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Reporting standards are essential to health research as they improve accuracy and transparency. Over time, significant changes have occurred to the requirements for reporting research to ensure comprehensive and transparent reporting across a range of study domains and foster methodological rigor. The establishment of the Declaration of Helsinki, Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT), Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE), and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) are just a few of the historic initiatives that have increased research transparency. Through enhanced discoverability, statistical analysis facilitation, article quality enhancement, and language barrier reduction, artificial intelligence (AI)-in particular, large language models like ChatGPT-has transformed academic writing. However, problems with errors that could occur and the need for transparency while utilizing AI tools still exist. Modifying reporting rules to include AI-driven writing tools such as ChatGPT is ethically and practically challenging. In academic writing, precautions for truth, privacy, and responsibility are necessary due to concerns about biases, openness, data limits, and potential legal ramifications. The CONSORT-AI and Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials (SPIRIT)-AI Steering Group expands the CONSORT guidelines for AI clinical trials-new checklists like METRICS and CLEAR help to promote transparency in AI studies. Responsible usage of technology in research and writing software adoption requires interdisciplinary collaboration and ethical assessment. This study explores the impact of AI technologies, specifically ChatGPT, on past reporting standards and the need for revised guidelines for open, reproducible, and robust scientific publications.
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Artificial Intelligence , Software , Writing , Humans , Writing/standards , Research Design/standardsABSTRACT
This study aims to analyze the clinical and immunologic features of SLE in Jordan, while also investigating the impact of age and gender on disease presentation. The study included 275 patients diagnosed with SLE. Data were collected through meticulous patient interviews and thorough examination of patient hospital records. The cohort exhibited a mean age of 36.8 ± 12.9 years, with an average disease duration of 7.0 ± 7.8 years. The mean age at diagnosis was 29.9 ± 12.1 years, and the female to male ratio was 7.8:1. The most frequently observed symptoms were arthralgia (90.2%), fatigue (80.7%), hematologic manifestations (62%), photosensitivity (60.7%), Raynaud's phenomenon (53.5%), and malar rash (50.9%). The frequencies of various autoantibodies were as follows: ANA (96.7%), anti-dsDNA (39.6%), anti-SSA/Ro (32.8%), anti-Sm (21.8%), anti-U1-RNP (20.6%), and anti-SSB/La (15.5%). Male patients tended to receive a diagnosis at a younger age and exhibited a higher likelihood of experiencing severe manifestations compared to females. Additionally, juvenile onset patients demonstrated an increased likelihood of fever, photosensitivity, myositis, and anti-dsDNA autoantibodies, while adult onset patients were more predisposed to having anti-Ro, anti-La, and RF autoantibodies. This study reveals that the most prevalent manifestations of SLE in the Jordanian cohort encompassed arthralgia, fatigue, and hematologic manifestations. The prevalence of alopecia and Raynaud's phenomenon exceeded that observed in other published cohorts, while arthritis and discoid rash were less frequently encountered. The study highlights that males are more susceptible to developing severe manifestations of SLE compared to females.
Subject(s)
Autoantibodies , Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic , Humans , Male , Female , Adult , Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/immunology , Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/epidemiology , Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/complications , Middle Aged , Retrospective Studies , Young Adult , Sex Factors , Jordan/epidemiology , Autoantibodies/blood , Adolescent , Raynaud Disease/immunology , Raynaud Disease/epidemiology , Raynaud Disease/etiology , Arthralgia/epidemiology , Arthralgia/immunology , Arthralgia/etiology , Antibodies, Antinuclear/blood , Antibodies, Antinuclear/immunology , Fatigue/epidemiology , Fatigue/etiology , Age FactorsABSTRACT
Aplastic anemia (AA) is a rare, potentially catastrophic hematopoiesis failure manifested by pancytopenia and bone marrow aplasia. AA occurrence in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) patients is extremely rare. The diagnosis may be delayed due to other possible pancytopenia etiologies. Confirmation of peripheral cytopenias diagnosis necessitates a bone marrow aspiration. The management of AA is challenging, and the literature reported using glucocorticoids, danazol, plasmapheresis, cyclophosphamide, intravenous immunoglobulin, and cyclosporine. We report two cases of SLE patients who presented with pancytopenia, with bone marrow biopsy confirmed AA. One case was treated with cyclophosphamide but unfortunately succumbed to Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), while the other case was managed with rituximab with a good response. Interestingly, both patients were on azathioprine before the diagnosis of AA. A comprehensive search for reported cases of AA in PubMed, Scopus, and the Directory of Open Access Journals databases was performed to enhance the understanding of the diagnostic and management challenges associated with AA in SLE, facilitating ongoing exploration and research in this field. The decision to do a BM aspiration and biopsy is recommended for SLE patients with an abrupt decline in blood counts and previously stable blood counts.
Subject(s)
Anemia, Aplastic , Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic , Pancytopenia , Humans , Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/complications , Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/diagnosis , Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/drug therapy , Anemia, Aplastic/therapy , Anemia, Aplastic/complications , Anemia, Aplastic/etiology , Anemia, Aplastic/diagnosis , Pancytopenia/etiology , Female , Adult , Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use , Fatal Outcome , Bone Marrow/pathology , Cyclophosphamide/therapeutic use , Biopsy , Rituximab/therapeutic use , Bone Marrow Examination , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Giant cell arteritis (GCA), more common in Northern European populations, has limited data in Arabcountries. Our study reports GCA's clinical manifestations in Jordan and reviews published research on GCA across Arab nations. In this retrospective analysis, GCA patients diagnosed from January 2007 to March 2019 at a Jordanian academic medical center were included through referrals for temporal artery biopsy (TAB). A comprehensive search in PubMed, Scopus, and the DOAJ (Directory of Open Access Journals) databases was conducted to identify all relevant English-language manuscripts from Arab countries on GCA without time limitations. Among 59 diagnosed GCA patients, 41 (69.5%) were clinically diagnosed with a negative TAB, and 19 (30.5%) had a positive result. Females comprised 74.6% (n = 44) with 1:3 male-female ratio. The mean age at diagnosis was 67.3 (± 9.5) years, with most presenting within two weeks (n = 40, 67.8%). Headache was reported by 54 patients (91.5%). Elevated ESR occurred in 51 patients (78%), with a mean of 81 ± 32.2 mm/hr. All received glucocorticoids for 13.1 ± 10 months. Azathioprine, Methotrexate, and Tocilizumab usage was 15.3% (n = 9), 8.5% (n = 5), and 3.4% (n = 2), respectively. Remission was observed in 57.6% (n=34), and 40.7% (n = 24) had a chronic clinical course on treatment. Males had higher biopsy-based diagnoses (p = .008), and biopsy-diagnosed patients were older (p = .043). The literature search yielded only 20 manuscripts originating in the Arab world. The predominant study types included case reports and retrospective analyses, with only one case series and onecase-control study.
Subject(s)
Giant Cell Arteritis , Humans , Giant Cell Arteritis/drug therapy , Giant Cell Arteritis/epidemiology , Giant Cell Arteritis/diagnosis , Male , Retrospective Studies , Female , Aged , Middle Aged , Temporal Arteries/pathology , Jordan/epidemiology , Glucocorticoids/therapeutic use , Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use , Methotrexate/therapeutic use , Biopsy , Azathioprine/therapeutic use , Antibodies, Monoclonal, HumanizedABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a growing number of patients experiencing persistent symptoms and physiological changes after recovering from acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, known as Long COVID. Long COVID is characterized by recurring symptoms and inflammation across multiple organ systems. Diagnosis can be challenging, influenced by factors like demographics, comorbidities, and immune responses. Long COVID impacts various organ systems and can have neuropsychological effects. Health disparities, particularly related to race, contribute to a higher burden of infection and ongoing symptoms in minority populations. Managing Long COVID entails addressing a spectrum of symptoms that encompass physical, cognitive, and psychological aspects. The recovery period for patients with Long COVID can vary significantly, influenced by factors like the severity of the disease, hospitalization, comorbidities, and age. Currently, there are no universally effective treatments, although certain interventions show promise, necessitating further research. Self-management and rehabilitation programs can provide relief, but more research is needed to establish their effectiveness. Preventive measures such as vaccination and the use of antiviral medications and metformin. It is imperative to conduct further research to develop evidence-based guidelines and gain a better understanding of the long-term implications of COVID-19. Long COVID could have substantial economic impact on the labor market, productivity, healthcare expenditures, and overall economic growth. To address the challenges patients with long-term complications face, there is a focus on strategies like promoting telework and flexible work arrangements to accommodate diverse symptoms, particularly chronic fatigue and other Long COVID effects. In conclusion, this review emphasizes the multifaceted complexity of Long COVID and the ongoing need to address its potential long-term health and economic impacts.
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COVID-19 , Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome , Humans , COVID-19/epidemiology , Pandemics , SARS-CoV-2 , Health InequitiesABSTRACT
The Psoriatic Arthritis Impact of Disease (PsAID-12) questionnaire, a recommended measure of patient-reported impact for psoriatic arthritis (PsA), was initially developed in Europe and may lack universal validity. Recognizing the need for a culturally appropriate tool for Arab patients, this study aimed to TranslAte, CulTurally adapt, and validate the PsAID in ArabIC (TACTIC). The PsAID-12 was translated into Arabic using a rigorous process of double translation, back-translation, and cognitive debriefing. The Arabic version was then validated through a study conducted in 13 Arab countries in 2022. Participants were consecutive literate adult patients diagnosed with PsA and fulfilling the CASPAR criteria. Collected data included PsAID-12, disease activity, and legacy patient-reported outcomes. Psychometric properties, such as internal consistency, construct validity, and test-retest reliability, were examined. Factors associated with high PsAID-12 total scores (> 4) were explored using multivariable binary logistic regression. A culturally adapted Arabic PsAID-12 questionnaire was achieved with minor rephrasing. The validation study included 554 patients from 13 countries (mean age 45 years, 59% females), with a mean PsAID score of 3.86 (SD 2.33). The Arabic PsAID-12 demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.95), and correlations with other measures ranged from 0.63 to 0.78. Test-retest reliability (N = 138 patients) was substantial (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC 0.90 [0.86-0.93]; Cohen's kappa 0.80). Factors associated with a high PsAID score were disability (odds ratio, OR 3.15 [2.03-4.89]), depression (OR 1.56 [1.35-1.81]), widespread pain (OR 1.31 [1.12-1.53]), and disease activity (OR 1.29 [1.13-1.47]). Pain and fatigue were identified as the most impactful PsAID-12 domains for PsA patients. The Arabic PsAID is a valid and reliable measure that reflects the priorities of patients with PsA. PsAID scores correlated with disease activity and legacy outcome measures, as expected, indicating PsAID is a consistent measure of PsA impact across cultures. These findings highlight the potential of the Arabic PsAID in improving the care provided to Arabic-speaking patients worldwide.
Subject(s)
Arthritis, Psoriatic , Adult , Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Male , Arthritis, Psoriatic/diagnosis , Arthritis, Psoriatic/psychology , Reproducibility of Results , Arabs , Middle East , Surveys and Questionnaires , Pain , PsychometricsABSTRACT
Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum (PXE) is a rare genetic disorder caused by an autosomal recessive mutation in the ABCC6 gene. It manifests with distinctive clinical symptoms impacting the skin, eyes, and cardiovascular system, along with an elevated risk of cardiovascular diseases. We present a case of a 34-year-old male patient who was initially referred to the rheumatology clinic for evaluation due to suspected large vessel vasculitis. The patient's primary complaint was severe hemifacial pain radiating to the neck and upper limb. Radiological imaging studies unveiled substantial vascular narrowing and collateral vessel formation, prompting further investigation to exclude systemic vasculitis. Intriguingly, the patient also exhibited cutaneous manifestations, which were later confirmed via skin biopsy as consistent with PXE. An ophthalmological examination further revealed the presence of the classic PXE findings of angioid streaks. Given the rarity of PXE and its multifaceted clinical presentation, it can be particularly challenging to diagnose and manage. As such, cases like the one presented here may necessitate a referral to a rheumatologist for evaluation of potential systemic involvement. To provide a comprehensive perspective on PXE, we conducted a systematic review of case reports published in the past decade in English, collected from PubMed, Scopus, and the Directory of Open Access databases. The analysis of these cases will be discussed to shed light on the diversity of PXE's clinical features and the diagnostic and management dilemmas it poses and to facilitate ongoing exploration and research into this intricate condition, ultimately leading to improved care for individuals affected by PXE.
Subject(s)
Cardiovascular System , Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum , Vasculitis , Male , Humans , Adult , Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum/complications , Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum/diagnosis , Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum/genetics , Skin/pathology , Mutation , Cardiovascular System/pathology , Vasculitis/pathology , Rare Diseases/pathologyABSTRACT
Patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIIRDs) are at increased risk for severe infections. Vaccine responses and safety profiles may differ between AIIRD patients and the general population. While patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIIRDs) often experience diminished humoral responses and reduced vaccine efficacy, factors such as the type of immunosuppressant medications used and the specific vaccine employed contribute to these outcomes. Notably, individuals undergoing B cell depletion therapy tend to have poor vaccine immunogenicity. However, despite these considerations, vaccine responses are generally considered clinically sufficient. Ideally, immunosuppressed AIIRD patients should receive vaccinations at least two weeks before commencing immunosuppressive treatment. However, it is common for many patients to already be on immunosuppressants during the immunization process. Vaccination rarely triggers flares in AIIRDs; if flares occur, they are typically mild. Despite the heightened infection risk, including COVID-19, among AIIRD patients with rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, sarcoidosis, and other diseases on immunosuppressants, the vaccination rates remain suboptimal. The future directions of vaccination in the era of immunosuppression will likely involve customized vaccines with enhanced adjuvants and alternative delivery methods. By addressing the unique challenges faced by immunosuppressed individuals, we may improve vaccine efficacy, reduce the risk of infections, and ultimately enhance the health outcomes. Additionally, clinical trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of temporarily discontinuing immunosuppressants during vaccination in various AIIRDs are crucial.
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[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1073551.].
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Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis (IGM) is an infrequent, benign breast disease that primarily affects women during their childbearing years and can be mistaken for breast cancer. This study aimed to review the clinical, radiological, and histopathological findings of patients with IGM in addition to management and outcome. Retrospective cross-sectional study of biopsy-confirmed IGM at an academic medical center and a private hospital in Amman, Jordan. Fifty-four patients were included, with a mean age of 37.0 ± 9.04 years, mostly presenting with a breast lump (n = 52, 96.3%) and breast pain (n = 45 patients, 84.9%). Approximately half of the patients (51.9%) were parous, and 50% had breastfed for an average duration of 30.37 ± 22.38 months. Most of the patients had either solitary or multiple abscesses on breast ultrasound. Histopathological analysis (n = 35) showed mostly either moderate inflammation (n = 16, 45.7%) or severe inflammation (n = 14, 40%). Two-thirds of the patients underwent surgical interventions at the time of diagnosis, mostly incision and drainage (n = 16, 29%) or surgical excision (n = 7, 13%), and no mastectomies were performed. The most common medical treatment included a combination of antibiotics, corticosteroids, and methotrexate (n = 21, 38.8%). After follow-up, 31 patients remained in remission, 3 experienced relapses, and 3 had a chronic course. The use of corticosteroids was significantly associated with remission (p = 0.035). The presentation and demographics of IGM patients in Jordan were consistent with the existing literature. Prospective research is needed to explore different treatment options and disease outcomes.
Subject(s)
Granulomatous Mastitis , Female , Humans , Adult , Middle Aged , Granulomatous Mastitis/diagnostic imaging , Granulomatous Mastitis/therapy , Retrospective Studies , Prospective Studies , Cross-Sectional Studies , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local , Adrenal Cortex Hormones/therapeutic use , Inflammation , Immunoglobulin MABSTRACT
AIM: To investigate the extent of complementary medicine (CM) use and the most common therapies utilized by Jordanian patients with musculoskeletal (MSK) diseases. METHODS: A semi-structured questionnaire was used to conduct a cross-sectional survey of outpatient orthopedic and rheumatology patients at an academic medical center in Amman, Jordan between January and September 2020. RESULTS: A convenience sample of 1001 patients was interviewed (82% females). Pearson's chi-square comparisons showed that nutritional CM was used by 43.4% of patients, while 29.8% used physical CM, and 16% used both. Almost all used the nutritional or physical CM in addition to their prescribed treatment. Nutritional form use was significantly higher among females, older age groups, married people, and those who worked (p < .05). Physical form use was statistically more prevalent in older age groups and those with a higher level of education (p < .05). Family income and urban residence were not significantly associated with the use of either form of CM therapy. Olive oil was the most frequently reported nutritional type (22.9%), and cupping was the most reported physical type (41.6%). Recommendations to use CM came primarily from family members or friends (64% of nutritional CM users and 59% of physical CM users). A physician or pharmacist was cited more frequently with physical CM (24% versus 8% for the nutritional form). In contrast, media sources were cited more for nutritional than physical form (28% versus 7%). Over half of the patients believed they received the desired effect from CM. Surprisingly, only 9.5% of the patients admitted to discussing their CM use with their physician. CONCLUSION: CM use is prevalent among Jordanian patients with MSK disorders. Most patients rely on family and friends for recommendations, and they rarely inform their physician of the CM use. Physicians should routinely inquire about CM to provide patients with information regarding their benefits and risks.
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Complementary Therapies , Musculoskeletal Diseases , Physicians , Female , Humans , Aged , Male , Cross-Sectional Studies , Musculoskeletal Diseases/therapy , OutpatientsABSTRACT
The role of immunity in the pathogenesis of various pulmonary diseases, particularly interstitial lung diseases (ILDs), is being increasingly appreciated as mechanistic discoveries advance our knowledge in the field. Immune-mediated lung diseases demonstrate clinical and immunological heterogeneity and can be etiologically categorized into connective tissue disease (CTD)-associated, exposure-related, idiopathic, and other miscellaneous lung diseases including sarcoidosis, and post-lung transplant ILD. The immunopathogenesis of many of these diseases remains poorly defined and possibly involves either immune dysregulation, abnormal healing, chronic inflammation, or a combination of these, often in a background of genetic susceptibility. The heterogeneity and complex immunopathogenesis of ILDs complicate management, and thus a collaborative treatment team should work toward an individualized approach to address the unique needs of each patient. Current management of immune-mediated lung diseases is challenging; the choice of therapy is etiology-driven and includes corticosteroids, immunomodulatory drugs such as methotrexate, cyclophosphamide and mycophenolate mofetil, rituximab, or other measures such as discontinuation or avoidance of the inciting agent in exposure-related ILDs. Antifibrotic therapy is approved for some of the ILDs (e.g., idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis) and is being investigated for many others and has shown promising preliminary results. A dire need for advances in the management of immune-mediated lung disease persists in the absence of standardized management guidelines.
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The pillars of scientific progress in rheumatology are experimentation and observation, followed by the publication of reliable and credible results. These data must then be independently verified, validated, and replicated. Peer and journal-specific technical and statistical reviews are paramount to improving rigor and reproducibility. In addition, research integrity, ethics, and responsible conduct training can help to reduce research misconduct and improve scientific evidence. As the number of published articles in rheumatology grows, the field has become critical for determining reproducibility. Prospective, longitudinal, randomized controlled clinical trials are the gold standard for evaluating clinical intervention efficacy and safety in this space. However, their applicability to larger, more representative patient populations with rheumatological disorders worldwide could be limited due to time, technical, and cost constraints involved with large-scale clinical trials. Accordingly, analysis of real-world, patient-centered clinical data retrieved from established healthcare inventories, such as electronic health records, medical billing reports, and disease registries, are increasingly used to report patient outcomes. Unfortunately, it is unknown whether this clinical research paradigm in rheumatology could be deployed in medically underserved regions.
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Temporal artery biopsy (TAB) is one of the diagnostic tools to confirm the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis (GCA). We aim to evaluate the clinical and technical determinants of a positive biopsy. Demographics, clinical, technical, and laboratory data of all TAB's performed between 2007 and 2019 at a single academic medical center. 107 biopsies performed for 103 patients were included; 72.9% were female, and 27.1% were male. The mean age at the time of biopsy was 67.1 ± 9.3 years. One biopsy was excluded for lack of arterial tissue content. Of the remaining 106, 19.6% were positive. The length of the biopsy and the number of arterial cross-sections were not significantly associated with its result. A positive biopsy was seen more in patients with low albumin (p = 0.010) and hypothyroidism (p = 0.017) but less in those with prior glucocorticoids treatment (p = 0.028). Predictors of a positive biopsy included male gender [OR 4.029, 95% CI (1.330-12.209), p = 0.014]; elevated ESR [OR 3.998, 95% CI (1.908-6.787), p = 0.023]; polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) symptoms [OR 5.121, 95% CI (2.094-9.872), p = 0.001]; and advancing in age (6.5% per every additional year), [OR 1.065, 95% CI (1.005-1.130), p = 0.033]. 53.7% of the patients were eventually diagnosed with GCA; 39.2% of them were based on positive biopsy. In conclusion, old age, male gender, elevated ESR, and PMR symptoms increase the odds of positive TAB. Technical factors, such as biopsy length and the number of cross-sections, did not influence eventual biopsy results, highlighting the pivotal role of the clinical presentation of the patients in selecting patients for TAB.
Subject(s)
Giant Cell Arteritis/diagnosis , Temporal Arteries/pathology , Aged , Biopsy/methods , Female , Giant Cell Arteritis/pathology , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Patellofemoral pain is a common condition. The Kujala score is a well-established scoring system to assess anterior knee pain and has been translated into many languages including Arabic. The purpose of this cross-sectional study is to culturally adapt the Arabic version of the Kujala score and determine its validity. METHODS: The Kujala score is composed of 13 multiple-choice questions. We modified two questions in the score; running and squatting, and were replaced with questions related to walking on different terrain and prostration, each with the same number of answer choices as the original questions so as not to affect the final score. These modifications were written in Arabic by the same group who translated and validated the original score into Arabic. The original and modified Kujala scores was printed and given to patients complaining of patellofemoral pain to be filled during their visit to the orthopedic outpatient clinics. Final scores for the original and modified questionnaires were calculated. Data was analyzed using SPSS statistics version 21.0 measuring Cronbach's alpha, intraclass correlation coefficient, and Pearson correlation. RESULTS: Ninety-four patients were included in the study, 28 (29.8%) men and 66 (70.2%) women. The mean age for the included patients was 43.67 (± 14.46) years. The mean score for the modified initial questionnaire was 63.91 (± 16.32), and the mean score for the modified re-test questionnaire was 66.52 (± 17.50). There was a statistically significant difference between the mean scores (p = 0.041), with a mean difference of 1.97 (95% CI 0.08 to 3.856). We found a significant strong correlation between the score before and after changing the questions with a p value of < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS: The culturally modified Arabic Kujala questionnaire is shown to be a valid, well-designed tool and an appropriate method of measuring patellofemoral pain.
Subject(s)
Language , Pain Measurement/methods , Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome/diagnosis , Research Design , Surveys and Questionnaires , Translating , Adult , Ambulatory Care Facilities , Arabs , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Severity of Illness Index , Young AdultABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common rheumatological disease which can involve a variety of different renal manifestations. This may be explained by disease effect itself or by medications used for treatment that may lead to renal dysfunction and its complications.We aimed to identify the prevalence and factors that played a role in renal dysfunction among RA Jordanian patients. METHOD: 285 patients with RA visiting outpatient clinic between March 2016 and March 2017 were included in a retrospective study design. Age, gender, comorbidities, duration of the disease, medications and laboratory results were gathered and scoring of RA activity was done. RESULTS: Data gathered from the 285 patients showed a female predominance with 88.4% female and 11.6% male. The average disease duration was 6.7 years. Age, DM, HTN, and serum CRP were associated with worse renal function on univariate analysis. 44 patients (18.8%) presented with microscopic hematuria, 16 (6.9%) with proteinuria and only 5 (2.1%) patients presented with both microscopic hematuria and proteinuria. Patients with eGFR <60 ml/min had longer disease duration with a mean of 11 years (±7.7) in comparison to 6.4 years (±6.1) for those with eGFR>90 ml/min (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Renal dysfunction is not common in RA Jordanian population and has variable presentations. Age and the duration of illness play a major role in the progression of CKD if present. Future prospective studies evaluating renal biopsies in RA patients are needed.
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BACKGROUND: Selective nerve root block (SNRB) is a procedure that can be used as a diagnostic or a therapeutic method. SNRB can be used in multiple sites, including cervical and lumbar . Our study aims to investigate the clinical effectiveness of the use of fluoroscopically guided therapeutic selective nerve root block as a non-surgical symptom management of lumbar radiculopathy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a prospective study of therapeutic nerve root block in 76 patients with low back pain and/or sciatica at Jordan University Hospital. Data was collected by independent clinical interviewers, and visual analogue score (VAS) was used to measure pain severity. RESULTS: A total of 76 patients, 25 (32.8%) males and 51 (67.2%) females, underwent SNRB. 69 (90.7%) patients improved immediately after the procedure. Out of the total, 22 (28.9%) patients showed a long-term relief of symptoms and did not experience any recurrence during the three months of follow-up, while 47 (61.8%) experienced a recurrence of pain. In patients experiencing recurrence of symptoms, 35 needed surgery. CONCLUSION: Therapeutic SNRB is an important procedure in the pain management of patients with lumbar radiculopathy caused by lumbar disc prolapse and foraminal stenosis. Our study showed that avoidance of surgery was achieved in up to 54% of patients; pain relief for at least 6 months was achieved in up to 29% of patients after a single SNRB. This makes it a very good second line of management after conservative treatment and a possible method to delay, and sometimes cease, the need for surgery.
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OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the clinical phenotypic features of sarcoidosis in a single-center academic hospital in Jordan. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective file review was performed at an academic medical center in Jordan that included all patients diagnosed with sarcoidosis between January 2000 and December 2018. A total of 150 patients with sarcoidosis (38 males, 112 females; mean age 47.8±11.7 years; range, 17 to 79 years) were evaluated. Clinical data extracted from the files included the sex of the patient, the age at time of diagnosis, diagnosis date, the season during which the diagnosis was established, and smoking history. Biopsy histopathology, spirometry, nerve conduction, echocardiography, and imaging reports including plain radiographs, ultrasonographic, magnetic resonance and computed tomography reports were reviewed. Data including laboratory values, medication usage, clinical outcomes, and morbidity/mortality were collected. Pulmonary function tests including spirometry and lung volumes along with the diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide were reviewed for the presence of restriction, obstruction or reduction in the diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide. Identification of extra-thoracic organ involvement was determined in each patient in accordance with the criteria suggested by the updated World Association of Sarcoidosis and Other Granulomatous Disorders. RESULTS: A total of 77.3% of the patients were diagnosed by biopsy. One case of Lofgren's syndrome was identified. Of the patients, 18.0% had isolated pulmonary sarcoidosis, 75.3% had pulmonary and extra-pulmonary sarcoidosis and 6.7% had isolated extra-pulmonary sarcoidosis while 81.3% had respiratory symptoms, mostly shortness of breath and cough. Extra-thoracic organ involvement mostly involved the musculoskeletal system (33%) followed by the skin (20%). Female patients had more extra-thoracic involvement but the sex difference was only statistically significant for cutaneous involvement. Of the patients, 84% received treatment while 20% had disease remission during the first two years after diagnosis and 70% required treatment beyond two years after diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Various sarcoidosis clinical phenotypes are seen among Jordanian patients. Jordanian females are more affected by the disease and have more extra-thoracic involvement compared to male patients. A large number of the study patients received treatment.