hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, which responded to treatment with a combination of high dose corticosteroids, cyclosporine, and the interleukin 1 receptor antagonist, anakinra.
-
Except for some polysomnography studies, there have been no large quantitative studies of sleep disturbance (SD) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). SD has taken on new importance with the observation that etanercept and infliximab reduce daytime sleepiness, and patient groups indicate that sleep is an important issue. ⋯ SD is increased in RA, and 25% to 42% of SD can be attributed to RA. SD is linked to pain, mood, and disease activity. SD is slightly greater in women and is less with increasing age. All scales appear to be valid in RA, with minimal differences in SEM.