Inter-center variability in neonatal outcomes of preterm infants: A longitudinal evaluation of 298 neonatal units in 11 countries.

Collaboration and cooperation of clinicians and neonatal units at regional, national, and international levels are key features of many networks or systems that aim to improve neonatal outcomes. Network performance is typically assessed by comparing individual, unit-level outcomes. In this paper, we provide insight into another dimension, i.

Diverticular disease epidemiology: acute hospitalisations are growing fastest in young men.

Background: Older age has long been linked to risk of diverticulitis, but the epidemiology is seldom described for a national population. The aim of this study was to investigate age- and gender differences in incidence, temporal trends, lifetime risk and prevalence related to acute diverticulitis hospitalisations in New Zealand.

Methods: Records of all hospitalisations with diverticulitis the primary diagnosis were obtained from the Ministry of Health for the period 2000-2015.

The footwear experiences of people with gout: a qualitative study.

Background: Footwear is an important concern for people with gout, who often describe difficulty finding suitable footwear. Previous studies have identified footwear as a major concern for people with gout. The aim of this study was to carry out an exploration of the footwear experiences of people with gout.

Objectively Assessed Foot and Ankle Characteristics in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Comparison With Age- and Sex-Matched Controls.

Objective: To objectively identify foot and ankle characteristics in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) compared to age- and sex-matched controls.

Methods: A total of 54 patients with SLE and 56 control participants attended a study visit designed to comprehensively assess the foot and ankle. Objectively assessed foot characteristics included muscle strength, joint motion, foot posture, foot problems, protective sensation, vibration perception threshold (VPT), ankle brachial index (ABI), plantar pressure, and spatiotemporal gait characteristics.

Treat-to-target (T2T) recommendations for gout.

Objectives: The treat-to-target (T2T) concept has been applied successfully in several inflammatory rheumatic diseases. Gout is a chronic disease with a high burden of pain and inflammation. Because the pathogenesis of gout is strongly related to serum urate levels, gout may be an ideal disease in which to apply a T2T approach.

Ultrasound Features of the First Metatarsophalangeal Joint in Gout and Asymptomatic Hyperuricemia: Comparison With Normouricemic Individuals.

Objective: The first metatarsophalangeal (MTP1) joint is frequently affected in gout. The aim of this study was to identify ultrasound features of the MTP1 joint in people with gout and people with asymptomatic hyperuricemia compared with normouricemic controls.

Methods: Participants with gout (n = 23) and asymptomatic hyperuricemia (n = 29), and age- and sex-matched normouricemic control participants (n = 34), underwent a gray-scale and power Doppler ultrasound assessment of bilateral MTP1 joints by a single musculoskeletal radiologist.

Development of Preliminary Remission Criteria for Gout Using Delphi and 1000Minds Consensus Exercises.

Objective: To establish consensus for potential remission criteria to use in clinical trials of gout.

Methods: Experts (n = 88) in gout from multiple countries were invited to participate in a web-based questionnaire study. Three rounds of Delphi consensus exercises were conducted using SurveyMonkey, followed by a discrete-choice experiment using 1000Minds software.

Magnetic resonance imaging evidence of tendinopathy in early rheumatoid arthritis predicts tendon rupture at six years.

Objective: To determine whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evidence of tendinopathy in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) could be used to predict the course of tendon involvement in later disease and specifically the risk of tendon rupture.

Methods: The occurrence, pattern, and progression of tendinopathy were studied prospectively over 6 years in a cohort of patients who had presented with RA. Of 42 patients enrolled, full MRI and clinical data were available for 31 at 6 years.