J Rheumatol
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Patient pain and tissue trauma during syringe procedures: a randomized controlled trial.
To investigate the relationship of needle control to tissue trauma and hemorrhage during syringe procedures. ⋯ Inadequate control of needle and syringe during physician-performed syringe procedures is an important cause of trauma to patient tissues resulting in hemorrhage, increased patient pain, and decreased aspirate yield. The RPD -- a safety device that improves needle control and decreases needle trauma to tissues -- reduces hemorrhage and improves the safety, outcome, and aspirate yield of physician-performed syringe procedures.
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Comparative Study Controlled Clinical Trial
Comparison of an interferon-gamma assay with tuberculin skin testing for detection of tuberculosis (TB) infection in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in a TB-endemic population.
Tuberculosis (TB) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) undergoing treatment with anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents is commonly the result of reactivation of latent TB infection (LTBI); detection and treatment of LTBI is essential before treatment with anti-TNF agents. We reported previously that the tuberculin skin test (TST) is inaccurate for diagnosis of LTBI in patients with RA. Here, we compare the prevalence of LTBI in RA patients and matched controls according to positive TST and QuantiFeron-TB Gold In-Tube version (QFT) results and determine their agreement. ⋯ In a TB-endemic population, the QuantiFeron-TB Gold In-Tube assay seemed to be a more accurate test for detection of LTBI in RA patients compared with the TST, and may potentially improve the targeting of prophylactic therapy before treatment with anti-TNF agents.
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To investigate the prevalence of osteoarthritis (OA) in knee, hip, and hand in a general population in Norway and the burden of disease in terms of associations between the report of OA and health-related variables. ⋯ The overall prevalence of OA was 12.8% and higher prevalence was found among women and older people, people with less than 12 years of education, those out of work, and those overweight. OA was associated with pain, disability, and poor health status, and frequent use of healthcare providers.
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To examine the longterm effect of etanercept (ETN) therapy on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and utility in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. ⋯ Patients continuing ETN therapy sustained HRQOL and utility improvements attained during the original PLA-controlled trial. Patients previously taking PLA showed rapid and sustained improvements in HRQOL and utility and substantial QALY gain with ETN therapy.