Rheumatology
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To critically evaluate the evidence regarding complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) taken orally or applied topically (excluding fish oil) in the treatment of RA. ⋯ The major limitation in reviewing the evidence for CAMs is the paucity of RCTs in the area. The available evidence does not support their current use in the management of RA.
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To determine the prevalence of disabling and non-disabling back pain across age in older adults, and identify risk factors for back pain onset in this age group. ⋯ Prevalence of disabling and non-disabling back pain was 6 and 23%, respectively. While prevalence of non-disabling back pain did not vary significantly across age (χ²trend : 0.90; P = 0.34), the prevalence of disabling back pain increased with age (χ²trend : 4.02; P = 0.04). New-onset disabling and non-disabling back pain at follow-up was 15 and 5%, respectively. Risk factors found to predict back pain onset at follow-up were: poor self-rated health (RR 3.8; 95% CI 1.8, 8.0); depressive symptoms (RR 2.2; 95% CI 1.3, 3.7); use of health or social services (RR 1.7; 95% CI 1.1, 2.7); and previous back pain (RR 2.1; 95% CI 1.2-3.5). From these, poor self-rated health, previous back pain and depressive symptoms were found to be independent predictors of pain onset. Markers of social networks were not associated with the reporting of back pain onset. Conclusion. The risk of disabling back pain rises in older age. Older adults with poor self-rated health, depressive symptoms, increased use of health and social services and a previous episode of back pain are at greater risk of reporting future back pain onset.
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Comparative Study
Abnormal body composition phenotypes in Vietnamese women with early rheumatoid arthritis.
To characterize body composition phenotypes using a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) method and to explore factors potentially contributing to alterations in body composition in Vietnamese women with early RA. ⋯ Women with early RA had a significantly higher proportion of unhealthy body composition phenotypes, higher total and truncal FM and lower appendicular LM than controls. Disease activity and disability scores were associated with unhealthy body composition. These findings suggest that clinicians should encourage muscle strengthening and fat loss in RA patients to reduce their disability.
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Comparative Study
FCGR3B copy number variation is associated with systemic lupus erythematosus risk in Afro-Caribbeans.
To evaluate FCGR3B copy number variation (CNV) in African and European populations and to determine if FCGR3B copy number is associated with SLE and SLE nephritis risk in Afro-Caribbeans, adjusting for African genetic ancestry. ⋯ Our studies suggest that FCGR3B low copy number is associated with SLE risk in Afro-Caribbean populations independently of CNV due to African ancestry.