Type 1 Complex Regional Pain Syndrome After Subacromial Shoulder Surgery: Incidence and Risk Factor Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Complex Regional Pain Syndrome type 1 (CRPS1) is a potential complication, affecting the prognosis of functional joint recovery. Its incidence ranges from 2 to 40% depending on the series and the joints involved. Very few studies have evaluated the incidence of CRPS after shoulder surgery. The objective of our study was to determine the incidence of CRPS1 and to identify any pre-operative risk factors associated with its emergence after extra-articular subacromial space surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a retrospective single-centre study of patients who underwent surgery for a subacromial extra-articular shoulder pathology from January 2016 to December 2016 and included a follow-up period of at least 6 months. The primary inclusion criterion was developing a CRPS1 as defined by Veldman. A pre- and post-operative clinical assessment was performed based on the Constant (Cst) score. RESULTS: Among the 287 patients, with an average follow-up period of 6.5 months, included in the study, 38 (13%) presented with post-operative CRPS1. Treated hypothyroidism (OR = 3.79; 95% CI 1.58;9.07; p = 0.003), open surgery (OR = 2.92; 95% CI 1.35-6.32; p = 0.007) and the level of daily physical activity from the Cst score (OR = 0.088; 95% CI 0.79;0.97; p = 0.015) were found to be significantly associated with the onset of CRPS1. CONCLUSION: CRPS1 affected more than 10% of patients who underwent surgery for a subacromial shoulder pathology. The current study identified hypothyroidism, open surgery, and pre-operative clinical status as risk factors for the onset of this complication. These parameters should, therefore, be taken into consideration during the patient's pre-operative consultation.

Effectiveness of Exercise Programs in Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of exercise programs on disease activity and function in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) by a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). DATA SOURCES: Medline via PubMed and Cochrane Library. STUDY SELECTION: Reports of RCTs examining the effectiveness of exercise programs for AS published up to May 2017. DATA EXTRACTION: Outcomes were evolution of the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) after the completion of exercise programs. Modalities of exercise were compared and the use of biologic therapy was reported. DATA SYNTHESIS: After screening 190 abstracts, we selected 26 reports for detailed evaluation and finally investigated 8 trials that assessed a home-based exercise program (2/8), swimming (1/8), Pilates training (1/8), or supervised exercises (4/8), for a total of 331 patients with AS. Four trials included patients receiving antitumor necrosis factor therapy. All trials except one showed a decrease in BASDAI and BASFI with exercise. The weighted mean difference was -0.90 (95% confidence interval, -1.52 to -0.27; I2=69%; P=.005) for the BASDAI and -0.72 (95% confidence interval, -1.03 to -0.40; I2=0%; P<.00001) for the BASFI in favor of exercise programs. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the small number of patients and the heterogeneity of exercise programs in the RCTs included in this meta-analysis, its results support the potential of exercise programs to improve disease activity and body function in AS.

Osteoporosis and ischemic cardiovascular disease.

Osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease were long viewed as independent of each other. However, numerous epidemiological studies, which are discussed in the first part of this review, have provided incontrovertible evidence of a link. Thus, the risk of coronary artery disease and stroke is higher in patients with a history of osteoporotic fracture or low bone mineral density than in non-osteoporotic patients. In the other direction, patients with cardiovascular disease are at higher risk for bone loss and osteoporotic fracture. The link between osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease is due in part to shared conventional risk factors such as estrogen deprivation in women, smoking, low physical activity, and diabetes. In addition, atheroma plaque calcification involves cytokines and growth factors that also play a role in bone turnover, including proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNFα), osteoprotegerin, sclerostin, matrix GLA protein, and FGF-23. Several recent studies have provided support for these pathophysiological hypotheses. Thus, elevation of osteoprotegerin, sclerostin, or FGF-23 levels may explain and predict the occurrence of both osteoporotic fractures and cardiovascular events. The association between osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease found in most epidemiological and pathophysiological studies suggests a need for evaluating potential benefits from routine bone absorptiometry and osteoporotic fracture detection in patients with cardiovascular disease and from exercise testing and arterial Doppler imaging in patients with osteoporosis.

Infection of the sigmoid colon during TNFα antagonist therapy for chronic inflammatory joint disease.

We report 7 cases of sigmoid colon infection in patients taking TNFα antagonist therapy to treat chronic inflammatory joint disease. There were 5 women and 2 men with a mean age of 57.5 years (range, 21-77 years). The presenting symptoms were abdominal pain, bowel habit changes, and a fever. These symptoms developed within 6 months after starting TNFα antagonist therapy in 5 of the 7 patients. Empirical antibiotic therapy was used in all 7 patients. Surgical colectomy was performed in 4 patients, including 1 who required a temporary Hartmann's procedure. The risk of infection associated with TNFα antagonist therapy is well documented. However, few cases of colon infection have been reported and little is known about this potentially severe complication. Glucocorticoids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may worsen the infection, particularly as they can attenuate the clinical symptoms, thereby delaying the diagnosis. A history of sigmoid colon infection, diverticulosis, and/or diverticulitis must be sought before starting treatment with a biological agent. Prophylactic treatment may be considered if such a history is found. Diagnostic investigations are in order to develop a standardized management strategy in patients with a history of intestinal tract infection.