Ankylosis of wrist and small joints of the hand occurs in rheumatoid arthritis: Diagnostic implication in paleopathology.

There are no universally accepted criteria for the paleopathological diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Recent clinical studies show that small joint ankylosis occur in RA at a low frequency (2%). Presence of small joint ankylosis in paleopathological material does therefore not allow one to exclude a diagnosis of RA provided no other bone changes suggestive of spondyloarthropathy are present.

Serum uric acid predicts changes in reports of non-gouty chronic pain: a prospective study among women with inflammatory and non-inflammatory pain.

Widespread pain has earlier been associated with an increase in serum urate (SU). The aim of this study was to longitudinally study the relation between changes in pain reporting and the level of SU among women with chronic pain. Consecutive female patients (n = 124; aged 20-70 years), at rheumatology and rehabilitation practices, with chronic musculoskeletal pain of different origins were followed for 1 year with repeated blood samples and questionnaires.

Characteristics of disability pensioners returning to work: an interview study among individuals with musculoskeletal disorders.

Purpose: To explore adaptation patterns among disability pensioners with musculoskeletal disorders returning to work by means of the Swedish law on 'resting disability pension'.

Method: Qualitative analyses of interviews with 17 individuals going back to work.

Results: Three adaptation patterns were identified: The Go-getter, the Realist and the Indifferent.

Return to work still possible after several years as a disability pensioner due to musculoskeletal disorders: a population-based study after new legislation in Sweden permitting "resting disability pension".

Different strategies have been used to stimulate a return to work (RTW) among individuals suffering from long-term ailments. In Sweden a new law on "resting disability pension" permits disability pensioners to go back to work without jeopardising their benefits. In this study different variables related to RTW during 2000 by means of this legislation were identified among disability pensioners with musculoskeletal disorders.

Primary care patients with musculoskeletal pain. Value of health-status and sense-of-coherence measures in predicting long-term work disability.

Objective: To investigate long-term sick leave among primary care patients with musculoskeletal disorders and the predictive value of health-status and sense-of-coherence measures.

Methods: Patients aged 17 to 64 years who, during seven weeks, attended one of six primary care centers because of non-traumatic musculoskeletal pain and who completed the SF-36 health questionnaire and the sense of coherence (SOC) scale at baseline and after one year.

Results: Of 189 patients, 36 (19%) were sicklisted for at least three months before and/or after their visit; the most common diagnoses were non-specific soft-tissue or multiple joint, low back, and shoulder pain.

Predictors of positive health in disability pensioners: a population-based questionnaire study using Positive Odds Ratio.

Background: Determinants of ill-health have been studied far more than determinants of good and improving health. Health promotion measures are important even among individuals with chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to find predictors of positive subjective health among disability pensioners (DPs) with musculoskeletal disorders.

Rheumatoid arthritis, gold therapy, contact allergy and blood cytokines.

Objective: To study the clinical and biochemical effects of a low starting dose for gold therapy in rheumatoid arthritis patients with a contact allergy to gold.

Methods: Serum cytokines were assayed before and 24 h after the first injection of gold sodium thiomalate (GSTM).

Results: Contact allergy to gold was found in 4 of 19 patients.