<b>Background:</b> Although disease-specific health status measures are available for ankylosing spondylitis (AS), no instrument exists assessing quality of life (QoL) in the condition. <b>Objective:</b> To produce an AS-specific QoL measure that would be relevant and acceptable to respondents, valid, reliable. <b>Methods:</b> The ASQoL employs needs-based model was developed parallel UK Netherlands (NL). Content derived from interviews with patients each country. Face content validity were...

Behçet's disease (BD) is a rare multisystem disorder characterized by vasculitis. At present, there are no laboratory markers that correlate well with the clinical activity in BD. This has led to development of an instrument (BD Current Activity Form) measure activity. Scoring based on history new features present over preceding 4 weeks prior assessment. Standardized questions were developed for all parts form. The face validity proforma was determined following worldwide collaboration...

Thirty-two patients with Behcet's syndrome were surveyed clinically, radiologically, and immunologically. HLA antigens determined in a proportion. The culled from defined geographical area (Yorkshire) population of 5 million. 21 satisfied Mason Barnes's (1969) criteria for major disease. 100% had mouth ulceration, 91% genital 66% skin complaints, 63% arthritis (of the nonerosive type previously documented). 3 gastrointestinal involvement, one whom proven Crohn's One patient psoriasis....

OBJECTIVES--Spasticity can contribute to poor recovery of upper limb function after stroke. This is a preliminary evaluation the impact botulinum toxin treatment on disability caused by spasticity METHODS--Seventeen patients with severe and non-functioning arm were treated intramuscular A neurotoxin (median age at 54.5 years; median time between onset stroke 1.5 years). Baseline assessments two weeks compared assess efficacy. The duration improvement in was documented. Outcome measures used...

Abstract Objectives To explore the concept of work instability (WI), a state in which consequences mismatch between an individual's functional abilities and demands his or her job could threaten continuing employment if not resolved, people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). develop Work Instability Scale (WIS). Methods WI RA was explored through qualitative interviews, were then used to generate items for WIS. Results Through Rasch analysis validation against gold standard expert vocational...

An evaluation of C reactive protein as an indicator the progress acute pancreatitis has been made, and data have compared with information given by white cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, temperature two antiproteases--alpha 1 protease inhibitor alpha antichymotrypsin. The main value is to provide a guide severity inflammation increase clinicians9 awareness patient9s enhanced risk developing pancreatic collections when concentration remains high (greater than 100 mg/l) at end first...

To assist a purchasing district in the planning of services for low back pain by assessing prevalence symptoms and current involvement primary, secondary, complementary care treatment pain. In light these findings, to assess further potential impact new system open access physical therapy, as recommended British Clinical Standards Advisory Group (CSAG).A two-stage cross sectional survey approach using postal questionnaires.Altogether 1437 men 1747 women aged 25-64 years, randomly selected...

SummaryPatients with osteoarthrosis of the knee were taught two simple exercises to be practised daily graduated weights, recording details in an instruction/record book. Patients randomly divided into those receiving treatment (and short-wave diathermy) at hospital (group A), and doing their home B). Both groups showed decreased pain increased function, maximum weight lift endurance end 4 weeks. There was no difference between groups. Benefit retained by most patients notified 6 weeks a...

Forty-eight Turkish and 12 British patients along with 24 7 healthy controls were assessed for the presence of pathergy phenomenon. A photographic method 'blind' reading was utilised. The phenomenon present only among patients.

Peripheral nerves in five patients with rheumatoid neuropathy were examined electrophysiologically and by sural nerve biopsy. There was close correlation between the clinical severity of disease degree damage found histologically EMG. Group 1 a mild distal sensory showed varying degrees axonal degeneration large myelinated fibres some segmental demyelination. 2 severe, rapidly progressive sensori-motor had extensive loss fibres. In one case all degenerated. The second lost both small...

A randomised single-blind controlled trial was designed to determine whether intensity of therapy (physiotherapy and occupational therapy) shortened length stay for patients in a rehabilitation unit. Patients were under 65, primarily with stroke, but also other conditions such as traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis. The experimental group timetabled receive 67% more any given week, than the control group. After controlling confounders case mix (as expressed by type required) showed...

Hydrotherapy for OA of the hip has rarely been evaluated in controlled studies. Forty-seven patients with were followed 18 weeks. Patients randomly allocated either to a regimen home exercises or twice weekly hydrotherapy 6 weeks addition exercises. There was an improvement seen both subjective and objective measures groups treatment. no significant difference between two groups. Response treatment appeared independent age, sex radiological severity. We conclude that most patients, carefully...

STUDY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence stroke survivors in a health district population aged 55 years and over. DESIGN: This point using two-stage postal questionnaires sent an age stratified random sample population. SETTING: A authority northern England with resident 723,000. SUBJECTS: Altogether 18,827 residents or MAIN RESULTS: Prevalence found increase and, apart from very elderly, males had higher than females. Overall be 46.8/1,000 (95% CI 42.5, 51.6)....

The extent of mood disorders following traumatic brain injury (TBI), and the possible risk factors, are investigated. New data presented from a prospective study consecutive hospital admissions. Six months post-TBI, 99 adults completed standardized assessment emotional state, Wimbledon Self-Report Scale. Cognitive performance impact on everyday functioning were also assessed. rate clinically significant (caseness) was 38%. Of demographic or characteristics, only pre-injury occupational...

<h3>Abstract</h3> <b>Objective</b>: To determine the prevalence of knee problems in people aged 55 years and over identify those who should be considered for arthroplasty. <b>Design</b>: Postal survey; questionnaires were sent to a multistage stratified probability sample residents North Yorkshire Health Authority over. <b>Setting</b>: A health district with population 210000 <b>Results</b>: An initial four page postal questionnaire produced an 86% response rate among 18827 eligible...

Summary Coagulation and fibrinolytic activities were studied in 18 subjects with Behçet's disease compared results from 14 matched control patients suffering sero-negative arthritis. Significantly higher plasma concentrations (median range) found for the following variables: fibrinogen 3.7 (1.7-6.9) vs 3.0 (2.0-5.1) g/1, p &lt;0.05; von Willebrand factor antigen, 115 (72-344) 74 (60-119)%, &lt;0.002; plasminogen activator activity (106/ECLT2) 219 (94-329) 137 (78-197) units, tissue inhibitor...

We have compared the distribution of histocompatibility antigens 22 Turkish and 14 British patients with Behçet9s disease those their respective controls. There was a strong association B5, specifically its Bw51 split, disease. A modest increase in incidence HLA B27 noted patients, but numbers were too small for analysis. The DRw2 DRw4 among did not differ from that

Objectives: To estimate the point prevalence of pressure sores in a community sample spinal cord injured patients who were followed up by injuries unit and to evaluate whether self-management strategies associated with decreased risk sores. Setting: A regional unit, UK. Design: Postal questionnaire survey. Main outcome measure: Presence Subjects: All being on regular basis unit. Results: Out 760, 520 replied questionnaire; 472 eligible for analysis. Point was 23% (99). Failure inspect skin...