Arthritis and rheumatism
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Arthritis and rheumatism · Feb 2009
Meta AnalysisEfficacy of multicomponent treatment in fibromyalgia syndrome: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials.
To systematically review the efficacy of multicomponent treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). ⋯ There is strong evidence that multicomponent treatment has beneficial short-term effects on the key symptoms of FMS. Strategies to maintain the benefits of multicomponent treatment in the long term need to be developed.
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Arthritis and rheumatism · Jul 2008
Meta AnalysisThe PTPN22 620W allele confers susceptibility to systemic sclerosis: findings of a large case-control study of European Caucasians and a meta-analysis.
To determine whether genetic variants of the PTPN22 gene, including the R620W (1858C>T) missense single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), are associated with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Since PTPN22 is involved in multiple autoimmune diseases, we also examined the occurrence of a concomitant autoimmune disease. We then conducted a meta-analysis of the most recent studies of SSc in order to verify the association or lack of association between the PTPN22 1858C>T variant and SSc. ⋯ Our results indicate that PTPN22, a shared genetic factor of multiple autoimmune diseases, also contributes to the genetic background of SSc.
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Arthritis and rheumatism · Jan 2008
Review Meta AnalysisPatellar taping and bracing for the treatment of chronic knee pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
To evaluate the evidence for patellar taping and bracing in the management of chronic knee pain. ⋯ There was evidence that tape applied to exert a medially-directed force on the patella produces a clinically meaningful change in chronic knee pain. There was limited evidence to demonstrate the efficacy of patellar bracing. These outcomes were limited by the presence of high heterogeneity between study outcomes and significant publication bias.
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Arthritis and rheumatism · Oct 2004
Meta Analysis Comparative StudyA comparison of the efficacy and safety of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents versus acetaminophen in the treatment of osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis.
To perform a meta-analysis comparing the efficacy and safety of recommended dosages of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitors, versus acetaminophen in the treatment of symptomatic hip and knee osteoarthritis. ⋯ NSAIDs are statistically superior in reducing rest and walking pain compared with acetaminophen for symptomatic osteoarthritis. Safety, measured by discontinuation due to adverse events, was not statistically different between NSAID- and acetaminophen-treated groups.
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Arthritis and rheumatism · Aug 2001
Meta Analysis Comparative StudyCalcium-channel blockers for Raynaud's phenomenon in systemic sclerosis.
Most patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) have Raynaud's phenomenon (RP), which is often more severe than idiopathic RP. This study was a meta-analysis to determine the efficacy of calcium-channel blockers for the treatment of RP in SSc. The primary outcome measures were frequency and severity of ischemic attacks, digital skin temperature, patient and physician global assessments, and digital ulcers. ⋯ Calcium-channel blockers for RP in SSc have been tested in several small clinical trials and appear to lead to significant clinical improvement in both the frequency and the severity of ischemic attacks. Most trials were crossover trials in which order effect was not studied. This could have introduced bias. The results of this study suggest that the efficacy of calcium-channel blockers in reducing the severity and frequency of ischemic attacks in RP secondary to SSc is moderate at best (mean reduction of 8.3 attacks in 2 weeks and 35% less severity), and a further large, randomized controlled trial needs to be conducted.