Rheumatology
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To determine patterns on pain diagrams and corresponding diagnoses in patients referred to a rheumatology clinic and their sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV, respectively). ⋯ Pain diagram patterns may help to increase the likelihood of various rheumatic diagnoses including polyarticular pattern and inflammatory arthritis, and there was high inter-rater reliability. However, testing the value of pain diagrams in addition to a referral note is necessary to determine if they have added value.
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Meta Analysis
Efficacy of resistance exercises in rheumatoid arthritis: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
To evaluate the efficacy of resistance exercises in RA patients. ⋯ Resistance exercise in RA is safe, and the improvement in most outcomes was statistically significant and possibly clinically relevant for RA disability.
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The aim of this study was to use quantitative sensory testing (QST) to explore the range and prevalence of somatosensory abnormalities demonstrated by patients with advanced knee OA. ⋯ This study found that OA patients demonstrate an array of somatosensory abnormalities, of which the most prevalent were tactile hypoaesthesia and pressure hyperalgesia. Further research is now needed to establish the clinical implications of these somatosensory abnormalities.
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To understand the impact of the early years of RA on all aspects of work productivity, and determine how this is related to clinical markers. Previous research on work productivity has examined predominantly early retirement and absenteeism. The impact of reduced work performance (presenteeism) and activity impairment is less well understood in early RA populations. ⋯ Productivity loss is common in patients in the first years of RA who are in paid work and was associated with work characteristics and adverse clinical outcomes.