J Rheumatol
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Review Meta Analysis
Is sulfasalazine effective in ankylosing spondylitis? A systematic review of randomized controlled trials.
To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of sulfasalazine (SSZ) for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). ⋯ Across all patients with AS, SSZ showed some benefit in reducing ESR and easing spinal stiffness, but no evidence of benefit in physical function, pain, spinal mobility, enthesitis, or patient and physician global assessment. Patients at an early stage of disease, with higher level of ESR (or active disease) and peripheral arthritis, might benefit from SSZ.
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Review Meta Analysis
Pennsaid therapy for osteoarthritis of the knee: a systematic review and metaanalysis of randomized controlled trials.
To systematically review published randomized controlled trials (RCT) evaluating a new topical diclofenac solution (Pennsaid) in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. ⋯ Pennsaid is an effective topical NSAID in patients with OA of the knee. Apart from minor localized skin reactions, Pennsaid was as safe as VCP. It is not known whether the favorable results of Pennsaid can be extrapolated to other topical NSAID preparations. Pennsaid deserves further consideration when the existing treatment guidelines for OA of the knee are updated.
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We introduce the English-language Visual Numeric Scale (VNS) for self-reported pain and examine its psychometric properties; we compare the VNS to the better known Visual Analog Scale (VAS). ⋯ The VNS appeared to be a valid measure. It was as successful as the VAS in measuring the underlying pain variable. It was easier to administer and code than the VAS, and was sensitive to change in pain.
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To assess the quality of reporting in Cochrane musculoskeletal systematic reviews (excluding back and injury reviews). ⋯ Our study found that the reporting quality of Cochrane musculoskeletal systematic reviews was generally good, although there was room for improvement. For example, it might be feasible to develop specific guidelines for reporting protocols. Certainly more work is needed in reporting search results, documentation of the flow of studies, identification of the type of studies, and summarization of the key findings.