Rheumatology
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Pulsed electromagnetic fields in knee osteoarthritis: a double blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial.
This trial aimed to test the effectiveness of a wearable pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) device in the management of pain in knee OA patients. ⋯ These results suggest that PEMF therapy is effective for pain management in knee OA patients and also affects pain threshold and physical functioning. Future larger studies, including head-to-head studies comparing PEMF therapy with standard pharmacological approaches in OA, are warranted.
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Abatacept (CTLA-4Ig) blocks CD28-mediated T cell activation by binding to the costimulatory B7 ligands CD80/CD86 on antigen presenting cells. Costimulatory molecules, however, can also be expressed on T cells upon activation. Therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate direct effects of CTLA-4Ig on distinct T cell subsets in RA patients. ⋯ CTLA-4Ig therapy in RA patients exerts effects beyond the suppression of T cell activation, which has to be taken into account as an additional mechanism of CTLA-4Ig treatment.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Inefficacy of ultrasound-guided local injections of autologous conditioned plasma for recent epicondylitis: results of a double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial with one-year follow-up.
The aim was to assess the efficacy of two intra-tendinous injections of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on epicondylitis of recent evolution (≤3 months). ⋯ Two US-guided PRP injections for epicondylitis of recent evolution were not more efficacious than saline injections, until 6- and 12-months follow-up.
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Multicenter Study Observational Study
Low rates of biologic-free clinical disease activity index remission maintenance after biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug discontinuation while in remission in a Japanese multicentre rheumatoid arthritis registry.
To examine in detail the outcomes of biologic DMARD (bDMARD) discontinuation while in remission occurring in daily clinical practice settings. We examined a multicentre longitudinal registry of RA patients. ⋯ We found a high rate of failing bDMARD-free CDAI remission, indicating difficulty of maintaining disease control, even in patients who were in remission. Modification of non-biologic treatment was observed in some of the patients who remained in remission. Considering the cost of bDMARDs, such strategies for maintaining disease control after bDMARD discontinuation may be an important option.