The existing trials suggest a positive effect of radon therapy on pain in rheumatic diseases. With respect to the potential clinical effect and given the increasing public interest in radon therapy, there is an urgent need for further randomized controlled clinical investigations with long-term follow-up.
Strength of dorsiflexion seems to be the main driving factor of normal venous flow and range of ankle movement is impaired in patients with pathological venous reflux. Further prospective studies should clarify if additional strengthening of ankle dorsiflexors should be included in well established venous training programs.
Based on a positive predictive value of 58.5%, it was concluded, that a prolonged delay of rewarming after a cold stress test cannot be predicted sufficiently by the presence of cold fingers alone, and that a cold stress test is necessary to confirm the diagnosis objectively.
Thermal asymmetry of the skin is a common finding in patients with acute herpes. However, the thermal patterns seem to correlate better with the duration of the disease than with the intensity of pain.
Rheumatoid arthritis may take an unfavourable course leading to rapid functional decline in a certain percentage of patients. Early identification of these patients is desirable. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical and laboratory parameters for their value in the prediction of bad outcome. A total of 172 patients with early arthritis were followed for 3 years. Higher initial values for erythrocyte sedimentation rate, IgG and IgM rheumatoid factor, serum concentration of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein, Health Assessment Questionnaire score, Larsen score of feet, disease activity score, and swollen and tender joint count predicted worse outcome. An association with the presence of IgA rheumatoid factor or anti-cyclic-citrullinated peptide could not be established. We conclude that prognosis in an individual with rheumatoid arthritis depends on many factors. The determination of independent prognostic factors for progression of rheumatoid arthritis is a valuable tool in early arthritis to select patients for more aggressive therapy.
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