Gait as predictor of physical function in axial spondyloarthritis: the prospective longitudinal FOLOMI (Function, Locomotion, Measurement, Inflammation) study protocol.

Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease affecting predominantly sacroiliac joints and axial skeleton. axSpA progression being irregular and hardly predictable, identifying functional decline is particularly important in patient with axSpA to allow delivery of timely and targeted interventions. Pain, reduced range of motion or altered posture can have adverse consequences on gait.

Short-term Efficiency and Tolerance of Ketoprofen and Methylprednisolone in Acute Sciatica: A Randomized Trial.

Objective: Although anti-inflammatory drugs are commonly used in acute discogenic sciatica, data regarding their efficacy are scarce and controversial. We compared the efficacy and safety of intravenous ketoprofen and methylprednisolone with placebo in sciatica.

Design: Multicenter, double-blinded randomized controlled trial.

Bisphosphonates for treatment of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome type 1: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials versus placebo.

Objectives: Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type 1 is a severely disabling pain syndrome with no definite established treatment. We have performed a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of all randomized controlled trials to assess the benefit of bisphosphonates on pain and function in patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type 1.

Methods: A systematic literature search was performed in the Medline, Embase and Cochrane databases.

Efficacy of resistance exercises in rheumatoid arthritis: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of resistance exercises in RA patients.

Methods: A systematic literature search was done using Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane databases through November 2009 and in abstracts presented at rheumatology scientific meetings over the past 3 years. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing resistance exercise based therapy with interventions without resistance exercise for the treatment of RA patients were included.

The interest of gait markers in the identification of subgroups among fibromyalgia patients.

Background: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a heterogeneous syndrome and its classification into subgroups calls for broad-based discussion. FM subgrouping, which aims to adapt treatment according to different subgroups, relies in part, on psychological and cognitive dysfunctions. Since motor control of gait is closely related to cognitive function, we hypothesized that gait markers could be of interest in the identification of FM patients' subgroups.

Efficacy and tolerance of systemic steroids in sciatica: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: The efficacy of pharmacological interventions in sciatica is limited and the use of systemic steroids is still controversial. We aimed at evaluating the efficacy and tolerance of systemic steroids in sciatica.

Methods: A systematic literature search was performed in the Medline, Embase and Cochrane databases until February 2010.

Efficacy of cardiorespiratory aerobic exercise in rheumatoid arthritis: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Objective: Several lines of evidence have emphasized an improvement in aerobic capacity and muscle strength after physical exercise programs in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of aerobic exercises in RA on quality of life, function, and clinical and radiologic outcomes by a systematic literature review and a meta-analysis.

Methods: A systematic literature search was performed in the Medline, EMBase, and Cochrane databases up to July 2009 and in the abstracts presented at rheumatology scientific meetings during the last 5 years.

Synovial fluid proteomic fingerprint: S100A8, S100A9 and S100A12 proteins discriminate rheumatoid arthritis from other inflammatory joint diseases.

Objective: We investigated SF and serum proteomic fingerprints of patients suffering from RA, OA and other miscellaneous inflammatory arthritides (MIAs) in order to identify RA-specific biomarkers.

Methods: SF profiles of 65 patients and serum profiles of 31 patients were studied by surface-enhanced laser desorption and ionization-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry technology. The most discriminating RA biomarkers were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight and their overexpression was confirmed by western blotting and ELISA.

Massage and mobilization of the feet and ankles in elderly adults: effect on clinical balance performance.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a session of plantar massage and joint mobilization of the feet and ankles on clinical balance performance in elderly people. A randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial was used to examine the immediate effects of manual massage and mobilization of the feet and ankles. Twenty-eight subjects, aged from 65 to 95 years (78.

A dynamic exercise programme to improve patients' disability in rheumatoid arthritis: a prospective randomized controlled trial.

Objective: To evaluate the functional, clinical, radiological and quality of life outcomes of a 4-week dynamic exercise programme (DEP) in RA.

Methods: Patients matched on the principal medico-social parameters were randomly assigned to either the DEP or the conventional joint rehabilitation group. Primary end point for judging effectiveness was functional status assessed by HAQ.

Effect of manipulation of the feet and ankles on postural control in elderly adults.

The purpose of the present experiment was to investigate the effect of a therapeutic manipulation of the feet and ankles on postural control during quiet standing in elderly adults. Seventeen elderly adults stood barefeet on a force platform and were asked to sway as little as possible. Within a trial, vision was suppressed by eyes closure.

Is dynamic exercise beneficial in patients with rheumatoid arthritis?

Introduction: Dynamic exercise therapy as defined by the American College of Sports Medicine for healthy individuals is of unclear relevance to patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). No recommendations on this issue are available. Few studies have evaluated the optimal program, frequency, or target population; furthermore, there is no consensus about the best assessment tools for monitoring clinical, functional, and structural parameters during dynamic exercise therapy in patients with RA.

Radiculopathy as a manifestation of Langerhans' cell histiocytosis.

Langerhans' cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare condition of children and young adults in which Langerhans' cells proliferate. The clinical spectrum ranges from solitary or few focal lesions to multisystem involvement mimicking vasculitis or hematological malignancy. Focal bone lesions, known as eosinophilic granulomas, are the most common manifestations.

Balance, aging, and osteoporosis: effects of cognitive exercises combined with physiotherapy.

Objective: To evaluate whether performing cognitive tasks while exercising influenced the effects of an exercise program designed to reduce the risk of falling in elderly women with osteoporosis.

Methods: We included 68 osteoporotic women older than 70 years of age (mean age, 73.5 years+/-1.

Mirror versus stationary cross feedback in controlling the center of foot pressure displacement in quiet standing in elderly subjects.

Objective: To investigate the effect of mirror feedback on postural control during quiet standing in elderly adults.

Design: Before and after intervention trials.

Setting: Pneumology center in France.

Lumiracoxib does not affect methotrexate pharmacokinetics in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Background: Methotrexate and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs are frequently coadministered in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Objective: To evaluate the effect of lumiracoxib, a novel cyclooxygenase-2 selective inhibitor, on methotrexate pharmacokinetics and short-term safety in patients with RA.

Methods: This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study enrolled 18 patients (mean age 49.

Acute pseudoseptic arthritis after intraarticular sodium hyaluronan.

A 70-year-old woman with a history of knee osteoarthritis was admitted for acute arthritis 9 days after a second intraarticular injection of sodium hyaluronan (Ostenil). The joint fluid was purulent, with no crystals, and laboratory tests showed marked inflammation, leading to antibiotic treatment for suspected septic arthritis. Incapacitating symptoms persisted, prompting surgical lavage of the knee, which failed to relieve the severe pain.

Agreement between rheumatologist visit and lay interviewer telephone survey for screening for rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthropathy.

Objective: To evaluate agreement between a rheumatologist visit and a telephone interview by a patient organization member, regarding the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or spondyloarthropathy (SpA) and the classification criteria for these two conditions.

Method: Patients underwent a standardized interview and physical examination by hospital-based rheumatologists, who diagnosed RA in 230 cases, SpA in 175, and other conditions (controls) in 195. Members of patient organizations then used a standardized questionnaire to interview the patients by telephone about their diagnosis and about 1987 ACR classification criteria for RA and the ESSG criteria for SpA.

Pyogenic discitis revealing infrarenal aortic prosthetic graft infection impinging on the left ureter.

Coexistence of aortic lesions and discitis is uncommon but potentially fatal if the diagnosis is not made promptly. We report the case of a 71-year-old patient with an infected prosthetic graft of the abdominal aorta impinging on the left ureter and accompanied with lumbar discitis. This triad has not been reported previously.

Extensive primary epidural abscess. Report of a case.

We report a case of Staphylococcus aureus epidural infection extending from the cervical to the lumbar spine. Findings from the first magnetic resonance imaging study were misleading. The symptoms resolved fully under medical treatment, with no recurrence after 1 year.