J Rheumatol
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Comparative Study
The foot function index with verbal rating scales (FFI-5pt): A clinimetric evaluation and comparison with the original FFI.
To assess the clinimetric value of the Dutch version of the Foot Function Index (FFI) in comparison with the original FFI using verbal rating scales (FFI-5pt) rather than visual analog scales (VAS). ⋯ The FFI-5pt is a suitable generic measure. Its clinimetric properties are comparable with those of the original FFI. Its administration and data entry are less time consuming. However, responsiveness has to be more exactly assessed in an intervention study.
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Low back pain (LBP) is a common cause of disability among people of working age. We investigated the incidence of consultation for work related LBP and of work absence, and determined the prevalence of continued work disability due to LBP in Argentina. ⋯ The incidence of consultation for work related LBP was 5.2/1000 worker-years. This was the third most frequent work related injury. Most patients had some work absenteeism. Surgery did not shorten recovery times. Only a minority of patients off work for 6 months or more were able to return to their previous job.
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Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a systemic disorder occurring in genetically predisposed individuals. The disease course appears to be characterized by bouts of partial remission and flares. However, we have little understanding of what is a flare, why they occur, and what lasting effects they have on the patient. We examine the patient's perception of the factors important in defining flare. ⋯ There are 2 forms of flare: (1) localized to one area or (2) throughout the entire body. Examining the differences between these types of flares may aid our understanding of the biological mechanism of the disease process of AS and allow us to help relieve the symptoms of flare, a highly painful and often depressing phenomenon.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Predictors of success of intervention programs for persons with fibromyalgia.
To determine which sociodemographic, psychological, and behavioral characteristics of persons with fibromyalgia (FM) will predict a positive response to treatment; and to determine if subjects classified according to the Multidimensional Pain Inventory (MPI) responded differently to the interventions. ⋯ Select sociodemographic and psychosocial variables and type of intervention were not strong predictors of improvement in a variety of measures after a treatment program. The low percentage of explained variance may be due to the heterogeneity of FM. Additionally, the low percentage of responders suggests that current forms of treatment are not effective for a large portion of the FM population.
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Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
Open label study to assess infliximab safety and timing of onset of clinical benefit among patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
To assess the timing of onset of clinical benefit following the initial infusion of infliximab and to obtain additional safety experience of infliximab when given in an office setting to patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In addition, the safety of reducing the infusion time from 2 hours to 1 hour was evaluated. ⋯ Infliximab administered to patients with RA in an outpatient setting resulted in significant clinical improvement within 48 h that was sustained with additional infusions. Approximately 10% of patients experienced an infusion reaction, highlighting the need for direct supervision over patient treatment. Patients who tolerated infliximab infusions given over 2 h also tolerated a 1 h infusion.