Study design: Systematic review and effectiveness analysis. Objectives: Assess the effectiveness of anticonvulsants for the management of post spinal cord injury (SCI) neuropathic pain. Setting: Studies from multiple countries were included. Methods: CINAHL, Cochrane, EMBASE and MEDLINE were searched up to April 2013. Quality assessment was conducted using the Jadad and the Downs and Black tools. Effect sizes and odds ratios were calculated for primary and secondary outcome in the included studies. Results: Gabapentinoids, valproate, lamotrigine, levetiracetam and carbamazepine were examined in the 13 included studies, ten of which are randomized controlled trials. Large effect size (0.873-3.362) for improvement of pain relief was found in 4 of the 6 studies examining the effectiveness of gabapentin. Pregabalin was shown to have a moderate to large effect (0.695-3.805) on improving neuropathic pain post SCI in 3 studies. Valproate and levetiracetam were not effective in improving neuropathic pain post SCI, while lamotrigine was effective in reducing neuropathic pain amongst persons with incomplete lesions and carbamazepine was found effective for relief of moderate to intense pain. Conclusion: Gabapentin and pregabalin are the two anticonvulsants which have been shown to have some benefit in reducing neuropathic pain.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by an inflammation of the synovial membranes and progressive joint destruction, leading to significant impairment of physical function and quality of life. Rheumatoid arthritis imposes a substantial economic burden on both patients and society. The recent introduction of new biologic therapies for the treatment of RA reflects the application of knowledge obtained from advancements in the understanding of disease immunopathology. This article reviews emerging new therapies for RA, focusing on those that will be administered by infusion, and highlights the important role of the infusion nurse in providing optimal patient care.
BackgroundObjectives Leflunomide (LEF) is a disease modifying antirheumatic prodrug with immunomodulating, antiproliferative and antiinflammatory properties. We studied our first daily practice experience with LEF in the Outpatient Department of Rheumatology. Methods In this prospective study we included all consecutive patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA), starting treatment
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