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Papers by Münevver Serdaroğlu

Research paper thumbnail of Association of Serum Interleukin-17 and Interleukin-23 Levels with Disease Activity, Function, Mobility, Enthesitis Index in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis

Aktuelle Rheumatologie

Aim: More and more studies have demonstrated that the interleukin (IL)-23/IL-17 axis is highly as... more Aim: More and more studies have demonstrated that the interleukin (IL)-23/IL-17 axis is highly associated with immune dysfunction and activated autoimmune inflammation. The purposes of this study were to determine the serum levels of IL-17 and IL-23 in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients compared with healthy controls and evaluate these cytokine levels based on disease-related characteristics. Material and Methods: Eighty-six consecutive AS patients and 70 sex and age-matched healthy controls were included in the study. The Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS)-erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), ASDAS-C reactive protein, the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), the Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC) enthesitis index, the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI), the Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (ASQoL) and Achilles pain VAS sc...

Research paper thumbnail of Fibromiyaljinin Migrenli Hastalarda Dizabilite, Anksiyete, Depresyon, Uyku Bozukluğu ve Yaşam Kalitesi Üzerine Etkisi

Introduction: The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of fibromyalgia (FM) comorbid... more Introduction: The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of fibromyalgia (FM) comorbidity on disability, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, and quality of life in patients with migraine. Methods: Eighty-six consecutive migraine patients (age, 35.4±10.3 years; 69 women and 17 men) were enrolled in the study. The headache characteristics of the patients were recorded. FM was diagnosed based on the 1990 American College of Rheumatology classification criteria for the diagnosis of FM. All patients were asked to complete selfreport questionnaires, including the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), Headache Impact Test (HIT-6), Migraine Disability Assessment Questionnaire (MIDAS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and the 36- Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) to assess their pain-related disability, migraine-related disability, depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance, and quality of life. Results: Of the m...

Research paper thumbnail of The Association of Achilles Sonoelastography Findings with Disease Activity, Functional Status and Enthesitis Index in Patients with Axial Spondyloarthritis

Aktuelle Rheumatologie, 2022

Background Sonoelastography (SE) is a new ultrasound (US)-based technique able to assess tissue e... more Background Sonoelastography (SE) is a new ultrasound (US)-based technique able to assess tissue elasticity. Using conventional US, it is sometimes difficult or even impossible to distinguish pathologic tissue because it often presents with the same echogenicity as the surrounding healthy tissue. This study aimed to evaluate SE findings in Achilles tendons of patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and to assess how these findings are associated with disease-related parameters. Material and Methods Sixty-four consecutive patients (37 men, 27 women; mean age 39.7 years; range 20–65 years) with axSpA and 30 sex and age-matched healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Disease activity was evaluated using the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), whereas functional capacity was evaluated using the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI). Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) and the Spondyloarthritis Research Consorti...

Research paper thumbnail of Wave Therapy in

Comparison of the effectiveness of local corticosteroid injection and extracorporeal shock

Research paper thumbnail of Soğuk Tedavi Ajanları

Research paper thumbnail of Tear Ozmolarity in the Evaluation of Ankylosing SpondylitisDisease Activity

Materials and Methods: Fifty-seven eyes of 57 patients and 29 healthy individuals as the control ... more Materials and Methods: Fifty-seven eyes of 57 patients and 29 healthy individuals as the control group were included. TO measurements, tear break-up time (BUT), and Schirmer’s tests were performed. The patients were divided into three main groups based on their Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) scores: healthy controls, mild-moderate (BASDAI ≤ 4), and severe (BASDAI>4) , into another group based on HLA B27 status: control, HLA B27 (+) and (-), finally based on treatment status: control, treatment (+) and (-).

Research paper thumbnail of Prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis in the eastern Black Sea region of Turkey

International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases, 2010

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the eastern ... more The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the eastern Black Sea region of Turkey. The study was carried out between March 2003 and March 2005 by the Karadeniz Technical University Medical Faculty Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in the urban area in the eastern Black Sea region of Turkey, which has a population of 459021 (according to the 2000 national census). A total of 6103 subjects, 20 years old or over, were selected by the sampling method; 3023 (49.5%) women and 3080 (50.5%) men were included in the study. The diagnosis of RA was performed based on fulfilling the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria. Fifty-nine patients were diagnosed with RA according to the ACR criteria, of which 11 were male and 48 female. The prevalence of RA was 1% (95% CI: 0.75-1.25) in the general population, 1.6% (95% CI: 1.15-2.05) in women and 0.35% (95% CI: 0.14-0.56) in men. The female/male ratio was 4.3 : 1.0, showing that RA prevalence was statistically significantly higher in women (P <0.005). Our study demonstrates that RA is a common disease in Turkish society.

Research paper thumbnail of Ochronosis in differential diagnosis of patients with chronic backache: a review of the literature

Rheumatology International, 2007

A 50-year-old man presented with a complaint of low-back pain and widespread joint pain for the p... more A 50-year-old man presented with a complaint of low-back pain and widespread joint pain for the previous 20 years. Conventional radiography revealed wide areas of calcification in the intervertebral discs and degenerative changes in the peripheral joints. A diagnosis of ochronosis was made by the observation of bluish-brown pigmentation in the nose and ears, dark urine colors following alkalization, and high levels of homogentisic acid in the urine. Ochronosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with chronic low-back pain regarding features of widespread calcification in the intervertebral discs at radiography and bluish-brown pigmentation in the nose and ears.

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluation of Thiol-disulfide Homeostasis in Active Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients

Reumatologia clinica, 2021

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES The etiopathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), which is a chron... more INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES The etiopathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), which is a chronic, progressive, inflammatory, systemic disease, has not been fully elucidated yet. Thiol-disulfide homeostasis, a component of antioxidant defense, is thought to play a role in the etiology of inflammatory diseases. We aimed to evaluate the existence of oxidative stress in active AS patients with thiol-disulfide homeostasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients who were found to have high (n: 27) and very-high (n: 18) activity levels with ASDAS-ESR and 40 healthy controls participated in the study. Serum native-thiol (NT), total-thiol (TT), and disulfide levels were analyzed by an automated colorimetric method. RESULTS While TT and NT levels were significantly decreased in patients compared to the control group, the disulfide levels were increased. There was a significant negative correlation between ESR, and NT, TT in both groups and also between hsCRP and NT, TT in very-high active AS patie...

Research paper thumbnail of The Impact of Fibromyalgia on Disability, Anxiety, Depression, Sleep Disturbance, and Quality of Life in Patients with Migraine

Noro Psikiyatri Arsivi, 2016

INTRODUCTION Fibromyalgia (FM) is a common condition characterized by widespread pain, tenderness... more INTRODUCTION Fibromyalgia (FM) is a common condition characterized by widespread pain, tenderness, fatigue, sleep disturbance, mood disturbance, and other somatic complaints (1). The precise causes of FM remain obscure. However, the most supported hypothesis proposes an increased mechanism of central sensitization that results in muscle skeletal pain persistence (2). Consequently, FM tends to have a severe impact on health-related quality of life and has been demonstrated to be associated with high rates of use of healthcare resources (3,4).

Research paper thumbnail of The Effect of Social Role Participation on Quality of Life in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Fiziksel Tıp ve Rehabilitasyon Bilimleri Dergisi

The aim of this study was to explore the impact of social role participation on quality of life i... more The aim of this study was to explore the impact of social role participation on quality of life in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Material and Methods: This study was conducted on 100 RA patients who applied to our outpatient clinic and 95 healthy controls. The outcome measures included Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) (rest and activity pain), Disease Activity Score (DAS-28) Scale, Rheumatoid Arthritis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RAQoL), and Social Role Participation Questionnaire (SRPQ) (role limitations, salience, satisfaction). Results: There were statistically significant differences in SRPQ role salience, SRPQ role limitation, and SRPQ role satisfaction scores between the RA patients and the healthy individuals (p<0.001). The RAQoL scores were positively correlated with SRPQ limitation scores and negatively correlated with SRPQ role satisfaction and SRPQ role salience scores (all, p<0.001). Negative correlations were found between SRPQ scores (salience, satisfaction) and DAS-28 and VAS (rest and activity pain) scores (all, p<0.05). Positive correlations were found between SRPQ role limitations scores and DAS-28 and VAS (rest and activity pain) scores (all, p<0.05). There was no correlation between SRPQ domains scores and age or disease duration in RA patients (all, p>0.05). RAQoL was positively correlated with VAS (rest and activity pain) and DAS-28 scores (all, p<0.001). Conclusion: This study showed that there is an association between social role participation and quality of life in RA patients. So, it may be useful to take into account the evaluation of social role participation in the management of RA patients.

Research paper thumbnail of The Evaluation of Paraspinal Markers in the Numbering of the Lumbosacral Transitional Vertebrae

Turkish Journal of Osteoporosis

Objective: Lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (TV) are a common congenital anomaly and known to b... more Objective: Lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (TV) are a common congenital anomaly and known to be associated with chronic low back pain. The purpose of this study is to reveal the value of the paraspinal markers such as celiac artery (CA), superior mesenteric artery (SMA), right renal artery (RRA) origins, abdominal aorta bifurcation (AAB), and iliolumbar ligament (IL) in the correct numbering of lumbosacral TV on computed tomography (CT) imaging. Materials and Methods: The cases with aged from 18-65 years who underwent the whole-body CT imaging between the dates January 2015 and December 2017 were assessed retrospectively. Results: Of the 380 cases (age 53.4±10.8 years; 164 women and 216 men) included in the study, 51 (13.4%) had TV. A significant difference was determined in terms of the level of CA, SMA, RRA origin, AAB, and IL between the cases with TV and normal spinal segmentation (p<0.001). Conclusion: There are significant differences in terms of the localization of the CA, SMA, RRA origins, AAB, and IL levels between the subjects with normal spinal segmentation and TV. Therefore, the use of these marks may result in inaccuracy of the vertebral numbering.

Research paper thumbnail of The Relationship of Osteoporosis Risk Factors with Bone Mineral Density in Patients Admitted Our Outpatient Clinic in Trabzon

Türk Osteoporoz Dergisi, 2016

Bu çalışmada amacımız Trabzon ilinde ayakta tedavi kliniğine başvuran hastalarda osteoporoz (OP) ... more Bu çalışmada amacımız Trabzon ilinde ayakta tedavi kliniğine başvuran hastalarda osteoporoz (OP) risk faktörlerinin kemik mineral yoğunluğu (KMY) ile ilişkisini belirlemektir. Gereç ve Yöntem: Çalışmaya OP veya osteopeni tanılı 201 hasta dahil edildi. Hastaların sosyodemografik özellikleri kaydedildi ve standardize araştırma formu araştırmacı hekim tarafından dolduruldu. KMY ölçümleri dual enerji X-ray taraması ile lomber omurga ve femur boynundan yapıldı. Bulgular: Hastaların yaş ortalaması 61,47±10,57 yıl (182 kadın/19 erkek) idi. Yüz on beş hasta (%57,2) osteoporotik, 86 hasta (%42) osteopenikti. Yaş ile femoral T skorları arasında negatif yönde anlamlı korelasyon bulundu. Gebelik sayısı lomber T skorları ile negatif yönde anlamlı korelasyon gösterdi. Vücut kitle indeksi ve günlük çay tüketimi ile femoral T skorları arasında ihmal edilebilir pozitif yönde korelasyon tespit edildi. Menarş yaşı, menopoz yaşı, toplam laktasyon süresi, ve günlük kalsiyum tüketimi ile KMY arasında herhangi bir korelasyon bulunmadı. Sonuç: OP için yöresel risk faktörlerinin tanımlanması klinik uygulamalarda hastaların OP risk yönetimine faydalı olabilir. Anahtar kelimeler: Osteoporoz, risk faktörleri, kemik mineral yoğunluğu Objective: Our aim was to identify the relationship of osteoporosis (OP) risk factors with bone mineral density (BMD) in patients admitted our outpatient clinic in Trabzon. Materials and Methods: Two hundred one patients with OP or osteopenia were included in this study. Sociodemographic characteristics of the patients were recorded and a standardized interview was employed by the researcher physician. BMD values were measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry at lumbar spine and femoral neck. Results: The mean age of the patients was 61.47±10.57 years (182 females/19 males). One hundred fifteen patients (57.2%) were osteoporotic and 86 (42.8%) were osteopenic. A significant negative correlation was found between age and femoral neck T scores. The number of pregnancies showed a significant negative correlation with lumbar T scores. Body mass index and daily tea consumption showed a negligible positive correlation with femoral neck T scores. No association was found between age at menarche, age at menopause, total lactation duration, daily calcium intake and T scores of lumbar spine and femoral neck. Conclusions: Identification of regional OP risk factors may be useful for the OP risk management of patients in clinical practice.

Research paper thumbnail of The Relationship of Hand Grip Strength with Bone Mineral Density and Vitamin D in Postmenopausal Women

Türk Osteoporoz Dergisi, 2016

Bu çalışmanın amacı postmenopozal kadınlarda el kavrama gücünün (EKG) kemik mineral yoğunluğu (KM... more Bu çalışmanın amacı postmenopozal kadınlarda el kavrama gücünün (EKG) kemik mineral yoğunluğu (KMY) ve D vitamin seviyeleri ile ilişkisini değerlendirmektir. Gereç ve Yöntem: Çalışmaya 131 postmenopozal kadın alındı. EKG Jamar el dinamometresi ile ölçüldü. KMY dual enerji X-ray absorbsiyometri ile lomber omurga ve femur boyun bölgelerinden ölçüldü. Serum 25-hidroksivitamin D (25OHD) seviyeleri tespit edildi. Bulgular: Hastaların yaş ortalaması 61,2±9,2 yıl idi. Ortalama EKG 22,9 kg idi ve 32 hasta (%24,4) düşük EKG'ye sahipti. Otuz yedi hasta (%28,2) osteoporotik, 62 hasta (%47,3) osteopenikti. Ortalama 25OHD düzeyi 17 ng/mL idi ve 101 hasta (%77,1) D vitamin yetersizliğine sahipti. Osteoporoz, osteopeni ve normal KMY'ye sahip gruplar arasında EKG bakımından anlamlı farklılık vardı (p=0,016). EKG değerleri lomber omurga ve femur boyun kısımlarındaki T skorları ve KMY değerleri ile pozitif korelasyon (p<0,001, r=0,340; p<0,001, r=0,300; p<0,001, r=0,320; p=0,001, r=0,298 sırasıyla), yaş ve menopoz süresi ile negatif korelasyon (p<0,001, r=-0,344; p<0,001, r=-0,318 sırasıyla) gösterdi. Ancak, EKG ve 25OHD seviyeleri arasında herhangi bir ilişki bulunmadı (p=0,860; r=0,016). Sonuç: Osteoporoz tanısı olan postmenopozal kadınlar, normal KMY'ye sahip postmenopozal kadınlardan daha düşük EKG'ye sahiptir ve EKG bu toplumda KMY ile ilişkili iken, D vitamin ile ilişkili değildir. Postmenopozal kadınlardaki osteoporoz risk yönetiminde hastalar kas gücünün artırılması yönünde teşvik edilmelidirler. Anahtar kelimeler: Kas gücü, el kavrama gücü, kemik mineral yoğunluğu, D vitamin Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship of hand grip strength (HGS) with bone mineral density (BMD) and vitamin D levels in postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods: One hundred thirty one postmenopausal women were included in this study. HGS was measured by Jamar hand dynamometer. BMD was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry at lumbar spine and femoral neck sites. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels were measured. Results: The mean age of patients was 61.2±9.2 years. The mean HGS was 22.9 kg and 32 patients (24.4%) had low HGS. Thirty seven patients (28.2%) were osteoporotic and 62 (47.3%) were osteopenic. The mean 25OHD level was 17 ng/mL and 101 (77.1%) patients having vitamin D insufficiency. There was a significant difference in HGS values among groups with osteoporosis, osteopenia, and normal BMD (p=0.016). HGS values demonstrated a positive correlation with T-scores and BMD values at lumbar spine and femoral neck sites (p<0.001, r=0.340; p<0.001, r=0.300; p<0.001, r=0.320; p=0.001, r=0.298, respectively) and negative correlation with age and duration of menopause (p<0.001, r=-0.344; p<0.001, r=-0.318; respectively). However, no significant association was observed between 25OHD levels and HGS (p=0.860, r=0.016). Conclusion: Postmenopausal women with osteoporosis had lower HGS than postmenopausal women with normal BMD, and HGS was significantly correlated with BMD, but not with vitamin D in this population. The patients should be encouraged to increase muscle strength for the risk management of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

Research paper thumbnail of Relationship of serum osteoprotegerin with arterial stiffness, preclinical atherosclerosis, and disease activity in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

Clinical rheumatology, Jan 4, 2016

Patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) reportedly have a higher mortality and morbidity risk. ... more Patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) reportedly have a higher mortality and morbidity risk. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) was recently defined as an important cardiovascular (CV) marker in the general population. We aimed to assess the relationship of serum OPG levels with arterial stiffness, carotid intima media thickness (CIMT), and clinical and laboratory data in AS patients. We examined 60 AS patients without CV disease or risk factors and 50 healthy controls. Disease activity was evaluated using the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS), whereas functional capacity was evaluated using the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI). Serum OPG levels were measured with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) was used as an indicator of arterial stiffness, whereas CIMT (examined via carotid ultrasonography) was used to evaluate preclinical atheroscler...

Research paper thumbnail of Comparison of the effectiveness of local corticosteroid injection and extracorporeal shock wave therapy in patients with lateral epicondylitis

Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 2015

This study aimed to determine and compare the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy ... more This study aimed to determine and compare the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy and local corticosteroid injection in patients with lateral epicondylitis. [Subjects and Methods] Sixty-four patients with lateral epicondylitis were randomly divided into extracorporeal shock wave therapy and steroid injection groups. Patients were evaluated using hand grip strength, visual analog scale, and short-form McGill pain questionnaire at baseline and at 4 and 12 weeks post-treatment. [Results] Both groups showed statistically significant increase in hand grip strength and decreases on the visual analog scale and short form McGill pain questionnaire overtime. There was no statistically significant difference in the percentage of improvement in hand grip strength and on the short-form McGill pain questionnaire between groups at 4 weeks post-treatment, whereas the extracorporeal shock wave therapy group showed better results on the visual analog scale. The percentages of improvements in all 3 parameters were higher in the extracorporeal shock wave therapy group than in the injection group at 12 weeks post-treatment. [Conclusion] Both the extracorporeal shock wave therapy and steroid injection were safe and effective in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis. However, extracorporeal shock wave therapy demonstrated better outcomes than steroid injection at the long-term follow-up.

Research paper thumbnail of Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, 2016

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease with unknown etiology. Alt... more Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease with unknown etiology. Although sacroiliac joint involvement is the classic sign along with the formed immune mediators, it may result in immune-mediated inner ear disease and may cause damage to the audiovestibular system. Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP) is a clinical reflex test used in the diagnosis of vestibular diseases and is performed by recording and evaluating the muscle potentials resulting from the stimulation of the vestibular system with different stimuli. The aim of this study is to evaluate the cervical VEMP test results in AS patients without vestibular symptoms. Thirty-three patients with AS and a control group of 30 healthy volunteers with similar demographic characteristics were evaluated in the study. VEMP wave latency, P13-N23 wave amplitude, and VEMP asymmetry ratio (VAR) values were compared between the groups. The relationship between clinical and laboratory findings of the AS patients and VEMP data were also investigated. Compared with healthy people, this study shows the response rate of patients with ankylosing spondylitis was reduced in the VEMP test, and P13-N23 wave amplitude showed a decrease in AS patients who had VEMP response (p &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.001). There was no correlation between the clinical and laboratory findings and VEMP findings in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. The data obtained from this study suggest that AS may lead to decreased sensitivity of the vestibular system.

Research paper thumbnail of Grisel’s Syndrome: A Case Report

Turkish Journal of Rheumatology, 2011

Research paper thumbnail of Performance of simple calculated osteoporosis risk estimation in a sample of women with suspected osteoporosis in the turkish population

Rheumatology International, 2008

The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of the simple calculated osteoporosis risk ... more The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of the simple calculated osteoporosis risk estimation (SCORE) in a random sample of postmenopausal women. We collected data on 177 consecutive patients aged over 45 years. Bone mineral density (BMD) measurements were taken at the hip and lumbar spine. The test performance cut-off value was evaluated according to scores of 5, 6, 7, 8 and age distribution. When all groups were evaluated, SCORE 6 sensitivity (Sn), specificity (Sp), positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were 86.7, 59.1, 63, 82.5%, respectively. In the age ranged 45-49, we determined SCORE 6 results of Sn 85, Sp 100%. The test was able to identify women not requiring detailed densitometric investigation in this age group to a high level of accuracy. At SCORE 6 receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.6. We determined that the SCORE questionnaire performance in estimating those women with low BMD in the Turkish population was limited. However, since it is a simple, economical and practical pre-test, a SCORE 6 cut-off value can be used together with the physician&#39;s clinical analysis in sending patients with suspected low BMD for dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) measurement.

Research paper thumbnail of The association of anti-CCP antibodies with disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatology International, 2008

Antibodies to citrullinated proteins have been described in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (R... more Antibodies to citrullinated proteins have been described in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and these appear to be the most speciWc markers of the disease. Our objective was to determine the frequency of antibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptides (CCPs) in patients with RA and the association of anti-CCP antibodies with disease activity, radiological erosions and HLA DR genotype. Forty patients with RA and 38 patients with Wbromyalgia were included in this study. Serum samples were collected from both patient groups with RA and Wbromyalgia. Anti-CCP was measured by the corresponding enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Additionally, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), rheumatoid factor (RF), disease activity score (DAS), visual analog scala (VAS), HLA genotype and radiographic information were determined in patients with RA. The rate of sensitivity and speciWcity of anti-CCP reactivity for the diagnosis RA were measured (sensitivity 50%, speciWcity100%). There is no signiWcant diVerence between anti-CCP (+) and anti-CCP (¡) RA patients for DAS28, VAS, ESR, CRP, disease duration, HLA genotype, and radiological assessment of hand. However, there was a signiWcant diVerence between anti-CCP (+) and anti-CCP (¡) RA patients for RF and the radiological assessment of left and right wrists (respectively, P < 0.05, P = 0.04, P = 0.01). There was no signiWcant correlation between anti-CCP antibody and ESR, CRP, VAS, DAS 28 or radiological assessment. A small but signiWcant correlation was found between RF and anti-CCP antibody (P = 0.02, r = 0.35).

Research paper thumbnail of Association of Serum Interleukin-17 and Interleukin-23 Levels with Disease Activity, Function, Mobility, Enthesitis Index in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis

Aktuelle Rheumatologie

Aim: More and more studies have demonstrated that the interleukin (IL)-23/IL-17 axis is highly as... more Aim: More and more studies have demonstrated that the interleukin (IL)-23/IL-17 axis is highly associated with immune dysfunction and activated autoimmune inflammation. The purposes of this study were to determine the serum levels of IL-17 and IL-23 in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients compared with healthy controls and evaluate these cytokine levels based on disease-related characteristics. Material and Methods: Eighty-six consecutive AS patients and 70 sex and age-matched healthy controls were included in the study. The Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS)-erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), ASDAS-C reactive protein, the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), the Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC) enthesitis index, the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI), the Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (ASQoL) and Achilles pain VAS sc...

Research paper thumbnail of Fibromiyaljinin Migrenli Hastalarda Dizabilite, Anksiyete, Depresyon, Uyku Bozukluğu ve Yaşam Kalitesi Üzerine Etkisi

Introduction: The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of fibromyalgia (FM) comorbid... more Introduction: The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of fibromyalgia (FM) comorbidity on disability, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, and quality of life in patients with migraine. Methods: Eighty-six consecutive migraine patients (age, 35.4±10.3 years; 69 women and 17 men) were enrolled in the study. The headache characteristics of the patients were recorded. FM was diagnosed based on the 1990 American College of Rheumatology classification criteria for the diagnosis of FM. All patients were asked to complete selfreport questionnaires, including the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), Headache Impact Test (HIT-6), Migraine Disability Assessment Questionnaire (MIDAS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and the 36- Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) to assess their pain-related disability, migraine-related disability, depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance, and quality of life. Results: Of the m...

Research paper thumbnail of The Association of Achilles Sonoelastography Findings with Disease Activity, Functional Status and Enthesitis Index in Patients with Axial Spondyloarthritis

Aktuelle Rheumatologie, 2022

Background Sonoelastography (SE) is a new ultrasound (US)-based technique able to assess tissue e... more Background Sonoelastography (SE) is a new ultrasound (US)-based technique able to assess tissue elasticity. Using conventional US, it is sometimes difficult or even impossible to distinguish pathologic tissue because it often presents with the same echogenicity as the surrounding healthy tissue. This study aimed to evaluate SE findings in Achilles tendons of patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and to assess how these findings are associated with disease-related parameters. Material and Methods Sixty-four consecutive patients (37 men, 27 women; mean age 39.7 years; range 20–65 years) with axSpA and 30 sex and age-matched healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Disease activity was evaluated using the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), whereas functional capacity was evaluated using the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI). Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) and the Spondyloarthritis Research Consorti...

Research paper thumbnail of Wave Therapy in

Comparison of the effectiveness of local corticosteroid injection and extracorporeal shock

Research paper thumbnail of Soğuk Tedavi Ajanları

Research paper thumbnail of Tear Ozmolarity in the Evaluation of Ankylosing SpondylitisDisease Activity

Materials and Methods: Fifty-seven eyes of 57 patients and 29 healthy individuals as the control ... more Materials and Methods: Fifty-seven eyes of 57 patients and 29 healthy individuals as the control group were included. TO measurements, tear break-up time (BUT), and Schirmer’s tests were performed. The patients were divided into three main groups based on their Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) scores: healthy controls, mild-moderate (BASDAI ≤ 4), and severe (BASDAI>4) , into another group based on HLA B27 status: control, HLA B27 (+) and (-), finally based on treatment status: control, treatment (+) and (-).

Research paper thumbnail of Prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis in the eastern Black Sea region of Turkey

International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases, 2010

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the eastern ... more The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the eastern Black Sea region of Turkey. The study was carried out between March 2003 and March 2005 by the Karadeniz Technical University Medical Faculty Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in the urban area in the eastern Black Sea region of Turkey, which has a population of 459021 (according to the 2000 national census). A total of 6103 subjects, 20 years old or over, were selected by the sampling method; 3023 (49.5%) women and 3080 (50.5%) men were included in the study. The diagnosis of RA was performed based on fulfilling the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria. Fifty-nine patients were diagnosed with RA according to the ACR criteria, of which 11 were male and 48 female. The prevalence of RA was 1% (95% CI: 0.75-1.25) in the general population, 1.6% (95% CI: 1.15-2.05) in women and 0.35% (95% CI: 0.14-0.56) in men. The female/male ratio was 4.3 : 1.0, showing that RA prevalence was statistically significantly higher in women (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.005). Our study demonstrates that RA is a common disease in Turkish society.

Research paper thumbnail of Ochronosis in differential diagnosis of patients with chronic backache: a review of the literature

Rheumatology International, 2007

A 50-year-old man presented with a complaint of low-back pain and widespread joint pain for the p... more A 50-year-old man presented with a complaint of low-back pain and widespread joint pain for the previous 20 years. Conventional radiography revealed wide areas of calcification in the intervertebral discs and degenerative changes in the peripheral joints. A diagnosis of ochronosis was made by the observation of bluish-brown pigmentation in the nose and ears, dark urine colors following alkalization, and high levels of homogentisic acid in the urine. Ochronosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with chronic low-back pain regarding features of widespread calcification in the intervertebral discs at radiography and bluish-brown pigmentation in the nose and ears.

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluation of Thiol-disulfide Homeostasis in Active Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients

Reumatologia clinica, 2021

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES The etiopathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), which is a chron... more INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES The etiopathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), which is a chronic, progressive, inflammatory, systemic disease, has not been fully elucidated yet. Thiol-disulfide homeostasis, a component of antioxidant defense, is thought to play a role in the etiology of inflammatory diseases. We aimed to evaluate the existence of oxidative stress in active AS patients with thiol-disulfide homeostasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients who were found to have high (n: 27) and very-high (n: 18) activity levels with ASDAS-ESR and 40 healthy controls participated in the study. Serum native-thiol (NT), total-thiol (TT), and disulfide levels were analyzed by an automated colorimetric method. RESULTS While TT and NT levels were significantly decreased in patients compared to the control group, the disulfide levels were increased. There was a significant negative correlation between ESR, and NT, TT in both groups and also between hsCRP and NT, TT in very-high active AS patie...

Research paper thumbnail of The Impact of Fibromyalgia on Disability, Anxiety, Depression, Sleep Disturbance, and Quality of Life in Patients with Migraine

Noro Psikiyatri Arsivi, 2016

INTRODUCTION Fibromyalgia (FM) is a common condition characterized by widespread pain, tenderness... more INTRODUCTION Fibromyalgia (FM) is a common condition characterized by widespread pain, tenderness, fatigue, sleep disturbance, mood disturbance, and other somatic complaints (1). The precise causes of FM remain obscure. However, the most supported hypothesis proposes an increased mechanism of central sensitization that results in muscle skeletal pain persistence (2). Consequently, FM tends to have a severe impact on health-related quality of life and has been demonstrated to be associated with high rates of use of healthcare resources (3,4).

Research paper thumbnail of The Effect of Social Role Participation on Quality of Life in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Fiziksel Tıp ve Rehabilitasyon Bilimleri Dergisi

The aim of this study was to explore the impact of social role participation on quality of life i... more The aim of this study was to explore the impact of social role participation on quality of life in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Material and Methods: This study was conducted on 100 RA patients who applied to our outpatient clinic and 95 healthy controls. The outcome measures included Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) (rest and activity pain), Disease Activity Score (DAS-28) Scale, Rheumatoid Arthritis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RAQoL), and Social Role Participation Questionnaire (SRPQ) (role limitations, salience, satisfaction). Results: There were statistically significant differences in SRPQ role salience, SRPQ role limitation, and SRPQ role satisfaction scores between the RA patients and the healthy individuals (p<0.001). The RAQoL scores were positively correlated with SRPQ limitation scores and negatively correlated with SRPQ role satisfaction and SRPQ role salience scores (all, p<0.001). Negative correlations were found between SRPQ scores (salience, satisfaction) and DAS-28 and VAS (rest and activity pain) scores (all, p<0.05). Positive correlations were found between SRPQ role limitations scores and DAS-28 and VAS (rest and activity pain) scores (all, p<0.05). There was no correlation between SRPQ domains scores and age or disease duration in RA patients (all, p>0.05). RAQoL was positively correlated with VAS (rest and activity pain) and DAS-28 scores (all, p<0.001). Conclusion: This study showed that there is an association between social role participation and quality of life in RA patients. So, it may be useful to take into account the evaluation of social role participation in the management of RA patients.

Research paper thumbnail of The Evaluation of Paraspinal Markers in the Numbering of the Lumbosacral Transitional Vertebrae

Turkish Journal of Osteoporosis

Objective: Lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (TV) are a common congenital anomaly and known to b... more Objective: Lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (TV) are a common congenital anomaly and known to be associated with chronic low back pain. The purpose of this study is to reveal the value of the paraspinal markers such as celiac artery (CA), superior mesenteric artery (SMA), right renal artery (RRA) origins, abdominal aorta bifurcation (AAB), and iliolumbar ligament (IL) in the correct numbering of lumbosacral TV on computed tomography (CT) imaging. Materials and Methods: The cases with aged from 18-65 years who underwent the whole-body CT imaging between the dates January 2015 and December 2017 were assessed retrospectively. Results: Of the 380 cases (age 53.4±10.8 years; 164 women and 216 men) included in the study, 51 (13.4%) had TV. A significant difference was determined in terms of the level of CA, SMA, RRA origin, AAB, and IL between the cases with TV and normal spinal segmentation (p<0.001). Conclusion: There are significant differences in terms of the localization of the CA, SMA, RRA origins, AAB, and IL levels between the subjects with normal spinal segmentation and TV. Therefore, the use of these marks may result in inaccuracy of the vertebral numbering.

Research paper thumbnail of The Relationship of Osteoporosis Risk Factors with Bone Mineral Density in Patients Admitted Our Outpatient Clinic in Trabzon

Türk Osteoporoz Dergisi, 2016

Bu çalışmada amacımız Trabzon ilinde ayakta tedavi kliniğine başvuran hastalarda osteoporoz (OP) ... more Bu çalışmada amacımız Trabzon ilinde ayakta tedavi kliniğine başvuran hastalarda osteoporoz (OP) risk faktörlerinin kemik mineral yoğunluğu (KMY) ile ilişkisini belirlemektir. Gereç ve Yöntem: Çalışmaya OP veya osteopeni tanılı 201 hasta dahil edildi. Hastaların sosyodemografik özellikleri kaydedildi ve standardize araştırma formu araştırmacı hekim tarafından dolduruldu. KMY ölçümleri dual enerji X-ray taraması ile lomber omurga ve femur boynundan yapıldı. Bulgular: Hastaların yaş ortalaması 61,47±10,57 yıl (182 kadın/19 erkek) idi. Yüz on beş hasta (%57,2) osteoporotik, 86 hasta (%42) osteopenikti. Yaş ile femoral T skorları arasında negatif yönde anlamlı korelasyon bulundu. Gebelik sayısı lomber T skorları ile negatif yönde anlamlı korelasyon gösterdi. Vücut kitle indeksi ve günlük çay tüketimi ile femoral T skorları arasında ihmal edilebilir pozitif yönde korelasyon tespit edildi. Menarş yaşı, menopoz yaşı, toplam laktasyon süresi, ve günlük kalsiyum tüketimi ile KMY arasında herhangi bir korelasyon bulunmadı. Sonuç: OP için yöresel risk faktörlerinin tanımlanması klinik uygulamalarda hastaların OP risk yönetimine faydalı olabilir. Anahtar kelimeler: Osteoporoz, risk faktörleri, kemik mineral yoğunluğu Objective: Our aim was to identify the relationship of osteoporosis (OP) risk factors with bone mineral density (BMD) in patients admitted our outpatient clinic in Trabzon. Materials and Methods: Two hundred one patients with OP or osteopenia were included in this study. Sociodemographic characteristics of the patients were recorded and a standardized interview was employed by the researcher physician. BMD values were measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry at lumbar spine and femoral neck. Results: The mean age of the patients was 61.47±10.57 years (182 females/19 males). One hundred fifteen patients (57.2%) were osteoporotic and 86 (42.8%) were osteopenic. A significant negative correlation was found between age and femoral neck T scores. The number of pregnancies showed a significant negative correlation with lumbar T scores. Body mass index and daily tea consumption showed a negligible positive correlation with femoral neck T scores. No association was found between age at menarche, age at menopause, total lactation duration, daily calcium intake and T scores of lumbar spine and femoral neck. Conclusions: Identification of regional OP risk factors may be useful for the OP risk management of patients in clinical practice.

Research paper thumbnail of The Relationship of Hand Grip Strength with Bone Mineral Density and Vitamin D in Postmenopausal Women

Türk Osteoporoz Dergisi, 2016

Bu çalışmanın amacı postmenopozal kadınlarda el kavrama gücünün (EKG) kemik mineral yoğunluğu (KM... more Bu çalışmanın amacı postmenopozal kadınlarda el kavrama gücünün (EKG) kemik mineral yoğunluğu (KMY) ve D vitamin seviyeleri ile ilişkisini değerlendirmektir. Gereç ve Yöntem: Çalışmaya 131 postmenopozal kadın alındı. EKG Jamar el dinamometresi ile ölçüldü. KMY dual enerji X-ray absorbsiyometri ile lomber omurga ve femur boyun bölgelerinden ölçüldü. Serum 25-hidroksivitamin D (25OHD) seviyeleri tespit edildi. Bulgular: Hastaların yaş ortalaması 61,2±9,2 yıl idi. Ortalama EKG 22,9 kg idi ve 32 hasta (%24,4) düşük EKG'ye sahipti. Otuz yedi hasta (%28,2) osteoporotik, 62 hasta (%47,3) osteopenikti. Ortalama 25OHD düzeyi 17 ng/mL idi ve 101 hasta (%77,1) D vitamin yetersizliğine sahipti. Osteoporoz, osteopeni ve normal KMY'ye sahip gruplar arasında EKG bakımından anlamlı farklılık vardı (p=0,016). EKG değerleri lomber omurga ve femur boyun kısımlarındaki T skorları ve KMY değerleri ile pozitif korelasyon (p<0,001, r=0,340; p<0,001, r=0,300; p<0,001, r=0,320; p=0,001, r=0,298 sırasıyla), yaş ve menopoz süresi ile negatif korelasyon (p<0,001, r=-0,344; p<0,001, r=-0,318 sırasıyla) gösterdi. Ancak, EKG ve 25OHD seviyeleri arasında herhangi bir ilişki bulunmadı (p=0,860; r=0,016). Sonuç: Osteoporoz tanısı olan postmenopozal kadınlar, normal KMY'ye sahip postmenopozal kadınlardan daha düşük EKG'ye sahiptir ve EKG bu toplumda KMY ile ilişkili iken, D vitamin ile ilişkili değildir. Postmenopozal kadınlardaki osteoporoz risk yönetiminde hastalar kas gücünün artırılması yönünde teşvik edilmelidirler. Anahtar kelimeler: Kas gücü, el kavrama gücü, kemik mineral yoğunluğu, D vitamin Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship of hand grip strength (HGS) with bone mineral density (BMD) and vitamin D levels in postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods: One hundred thirty one postmenopausal women were included in this study. HGS was measured by Jamar hand dynamometer. BMD was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry at lumbar spine and femoral neck sites. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels were measured. Results: The mean age of patients was 61.2±9.2 years. The mean HGS was 22.9 kg and 32 patients (24.4%) had low HGS. Thirty seven patients (28.2%) were osteoporotic and 62 (47.3%) were osteopenic. The mean 25OHD level was 17 ng/mL and 101 (77.1%) patients having vitamin D insufficiency. There was a significant difference in HGS values among groups with osteoporosis, osteopenia, and normal BMD (p=0.016). HGS values demonstrated a positive correlation with T-scores and BMD values at lumbar spine and femoral neck sites (p<0.001, r=0.340; p<0.001, r=0.300; p<0.001, r=0.320; p=0.001, r=0.298, respectively) and negative correlation with age and duration of menopause (p<0.001, r=-0.344; p<0.001, r=-0.318; respectively). However, no significant association was observed between 25OHD levels and HGS (p=0.860, r=0.016). Conclusion: Postmenopausal women with osteoporosis had lower HGS than postmenopausal women with normal BMD, and HGS was significantly correlated with BMD, but not with vitamin D in this population. The patients should be encouraged to increase muscle strength for the risk management of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

Research paper thumbnail of Relationship of serum osteoprotegerin with arterial stiffness, preclinical atherosclerosis, and disease activity in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

Clinical rheumatology, Jan 4, 2016

Patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) reportedly have a higher mortality and morbidity risk. ... more Patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) reportedly have a higher mortality and morbidity risk. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) was recently defined as an important cardiovascular (CV) marker in the general population. We aimed to assess the relationship of serum OPG levels with arterial stiffness, carotid intima media thickness (CIMT), and clinical and laboratory data in AS patients. We examined 60 AS patients without CV disease or risk factors and 50 healthy controls. Disease activity was evaluated using the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS), whereas functional capacity was evaluated using the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI). Serum OPG levels were measured with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) was used as an indicator of arterial stiffness, whereas CIMT (examined via carotid ultrasonography) was used to evaluate preclinical atheroscler...

Research paper thumbnail of Comparison of the effectiveness of local corticosteroid injection and extracorporeal shock wave therapy in patients with lateral epicondylitis

Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 2015

This study aimed to determine and compare the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy ... more This study aimed to determine and compare the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy and local corticosteroid injection in patients with lateral epicondylitis. [Subjects and Methods] Sixty-four patients with lateral epicondylitis were randomly divided into extracorporeal shock wave therapy and steroid injection groups. Patients were evaluated using hand grip strength, visual analog scale, and short-form McGill pain questionnaire at baseline and at 4 and 12 weeks post-treatment. [Results] Both groups showed statistically significant increase in hand grip strength and decreases on the visual analog scale and short form McGill pain questionnaire overtime. There was no statistically significant difference in the percentage of improvement in hand grip strength and on the short-form McGill pain questionnaire between groups at 4 weeks post-treatment, whereas the extracorporeal shock wave therapy group showed better results on the visual analog scale. The percentages of improvements in all 3 parameters were higher in the extracorporeal shock wave therapy group than in the injection group at 12 weeks post-treatment. [Conclusion] Both the extracorporeal shock wave therapy and steroid injection were safe and effective in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis. However, extracorporeal shock wave therapy demonstrated better outcomes than steroid injection at the long-term follow-up.

Research paper thumbnail of Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, 2016

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease with unknown etiology. Alt... more Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease with unknown etiology. Although sacroiliac joint involvement is the classic sign along with the formed immune mediators, it may result in immune-mediated inner ear disease and may cause damage to the audiovestibular system. Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP) is a clinical reflex test used in the diagnosis of vestibular diseases and is performed by recording and evaluating the muscle potentials resulting from the stimulation of the vestibular system with different stimuli. The aim of this study is to evaluate the cervical VEMP test results in AS patients without vestibular symptoms. Thirty-three patients with AS and a control group of 30 healthy volunteers with similar demographic characteristics were evaluated in the study. VEMP wave latency, P13-N23 wave amplitude, and VEMP asymmetry ratio (VAR) values were compared between the groups. The relationship between clinical and laboratory findings of the AS patients and VEMP data were also investigated. Compared with healthy people, this study shows the response rate of patients with ankylosing spondylitis was reduced in the VEMP test, and P13-N23 wave amplitude showed a decrease in AS patients who had VEMP response (p &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.001). There was no correlation between the clinical and laboratory findings and VEMP findings in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. The data obtained from this study suggest that AS may lead to decreased sensitivity of the vestibular system.

Research paper thumbnail of Grisel’s Syndrome: A Case Report

Turkish Journal of Rheumatology, 2011

Research paper thumbnail of Performance of simple calculated osteoporosis risk estimation in a sample of women with suspected osteoporosis in the turkish population

Rheumatology International, 2008

The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of the simple calculated osteoporosis risk ... more The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of the simple calculated osteoporosis risk estimation (SCORE) in a random sample of postmenopausal women. We collected data on 177 consecutive patients aged over 45 years. Bone mineral density (BMD) measurements were taken at the hip and lumbar spine. The test performance cut-off value was evaluated according to scores of 5, 6, 7, 8 and age distribution. When all groups were evaluated, SCORE 6 sensitivity (Sn), specificity (Sp), positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were 86.7, 59.1, 63, 82.5%, respectively. In the age ranged 45-49, we determined SCORE 6 results of Sn 85, Sp 100%. The test was able to identify women not requiring detailed densitometric investigation in this age group to a high level of accuracy. At SCORE 6 receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.6. We determined that the SCORE questionnaire performance in estimating those women with low BMD in the Turkish population was limited. However, since it is a simple, economical and practical pre-test, a SCORE 6 cut-off value can be used together with the physician&#39;s clinical analysis in sending patients with suspected low BMD for dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) measurement.

Research paper thumbnail of The association of anti-CCP antibodies with disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatology International, 2008

Antibodies to citrullinated proteins have been described in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (R... more Antibodies to citrullinated proteins have been described in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and these appear to be the most speciWc markers of the disease. Our objective was to determine the frequency of antibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptides (CCPs) in patients with RA and the association of anti-CCP antibodies with disease activity, radiological erosions and HLA DR genotype. Forty patients with RA and 38 patients with Wbromyalgia were included in this study. Serum samples were collected from both patient groups with RA and Wbromyalgia. Anti-CCP was measured by the corresponding enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Additionally, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), rheumatoid factor (RF), disease activity score (DAS), visual analog scala (VAS), HLA genotype and radiographic information were determined in patients with RA. The rate of sensitivity and speciWcity of anti-CCP reactivity for the diagnosis RA were measured (sensitivity 50%, speciWcity100%). There is no signiWcant diVerence between anti-CCP (+) and anti-CCP (¡) RA patients for DAS28, VAS, ESR, CRP, disease duration, HLA genotype, and radiological assessment of hand. However, there was a signiWcant diVerence between anti-CCP (+) and anti-CCP (¡) RA patients for RF and the radiological assessment of left and right wrists (respectively, P < 0.05, P = 0.04, P = 0.01). There was no signiWcant correlation between anti-CCP antibody and ESR, CRP, VAS, DAS 28 or radiological assessment. A small but signiWcant correlation was found between RF and anti-CCP antibody (P = 0.02, r = 0.35).