Scandinavian journal of rheumatology
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Scand. J. Rheumatol. · Jan 2015
Comparative StudyFear-avoidance beliefs about physical activity in adults with rheumatoid arthritis.
The aim of this study was to describe fear-avoidance beliefs about physical activity and explore how these beliefs correlate with sociodemographic, disease-specific, and psychosocial factors in adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). ⋯ High fear-avoidance beliefs about physical activity in patients with RA were found to be associated with being male and having a below average income, a high level of pain, poor health, a low HRQoL, and low ESES score. Additional research is warranted for adults with RA to capture the multiple potential correlates to fear-avoidance beliefs about physical activity.
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Scand. J. Rheumatol. · Jan 2015
Comparative StudyImplications of proposed fibromyalgia criteria across other functional pain syndromes.
In 2010, the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) proposed new criteria for the diagnosis of fibromyalgia (FM) in the context of objections to components of the criteria of 1990. The new criteria consider the Widespread Pain Index (WPI) and the Symptom Severity Score (SSS). This study evaluated the implications of the new diagnostic criteria for FM across other functional pain syndromes. ⋯ FM according to the ACR 2010 criteria describes the 'severe half' of the spectrum of functional pain syndromes. By dropping the requirement of 'generalized pain', these criteria result in a blurring of the distinction between FM and more localized functional pain syndromes.
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Scand. J. Rheumatol. · Jan 2015
Epidural steroid injections in the management of cervical disc herniations with radiculopathy.
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of cervical epidural steroid injection (CESI) in the management of cervical disc herniations with radiculopathy. ⋯ CESI appears to be a safe and efficient part of the treatment of patients with symptomatic cervical disc herniations and may be considered before patients are referred to surgery.
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Scand. J. Rheumatol. · Jan 2015
Microvascular abnormalities in patients with early systemic sclerosis: less severe morphological changes than in patients with definite disease.
To evaluate the morphological and functional abnormalities of the microcirculation associated with markers of vascular injury in patients with early systemic sclerosis (SSc). ⋯ Early SSc patients showed functional changes and vascular injury marker levels similar to patients with established disease. Nonetheless, the morphological changes were less severe in early SSc, thus providing an opportunity for further prevention of vasculopathy progression.
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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.