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Objectives There are few papers concerning ethnic differences in disease expression in PsA, which may be influenced by a number of genetic, lifestyle and cultural factors. This article aims to compare clinical and radiographic phenotypes in people of South Asian (SA) and North European (NE) origin with a diagnosis of PsA. Methods This was a cross-sectional observational study recruiting patients of SA and NE origin from two hospitals in a well-defined area in the North of England. Results A total of 58 SA and 48 NE patients were recruited. SA patients had a more severe clinical phenotype with more tender (median 5 vs 2) and swollen (median 1 vs 0) joints, more severe enthesitis (median 3 vs 1.5), more patients with dactylitis (24% vs 8%), more severe skin disease (median PASI 2.2 vs 1) and worse disease activity as measured by the composite Psoriatic Arthritis Disease Activity Score (mean 4.5 vs 3.6). With regards to patient-completed measures, SA patients had worse impact with poorer quality of life and function (mean HAQ 0.9 vs 0.6; mean PsAQoL 10.8 vs 6.2; mean 36-item short form physical component score 33.5 vs 38.9). No significant differences in current MTX and biologics use were found. Conclusions SA patients had a worse clinical phenotype and worse impact of disease than NE patients. Further studies are needed to confirm and explore the reasons behind these differences.

ObjectiveEvaluation of a psoriatic arthritis (PsA), multidimensional, patient-completed disease flare questionnaire (FLARE).MethodsThe FLARE questionnaire was administered to 139 patients in a prospective observational study. The “gold standard” of flare was based on patient opinion. Test-retest reliability was evaluated by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Disease activity was measured by the Psoriatic Arthritis Disease Activity Score (PASDAS), Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and PsA (GRAPPA) Composite Exercise (GRACE), Composite Psoriatic Disease Activity Index (CPDAI), and Disease Activity Index for Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA).ResultsThe most common symptoms of a PsA flare were musculoskeletal, followed by fatigue, frustration, loss of function, and an increase in cutaneous symptoms. The test-retest ICC for the FLARE questionnaire was 0.87 (95% CI 0.72–0.94). The optimum cut-off to identify a flare of disease was 4/10 (sensitivity 0.82, specificity 0.76; area under the curve 0.85). For those patients scoring ≥ 4, the mean score for the composite measures was as follows (score for those not reporting a flare in parentheses): PASDAS 5.3 ± 1.3 (3.1 ± 1.6); GRACE 4.5 ± 1.2 (2.2 ± 1.4); CPDAI 8.9 ± 2.5 (4.7 ± 3.1); and DAPSA 38.2 ± 20.3 (16.8 ± 14.9). In a new flare, the increase in composite measure score was calculated as follows: 1 for PASDAS and GRACE, 2 for CPDAI, and 7 for DAPSA. Agreement between the definition of flare using the cut-off of 4 from the questionnaire, and that indicated by the subject in a separate, standalone question was 0.57 (Cohen κ).ConclusionA PsA flare displays escalation of symptoms and signs across multiple domains. The FLARE questionnaire has external validity in terms of both composite disease activity and overall patient opinion about the state of their condition.

Objective.The Tight Control of inflammation in Psoriatic arthritis (TICOPA; isrctn.com: ISRCTN30147736) trial compared standard care (StdC) and tight control (TC) in early psoriatic arthritis (PsA), demonstrating better outcomes for TC. This substudy evaluated the performance metrics of modern imaging outcomes and compared them to the clinical data.Methods.Non-contrast 0.2T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; single hand) was assessed using the Outcomes in Rheumatology (OMERACT) PsA MRI Scoring System (PsAMRIS) with an additional global inflammation score. Ultrasound (US; same hand) was scored for greyscale, power Doppler, and erosions at the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints and scores summated.Results.Seventy-eight patients had paired (baseline and 48 weeks) US data and 61 paired MRI data; 50 had matched clinical, MR, and US data. Significant within-group changes were seen for the inflammatory PsAMRIS components at MCP level: MRI global inflammation [median difference (range), standardized response mean (SRM)]: 3.25 (−5.0 to 12.0), 0.68; 1.0 (−4.5 to 17.5), 0.45 for TC and StdC, respectively. Similar within-group differences were obtained for US: 1.0 (−13.0 to 23.0), 0.45; 3.0 (−6.0 to 21.0), 0.77 for TC and StdC, respectively. No differences were seen between treatment groups. Significant correlations were found between baseline and change MRI and US scores. A significant correlation was found between baseline PsA disease activity scores and MRI global inflammation scores (Spearman ρ for MCP, PIP: 0.46, 0.63, respectively). No differences in erosion progression were observed.Conclusion.The PsAMRIS and US inflammation scores demonstrated good responsiveness. No between-group differences were demonstrated, but this substudy was likely underpowered to determine differences between the 2 treatment strategies.

ObjectiveDue to the recent pandemic caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), in-person scheduled rheumatology appointments in many countries have been reserved for urgent cases only. Here we report the development of a multidimensional, patient-completed disease assessment tool for use in psoriatic arthritis (PsA).MethodsA focus group development and education method was used, followed by a paired observation design to assess feasibility and validity. The Psoriatic Arthritis Disease Activity Score (PASDAS) was used as the basis for the clinical assessments, but elements of this tool were modified during the focus group sessions.ResultsA preliminary tool assessed tender and swollen joint counts, enthesitis, dactylitis, area of skin involved by psoriasis, and scores for global disease activity, fatigue, and spinal pain. In parallel assessments, good agreement was found between subject and healthcare professional (HCP) assessors, although overall disease activity was low.ConclusionA self-assessment tool for disease activity in PsA has been developed in conjunction with patients, demonstrating generally good agreement between patients and HCPs; however, further validation is needed before it can be recommended for clinical practice.

At the 2019 Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis-Collaborative Research Network annual meeting, the group presented its progress in selecting a database platform; items to include in an electronic case report form (eCRF); and standardized operating procedures (SOP) for the collection, processing, storage, and transport of biomaterial. A pilot investigator-initiated study was also proposed that, in addition to addressing an area of unmet need, would allow for the testing of both the eCRF and SOP.

Background Guidelines recommend foot orthoses for people with both early (

Background: Many patients with psoriasis have undiagnosed psoriatic arthritis. Low specificity is found with many PsA screening tools. A new instrument, the CONTEST questionnaire, was developed utilizing the most discriminative items from existing instruments.Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the CONTEST and PEST screening tools.Methods: People attending secondary care clinics with psoriasis, but not PsA, completed the questionnaires, were assessed for function and quality of life, and had a physical examination. Patients thought to have PsA were compared to those without. The performance of CONTEST and PEST was compared using area under the receiver operating curve (AUC), and sensitivity and specificity at the previously published cut‐offs.Results: A total of 451 dermatology patients were approached, 35% were reviewed and 27 (17%, 95% CI 12.3–21.7) had unidentified psoriatic arthritis. The sensitivity and specificity (95% CI) of PEST were 0.60 (0.42–0.78)/0.76 (0.69–0.83) and for CONTEST 0.53 (0.34–0.72)/0.71 (0.63–0.79). The confidence limits for the AUC overlapped (AUC for PEST 0.72 (0.61–0.84), for CONTEST 0.66 (0.54–0.77).Conclusions: PEST and CONTEST questionnaires performed equally well, with no superiority of the new CONTEST tool.

TNF therapy is effective for all aspects of psoriatic disease, but these drugs are costly and the long-term effects are unknown. Further, methotrexate causes concern with long-term adverse events. The purpose of this pilot study was to test the feasibility of drug withdrawal from patients with psoriatic arthritis, in stable low disease state. We examined the availability of patients, their willingness to participate, study procedures, and the proportion of patients in the withdrawal arm who relapsed during the study. Low disease state was defined by minimal disease activity criteria (MDA), and relapse by failure to achieve these criteria. Patients in the withdrawal group underwent a phased withdrawal of medication where the last treatment added was the first withdrawn. Assessments were monthly for 3 months before study exit. Seventy-two patients were invited to participate, of which 57 were found to be eligible. Twenty-six (36.1 %) subsequently attended the screening visit but 9 failed eligibility criteria so that 17 patients (29.8 % of the 57 eligible patients, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 18.4, 43.4 %) were randomised at a ratio of 2:1 in favour of the withdrawal arm (11 withdrawals, 6 standard care). Six patients experienced a flare, all of whom were in the withdrawal arm (relapse rate 54.6 %, 95 % CI 23.4, 83.3 %). Four of the flares were apparent from visit 3 (8 weeks after starting withdrawal). Given the high relapse rate, an alternative trial design of partial treatment withdrawal, possibly including a patient preference arm, is recommended.

Background Osteomalacia is caused by a deficiency of vitamin D and can be corrected by changes in diet, lifestyle and supplementation. Consequently, it is a condition where education has a primary role in prevention. Objectives If educational interventions are to be developed and evaluated, then an instrument for measuring knowledge is required. This has led us to develop a novel Osteomalacia Knowledge Questionnaire (OKQ). Methods Based on nominal group technique, a steering group of people who are knowledgeable about osteomalacia, educational theory and questionnaire development was convened. The group decided to use true and false questions. Important areas of knowledge of osteomalacia were first determined by the group and then relevant statements which were true or false were written and grouped into 8 sections of 5 questions, each covering the different areas of knowledge. This resulted in a knowledge instrument with 40 questions in all. The questions were tested for utility and ambiguity in the group and modified and replaced accordingly. The questionnaire was then trialled in 37 people of South Asian origin (an osteomalacia susceptible population), in three groups. Participants were initially administered the OKQ and then received an educational intervention comprising a practitioner led education session on osteomalacia, including a presentation and written or electronic material. Participants were re tested with the OKQ after 6 weeks. Although there is no “gold standard” for measuring knowledge about osteomalacia, if effective, increased knowledge should lead to an increase in vitamin D (Vit D) levels and a decrease in parathormone (Pth) levels. Vitamin D and Parathormone levels were measured alongside the OKQ in 2 of the groups before and after the educational intervention Results Baseline knowledge about osteomalacia was low pre education averaging only 12.7 out of 40 (range 0–29) (n=37). A total of 30 participants (81%) attended for the follow up test. They averaged a score of 13.9 at baseline and 23.4 at follow up. This was statistically significant (p=0.002 Mann Whitney) and demonstrated sensitivity to change of the OKQ. Knowledge at baseline was correlated with vit D and Pth blood levels for two of the groups (n=27). This showed correlation coeficients of 0.128 and -0.407 respectively. For change of knowledge and change of parathormone (n=21) the r value was -0.324 suggesting a relationship between knowledge and Pth that is worthy of confirmation through further studies. Conclusions A novel questionnaire has been developed that has face validity for testing knowledge about osteomalacia. It has proved feasible and shown sensitivity to change. It has also shown promising correlation with biochemical measures of osteomalacia. Acknowledgements This study was funded by Arthritis Research United Kingdom. Disclosure of Interest None declared

Objective: Several questionnaires have been developed to screen for psoriatic arthritis (PsA) but head to head studies have found limitations. This study aimed to develop new questionnaires encompassing the most discriminative questions from existing instruments. Methods: Data from the CONTEST study, a head to head comparison of three existing questionnaires, were used to identify items with a Youden's index of ?0.1. These were combined using four approaches: CONTEST- simple additions of questions; CONTESTw- weighting using logistic regression; CONTESTjt- addition of a joint manikin and CONTESTtree- additional questions identified by CART analysis. These candidate questionnaires were tested in independent datasets. Results: 12 individual questions with a Youden's index of ?0.1 were identified but 4 of these were excluded due to duplication and redundancy. Weighting for two of these questions, was included in CONTESTw. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that involvement in six joint areas on the manikin was predictive of PsA for inclusion in CONTESTjt. CART analysis identified a further 5 questions for inclusion in CONTESTtree. CONTESTtree was not significant on ROC analysis and discarded. The other three were significant in all datasets, although CONTESTw was slightly inferior to the others in the validation datasets. Potential cut points for referral are discussed. Conclusion: Of four candidate questionnaires combining existing discriminatory items to identify psoriatic arthritis in people with psoriasis three were found to be significant on ROC analysis. Testing in independent datasets identifies two questionnaires: CONTEST and CONTESTjt that should be pursued for further prospective testing. � 2014 American College of Rheumatology.

The objective of this study is to assess patient preferences for treatment-related benefits and risk of disease relapse in the management of low disease states of psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Focus groups with patients and a literature review were undertaken to determine the characteristics of treatment and symptoms of PsA important to patients. Patient preferences were assessed using a discrete choice experiment which compared hypothetical treatment profiles of the risk and benefits of treatment withdrawal. The risk outcome included increased risk of disease relapse, while benefit outcomes included reduced sickness/nausea from medication and changes in health-related quality of life. Each patient completed 12 choice sets comparing treatment profiles. Preference weights were estimated using a logic regression model, and the maximum acceptable risk in disease relapse for a given improvement in benefit outcomes was elicited. Final sample included 136 patients. Respondents attached the greatest importance to eliminating severe side effects of sickness/nausea and the least importance to a change in risk of relapse. Respondents were willing to accept an increase in the risk of relapse of 32.6 % in order to eliminate the side effects of sickness/nausea. For improvements in health status, the maximum acceptable risk in relapse was comparable to a movement from some to no sickness/nausea. The study suggests that patients in low disease states of PsA are willing to accept greater risks of relapse for improvements in side effects of sickness/nausea and overall health status, with the most important benefit attribute being the elimination of severe sickness or nausea.

This study was conducted to determine the predictors of foot ulceration occurring in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) without diabetes. A multi-centre case control study was undertaken; participants were recruited from eight sites (UK). Cases were adults diagnosed with RA (without diabetes) and the presence of a validated foot ulcer, defined as a full thickness skin defect occurring in isolation on / below the midline of the malleoli and requiring > 14 days to heal. Controls met the same criteria but were ulcer naive. Clinical examination included loss of sensation (10g monofilament); ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI); forefoot deformity (Platto); plantar pressures (PressureStat); RA disease activity (36 swollen/tender joint counts) and the presence of vasculitis. History taking included past ulceration/foot surgery; current medication and smoking status. Participants completed the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and Foot Impact Scale. A total of 83 cases with 112 current ulcers and 190 ulcer naive controls participated. Cases were significantly older (mean age 71 years; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 69–73 vs. 62 years, 60–64) and had longer RA disease duration (mean 22 years; 19–25 vs. 15, 13–17). Univariate analysis showed that risk of ulceration increases with loss of sensation; abnormality of ABPI and foot deformity. Plantar pressures and joint counts were not significant predictors. HAQ score and history of foot surgery were strongly associated with ulceration (odds ratio [OR] = 1.704, 95 % CI 1.274–2.280 and OR = 2.256, 95 % CI 1.294–3.932). Three cases and two controls presented with suspected cutaneous vasculitis. In logistic regression modelling, ABPI (OR = 0.04; 95 % CI, 0.01–0.28) forefoot deformity (OR = 1.14; 95 % CI, 1.08–1.21) and loss of sensation (OR = 1.22; 95 % CI, 1.10–1.36) predicted risk of ulceration. In patients with RA, ABPI, forefoot deformity and loss of sensation predict risk of ulceration but, in contrast with diabetes, raised plantar pressures do not predict risk.

Summary Background Multiple questionnaires to screen for psoriatic arthritis (PsA) have been developed but the optimal screening questionnaire is unknown. Objectives To compare three PsA screening questionnaires in a head-to-head study using CASPAR (the Classification Criteria for Psoriatic Arthritis) as the gold standard. Methods This study recruited from 10 U.K. secondary care dermatology clinics. Patients with a diagnosis of psoriasis, not previously diagnosed with PsA, were given all three questionnaires. All patients who were positive on any questionnaire were invited for a rheumatological assessment. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to compare the sensitivity, specificity and area under the curve of the three questionnaires according to CASPAR criteria. Results In total, 938 patients with psoriasis were invited to participate and 657 (70%) patients returned the questionnaires. One or more questionnaires were positive in 314 patients (48%) and 195 (62%) of these patients attended for assessment. Of these, 47 patients (24%) were diagnosed with PsA according to the CASPAR criteria. The proportion of patients with PsA increased with the number of positive questionnaires (one questionnaire, 19·1%; two, 34·0%; three, 46·8%). Sensitivities and specificities for the three questionnaires, and areas under the ROC curve were, respectively: Psoriatic Arthritis Screening Evaluation (PASE), 74·5%, 38·5%, 0·594; Psoriasis Epidemiology Screening Tool (PEST), 76·6%, 37·2%, 0·610; Toronto Psoriatic Arthritis Screen (ToPAS), 76·6%, 29·7%, 0·554. The majority of patients with a false positive response had degenerative or osteoarthritis. Conclusion Although the PEST and ToPAS questionnaires performed slightly better than the PASE questionnaire at identifying PsA, there is little difference between these instruments. These screening tools identify many cases of musculoskeletal disease other than PsA.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term benefits of sharp scalpel debridement of painful forefoot plantar callosities in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The null hypothesis: sharp scalpel debridement would offer no additional long-term advantage in terms of pain and function. Sixty-five people with RA were randomised to receive regular sharp scalpel debridement of painful forefoot plantar callosities in conjunction with a combined therapeutic approach or a combined therapeutic approach alone. The primary outcome measure was change at 18 months in participant-reported forefoot plantar pain measured by a 100-mm visual analogue scale (VAS). Secondary outcome measures were recorded at baseline and study exit and included revised Foot Function Index, Health Assessment Questionnaire, Foot Impact Scale and gait parameters. At 18 months, there were no differences between groups for the primary outcome VAS-measured forefoot plantar pain (left foot (F = 0.23, p = 0.635), right foot (F = 2.14, p = 0.148)). Within-group changes were highly significant (treatment arm, difference = 16.9 (95 % confidence interval (CI) 9.4, 24.4), t = 4.6, p < 0.0001; control arm, difference = 17.5 (95 % CI 9.4, 25.5), t = 4.4, p < 0.0001). There was little change in scores of overall function and foot impact in either group and there were no significant changes in gait parameters noted. The long-term effects of sharp scalpel debridement of painful forefoot plantar callosities in people with RA, when used in conjunction with a combined therapeutic approach, produced no additional benefit over the combined therapeutic approach alone. Trial registration http://www.controlled-trials.com/ISRCTN05190231.

Objective.The objective of this Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA) initiative is to develop a questionnaire to determine the presence of a flare of disease activity in psoriatic disease (PsD), for use in clinical care and research settings.Methods.In 2014 and 2015, 2 online Delphi surveys of patients and physicians attempted to achieve consensus about items that might discriminate a flare of disease. In the first round, items were derived from previous qualitative studies with patients; in the second round, new items, suggested by both patients and physicians, were added. Survey results were discussed at the 2015 GRAPPA annual meeting, and 8 breakout groups discussed specific aspects of PsD flares.Results.Survey participants were patients (n = 103 and n = 57 in rounds 1 and 2) and physicians (n = 125 and n = 81). Items for flare covered 6 domains (joints, skin, emotion, participation, fatigue, and unclassified). Patients agreed that 20 items were important (10 joints, 1 participation, 8 fatigue, 1 unclassified), and physicians agreed on 23 items (5 skin, 11 joints, 4 participation, 3 unclassified). Eight items were selected as important by both groups: 7 joint items and 1 unclassified. Patients emphasized fatigue and physicians emphasized skin and participation. Breakout groups concluded that the components of a flare instrument should be derived from patients. A flare should be defined as a change in disease state requiring intervention.Conclusion.The concept of flare in PsD covers articular, skin, emotional, participation, and fatigue domains. Further work is required to specify items that represent these domains.

The aim of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics of foot ulceration in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Adults with RA and current foot ulceration but without diabetes were recruited. Clinical examination included assessment of RA disease activity, foot deformity, peripheral vascular disease, neuropathy and plantar pressures. Location, wound characteristics and time to healing were recorded for each ulcer. Participants completed the Health Assessment Questionnaire and Leeds Foot Impact Scale. Thirty-two cases with 52 current ulcers were recruited. Thirteen patients (41%) experienced more than one current ulcer: 5 (16%) had bilateral ulceration, 15 (47%) had previous ulceration at a current ulcer site. The majority (n = 33) of open ulcers were located over the dorsal aspect of the interphalangeal joints (n = 12), plantar aspect of the metatarsophalangeal joints (MTPJs) (n = 12) and medial aspect of first MTPJs (n = 9). In ulcerated limbs (n = 37), ankle brachial pressure index (ABPI) was0.8 in 2 (5%); protective sensation was reduced in 25 (68%) and peak plantar pressures were6 kg/cm(2) in 6 (16%). Mean ulcer size was 4.84 by 3.29 mm. Most ulcers (n = 42, 81%) were superficial; five (9.6%) were infected. Time to healing was available for 41 ulcers: mean duration was 28 weeks. Three ulcers remained open. In conclusion, foot ulceration in RA is recurrent and multiple ulcers are common. Whilst ulcers are small and shallow, time to achieve healing is slow, posing infection risk. Reduced protective sensation is common in affected patients. The prevalence of arterial disease is low but may be under estimated due to high intolerance of ABPI.

Objectives To develop a preliminary composite psoriatic disease activity index (CPDAI) for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Methods Five domains were assessed and specific instruments were employed for each domain to determine the extent of domain involvement and the effect of that involvement on quality of life/function. Disease activity for each domain was then graded from 0 to 3 giving a CPDAI range of 0–15. Patient and physician global disease activity measures were also recorded and an independent physician was asked to indicate if treatment change was required. Bivariate correlation analysis was performed. Factor, tree analysis and standardised response means were also calculated. Results Significant correlation was seen between CPDAI and both patient (r=0.834) and physician (r=0.825) global disease activity assessments (p=0.01). Tree analysis revealed that 96.3% of patients had their treatment changed when CPDAI values were greater than 6; no patient had their treatment changed when CPDAI values were less than 5. Conclusion CPDAI correlates well with patient and physician global disease activity assessments and is an effective tool that clearly distinguishes those who require a treatment change from those who do not.

Objective Thrombolysis decreases the chance of post-stroke dependence, although its use carries significant risk, notably of intra-cerebral haemorrhage. Patients (and families) face an important risk/benefit decision before consenting. We drafted a patient information booklet for this purpose, and applied performance-based readability testing with the aim that the most important information in the booklet could be found and understood. Methods The booklet was developed with reference to best practice in information writing and design. We User-Tested its performance on 56 people without prior experience of stroke. After reading the booklet they were asked to find and explain 15 pieces of information. The booklet was revised according to its performance and re-tested, until each item was found and understood by at least 80% of participants. Key findings The four-page information booklet contained approximately 900 words, organised into six sections. A risk-palette graphic showed the chance of positive and negative outcomes. The booklet was tested on four participant cohorts and revised, including more bold text, re-wording, changing the title and changing the graphic to a coloured bar chart. Testing the final version on the fourth cohort of 20 people showed that each of the 15 tested items of information met the target of at least 80% participants being able to find and understand it. Conclusions The use of information design and User Testing produced a booklet that is understandable by people with no prior experience of stroke. User Testing is an inexpensive and quick method to ensure that information intended for patients is usable.

Background and Objectives Podiatry (chiropody) services are one of the most frequently requested services in primary care. The elderly are given priority access to podiatry services in the UK blocking access for other priority groups. To evaluate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of a self-management program as a means of managing nonurgent demands for podiatry services by the elderly without compromising foot-related disability. Method Randomized clinical trial with blinded 6-month follow-up and economic evaluation. People aged 60+ seeking self-initiated or primary referred podiatric consultation were screened. Five hundred ninety-nine were excluded on the basis of health status, and 259 refused to participate or did not attend initially. Seventy-eight were randomized to receive a self-management program, and 75 usual care. The main outcome measure was foot disability, as measured by the Manchester Foot Disability Questionnaire. Results At 6 months, self-management program participants had lower foot disability scores than the usual care group (difference between scores −1, 95% C.I. −2, 0), and returned for fewer treatments within the 6-month study period (39 vs. 92 treatments). The cost per patient for the self-management program (£10.92) was found to be the same as for usual care (£10.71), but this included the cost of nail care packs. Conclusion In this group a self-care program for routine foot care did not compromise therapeutic outcomes, and may be more cost effective in the long term. Further work is required to extend self-management programs to other target groups, such as people with diabetes at low risk for foot problems.

Susceptibility to colorectal cancer, one of the most common forms of cancer in the Western world, has been associated with several environmental and dietary risk factors. Dietary exposure to food derived heterocyclic amine carcinogens and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons have been proposed as specific risk factors. Many polymorphic Phase I and Phase II drug metabolizing enzymes are responsible for the metabolism and disposition of these compounds and it is therefore possible that inheritance of specific allelic variants of these enzymes may influence colorectal cancer susceptibility. In a multicenter case-control study, 490 colorectal cancer patients and 593 controls (433 matched case-control pairs) were genotyped for common polymorphisms in the cytochrome P450 (CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP1B1, CYP2A6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19 and CYP2D6), glutathione S-transferase (GSTM1, GSTP1 and GSTT1), sulfotransferase (SULT1A1 and SULT1A2), N-acetyl transferase 2 (NAT2), NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1), methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), and microsomal epoxide hydrolase (EPHX1) genes. Matched case-control analysis identified alleles associated with higher colorectal cancer risk as carriage of CYP1A1*2C (OR = 2.15, 95% CI 1.36-3.39) and homozygosity for GSTM1*2/*2 (OR = 1.53, 95% CI 1.16-2.02). In contrast, inheritance of the CYP2A6*2 (OR = 0.51, 95% CI 0.28-1.06), CYP2C19*2 (OR = 0.72, 95% CI 0.52-0.98) and the EPHX1(His113) alleles were associated with reduced cancer risk. We found no association with colorectal cancer risk with NAT2 genotype or any of the other polymorphic genes associated with the metabolism and disposition of heterocyclic amine carcinogens. This data suggests that heterocyclic amines do not play an important role in the aetiology of colorectal cancer but that exposure to other carcinogens such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons may be important determinants of cancer risk.

Study design Opportunistic prospective follow-up study. Objective To describe the natural history of low back pain in the community and to model the factors predictive of recovered versus persistent low back pain. Summary of background data A two-phase questionnaire was mailed to adults in the Bradford Metropolitan Health District in 1994. Valid respondents were surveyed again in 1997. Analysis is based on the combined results of these two surveys. Methods Unifactorial and multifactorial statistics were analyzed based on 1455 adults, with and without low back pain. Results One third of respondents reported no lifetime low back pain. Average lifetime prevalence was 59% and average annual prevalence 41%. Of those who reported lifetime low back pain, 42% reported persistent annual low back pain, 18% reported a first episode in 1997, resulting in a 4% population incidence rate, and 40% reported intermittent low back pain. The likelihood of having had low back pain increased significantly with age. Those who reported a new case of low back pain in 1997 were significantly more likely to be 25-34 years of age, and these persons were most likely to report acute low back pain with very little disability. Those with persistent low back pain were significantly more likely to report chronic low back pain with some disability. Logistic regression modeling was unable to predict recovered versus persistent low back pain, given the person, pain, and treatment factors available. Conclusions Results showed that low back pain is a mutable problem with acute episodes blending into longer periods resulting in more disability as time progresses. A wide range of demographic, pain, consultation, and treatment factors were not predictive of low back pain recovery.

Objective: To investigate the psychosocial factors associated with consultation for low back pain. Design: Two phase cross sectional postal survey. Setting: Bradford Metropolitan Health District. Subjects: 1813 adults responding to the phase 1 questionnaire. 540 of the 782 with an episode of low back pain in the past 12 months completed the second questionnaire. Main outcome measures: Six psychosocial constructs. Results: 406 (52%) of the respondents reporting back pain in the past 12 months had not consulted a health professional. Logistic regression showed that consultation was associated with externalised beliefs regarding pain management (odds ratio 3.6; 95% confidence interval 2.1 to 6.0). Duration of pain affected the factors associated with consultation. Consultation for episodes lasting less than two weeks (n=290) was associated with greater than median pain (3.0; 1.7 to 5.5), consultation for episodes over two weeks (n=243) was associated with increased disability (3.7; 1.5 to 9.0), and consultation for episodes over three months (n=143) with increased depression (3.9; 1.3 to 11.8). Conclusions: The results support a role for psychosocial factors in consultation for low back pain and suggest that the reasons for consultation vary with duration of pain. Duration of the episode may be a useful guide to management of non-specific low back pain.

Disability has been identified as a core outcome measure in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The Dougados Functional Index (DFI) and the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) have been selected as core measures of function in this disease. However, neither of these instruments has undergone rigorous psychometric testing.The psychometric properties of 2 measures of disability, the BASFI and the revised Leeds Disability Questionnaire (RLDQ), were compared in a cohort of 208 outpatients with AS. Rasch analysis was used to examine the properties of each measure and to compare them on a common scale. Test-retest was assessed in a cohort of 149 subjects who completed each instrument twice over an interval of 2 weeks.Both instruments gave an even spread of scores across the study group, but BASFI responses were positively skewed and RLDQ responses negatively skewed. There was a highly significant difference between perceived severity groups for both instruments (Kruskal-Wallis chi-squared: RLDQ, 75.1; BASFI, 80.4; both p0.0001). Both instruments gave acceptable test-retest scores (RLDQ ICC = 0.95, 95% CI 0.93-0.97; BASFI ICC = 0.94, 95% CI 0.92-0.96). Both instruments were found to be unidimensional according to the Rasch model, but the BASFI had more items displaying differential item functioning. Category disordering was apparent with the BASFI but not the RLDQ. However, both instruments displayed disordered item thresholds. Neither instrument can be used as an interval measure. Both measures had "towers" of thresholds whereby several thresholds were marking the same point on the underlying disability construct. This was particularly notable in the case of the BASFI.Both the BASFI and RLDQ provide a unidimensional measure of function in AS that is in accord with patient perception of disease severity. Neither instrument can be used as an interval measure. Changing the way that the instruments are scored, for example by collapsing categories, may improve their performance.