Evaluating disease activity in patients with ankylosing spondylitis and rheumatoid arthritis using 99mtc-glucosamine.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical utility of a novel radiotracer, Tc-glucosamine, in assessing disease activity of both rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Twenty-five patients with RA (nine males and 16 females) and 12 patients with AS (all male) at various stages of disease were recruited for the study. A clinical history and examination was performed, followed by the measurement of hematological, biochemical, and autoimmune serological parameters to assess disease activity.

The impact of computerized provider order entry systems on medical-imaging services: a systematic review.

Background: Computerized provider order entry (CPOE) systems have been strongly promoted as a means to improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare.

Methods: This systematic review aimed to assess the evidence of the impact of CPOE on medical-imaging services and patient outcomes.

Results: Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria, most of which (10/14) used a pre-/postintervention comparison design.