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[Perceived pain and weather changes in rheumatic patients]
L Cunha Miranda1, M Parente, C Silva
1Instituto Português de Reumatologia. luis.miranda@ipr.pt
Acta Reumatologica Portuguesa
|December 27, 2007
Summary
Most rheumatic patients perceive weather changes impact their pain and disease activity, especially during autumn and winter. This patient perception is a crucial clinical factor in managing chronic rheumatic conditions.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Environmental Medicine
- Pain Management
Background:
- Chronic pain in rheumatic diseases is often linked to climate variations.
- Previous research suggests a correlation between weather and disease activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess and compare how weather changes affect pain and disease activity in rheumatic patients.
- Investigate patient-reported outcomes related to climate influence.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cross-sectional study design.
- Utilized a self-reported questionnaire and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain.
- Data collected from consecutive outpatients over three weeks.
Main Results:
- 70% of 955 evaluated rheumatic patients believed weather influenced their condition, with 40% reporting high influence.
- Morning stiffness was affected in 54% of patients (34% high influence).
- Humidity (67%) and low temperatures (59%) were identified as key weather factors, particularly in autumn and winter.
Conclusions:
- A significant majority (70%) of patients perceive weather as influencing their pain and disease activity.
- Fibromyalgia patients appear particularly sensitive to weather fluctuations.
- Patient perception of climate's impact on pain is a vital clinical consideration for rheumatic disease management.
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