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[Analysis of relation between the usage of corticosteroid in treatment and arthralgia as a sequela of SARS patients].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze relation between the use of corticosteroids in the treatment for severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) patients and arthralgia as a sequela. METHODS: Clinical date of 30 SARS patients without other diseases in whom corticosteroid was used were reviewed including total dosage, duration of use, the highest dosage and its duration, and speed of reduction in dosage. The information about arthralgia was investigated one month after discharge of SARS patients from the hospital. RESULTS: The average total dosage of methylprednisolone was (4 244.16+/-2 292.30) mg, and the duration of use of the treatment was (25.36+/-5.88) days (ranging from 12 to 35 days). The maximum dosage was (321.33+/-174.03) mg/d, and the duration of its use was (7.73+/-4.08) days. The speed of reduction of dosage of corticosteroids was (21.33+/-10.18) mg/d. There were 26 of 30 patients (86.67 percent) experienced arthralgia symptom during convalescence. In 3.6 percent of patients arthralgia occurred within one month after SARS, 53.85 percent of the patients experienced low-grade arthralgia. By unifactor analysis, the total dosage and its duration of use, the highest dosage and its duration, speed of reduction of dosage of corticosteroids were correlated with the degree of arthralgia, respectively. The duration of arthralgia was correlated with the total dosage, the duration of high dosage, and high dosage. Age was not correlated with either the degree or the persisting time of arthralgia. The degree of arthralgia was only correlated with the total dosage, and the duration of arthralgia was correlated with administration time of glucocorticosteroids by multifactor analysis. CONCLUSION: There is a dosage- effect relation between the degree of arthralgia and the total dosage of corticosteroid, and a time-effect relation between the duration of arthralgia and length of the use of corticosteroids.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗

Myalgias and arthralgias associated with paclitaxel.

Paclitaxel-induced myalgias and arthralgias occur in a significant fraction of patients receiving therapy with this taxane, potentially impairing physical function and quality of life. Paclitaxel-induced myalgias and arthralgias are related to individual doses; associations with the cumulative dose and infusion duration are less clear. Identification of risk factors for myalgias and arthralgias could distinguish a group of patients at greater risk, leading to minimization of myalgias and arthralgias through the use of preventive therapies. Optimal pharmacologic treatment and possibilities for the prevention of myalgias and arthralgias associated with paclitaxel are unclear, partially due to the small number of patients treated with any one medication. The effectiveness of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is the most frequently documented pharmacologic intervention, although no clear choice exists for patients who fail to respond to NSAIDs. However, the increasing use of weekly paclitaxel could necessitate daily administration of NSAIDs for myalgias and arthralgias and leave patients at risk for adverse effects. This concern may also limit the use of corticosteroids for the prevention and treatment of paclitaxel-induced myalgias and arthralgias. Data from case reports suggest that gabapentin (Neurontin), glutamine, and, potentially, antihistamines (e.g., fexofenadine [Allegra]) could be used to treat and/or prevent myalgias and arthralgias. Given the safety profile of these medications, considerable enthusiasm exists for evaluating their effectiveness in the prevention and treatment of paclitaxel myalgias and arthralgias, particularly in the setting of weekly paclitaxel administration.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal↗

Pressure-pain thresholds and MRI effusions in TMJ arthralgia.

It has been suggested that MRI-depicted effusions identify patients with TMJ arthralgia. The Research Diagnostic Criteria (RDC) propose a pressure-pain threshold (PPT) of 1 pound for the identification of TMJ arthralgia. The hypotheses in this study were that: (1) there is no association between MRI-depicted effusions and TMJ arthralgia, and (2) a PPT of 1 pound does not discriminate between subjects with and those without arthralgia. Thirty females with TMJ disc displacement with reduction were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of the self-report of TMJ pain. Bilateral TMJ PPTs and MRIs were obtained. Increasing palpation pressure from 1 to 3 pounds increased the sensitivity for identifying arthralgia from 22% to 100%, with a corresponding decrease in the specificity from 100% to 81%. The sensitivity and specificity of effusions for identifying arthralgia were 85% and 28%, respectively. These results suggest that the use of palpation pressures greater than 1 pound is a valid test for TMJ arthralgia. However, TMJ effusions lack adequate specificity for identifying TMJ arthralgia and were not associated with pain.

Adult↗

Chronic fatigue syndrome and arthralgia following parvovirus B19 infection.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of arthralgia and fatigue complicating B19 infection, along with associated B19 markers and autoantibodies. METHODS: We studied patients with acute B19 infection (n = 51), patients followed from the time of acute B19 infection (mean 22.5 mo) (n = 39), and healthy controls (n = 50). Clinical details were collected using a questionnaire and blood was tested for B19 markers and autoantibodies. RESULTS: Acute B19 arthralgia occurred in 31 patients and was associated with female sex (p = 0.007) and age > 20 years (p = 0.02). Acute B19 fatigue occurred in 8 patients and was not significantly associated with any marker. At followup, symptoms consisted of arthralgia (n = 5), arthralgia and fatigue (n = 6), fatigue (n = 7), lymphadenopathy (n = 1), and purpura due to thrombocytopenia (n = 2). Chronic B19 arthralgia was associated with persistent B19 viremia (p = 0.029). Comparison of the B19 followup group with the controls revealed a significantly increased prevalence of arthralgia (p = 0.0002), fatigue (p < 0.0001), and all other markers. Chronic B19 arthralgia was associated with both acute B19 arthralgia (p = 0.0168) and positive ANA at acute infection (p = 0.0043). Chronic B19 fatigue was associated with acute B19 fatigue (p = 0.011). Five patients fulfilled the Centers for Disease Control criteria for a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and one of these was negative for serum anti-B19 IgG at followup by both Western blot and immunofluorescence. However, there was no characteristic pattern of B19 markers/autoantibodies in patients with B19 associated chronic fatigue. CONCLUSION: CFS may follow acute parvovirus B19 infection; however, attribution of a case of CFS to B19 infection may be extremely difficult in the absence of serological confirmation of acute infection at fatigue onset.

Adult↗

Risk factors for arthralgias or myalgias associated with quinupristin-dalfopristin therapy.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate risk factors for the development of arthralgias or myalgias associated with quinupristin-dalfopristin. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review and case-control analysis. SETTING: An 850-bed tertiary care medical center. PATIENTS: All adult and pediatric patients who had received quinupristin-dalfopristin through either a compassionate-use protocol (February 1996-October 1999) or in the year after quinupristin-dalfopristin was added to the hospital formulary (November 1999-October 2000) were included in this study. Case patients were those who developed arthralgias or myalgias while receiving quinupristin-dalfopristin therapy; control patients were those who received quinupristin-dalfopristin but did not develop arthralgias or myalgias. INTERVENTION: Medical records, pharmacy dispensing information, and microbiology data were reviewed by a physician and a pharmacist, both of whom specialized in infectious diseases. Presence or absence of arthralgias or myalgias was the primary outcome assessed. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Quinupristin-dalfopristin was administered to 68 patients during the period defined by the study. Arthralgias and myalgias could not be assessed in 18 of the 68 patients because they were sedated and paralyzed, or they were young children who could not communicate the presence of pain. Univariate analysis demonstrated that significant risk factors for arthralgias or myalgias associated with quinupristin-dalfopristin were female sex, chronic liver disease, receipt of liver transplant, elevated bilirubin level at baseline, major surgery, and receipt of either mycophenolate or cyclosporine. Multivariate analysis demonstrated a strong association with chronic liver disease, receipt of liver transplant, elevated bilirubin level at baseline, and receipt of either cyclosporine or mycophenolate. Of 50 evaluable patients receiving quinupristin-dalfopristin, 25 had pain that may have been associated with this antimicrobial agent. CONCLUSION: The mechanism for development of arthralgias or myalgias associated with quinupristin-dalfopristin remains unknown, but these adverse events are more likely to occur in patients with chronic liver disease and those who have received a liver transplant or are receiving cyclosporine or mycophenolate.

Adult↗

Fluoroquinolone-induced arthralgia and myalgia in the treatment of sinusitis.

BACKGROUND: Because of their broad-spectrum coverage, fluoroquinolone antibiotics are widely used in the treatment of acute sinusitis and acute exacerbations of chronic sinusitis. Generally, they are well tolerated, and adverse effects are usually mild. In our experience with quinolones, patients have frequently complained of arthralgias and/or myalgias. Although tendon rupture has been described as one of the more severe side effects, there are few published reports of arthralgias and/or myalgias associated with these drugs. METHODS: A retrospective review of fluoroquinolone prescriptions in a tertiary rhinology clinic was completed. Patients treated with oral levofloxacin for sinusitis over a 12-month period were contacted by mail and asked to complete an anonymous survey regarding adverse effects. Of 81 patients identified, 36 responses were received. RESULTS: Among respondents, the incidence of arthralgias and/or myalgias was 25%, which was more than twice the incidence of any other adverse effect reported. Occurrence of arthralgias and/or myalgias did not appear to be influenced by respondent age, course length, concurrent use of oral steroids, or a history of arthritis. Among those reporting arthralgia or myalgia, symptoms began after an average of 3 days of therapy and resolved an average of 7.5 days after cessation of treatment. Fourteen percent of respondents were unable to complete their course of therapy because of arthralgias and/or myalgias. CONCLUSION: Although effective and generally well tolerated in the treatment of sinusitis, fluoroquinolone antibiotics may produce adverse effects of arthralgia and/or myalgia.

Adult↗

Survey of gastrointestinal reactions to foods in adults in relation to atopy, presence of mucus in the stools, swelling of joints and arthralgia in patients with gastrointestinal reactions to foods.

BACKGROUND: Food intolerance in adults is mostly associated with vague symptoms and not clearly related to atopy and food allergy. A combination of different pathogenetic mechanisms may be responsible for the symptoms. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe patients with a history of food-related gastrointestinal symptoms in relation to the presence of mucus in the stools, joint swelling and arthralgia and to determine whether or not there is an association between the presence of these parameters, atopic disease and the presence of immune complexes in serum. METHODS: Fifty-eight patients consecutively referred to our clinic with food-related gastrointestinal symptoms were investigated. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients (60%) had mucus in their stools, 24 patients (41%) complained about joint swelling and 41 patients (71%) had arthralgia. There were no correlations between these parameters and atopy according to Phadiatope test or skin prick test (SPT). No correlations were found between the occurrence of mucus in the stools, arthralgia and joint swelling. There were significantly higher levels of circulating immune complexes in patients with a history of arthralgia compared with patients with no such history (P < 0.03) and the number of individuals with the presence of such immune complexes was higher among the patients with arthralgia than among the patients without. In general the patients did not relate the exposure to certain foods to symptoms like joint swelling, arthralgia and presence of mucus in the stools. However, there were significant positive correlations between food-related gastrointestinal symptoms in the following instances: chocolate-induced gastrointestinal symptoms and mucus in the stools (P = 0.006), vegetable-induced gastrointestinal symptoms and mucus in the stools (P = 0.002) and meat-induced gastrointestinal symptoms and mucus in the stools (P = 0.003). In a group of individuals without food-related symptoms investigated separately, a very low frequency of mucus in the stools, joint swelling and arthralgia was seen (none, two and three individuals of the 20 subjects, respectively). Of 41 patients with immediate onset of gastrointestinal symptoms, 20 were atopic according to Phadiatope and SPT. Of 11 patients with late onset of symptoms 10 were negative in Phadiatope and SPT (P < 0.05). The most frequently involved foods were fruits, vegetables, milk, fish and meat. CONCLUSION: The results suggest the involvement of different inflammatogenic mechanisms in food-related gastrointestinal symptoms.

Adolescent↗

First report of mirtazapine-induced arthralgia.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our work is to describe the first two cases of arthralgia associated with the antidepressant drug mirtazapine. METHOD: Descriptive analysis of two iatrogenic cases. The review of the literature was achieved by the traditional electronic methods. The French database of iatrogenic cases was consulted. RESULTS: A 53-year-old man presented with gonalgia after some weeks of mirtazapine treatment. The intensity of the arthralgia was correlated with the dosage and the adverse effect rapidly disappeared after the antidepressant therapy was stopped. A 38-year-old woman received mirtazapine for 3 months and complained of arthralgia and myalgia. This clinical picture was suspended as the drug was stopped and a positive reintroduction was observed. No other cause was found in these two patients. DISCUSSION: No similar case has been reported in the international literature, but several observations of arthralgia with mianserin are mentioned. As mirtazapine is the 6-aza derivative of the tetracyclic antidepressant mianserin, the similarities of their chemical structures begs the responsibility of mirtazapine for arthralgia.

Adult↗

[Persistent arthralgias in Ross-River-Virus disease after travel to the South Pacific].

HISTORY AND CLINICAL FINDINGS: A 57-year-old patient presented with malaise and severe persistent arthralgia of the left shoulder. He reported an acute illness with fever, generalized myalgia and arthralgias of the large joints which had started one month earlier during his flight back to Germany after a two weeks trip to the South Pacific. Physical examination showed extensive pain on palpation of the glenohumeral and acromioclavicular joints with impairment of active and passive mobility. Investigation of the cervical spine was normal. INVESTIGATIONS: Apart from elevated C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate levels, routine laboratory investigations were normal including negative immunodiagnostic tests for autoantibodies and various global infections that may be associated with arthritis. Immunofluorescence tests showed significant levels of specific IgM- and IgG-antibodies against Ross River virus (RRV) but not against other arboviruses endemic in the South Pacific and Australia (Dengue, West Nile, Chikungunya, Sindbis, Barmah Forest). This was confirmed by a positive RRV neutralisation test. Attempts at virus isolation and detection of viral RNA by PCR were not successful. TREATMENT AND COURSE: Symptomatic treatment with high doses of diclofenac quickly led to pain relief, and arthralgias receded within 10 days after begin of treatment. However, several bouts of arthralgia of the left shoulder and left knee occurred during a period of 4 months. CONCLUSIONS: Because of the current epidemiological situation in the South Pacific and Australia, infections by arboviruses like RRV should be considered in travellers returning from these areas with severe and persistent arthralgia of unknown origin, even in the absence of fever and other symptoms of acute infection.

Alphavirus Infections↗

Arthralgia of the temporomandibular joint and low-level laser therapy.

OBJECTIVE: This case report describes the treatment of a patient with arthralgia of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) caused by disc displacement. BACKGROUND DATA: The goal of the treatment of TMJ arthralgia is to decrease pain by promotion of the musculoskeletal system's natural healing ability. METHODS: This report describes the complex treatment of TMJ arthralgia. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) was chosen for its antiinflammatory and analgesic effects. Laser therapy was carried out using the GaAlAs diode laser with an output power of 400 mW, emitting radiation with a wavelength of 830 nm, and having energy density of 15 J/cm2; the laser radiation was applied by contact mode on four targeted spots in 10 sessions. Physiotherapy was recommended to this patient to prevent the injury of intraarticular tissue caused by incorrect movement during opening of the mouth. Splint stabilization and prosthetic treatment were used to reduce overloading of the TMJ, resulting from unstable occlusion and to help repositioning of the dislocated disc. RESULTS: Five applications of LLLT led to decrease of pain in the area of the TMJ on the Visual Analog Scale, from 20 to 5 mm. The anti-inflammatory effect of the laser was confirmed by thermographic examination. Before treatment, the temperature differences between the areas of the normal TMJ and TMJ with arthralgia was higher than 0.5 degrees C. However, at the conclusion of LLLT, temperatures in the areas surrounding the TMJ were equalized. CONCLUSION: This study showed the effectiveness of complex non-invasive treatment in patients with arthralgia of the TMJ. The analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of LLLT were confirmed by infrared thermography.

Arthralgia↗

The disproportionate impact of chronic arthralgia and arthritis among women.

The heterogeneous group of diseases that causes chronic arthralgia and arthritis is the most common cause of activity limitation and disability among middle age and older women. For reasons that remain poorly understood this group of diseases affects women substantially more frequently than men. In particular, the prevalence rates of the most common causes of arthralgia and arthritis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and the prevalence rates of less common diseases that cause arthralgia, including systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, and fibromyalgia, are between two and 10 times higher in women. Prevalence rates for most of these conditions increase with age, and may vary among populations. For example, in the United States, systemic lupus erythematosus is approximately three times as common among African-American women as among white women. All of these disorders typically have an insidious onset and variable course that can make diagnosis difficult. Yet, most patients with these diseases benefit from early diagnosis and early nonoperative treatments including patient education, patient participation in disease treatment, activity modification, assistive devices, and medications. Furthermore, early aggressive medical therapy may prevent development of permanent joint and visceral damage in patients with inflammatory diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and systemic sclerosis. Failure to make the diagnosis of an underlying disease in patients with arthralgia may lead to inappropriate treatment or delay in treatment that can result in irreversible impairment. Because many women with these conditions seek medical care from orthopaedists, orthopaedic residency education and continuing medical education should place emphasis on early diagnosis and nonoperative treatment of patients with arthralgia and arthritis, and, when appropriate, early referral to rheumatologists.

Arthralgia↗

Probiotics (VSL#3) in arthralgia in patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease: a pilot study.

Arthralgia is a common extraintestinal manifestation of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Alterations of the immunologic regulation in the gut may contribute to the pathogenesis of arthralgia. Probiotics (VSL#3) have proven effective in the treatment of pouchitis in patients with ileal pouch anal anastomosis after panproctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis both in maintaining remission and in preventing a flare-up without side effects. The aim of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of VSL#3 in patients with quiescent IBD who suffered from arthralgia for more than two weeks. An open-label trial was conducted using VSL#3. Pre- and post-treatment joint pain intensity were measured on the Ritchie Articular Index and visual analog scale. Disease activity of the bowel was assessed by the Truelove-Witts and the Harvey-Bradshaw scores. Sixteen of 29 patients completed the trial; in 10 of the 16 patients a statistically significant improvement was documented by the Ritchie Articular Index. No one of the patients had a relapse of intestinal disease while on probiotics. These preliminary results suggest that the probiotic mixture VSL#3 may be an alternative treatment for arthralgia in patients with IBD without inducing exacerbation of the disease. Because probiotics may be effective in the treatment of IBD as well, our results suggest that patients with active disease and arthralgia may also derive benefit from this treatment. Proper randomized controlled studies are indicated.

Adult↗

Association between terbinafine and arthralgia, fever and urticaria: symptoms or syndrome?

PURPOSE: The antifungal agent terbinafine has been approved for marketing in The Netherlands since 1992. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) may occur in about 10% of the patients, the majority gastrointestinal disorders and skin reactions. Since the introduction of terbinafine, the Netherlands Pharmacovigilance Foundation Lareb received eight reports of arthralgia during the use of this drug. In four reports the additional presence of skin reactions was mentioned, two of these reports concerned urticaria. Two patients who reported arthralgia also had a fever. These reports were described in more detail, and analysed statistically in order to determine whether symptoms are interrelated. METHODS: All reports with known gender and a reporting date between 1 March 1992 and 1 January 1999, concerning patients older than 10 years, were included. The extent to which the symptoms urticaria, fever and arthralgia were interrelated was examined by logistic regression modelling. RESULTS: Case series as well as the results of the statistical analysis show a clustering of symptoms among reports of patients using terbinafine. Both urticaria and arthralgia were statistically significantly associated with reports on terbinafine compared to all other reports in the database. CONCLUSION: The findings might point towards a clustering of these symptoms in patients using terbinafine. Possibly these symptoms have a shared aetiology, presumably an immunological reaction.

Adult↗

Can infrared thermography be a diagnostic tool for arthralgia of the temporomandibular joint?

This paper presents a review of the use of infrared thermography in diagnosis of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthralgia. The question examined was whether the infrared thermography could be reliably used as a tool to diagnose arthralgia by objectively assessing the site of origin and the degree of irritation. Controlled studies were performed by using advanced thermographic devices to show both diagnostic validity and reliability of infrared thermography as a screening test for selecting healthy subjects from patients with unilateral TMJ arthralgia. The study revealed that thermography fails to meet the criteria of high level of evidence. Further studies are required to confirm these results in order to specify analysis of facial thermal patterns and to better understand the relationship between TMJ arthralgia and regional temperature changes. Until then infrared thermography cannot be recommended for routine use as a diagnostic technique to identify TMJ disorders.

Arthralgia↗

Giardiasis-associated arthralgia in children.

BACKGROUND: Giardiasis is the most common intestinal parasitosis in Mexico. Usual symptoms of the acute infection are diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and weight loss. Children are more frequently affected than adults. Various extra-intestinal manifestations have been reported, among which are arthritis and arthralgia. METHODS: A series of 10 children with arthralgia and cysts of Giardia lamblia in feces seen during 13 years of private practice were presented. Ages ranged between 5 and 11 years, and 70% of the children are males. RESULTS: The joints involved in all cases were the knee and the ankle. No joint flogosis or changes in local temperature were observed. Other associated symptoms were abdominal pain (100%), abdominal distension (70%), flatulence (50%), less consistent stools (50%), anemia (30%), and increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (60%). C-reactive protein and rheumatoid factor were negative in all cases. Arthralgia disappeared after treatment with metronidazole when coproparasitoscopic analyses were negative. CONCLUSIONS: Arthralgia associated with giardiasis in children is a rare entity, relatively benign, and leaves no sequelae.

Adolescent↗

Arthralgia and digital clubbing in a child: hypertrophic osteoarthropathy with inflammatory pseudotumour of the lung.

Arthralgia in childhood is an unspecific symptom. One rare cause of arthralgia is hypertrophic osteoarthropathy associated with digital clubbing. We present a child where hypertrophic osteoarthropathy led to the rare diagnosis of an inflammatory pseudotumour of the lung. In a 12-year-old girl with arthralgia and digital clubbing, a chest radiograph disclosed a large round mass in the right upper lobe, and the following chest computed tomography scan showed a large solid homogenous, round, well marginated lesion with little contrast enhancement. A lobectomy of the right upper lobe was performed, and histological examination showed an inflammatory pseudotumour. The postoperative course was without problems: arthralgia and digital clubbing disappeared.

Arthralgia↗

Arthralgia as an early extraintestinal symptom of Whipple's disease. Report of five cases.

Five patients with Whipple's disease all suffered from arthralgia for a long time (15 years in one case) before developing gastrointestinal or other symptoms. In all patients, arthralgia was seronegative, and there was no evidence of joint destruction. Arthralgias were symmetric and migrating. Whipple's disease is part of the differential diagnosis of enteropathic arthralgia. Thereby, the polymerase chain reaction can be a helpful tool to prove Whipple's disease in difficult differential diagnosis.

Arthralgia↗

Mirtazapine-induced arthralgia.

AIM: With this article, we intend to corroborate the assumed association between mirtazapine and arthralgia by presentation of eight case reports, and we describe a possible mechanism of action. METHODS AND RESULTS: The Netherlands Pharmacovigilance Centre Lareb received eight case reports on arthralgia associated with use of mirtazapine. These case reports are presented in short. We also present worldwide data on this association. CONCLUSIONS: The Lareb reports support the association between mirtazapine and arthralgia. A comparison is made between mirtazapine, mianserin and nefazodone, as these antidepressants show similarities in their mode of action and are all associated with arthralgia. We suggest that this adverse drug reaction may be induced by enhanced 5HT1-mediated neurotransmission.

Adult↗