Scandinavian journal of rheumatology
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Scand. J. Rheumatol. · Jan 2014
Comparative StudyMental health indicators and quality of life among individuals with musculoskeletal chronic pain: a nationwide study in Iceland.
Musculoskeletal chronic pain is a costly public health threat. The aim of our study was to investigate mental health indicators, including self-reported symptoms of depression, sleep disruption, stress, well-being, and quality of life (QoL), among men and women with musculoskeletal chronic pain in a general population. ⋯ Our data indicate that individuals with musculoskeletal chronic pain have increased risk of poor mental health and diminished QoL. Further studies are needed on treatment and preventative measures of a decline in mental health among individuals with chronic pain.
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Scand. J. Rheumatol. · Jan 2014
Meta AnalysisAn updated meta-analysis of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 (STAT4) rs7574865 G/T polymorphism and rheumatoid arthritis risk in an Asian population.
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 (STAT4) transmits signals induced by the cytokines interleukin (IL)-12, IL-23, and interferon (IFN)-γ, which play an important role in the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Studies have shown conflicting results concerning the association between the rs7574865 G/T polymorphism in the STAT4 gene and RA in an Asian population. We have performed a meta-analysis to examine this relationship. ⋯ Our study indicates that the STAT4 rs7574865 G/T polymorphism was significantly associated with a decreased RA risk in an Asian population.
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Scand. J. Rheumatol. · Jan 2014
Observational StudyManagement of temporomandibular joint arthritis-related orofacial symptoms in juvenile idiopathic arthritis by the use of a stabilization splint.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) inflammation in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) may interfere with optimal joint and muscle function. Orofacial symptoms are common findings in relation to TMJ arthritis. Previous research on management of TMJ arthritis-related orofacial symptoms in patients with JIA has focused on pharmacological treatment modalities without involving physical pain management strategies. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in orofacial pain and TMJ function after stabilization splint treatment. ⋯ The stabilization splint is a safe, reversible, low-cost treatment, and familiar to most dental practitioners. Based on our findings, we propose the implementation of stabilization splint therapy for the treatment of JIA patients with TMJ arthritis-related symptoms.
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Scand. J. Rheumatol. · Jan 2014
Left heart disease: a frequent cause of early pulmonary hypertension in systemic sclerosis, unrelated to elevated NT-proBNP levels or overt cardiac fibrosis but associated with increased levels of MR-proANP and MR-proADM: retrospective analysis of a French Canadian cohort.
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) causes mortality in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and left heart disease (LHD) are frequent causes of PH. Therefore, we studied PAH and LHD in early PH. ⋯ Early PH in SSc, like late PH, is heterogeneous and RHC is essential for determining its underlying cause. The most frequent cause of early PH was LHD. Levels of MR-proANP and MR-proADM, but not NT-proBNP, were increased in early LHD-PH, and may be more reliable than NT-proBNP as a biomarker of early PH in this subgroup of patients. Cardiac MRI did not explain LHD-PH. This study is the first to identify a high frequency of LHD in early PH correlating with normal NT-proBNP levels but increased MR-proANP and MR-proADM levels in SSc patients.