Renal Artery Resistive Index and Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate in Patients with Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

OBJECTIVE: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) may affect many organs and systems, especially the kidney as well as the liver. While NAFLD's renal impacts can be evaluated via the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), its effects on renal hemodynamic changes can be monitored with the renal resistive index (RRI). Our aim in this study is to evaluate RRI and eGFR in NAFLD patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, a total of 69 patients with NAFLD and 50 age- and gendermatched healthy controls were included. The basic clinical and laboratory parameters of patient and control groups were assessed and recorded. RESULTS: In the patient group, the RRI was observed as 0.64±0.06 and eGFR value as 86±52 (mL/min/1.73m2), while in the control group, the RRI was 0.61±0.05 and eGFR was 95.40±20.21 (mL/min/1.73m2). Compared to the control group, the RRI and eGFR values were significantly different in the patient group (PRRI=0.003 and PeGFR=0.025). There was a negative correlation observed between the RRI and eGFR (r=-0.347, P=0.003). Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis suggested that the optimum RRI cut-off value for patients with NAFLD is 0.62, with 65% sensitivity and 60% specificity (p=0.002). There was an independent relationship found between the RRI and eGFR according to the linear regression analysis (ß=-0.301, P=0.015). CONCLUSION: This study shows that RRI may be an indicator of renal functions, such as eGFR in patients with NAFLD.

The Relationship among Splenomegaly, Lung Involvement Patterns, and Severity Score in COVID-19 Pneumonia.

INTRODUCTION: The disease caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID -19) is a vital public health problem that has now affected approximately 68,037,473 people and caused 1,552,802 deaths around the world. We aimed to correlate the frequency of the lung involvement patterns, the segmental distribution of lung infiltration, and TLSS in COVID-19 pneumonia patients with and without splenomegaly. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study included patients admitted to Yunus Emre State Hospital Emergency, Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease Departments between March 11, 2020, and June 10, 2020, and diagnosed with COVID-19 by PCR test with a throat and nasal swab. The thoracic and upper abdomen CTs and the clinical and demographic features of the patients were analyzed at the time of initial diagnosis. RESULTS: Consolidation (group 1 - 18 (47%), group 2 - 69 (28.2%); P = 0017), crazy pavement pattern (15 (39.5%), 42 (17.1%); p = 0.001), pleural band formations (24 (63.2%), 87 (35.5%); p = 0.001), interlobular septal thickening (23 (60.5%), 79 (32.2%); p = 0.001), and sequelae of secondary tuberculosis (4 (10.5%), 8 (3.3%); p = 0.039) were more frequent in the patient with splemomegaly. The total lung severity score was high in the group with splenomegaly (7.32 ± 6.15, 3.69 ± 5.16; p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Consolidation, interlobular septal thickening, tuberculosis sequela, pleural band, and crazy pavement patterns were frequent in the COVID-19 pneumonia patients with splenomegaly. The most frequently affected segment was the superior segment of the right lower lobe. TLSS was higher in the COVID-19 pneumonia patients with splenomegaly.

The relationship of serum visfatin levels with clinical parameters, flow-mediated dilation, and carotid intima-media thickness in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

Background/aim: Atherosclerotic heart diseases can occur at an early age in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) values are reliable markers for early detection of subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with AS. We aimed to investigate the relationship between visfatin levels and indirect markers of subclinical atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction in patients with AS. Materials and methods: Forty-two patients diagnosed with AS and 42 age, sex, and body mass index (BMI)-matched controls were included in the study. Visfatin levels, FMD, and cIMT were measured using appropriate methods. Results: Visfatin levels of the patients were significantly higher than controls (p < 0.001). FMD values in patients with AS were significantly lower (p = 0.007) whereas cIMT were significantly higher than the controls (p = 0.003). There was a negative relationship between FMD with visfatin levels (p = 0.004), BASDAI (p = 0.010), and BASFI (p = 0.007). There was a positive relationship between cIMT with visfatin (p = 0.005), BASDAI (p < 0.001), and BASFI (p < 0.001). There was a positive relationship between visfatin with BASDAI (p < 0.001), and BASFI (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Visfatin levels are increased and associated with impaired FMD and increased cIMT in patients with AS. Increased visfatin levels may be associated with subclinical atherosclerosis in AS.

A novel marker relationship between carotid intima media thickness and disease activity score-28 in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: Human endothelial cell-specific molecule-1.

Background/aim: Human endothelial cell-specific molecule-1 (endocan) is a marker of vascular endothelial dysfunction that may be used in the evaluation of inflammatory-associated atherosclerotic lesions. Endocan may be a marker for the evaluation of atherosclerosis and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Materials and methods: We included 39 RA patients assessed according to the American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatology 2010 diagnostic criteria and recruited 30 age- and sex-matching healthy subjects for the control group. Results: Endocan values were 14.11 ± 3.27 for the RA patients and 12.10 ± 2.92 for the controls. The endocan values of the patients were significantly higher than those of the control group (P = 0.009). In the correlation analysis, endocan showed a significantly positive correlation with disease activity score-28 (r = 0.386, P = 0.029) and carotid intima­media thickness (cIMT) (r = 0.419, P = 0.008). Linear regression analysis revealed that there was an independent relationship between endocan and cIMT (P = 0.029). Conclusion: Endocan can be a marker for early atherosclerosis and disease activity in RA patients.

The relationship between inflammation and mean platelet volume in varicocele pathophysiology / Relación entre inflamación y volumen plaquetario medio en la fisiopatología del varicocele

Introduction: The mean platelet volume (MPV) is an extensively employed laboratory indicator related to platelet volume and function in inflammatory circumstances. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between inflammation and mean platelet volume in varicocele pathophysiology. Methods: We conducted a recent study, which included 131 varicocele subjects and 82 healthy controls. The identification of varicocele was based on the results from both physical examination and color Doppler ultrasound. We analyzed some laboratory markers including haemogram tests in two groups. Results: There were no significant differences in the two groups in terms of baseline characteristics. MPV values were statistically higher in the varicocele group (9.73±0.86fL) than in the control group (9.03±0.70fL) (p<0.001). However, no significant relationship between MPV and varicocele grade was found. Furthermore, the receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis suggested the optimum MPV cut-off value for patients with varicocele as 9.05, with a sensitivity and specificity of 77% and 50%, respectively (p<0.001). Conclusion: MPV can offer information on varicocele pathophysiology. Increased MPV levels in varicocele patients may be associated with inflammation

Introducción: El volumen plaquetario medio (VPM) es un indicador de laboratorio ampliamente empleado en relación con la función plaquetaria y el volumen plaquetario en contextos inflamatorios. El objetivo de este estudio es estudiar la relación entre inflamación y volumen plaquetario medio en la patofisiología del varicocele. Métodos: Se lleva a cabo un estudio en el que se incluyen 131 casos de varicocele y 82 controles sanos. El diagnóstico de varicocele se basa en los hallazgos de la exploración física y los resultados del eco-Doppler color. Se analizan distintos marcadores de laboratorio, incluyendo hemograma, en los 2 grupos. Resultados: No se encuentran diferencias significativas en las características basales de los 2 grupos estudiados. El valor VPM fue más elevado en el grupo de pacientes con varicocele (9,73±0,86fL) en comparación con el grupo control (9,03±0,70fL) (p<0,001). Sin embargo, no se encontraron diferencias significativas entre el VPM y el grado de varicocele. Por otro lado, el análisis de la curva ROC sugiere que el valor de corte óptimo para el VPM para los pacientes con varicocele fue de 9,05 con una sensibilidad y especificidad del 77 y 50%, respectivamente (p>0,001). Conclusión: El VPM puede ofrecer información sobre la fisiopatología del varicocele. Los niveles altos del VPM pueden estar asociados con la inflamación

The relationship between inflammation and mean platelet volume in varicocele pathophysiology.

INTRODUCTION: The mean platelet volume (MPV) is an extensively employed laboratory indicator related to platelet volume and function in inflammatory circumstances. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between inflammation and mean platelet volume in varicocele pathophysiology. METHODS: We conducted a recent study, which included 131 varicocele subjects and 82 healthy controls. The identification of varicocele was based on the results from both physical examination and color Doppler ultrasound. We analyzed some laboratory markers including haemogram tests in two groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the two groups in terms of baseline characteristics. MPV values were statistically higher in the varicocele group (9.73±0.86fL) than in the control group (9.03±0.70fL) (p<0.001). However, no significant relationship between MPV and varicocele grade was found. Furthermore, the receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis suggested the optimum MPV cut-off value for patients with varicocele as 9.05, with a sensitivity and specificity of 77% and 50%, respectively (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: MPV can offer information on varicocele pathophysiology. Increased MPV levels in varicocele patients may be associated with inflammation.

Atherogenic index of plasma: a useful marker for subclinical atherosclerosis in ankylosing spondylitis : AIP associate with cIMT in AS.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ACD). The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), which is the logarithmic transformation of the plasma triglyceride (TG) level to the high-density lipoprotein level (HDL) ratio, has been suggested to be a novel marker in the identification of atherosclerosis risk. Therefore, this study aims to determine if the AIP can act as an accurate marker for the detection of subclinical atherosclerosis. Fifty-two male patients with AS and 52 age-, gender-, and body mass index (BMI)-matched healthy control subjects were included in the study. For each patient, AIP and total cholesterol (TC)/HDL values were calculated and carotid artery intima-media thickness (cIMT) was measured. The mean (SD) cIMT and median (range) AIP values for AS patients were higher than that of the healthy control subjects (0.60 ± 0.18 vs. 0.51 ± 0.10, p = 0.003 and 0.23 [- 0.32 to 0.85] vs. 0.09 [- 0.53 to 0.49], p = 0.007, respectively). A positive correlation was found between the patients' cIMT and AIP values (r = 0.307, p = 0.002) and TC/HDL values (r = 0.241, p = 0.014). Regression analysis revealed an independent association between the subclinical atherosclerosis and AIP (beta [ß] = 0.309, p = 0.002). There were no independent correlations between subclinical atherosclerosis and TC (ß = 0.245, p = 0.065), TG (ß = 0.185, p = 0.515), HDL (ß = 0.198, p = 0.231), TC/HDL (ß = 0.032, p = 0.862), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (ß = 0.151, p = 0.246). A strong and independent correlation exists between AIP and cIMT values. Therefore, the AIP could serve as a better marker than the TC/HDL ratio for the detection of subclinical atherosclerosis in AS patients.

Evaluation of Monocyte to High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio in the Presence and Severity of Metabolic Syndrome.

Monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) is a systemic inflammatory marker, and recently, it has been used quite commonly for the assessment of inflammation in cardiovascular disorders. The aim of the present study is to investigate the relevance of MHR as a marker to assess metabolic syndrome (MetS) and MetS severity in clinical practice. A total of 147 patients with MetS who were diagnosed according to National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria and 134 healthy controls, matched for age and gender, were included in our retrospective study. MHR values were 13.15 ± 6.07 for patients with MetS and 9.74 ± 5.24 for the control group. MHR values of the patients were found to be statistically significantly higher than the control group ( P < .0001). MHR showed a significantly positive correlation with the severity of MetS ( r = .429; P < .0001). When patients with MetS were assessed with MHR in the study population, receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis yielded a cutoff value of 9.36 with a sensitivity of 72%, a specificity of 61%, and a P value <.0001. In logistic regression analyses of MetS with several variables, MHR remained as an independent predictor of MetS (95% CI: 0.721-0.945, P = .005). MHR might be an available and useful inflammatory marker to evaluate patients with MetS and disease severity.

Plasma Atherogenic Index is an Independent Indicator of Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

OBJECTIVE: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by chronic inflammation. Plasma atherogenic index (PAI) is a valuable marker for the cardiovascular disease and cardiac risk. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role and clinical use of PAI in atherosclerosis and the cardiac risk in SLE patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included 56 female SLE patients who were selected according to the American College of Rheumatology (1997) diagnosis criteria. Furthermore, we selected age-and body mass index (BMI)-matched 56 female healthy individuals. PAI was measured as a logarithmic value of triglyceride to high-density cholesterol ratio. We used carotid intima media thickness (cIMT) as an inflammatory marker because of its widespread use. The lipid and other biochemical parameters of patient and control groups were examined. RESULTS: The PAI and cIMT values of SLE patients were 0.04±0.23 and 0.78±0.18 mm, respectively. Besides, for the control group, the PAI value was -0.09±0.20 and cIMT value was 0.50±0.15 mm (p=0.002, p<0.001; respectively). There was a strong correlation between cIMT and PAI (r=0.273, p=0.003). According to the multiple logistic regression analysis, we found that PAI value is an independent factor for cIMT in SLE patients (odds ratio: 2.6, 95 % confidence interval; 1.506-4.374; p=0.029). CONCLUSIONS: We determined that PAI can be used as an independent indicator for subclinical atherosclerosis in SLE patients.

The Relationship Between Atherogenic Index and Carotid Artery Atherosclerosis in Familial Mediterranean Fever.

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a disease characterized by chronic inflammation. Atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) is a logarithmic value of the triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and it is a good marker for atherosclerotic heart disease and cardiac risk. In this study, we investigated subclinical atherosclerosis and cardiac risks in patients with FMF. Patients with FMF (78 men and 84 women) and healthy controls (74 men and 82 women) were included in this study. The AIP values of the patients were calculated and carotid intima-media thicknesses (cIMTs) were measured. The cIMT ( P < .001) and AIP ( P < .001) values of patients with FMF were higher than the values of the control group. There was a positive correlation between cIMT and AIP values ( r = .304, P < .001). In regression analysis, we detected an independent relationship between cIMT and AIP (ß = .248, P = .001). Atherogenic index of plasma may be highly correlated with the subclinical atherosclerosis. Particularly, male patients with FMF may have a high cardiac risk.

Relationship between prevalence and severity of restless legs syndrome and anemia in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

AIM: Our aim was to evaluate the relationship between the prevalence and severity of restless legs syndrome (RLS) and the anemia in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS: This was a case-control study which was conducted at the rheumatology clinic of a university affiliated hospital, including 62 patients with SLE and 62 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. The patients were divided into two groups in terms of their hemoglobin levels. The criterion for anemia was hemoglobin level lower than 12 g/dL in females and 13 g/dL in males. RESULTS: Nineteen patients (30.6%) in the patient group were diagnosed with RLS, and International RLS Study Group Rating Scale (IRLSSG-RS) score was 10.7 ± 9.5 (median:10.0 [range:0.0-30.0]). Three subjects (4.8%) in the control group had RLS, and the IRLSSG-RS score was 0.7 ± 3.3 (median:0.0 [range:0.0-18.0]). The prevalence of RLS and the IRLSSG-RS score were higher in the patient group than those in the control group (P < 0.001). Ten SLE patients (50%) with anemia had RLS, and their IRLSSG-RS score was 14.5 ± 9.9 (median:21.0 [range:11.0-30.0]). Nine SLE patients (21.4%) without anemia had RLS and their IRLSSG-RS was 9.0 ± 8.9 (median:21.0 [range:11.0-24.0]). Significant differences were present in the prevalence of RLS and the IRLSSG-RS score between SLE patients with and without anemia (P = 0.024, P = 0.044, respectively). CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that the prevalence of RLS was higher in patients with SLE than that of the normal population. Results of this study also suggested that anemia was associated with higher frequency of and more severe RLS in patients with lupus.

The effect of standard therapy on mean platelet volume in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infection is a systemic disorder that can lead to liver inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular cancer. The mean platelet volume (MPV) is widely used as an inflammatory marker to evaluate the platelet function and the status of systemic inflammation. AIM: To determine the pre- and post-treatment MPV values in CHC patients who were administered a 48-week antiviral therapy based on systemic inflammation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We enrolled 28 patients, diagnosed with CHC genotype 1b, who received a 48-week antiviral therapy and attended regular follow-up, and 28 healthy individuals. In diagnosing CHC, a positive anti-HCV for a minimum duration of 6 months and a positive serum HCV RNA were accepted as the criteria. The patients were assigned to one of two groups based on their group 1 (pre-treatment values) and group 2 (post-treatment values) after 3 months therapy. We analysed and compared the blood samples of all of the groups. RESULTS: The MPV value was 8.89 ±1.20 in group 1 and 8.00 ±1.07 in group 2, and 8.21 ±1.18 in the control group. The value in group 1 was detected to be statistically significantly different from that in group 2 and the control group (p < 0.0001, p = 0.045, respectively). No statistically significant difference was observed between group 2 and the control group (p = 0.455). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that MPV could represent an inexpensive marker for use in assessing low-grade inflammation in patients with CHC.

The evaluation of renal hemodynamics changes in Familial Mediterranean fever with color Doppler sonography.

BACKGROUND: Renal resistive index (RRI) scanned through renal Doppler is a practical marker employed in measuring blood flow in renal and intrarenal arteries and in noninvasive evaluation of renal vascular resistance. We aimed to investigate the renal hemodynamic variations in patients with Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy-nine FMF patients and 51 healthy subjects suitable for age and sex were included. Patients were divided into two groups according to their urinary albumin excretion. Fifty-two patients with 0-29 mg/day albuminuria were included in the normoalbuminuric group while 27 patients with 30-299 mg/day albuminuria were included in the microalbuminuric group. RESULTS: RRI values were higher in patients with FMF compared to the healthy subjects (p < 0.0001). Additionally, RRI values were found to be higher in the microalbuminuric patients group compared to the normoalbuminuric patients group, and RRI values were also higher in normoalbuminuric patients group compared to the control group (p = 0.002, p < 0.0001). The ROC curve analysis suggested that the optimum RRI cutoff value for microalbuminuria in patients was 0.63, sensitivity of 66%, specificity of 60%, and p = 0.013. CONCLUSION: RRI may be a marker that may be used in assessing resistance to renal blood flow, early renal damage, and progression of renal damage in FMF patients.