New findings in ankylosing spondylitis described by S. Pavy and co-researchers
2007 NOV 13 -- In this recent report published in the journal Joint Bone Spine, researchers in Montpellier, France conducted a study "To develop recommendations regarding imaging studies for the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with axial forms of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) seen in everyday practice Evidence from the literature and expert opinion were used to develop the recommendations. Using the Delphi consensus procedure, a scientific committee selected five areas of interest, about which scientific evidence was sought by searching Medline and the databases maintained by the French Society for Rheumatology, European League against Rheumatism, and American College of Rheumatology." "Based on this evidence, a panel of experienced rheumatologists drafted recommendations, using expert opinion if needed to supplement gaps in evidence. For each recommendation, the level of evidence and the extent of agreement among the experts were specified The five areas of interest dealt with the usefulness of imaging studies for the diagnosis, follow-up, prognostic evaluation, and assessment of treatment responses in patients with AS. The literature search retrieved 144 articles based on titles and abstracts. After elimination of articles that did not include an analysis of the radiological evaluation of AS, 73 articles were left for review. Eight recommendations were drafted then validated by having all panel participants vote during a final meeting Eight recommendations about the use of imaging studies in patients with AS were developed," wrote S. Pavy and colleagues. The researchers concluded: "They can be expected to improve clinical practice uniformity and, in the longer term, to optimize the management of patients with AS." Pavy and colleagues published their study in Joint Bone Spine (Imaging for the diagnosis and follow-up of ankylosing spondylitis: Development of recommendations for clinical practice based on published evidence and expert opinion. Joint Bone Spine, 2007;74(4):338-345). For additional information, contact B. Combe, CHU Lapeyronie, Hopital Lapeyronie, Service Immunorhumatol, 371 Avenue Doyen Gaston Giraud, F-34295 Montpellier 5, France. The publisher's contact information for the journal Joint Bone Spine is: Elsevier France-Editions Scientifiques Medicales Elsevier, 23 Rue Linois, 75724 Paris, France. Keywords: France, Montpellier, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Rheumatology. This article was prepared by Medical Imaging Law Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Medical Imaging Law Week via NewsRx.com.
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