Rheumatology international
-
The Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ-R) is an updated version of the FIQ attempts to address the limitations of the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ). As there is no Moroccan version of the FIQ-R available, we aimed to investigate the validity and reliability of a Moroccan translation of the FIQR in Moroccan fibromyalgia (FM) patients. After translating the FIQR into Moroccan, it was administered to 80 patients with FM. ⋯ Significant correlations for construct validity were obtained between the Moroccan FIQ-R total and domain scores and the subscales of the SF-36 (FIQR total versus SF-36 physical component score and mental component score were r = -0.69, P < 0.01 and r = -0.56, P < 0.01, respectively). The Moroccan FIQ-R showed adequate reliability and validity. This instrument can be used in the clinical evaluation of Moroccan and Arabic-speaking patients with FM.
-
The aim of the study was to identify factors influencing the health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) for Korean RA patients and factors associated with each dimension of the EQ-5D. Two hundred and twenty-five RA patients were recruited from one University Hospital in Seoul, South Korea. Their clinical and socio-demographic data were widely collected by means of interviews, self-administered questionnaires, and clinical examinations. ⋯ The strongest determinants of lower QOL in Korean RA patients were functional disability, higher disease activity, and subjective pain. However, various factors are influencing on the QOL for RA patients according to aspects of QOL. It suggested that clinicians should pay more attention to other factors of RA patients as well as clinical remission to improve their QOL.
-
To assess the inter- and intra-observer reproducibility of musculoskeletal ultrasonography among rheumatologist in detecting inflammatory and morphostructural changes in small joints of the hands in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Five members of the "Escuela de Ecografía del Colegio Mexicano de Reumatología" tested their inter- and intra-observer reliabilities in the assessment of basic sonographic findings of joint inflammation and bone erosion. Their results were compared to those obtained by a group of international experts from European League Against Rheumatism. ⋯ Mean and overall inter-observer agreement for semiquantitative score was poor for joint effusion, 0.325 (57%) and bone erosions, 0.360 (43%); and moderate to synovial hypertrophy, 0.431 (55%) and power Doppler signal, 0.496 (81%). Intra-observer variability reached the highest levels of agreement. Factors related to the experience of the rheumatologist, the time spent in each examination and knowledge of the software ultrasound equipment could influence the lower level of inter-observer agreement in this study.
-
Review Case Reports
Rheumatologic diseases and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome: two case reports and review of the literature.
Rheumatologic diseases have varied clinical presentations, and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) can be one of their presentations. The exact etiology of PRES is unknown, but endothelial dysfunction and immunosuppressive medications seem to be the likely cause in rheumatologic diseases. Clinical features include headaches, seizures, altered mental status, cortical blindness, vomiting, and focal neurologic deficits. ⋯ Out of the 48 case reports, 38 patients had systemic lupus erythematosus and most of them had renal disease. Five patients with autoimmune diseases presented with PRES after being started on immunomodulatory drugs. The most frequent symptoms were headache, seizures, and visual changes.
-
Physical therapy in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is important for maintaining or improving mobility, fitness, functioning, and global health. It also plays a role in the prevention and management of structural deformities. In this study we assessed the functional status of AS patients in relation to disease duration and activity. ⋯ In AS, pain intensity recorded on a 10-cm visual analog scale (VAS), BASFI, BASDAI, modified Schober index, chest expansion and occiput-to-wall distance values showed significant correlation with disease activity. The 3-month physical therapy improved several subjective and functional parameters, and markedly reduced pain intensity and spine stiffness. A complex, individualized physical therapy program may be useful and should be introduced to AS patients in order to maintain and increase spine mobility, preserve functional capacity, decrease the pain and stiffness.