Osteoporosis knowledge and awareness among rheumatoid arthritis patients: A cross-sectional controlled study.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the levels of knowledge and awareness of osteoporosis (OP) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Patients And Methods: The cross-sectional study included 100 RA patients (26 males, 74 females; mean age: 51±11 years; range, 28 to 67 years) who had not been diagnosed with OP and a control group of 50 healthy subjects (16 males, 34 females; mean age: 53±11 years; range, 29 to 70 years) between February 2022 and June 2022. The demographic data of age, sex, and education level of all the participants were recorded.

Cross-sectional analysis of cardiovascular disease and risk factors in patients with spondyloarthritis: a real-life evidence from biostar nationwide registry.

The association between spondyloarthritis and cardiovascular (CV) diseases is complex with variable outcomes. This study aimed to assess the prevalence rates of CV diseases and to analyze the impact of CV risk factors on CV disease in patients with spondyloarthritis. A multi-center cross-sectional study using the BioSTAR (Biological and Targeted Synthetic Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs Registry) database was performed on patients with spondyloarthritis.

Correlation of clinical signs and magnetic resonance imaging findings in patients with lumbar spondylosis.

Objectives: The purpose of the study was to contribute further to this debated topic by investigating the correlation of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings with the clinical picture in lumbar spondylosis patients.

Patients And Methods: This multicenter retrospective study (as part of the epidemiological project of the TLAR-OASG [Turkish League Against Rheumatism-Osteoarthritis Study Group]) included 514 patients (101 males, 413 females; mean age: 63.6±10.

Familial Mediterranean fever: perspective on female fertility and disease course in pregnancy from a multicenter nationwide network.

The aim of this study was to analyze the pregnancy process, especially the Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) disease course and attack types during pregnancy, and to examine the relationship between disease-related factors and female infertility in FMF patients. The study, which was planned in a multicenter national network, included 643 female patients. 435 female patients who had regular sexual intercourse were questioned in terms of infertility.

Transthoracic robotic plication for diaphragmatic elevation.

Background: This study aims to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of transthoracic robot-assisted surgery for diaphragmatic plication and to describe our surgical approach in detail.

Methods: Between January 2014 and January 2020, a total of 13 patients (11 males, 2 females; median age: 55 years; range, 24 to 70 years) who underwent diaphragmatic plication with the robotic system were retrospectively analyzed. The changes in the Medical Research Council dyspnea scale, forced expiratory volume in 1 sec, body mass index, and quality of life scale scores of the patients before the operation and at the first year of follow-up were examined.

Association of pain and clinical factors on disability and quality of life in systemic sclerosis: A cross-sectional study from Turkish League Against Rheumatism Network.

Objectives: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the factors associated with disability and quality of life (QoL) in Turkish patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Patients And Methods: Between January 2018 and January 2019, a total of 256 SSc patients (20 males, 236 females; mean age: 50.9±12.

The clinical, functional, and radiological features of hand osteoarthritis: TLAR-osteoarthritis multi-center cohort study.

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the clinical, functional, and radiological features of hand osteoarthritis (OA) and to examine their relationships in different geographic samples of the Turkish population.

Patients And Methods: Between April 2017 and January 2019, a total of 520 patients (49 males, 471 females; mean age: 63.6±9.

Where we are in treat to target era? Predictive factors for remission and drug switching in patients with axial spondyloarthritis: a real-life evidence from BioStaR nationwide registry.

Objectives: Factors associated with disease activity of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and switching of biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs have not been clearly defined. We aimed to evaluate clinical characteristics of patients with axSpA, factors related to remission in treat to target era and predictive factors for biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug switching.

Method: A multicenter, observational cross-sectional study was performed between February 2019 and August 2019.

Surgical Management of Multiple Hydatid Cysts in Second Trimester Pregnancy.

Although hydatid cysts are an endemic infestation, experience in surgical management of pregnant women is quite limited. This report aims to share the results and experiences gained from the management and surgery of a woman with a second trimester pregnancy who presented with asphyxia because of the rupture of a giant bilateral hydatid cyst.

Familial Mediterranean fever: Health-related quality of life and associated variables in a national cohort.

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the effectivity of Familial Mediterranean Fever Quality of Life (FMF-QoL) Scale for the measurement of QoL in patients with FMF and to perform correlations between related clinical variables in Turkish patients.

Patients And Methods: This multicenter prospective study performed between December 2017 and November 2018 included 974 FMF patients (334 males, 640 females; median age: 35; range, 26 to 45 years). Sociodemographic characteristics and clinical features were recorded.

The impact of COVID-19 on familial Mediterranean fever: a nationwide study.

The study aimed to evaluate the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) and to assess the relationships between FMF characteristics and severe COVID-19 outcomes such as hospitalization. The study was planned within a national network of 21 different centers. Demographics, FMF-related clinical and genetic characteristics, and COVID-19 outcomes were obtained.

Demodex Species Frequency and Risk Factors in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the presence of Demodex species in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, to identify the risk factors for developing Demodex infestation, and to determine the effect of immunosuppressant drugs on Demodex mite infestations.

Patients And Methods: The study included 93 RA patients (16 males, 77 females; mean age 53.3±11.

Clinical performance of ASAS Health Index in patients with ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis: real-world evidence from Multicenter Nationwide Registry.

The Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society Health Index (ASAS HI) is used as a new instrument in measuring the function, disability and health of patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA). However, the real-world evidence of ASAS HI is very limited. In the present study, our objective is to evaluate the psychometric properties and performance of ASAS HI in the real-world setting as well as comparing ASAS HI with the current instruments to assess the construct validity and determine the cut-off points in patients with both ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA).

Validity, reliability, and factor structure of the Istanbul Low Back Pain Disability Index in axial spondyloarthritis.

Objective: To investigate the validation and reliability of Istanbul Low Back Pain Disability Index (ILBPDI) in axial spondyloarthritis (Ax-SpA).

Methods: Patients with Ax-SpA according to The Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society criteria were recruited. The validation was assessed by face, content, and construct (convergent and divergent) validities, whereas the reliability was assessed by internal consistency and test-retest reliability.

The Role of Real-Time Tissue Elastography and Gray-Scale Ultrasound Histogram Analysis in the Diagnosis of Patients With Sjögren's Syndrome.

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate gray-scale histogram analysis of B-mode ultrasound (US) images and US elastographic features of the parotid glands in patients with Sjögren's syndrome (SS) and to explore relationships with the ultrasonographic and disease activity scores in the light of histopathological findings.

Patients And Methods: A total of 57 consecutive female patients (mean age 47.9±10.

Familial mediterranean fever: assessment of clinical manifestations, pregnancy, genetic mutational analyses, and disease severity in a national cohort.

The aims of this study were to investigate the main clinical and laboratory features, including pregnancy and genetic analysis, of Turkish Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) patients and to analyze the relationships between genotypic features, age of disease onset, clinical findings, and disease severity. A study was planned within a national network of 22 different centers. Demographics, clinical and laboratory findings, attack characteristics, drugs, pregnancy and birth history, disease severity, and gene mutation analyses were evaluated.

Can the Second to Fourth Digit Ratio (2D : 4D) Be a Marker to Determine Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity?

Objective: The length ratio of the index finger (2D) to the ring finger (4D) (2D : 4D ratio) is considered a biomarker of prenatal sex hormone exposure. The 2D : 4D ratio is influenced by prenatal androgen and estrogen levels. Because ankylosing spondylitis (AS) influences men more frequently and severely than women, androgens are proposed to be related to AS pathogenesis.

Turkish League Against Rheumatism (TLAR) Recommendations for the Pharmacological Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis: 2018 Update Under Guidance of Current Recommendations.

Objectives: This study aims to report the assessment of the Turkish League Against Rheumatism (TLAR) expert panel on the compliance and adaptation of the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) 2016 recommendations for the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Turkey.

Patients And Methods: The EULAR 2016 recommendations for the treatment of RA were voted by 27 specialists experienced in this field with regard to participation rate for each recommendation and significance of items. Afterwards, each recommendation was brought forward for discussion and any alteration gaining ≥70% approval was accepted.

Management of Psoriatic Arthritis: Turkish League Against Rheumatism (TLAR) Expert Opinions.

Objectives: This study aims to establish the first national treatment recommendations by the Turkish League Against Rheumatism (TLAR) for psoriatic arthritis (PsA) based on the current evidence.

Patients And Methods: A systematic literature review was performed regarding the management of PsA. The TLAR expert committee consisted of 13 rheumatologists and 12 physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists experienced in the treatment and care of patients with PsA from 22 centers.

Turkish League Against Rheumatism Consensus Report: Recommendations For Management of Axial Spondyloarthritis.

Objectives: This study aims to update 2011 Turkish League Against Rheumatism SpondyloArthritis Recommendations, and to compose a national expert opinion on management of axial spondyloArthritis under guidance of current guidelines, and implantation and dissemination of these international guidelines into our clinical practice.

Patients And Methods: A scientific committee of 28 experts consisting of 14 rheumatologists and 14 physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists (one of them also has an immunology PhD) was formed. The recommendations, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses including pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment were scrutinized paying special attention with convenient key words.

Ankylosing Spondylitis and Balance.

Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that mainly affects axial joints and the changes in the vertebrae cause typical kyphotic posture. In patients with ankylosing spondylitis, the postural changes, including cervical flexion, decreased lumbar lordosis, posterior rotation of pelvis, hip extension, knee flexion, and plantar flexion of ankle along with kyphosis, may occur in the upcoming terms of the disease and may negatively affect balance. Joint and eye involvements; muscular, vestibular and proprioceptional changes can also affect balance.

Application of Diffusion-Weighted Imaging in the Detection of Active Sacroiliitis and the Comparison of Apparent Diffusion Coefficient and Relative Apparent Diffusion Coefficient Values.

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the role of diffusion-weighted imaging in detection of active sacroiliitis and compare the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and normalized relative ADC (r-ADC) values by using vertebra and iliac wings as reference organs.

Patients And Methods: The study included 56 patients (26 males, 30 females; mean age 37.7±10.

Chest Expansion and Modified Schober Measurement Values in a Healthy, Adult Population.

Objectives: This study aims to demonstrate chest expansion and lumbar mobility using modified Schober measurement values in healthy male and female populations aged 15 and over, and to identify factors affecting these measurements.

Patients And Methods: The prospective study included 444 volunteers (195 males, 249 females; mean age 47.13 years; range 15 to 88 years) from among patients presenting to the Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine Hospital Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic.

The importance of fragmented QRS in the early detection of cardiac involvement in patients with systemic sclerosis.

Objective: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune connective tissue disorder characterized by fibrosis. The prognosis of the disease is bad when clinically symptomatic cardiac dysfunction is occurred, therefore early detection of cardiac dysfunction is important in patients with SSc. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of fQRS in superficial electrocardiography in cardiacally asymptomatic patients with SSc and its relation to the systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP).