J Rheumatol
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Indicators of work role functioning (being at work, and being productive while at work) are important outcomes for persons with arthritis. As the worker productivity working group at OMERACT (Outcome Measures in Rheumatology), we sought to provide an evidence base for consensus on standardized instruments to measure worker productivity [both absenteeism and at-work productivity (presenteeism) as well as critical contextual factors]. ⋯ Our current recommendations for at-work productivity loss measures are: WALS (Workplace Activity Limitations Scale), WLQ PDmod (Work Limitations Questionnaire with modified physical demands scale), WAI (Work Ability Index), WPS (Arthritis-specific Work Productivity Survey), and WPAI (Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire). Our future research focus will shift to confirming core contextual factors to consider in the measurement of worker productivity.
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The Canadian Vasculitis research network (CanVasc) is composed of physicians from different medical specialties and researchers with expertise in vasculitis. One of its aims is to develop recommendations for the diagnosis and management of antineutrophil cytoplasm antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitides (AAV) in Canada. ⋯ These recommendations were developed based on a synthesis of existing international guidelines, other published supporting evidence, and expert consensus considering the Canadian healthcare context, with the intention of promoting best practices and improving healthcare delivery for patients with AAV.
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The Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) working group aims to develop a core set of outcome measures to be used in clinical trials for PMR. Previous reports from OMERACT 11 included a qualitative study of the patient experience and a preliminary literature review. ⋯ A provisional core domain set, presented for clinical trials in PMR, comprises acute phase markers, physical function, death, glucocorticoid-related adverse events, and development of giant cell arteritis. Measurement instruments are suggested that may cover each domain, but these require formal validation for clinical trials in PMR.
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Comparative Study
A Population-based Study of Intensive Care Unit Admissions in Rheumatoid Arthritis.
We aimed to determine the incidence of and mortality after critical illness in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared with the general population, and to describe the risks for and characteristics of critical illness in patients with RA. ⋯ Patients with RA have a higher risk for admission to the ICU than the general population and increased mortality 1 year after admission. Even with advances in management, RA remains a serious disease with significant morbidity.
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To develop and validate a knowledge transfer (KT) module aimed at enhancing feasibility and reliability of semiquantitative assessment of bone marrow lesions (BML) and synovitis-effusion using the Hip Inflammation Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scoring System (HIMRISS). ⋯ Development and validation of a systematic method for KT may enhance external validation of certain imaging instruments.