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 5, 2024 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Validity and reliability of measurement of peripheral oxygen saturation during the 6-Minute Walk Test in patients with systemic sclerosis
AbstractPeripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) using the fingers may have important limitations due to Raynaud ’s phenomenon and sclerodactyly in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Sensors located at more central body positions may be more accurate as these as less prone to Raynaud attacks. To determine the validity and reliability of the SpO2 measured at the finger, forehead, and earlobe during the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT). Eighty two patients with SSc had an arterial line placed while performing the 6MWT. Peripheral oxygen saturation was simultaneously measured by finger, forehead, and earlobe sensors and compared t...
Source: Rheumatology International - March 5, 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 5, 2024 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Telerehabilitation: lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic and future perspectives
AbstractThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had an enormous effect on healthcare, notably rehabilitation for neurological, rheumatological, musculoskeletal, and cognitive diseases. Telerehabilitation provides rehabilitation services via multiple modalities, such as real-time chats, computerized consultations, and distant evaluations, emphasizing assessment, diagnosis, and intervention. While the use of telerehabilitation had restrictions before COVID-19, regulatory changes have accelerated its adoption, broadening therapy provision beyond tradition al healthcare settings. Telerehabilitation has been ex...
Source: Rheumatology International - March 5, 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 5, 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 5, 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 5, 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 5, 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 5, 2024 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Promoting physical activity in rheumatoid arthritis through a physiotherapist led behaviour change-based intervention (PIPPRA): a feasibility randomised trial
The objective of this study was to examine the feasibility of a physiotherapist led, behaviour change (BC) theory-informed, intervention to promote PA in people with RA who have low levels of current PA. A feasibility randomised trial (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03644160) of people with RA over 18 years recruited from outpatient rheumatology clinics and classified as insufficiently physically active using the Godin−Shephard Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire. Participants were randomised to intervention group (4 BC physiotherapy sessions in 8 weeks) delivered in person/virtuall y or control group (PA information ...
Source: Rheumatology International - March 4, 2024 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Exercise programs for scoliosis in juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a randomized-controlled study
This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of structured 3D exercises with that of a conventional exercise program specially planned for children with JIA who have scoliosis. This was a prospective, randomized-controlled study. Structured 3D scoliosis exercises for Group 1 (n: 25) and conventional exercises for the Group 2 (n: 25) were applied for 24 weeks. The angle of trunk rotation (ATR) by scoliometer, scoliosis angle by Cobb angle, pain by a numerical rating scale (NRS), respiratory functions by spirometry, and perception of cosmetic deformity by The Walter Reed visual assessment scale (WRVAS) were evaluated. ATR...
Source: Rheumatology International - February 18, 2024 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Predicting comorbid mental health difficulties in people with autoimmune arthritis
This study investigates whether, age of onset, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and ‘illness invisibility’ predict comorbid mental health difficulties in people with autoimmune arthritis. Participants with autoimmune arthritis (N = 209) were recruited via social media platforms. Age of onset of arthritis and the temporal order of mental health difficulties (if applicable) were collected alongside a measure of personality and ACEs. A novel measure of illness invisibility was developed for this study. A cross-sectional mi xed-subject design was utilised. 53.5% of the sample endorsed lifetime mental health diffic...
Source: Rheumatology International - February 18, 2024 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
The relationship between pain and depression and anxiety in patients with inflammatory arthritis: a systematic review protocol
AbstractPain is a major challenge for patients with inflammatory arthritis (IA). Depression and anxiety are common comorbidities in IA, associating with worse outcomes. How they relate to pain is uncertain, with existing systematic reviews (a) mainly considering cross-sectional studies, (b) focusing on the relationship between pain and mental health in the context of disease activity/quality of life, and (c) not specifically considering the impact of treating depression/anxiety on pain. This PROSPERO-registered (CRD42023411823) systematic review will address this knowledge-gap by synthesizing evidence to summarise the asso...
Source: Rheumatology International - February 18, 2024 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Miliarial-type gout in association with chronic use of glucocorticoids
AbstractA 59-year-old male patient with long-standing tophaceous gout (more than 30 years) characterized by polyarticular involvement and recurrent disseminated tophi formation; his past medical history is relevant for poor adherence to urate-lowering medications, as well as persistent use of self-prescribed systemic glucocorticoids. Despite achieving therapeutic goals for serum uric acid levels, new tophi formation with an intradermal location in the form of “miliarial-type gout” was documented. Due to functional limitations, the patient underwent surgical resection of the olecranon bursa. This case illustrates a wide...
Source: Rheumatology International - February 18, 2024 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Assessing the accuracy and completeness of artificial intelligence language models in providing information on methotrexate use
AbstractWe aimed to assess Large Language Models (LLMs) —ChatGPT 3.5–4, BARD, and Bing—in their accuracy and completeness when answering Methotrexate (MTX) related questions for treating rheumatoid arthritis. We employed 23 questions from an earlier study related to MTX concerns. These questions were entered into the LLMs, and the responses generat ed by each model were evaluated by two reviewers using Likert scales to assess accuracy and completeness. The GPT models achieved a 100% correct answer rate, while BARD and Bing scored 73.91%. In terms of accuracy of the outputs (completely correct responses), GPT-4 achiev...
Source: Rheumatology International - February 18, 2024 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
