C-Reactive Protein to Albumin Ratio is Associated with Disease Activity in Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody Associated Vasculitis.

Objective/aim: C-reactive protein to albumin ratio (CAR) has recently been recognized as an independent prognostic marker for vasculitides. This study aims to investigate CAR and its relationship with disease activity and damage in prevalent ANCA associated vasculitis (AAV) patients.

Methods: Fifty-one patients with AAV and 42 age-sex-matched healthy controls were enrolled in this cross-sectional study.

Fibroscan detection of fatty liver and liver fibrosis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Objective: Although liver dysfunction is not considered the main organ involvement in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), the frequency of liver dysfunction or abnormal liver enzyme values may be observed in 50-60% of patients. The aim of this study was to assess fatty liver and liver fibrosis in SLE patients using Fibroscan as well as determine associated factors such as immunosuppressive medications.

Methods: Sixty SLE patients and 30 healthy controls were included.

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome is increased in patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis.

Purpose: Cardiovascular disease is one of the major causes of mortality in anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV). Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with increased cardiovascular risk in the normal population. However, MetS in AAV has not been adequately investigated.

Short and Long Term Mortality Predictors in Octogenarians with Acute Coronary Syndromes.

Purpose: Octogenarians with acute coronary syndromes have higher mortality and morbidity due to higher prevalence of comorbidities and frailty. The aim of this study was to explore the predictors of short and long term mortality in octogenarians with ACS.

Methods: Ninety-eight consecutive octogenarians presenting with acute coronary syndrome (mean age:84±3 years, 56 male) were included.

Effects of diabetes mellitus on left atrial volume and functions in normotensive patients without symptomatic cardiovascular disease.

Purpose: Left atrial (LA) size has been shown to be a predictor of adverse cardiovascular outcomes. The aim of the study was to evaluate the direct effect of diabetes mellitus (DM) on left atrial volume and phasic functions by using real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) in a population of patients free of symptomatic cardiovascular disease and hypertension.

Methods: Comprehensive transthoracic echocardiographic examination was performed on 40 consecutive patients with DM (20 male, age: 50.