The epidemiology of psoriatic arthritis in Olmsted County, Minnesota, USA, 1982-1991.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence, prevalence, and outcomes of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in a geographically defined community. METHODS: Using the Rochester Epidemiology Project computerized medical record system, we screened all records of Olmsted County, Minnesota, residents with any diagnosis consistent with psoriasis and/or PsA made between January 1, 1982 and December 31, 1991. Medical records were reviewed using a pretested data collection form. Only those cases of psoriasis where the diagnosis was confirmed by a dermatologist were included. PsA was defined as inflammatory arthritis associated with a definite diagnosis of psoriasis. All identified cases were followed until death, migration from the county, or January 1, 1992. Cases with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, crystal induced arthritis, Reiter's syndrome, arthritis associated with inflammatory bowel diseases, and inflammatory osteoarthritis were excluded. Clinical characteristics were described using summary statistics. Age and sex adjusted incidence and prevalence rates were calculated. Survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: We reviewed the records of 1844 patients with a diagnosis of psoriasis. In 1056 of these, the diagnosis was confirmed by a dermatologist. Among these 1056 psoriasis cases, we identified 66 cases (34 female, 32 male) of PsA first diagnosed between 1982 and 1991. The average age and sex adjusted incidence rate per 100,000 US population was 6.59 (95% confidence interval, CI, 4.99, 8.19) and the prevalence on January 1, 1992, was about one per 1000 (95% CI 0.81, 1.21). The average age at diagnosis was 40.7 years. At diagnosis, 91, 3, and 6% of cases had oligoarthritis, polyarthritis, and spondylitis, respectively. Over the 477.8 person-years of followup, 25 developed extraarticular manifestations (enthesitis, n = 15; ocular inflammation, n = 11; urethritis, n = 9), 10 patients received disease modifying antirheumatic drug treatment (methotrexate, n = 7; sulfasalazine, n = 5; intramuscular gold, n = 1; oral gold, n = 1), 3 received corticosteroids, and 5 had surgical interventions (synovectomy, n = 3; arthroplasty, n = 1; other reconstructive surgery, n = 2). Survival was not significantly different from the general population (p = 0.546). CONCLUSION: Unlike results from previous referral based studies, our findings indicate that PsA is a mild, uncommon inflammatory arthritis, not associated with a significant increase in mortality.

Evaluation of glucocorticosteroid injection for the treatment of trochanteric bursitis.

OBJECTIVE: We conducted an open observational study to assess the short and longterm effect of single local glucocorticosteroid injection for trochanteric bursitis. METHODS: 75 patient diagnosed with trochanteric bursitis based on clinical criteria were injected; 20, 32, and 22 patients each received 6, 12, and 24 mg betamethasone, respectively, mixed with 4 cm3 of 1% lidocaine. A standardized baseline questionnaire was administered to assess the severity and functional limitation due to trochanteric pain, including the visual analog scale for pain. Patients were followed at Weeks 1, 6, and 26 to determine their response to treatment. RESULTS: 77.1, 68.8, 61.3% of responding patients reported improvement in pain at Week 1, 6, and 26, respectively. Patients receiving higher doses of betamethasone were more likely to experience pain relief (p < 0.0123). CONCLUSION: Corticosteroid and lidocaine injection for trochanteric bursitis is an effective therapy with prolonged benefit.

Pilot study of antithymocyte globulin in systemic sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: Between June 1, 1992 and August 31, 1994 we conducted an open pilot study of antithymocyte globulin (ATGAM; Upjohn, Kalamazoo, MI) in 10 patients with early systemic sclerosis (SSc) to assess whether this agent might prevent the progression of cutaneous and pulmonary involvement in this disease. METHODS: Adult patients with early SSc (< 3 years) and evidence of progressive skin and pulmonary disease were enrolled. All patients were hospitalized and received a single course of intravenous ATGAM, at a dosage of 10 mg/kg over 4 hours, on 5 consecutive days. Patients were followed up at weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4, and months 2, 4, 6, and 12. Patients were considered to be improved if the Rodnan skin score decreased > or = 25%, to be worse if the skin score increased > or = 25%, and to be not improved if the skin score was within 25% of baseline. For pulmonary involvement, patients were considered to be improved if either the diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide or the forced vital capacity was increased > or = 10%, worse if decreased by > or = 10%, and stable if within 10% of baseline. RESULTS: Most patients tolerated the treatment well, although 1 patient developed an allergic reaction necessitating discontinuation of treatment, 1 developed a serum sickness reaction after completion of therapy, and 1 developed a central venous access-related axillary vein thrombosis. Two patients died of SSc-related complications during the followup period. At 12 months, only 2 patients showed improvement in both skin and pulmonary function measures, whereas 5 patients were worse and 3 were stable. CONCLUSION: At the dosage administered in this study, ATGAM appears ineffective in improving the skin and pulmonary features of SSc.

Trochanteric bursitis (greater trochanter pain syndrome).

Trochanteric bursitis, a common regional pain syndrome, is characterized by chronic, intermittent aching pain over the lateral aspect of the hip. The incidence of trochanteric bursitis peaks between the fourth and sixth decades of life, but cases have been reported in all age-groups. The diagnosis may be elusive, especially if symptoms are atypical. This condition can be associated with pain and limitation of function. Treatment includes physical therapy measures, analgesics, and local glucocorticoid injection. In this article, we review the pathogenesis, common initial symptoms, diagnostic approach, and treatment options for trochanteric bursitis.