Pandemic of the century: COVID-19 in inflammatory rheumatic diseases of a national cohort with 3,532 patients.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the clinical outcomes and risk factors for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in patients with inflammatory rheumatic disease (IRD) of a national cohort. Patients and methods: The multicenter cross-sectional study was carried out between July 15, 2020, and February 28, 2021. Data collection was provided from a national network database system, and 3,532 IRD patients (2,359 males, 1,173 females; mean age: 48.7±13.9 years; range; 18 to 90 years) were analyzed. Demographics, clinics about rheumatic disease, comorbidities, smoking status, being infected with COVID-19, and the course of the infection were questioned by rheumatology specialists. Results: One hundred seventeen patients were infected with COVID-19, the hospitalization rate due to COVID-19 was 58.9%, and the mortality rate was 1.7%. There was no difference between the COVID-19 positive and negative groups in terms of rheumatic disease activities and receiving drugs. It was observed that patients with COVID-19 had worse compliance with isolation rules, and bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination was less common. The mean age and the rate of smoking of hospitalized COVID-19 patients were higher than those without hospitalization. Conclusion: In this cohort, in which real-life data were analyzed, COVID-19 rates in IRD patients were similar to the general population for the same period. Compliance with the isolation rules and BCG vaccination attracted attention as components that reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection. The risk factors for hospitalization were older age and smoking.

Radiation-induced lumbosacral plexopathy and pelvic insufficiency fracture: A case report of unique coexistence of complications after radiotherapy for prostate cancer.

Case reports of plexopathy after prostate cancer are usually neoplastic. Radiation-induced lumbosacral plexopathy and insufficiency fractures have clinical significance due to the need to differentiate them from tumoral invasions, metastases, and spinal pathologies. Certain nuances, including clinical presentation and screening methods, help distinguish radiation-induced plexopathy from tumoral plexopathy. This case report highlights the coexistence of these two rare clinical conditions. Herein, we present a 78-year-old male with a history of radiotherapy for prostate cancer who developed right foot drop, severe lower back and right groin pain, difficulty in standing up and walking, and tingling in both legs over the past month during remission. The diagnosis of lumbosacral plexopathy and pelvic insufficiency fracture was made based on magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, and electroneuromyography. The patient received conservative symptomatic treatment and was discharged with the use of a cane for mobility. Radiation-induced lumbosacral plexopathy following prostate cancer should be kept in mind in patients with neurological disorders of the lower limbs. Pelvic insufficiency fracture should also be considered if the pain does not correspond to the clinical findings of plexopathy. These two pathologies, which can be challenging to diagnose, may require surgical or complex management approaches. However, in this patient, conservative therapies led to an improvement in quality of life and a reduction in the burden of illness.

Clinical properties and rehabilitation needs of earthquake survivors in a subacute rehabilitation setting.

BACKGROUND: This descriptive analysis examines the victims of the February 6, 2023, earthquakes in Kahramanmaras and Elbistan, Türkiye. It aims to detail the injury profiles related to neuro-musculoskeletal trauma, assess the rehabilitation needs of patients, and propose a comprehensive rehabilitation approach. METHODS: The study included patients injured in the Kahramanmaras-centered earthquake on February 6, 2023, who were transported to our hospital based on their rehabilitation needs. Data from patients treated at our hospital were recorded retrospectively. This included demographic information, accompanying pathologies, laboratory findings, rehabilitation programs, and treatments received during their hospital stay. Statistical analyses were conducted to examine the data. RESULTS: A total of 141 patients with musculoskeletal injuries were admitted due to injuries sustained from the earthquake. The mean age of the participants was 39.76 years, with a slight female predominance (56.7%). The majority of patients sustained injuries while trapped under debris (90.1%), with an average duration of 10 hours under rubble. Fractures were the most common form of injury (53.2%), predominantly affecting the lower extremities. Peripheral nerve injuries were present in 41.1% of patients, and amputations were observed in 30.5%. Complications included compartment syndrome (46.1%), crush syndrome (36.2%), and various infections. Pain was prevalent among patients, with somatic pain being the most reported type. Individualized rehabilitation programs were implemented, incorporating physical therapy, wound care, pain management, and psychosocial support. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the critical rehabilitation needs of earthquake survivors and emphasizes the importance of early and comprehensive rehabilitation interventions. Multidisciplinary rehabilitation programs were crucial in addressing medical issues, functional limitations, and psychological challenges faced by the survivors. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of earthquake-related injuries and underscore the significance of well-coordinated rehabilitation strategies in disaster responses.

Surgery of Cranial Deformity Following Ventricular Shunting: A Multicenter Study.

AIM: To review the cases of craniosynostosis secondary to ventricular shunting procedure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the medical records of all pediatric patients with hydrocephalus who were treated with ventriculoperitoneal shunt procedure between the years 2017 and 2021 at the Selcuk University, Ankara University, and Bursa Uludag University. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients were included in the study. The median age at the time of insertion of ventriculoperitoneal shunt for hydrocephalus was 8.1 (range, 1?22) months. Seven patients were shunted because of congenital hydrocephalus. The mean time to development of secondary synostosis was 8.8 (range, 1?36) months. Plagiocephaly was the most common type of secondary synostosis. While shunt revision was performed in 16 patients, cranial vault expansion surgery was performed in 5 patients. CONCLUSION: Slit ventricle syndrome is a frequent condition at shunted patients, but there is no consensus on identifying patients who require treatment. Using programmable or high-pressure valves, performing cranial vault modeling are possible treatment modalities. Increased awareness of this condition in follow-up may allow early diagnosis and intervention and prevent it from evolving into more serious deformities.

Predictive value of ultrasonography in polyneuropathy diagnosis: electrophysiological and ultrasonographic analysis.

Peripheral neuropathy may cause serious complications such as foot ulcers and Charcot joint which can prevent by early diagnosis. We aimed to analyze the diagnostic value of ultrasonographic measurements of nerves and muscles in distal symmetric axonal polyneuropathy (DSAP). Study included 51 DSAP patients and 51 controls. Nerve conduction studies were performed. Median, ulnar, tibial, superficial peroneal, and sural nerves and the abductor pollicis brevis (APB), abductor digiti minimi (ADM), first dorsal interosseous (FDI), extensor digitorum brevis (EDB), abductor hallucis (AH) and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles were evaluated with ultrasound. The Toronto clinical scoring system (TCSS) was used to assess the severity of neuropathy. The median, ulnar, and tibial nerve cross-sectional areas (CSA) were higher in the DSAP group (p = 0.025, p = 0.011, p < 0.001 respectively) while superficial peroneal and sural nerve CSAs were not differed. Only AH and EDB ultrasonographic findings from the muscles differed between the two groups. Effect of diabetes and DSAP on sonographic findings were assessed with two-way ANOVA. Results indicated that only DSAP had a significant effect on sonographic nerve and muscle examination. The area under the ROC curve was 0.831 ± 0.042 for tibial nerve CSA (p < 0.001) with a cut-off value of 15.5 mm2 (sensitivity 74% and specificity 83%). Median, ulnar and tibial nerve CSAs were found to be larger in polyneuropathy patients and they were associated with the clinical and electrophysiological severity of polyneuropathy. ROC analysis showed that tibial nerve CSA may have a predictive value in the diagnosis of DSAP.

Motor neuron disease in a patient with overlap syndrome (rheumatoid arthritis; systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren's syndrome).

Autoimmune rheumatic diseases have their own specific clinical presentation, and can affect multiple systems. Neurological involvement of autoimmune rheumatic diseases may involve both the central and peripheral nervous systems. Inflammation of neural tissue, autoantibody-mediated reactions, and small vessel vasculitis may be effective in the pathogenesis of neuropathy in autoimmune rheumatological diseases. Autoimmune rheumatic disease with pure motor neuron involvement is very rare in the literature. The case is here presented of a 58-year-old female patient who presented with the complaints of increasing pain and weakness in the extremities and was diagnosed with lower motor neuron disease and overlap syndrome. The patient was treated with cyclophosphamide, pulse steroid, hydroxychloroquine and intravenous immunoglobulin. After 3 months of treatment, a significant improvement was observed in the patient's clinical complaints and laboratory parameters. In conclusion, some patients with undiagnosed autoimmune rheumatic diseases may have neurological complaints. Clinicians should investigate patients with such neurological complaints for autoimmune rheumatic diseases.

Ultrasound-guided genicular nerve block versus physical therapy for chronic knee osteoarthritis: a prospective randomised study.

To compare the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided genicular nerve block (GNB) and physical therapy (PT) in patients with chronic knee osteoarthritis. A prospective randomised study with 102 patients (45-70 years) was performed wherein the patients received ultrasound-guided GNB (n = 51) and PT (n = 51) along with a standard home exercise programme. Scores for pain on a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and 6-min walking test (6MWT) were assessed pre-treatment and at 2- and 12-weeks post-treatment. Both groups were comparable for sociodemographic characteristics. VAS scores (in mm) in the ultrasound-guided GNB group at 0, 2 and 12 weeks were 7.01 ± 1.36; 3.71 ± 2.18; 5.08 ± 2.22 (p < 0.001) and 6.64 ± 1.99; 4.35 ± 1.09; 5.25 ± 1.33, (p < 0.001) in the PT group. While the increase in the 6MWT test in the 2nd week was similar for both groups (p = 0.073), the increase in walking distance was greater in the ultrasound-guided GNB group at 12 weeks (p = 0.046). As compared to PT, ultrasound-guided GNB is beneficial in reducing pain and increasing functional and physical capacity, with greater retention of effects on the physical capacity seen at 12 weeks. Trial registration number: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04782401).

Rehabilitative management of post-acute COVID-19: clinical pictures and outcomes.

This study aimed to detect patients' characteristics who suffered severe and critical COVID-19 pneumonia admitted to the post-acute COVID-19 rehabilitation clinic in Ankara City Hospital, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Hospital and to share our experiences and outcomes of rehabilitation programmes applied. This study was designed as a single-centre, retrospective, observational study. Severe and critical COVID-19 patients, admitted to the post-acute COVID-19 rehabilitation clinic, were included in patient-based rehabilitation programmes, targeting neuromuscular and respiratory recovery. Functional status, oxygen (O2) requirement and daily living activities were assessed before and after rehabilitation. Eighty-five patients, of which 74% were male, were analysed, with the mean age of 58.27 ± 11.13 and mean body mass index of 25.29 ± 4.81 kg/m2. The most prevalent comorbidities were hypertension (49.4%) and diabetes mellitus (34.1%). Of the 85 patients, 84 received antiviral drugs, 81 low-molecular-weight heparin, 71 corticosteroids, 11 anakinra, 4 tocilizumab, 16 intravenous immunoglobulin and 6 plasmapheresis. 78.8% of the patients were admitted to the intensive care unit, with a mean length of stay of 19.41 ± 18.99 days, while those who needed O2 support with mechanic ventilation was 36.1%. Neurological complications, including Guillain-Barré syndrome, critical illness-related myopathy/neuropathy, cerebrovascular disease and steroid myopathy, were observed in 39 patients. On initial functional statuses, 55.3% were bedridden, 22.4% in wheelchair level and 20% mobilised with O2 support. After rehabilitation, these ratios were 2.4%, 4.7% and 8.2%, respectively. During admission, 71 (83.5%) patients required O2 support, but decreased to 7 (8.2%) post-rehabilitation. Barthel Index improved statistically from 44.82 ± 27.31 to 88.47 ± 17.56. Patient-based modulated rehabilitation programmes are highly effective in severe and critical COVID-19 complications, providing satisfactory well-being in daily living activities.

Carpal tunnel syndrome in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis: an electrophysiological and ultrasonographic study.

This study aimed to investigate the carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA), compare the electrophysiological and ultrasonographic findings and evaluate related variables. Cut-off value of median nerve cross-sectional area (MCSA) was determined for the diagnosis of CTS. 70 RA patients, 39 PsA patients, a control group of 70 healty people were included in this study. Demographic characteristics, disease activity and functional status were recorded. Patients were referred for nerve conduction studies performed according to the American Academy of Neurology standards. Sonographic examination was carried on for MCSA evaluation. The mean age of patients was 51.87 ± 8.47, 50.61 ± 11.33, 49.75 ± 10.52 years and female ratio was 72.9%, 71.8%, 75.7% in RA, PsA and controls, respectively. Electrophysiologically, CTS frequency was found to be 13.2%, 15.4%, 3.5% in RA, PsA, control group, respectively, and a significant difference was found compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Ultrasonographically MCSA was measured as 8.52 ± 2.19 mm2, 8.97 ± 2.41 mm2, 7.09 ± 1.83 mm2 in RA, PsA, control group, respectively, a significant difference was observed compared to the control group (p < 0.05). As a result of the Receiver Operating Characteristics analysis, the thereshold value of MCSA for CTS was determined as 10.5 mm2.The frequency of CTS was found to be 30% in RA and 41% in PsA. The frequency of CTS with both ENMG and USG (MCSA) were higher in patients with RA and PsA as compared to the control group. Although it was not statistically significant, CTS frequency was higher in PsA than RA. To our knowledge this is the first study assessing CTS in patients with PsA, and adressing MCSA cut off value for CTS diagnosis in RA and PsA.

Evaluation of pain, quality of life, and patient satisfaction in parenterally treated patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate pain, quality of life, and patient satisfaction in parenterally treated patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis (OP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between May 2016 and January 2018, a total of 138 patients (mean age 63.78 years; range, 50 to 70 years) with postmenopausal OP were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were previously treated with denosumab (DEN) and parenteral forms of bisphosphonates such as zoledronic acid (ZOL) and ibandronate (IBN). The pain severity was evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form (BPI-SF). The quality of life was evaluated using the Quality of Life Questionnaire of the European Foundation for Osteoporosis (Qualeffo-41). For the evaluation of patient satisfaction, a three-item questionnaire including satisfaction with the medication, route, and frequency of administration was applied. RESULTS: Of the patients, 50 received DEN, 48 received ZOL, and 40 received IBN treatment. There was no significant difference in any of the pain parameters. All domains of the Qualeffo-41 were similar among the three groups. The patients in the DEN group were more satisfied with their medication (DEN: 88%, ZOL: 43.75%, and IBN: 52.5%), its administration route (DEN: 84%, ZOL: 43.8%, and IBN: 57.5%), and the frequency of its administration (DEN: 84%, ZOL: 56.25%, and IBN: 52.5%) (p=0.0001). CONCLUSION: Neither of the medication showed a superior effect on quality of life. However, patients were more satisfied with medications used in a six-month interval and applied subcutaneously. Of these three treatment options, DEN seems to be a step ahead in terms of patient satisfaction.

Type D Personality is Associated With Disease Severity and Poor Quality of Life in Turkish Patients With Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the rate of type D personality in Turkish patients with fibromyalgia (FM) and evaluate its associations with clinical parameters of FM as well as its effects on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 100 patients with FM (14 males, 86 females; mean age 34.6±7.4 years; range, 22 to 49 years) fulfilling 1990 American College of Rheumatology diagnostic criteria and 50 healthy controls (9 males, 41 females; mean age 32.6±6.5 years; range, 21 to 50 years). Type D personality was assessed using the type D scale-14 (DS-14). FM disease severity was determined by Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), functional status by Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), and HRQoL by Nottingham Health Profile (NHP). Severity of pain and fatigue were measured by visual analog scale (VAS). RESULTS: The frequency of type D personality was 33% in FM patients and 12% in controls (odds ratio=3.612, 95% confidence interval 1.398-9.333) (p=0.006). Type D FM patients scored higher in tender point count (TPC), FIQ, HAQ, VAS-pain and all NHP subgroups except energy (p<0.01). Type D personality was found to be correlated with FIQ, TPC, HAQ, VAS-pain and NHP subgroups except energy (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Based on our findings, assessment of personality characteristics of patients with FM may hold the key for the treatment of the disease. Besides, a better understanding of personality-related pain in FM patients may provide a more targeted approach to pain treatment.

Psoriatic arthritis impact of disease questionnaire: validity, reliability and its clinical potential.

The psoriatic arthritis impact of disease (PSAID) questionnaire has been developed to measure disease impact on patients with psoriatic arthritis. It was aimed to evaluate its validity and reliability in association with sociodemographic and clinical factors and compare it with disease activity and patient-reported outcome measures in a Turkish psoriatic arthritis population. A prospective observational study was conducted to validate the Turkish version of the PSAID. All consecutive patients with psoriatic arthritis were evaluated between January 2019 and October 2019. Demographic and clinical features were recorded. The PSAID and patient-reported outcome measures were applied to all patients. Interclass and intra-class correlation analyses were performed. Convergent validity and correlation coefficients were used for validity analyses. There were 80 patients with a mean age of 50.2 ± 9.9 years. Cronbach's α value of the PSAID and intra-class correlation were 0.799 and 0.984, respectively. The total median PSAID score was 4.7. Pain, fatigue, ability to work, functional capacity and feeling of discomfort were the five highest-scoring subscales. There was satisfactory internal consistency for each subscale of the PSAID. As disease severity increased from low to high, the PSAID scores significantly increased. There were acceptable correlations between the PSAID and other patient-reported outcome measures. The PSAID is shown to be a reliable and valid questionnaire in Turkish patients with psoriatic arthritis. Good correlation with disease activity and patient-reported outcome measures represent an opportunity to use the PSAID in clinical practice to tailor individualized treatment choices.

Factors predicting reoperation after hand flexor tendon repair.

BACKGROUND: This single-center, retrospective study aims to analyze the sociodemographic, injury characteristics, and the total number of lost working days of patients undergoing hand flexor tendon repair and to identify factors predicting reoperation. METHODS: Hand flexor tendon repairs conducted using a four-strand modified Kessler core suture with early rehabilitation from January 2013 to December 2016 were included in this study. The variables evaluated in this study were patient sociodemographic and injury characteristics, number of lost working days, and reoperations because of rupture and/or adhesion formation. Injury severity was determined using Modified Hand Injury Severity Scoring (MHISS). Binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the predictors of reoperation. RESULTS: A total of 194 patients were included in this study, who had experienced 329 tendon injuries. Participants were young (mean age, 31.8), mostly male (79.4%), and mostly blue-collar workers (50.0%). Most patients had a zone 2 injury affecting a single digit of the dominant hand. The mean MHISS value was 46.6, and the mean time to return to work was 114.0 days. A total of 37 (19.1%) patients required reoperation because of rupture and/or adhesion formation. Smoking, zone 2 injury, and high MHISS value were negative predictors of reoperation. CONCLUSION: To minimize the need for reoperation, surgeons and rehabilitation teams should take special care of patients with zone 2 injuries, high MHISS values, and smoking history.

Hypermobility Frequency in School Children: Relationship With Idiopathic Scoliosis, Age, Sex and Musculoskeletal Problems.

Objectives: This study aims to assess the prevalence of generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) in school children in relation to scoliosis and to identify musculoskeletal problems. Patients and methods: This cross-sectional study included 822 school children (413 males, 409 females; mean age 12.2±1.3 years; range, 10 and 15 years). Demographic characteristics of all children were recorded. The presence of GJH was assessed by the Beighton score (≥4 was considered joint hypermobility). Scoliosis screening consisted of forward bend test (FBT) and measurement of angle of trunk rotation (ATR). Positive FBT or ATR ≥5° was referred to a portable X-ray device. The presence of musculoskeletal complaints was determined by a questionnaire. Results: Children's Body Mass Index (BMI) was 19.6±4.1. GJH was diagnosed in 151 subjects (18.4%). No significant association was detected between sex and hypermobility. Joint hypermobility was inversely correlated with age and BMI. Scoliosis was found in 43 subjects (5.2%) and all of them except one girl had mild scoliosis. The most common scoliosis pattern was a single left thoracolumbar curve. Seventy-three subjects (8.9%) had Cobb angle under 10°, with a potential for progression. Among subjects having GJH, the most common clinical finding was pes planus (34.3%) and the most common clinical symptom was ankle sprain (31.3%). Conclusion: Similar to that found in children from many countries, GJH is a common clinical condition in Turkish children. GJH should be assessed in the differential diagnosis of adolescents with musculoskeletal complaints for effective treatment and reducing morbidity. GJH should be considered in adolescents with scoliosis, which may be an important aspect in treatment.

Early improvement in physical activity and function after total hip arthroplasty: Predictors of outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to assess early changes in physical activity and function after total hip arthroplasty (THA) using both subjective and objective methods, and to identify predictors of outcomes of THA. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between October 2014 and October 2015, a total of 50 patients (14 males, 36 females; mean age 57.1±13.0 years; range, 31 to 75 years) with end-stage primary hip osteoarthritis who were scheduled for THA and 50 age- and sex-matched controls (10 males, 40 females; mean age 52.9±9.3 years; range, 36 to 75 years) were included in the study. Pain was evaluated using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), physical function using the Lequesne Index, physical capacity using the Six-Minute Walking Test (6MWT), and physical activity using both International Physical Activity Impact Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and step count monitor. Data at baseline and six weeks and six months were recorded. RESULTS: Pain severity was significantly lower after THA at six weeks and six months (NRS scores: 2.83 and 0.82, respectively; p<0.001), compared to baseline. Physical function, capacity, and activity significantly improved after THA at six weeks and six months with a mean Lequesne Index score of 2.62 and 1.02, respectively. The mean 6MWT distance was 272.62 at six weeks and 326.16 at six months. The mean IPAQ and 6MWT results were similar between the patient and control groups at six weeks and six months. Age, presence of comorbidities, and baseline Lequesne Index score were found to be effective on functional outcomes of THA. Age and baseline 6MWT scores were correlated with physical capacity after THA. CONCLUSION: Our study showed a significant early improvement in pain severity and physical activity and function at six weeks and six months after THA, compared to baseline values. Baseline values and age were the positive predictors of improved postoperative function and physical capacity.

The effect of vitamin D on clinical manifestations and activity of Behçet's disease.

INTRODUCTION: Immune mechanisms have been implemented to have a role in the pathogenesis of Behçet's disease (BD) and vitamin D has been shown to have a regulatory role in the immune system function. AIM: To evaluate the vitamin D levels of BD patients and its relationship between clinical findings and disease activity of BD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty-eight patients with BD and 70 age- and sex-matched controls were examined retrospectively. Demographic features, vitamin D levels for both groups and clinical findings, disease activity, drug usage for BD patients were examined from their medical reports. Disease activity was calculated for each patient according to Krause's BD activity assessment. RESULTS: Mean vitamin D levels of patients and controls were 15.35 ±7.18 ng/ml and 18.44 ±5.79 ng/ml, respectively. Vitamin D levels were significantly lower in BD patients than in controls (p = 0.006). Mean vitamin D levels of active and inactive BD cases were 15.68 ±7.31 ng/ml and 15.08 ±7.17 ng/ml, respectively (p = 0.73). Disease activity of patients using and not using vitamin D was similar (p = 0.51). CONCLUSIONS: Significantly lower levels of vitamin D were observed in BD patients. Our results indicate that there is no correlation between BD activity and a vitamin D level. Together with these, vitamin D replacement treatment was found to have no effect on disease activity.

Coexistence of familial Mediterranean fever and Behçet's disease: a case report.

Behçet's disease (BD) is a chronic, multi-systemic vasculitis, characterized by a triad of recurrent aphthous stomatitis, genital aphthae, and uveitis. It is common in the Eastern Mediterranean, Middle East, and Eastern Asian countries. Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive autoinflammatory disorder, which is common seen in the Turkish, Armenian, Arabic, and Sephardic Jewish populations. It is characterized by recurrent episodes of fever, peritonitis, pleuritis, arthritis, and erysipelas-like skin lesions. Behçet's disease and FMF have common clinical features and geographic distribution. Herein, we present a 19-year-old female patient with coexistence of FMF and BD in the light of literature data.

Prevalence of fibromyalgia in Turkish geriatric population and its impact on quality of life.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to examine the presence of fibromyalgia (FM) in elderly adults and to evaluate the impact of the severity of FM on quality of life. METHODS: A total of 100 patients between 65 and 80 years of age were included. The main admission diagnosis of the patients was recorded. Presence of FM was evaluated based on 1990 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) diagnostic criteria. The FM group was comprised of 31 patients fulfilling these criteria, and the remaining 69 patients composed the non-FM group. Tender point count (TPC) and common symptoms were recorded. FM disease severity was assessed using Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ). Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) was used to evaluate quality of life. Pain severity was measured using Visual Analog Scale (VAS). RESULTS: Rate of FM was found to be 31%. FM patients scored significantly higher on pain, sleep, social isolation, and emotional reactions subgroups of NHP when compared to controls (p<0.05). TPC and FIQ were not affected by gender difference (p>0.05), but reduced with increasing age (p<0.01). FIQ and TPC were found to be correlated with only the pain and emotional reactions subgroups of NHP (p<0.01). There was no statistically significant correlation between FIQ and TPC and the physical mobility, sleep, energy, and social isolation subgroups of NHP (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Although FM is known as a disease of young and middle-aged women, our study indicates that its prevalence increases with age. FM is associated with poor quality of life in terms of pain, sleep, social, and emotional functions.

Dry eye in vitamin D deficiency: more than an incidental association.

AIM: The aim of this article is two-fold: (i) to demonstrate the relation between vitamin D deficiency and dry eye and impaired tear function; and (ii) to investigate the possible associations among clinical parameters of hypovitaminosis D with dry eye parameters. METHOD: Fifty premenopausal women with vitamin D deficiency (serum vitamin D levels < 20 ng/mL) and 48 controls were included. Participants were assessed by Schirmer's test, tear break-up time test (TBUT), ocular surface disease index (OSDI), Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), fatigue severity scale (FSS), and visual analogue scale-pain (VAS-pain). RESULTS: Lower scores in Schirmer's test and TBUT, and higher in OSDI were detected in patients with vitamin D deficiency than in controls (P < 0.05). FSS was negatively correlated with Schirmer's test (r = -0,29; P = 0.038) and TBUT scores (r = -0,43; P = 0.002); VAS-pain was negatively correlated with TBUT scores (r = -0.32; P = 0.023). HAQ scores showed no significant correlation with dry eye parameters (P > 0.05). Vitamin D level was negatively correlated with OSDI (r = -0.49; P < 0.001), and positively with Schirmer's test (r = 0.45; P = 0.001) and TBUT scores (r = 0.30; P = 0.029). CONCLUSION: Dry eye and impaired tear function in patients with vitamin D deficiency may indicate a protective role of vitamin D in the development of dry eye, probably by enhancing tear film parameters and reducing ocular surface inflammation. Patients with vitamin D deficiency should be evaluated for dry eye syndromes.