Randomized, controlled trial of compression gloves in rheumatoid arthritis.

A randomized, controlled trial was conducted to determine efficacy of the Isotoner and the Futuro compression gloves in 39 patients with hand synovitis secondary to rheumatoid arthritis. After 7 days of nighttime treatment, both brands of gloves were found to decrease subjective symptoms of pain and stiffness (p < 0.05). In addition, swelling of the proximal interphalangeal joints decreased, while range of motion, rate of finger motion, and grip strength all increased (p < 0.05). Compression gloves should be used with caution in patients with bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, because 12 of 13 such patients experienced worsening of their symptoms following one nighttime wearing of compression gloves. While both gloves were found to be efficacious in improving the signs and symptoms of hand synovitis, neither glove was found to be superior to the other. Patient preferences related to glove composition and fit may ultimately determine which glove to prescribe.

Air pressure splint effects on hand symptoms of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Thirty patients with symptomatic rheumatoid arthritis (RA) of both hands were treated with an air pressure splint. Evaluations were made by measuring ring size, hand volume, range and rate of finger motions, grip strength and degree of pain and stiffness. One hand was randomly assigned to the treatment group while the other served as a control. Patients received the air splint treatment for 5 consecutive days. Data were analyzed by a 2-factor repeated analysis of variance to determine the effectiveness of 1 treatment, the cumulative effect of 5 treatments, the effect of the 5th treatment, and whether the results after the 1st treatment lasted until the 5th treatment. All measurements except hand volume significantly improved with the 1st treatment. Furthermore, the beneficial effects persisted throughout the treatment period. These data indicate the air splint treatment is effective in reducing swelling and other symptoms of RA in the hands.

Effect of label format on information recall in patients receiving prescription medications.

Many patients receive their filled prescriptions without verbal instructions and must rely on the label as their only source of information. A two-phase study was designed to measure differences in recall information when two common variations in label format were employed. Phase I: Does the patient comprehend label directions better if numbers are typed as words or as numerals? Phase II: Does the addition of preprinted auxiliary labels affect recall of directions? In Phase I, 100 patients were asked to read a label expressing three numbers as words and an additional 100 read the same label using numerals. In Phase II, patients saw the label using numerals with either zero, one, two, or three auxiliary labels attached. Each label was seen by 50 patients. Patients were scored on a point system based on their ability to repeat label directions. There was no significant difference in information recall between label format groups (p greater than 0.05). Only 44% of the patients could remember all directions, 13% could remember no information, and 63% failed to read the auxiliary labels. These results suggest that pharmacists should place less reliance on label format and the use of auxiliary labels to communicate information and spend more time verbally counseling their patients on the proper use of their medications.