Scandinavian journal of rheumatology
-
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.
-
Scand. J. Rheumatol. · Jan 2015
Pain sensitization and degenerative changes are associated with aberrant plantar loading in patients with painful knee osteoarthritis.
This study focused on the biomechanical implications of knee osteoarthritis (OA) and the association with pain. The plantar loading force distribution of the foot was determined and correlated to degenerative knee changes, function, pain intensity, and pain sensitization. ⋯ This study shows that mean maximum plantar foot force distribution in patients with painful knee OA is associated with specific pain mechanisms, function, radiological findings, and pain intensity.
-
Scand. J. Rheumatol. · Jan 2015
In situ analysis of interleukin-6 expression at different sites of zygapophyseal joints from patients with ankylosing spondylitis in comparison to controls.
Analysis of interleukin (IL)-6 serum levels in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) has indicated that IL-6 might be a pro-inflammatory cytokine involved in AS. However, two placebo-controlled trials with monoclonal antibodies directed against the IL-6 receptor have failed to demonstrate the efficacy of the monoclonal humanized anti-human IL-6 receptor antibody over placebo for the treatment of symptoms of AS. In this study we conducted an in situ analysis of IL-6 expression at different sites of inflammation in zygapophyseal joints of patients with AS in comparison to osteoarthritis autopsy controls (CO). ⋯ This in situ analysis confirms that IL-6 is not a key player in the pathogenesis of inflammatory processes in spondyloarthritides (SpA). The relevance of pro-inflammatory agents in axial SpA might be studied better in situ in bony specimens at the primary site of inflammation.
-
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.
-
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.