A blinded randomised trial of acupuncture (manual and electroacupuncture) compared with a non-penetrating sham for the symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee.

Objectives: To compare the effect of acupuncture (manual and electroacupuncture) with that of a non-penetrating sham ('placebo' needle) in patients with osteoarthritic knee pain and disability who are blind to the treatment allocation.

Methods: Acupuncture naïve patients with symptomatic and radiological evidence of osteoarthritis of the knee were randomly allocated to a course of either acupuncture or non-penetrating sham acupuncture using a sheathed 'placebo' needle system. Acupuncture points for pain and stiffness were selected according to acupuncture theory for treating Bi syndrome.

Hepatotoxicity associated with sulfasalazine in inflammatory arthritis: A case series from a local surveillance of serious adverse events.

Background: Spontaneous reporting systems for adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are handicapped by under-reporting and limited detail on individual cases. We report an investigation from a local surveillance for serious adverse drug reactions associated with disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs that was triggered by the occurrence of liver failure in two of our patients.

Methods: Serious ADR reports have been solicited from local clinicians by regular postcards over the past seven years.

The effect of acupuncture on the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis--an open randomised controlled study.

Background: Using an open randomised controlled study, we examined the effectiveness of manual and electroacupuncture on symptom relief for patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.

Methods: Patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee were randomised to one of three treatment groups. Group A had acupuncture alone, group B had acupuncture but continued on their symptomatic medication, and group C used their symptomatic medication for the first five weeks and then had a course of acupuncture added.

Oral and intra-articular remedies: Review of papers published from March 2001 to February 2002.

There have been considerable advances in the drug treatments used to treat osteoarthritis. The development of selective cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors (COX-II) and confirmation of their efficacy and gastrointestinal safety will reduce treatment morbidity in the elderly. Guidelines for safe and appropriate use of COX-II drugs are now available.

A study of parenteral use of methotrexate in rheumatic conditions.

1. This paper reports the findings of a small pragmatic study to compare the safety and efficacy of methotrexate administered by intramuscular and subcutaneous injection, and to teach patients to self-administer methotrexate by the subcutaneous route. 2.