Arthritis and rheumatism
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Arthritis and rheumatism · Apr 2005
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Clinical TrialPregabalin for the treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome: results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain and lowered pain threshold. Other prominent symptoms include disordered sleep and fatigue. FMS affects an estimated 2% of the population, predominantly women. This trial was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pregabalin, a novel alpha(2)-delta ligand, for treatment of symptoms associated with FMS. ⋯ Pregabalin at 450 mg/day was efficacious for the treatment of FMS, reducing symptoms of pain, disturbed sleep, and fatigue compared with placebo. Pregabalin was well tolerated and improved global measures and health-related quality of life.
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Arthritis and rheumatism · Feb 2005
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study Clinical TrialCorrelation of the degree of dyspnea with health-related quality of life, functional abilities, and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide in patients with systemic sclerosis and active alveolitis: results from the Scleroderma Lung Study.
To determine whether baseline self-assessment measures of health status and physiologic indices of disease severity in alveolitis-positive patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) correlate with the severity of their dyspnea, and to quantify functional impairment in patients with scleroderma lung disease and compare it with that in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). ⋯ The SF-36 was able to discriminate between scleroderma lung disease patients with more severe and less severe breathlessness, the primary symptom of active alveolitis. The SF-36 complements the BDI and VAS scores for breathing in scleroderma lung disease and is variably correlated with results of pulmonary function tests, suggesting that the SF-36 should be included as an outcome measure in intervention trials in this population.
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Arthritis and rheumatism · Jan 2005
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialVery early treatment with infliximab in addition to methotrexate in early, poor-prognosis rheumatoid arthritis reduces magnetic resonance imaging evidence of synovitis and damage, with sustained benefit after infliximab withdrawal: results from a twelve-month randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha agents are among the most effective therapies for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, their optimal use is yet to be determined. This 12-month double-blind study attempted remission induction using standard therapy with or without infliximab in patients with early, poor-prognosis RA. The primary end point was synovitis (measured by magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]). Clinical observations continued to 24 months. ⋯ Remission induction with infliximab plus MTX provided a significant reduction in MRI evidence of synovitis and erosions at 1 year. At 2 years, functional and quality of life benefits were sustained, despite withdrawal of infliximab therapy. These data may have significant implications for the optimal use of expensive biologic therapies.
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Arthritis and rheumatism · Dec 2004
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialSix-month and one-year followup of 23 weeks of aerobic exercise for individuals with fibromyalgia.
To measure mood and physical function of individuals with fibromyalgia, 6 and 12 months following 23 weeks of supervised aerobic exercise. ⋯ Exercise can improve physical function, mood, symptom severity, and aspects of self efficacy for at least 12 months. Exercising at followup was related to improvements in physical function and perhaps mood.
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Arthritis and rheumatism · Dec 2004
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Clinical TrialDigital ulcers in systemic sclerosis: prevention by treatment with bosentan, an oral endothelin receptor antagonist.
Recurrent digital ulcers are a manifestation of vascular disease in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma) and lead to pain, impaired function, and tissue loss. We investigated whether treatment with the endothelin receptor antagonist, bosentan, decreased the development of new digital ulcers in patients with SSc. ⋯ Endothelins may play an important role in the pathogenesis of vascular disease in patients with SSc. Treatment with the endothelin receptor antagonist bosentan may be effective in preventing new digital ulcers and improving hand function in patients with SSc.