Rheumatology
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Multicenter Study
Adsorptive granulocyte/monocyte apheresis for the treatment of refractory rheumatoid arthritis: an open pilot multicentre trial.
To assess the efficacy and safety of adsorptive granulocyte and monocyte apheresis (GCAP) in patients with refractory rheumatoid arthritis (RA). ⋯ GCAP treatment led to significant clinical improvement in a subset of patients with RA who had failed to respond to DMARDs or biologicals. Further large, placebo-controlled studies are warranted to fully assess the therapeutic value of GCAP for refractory RA.
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Using a structured evaluation framework to systematically review and document the outputs and outcomes of research funded by the Arthritis Research Campaign in the early 1990s. To illustrate the strengths and weaknesses of different modes of research funding. ⋯ There is a wide diversity of research payback. Short focused project grants seem to provide value for money.
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The aim of the study was to examine the validity of a translated and culturally adapted version of the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales 2, Short Form (AIMS2-SF) in patients suffering from osteoarthritis (OA) in primary care. ⋯ The German AIMS2-SF is a reliable and valid instrument to assess the quality of life in primary care patients suffering from OA. When addressing the different impacts of OA, the physical scale should be divided into an upper body scale and a lower body scale. The floor and ceiling effects revealed are in accordance with the disease characteristics of the study sample and do not limit the significance of the questionnaire.
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To examine the role of gender, age and coping in psychological adjustment of patients with early inflammatory polyarthritis (IP). ⋯ The study found higher levels of depression and anxiety for women than men with early IP. Psychological distress was predicted by younger age, specific coping strategies and high levels of pain.