Publications by authors named "Meika A Fang"
Article Synopsis
- Calcium pyrophosphate deposition (CPPD) disease is common but previously lacked validated classification criteria, which have now been developed by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and EULAR.
- A multinational group established these criteria by generating lists of candidate items, refining definitions, and validating the framework through patient profiles and statistical analysis.
- The new criteria allow for CPPD classification based on specific symptoms, testing results, and a scoring system, demonstrating high sensitivity and specificity in identifying the disease.
Article Synopsis
- Calcium pyrophosphate deposition (CPPD) disease lacks established classification criteria, prompting the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and EULAR to create the first validated criteria for symptomatic cases.
- A multinational team developed these criteria by analyzing patient profiles, defining candidate items, and employing decision-making methods to establish a scoring system for classification.
- The new criteria showed high sensitivity (92.2% in one cohort; 99.2% in another) and specificity (87.9% and 92.5%, respectively), making them effective tools for diagnosing CPPD disease and advancing research.
Objectives: This study was conducted to assess the utility of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in predicting radiographic sacroiliitis and active disease in axial spondyloarthritis (SpA) and to explore the association between use of a tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) and these laboratory values compared with traditional inflammatory markers.
Methods: Observational data from the Program to Understand the Longterm Outcomes in Spondyloarthritis (PULSAR) registry were analyzed. We generated receiver operating characteristic curves to calculate laboratory cutoff values; we used these values in multivariable logistic regression models to identify associations with radiographically confirmed sacroiliitis and active disease.
The purpose of the ongoing trial is to improve care of older Veterans with chronic low back pain (CLBP, i.e., low back pain for ≥6 months on ≥ half the days).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: To update evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and nonradiographic axial spondyloarthritis (SpA).
Methods: We conducted updated systematic literature reviews for 20 clinical questions on pharmacologic treatment addressed in the 2015 guidelines, and for 26 new questions on pharmacologic treatment, treat-to-target strategy, and use of imaging. New questions addressed the use of secukinumab, ixekizumab, tofacitinib, tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) biosimilars, and biologic tapering/discontinuation, among others.
Objective: To update evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and nonradiographic axial spondyloarthritis (SpA).
Methods: We conducted updated systematic literature reviews for 20 clinical questions on pharmacologic treatment addressed in the 2015 guidelines, and for 26 new questions on pharmacologic treatment, treat-to-target strategy, and use of imaging. New questions addressed the use of secukinumab, ixekizumab, tofacitinib, tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) biosimilars, and biologic tapering/discontinuation, among others.
Alkaptonuria (AKU) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder that results from the deficient activity of homogentisate 1,2-dioxygenase and leads to increased levels of homogentisic acid (HGA) and its oxidized product benzoquinone acetic acid (BQA). Both HGA and BQA form polymerized deposits that lead to a bluish-black discoloration of the cartilage as well as degeneration, inflammation, and calcification of the tendons, ligaments, intervertebral discs, and large joints and increased bone resorption. A brittle and fragmented cartilage forms and leads to aberrant loading of the subchondral bone.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: To present the third in a series of articles designed to deconstruct chronic low back pain (CLBP) in older adults. The series presents CLBP as a syndrome, a final common pathway for the expression of multiple contributors rather than a disease localized exclusively to the lumbosacral spine. Each article addresses one of 12 important contributors to pain and disability in older adults with CLBP.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: To compare the immediate effects of contralateral versus ipsilateral cane use on spatiotemporal gait parameters and peak vertical ground force in overweight or obese adults with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA).
Design: Prospective observational study.
Setting: An academic tertiary Veterans Affairs Healthcare Center.
The objectives of this study were to describe the psychometric properties of the Cane Cognitive Mediator Scale (CCMS) and the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS) in adults with knee osteoarthritis (OA) and to determine the feasibility of applying these instruments as screening tools to identify patients with the propensity to use a cane. Data from a randomized crossover trial were analyzed for 53 older adults with knee OA. Perceptions on using a cane were measured at baseline using the CCMS and PIADS.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: To investigate the effects of cane use on spatiotemporal gait parameters, pain, and function in adults with hip osteoarthritis (OA).
Design: Prospective observational study.
Setting: An academic tertiary Veterans Affairs Healthcare Center.
Objective: To determine the effects of ipsilateral and contralateral cane use on gait kinematics and peak vertical force in young healthy adults.
Design: Prospective observational study.
Setting: Veterans Affairs Healthcare Center.
Objective: To determine present practice for the management of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) in veterans; to characterize provider knowledge, beliefs, and practice behaviors regarding management of GIOP; and to identify potential barriers and interventions in the management of GIOP.
Methods: To characterize current management of GIOP in an academic veterans administration medical center, we conducted a retrospective chart review of 100 patients who were prescribed a 90-day supply of prednisone. To assess clinicians' knowledge of GIOP clinical guidelines and perceptions of GIOP management, primary care clinicians and subspecialists completed a questionnaire and participated in focus groups.
This pilot study investigated whether lateral-wedge insoles inserted into shock-absorbing walking shoes altered joint pain, stiffness, and physical function in patients with symptomatic medial compartment knee osteoarthritis (OA). Twenty-eight subjects wore full-length lateral-wedge insoles with an incline of 4 degrees in their walking shoes for 4 weeks. Pain, stiffness, and functional status were measured with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) Osteoarthritis Index at baseline and 4 weeks postintervention.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: To describe leflunomide (LEF) use in a national cohort of 3,325 veterans.
Methods: Prescriptions for LEF and 9 disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs written between October 1998 and June 2001 at all Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers were obtained from VA national databases.
Results: LEF was initiated with a loading dose of 100 mg daily for 3 days in 61% of patients, and 42% of patients discontinued LEF.