Clinical rheumatology
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Clinical rheumatology · Jun 2007
Randomized Controlled TrialThe effect of gallium arsenide aluminum laser therapy in the management of cervical myofascial pain syndrome: a double blind, placebo-controlled study.
The efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) seems controversial. A prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted in patients with chronic MPS in the neck to evaluate the effects of low-level 830-nm gallium arsenide aluminum (Ga-As-Al) laser therapy. The study group consisted of 64 MPS patients. ⋯ In both groups, statistically significant improvements were detected in all outcome measures compared with baseline (p < 0.05). However, no significant differences were obtained between the two groups (p > 0.05). In conclusion, although the laser therapy has no superiority over placebo groups in this study, we cannot exclude the possibility of effectivity with another treatment regimen including different laser wavelengths and dosages (different intensity and density and/or treatment interval).
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Clinical rheumatology · Jun 2007
Randomized Controlled TrialThe effect of the thermal mineral water of Nagybaracska on patients with knee joint osteoarthritis--a double blind study.
To study the effect of thermal mineral water of Nagybaracska (Hungary) on patients with primary knee osteoarthritis in a randomized, double-blind clinical trial, 64 patients with nonsurgical knee joint osteoarthritis were randomly selected either into the thermal mineral water or into the tap water group in a non-spa resort village. The patients of both groups received 30-min sessions of bathing, 5 days a week for four consecutive weeks. The patients were evaluated by a blind observer immediately before and at the end of the trial using Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) indices and follow-up assessment 3 months later. ⋯ The WOMAC activity, pain, and total scores improved significantly also in the tap water group at the end of the treatment course, but no improvement was detected at the end of the 3-month follow-up period. The treatment with the thermal mineral water of Nagybaracska significantly improved activity, pain, and total WOMAC scores of patients with nonsurgical OA of the knee. Even after 3 months, significant improvement was observed compared to the scores before the treatment or to tap water treatment.
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Clinical rheumatology · Mar 2007
Randomized Controlled TrialAction potential simulation (APS) in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS): a controlled single subject experimental design.
Action potential simulation (APS) is becoming a popular method of pain reduction. Nevertheless, little is known about the efficacy of this relatively new treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate whether APS helps to reduce pain, improves patients' perception of daily functioning and social participation in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). ⋯ In this single-case study with ten patients (all female), APS was not a helpful method to reduce pain, to improve patients' perception of daily functioning and social participation in patients with FMS.
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Clinical rheumatology · Mar 2006
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyEfficacy of salmon calcitonin in complex regional pain syndrome (type 1) in addition to physical therapy.
The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of salmon calcitonin, which was suggested as effective in the treatment of complex regional pain syndrome type 1 (CRPS 1). Patients who had suffered trauma to their upper extremities and developed CRPS 1 were included into this randomised, controlled single-blind study. The diagnosis was made according to the clinical examination and scintigraphy. ⋯ The control examination showed similar results for allodynia, hyperalgesia and trophic changes, whereas remarkable improvement was observed in the rest of the parameters within groups. On the other hand, between the two groups there was no significant difference in any of the parameters (p>0.05) This randomised, single-blind study showed that all of the patients with acute CRPS 1 in their upper extremities after trauma, who were treated with either paracetamol or calcitonin along with physical therapy, recovered in all parameters significantly, but without any difference between groups. We can conclude that calcitonin does not make any favourable contribution in the treatment of patients with acute CRPS 1; physical therapy combined with only a simple analgesic is an efficient means of therapy.
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Clinical rheumatology · Feb 2006
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative StudyLumiracoxib is effective in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee: a prospective randomized 13-week study versus placebo and celecoxib.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of lumiracoxib compared with placebo and celecoxib in patients with osteoarthritis (OA). Following a 3- to 7-day washout period for previous non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, 1,600 patients aged >or=18 years with primary knee OA were randomized to receive lumiracoxib 200 or 400 mg once daily (o.d.), celecoxib 200 mg o.d. or placebo for 13 weeks. Primary efficacy variables were OA pain intensity in the target knee, patient's global assessment of disease activity and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain subscale and total scores at week 13. ⋯ The incidence of adverse events was similar across the groups. Lumiracoxib 200 mg o.d. is a well-tolerated and effective treatment option for OA of the knee, providing pain relief and improved functional status with efficacy superior to placebo and similar to celecoxib. Lumiracoxib demonstrated a tolerability profile similar to placebo and celecoxib.