Rheumatology
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The aims of this study were to investigate hand function in PM and DM patients and compare this with reference values in healthy individuals and also to investigate if hand function correlated with activity performance and health-related quality of life. ⋯ Patients with PM or DM have reduced grip force that could influence activity performance and health-related quality of life.
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To estimate the incidence of, and factors associated with, consultation for musculoskeletal foot problems in primary care. ⋯ Only a minority of older people with musculoskeletal foot problems consult their general practitioner about them. Foot pain, frequent consultation for other problems and positive perceptions of treatment efficacy appear to be the strongest factors influencing future consultation.
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Currently, there are no prospective studies exploring the prognosis of patients with juvenile primary FM syndrome (JPFS) or their physical, emotional and social outcomes as they enter the early adult years. The primary objective of this study was to assess long-term outcomes of a paediatric sample of clinically referred JPFS patients and their matched healthy controls. ⋯ The results of this controlled follow-up study demonstrate that symptoms of FM appear to be chronic in a majority of clinically referred JPFS patients and the associated physical and emotional impairment can also be persistent. Implications for treatment and the need for further prospective longitudinal studies are discussed.
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To determine whether childhood behaviour is associated with the likelihood of chronic widespread pain (CWP) in adulthood, and any such relationship is mediated through adult psychological distress, using a large population-based birth cohort. ⋯ Maladjusted (social) behaviour is associated with increased long-term CWP beyond childhood and adolescence.