ABSTRACT
Studies focused on rheumatoid hand (RA) function are rare. The aims of our study were to evaluate the function of both hands during RA and investigate possible predictive factors associated with their damage. One hundred patients were enrolled consecutively between December 2013 and March 2014. Their hand function was evaluated with the brief Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (bMHQ). In 85 women and 15 men with a mean age of 55 years, the mean bMHQ was 42.43±21.19 for the right hand and 44.09±20.29 for the left hand. Being≥65 years was associated with lower scores (P=0.003 for both hands), as was a disease duration of more than 2 years (P=0.006 right hand, P=0.016 hand left), a high DAS28 (P=0.022 right hand, P=0.032 left hand), and joint deformity (P=0.000 for both hands). Treatment with biologics was associated with the highest scores (P=0.000). Physical therapy, occupational therapy, splints (P=0.034, 0.048 and 0.020, respectively) and surgery (P=0.012) were also associated with the highest scores. Age, disease duration, disease activity score and deformity were associated with the lowest bMHQ scores in RA patients. RA-specific treatment and hand therapy were associated with the highest scores.
Subject(s)
Arthritis, Rheumatoid/physiopathology , Disability Evaluation , Surveys and Questionnaires , Age Factors , Aged , Arthritis, Rheumatoid/therapy , Biological Products/therapeutic use , Blood Sedimentation , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , Joint Deformities, Acquired/physiopathology , Male , Middle Aged , Occupational Therapy , Physical Therapy Modalities , Quality of Life , Severity of Illness Index , SplintsABSTRACT
Infectious complications of finger-joints in association with hand burns are common and dominated by osteoarthritis. However, this issue has hardly ever been addressed in the literature. This ailment can either be identified while patients with extensive burns are undergoing intensive care, or during patient rehabilitation. In the former instance, it is difficult to recognize because patient sedation means the clinical signs are not obvious. In the latter phase, however, the pain, swelling (tumefaction), stiffness and radiological signs are clear. These infections should be diagnosed as soon as possible in order to preserve the function of the hand.
