A prospective study predicting the outcome of chronic low back pain and physical therapy: the role of fear-avoidance beliefs and extraspinal pain.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the prognostic factors for conventional physical therapy in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). METHODS: Prospective observational study. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred thirteen patients with CLBP selected at the Spinal Disease Outpatient Clinic. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pain intensity was scored using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), and function was measured using the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ). RESULTS: The Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire work subscale results (FABQ-work; odds ratio [OR]=0.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.13-0.56, p<0.001) and extraspinal pain (OR=0.35, 95% CI 0.17-0.74, p=0.006) were independently associated with a decreased response to conventional physical therapy for CLBP. CONCLUSION: We identified high FABQ-work and extraspinal pain scores as key determinants of a worse response to physical therapy among CLBP patients, supporting the need for a special rehabilitation program for this subgroup.

A prospective study predicting the outcome of chronic low back pain and physical therapy: the role of fear-avoidance beliefs and extraspinal pain / Estudo prospectivo de fatores prognósticos em lombalgia crônica tratados com fisioterapia: papel do medo-evitação e dor extraespinal

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify the prognostic factors for conventional physical therapy in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Methods: Prospective observational study. Participants: One hundred thirteen patients with CLBP selected at the Spinal Disease Outpatient Clinic. Main outcome measures: Pain intensity was scored using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), and function was measured using the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ). Results: The Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire work subscale results (FABQ-work; odds ratio [OR] = 0.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.13–0.56, p < 0.001) and extraspinal pain (OR = 0.35, 95% CI 0.17–0.74, p = 0.006) were independently associated with a decreased response to conventional physical therapy for CLBP. Conclusion: We identified high FABQ-work and extraspinal pain scores as key determinants of a worse response to physical therapy among CLBP patients, supporting the need for a special rehabilitation program for this subgroup.

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar os fatores prognósticos para a fisioterapia convencional em pacientes com lombalgia mecânica comum crônica (LMC). Métodos: Estudo prospectivo observacional. Participantes: Foram selecionados pelo Ambulatório de Doenças da Coluna Vertebral 113 pacientes com lombalgia mecânica comum crônica. Medidas de desfecho principais: A intensidade da dor foi pontuada utilizando a Escala Numérica de Dor (END) e a função foi medida usando o Questionário Roland-Morris de Incapacidade (RMDQ). Resultados: Os resultados da subescala trabalho do Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ-trabalho; odds ratio [OR] = 0,27, intervalo de confiança de 95% [IC 95%] 0,13–0,56, p < 0,001) e da dor extraespinal (OR = 0,35, IC 0,17–0,74, p = 0,006) estiveram independentemente associados a uma diminuição na resposta à fisioterapia convencional para a lombalgia crônica. Conclusão: Foram identificados escores elevados na FABQ-trabalho e dor extraespinal como determinantes-chave para uma pior resposta à fisioterapia em pacientes com LMC o que apoia a necessidade de um programa de reabilitação especial para este subgrupo.

A prospective study predicting the outcome of chronic low back pain and physical therapy: the role of fear-avoidance beliefs and extraspinal pain. / Estudo prospectivo de fatores prognósticos em lombalgia crônica tratados com fisioterapia: papel do medo-evitação e dor extraespinal.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the prognostic factors for conventional physical therapy in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). METHODS: Prospective observational study. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred thirteen patients with CLBP selected at the Spinal Disease Outpatient Clinic. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pain intensity was scored using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), and function was measured using the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ). RESULTS: The Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire work subscale results (FABQ-work; odds ratio [OR]=0.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.13 to 0.56, p<0.001) and extraspinal pain (OR=0.35, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.74, p=0.006) were independently associated with a decreased response to conventional physical therapy for CLBP. CONCLUSION: We identified high FABQ-work and extraspinal pain scores as key determinants of a worse response to physical therapy among CLBP patients, supporting the need for a special rehabilitation program for this subgroup.

Sjögren's syndrome: An underdiagnosed condition in mixed connective tissue disease.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of sicca symptoms, dry eye, and secondary Sjögren's syndrome and to evaluate the severity of dry eye in patients with mixed connective tissue disease. METHODS: In total, 44 consecutive patients with mixed connective tissue disease (Kasukawa's criteria) and 41 healthy controls underwent Schirmer's test, a tear film breakup time test, and ocular surface staining to investigate dry eye. In addition, the dry eye severity was graded. Ocular and oral symptoms were assessed using a structured questionnaire. Salivary gland scintigraphy was performed in all patients. Classification of secondary Sjögren's syndrome was assessed according to the American-European Consensus Group criteria. RESULTS: The patients and controls had comparable ages (44.7±12.4 vs. 47.2±12.2 years) and frequencies of female gender (93 vs. 95%) and Caucasian ethnicity (71.4 vs. 85%). Ocular symptoms (47.7 vs. 24.4%) and oral symptoms (52.3 vs. 9.7%) were significantly more frequent in patients than in controls. Fourteen (31.8%) patients fulfilled Sjögren's syndrome criteria, seven of whom (50%) did not have this diagnosis prior to study inclusion. A further comparison of patients with mixed connective tissue disease with or without Sjögren's syndrome revealed that the former presented significantly lower frequencies of polyarthritis and cutaneous involvement than did the patients without Sjögren's syndrome. Moderate to severe dry eye was found in 13 of 14 patients with mixed connective tissue disease and Sjögren's syndrome (92.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Sjögren's syndrome, particularly with moderate to severe dry eye, is frequent in patients with mixed connective tissue disease. These findings alert the physician regarding the importance of the appropriate diagnosis of this syndrome in such patients.

Sjogren's syndrome: An underdiagnosed condition in mixed connective tissue disease

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of sicca symptoms, dry eye, and secondary Sjögren's syndrome and to evaluate the severity of dry eye in patients with mixed connective tissue disease. METHODS: In total, 44 consecutive patients with mixed connective tissue disease (Kasukawa's criteria) and 41 healthy controls underwent Schirmer's test, a tear film breakup time test, and ocular surface staining to investigate dry eye. In addition, the dry eye severity was graded. Ocular and oral symptoms were assessed using a structured questionnaire. Salivary gland scintigraphy was performed in all patients. Classification of secondary Sjögren's syndrome was assessed according to the American-European Consensus Group criteria. RESULTS: The patients and controls had comparable ages (44.7±12.4 vs. 47.2±12.2 years) and frequencies of female gender (93 vs. 95%) and Caucasian ethnicity (71.4 vs. 85%). Ocular symptoms (47.7 vs. 24.4%) and oral symptoms (52.3 vs. 9.7%) were significantly more frequent in patients than in controls. Fourteen (31.8%) patients fulfilled Sjögren's syndrome criteria, seven of whom (50%) did not have this diagnosis prior to study inclusion. A further comparison of patients with mixed connective tissue disease with or without Sjögren's syndrome revealed that the former presented significantly lower frequencies of polyarthritis and cutaneous involvement than did the patients without Sjögren's syndrome. Moderate to severe dry eye was found in 13 of 14 patients with mixed connective tissue disease and Sjögren's syndrome (92.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Sjögren's syndrome, particularly with moderate to severe dry eye, is frequent in patients with mixed connective tissue disease. These findings alert the physician regarding the importance of the appropriate diagnosis of this syndrome in such patients. .

Prevalência e fatores de risco para fraturas vertebrais em idosos da comunidade / Prevalence and risk factors of vertebral fractures in communitydwelling elderly

Objetivo: Estimar a prevalência de fraturas vertebrais investigando os fatores de risco associados com esta última condição em idosos brasileiros da comunidade. Métodos: Este estudo de corte transversal incluiu 769 indivíduos idosos com 65 anos ou mais (462 mulheres e 307 homens) residentes em São Paulo, Brasil. Radiografias de coluna torácica e lombar foram obtidas e fraturas vertebrais foram avaliadas usando o método semiquantitativo de Genant. Densidade mineral óssea (DMO) foi mensurada por DXA e parametros bioquímicos foram também avaliados. Mulheres e homens foram analisados separadamente, e cada gênero foi dividido em 2 grupos com base na presença de fraturas vertebrais. Resultados: A prevalência de fraturas vertebrais foi de 16,7% (95% CI 13,3-20,1) nas mulheres e 21,2% (95% CI 16,6-25,7) nos homens. Análise de regressão logística usando as variáveis significantes na análise univariada no grupo feminino mostrou que a idade (OR=1,12, 95% CI 1,06-1,18; p<0,001) e o Tscore do colo femoral (OR=0,61, 95% CI 0,46-0,88; p=0,006) foram fatores de risco independentes na predição de fraturas vertebrais. No grupo masculino, a análise de regressão logística demonstrou que a condição de caidor crônico (OR=2,54 95% CI 1,1-5,9; p=0,031) e T-score do colo femoral (OR=0,72, 95% CI 0,53-0,96; p=0,025) foram independentes parâmetros na predição de fraturas vertebrais. Conclusão: Nossos resultados sugerem que fraturas vertebrais são comuns em idosos brasileiros e que o T-score do colo femoral baixo foi um importante fator de risco para esta condição em ambos homens e mulheres. Idade também foi significantemente correlacionada com a presença de fraturas vertebrais em mulheres, e a condição de caidor crônico foi correlacionada com fraturas vertebrais em homens.

Purpose: To estimate the prevalence of radiographic vertebral fracture and investigate factors associated with this condition in Brazilian communitydwelling elderly. Methods: This cross sectional study included 769 elderly subjects 65 years old and over (462 women and 307 men) living in São Paulo, Brazil. Thoracic and lumbar spine radiographs were obtained and vertebral fractures were evaluated using Genant´s semi-quantitative method. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by DXA and bone biochemical markers were also evaluated. Female and male subjects were analyzed independently, and each gender was divided into 2 groups, based on whether vertebral fractures were present. Results: The prevalence of vertebral fracture was 16.7% (95% CI 13.3-20.1) in women and 21.2% (95% CI 16.6-25.7) in men. Logistic regression analyses using variables that were significant in the univariate analysis, in female group showed that age (OR=1.12, 95% CI 1.06-1.18; p<0.001) and femoral neck T-score (OR=0.61, 95% CI 0.46-0.88; p=0.006) were independently factors in predicting vertebral fracture. In the male group, logistic regression analyzes demonstrated that chronic faller condition (OR=2.54 95% CI 1.1-5.9; p=0.031) and femoral neck T-score (OR=0.72, 95% CI 0.53-0.96; p=0.025) were independent parameters in predicting vertebral fractures. Conclusions: Our results suggest that radiographic vertebral fractures are common in Brazilian community-dwelling elderly and that a low femoral neck T-score was an important risk factor for this condition in both males and females. Age was also significantly correlated with the presence of vertebral fractures in women, and chronic faller was correlated with vertebral fractures in men.