[Tratamiento conservador de la osteoartrosis de cadera con toxina botulínica tipo A].

INTRODUCTION: Osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip is a low-grade inflammatory disease of multiple etiology that has a limited conservative management and insufficiently explored. The application of botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) produces in the applied muscle a temporary, delimitable and reversible flaccid paralysis, which applicated in a strategic way achives to reduce mechanical stress and pain. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect on pain perception, functionality and rigidity and changes in flexibility, internal and external rotation, before and 90 days after the application of BoNT-A. METHODS: Clinical, experimental, longitudinal, open study, with a total of 35 patients and 45 hips treated. BoNT-A of 500 U was applied in iliac, adductor brevis and longus muscles. RESULTS: The Wilcoxon test was used to compare the evaluation scores on days 0-90, observing the decrease in referred pain (p < 0.0001), rigidity (p < 0.002), improved perceived function (p < 0.001) and mobility arcs: flexion, internal and external rotation (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The treatment with BoNT-A provides a conservative and safe option for the management of symptoms and physical restraint caused by hip OA.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La osteoartritis de cadera es una enfermedad articular inflamatoria de bajo grado y etiología múltiple que tiene un manejo conservador limitado y poco explorado. La aplicación de toxina botulínica tipo A (BoNT-A) produce en el músculo aplicado una parálisis flácida temporal, delimitable y reversible, que aplicada de manera estratégica logra liberar estrés mecánico y dolor. OBJETIVO: Evaluar el efecto en la percepción de dolor, funcionalidad y rigidez y los cambios en la flexión, rotación interna y externa, antes y 90 días después de la aplicación de BoNT-A. MÉTODOS: Estudio clínico, experimental, longitudinal, abierto, con un total de 35 pacientes y 45 caderas tratadas. Se aplicó BoNT-A de 500 U en músculos ilíaco, músculo aductorbrevis y longus. RESULTADOS: Se utilizó la prueba de Wilcoxon comparando los puntajes de evaluación en los días 0 a 90 observando disminución significativa del dolor referido (p < 0.0001), rigidez (p < 0.002), mejoró la función percibida (p < 0.001) y los arcos de movilidad: flexión, rotación interna y externa (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONES: El tratamiento con BoNT-A otorga una opción conservadora y segura para el manejo de los síntomas y restricción física causada por la OA de cadera.

Ultrasound-guided adductor canal block using levobupivacaine versus periarticular levobupivacaine infiltration after totalknee arthroplasty: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Both postoperative pain control and range of motion are important in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, in the literature, there is little comparison of peripheral nerve blocks and periarticular infiltration techniques using levobupivacaine. The aim of our study was to measure pain with visual analogue scale (VAS) and knee range of motion (ROM) between in patients undergoing adductor canal block (ACB) for TKA using levobupivacaine compared to periarticular levobupivacaine infiltration (PAI-L). DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective randomized clinical trial in a university hospital. METHODS: Patients aged 40-85 years who underwent unilateral TKA were included; 39 were treated withperiarticular infiltration using 40 ml (0.125 mg) of levobupivacaine (PAI-L group); and 40 were treated with ACB using 20 ml of 0.25% levobupivacaine (ACB-L group). Postoperative pain scores at rest and during active physical therapy were assessed using a VAS, along with knee ROM in flexion and extension. In addition, 100-foot walking time results, total morphine consumption and time of first analgesia requirement were recorded postoperatively. RESULTS: VAS scores at rest and during active physical therapy and the total amount of morphine consumed were lower in the ACB-L group than in the PAI-L group (P < 0.05). In contrast, knee ROM in flexion and extension and 100-foot walking times were greater in the PAI-L group than in the ACB-L group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: ACB-L was superior to PAI-L regarding pain treatment after TKA; however, PAI-L was superior to ACB-L regarding postoperative ROM and walking ability. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY: ACTRN-12618000438257.

Ultrasound-guided adductor canal block using levobupivacaine versus periarticular levobupivacaine infiltration after totalknee arthroplasty: a randomized clinical trial

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Both postoperative pain control and range of motion are important in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, in the literature, there is little comparison of peripheral nerve blocks and periarticular infiltration techniques using levobupivacaine. The aim of our study was to measure pain with visual analogue scale (VAS) and knee range of motion (ROM) between in patients undergoing adductor canal block (ACB) for TKA using levobupivacaine compared to periarticular levobupivacaine infiltration (PAI-L). DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective randomized clinical trial in a university hospital. METHODS: Patients aged 40-85 years who underwent unilateral TKA were included; 39 were treated withperiarticular infiltration using 40 ml (0.125 mg) of levobupivacaine (PAI-L group); and 40 were treated with ACB using 20 ml of 0.25% levobupivacaine (ACB-L group). Postoperative pain scores at rest and during active physical therapy were assessed using a VAS, along with knee ROM in flexion and extension. In addition, 100-foot walking time results, total morphine consumption and time of first analgesia requirement were recorded postoperatively. RESULTS: VAS scores at rest and during active physical therapy and the total amount of morphine consumed were lower in the ACB-L group than in the PAI-L group (P < 0.05). In contrast, knee ROM in flexion and extension and 100-foot walking times were greater in the PAI-L group than in the ACB-L group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: ACB-L was superior to PAI-L regarding pain treatment after TKA; however, PAI-L was superior to ACB-L regarding postoperative ROM and walking ability. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY: ACTRN-12618000438257.

Tratamiento conservador de la osteoartrosis de cadera con toxina botulínica tipo A / Conservative treatment of hip osteoarthritis with botulinum toxin type A

Resumen Introducción: La osteoartritis de cadera es una enfermedad articular inflamatoria de bajo grado y etiología múltiple que tiene un manejo conservador limitado y poco explorado. La aplicación de toxina botulínica tipo A (BoNT-A) produce en el músculo aplicado una parálisis flácida temporal, delimitable y reversible, que aplicada de manera estratégica logra liberar estrés mecánico y dolor Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto en la percepción de dolor, funcionalidad y rigidez y los cambios en la flexión, rotación interna y externa, antes y 90 días después de la aplicación de BoNT-A. Métodos: Estudio clínico, experimental, longitudinal, abierto, con un total de 35 pacientes y 45 caderas tratadas. Se aplicó BoNT-A de 500 U en músculos ilíaco, músculo aductorbrevis y longus. Resultados: Se utilizó la prueba de Wilcoxon comparando los puntajes de evaluación en los días 0 a 90 observando disminución significativa del dolor referido (p < 0.0001), rigidez (p < 0.002), mejoró la función percibida (p < 0.001) y los arcos de movilidad: flexión, rotación interna y externa (p < 0.0001). Conclusiones: El tratamiento con BoNT-A otorga una opción conservadora y segura para el manejo de los síntomas y restricción física causada por la OA de cadera.

Abstract Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip is a low-grade inflammatory disease of multiple etiology that has a limited conservative management and insufficiently explored. The application of botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) produces in the applied muscle a temporary, delimitable and reversible flaccid paralysis, which applicated in a strategic way achives to reduce mechanical stress and pain. Objective: To evaluate the effect on pain perception, functionality and rigidity and changes in flexibility, internal and external rotation, before and 90 days after the application of BoNT-A. Methods: Clinical, experimental, longitudinal, open study, with a total of 35 patients and 45 hips treated. BoNT-A of 500 U was applied in iliac, adductor brevis and longus muscles. Results: The Wilcoxon test was used to compare the evaluation scores on days 0-90, observing the decrease in referred pain (p < 0.0001), rigidity (p < 0.002), improved perceived function (p < 0.001) and mobility arcs: flexion, internal and external rotation (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: The treatment with BoNT-A provides a conservative and safe option for the management of symptoms and physical restraint caused by hip OA.

Prophylaxis usage, bleeding rates, and joint outcomes of hemophilia, 1999 to 2010: a surveillance project.

This analysis of the US Hemophilia Treatment Center Network and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention surveillance registry assessed trends in prophylaxis use and its impact on key indicators of arthropathy across the life-span among participants with severe hemophilia A. Data on demographics, clinical characteristics, and outcomes were collected prospectively between 1999 and 2010 at annual clinical visits to 134 hemophilia treatment centers. Trends in treatment and outcomes were evaluated using cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses. Data analyzed included 26 614 visits for 6196 males; mean age at first registry visit was 17.7 years; and median was 14 (range, 2 to 69). During this time, prophylaxis use increased from 31% to 59% overall, and by 2010, 75% of children and youths <20 years were on prophylaxis. On cross-sectional analysis, bleeding rates decreased dramatically for the entire population (P < .001) in parallel with increased prophylaxis usage, possibly because frequent bleeders adopted prophylaxis. Joint bleeding decreased proportionately with prophylaxis (22%) and nonprophylaxis (23%), and target joints decreased more with prophylaxis (80% vs 61%). Joint, total, and target joint bleeding on prophylaxis were 33%, 41%, and 27%, respectively, compared with nonprophylaxis. On longitudinal analysis of individuals over time, prophylaxis predicted decreased bleeding at any age (P < .001), but only prophylaxis initiation prior to age 4 years and nonobesity predicted preservation of joint motion (P < .001 for each). Using a national registry, care providers in a specialized health care network for a rare disorder were able to detect and track trends in outcomes over time.

Knee flexion contracture treated with botulinum toxin type A in patients with haemophilia (PWH).

INTRODUCTION: Knee flexion contracture (KFC) remains a common complication of haemoarthrosis in children and young adults with haemophilia. If the KFC is not treated properly it produces disability, postural and gait abnormalities. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effectiveness of conservative treatment of KFC with Botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) in PWH. METHODS: Seventeen patients were treated, with 21 affected knees. Mean age was 26 years. The mean follow up was 12 months. We evaluated flexion and KFC pretreatment BTX-A and up to 12 months posttreatment. BTX-A application was in hamstring and calf muscles. To evaluate the function, a questionnaire about different activities was made, and it was checked 3, 6 and 12 months after BTX-A. According to the degree of KFC, knees were divided into 3 groups: Group 1: -10° to -30° (n = 10), Group 2: -31° to -45° (n = 6) Group 3: -46° or more (n = 5). RESULTS: The average KFC improved from -38° to -24°. The improvement was 14° (P < 0.001). The average KFC improvement was 9° in group 1, 17° in group 2, and 23° in group 3. There was a high correlation between the improvement in KFC and the total score of the questionnaire R = 0.77. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of KFC with BTX-A improves knee-related functional activities, with the advantage of being a low-cost procedure and easy to apply.

Oral creatine supplementation augments the repeated bout effect.

PURPOSE: We examined the effects of creatine supplementation on the response to repeated bouts of resistance exercise. METHODS: Young men (24.1 ± 5.2 yr) were divided into Creatine (CM, n = 9) and Placebo (PL, n = 9) groups. On day (D) 1 and D15, subjects performed four sets of bicep curls at 75% 1-RM to concentric failure. On D8-D13, subjects consumed either 20g/d creatine monohydrate or placebo. Muscle soreness and elbow joint range of motion (ROM) were assessed on D1-D5 and D15-D19. Serum creatine kinase activity (CK) was assessed on D1, D3, D5, D15, D17, and D19. RESULTS: The first exercise bout produced increases in muscle soreness and CK, and decreases in ROM in both groups (p < .001). The second bout produced lesser rises in serum CK, muscle soreness, and a lesser decrease in ROM (bout effect, p < .01 for all), with greater attenuation of these damage markers in CM than PL. CK levels on D17 were lower (+110% over D15 for CM vs. +343% for PL), muscle soreness from D15-19 was lower (-75% for CM vs. -56% for PL compared with first bout), and elbow ROM was decreased in PL, but not CM on D16 (p < .05 for all). CONCLUSIONS: Creatine supplementation provides an additive effect on blunting the rise of muscle damage markers following a repeated bout of resistance exercise. The mechanism by which creatine augments the repeated bout effect is unknown but is likely due to a combination of creatine's multifaceted functions.

Functional capacity evaluation of patients with mucopolysaccharidosis.

INTRODUCTION: The mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) are rare genetic disorders caused by a deficiency in lysosomal enzymes that affect the catabolism of glycosaminoglycans and cause their accumulation, resulting in a multisystemic clinical picture. Their clinical manifestations result in limited ability to perform daily life tasks. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate functional capacity and joint range of motion (ROM) in patients with MPS followed at the reference center for lysosomal disorders at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Brazil. METHODS: This was a prospective longitudinal study with a convenience sample. The Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) and the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) were used to evaluate functionality and goniometry was used to evaluate ROM at three times (baseline, 6 months, and 12 months after study inclusion). An exploratory analysis was done of the effect of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) in both variables; thus, patients were divided into Group 1 (patients without ERT), Group 2 (patients on ERT before and after study inclusion), and Group 3 (patients who started ERT after study inclusion). RESULTS: 21 patients were included: 7 in Group 1 (MPS II: 3, MPS III-B: 2, MPS IV-A: 2), 6 in Group 2 (MPS I: 3; MPS VI: 3), and 8 in Group 3 (MPS I: 3, MPS II: 4, MPS VI: 1). A limitation in the mobility of all joints studied was found especially in MPS I, II, and VI. Functionality compromise was also frequent (PEDI=5/7 patients; MIF=9/14 patients), even in individuals with preserved cognition. No correlation was found between the findings of goniometry and the PEDI domains (self-care, mobility, social function). ERT did not seem to significantly change the parameters analyzed. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: The compromise of joint mobility and functionality seems to be common in MPS I, II, III-B, IV-A, and VI. This finding is in line with the fact that, although these types of MPS are caused by different genetic defects, they share metabolic routes and physiopathogenic processes and present similar clinical manifestations. The preservation of functionality is an increasing challenge in the treatment of MPS patients, and maintenance of occupational performance should be defined as an objective to be reached by therapies used. Further studies with a greater sample size are necessary in order to verify the effect of ERT in these variables.

Comparative study of tramadol combined with dexamethasone and diclofenac sodium in third-molar surgery.

The aim of this randomized, double-blind clinical trial was to investigate the effect of preemptive analgesia with a combination of tramadol+dexamethasone or tramadol+diclofenac sodium. The study included 30 patients (age range: 16-30 years), who were randomly assigned to 2 groups by the split-mouth method. Postoperative pain was assessed with a visual analogue scale at 4, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h postoperatively (p.o.h.). Swelling was measured at 48 p.o.h. Maximal interincisor distance was measured at 48 p.o.h. and 7 postoperative days (p.o.d.). Significant differences in postoperative pain intensity were detected between the drug combinations at 4, 6, and 12p.o.h., suggesting the importance of preemptive analgesia. Patients treated with tramadol+dexamethasone showed lower pain scores compared to the tramadol+diclofenac sodium combination, larger postoperative mouth opening, and less swelling. The tramadol+dexamethasone combination also was more effective than tramadol+diclofenac sodium at reducing inflammation.

Hyperosmolar dextrose injection for recalcitrant Osgood-Schlatter disease.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the potential of dextrose injection versus lidocaine injection versus supervised usual care to reduce sport alteration and sport-related symptoms in adolescent athletes with Osgood-Schlatter disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Girls aged 9 to 15 and boys aged 10 to 17 were randomly assigned to either therapist-supervised usual care or double-blind injection of 1% lidocaine solution with or without 12.5% dextrose. Injections were administered monthly for 3 months. All subjects were then offered dextrose injections monthly as needed. Unaltered sport (Nirschl Pain Phase Scale < 4) and asymptomatic sport (Nirschl Pain Phase Scale = 0) were the threshold goals. RESULTS: Sixty-five knees in 54 athletes were treated. Compared with usual care at 3 months, unaltered sport was more common in both dextrose-treated (21 of 21 vs 13 of 22; P = .001) and lidocaine-treated (20 of 22 vs 13 of 22; P = .034) knees, and asymptomatic sport was more frequent in dextrose-treated knees than either lidocaine-treated (14 of 21 vs 5 of 22; P = .006) or usual-care-treated (14 of 21 vs 3 of 22; P < .001) knees. At 1 year, asymptomatic sport was more common in dextrose-treated knees than knees treated with only lidocaine (32 of 38 vs 6 of 13; P = .024) or only usual care (32 of 38 vs 2 of 14; P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest superior symptom-reduction efficacy of injection therapy over usual care in the treatment of Osgood-Schlatter disease in adolescents. A significant component of the effect seems to be associated with the dextrose component of a dextrose/lidocaine solution. Dextrose injection over the apophysis and patellar tendon origin was safe and well tolerated and resulted in more rapid and frequent achievement of unaltered sport and asymptomatic sport than usual care.

Evaluation of the muscle relaxant cyclobenzaprine after third-molar extraction.

BACKGROUND: Pain, swelling and trismus are undesirable effects of extraction of impacted mandibular third molars. The authors conducted a study to evaluate the effectiveness of the muscle relaxant cyclobenzaprine when used as a supplement to cryotherapeutic, antibiotic and steroidal anti-inflammatory treatment with the aim of reducing undesirable consequences after third-molar extraction. METHODS: The authors conducted a prospective, randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving 50 participants aged 18 to 29 years randomly assigned to receive cyclobenzaprine or the placebo. The authors used a split-mouth design, so each participant acted as his or her own control. For each participant, the authors extracted one impacted mandibular third molar on each side of the mouth at different times. Participants received 10 milligrams of cyclobenzaprine or a placebo once per day the day before surgery, the day of surgery and the first day after surgery. The authors assessed the participants' postoperative pain by means of a visual analog scale at four, six, eight, 12, 24 and 48 hours. They measured the participants' swelling and maximal interincisor distance at 48 hours and seven days. RESULTS: The authors assessed both sides of each participant's mouth for differences in pain, swelling and trismus. They found no statistically significant differences between sides of the mouth regarding these three variables. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this trial indicate that the influence of cyclobenzaprine over pain, swelling and trismus does not justify prescribing additional medication for patients undergoing third-molar extraction. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The muscle relaxant cyclobenzaprine was ineffective in reducing pain, swelling and trismus after third-molar extraction.

Haemophilic arthropathy: the usefulness of intra-articular oxytetracycline (synoviorthesis) in the treatment of chronic synovitis in children.

Synoviorthesis is already widely used in the treatment of chronic haemophilic synovitis. The aim of this study was evaluate the effectiveness of oxytetracicline synoviorthesis on the frequency of haemarthrosis in haemophilic children with chronic synovitis and its impact on joint function. Between January 2001 and October 2006, we performed 34 synoviorthesis in 28 paediatric patients (6-16 years old) with diagnosis of haemophilic arthropathy stage I-II. At each joint were administered five doses of oxytetracycline for five consecutive weeks at doses of 100 mg in elbow and ankle and 250 mg in the knee. The frequency of haemarthrosis and range of joint mobility were evaluated before and after of treatment. The results were analysed with Student t-test and descriptive statistics. Thirty-four joints were treated, including 20 knees (58.8%), eight elbows (23.5%) and six ankles (17.6%). Median follow-up was 46.3 months (range 12-71 months). The frequency of haemarthrosis was recorded before treatment 47.3 year(-1) (range 12-96, P < 0.0001) and decreased to 3.5 year(-1) (range 0-15, P = 0.0119) after treatment. The range of joint motion in flexion-extension before treatment was 84.9°, while after this was 97.5° (P = 0.0119). The synoviorthesis with oxytetracycline has shown a favourable effect in the treatment of chronic haemophilic synovitis in reducing the frequency of haemarthrosis and improvement was observed consistently in the range of motion.

Methylprednisolone versus triamcinolone in painful shoulder using ultrasound-guided injection.

There is little evidence about the comparative efficacy of corticosteroids in the treatment of painful shoulder. The main aim was to compare the efficacy of methylprednisolone (MTP) versus triamcinolone (TMC) in the treatment of painful shoulder using an ultrasound-guided injection. Patients with painful shoulder due to subacromial bursitis and partial or full-thickness rotator cuff tears demonstrated by musculoskeletal ultrasound received a guided-injection of MTP acetate 40 mg (12 patients) or TMC acetonide 40 mg (12 patients). Range of motion and pain visual analogue scale were registered at 10 and 30 min, 1 and 2 weeks postinjection. Two weeks postinjection, both groups reported a mean improvement in range of motion (33%) and relief of pain (61%). Relief of pain of 50% or more was observed in 92% of patients in MTP group and 50% of TMC group (p = 0.02). Two months postinjection, 50% of the patients in MTP group and 25% in TMC group reported total relief of pain (p = 0.3). Patients with painful shoulder receiving an ultrasound-guided injection of MTP or TMC have a rapid and sustained overall response. Relief of pain tends to be more rapid with MTP than TMC.

Effects of use of anabolic steroids on the masticatory system: a pilot study.

The use of androgenic anabolic steroids (AAS) has increased significantly among athletes in Brazil and other countries. These drugs alter the physiological behavior of bone and muscles, also affecting these structures in masticatory system. This paper aims to evaluate bone and dental changes in users of AAS, as well as the incidence of temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD), compared to athletes not using AAS. Eight athletes were equally divided in two groups, AAS users and non-users. The groups were evaluated using Helkimo index, McNamara cephalometric tracing and cast analysis. The AAS users presented more intense TMD signs and symptoms (Di total value, P = 0.096, Mann-Whitney test), increased cephalometric measures (Co-A, P = 0.020, Mann-Whitney test) and Angle Class II malocclusion, compared to the non-users. These results suggested that the use of AAS alters masticatory structures and increases the incidence of TMD.

Increased efficacy and decreased systemic-effects of botulinum toxin A injection after active or passive muscle manipulation.

The effect of physical manipulation on the outcome of neurotoxin (NT) injection was studied in a rat tibialis anterior (TA) model system where dorsiflexion torque could be measured precisely. After determination of initial torque, all rats received a one-time botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) injection (dose 6.0 units/kg in a volume of 100 microL) into the TA midbelly. Four experimental groups were studied: one group was subjected to BTX-A injection alone (BTX-A only, n=8), one was subjected to BTX-A injection followed immediately by 10 isometric contractions (ISO; n=9), and the third was subjected to BTX-A followed immediately by 10 muscle passive stretch/release cycles (PS; n=10). After 1 month, maximum dorsiflexion torque of the injected and contralateral legs was determined followed by quantification of TA fiber area. Post-injection torque was significantly reduced by around 80% in all NT-treated extremities 1 month after injection (p<0.05). While all NT-treated extremities demonstrated a significant torque decrease relative to their pre-injection levels, ISO and PS groups demonstrated significantly lower torques compared with the BTX-A only group which received no physical manipulation (p<0.05) indicating greater efficacy. Perhaps even more surprising was that the ISO and PS groups both demonstrated a significantly smaller contralateral effect compared with the BTX-A only group that received no manipulation (p<0.05) indicating a decreased systemic-effect. Muscle fiber size generally correlated with dorsiflexion torque. These data demonstrate that both neuromuscular activity (seen in the ISO group) and muscle movement (seen in the PS group) increased the efficacy of BTX-A and decreased the systemic side effects.

Polyarticular corticosteroid injection versus systemic administration in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis patients: a randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effectiveness and side effects of polyarticular corticosteroid injection compared to systemic administration in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and to examine the differential response to injection among joints. METHODS: Sixty-nine RA patients presenting with 6-12 swollen joints were enrolled to participate in a randomized trial consisting of polyarticular injection in 6-8 swollen joints of intraarticular (IA) triamcinolone hexacetonide (IA group) or intramuscular (IM) mini-pulse therapy with triamcinolone acetonide in equivalent doses (IM group). Blind examination at baseline (T0), Weeks 1 (T1), 4 (T4), 12 (T12), and 24 (T24) postintervention included American College of Rheumatology improvement criteria ACR20%, 50% and 70%, visual analog scale for articular pain, pain on movement, joint count, range of motion, morning stiffness, quality of life (Medical Outcome Study Short Form-36), use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs and oral corticosteroid, blood pressure, adverse effects, calls to the physician, and hospital visits. RESULTS: Significantly better results were observed for IA compared to IM patients as follows: ACR20% (61.7% vs 28.5% at T1; 73.5% vs 42.8% at T4), ACR50% (29.4% vs 5.7% at T1; 44.1% vs 20% at T4), ACR70% (11.7% vs 0% at T1), patient's evaluation of disease activity, lower tender joint count, lower blood pressure, lower number of adverse effects, calls to the physician, and hospital visits (p < 0.05). Less significant adrenocorticotropic hormone reduction was observed for IA group at T4 and T12 (p < 0.05). Elbows and metacarpophalangeal joints had the best response to corticosteroid injection. CONCLUSION: In the short term, polyarticular IA injection was better than IM corticosteroid, as shown by ACR improvement criteria and number of adverse effects.

Efectos de la bromocriptina en pacientes con artritis reumatoide activa / Effects of bromocriptine in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis

Background: Neuroendocrine factors play an important role in the expression of autoimmune disease. Proclatin (PRL) can induce T-cell proliferation and macrophage activation. Elevated PRL levels have been described in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and (RA). Aim and Methods: We studiend immunological and clinical effects of PRL suppression in 9 RA patients with active disease, treated for 3 months with bromocriptiner (BRC), an inihibitor of PRL secretion. Results: BRC induced a significant depression of the peripheral blood mononuclear cells response to antigen (p=0.008) and mitogen (p=0.008) which was significantly correlated with improvements in the HAQ disability index (r=0.68; p=0.04) and grip strength (r=0.7; p=0.02). Also, the in-vitro production of IL-2, nitric oxide and poliamines -that are critical for the proliferative response of lymphoid cells- decreased significantly. The group experienced significant improvement of grip strength (p=0.028) and the HAQ disability index (p=0.025), whereas 4 individuals archieved clinical improvement according to the American College of Rheumatology preliminary definition. We conclude that BRC treatment induces a significant depression of in-vitro immune function in RA patients and these changes are related to parameters of disease activity. The effects of BRC on immune function and disease activity in RA patients warrant further investigation

Multidimensional assessment of motor function in a child with cerebral palsy following intrathecal administration of baclofen.

This case report describes an 11-year-old boy with spastic diplegia whose reflex status, range of motion (ROM), strength, and motor performance were measured before and after implantation of an indwelling system for delivery of intrathecally administered baclofen. Before baclofen use, the subject experienced clonus that interfered with walking, needed assistance with transfers, and was unable to independently put on underwear and socks. Measures of spasticity, kinematics and electromyographic activity during voluntary movements, ROM, Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) scores, and self-reports of change were obtained at baseline, before and after bolus baclofen injection, during a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial of baclofen administration via an indwelling pump, and after 1 and 2 years of baclofen therapy. Spasticity, Babinski reflexes, clonus, strength, and coactivation of antagonist muscles during voluntary movement were decreased shortly after baclofen administration began. Hip and ankle ROM increased, upper-extremity movement speed increased, independence in dressing and transfers improved, and orthoses were discarded. After 1 and 2 years, GMFM scores were 7.8% and 6.4% above baseline, respectively; the subject won a fitness award. After 2 years, ROM was worse than at baseline and concerns regarding hip subluxation arose. Single-joint movement control and independence improved and spasticity decreased during baclofen administration.

Botulinum toxin A in management of cerebral palsy.

The efficacy of local injection of botulinum toxin A in selected skeletal muscles to relieve muscle hypertonia and muscle contracture, and increase range of motion in children with cerebral palsy was studied in an open ABA (baseline-treatment-posttreatment phase) type of study. The first 6 months were the baseline phase, the day of injection the treatment phase, and the next 6 months the posttreatment phase. The patients acted as their own controls. Fifteen children with cerebral palsy (mean age: 6 years, 8 months) were included in the study. All had limb deformities associated with non-fixed joint contractures that had not responded to physical therapy. Clinical assessment of passive and active muscle tone was performed using a modified Ashworth scale. The range of motion to passive movement was measured with a manual goniometer. Botulinum toxin was injected directly into the muscle at several sites. The postinjection scores of muscle hypertonia were significantly lower (P < .01) and the range-of-motion values demonstrated a significant increase (P < .001). Functional improvement was measured by decreased scissoring on standing in all 6 children with adductor muscles injected; all 6 children with knee flexor muscles injected were able to straighten the knees. The 3 children with injected gastrocnemius muscles were able to achieve heel-strike while bare-footed. The study provides evidence that the intramuscular injection of botulinum toxin A in selected skeletal muscles decreases muscle tone and contractures, and increases range of motion and motor function.

Evaluation of treatment protocols on minimal to moderate spasticity in multiple sclerosis.

Thirty men and women diagnosed with definite multiple sclerosis (MS) were treated for ten weeks in a blinded, cross-over study. Patients with minimal to moderate spasticity were randomized to one of three sequences to evaluate the effects on MS-related spasticity of baclofen alone, stretching regimen with placebo, placebo alone, and stretching regimen with baclofen. The Cybex II isokinetic unit, timed gait, Ashworth scale, and subject's assessment of function were objective and subjective measures used to evaluate changes in hypertonicity. There was significant correlation between the Cybex and Ashworth as methods of measuring spasticity. Overall, treatment with baclofen alone significantly improved moderate quadriceps spasticity as measured by Cybex flexion scores. A trend, indicative of enhancing the beneficial effects of baclofen, was noted when stretching exercises were added to the treatment.