J Rheumatol
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Mild hyperprolactinemia has been reported in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and systemic sclerosis (SSc). We investigated whether the elevated serum level of prolactin (Prl) detected in SSc is due to a sustained increase over 24 h and/or a shift in the diurnal rhythm, and whether Prl autoantibodies--originally described in SLE--may interfere in the assay. ⋯ Our data confirm that mild hyperprolactinemia occurs in a subgroup of patients with SSc, and showed that the elevated serum level of Prl is due to both a sustained increase over 24 h and a shift in the diurnal rhythm. The correlation between diurnal rhythms of Prl and TSH suggests common regulatory mechanisms.
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To investigate the value of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of plantar fasciitis and changes in plantar fascia following ultrasound guided local steroid injection. ⋯ Ultrasonographic examination of plantar fascia is easy and quick to perform. Ultrasound procedure should be considered early in diagnosis and management of heel pain. Ultrasound guided local steroid injection proved safe and effective in the treatment of plantar fasciitis.
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To translate the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) into German and to evaluate its reliability and validity for the use of German speaking patients with fibromyalgia (FM). ⋯ The German FIQ is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring functional disability and health status in German patients with FM.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Upper gastrointestinal tolerability of celecoxib, a COX-2 specific inhibitor, compared to naproxen and placebo.
To determine the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tolerability of celecoxib, naproxen, and placebo in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). ⋯ The upper GI tolerability of celecoxib is superior to naproxen. A dose-response relationship between celecoxib and upper GI symptoms was not apparent.
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Comparative Study
Measuring the epidemiology of distress: the rheumatology distress index.
(1) To examine clinical and psychological variables to determine which are associated with psychologic and psychosocial severity or "distress"; (2) to investigate whether patients with the 2 major rheumatic disorders, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA), differ in distress variables and distress; and (3) to develop and validate a simple, clinically acceptable index of distress suitable for routine care and research purposes. ⋯ Distress is a patient rather than a disease phenomenon. A simple, easy to administer self-report questionnaire can be used to classify patients according to their level of distress. The resulting index, the RDI. accurately identifies distressed and non-distressed patients. Such an index should be useful for patient care and research.