Drug persistence in patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases during a major economic crisis: results from a nationwide cross-sectional online survey
AbstractTo evaluate the drug persistence in patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) during the current economic crisis in Lebanon and to estimate predictors of persistence. A nationwide multicentric cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire was conducted in Lebanon with patients with chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases (CIRDs) and non-inflammatory RMDs controls between July and October 2022. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) were categorized as conventional synthetic (cs), biological (b), subcutaneous (SC) or intravenous (IV), and targeted synthetic (ts). Persistence was defin...
Source: Rheumatology International - March 7, 2024 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research

The crosstalk between subjective fibromyalgia, mental health symptoms and the use of over-the-counter analgesics in female Syrian refugees: a cross-sectional web-based study
AbstractSuboptimal fibromyalgia management with over-the-counter analgesics leads to deteriorated outcomes for pain and mental health symptoms especially in low-income countries hosting refugees. To examine the association between the over-the-counter analgesics and the severity of fibromyalgia, depression, anxiety and PTSD symptoms in a cohort of Syrian refugees. This is a cross-sectional study. Fibromyalgia was assessed using the patient self-report survey for the assessment of fibromyalgia. Depression was measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, insomnia severity was measured using the insomnia severity index ...
Source: Rheumatology International - March 7, 2024 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research

COVID-19 vaccination and infection status: a cross-sectional survey of patients with rheumatic diseases in China
AbstractTo evaluate the vaccination status and clinical practice of patients with rheumatic diseases (RD) during the COVID-19 pandemic in China and to explore the impact of vaccination on infection severity in patients with RD. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among RD patients in outpatient and inpatient settings of the Rheumatology and Immunology Department in our hospital. Participants ’ characteristics, vaccination status, COVID-19 infection status, and medication for acute COVID-19 were collected. A total of 749 valid surveys were included in the study. A total of 271 (36.2%) patients were not vaccinated, and ...
Source: Rheumatology International - March 7, 2024 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research

Comparative analysis of the therapeutic effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy and high-intensity laser therapy in lateral epicondylitis: a randomised clinical trial
This study contrasts the efficacy of high- ıntensity laser therapy (HILT) and extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in managing LE. A prospective, randomized comparative trial was conducted with 50 participants assigned to either HILT or ESWT groups. Both groups received standard physiotherapy (exercise program and LE bandages), and out comes, including tenderness, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scale (Q-DASH), and grip strength, were assessed at baseline, 3rd weeks, and 12th weeks. The baseline features of the groups exhibited similarities (p >  0.05). In intra-gro...
Source: Rheumatology International - March 7, 2024 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research

Influence of visceral adiposity on cardiovascular risk in patients with systemic sclerosis
AbstractSystemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by systemic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, generalized fibrosis and high cardiovascular mortality. The evaluation of cardiovascular risk through the visceral adiposity index (VAI) has been helpful due to its direct relationship to the body and visceral fat percentage. We evaluated the influence of body composition and anthropometrics on cardiovascular risk as measured by VAI in healthy controls (HC) and SSc. An analytical cross-sectional study of 66 participants (33 SSc and 33 HC), mean age 52.7  ± 10, 95% women, was conducted from August ...
Source: Rheumatology International - March 7, 2024 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research

Pre-assessment of patients with suspected axial spondyloarthritis combining student-led clinics and telemedicine: a qualitative study
ConclusionPatients ’ access to rheumatology care is becoming increasingly burdensome. Pre-assessment including student-led clinics and telemedicine was highly accepted by patients. Patient interviews provided valuable in-depth feedback to improve the piloted patient pathway. (Source: Rheumatology International)
Source: Rheumatology International - March 7, 2024 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research

Radiographic and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis are not routinely distinguished in everyday clinical care: an analysis of real-world data from rheumatology practices
In conclusion, radiographs were available for slightly more than half of axSpA patients. Follow-up imaging was in frequent during rheumatology care in Germany but confirmed r-axSpA in ~ 40% of patients originally considered to have nr-axSpA. The distinction between r-axSpA and nr-axSpA may be ill-defined in routine clinical practice. (Source: Rheumatology International)
Source: Rheumatology International - March 7, 2024 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research

Rehabilitation of patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases and comorbidities: unmet needs
AbstractComorbidities may contribute to inadequate response to therapy and accelerate disability in various rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Cardiovascular, oncological, and infectious comorbidities are common in rheumatic patients. The rehabilitation of patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRDs) with comorbidities requires a multidisciplinary approach to improving patients ’ functional mobility, slowing down the disease progression and minimizing the risks of complications. The evidence suggests that cardiac rehabilitation ...
Source: Rheumatology International - March 7, 2024 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research

A new perspective on vitamin B12 deficiency in rheumatology: a case-based review
In this study, we present three cases of patients with neuropathic pain, depression, fatigue, and muscle weakness, initially attributed to a rheumatic disease, which almost completely resolved after implementing vitamin B12 supplementation. Furthermore, we provide an overview of current scientific reports regarding the potential use of cobalamin in rheumatology. Treatment of pain and neuropathy, often very challenging in long-lasting rheumatic diseases, can be more effective after a course of vitamin B12, even when no apparent deficiency is detected in laboratory tests. Considering recent research demonstrating vitamin B12...
Source: Rheumatology International - March 7, 2024 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) supplementation for the management of autoimmune rheumatic diseases: potential indications and opportunity for future research
(Source: Rheumatology International)
Source: Rheumatology International - March 7, 2024 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research

The Creation of Adam ’s Divinity and the School of Athens by Michelangelo and Raphael displaying clinical hand and foot signs to elucidate painting characters
(Source: Rheumatology International)
Source: Rheumatology International - March 7, 2024 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research

The importance of accurate consideration of intended medical use when evaluating digital health applications
(Source: Rheumatology International)
Source: Rheumatology International - March 7, 2024 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research

Drug persistence in patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases during a major economic crisis: results from a nationwide cross-sectional online survey
AbstractTo evaluate the drug persistence in patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) during the current economic crisis in Lebanon and to estimate predictors of persistence. A nationwide multicentric cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire was conducted in Lebanon with patients with chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases (CIRDs) and non-inflammatory RMDs controls between July and October 2022. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) were categorized as conventional synthetic (cs), biological (b), subcutaneous (SC) or intravenous (IV), and targeted synthetic (ts). Persistence was defin...
Source: Rheumatology International - March 5, 2024 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research

Exploring 5-year changes in general and skin health-related quality of life in psoriatic arthritis patients
AbstractPsoriatic arthritis (PsA) carries a severe disease burden, often leading to deterioration of health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Different comorbidities that are relatively prevalent in PsA are also responsible for compromised HRQoL. To assess real-world data of a 5-year follow-up cohort of PsA patients, focusing on changes in general HRQoL, skin HRQoL, and comorbidities. In this prospective observational study, 114 outpatients diagnosed with PsA were examined at baseline and after 5  years. Data collection included demographics, clinical disease activity measures, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs)...
Source: Rheumatology International - March 5, 2024 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research

The crosstalk between subjective fibromyalgia, mental health symptoms and the use of over-the-counter analgesics in female Syrian refugees: a cross-sectional web-based study
AbstractSuboptimal fibromyalgia management with over-the-counter analgesics leads to deteriorated outcomes for pain and mental health symptoms especially in low-income countries hosting refugees. To examine the association between the over-the-counter analgesics and the severity of fibromyalgia, depression, anxiety and PTSD symptoms in a cohort of Syrian refugees. This is a cross-sectional study. Fibromyalgia was assessed using the patient self-report survey for the assessment of fibromyalgia. Depression was measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, insomnia severity was measured using the insomnia severity index ...
Source: Rheumatology International - March 5, 2024 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research