Arthritis research & therapy
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Arthritis Res. Ther. · Aug 2015
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyA randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase III trial of duloxetine in Japanese fibromyalgia patients.
Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread pain and is often accompanied by accessory symptoms. There are limited treatment options for this condition in Japan. Therefore, we conducted a phase III study to assess the efficacy and safety of duloxetine in Japanese patients with fibromyalgia. ⋯ Although the MMRM analysis did not demonstrate superiority of duloxetine over placebo, duloxetine treatment was associated with improved outcomes in secondary and post hoc analyses of the mean change in the BPI average pain score and most of the secondary outcomes, including analgesia and QoL. Duloxetine treatment was safe and well tolerated. These results suggest that duloxetine treatment could be associated with improvements in pain relief and QoL in Japanese patients with fibromyalgia.
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Arthritis Res. Ther. · May 2015
Multicenter StudyA candidate gene study reveals association between a variant of the Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma (PPAR-γ) gene and systemic sclerosis.
The multifunctional nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) has potent anti-fibrotic effects, and its expression and activity are impaired in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). We investigated PPAR-γ gene (PPARG) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with SSc. ⋯ A PPARG variant is associated with susceptibility to SSc, consistent with a role of PPAR-γ in the pathogenesis of SSc.
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Arthritis Res. Ther. · Mar 2015
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyResults of a proof of concept, double-blind, randomized trial of a second generation antisense oligonucleotide targeting high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in rheumatoid arthritis.
This randomized, double-blind, phase II study evaluated the pharmacodynamics, safety and tolerability of ISIS 329993 (ISIS-CRPRx), an antisense oligonucleotide, in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). ⋯ In this study, ISIS-CRPRx selectively reduced hs-CRP in a dose-dependent manner, and was well-tolerated in patients with RA. Its utility as a therapy in RA remains unclear.
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Arthritis Res. Ther. · Feb 2015
Multicenter StudyIncreased 30-day and 1-year mortality rates and lower coronary revascularisation rates following acute myocardial infarction in patients with autoimmune rheumatic disease.
It is now well-recognised that patients with autoimmune rheumatic disease (AIRD) have a predisposition to cardiovascular disease that results in increased morbidity and mortality. Following myocardial infarction (MI), patients with rheumatoid arthritis have been shown to have an increased case fatality rate; however, this has not been demonstrated in other forms of AIRD. The aim of this study was to compare case fatality rates following a first MI in patients with AIRD versus the general population. The secondary aim was to compare revascularisation treatment following MI in patients with AIRD versus the general population. ⋯ We identified a higher risk-adjusted mortality rate for the majority of patients with AIRD at 30 days and 12 months after first MI. We also identified lower post-MI revascularisation rates in the AIRD group, suggesting there may be current gaps in cardiovascular treatment for patients with AIRD.
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Arthritis Res. Ther. · Jan 2015
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyResistance exercise improves muscle strength, health status and pain intensity in fibromyalgia--a randomized controlled trial.
Fibromyalgia (FM) is characterized by persistent widespread pain, increased pain sensitivity and tenderness. Muscle strength in women with FM is reduced compared to healthy women. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a progressive resistance exercise program on muscle strength, health status, and current pain intensity in women with FM. ⋯ Person-centered progressive resistance exercise was found to be a feasible mode of exercise for women with FM, improving muscle strength, health status, and current pain intensity when assessed immediately after the intervention.