Diagnostic accuracy of lumbopelvic motor control tests using pressure biofeedback unit in professional swimmers: A cross-sectional study.

HYPOTHESIS: To determine the effect of receiving the visual feedback of the sphygmomanometer on lumbopelvic motor control (LPMC) tests in professional swimmers. METHOD: 31 professional swimmers to participate in the study. The outcome was maximum absolute mmHg variation in the pressure biofeedback unit's manometer with and without visual feedback on four LPMC tests. RESULTS: Test scores were significantly affected by visual feedback F = 10.07, p = 0.002, η2 p = 0.117 and the type of test F = 32.53, p < 0.001, η2 p = 0.300. CONCLUSION: Visual feedback has a positive effect on the Active Straight Leg Raise Test (ASLR), the Knee Lift Abdominal Test (KLAT) scores completed by professional swimmers.

25-Hydroxyvitamin D serum levels in rheumatic female patients in southeast Spain: The paradigm of daily optimal sunshine levels and inadequate vitamin D status / Concentraciones séricas de 25-hidroxivitamina D en mujeres reumáticas del sureste de España: el paradigma de los niveles diarios óptimos de luz solar y la insuficiencia de vitamina D

Background: Almeria is a region in southeast Spain with optimal sunlight levels, along with low pluvial and pollution rates. If exposure to sunlight is sufficient to maintain adequate levels of vitamin D (25OHD), this population should display high serum levels. Objectives: To describe 25OHD serum status in women from Almeria and evaluate the impact of long sunlight exposure along the seasons on 25OHD. Methods: Cross-sectional study, performed in women consecutively recruited from an outpatient rheumatology clinic. Serum levels of 25OHD were assessed in all patients and evaluated according to age (<48 yrs, 48-53 yrs, 54-60 yrs and >60 yrs), season, and presence or absence of menopause. Clinical and laboratory variables that could affect status of vitamin D were also considered. Results: The sample included 319 Caucasian female patients. Mean 25OHD were 30.2ng/ml with 195 (61.1%) exhibiting 25OHD inadequate serum levels. Season had a significant effect on 25OHD levels, with autumn being the season in which 25OHD serum levels remained well above 30ng/ml in all age bands, and winter the season with more levels of insufficiency. Menopause did not modify 25OH serum levels. Women whose age was below 48 and over 60 had inadequate levels of 25OHD during summer. Conclusions: Optimal levels of sunlight could not overcome the problem of inadequate 25OHD serum levels, particularly in elderly and young female population. Vitamin D supplementation may be recommended predominantly in winter and summer in this population

Antecedentes: Almería es una región del sureste de España con un grado óptimo de luz solar, junto con bajas tasas de contaminación y lluvia. Si la exposición a la luz solar es suficiente para mantener niveles adecuados de vitamina D (25OHD), esta población debería presentar concentraciones séricas altas. Objetivos: Describir los valores séricos de 25OHD en mujeres de Almería y evaluar el efecto de la exposición prolongada a la luz solar sobre la 25OHD a lo largo de las distintas estaciones. Métodos: Estudio transversal en mujeres reclutadas consecutivamente en una consulta externa de reumatología. Se determinaron las concentraciones séricas de 25OHD en todas las pacientes y se valoraron en función de la edad (< 48 años, 48-53 años, 54-60 años y > 60 años), la estación y la presencia o ausencia de menopausia. También se tuvieron en cuenta las variables clínicas y analíticas que pudieran afectar al estado de la vitamina D. Resultados: La muestra incluyó 319 mujeres de raza blanca. El valor medio de 25OHD fue de 30,2 ng/ml, y 195 (61,1%) mostraron concentraciones séricas inadecuadas de 25OHD. La estación tenía un efecto importante en las concentraciones de 25OHD, y el otoño era la estación en la que los valores séricos de 25OHD se mantenían bastante por encima de 30 ng/ml en todas las franjas de edad, y el invierno la estación con más grado de insuficiencia. La menopausia no modificaba las concentraciones séricas de 25OH. Las mujeres menores de 48 años y mayores de 60 años tenían niveles insuficientes de 25OHD durante el verano. Conclusión: La luz solar óptima no podía superar el problema de la insuficiencia de las concentraciones séricas de 25OHD, sobre todo en las poblaciones de mujeres mayores y jóvenes. Pueden recomendarse suplementos de vitamina D predominantemente en invierno y en verano en esta población

25-Hydroxyvitamin D serum levels in rheumatic female patients in southeast Spain: The paradigm of daily optimal sunshine levels and inadequate vitamin D status.

BACKGROUND: Almeria is a region in southeast Spain with optimal sunlight levels, along with low pluvial and pollution rates. If exposure to sunlight is sufficient to maintain adequate levels of vitamin D (25OHD), this population should display high serum levels. OBJECTIVES: To describe 25OHD serum status in women from Almeria and evaluate the impact of long sunlight exposure along the seasons on 25OHD. METHODS: Cross-sectional study, performed in women consecutively recruited from an outpatient rheumatology clinic. Serum levels of 25OHD were assessed in all patients and evaluated according to age (<48 yrs, 48-53 yrs, 54-60 yrs and >60 yrs), season, and presence or absence of menopause. Clinical and laboratory variables that could affect status of vitamin D were also considered. RESULTS: The sample included 319 Caucasian female patients. Mean 25OHD were 30.2ng/ml with 195 (61.1%) exhibiting 25OHD inadequate serum levels. Season had a significant effect on 25OHD levels, with autumn being the season in which 25OHD serum levels remained well above 30ng/ml in all age bands, and winter the season with more levels of insufficiency. Menopause did not modify 25OH serum levels. Women whose age was below 48 and over 60 had inadequate levels of 25OHD during summer. CONCLUSIONS: Optimal levels of sunlight could not overcome the problem of inadequate 25OHD serum levels, particularly in elderly and young female population. Vitamin D supplementation may be recommended predominantly in winter and summer in this population.

¿Existe relación entre los niveles séricos de vitamina D (25OHD) y el dolor musculoesquelético relacionado con la ingesta de estatinas? Revisión sistemática / Is there really a relationship between serum vitamin D (25OHD) levels and the musculoskeletal pain associated with statin intake? A systematic review

Introducción. El dolor musculoesquelético (DME) asociado a estatinas es el efecto adverso más frecuente y responsable de su abandono. Diversos trabajos sugieren que el déficit de vitamina D incrementa el riesgo de padecer dolor asociado a estatinas. Objetivos. Evaluar una posible asociación entre el nivel de vitamina D y la presencia de DME en pacientes en tratamiento con estatinas. Métodos. Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en Medline, Cochrane Central y EMBASE para identificar estudios que: 1) incluyeran pacientes tratados con estatinas; 2) en los que valoraran niveles séricos de vitamina D, 3) en relación con DME. Resultados. Se identificaron 127 estudios de los que se incluyeron y analizaron finalmente 3. La heterogeneidad de los estudios no permitió realizar metaanálisis. Una revisión sistemática y 2 estudios de cohorte no incluidos en la revisión previa mostraron una asociación significativa entre el déficit de vitamina D y el DME. Conclusiones. La evidencia sugiere una asociación significativa entre niveles séricos de 25OHD<30ng/ml y la presencia de DME (AU)

Introduction. Musculoskeletal pain associated to statin use, is the most common adverse event, leading to cessation of treatment. Several studies proposed Vitamin D deficiency to increase the risk of pain associated to statin intake. Objectives. To evaluate whether vitamin D status is linked to musculoskeletal pain associated to statin use. Methods. We performed a systematic review based on electronic searches through MEDLINE, Cochrane Central and EMBASE to identify studies that 1) included patients on statin therapy 2) with vitamin D serum levels assessment, 3) in relation to musculoskeletal pain. Results. The electronic search identified 127 potentially eligible studies, of which three were included and analysed in the present study. The heterogeneity of studies did not allow metanalysis. A systematic review and two cohort studies not included in the previous systematic review, revealed a statistically significant association of vitamin D deficit in patients with musculoskeletal pain on statin therapy. Conclusion. The displayed evidence suggests a significant association between 25OHD serum levels<30ng/ml and the presence of musculoskeletal pain in patients on statin therapy (AU)

Is there really a relationship between serum vitamin D (25OHD) levels and the musculoskeletal pain associated with statin intake? A systematic review. / ¿Existe relación entre los niveles séricos de vitamina D (25OHD) y el dolor musculoesquelético relacionado con la ingesta de estatinas? Revisión sistemática.

INTRODUCTION: Musculoskeletal pain associated to statin use, is the most common adverse event, leading to cessation of treatment. Several studies proposed Vitamin D deficiency to increase the risk of pain associated to statin intake. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether vitamin D status is linked to musculoskeletal pain associated to statin use. METHODS: We performed a systematic review based on electronic searches through MEDLINE, Cochrane Central and EMBASE to identify studies that 1) included patients on statin therapy 2) with vitamin D serum levels assessment, 3) in relation to musculoskeletal pain. RESULTS: The electronic search identified 127 potentially eligible studies, of which three were included and analysed in the present study. The heterogeneity of studies did not allow metanalysis. A systematic review and two cohort studies not included in the previous systematic review, revealed a statistically significant association of vitamin D deficit in patients with musculoskeletal pain on statin therapy. CONCLUSION: The displayed evidence suggests a significant association between 25OHD serum levels<30ng/ml and the presence of musculoskeletal pain in patients on statin therapy.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors for fibromyalgia syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Fibromyalgia is a clinically well-defined chronic condition with a biopsychosocial aetiology. Fibromyalgia is characterized by chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain, sleep problems, cognitive dysfunction, and fatigue. Patients often report high disability levels and poor quality of life. Since there is no specific treatment that alters the pathogenesis of fibromyalgia, drug therapy focuses on pain reduction and improvement of other aversive symptoms. OBJECTIVES: The objective was to assess the benefits and harms of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in the treatment of fibromyalgia. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2014, Issue 5), MEDLINE (1966 to June 2014), EMBASE (1946 to June 2014), and the reference lists of reviewed articles. SELECTION CRITERIA: We selected all randomized, double-blind trials of SSRIs used for the treatment of fibromyalgia symptoms in adult participants. We considered the following SSRIs in this review: citalopram, fluoxetine, escitalopram, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, and sertraline. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Three authors extracted the data of all included studies and assessed the risks of bias of the studies. We resolved discrepancies by discussion. MAIN RESULTS: The quality of evidence was very low for each outcome. We downgraded the quality of evidence to very low due to concerns about risk of bias and studies with few participants. We included seven placebo-controlled studies, two with citalopram, three with fluoxetine and two with paroxetine, with a median study duration of eight weeks (4 to 16 weeks) and 383 participants, who were pooled together.All studies had one or more sources of potential major bias. There was a small (10%) difference in patients who reported a 30% pain reduction between SSRIs (56/172 (32.6%)) and placebo (39/171 (22.8%)) risk difference (RD) 0.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.01 to 0.20; number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) 10, 95% CI 5 to 100; and in global improvement (proportion of patients who reported to be much or very much improved: 50/168 (29.8%) of patients with SSRIs and 26/162 (16.0%) of patients with placebo) RD 0.14, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.23; NNTB 7, 95% CI 4 to 17.SSRIs did not statistically, or clinically, significantly reduce fatigue: standard mean difference (SMD) -0.26, 95% CI -0.55 to 0.03; 7.0% absolute improvement on a 0 to 10 scale, 95% CI 14.6% relative improvement to 0.8% relative deterioration; nor sleep problems: SMD 0.03, 95 % CI -0.26 to 0.31; 0.8 % absolute deterioration on a 0 to 100 scale, 95% CI 8.3% relative deterioration to 6.9% relative improvement.SSRIs were superior to placebo in the reduction of depression: SMD -0.39, 95% CI -0.65 to -0.14; 7.6% absolute improvement on a 0 to 10 scale, 95% CI 2.7% to 13.8% relative improvement; NNTB 13, 95% CI 7 to 37. The dropout rate due to adverse events was not higher with SSRI use than with placebo use (23/146 (15.8%) of patients with SSRIs and 14/138 (10.1%) of patients with placebo) RD 0.04, 95% CI -0.06 to 0.14. There was no statistically or clinically significant difference in serious adverse events with SSRI use and placebo use (3/84 (3.6%) in patients with SSRIs and 4/84 (4.8%) and patients with placebo) RD -0.01, 95% CI -0.07 to 0.05. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is no unbiased evidence that SSRIs are superior to placebo in treating the key symptoms of fibromyalgia, namely pain, fatigue and sleep problems. SSRIs might be considered for treating depression in people with fibromyalgia. The black box warning for increased suicidal tendency in young adults aged 18 to 24, with major depressive disorder, who have taken SSRIs, should be considered when appropriate.

Efficacy of Raynaud's phenomenon and digital ulcer pharmacological treatment in systemic sclerosis patients: a systematic literature review.

To evaluate the efficacy of current treatments for the Raynaud phenomenon (RP) in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), a systematic literature search was performed using Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (from 1961 to October 2011). We included meta-analyses, systematic reviews, clinical trials, and high-quality cohort studies published in English or Spanish. Patient populations had to include adults diagnosed with limited cutaneous or diffuse SSc who had associated RP and/or digital ulcers under pharmacological treatment. Efficacy of treatments was evaluated based on: number of RP episodes, RP severity, episode-free time, ulcer improvement/healing, and appearance of new ulcers. We used the Jadad scale of methodological quality to evaluate the quality of randomized clinical trials, and the 2009 Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine classification for other studies. Of a total of 1617 studies identified, only 27 fulfilled inclusion criteria. Drugs received the following grade recommendations: Grade A for nifedipine, nicardipine, quinapril, IV iloprost, bosentan, tadalafil, and MQx-503; Grade B for beraprost, cicaprost, DMSO, cyclofenil, and atorvastatin; and Grade C for misoprostol, prazosin, OPC-2826, enalapril, sildenafil, antioxidant, and stanazolol. Calcium channel blockers, prostanoids, tadalafil, and bosentan received the highest recommendation level for their effectiveness. However, most systematic reviews reviewed just a handful of studies with small sample sizes and short follow-ups. Our review shows that the existing evidence on the efficacy of RP treatment in SSc patients is inconclusive which calls for further research, especially in the form of prospective studies of high quality with long-term follow-ups.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) for fibromyalgia syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Fibromyalgia (FM) syndrome is a chronic condition of unknown aetiology characterised by musculoskeletal pain that often co-exists with sleep disturbance, cognitive dysfunction and fatigue. Patients often report high disability levels and poor quality of life. Since there is no specific treatment that alters the pathogenesis of FM, drug therapy focuses on pain reduction and improvement of other bothersome symptoms. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review was to assess the effectiveness and safety of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) in the treatment of FM syndrome. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2010, Issue 10), MEDLINE (1966 to November 2010), EMBASE (1980 to November 2010) and the reference lists of reviewed articles. SELECTION CRITERIA: We selected all randomised, double-blind trials of MAOIs used for the treatment of FM pain in adult participants. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors assessed risk of bias and extracted data independently onto a specially designed pro forma and a third review author cross-checked them. MAIN RESULTS: We included two studies of inconsistent risk of bias with a total of 230 patients diagnosed with FM. We evaluated two MAOIs: pirlindole and moclobemide. Pirlindole showed statistically significant results compared with placebo for several outcomes (pain, tender points and overall assessment by the patient and the physician), whereas moclobemide did not show statistically significant differences between groups. Pooled results of the two studies displayed a modest effect size in pain (mean difference (MD) -1.45 (121 patients; 95% confidence interval (CI) -2.71 to -0.20; number needed to treat (NNT) 2 (95% CI 1 to 12); I(2) = 59%)), implying a minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and a small effect on tender points (standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.36 (121 patients; 95% CI -0.72 to -0.00; I(2) = 31%)). No effect was seen on global assessment by patient. Physical function and sleep disturbance were not measured. The most frequent adverse events were nausea and vomiting, with statistically significant differences between groups (risk ratio (RR) 7.82 (89 patients; 95% CI 1.02 to 59.97; NNT 7 (95% CI 4 to 33)). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Data suggest that the effectiveness of MAOIs for the treatment of FM symptoms is limited. Although we observed a moderate effect size on pain and a small one on tender points, these results should be taken with caution as they are only based on two studies with a small number of patients and inconsistent risk of bias among them.

Efficacy and safety of DMARDs in psoriatic arthritis: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are frequently prescribed as a first step therapy in active psoriatic arthritis (PsA). However, evidence is sparse and scattered. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of DMARDs in PsA. METHODS: We performed a systematic review based on electronic searches through Medline, Cochrane Central and Embase (from July 1980-2010) for randomised control trials (RCTs) in PsA. Outcome measures were those included in the core-set from Outcome Measures in Rheumatology Clinical Trials (OMERACT) and adverse effects. RESULTS: A preliminary search identified 3781 potentially relevant RCTs, while only 11 fulfilled inclusion criteria. Ten studies had a parallel design and, one was a cross-over trial. Quality reached a Jadad score over 3 in 6/11 (54.6%). We observed evidence of a moderate improvement of pain and reduction of ESR with DMARDs. The global risk of withdrawals due to adverse events was 2.41 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.53, 3.82]. The risk of GI adverse effects (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea and/or oral ulcers) was 2.02 [95% CI 1.34, 3.03] and of headache was 2.34[95% CI 1.05, 5.19]. There were no significant differences in the rate of increase of flu-like symptoms, rash, or liver enzymes. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence of DMARD efficacy in PsA is certainly limited, basically due to the small number of studies, dissimilar outcomes being evaluated, high withdrawal rates, and absence of new published studies. With regard to adverse effects, only GI events and headaches were significant compared to placebo.

Percutaneous thermocoagulation intradiscal techniques for discogenic low back pain.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the evidence on the efficacy, effectiveness, and safety of percutaneous thermocoagulation intradiscal techniques for discogenic low back pain. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The intervertebral disc is thought to be the source of pain in a relevant proportion of cases of low back pain (LBP). Two percutaneous thermocoagulation intradiscal techniques have been described to treat discogenic LBP: percutaneous intradiscal radiofrequency thermocoagulation (PIRFT) and intradiscal electrothermal therapy (IDET). METHODS: An electronic search was performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library databases up to 2005, to identify nonrandomized controlled trials and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on those techniques. All relevant studies were methodologically assessed independently by 3 reviewers. RCTs were assessed following the criteria recommended by the Cochrane Back Review Group. A qualitative synthesis of results was performed. RESULTS: Six studies were included with a total of 283 patients. Two open, nonrandomized trials (95 patients) showed positive results for IDET compared with rehabilitation and PIRFT. Results from 2 RCTs showed no differences between PIRFT and placebo, and between different PIRFT techniques. Two RCTs compared IDET with placebo. One suggested differences only in pain and in disability, while the best quality RCT showed no differences. CONCLUSIONS: The available evidence does not support the efficacy or effectiveness of percutaneous thermocoagulation intradiscal techniques for the treatment of discogenic low back pain.

Interleuquinas 2, 4, 6 y 10 en pacientes con artritis reumatoidea / Interleukins 2, 4, 6 and 10 in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Las citoquinas juegan un rol primordial en la patogenia de la lesión articular de la artritis reumatoidea (AR). Esto puede verse reflejado en variaciones de sus concentraciones en sangre periférica. Se dosaron los niveles de IL-2, IL-4, IL-6 e IL-10 en el suero de 26 pacientes con AR y compromiso poliarticular, edad media de 50,2 años, tiempo medio de evolución 5,5 años y media de velocidad de sedimentación globular (VSG) 34,6 mm/h y se compararon con los de una población normal pareada por edad y sexo. La concentración media de IL-6 en los pacientes fue de 30,2 ñ 32,3 pg/ml y en controles de 1,3 ñ 1,4 pg/ml, siendo ésta diferencia altamente significativa (p < 0,001). La concentración media de IL-10 en AR fue de 2,2 ñ 2,7 pg/ml y en controles de 0,4 ñ 1,0 pg/ml (p < 0,01). No se hallaron diferencias en las concentraciones séricas de IL-2 e IL-4 entre los pacientes y los controles (p > 0,1). Los pacientes con VSG > 20 mm/hora presentaron también valores más elevados de IL-6 e IL-10 que los de VSG < 20 mm/hora (p < 0,05). También se encontró una correlación positiva estadísticamente significativa entre las concentraciones de IL-6 e IL-10 (r = 0,457; p < 0,05). Si bien la amplia dispersión en las concentraciones de las citoquinas estudiadas y el elevado costo de reactivos no las caracteriza como parámetros aptos para definir inflamación, la importancia futura de su detección probablemente radique en el monitoreo de los pacientes sometidos a las nuevas estrategias terapéuticas destinadas a reducir los efectos de las citoquinas proinflamatorias

Interleuquinas 2, 4, 6 y 10 en pacientes con artritis reumatoidea / Interleukins 2, 4, 6 and 10 in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Las citoquinas juegan un rol primordial en la patogenia de la lesión articular de la artritis reumatoidea (AR). Esto puede verse reflejado en variaciones de sus concentraciones en sangre periférica. Se dosaron los niveles de IL-2, IL-4, IL-6 e IL-10 en el suero de 26 pacientes con AR y compromiso poliarticular, edad media de 50,2 años, tiempo medio de evolución 5,5 años y media de velocidad de sedimentación globular (VSG) 34,6 mm/h y se compararon con los de una población normal pareada por edad y sexo. La concentración media de IL-6 en los pacientes fue de 30,2 ñ 32,3 pg/ml y en controles de 1,3 ñ 1,4 pg/ml, siendo ésta diferencia altamente significativa (p < 0,001). La concentración media de IL-10 en AR fue de 2,2 ñ 2,7 pg/ml y en controles de 0,4 ñ 1,0 pg/ml (p < 0,01). No se hallaron diferencias en las concentraciones séricas de IL-2 e IL-4 entre los pacientes y los controles (p > 0,1). Los pacientes con VSG > 20 mm/hora presentaron también valores más elevados de IL-6 e IL-10 que los de VSG < 20 mm/hora (p < 0,05). También se encontró una correlación positiva estadísticamente significativa entre las concentraciones de IL-6 e IL-10 (r = 0,457; p < 0,05). Si bien la amplia dispersión en las concentraciones de las citoquinas estudiadas y el elevado costo de reactivos no las caracteriza como parámetros aptos para definir inflamación, la importancia futura de su detección probablemente radique en el monitoreo de los pacientes sometidos a las nuevas estrategias terapéuticas destinadas a reducir los efectos de las citoquinas proinflamatorias (AU)