Significant use of non-evidence-based therapeutics in a cohort of Australian fibromyalgia patients.

Background: Fibromyalgia is a common condition characterised by chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain and central sensitivity features. Appropriate management requires a multidisciplinary approach prioritising non-pharmacological strategies. Evidence-based fibromyalgia medications are not always easily available, effective or tolerated.

Central sensitivity and fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia presents with symptoms of widespread pain, fatigue, sleeping and cognitive disturbances as well as other somatic symptoms. It often overlaps with other conditions termed 'central sensitivity syndromes', such as irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome and temporomandibular disorder. Central sensitisation, mediated by amplified processing in the central nervous system, has been identified as the key pathogenic mechanism in these disorders.

Predictors of total hip replacement in community based older adults: a cohort study.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to describe predictors of total hip replacement (THR) in community dwelling older adults. A better understanding of predictors of THR can aid in triaging patients and researching preventative strategies.

Design: At baseline, participants had assessment of radiographic OA and cam morphology (from pelvic radiographs), shape mode scores and hip bone mineral density (BMD; from dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)).

Pseudotumours in haemophilia: non-adherence, under-reporting bleeds or bad luck?

Pseudotumours are a rare, severe complication of haemophilia which can occur in a spectrum of bones and soft tissues. It consists of an encapsulated blood collection, and as the swelling increases causes compression and eventual slow destruction of surrounding structures. Presented here are two cases of patients with haemophilia and pseudotumours, which demonstrate the heterogeneity of presenting symptoms and of treatment options.

Antiphospholipid syndrome: a clinical review.

Antiphospholipid syndrome is characterised by recurrent thrombosis (arterial, venous, microvascular) and/or pregnancy complications in the presence of persistent antiphospholipid antibodies (lupus anticoagulant, anti-β2-glycoprotein 1 and anticardiolipin). It can be a primary disease or associated with another autoimmune disease (especially systemic lupus erythematosis). Testing for antiphospholipid antibodies should be considered in patients < 50 years of age with unprovoked venous or arterial thromboembolism, thrombosis at unusual sites or pregnancy complications.