| 1. |
- Berglin, Eva, et al.
(författare)
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Predictors of radiological progression and changes in hand bone density in early rheumatoid arthritis
- 2003
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Ingår i: Rheumatology. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1462-0324 .- 1462-0332 .- 1460-2172. ; 42:2, s. 268-275
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: To identify predictors for radiological and functional outcome and bone loss in the hands in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) during the first 2 yr of disease and to study the relationship between these variables.METHODS: An inception cohort of consecutively recruited patients was examined at baseline and after 12 and 24 months using X-rays of hands and feet, clinical [28-joint count, Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), global visual analogue scale (VAS), grip strength] and laboratory (erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, markers of bone formation and resorption) measurements and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry measurements of the hands.RESULTS: Joint destruction increased significantly during the study, with the Larsen score at baseline as the strongest predictor. Radiological progression and bone loss over 24 months were significantly retarded in patients responding to therapy. The effects of the shared epitope and initial high inflammatory activity on radiological progression were overridden by the therapeutic response. Radiological progression correlated significantly with bone loss. Global VAS, Larsen score and HAQ at inclusion significantly predicted change in HAQ over time.CONCLUSIONS: Radiological progression and bone loss were retarded by early therapeutic response. Bone loss was related to radiological progression.
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| 2. |
- Bodman-Smith, M.D., et al.
(författare)
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Antibody response to the human stress protein BiP in rheumatoid arthritis
- 2004
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Ingår i: Rheumatology. - : Oxford University Press. - 1462-0324 .- 1462-0332 .- 1460-2172. ; 43:10, s. 1283-1287
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives. The human stress protein BiP (immunoglobulin binding protein) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) since BiP was found to stimulate synovial T-cell proliferation and anti-BiP antibodies are present in the serum of RA patients. The aim of this study was the development of a rapid and reproducible enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to determine the specificity and sensitivity of anti-BiP antibodies in RA.Methods. An ELISA was developed that detected antibodies to BiP. The prevalence of anti-BiP antibodies was determined in sera from patients with early and established RA, sera antedating the onset of RA and sera from patients with other inflammatory and autoimmune diseases and healthy controls.Results. We have confirmed the increased prevalence of antibodies to BiP in the sera of a large cohort of patients with established RA (specificity 71% and sensitivity 73%) and early RA (specificity 65% and sensitivity 66%). In pre-disease sera, median 2.5 yr (interquartile range 1.1–4.7) before symptoms of joint disease, the sensitivity for anti-BiP antibodies was 45% and the specificity was 65% for the development of RA.Conclusion. Antibodies to BiP are found in the sera of patients with RA and in sera antedating the onset of RA.
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| 3. |
- Hallert, Eva, et al.
(författare)
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Rheumatoid arthritis is already expensive during the first year of the disease (the Swedish TIRA Project)
- 2004
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Ingår i: Rheumatology. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1462-0324 .- 1462-0332 .- 1460-2172. ; 43:11, s. 1374-1382
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective. To calculate direct and indirect costs in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to characterize patients generating high and low costs respectively. Methods. Two hundred and ninety-seven patients with recent-onset (≤12 months) RA were recruited. Clinical/laboratory data and 'health assessment questionnaire' (HAQ) were registered at inclusion and after 3, 6 and 12 months. After 6 and 12 months, the patients completed a questionnaire concerning health-care utilization and days lost from work. A cut-off point for direct costs was set at 34 000 Swedish kronor (3675) defining one-third of the patients as a high-cost group and two-thirds as low-cost group. Indirect costs were calculated for patients aged <65 yr. Results. Two hundred and eleven patients completed the HAQ on both occasions. Indirect costs exceeded direct costs by a factor of 2.3. Sixty three per cent experienced work disability during the first year and were identified as the 'high-indirect-cost group'. Indirect costs accounted for >70% of total costs. Direct costs included ambulatory health care (76%), hospitalization (12%) and medication (9%). Men aged ≥65 yr had low costs compared with younger men and women of all ages. In multiple logistic regression tests, HAQ, high levels of IgM rheumatoid factor (IgM RF) and poor hand function increased the odds of entering the high-direct-cost group, and poor hand function and pain increased the odds of entering the high-indirect-cost group. Conclusions. Substantial costs were incurred during the first year after diagnosis of early RA, mainly due to work disability. Indirect costs were two to three times higher than direct costs. High levels of IgM RF, high HAQ score, poor hand function and pain increased the odds of entering high-cost groups.
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| 4. |
- Larsson, E, et al.
(författare)
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Corticosteroid treatment of experimental arthritis retards cartilage destruction as determined by histology and serum COMP
- 2004
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Ingår i: Rheumatology. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1462-0332 .- 1460-2172 .- 1462-0324. ; 43:4, s. 428-434
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective. To examine if changes in serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) correlate with the development of cartilage damage, as measured by histological grading, in corticosteroid-treated animals with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). Methods. DA rats with established CIA were treated with corticosteroids (betamethasone, 0.1 mg/kg body weight) or placebo (saline) intraperitoneally once daily after reaching an arthritis score exceeding 1. The treatment continued throughout the study. Arthritis progression was monitored by clinical scoring of paws, serial measurements of serum COMP and fibrinogen, and histological grading of paws. Results. Corticosteroid treatment reduced clinical signs of arthritis compared with placebo (arthritis score reduced, P < 0.01 at day 25). Corticosteroid treatment also reduced fibrinogen levels compared with placebo (P < 0.01). The morphological changes in the joint were less severe in the corticosteroid-treated animals (median cartilage score 4 in the placebo group, 0 in the corticosteroid-treated group; P < 0.01). The levels of COMP remained unchanged during treatment in the corticosteroid-treated arthritic animals, whereas an increase in levels of COMP was observed in rats treated with placebo (P < 0.01). There was a correlation between serum COMP and the extent of cartilage destruction at day 25 after immunization (r=0.77, P < 0.001). Conclusions. Corticosteroids given therapeutically to arthritic rats diminish joint destruction histologically, and stable serum COMP levels reflect this effect.
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| 5. |
- Larsson, E, et al.
(författare)
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Serum concentrations of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein, fibrinogen and hyaluronan distinguish inflammation and cartilage destruction in experimental arthritis in rats.
- 2002
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Ingår i: Rheumatology. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1462-0332 .- 1460-2172 .- 1462-0324. ; 41, s. 996-
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVES:We investigated if changes in serum/plasma fibrinogen (FIB), hyaluronan (HA) and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) levels can be used to differentiate between inflammation and cartilage involvement during arthritis. METHODS:Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), oil-induced arthritis (OIA) and for comparison, experimental autoimmune encephalitis (EAE) induced in DA rats were investigated. RESULTS:Elevations of FIB concentrations were apparent at days 4-7 post-immunization in both arthritis models reaching a maximum on day 20-21, i.e. before peak arthritis. Elevations of HA in both models were seen shortly before macroscopically apparent arthritis, and peaked at or just before maximal arthritis, i.e. later in CIA than in OIA. COMP levels increased only after onset of arthritis and peaked late in disease (days 34-37), being significantly higher in the more destructive CIA compared with the less destructive OIA. During EAE flares, only FIB levels increased. CONCLUSIONS:FIB is a general inflammation marker, HA appears to be a marker for synovitis and changes in COMP levels appear to reflect the cartilage destruction process.
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| 6. |
- Lindehammar, Hans, et al.
(författare)
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Muscle involvement in juvenile idiopathic arthritis
- 2004
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Ingår i: Rheumatology. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1462-0324 .- 1462-0332 .- 1460-2172. ; 43:12, s. 1546-1554
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: An observational study of changes in muscle structure and the relation to muscle strength in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). METHODS: Fifteen children and teenagers (eight girls and seven boys) with JIA, aged 9-19 yr (mean age 16.1), were studied. Muscle biopsies were obtained from the anterior tibial muscle and were examined using histopathological and immunohistochemical methods. Muscle fibre types were classified and fibre areas measured. As markers of inflammation, the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and class II and the membrane attack complex (MAC) were analysed. Results were compared with biopsies from the gastrocnemius muscle in 33 young (19-23 yr) healthy controls. Isometric and isokinetic muscle strengths were measured in ankle dorsiflexion. Strength was compared with reference values for healthy age-matched controls. Nerve conduction velocities were recorded in the peroneal and sural nerves. RESULTS: Four of the 15 muscle biopsies were morphologically normal. Eleven biopsies showed minor unspecific changes. Two of these also showed minor signs of inflammation. MHC class II expression was found in 4/15 patients, which was significantly more than in the healthy controls (P = 0.0143). The expression of MHC class I and MAC did not differ from that in the controls. The mean area of type I fibres was lower than that of type IIA fibres in 12/13 biopsies. Muscle strength was significantly reduced in the patient group. There was a significant positive correlation between muscle fibre area and muscle strength. Nerve conduction studies were normal in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in leg muscle biopsies appear to be common in children and teenagers with JIA. The presence of inflammatory cells in the muscle and expression of MHC class II on muscle fibres may be a sign of inflammatory myopathy. There are no findings of type II muscle fibre hypotrophy or neuropathy, as in adults with RA.
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| 7. |
- Ruperto, N., et al.
(författare)
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Preliminary core sets of measures for disease activity and damage assessment in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus and juvenile dermatomyositis
- 2003
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Ingår i: Rheumatology. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1462-0324 .- 1462-0332 .- 1460-2172. ; 42:12, s. 1452-1459
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: To identify preliminary core sets of outcome variables for disease activity and damage assessment in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) and juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM). METHODS: Two questionnaire surveys were mailed to 267 physicians from 46 different countries asking each member to select and rank the response variables used when assessing clinical response in patients with JSLE or JDM. Next, 40 paediatric rheumatologists from 34 countries met and, using the nominal group technique, selected the domains to be included in the disease activity and damage core sets for JSLE and JDM. RESULTS: A total of 41 response variables for JSLE and 37 response variables for JDM were selected and ranked through the questionnaire surveys. In the consensus conference, domains selected for both JSLE and JDM activity or damage core sets included the physician and parent/patient subjective assessments and a global score tool. Domains specific for JSLE activity were the immunological tests and the kidney function parameters. Concerning JDM, functional ability and muscle strength assessments were indicated for both activity and damage core sets, whereas serum muscle enzymes were included only in the activity core set. A specific paediatric domain called 'growth and development' was introduced in the disease damage core set for both diseases and the evaluation of health-related quality of life was advised in order to capture the influence of the disease on the patient lifestyle. CONCLUSIONS: We developed preliminary core sets of measures for disease activity and damage assessment in JSLE and JDM. The prospective validation of the core sets is in progress.
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| 8. |
- Turesson, C, et al.
(författare)
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Increased endothelial expression of HLA-DQ and interleukin 1alpha in extra-articular rheumatoid arthritis. Results from immunohistochemical studies of skeletal muscle
- 2001
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Ingår i: Rheumatology. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1462-0332. ; 40:12, s. 1346-1354
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: To investigate markers of endothelial activation in muscle biopsies from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with and without extra-articular manifestations (ExRA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Nine consecutive ExRA patients were compared with nine RA controls without ExRA, matched for age, sex and duration of RA. Muscle biopsies were obtained from the lateral vastus or anterior tibial muscle. Macrophage and lymphocyte CD markers, HLA molecules, cytokines and adhesion molecules were investigated using immunohistochemistry, and stainings were evaluated using computer image analysis and conventional microscopy. Serum concentrations of soluble adhesion molecules, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and rheumatoid factor (RF) were determined using immunoassays. RESULTS: The number of HLA-DQ-positive capillaries (P=0.039) and the expression of interleukin 1alpha (IL-1alpha) in endothelial cells (mean pairwise difference 0.26%; 95% confidence interval 0-0.52) were increased in ExRA patients compared with non-ExRA controls. There were no signs of inflammatory cell infiltrates or fibre degeneration. Serum levels of TNF-alpha, the soluble form of intercellular adhesion molecule 1, the soluble form of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 and IgM RF were increased in the ExRA group. CONCLUSION: The increased expression of HLA-DQ and IL-1alpha may indicate systemic endothelial activation in extra-articular RA, which could be of importance for cardiovascular comorbidity and mortality in such patients.
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| 9. |
- Bengtsson, A A, et al.
(författare)
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Risk factors for developing systemic lupus erythematosus: a case-control study in southern Sweden.
- 2002
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Ingår i: Rheumatology. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1462-0332 .- 1460-2172. ; 41:5, s. 563-571
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: To explore the risk factors that have been suggested to be associated with the development of SLE. METHODS: A case-control study was performed and a questionnaire was developed to obtain the data. Consecutive female incident cases diagnosed between 1981 and 1999 in a defined geographical area in southern Sweden were included. Controls, matched for calendar year of birth, were selected randomly from the same area. In total, 85 cases and 205 controls agreed to participate. The questionnaire included questions about formal education, body weight and height, medical history, family history of autoimmune diseases, exposure to ultraviolet radiation, animals, hair-colouring dyes, alfalfa (lucerne) sprouts, smoking and alcohol habits, history of physical traumata, blood transfusion, silicone breast implants, exogenous oestrogens, other medication, and significant negative life events. RESULTS: Using a multivariate model, a history of hypertension [odds ratio (OR)=3.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4-9.8], drug allergy (OR=3.6, 95% CI 1.4-9.5), a type I/II sun-reactive skin type (OR=2.3, 95% CI 1.1-4.8) and a family history of SLE (OR=6.8, 95% CI 1.4-32) were all significantly associated with an increased risk of developing SLE, whereas consumption of alcohol was inversely associated with the risk of SLE (use of alcohol very seldom, OR=1.0; 1-150 g/month, OR=0.4, 95% CI 0.2-1.0; >150 g/month, OR=0.2, 95% CI 0.1-0.5). A suggested association with increased SLE risk was seen for smoking (OR=1.8, 95% CI 0.9-3.6) and blood transfusions (OR=2.3, 95% CI 0.9-5.8). Neither exposure to exogenous oestrogen nor exposure to hair-colouring dyes was associated with SLE. CONCLUSIONS: Risk factors of both exogenous and endogenous origin were identified in this population-based series of SLE patients.
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| 10. |
- Csernok, E, et al.
(författare)
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Evaluation of capture ELISA for detection of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies directed against proteinase 3 in Wegener's granulomatosis: first results from a multicentre study
- 2004
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Ingår i: Rheumatology. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1462-0332 .- 1460-2172. ; 43:2, s. 174-180
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: To evaluate the performance characteristics of direct and capture ELISA for the detection of PR3-ANCA in Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) in international ANCA reference laboratories. Methods: Serum samples were derived from patients with histological and clinical diagnosis of WG (n = 60), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (n = 30) and healthy controls (n = 30). Each of them was tested for the presence of ANCA by indirect immunofluorescence technique (IFT), direct and capture ELISA in six international reference laboratories (Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston; Wieslab AB, Lund; University of Maastricht; University Hospital Groningen; Mayo Clinic, Rochester; Rheumaklinik Bad Bramstedt/University of Schleswig-Holstein Campus Lubeck). Each centre tested the sera according to their house protocols of IFT and ELISA. The diagnostic performance of each test was estimated by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and sensitivity and specificity in detection of ANCA/PR3-ANCA were calculated for the respective methods. Results: In patients histologically and clinically known as WG, the detection of ANCA by IFT varied between 52 and 83% among the participating centres. PR3-ANCA positivity with the different ELISAs ranged from 53 to 80% in direct ELISA and from 72 to 76% in capture ELISA. While most capture ELISAs successfully detected PR3-ANCA, there were significant differences between IFT and direct ELISA results between laboratories. ROC curve analysis demonstrated that in five of six laboratories the overall diagnostic performance of capture ELISA was superior to IFT and direct ELISA, respectively. Conclusion: Capture ELISA is a highly sensitive assay for detection of PR3-ANCA in WG and should be used in conjunction with compatible clinical picture and histological evidence.
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| 11. |
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| 14. |
- Karlsson, J, et al.
(författare)
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Comparison of two hyaluronan drugs and placebo in patients with knee osteoarthritis. A controlled, randomized, double-blind, parallel-design multicentre study
- 2002
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Ingår i: Rheumatology. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1462-0332 .- 1460-2172. ; 41:11, s. 1240-1248
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective. To compare the efficacy and safety of intra-articular injections of two different hyaluronan preparations and placebo in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methods. In a randomized, patient- and observer-blind, placebo-controlled and multicentre trial with parallel groups, 210 patients, aged 60 yr or above, with knee osteoarthritis were included in a per protocol analysis. The patients were treated with three injections, once weekly, of either native high-molecular-weight hyaluronan (Artzal) or cross-linked hyaluronan (Synvisc) or with placebo and were followed for 52 weeks. The primary efficacy measures were weight-bearing pain during study weeks 026 and the duration of clinical benefit measured with KaplanMeier survival analysis for weeks 052. The secondary outcome measures were resting and maximum pain, Lequesne index, WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index) and SF-36 (Medical Outcomes Study Short Form Health Survey) scores. Results. The intra-articular injections produced a significant reduction in weight-bearing pain, resting pain, maximum pain and Lequesne and WOMAC scores after 26 weeks. There were no significant differences in outcome between any of the three study groups during the first 26 weeks. In direct comparison against placebo for weeks 052, neither hyaluronan treatment (Artzal or Synvisc) showed a significantly longer duration of clinical benefit than placebo. However, when data for the two hyaluronan-treated groups were pooled, treatment with hyaluronan had a significantly longer duration of benefit compared with placebo (P = 0.047). Conclusion. Patients with knee osteoarthritis who were treated by injection into the knee of either of two hyaluronan preparations or placebo showed clinical improvement during the first 26 weeks of treatment, though neither hyaluronan preparation gave a longer duration of clinical benefit than placebo. However, when data for the two hyaluronan treatments were pooled, there was a significantly longer duration of clinical benefit for hyaluronan treatment than for placebo.
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| 15. |
- Nilsdotter, Anna, et al.
(författare)
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Age and waiting time as predictors of outcome after total hip replacement for osteoarthritis
- 2002
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Ingår i: Rheumatology. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1462-0332 .- 1460-2172. ; 41:11, s. 1261-1267
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective. To investigate in a prospective study the relationship between age, pre-operative status, waiting time and post-operative outcome in patients assigned for unilateral total hip replacement (THR) due to osteoarthritis (OA). Method. One hundred and forty-eight patients (mean age 71 yr) with primary OA of the hip were investigated pre-operatively and 3, 6 and 12 months post-operatively with the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). For 56 of the patients an additional evaluation was made when they were placed on the waiting list. Results. One hundred and twenty-four patients fulfilled the study criteria (age 50 yr or over and unilateral THR for OA during the study period). Before surgery there were no differences in the WOMAC or SF-36 subscales (except mental health) between patients aged over and under 72 yr. Post-operatively, the younger patients reached a better score than the older patients. There were no differences in pre-operative status or post-operative outcome between the patients who had been on the waiting list more than and less than 3 months. Most pain relief after hip replacement was obtained by 3 months, while it took at least 1 yr to reach the full benefit in improved function. Ninety per cent of the patients had improved by at least 10 points on a 100-point scale for pain and function at 12 months. Conclusion. The age of the patients assigned for THR did not determine their pre-operative status. However, younger patients gained more function post-operatively than older patients and reached higher absolute mean SF-36 values, except for pain. An average difference in time on the waiting list of 3 months did not result in a difference in post-operative outcome. At least 1 yr is required for the average OA patient to gain the full benefit of the THR.
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| 16. |
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| 17. |
- Stengaard-Pedersen, K, et al.
(författare)
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Celecoxib 200 mg q.d. is efficacious in the management of osteoarthritis of the knee or hip regardless of the time of dosing
- 2004
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Ingår i: Rheumatology. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1462-0332 .- 1460-2172. ; 43:5, s. 592-595
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives. The primary objective was to demonstrate equivalence between a.m. and p.m. dosing of celecoxib 200 mg q.d. An equivalence assessment of q.d. vs b.i.d. dosing was a secondary objective. Methods. In this randomized, double-blind study, patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee or hip were randomized to receive celecoxib 200 mg q.d. a.m., celecoxib 200 mg q.d. p.m. or celecoxib 100 mg b.i.d. The primary outcome variable, measured at week 12 on a 0- to 10-point integrated scale, was patient satisfaction-assessment (pain relief, walking/bending, and willingness to continue medication). Equivalence was declared if the 95% confidence interval (CI) of the difference (a.m. q.d. vs p.m. q.d., b.i.d. vs q.d.) fell within the interval of -2 to +2. Results. A total of 697 patients were enrolled in this trial. For the a.m. vs p.m. comparison, the 95% CIs were within the prespecified equivalence criteria for all three measures of patient satisfaction: pain relief, mean -0.2, 95% CI -0.53 to 0.68; ability to walk and bend, mean -0.2, 95% CI -0.54 to 0.64; willingness to continue medication, mean -0.7, 95% CI -0.98 to 0.49. The 95% CIs for the q.d. vs b.i.d. comparison were also within the -2 to +2 interval. Conclusion. Regardless of the time of day at which celecoxib 200 mg q.d. is administered, patients are equally satisfied with the pain relief, ability to walk and bend, and willingness to continue medication.
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| 18. |
- Bengtsson, Ann
(författare)
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The muscle in fibromyalgia
- 2002
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Ingår i: Rheumatology. - 1462-0324 .- 1462-0332. ; 41:7
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Annan publikation (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)
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| 19. |
- Cvetkovic, J T, et al.
(författare)
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Increased levels of autoantibodies against copper-oxidized low density lipoprotein, malondialdehyde-modified low density lipoprotein and cardiolipin in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
- 2002
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Ingår i: Rheumatology. - 1462-0324 .- 1462-0332. ; 41, s. 988-995
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives. To analyse the association of autoantibodies against cardiolipin (CL) and oxidized low density lipoproteins [copper-oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL), malondialdehyde-modified LDL (MDA-LDL)] with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and cardiovascular complications. Methods. One hundred and twenty-one patients with RA were consecutively included. Autoantibodies were determined by ELISA. Healthy individuals from the same region were used as controls. Results. Levels of IgG, IgM and IgA antibodies against MDA-LDL and CL, as well as IgG and IgA antibodies against oxLDL were increased in the patients (P<0.01). The prevalence of IgG, IgM and IgA antibodies against CL was higher than in the normal population (74, 82 and 14%, respectively). The prevalence of IgG and IgA antibodies against oxLDL was also significantly increased (35 and 25%, respectively) and so was the prevalence of IgG and IgM antibodies against MDA-LDL (17 and 26%, respectively) compared with controls. The levels of IgM and IgA antibodies against aCL and IgM against MDA-LDL were increased in patients with extra-articular manifestations. Patients who developed myocardial infarction had a higher prevalence of IgG antibodies against MDA-LDL (P=0.04). There were substantial correlations between the levels of antibodies against oxLDL, MDA-LDL and CL. Conclusions. RA patients had increased levels and prevalence of autoantibodies against CL, oxLDL and MDA-LDL, with associations to severity of disease and cardiovascular complications.
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| 20. |
- Englund, M, et al.
(författare)
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Patient-relevant outcomes fourteen years after meniscectomy : influence of type of meniscal tear and size of resection
- 2001
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Ingår i: Rheumatology. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1462-0332 .- 1462-0324. ; 40:6, s. 631-639
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVES: To study long-term patient-relevant outcomes after meniscectomy, a surgical procedure associated with a high risk of knee osteoarthritis (OA). Principal objectives were to compare traumatic with degenerative meniscal tear and partial with subtotal meniscectomy.METHODS: We studied a well-defined cohort of 205 patients who had undergone isolated unilateral meniscectomy between 1983 and 1985. There was no previous knee surgery and all knees were stable. The type of meniscal tear and surgical resection was ascertained by review of medical records. Patients were followed up after 14 yr (range 12-15 yr) by self-administered questionnaires, one generic [Short Form 36 (SF-36)] and one disease-specific [Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS)].RESULTS: In a multivariate analysis, using the Sports and Recreation Function and knee-related Quality of Life subscales of the KOOS questionnaire as dependent variables, patients with a degenerative tear scored significantly worse than individuals with a traumatic tear (P < or = 0.001). When we analysed unmatched subgroups and age- and sex-matched patients with degenerative or traumatic lesions, the same result was found for the knee-specific outcome (P < or = 0.02) and SF-36 except for Social Functioning (P < or = 0.04). There was no difference in outcome for the total cohort according to the type of resection. However, subgroup analyses showed that patients who underwent subtotal meniscectomy for a degenerative tear scored significantly worse on the knee-specific outcome than individuals who had had a partial meniscectomy for the same type of tear (P < or = 0.02).CONCLUSIONS: The long-term outcome of meniscal injury and surgery appears to be determined largely by the type of meniscal tear. Furthermore, our findings support the use of minimal meniscal resection in the treatment of degenerative tears. We suggest that the disease processes associated with the development of OA of the joint cartilage may also be active in the meniscus, and that a tear in a meniscus with degenerative changes might be regarded as the first sign of OA of the joint.
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