Rheumatology
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Characteristics of primary care consultations for musculoskeletal foot and ankle problems in the UK.
Foot and ankle problems are highly prevalent in the general population; however, little is known about the characteristics of those seeking medical assessment for these problems. The objective of this study was to explore the extent and types of musculoskeletal foot and ankle problems in primary care. ⋯ Foot and ankle problems account for a substantial number of consultations in primary care, and most frequently involve non-traumatic conditions. Further research is required to evaluate the factors that influence consultation for foot problems and strategies that general practitioners use to manage these conditions.
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Fatigue is a frequently experienced and patient-relevant complaint in RA. Disease activity, anaemia and pain are regarded as disease-related factors that may lead to fatigue in RA. However, psychosocial factors may also play a role in maintaining severe fatigue. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of severe fatigue in RA patients, to study patient perceptions of fatigue and to determine which disease-related factors and psychosocial factors are independently associated with fatigue severity. ⋯ A considerable proportion of RA patients had severe fatigue, with fatigue levels similar to chronic fatigue syndrome. Fatigue in RA was related to pain and functioning, not inflammation, as disease-related factors and to several psychosocial factors including coping and cognitions concerning fatigue.
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To determine the validity, reliability and responsiveness of the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire in AS (WPAI:SpA). ⋯ The WPAI:SpA is a valid, reliable and responsive tool for assessing work productivity for patients with AS.
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Review Meta Analysis
Efficacy of acupuncture in fibromyalgia syndrome--a systematic review with a meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials.
To systematically review the efficacy of acupuncture in fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). ⋯ A small analgesic effect of acupuncture was present, which, however, was not clearly distinguishable from bias. Thus, acupuncture cannot be recommended for the management of FMS.
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Meta Analysis
Pregabalin in fibromyalgia: meta-analysis of efficacy and safety from company clinical trial reports.
Meta-analysis of pregabalin trials in FM using company trial reports, which provide more detailed information about trials than published papers. FM is a common condition with a significant impact on quality of life. ⋯ Pregabalin is effective in treating FM and is relatively safe. The size of therapeutic effect is similar to that with other recent interventions such as duloxetine and the combination of tramadol and paracetamol. Enriched enrolment randomized withdrawal design gives similar results to classical trial designs in FM.