Obesity and tobacco smoking are independently associated with poor patient-reported outcomes in SLE: a cross-sectional study
AbstractWe investigated associations of obesity and tobacco smoking with health-related quality of life (HRQoL), pain, fatigue, and functional impairment in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Furthermore, we explored whether there was an effect modification between these two factors. We included adult SLE patients from the Link öping University Hospital (n = 325) in the present cross-sectional analysis. We further included population-based controls and performed cardinality matching to balance age and sex distributions with cases (n = 224). HRQoL was assessed with the EQ-5D index score; pain, fatigue, and overall...
Source: Rheumatology International - April 2, 2024 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Antiphospholipid syndrome, thrombosis, and vaccination in the COVID-19 pandemic
AbstractThrombosis is one of the many signs of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and COVID-19 infection. Although the mechanisms contributing to thrombosis in APS and COVID-19 are relatively similar, this remains an open subject. Even now (when the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided), there is no conclusive solution to APS and COVID-19 co-occurrence. The presence of newly generated antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) in COVID-19 infection may or may not be connected to the diagnosis of APS. The prevalence of aPLs is substantial in severe COVID-19 but not related to thrombosis or a worse outcome. Adequate monitoring of antibody po...
Source: Rheumatology International - April 2, 2024 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
How to improve gender equality in rheumatology: boards, mentors, and teamwork
(Source: Rheumatology International)
Source: Rheumatology International - April 2, 2024 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Associations of gender with sexual functioning, loneliness, depression, fatigue and physical function amongst patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis with a particular focus on methotrexate usage
AbstractThere is a lack of knowledge regarding methotrexate (MTX) usage in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its possible links with gender, disease characterization and sexual functioning, loneliness, fatigue and depression. We, therefore, investigated the associations of gender with physical function, fatigue, depression, loneliness and sexual functioning with a particular focus on MTX usage. A cross-sectional study design was used. Inclusion criteria were RA diagnosis, age above 18 years and available data on MTX treatment 1 year after diagnosis. Data consisted of responses from validated questionnaires reg...
Source: Rheumatology International - March 30, 2024 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
The effect of balance exercises on central sensitization in patients with knee osteoarthritis
AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of balance exercises on functional status, pain, balance, and central sensitization in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Patients diagnosed with bilateral Kellgren –Lawrence grade ≥ 2 primary knee OA and associated central sensitization were included in the study. Patients were randomized into two groups. Both groups were provided with verbal and written information on knee OA. In addition, the intervention group received a supervised balance exercise program for 6 weeks, 3 days a week on alternating days. The outcome measures were the changes ...
Source: Rheumatology International - March 30, 2024 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Efficacy of lifestyle interventions in the management of systemic lupus erythematosus: a systematic review of the literature
In conclusion, psychosocial interventions are viable for managing depressive symptoms, and exercise appears essential for reducing fatigue and improving aerobic capacity and physical function. Photoprotection should be recommended to all patients. Lifestyle interventions should be considered a complement, not a substitute, to pharmacotherapy. (Source: Rheumatology International)
Source: Rheumatology International - March 30, 2024 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Endorsement of reporting guidelines and clinical trial registration across Scopus-indexed rheumatology journals: a cross-sectional analysis
AbstractThe purpose of this study was to investigate the instructions for authors of rheumatology journals and analyze their endorsement of reporting guidelines and clinical trial registration. Sixty rheumatology journals were selected by a research librarian and an investigator through the 2021 Scopus CiteScore tool. The instructions for authors ’ subsection of each journal was assessed to determine endorsement of study design-specific reporting guidelines or clinical trial registration. Descriptive statistics were calculated using R (version 4.2.1) and RStudio. Of the 58 journals analyzed, 34 (34/58; 59%) mentioned the...
Source: Rheumatology International - March 30, 2024 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Fear of movement and competence frustration mediate the relationship between pain catastrophising and physical function in people living with axSpA: an online cross-sectional survey
The objective of this study is to examine the contribution of pain catastrophising to Axial Spondyloarthritis (axSpA) patient ’s physical function and to test the mediating role of fear of movement, and uniquely, the contribution of competence frustration to the fear-avoidance model. Participants (N = 98, 70% female, M age = 45.62, SD 12.16) completed an online survey (December 2020–May 2021) distributed in the United Kingdom via the National Axial Spondyloarthritis Society (n ≈ 3500; NASS, 2019). The PROCESS SPSS macro was used to test three mediation models using percentile bootstrap 95% confidence inte...
Source: Rheumatology International - March 30, 2024 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Quality indicators and satisfaction with care in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
AbstractGrading the quality of care in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and determining its relationship with care satisfaction may recognize gaps that could lead to better clinical practice. Eighteen quality indicators (QIs) were recently developed and validated for patients with SLE based on the 2019 EULAR management recommendations. Few studies have analyzed the relationship between quality of care and care satisfaction in patients with lupus. This was a cross-sectional study. We included patients at least 18 years old who met the EULAR/ACR 2019 classification criteria for SLE. We interviewed patients and re...
Source: Rheumatology International - March 30, 2024 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Pancytopenia with aplastic anemia in systemic lupus erythematosus: case series and literature review
We report two cases of SLE patients who presented with pancytopenia, with bone marrow biopsy confirmed AA. One case was treated with cyclophosphamide but unfortunately succumbed to Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), while the other case was managed with rituximab with a good response. Interestingly, both patients were on azathioprine before the diagnosis of AA. A comprehensive search for reported cases of AA in PubMed, Scopus, and the Directory of Open Access Journals databases was performed to enhance the understanding of the diagnostic and management challenges associated with AA in SLE, facilitating ongoing exp...
Source: Rheumatology International - March 30, 2024 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
The prevalence of neutropenia and association with infections in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a Swedish single-center study conducted over 14 years
AbstractHematologic abnormalities are common manifestations of SLE, although neutropenia is observed less frequently and is not included in the classification criteria. Nonetheless, neutropenia is a risk factor for infections, especially those caused by bacteria or fungi. We aimed to evaluate the impact of neutropenia in SLE through a systematic investigation of all infections in a large cohort of well-characterized patients, focusing on neutropenia, lymphopenia, and hypocomplementemia. Longitudinal clinical and laboratory parameters obtained at visits to the Rheumatology Unit, Link öping University Hospital, and linked d...
Source: Rheumatology International - March 30, 2024 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Is the patient-perceived impact of psoriatic arthritis a global concept? An international study in 13 Arab countries (TACTIC study)
AbstractThe Psoriatic Arthritis Impact of Disease (PsAID-12) questionnaire, a recommended measure of patient-reported impact for psoriatic arthritis (PsA), was initially developed in Europe and may lack universal validity. Recognizing the need for a culturally appropriate tool for Arab patients, this study aimed to TranslAte, CulTurally adapt, and validate the PsAID in ArabIC (TACTIC). The PsAID-12 was translated into Arabic using a rigorous process of double translation, back-translation, and cognitive debriefing. The Arabic version was then validated through a study conducted in 13 Arab countries in 2022. Participants we...
Source: Rheumatology International - March 30, 2024 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Statin-induced immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy with concomitant increase of anti-HMGCR and anti-ACHR antibodies
We present a case of a patient with a severe phenotype of the disease that was found to have an increase in anti-HMGCR and anti-ACHR antibodies. A potential association between these antibodies have not been previously described. A 67-year-old male with hyperlipidemia, who was recently initiated on atorvastatin therapy, presented to the ED with progressive muscle weakness. Within a few days of admission, the patient developed complete flaccid paralysis and respiratory distress requiring intubation. The patient ’s CK was elevated to 24,000 and there was an increase of anti-HMGCR and anti-ACHR antibodies. Impressions from ...
Source: Rheumatology International - March 30, 2024 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Barriers and facilitators in diagnosing axial spondyloarthritis: a qualitative study
ConclusionPoor communication and a lack of understanding of axSpA in the professional and public spheres undermine progress towards timely diagnosis of axSpA. Improving communication and awareness for patients and HCPs, along with systemic changes in healthcare (such as improved referral pathways) could reduce diagnostic delay. (Source: Rheumatology International)
Source: Rheumatology International - March 30, 2024 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Nursing and allied health workforce in Australian public rheumatology departments is inadequate: a cross-sectional observational study
AbstractRheumatological conditions are complex and impact many facets of daily life. Management of people with rheumatological conditions can be optimised through multidisciplinary care. However, the current access to nursing and allied health professionals in Australia is unknown. A cross-sectional study of nursing and allied health professionals in Australian public rheumatology departments for adult and paediatric services was conducted. The heads of Australian public rheumatology departments were invited to report the health professionals working within their departments, referral pathways, and barriers to greater mult...
Source: Rheumatology International - March 30, 2024 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
