Scandinavian journal of rheumatology
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Scand. J. Rheumatol. · Jul 2005
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialA powder made from seeds and shells of a rose-hip subspecies (Rosa canina) reduces symptoms of knee and hip osteoarthritis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
The aim of this study was to determine whether a herbal remedy made from a subspecies of rose-hip (Rosa canina) might reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis and consumption of rescue medication in patients suffering from osteoarthritis. ⋯ The data suggest that the present herbal remedy can alleviate symptoms of osteoarthritis and reduce the consumption of 'rescue medication'.
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In this review on the genetic aspects of rheumatic diseases, the approach was taken (i) to discuss, in general, important principles in the identification of susceptibility genes and (ii) to focus on five autoimmune rheumatic diseases that have the characteristics of complex diseases and in which important advances have been made in the identification of the genetic component. A decade ago, most reviews on the genetics of rheumatic diseases focused almost exclusively on a discussion of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) but in this fast-moving field it is now apparent that genes outside the HLA also contribute to susceptibility. Current hypotheses concerning the pathogenesis of autoimmunity have led to the inclusion of hundreds of genes as potential candidates. ⋯ The identification of the genes involved in complex diseases will contribute to an understanding of disease mechanisms and disease biology. The disease pathways by which the genes exert their effects or functions could lead to the discovery of new therapeutic targets that may be modulated. An increased understanding of the interactions between genes and environment might also be attained.
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Scand. J. Rheumatol. · Jan 2005
Editorial Historical ArticleScandinavian Journal of Rheumatology 1955-2005: development and state of the Journal on its 50th anniversary.
The Scandinavian Society for Rheumatology was founded in Copenhagen in September 1946 and is still actively stimulating cooperation among rheumatologists in the Scandinavian countries by organising biannual Scandinavian congresses, and by circulating an international scientific publication, the Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology, now celebrating its 50th anniversary. We hope that the newly implementation of web-based submission of manuscripts and peer reviewing, together with the new cover and change in the Journal's contents, will be of benefit to our authors, reviewers, and readers. At the Editorial Office we express our hope for a continuous and fruitful collaboration with the many people involved in the Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. Our thanks are due to those who made it possible over the past 50 years to publish a journal of high scientific quality within the field of rheumatology.
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Scand. J. Rheumatol. · Jan 2004
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Clinical TrialRapid alleviation of signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis with intravenous or subcutaneous administration of adalimumab in combination with methotrexate.
This randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, Phase 1 study assessed the magnitude, onset, and duration of response with intravenous (i.v.) and subcutaneous (s.c.) adalimumab (Humira, Abbott Laboratories) combined with methotrexate (MTX) in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) despite previous MTX therapy. ⋯ Either i.v. or s.c. adalimumab added to MTX significantly improved the signs and symptoms of RA compared with MTX alone. Subcutaneously administered adalimumab appeared to provide a response that was as great, as rapid, and as enduring as that with i.v. adalimumab.
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Scand. J. Rheumatol. · Jan 2004
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Clinical TrialEtoricoxib reduced pain and disability and improved quality of life in patients with chronic low back pain: a 3 month, randomized, controlled trial.
Chronic low back pain (LBP) is a growing health problem. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used to treat this condition, but have not demonstrated efficacy beyond 2 weeks, and no studies have shown that NSAIDs produce durable improvements in disability. ⋯ Etoricoxib provided significant relief of symptoms and disability associated with chronic LBP detected at 1 week, confirmed at 4 weeks, and maintained over 3 months. Reductions in chronic LBP severity corresponded to improvements in physical functioning and quality of life. All treatments were generally well tolerated.