Awareness, perspectives and satisfaction levels among patients with psoriatic arthritis: a multicentric cross-sectional survey.

Perception of the disease and its management impacts patients with Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) to a great degree. Studies examining patients' viewpoints and perception of their disease and its management are scarce. This multicentric cross-sectional survey was undertaken to understand the perspectives of patients with PsA. A survey questionnaire with items on demographics, awareness about their disease, treatment, physical therapy, quality of life and satisfaction with the care received was designed. After internal and external validation, a pilot survey was conducted, and the questionnaire was finalized. The final survey (with translations in local languages) was carried out at 17 centres across India. There were 262 respondents (56% males) with mean age of 45.14 ± 12.89 years. In 40%, the time lag between onset of symptoms and medical assessment for it was more than a year. In most of the patients, the diagnosis of PsA was made by a rheumatologist. Over 83% of patients were consulting their rheumatologist periodically as advised and fully compliant with the treatment. Lack of time and cost of therapy were the most common reasons for non-adherence to therapy. Eighty-eight patients (34%) were not fully satisfied with their current treatment. Over two-third of patients had never seen a physiotherapist due to barriers including a lack of time, pain, and fatigue. The daily activities and employment status were affected in nearly 50% of patients with PsA. The current survey has identified a gap in patients' awareness levels and helps healthcare providers in understanding the varied perceptions of patients with PsA. Addressing these issues in a systematic manner would potentially improve the treatment approaches, outcomes, and patient satisfaction levels.

Ultrasound-guided injections in musculo-skeletal system - An overview.

Ultrasound guided musculoskeletal injection has a wide range of indication in joint, muscle, tendon, nerve, ganglion and bursa pathologies. These are less invasive procedures and provide desirable results in short duration. Local anesthetics and corticosteroids are the most commonly injected pharmaceuticals. Platelet rich plasma and autologus blood injections have gained popularity in recent past and provide acceptable results. In this article we aim to review the general consideration, indications, technique and pharmaceuticals used in common therapeutic musculoskeletal injections.

Interstitial lung disease with usual interstitial pneumonia pattern preceding the presentation of ANCA-associated vasculitis by 4†years: coincidence or correlation?

Initial evaluation for ANCA should be performed at diagnosis in all patients with pulmonary fibrosis; ANCA positivity will increase risk of development of vasculitis and promote further evaluation and specific monitoring http://ow.ly/hf4730kVZF8.