Zeitschrift für Rheumatologie
-
Psoriatic arthritis occurs almost exclusively together with psoriasis (of the skin). Thus, psoriasis-associated diseases or comorbidities are also seen in psoriatic arthritis patients. Among the clinically most relevant comorbidities are cardiovascular diseases and their risk factors, namely smoking, obesity and the metabolic syndrome. ⋯ The link between psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and its comorbidities has been established based on epidemiological studies; however, at least for the cardiovascular comorbidities, the association can be explained based on novel insights into the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. For the practising physician it is important to take into account the aspect of comorbidity to come to an optimal treatment decision in each individual case. Clinical decision-making is complicated further by the fact that comorbidity necessitates comedication which again influence the choice of treatment.
-
Multicenter Study Comparative Study
[Are members of fibromyalgia syndrome self-help groups "different"? Demographic and clinical characteristics of members and non-members of fibromyalgia syndrome self-help groups].
No data were available on demographic and clinical characteristics of members of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) self-help groups in Germany. ⋯ Membership in FMS self-help groups was associated with less psychological distress and a more frequent use of active self-management strategies.
-
In recent years the treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) has changed dramatically. Nowadays one out of three children with polyarticular JIA is treated with a biologic drug; however, knowledge about the long-term safety of biologics is still limited. Information on drug safety is collected in the JIA biologic register (BiKeR) and the follow-up register juvenile arthritis methotrexate/biologics long-term observation (JuMBO). ⋯ Overall, new safety risks were not detected during long-term etanercept exposure. Moreover, JuMBO has also provided information on the long-term outcome of JIA and initial evidence suggests that JIA outcome, especially in functional aspects has improved in the biologic era. Data from BiKeR and JuMBO contribute to the risk-benefit assessment of biologic drugs which have been implemented in the routine treatment of JIA.