Interferon-Inducible Protein-10 as a Marker to Detect Latent Tuberculosis Infection in Patients with Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases.

It is important to identify cases of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) who are at risk for tuberculosis (TB) reactivation. We aimed to evaluate the performance of interferon (IFN)-gamma-inducible protein 10 (IP-10) as a marker to detect LTBI in patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRD). This study comprised 76 consecutive subjects with IRD.

Effect of robotic-assisted gait training on functional status, walking and quality of life in complete spinal cord injury.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of robotic-assisted gait training (RAGT) on functional status and the quality of life in patients with subacute complete spinal cord injury (SCI). Thirty-seven patients with complete SCI were included in this study. All patients underwent conventional rehabilitation 5 days a week for 8 weeks.

Does robot-assisted gait training improve mobility, activities of daily living and quality of life in stroke? A single-blinded, randomized controlled trial.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) on mobility, activities of daily living (ADLs), and quality of life (QoL) in stroke rehabilitation. Fifty-one stroke patients randomly assigned to Group 1, Group 2, and Group 3 received conventional training (CT) plus RAGT, CT, and RAGT, respectively. The training duration was for 6 weeks.

Cut-off points for height, weight and body mass index adjusted bioimpedance analysis measurements of muscle mass with use of different threshold definitions.

Aim: Low muscle mass (LMM) is a prerequisite to define sarcopenia. We aimed to report muscle-mass reference cut-off points adjusted for height and weight as muscle-mass threshold best discriminating muscle-weakness and adjusted for body mass index (BMI) significantly lower than that of healthy young population.

Material And Method: We included young adults between 18 and 39 years and community dwelling older adults 60-99 years of age.

Efficacy of subcutaneous lidocaine injection in venous insufficiency: a prospective, randomized, controlled study, and new treatment protocol.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of subcutaneous injection with lidocaine in patients with chronic venous insufficiency in the early stage. [Subjects and Methods] Patients (n=50) randomized to the treatment group received subcutaneous injections from a mixture of physiological saline sterile solution and lidocaine once a week to both legs below the knee for 5 sessions. Patients in the treatment group were also given ankle pumping exercises and compression stockings throughout the treatment.

Effect of platelet concentration on clinical improvement in treatment of early stage-knee osteoarthritis with platelet-rich plasma concentrations.

[Purpose] To compare two platelet-rich plasma kits with different platelet concentrations for treatment of knee osteoarthritis. [Subjects and Methods] Male and female patients with knee osteoarthritis who had confirmed diagnosis with X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging were included in this retrospective study. Eligible patients were divided into two groups: Group I, which received platelet-rich plasma kit I, and Group II, which received platelet-rich plasma kit II.

Comparison of the efficacy of lidocaine and betamethasone dipropionate in carpal tunnel syndrome injection.

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a commonly seen peripheral nerve mononeuropathy. Corticosteroid injection within the carpal tunnel is among the conservative treatment options. The exact mechanism of action of steroids is not fully clear; decreased inflammation surrounding nerves or tendons is thought to be the main effect.

Reliability and validity of the Turkish version of Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale in symptomatic knee osteoarthritis.

Background: Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale is a well known tool to evaluate the functional balance. Balance impairment may accompany to knee osteoarthritis.

Objective: The aim was to investigate the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of ABC in knee osteoarthritis.

Lokomat: a therapeutic chance for patients with chronic hemiplegia.

Background: Treadmill training with partial body weight support has been suggested as a useful strategy for gait rehabilitation after stroke.

Objectives: This prospective, randomized, controlled study of gait training tested the feasibility and potential efficacy of using a robotic-assisted gait device, Lokomat, for treadmill training with partial body weight support in subjects with chronic hemiplegia; the device was also compared with conventional home exercise.

Methods: Twenty-two male ambulatory ischemic or hemorrhagic induced stroke patients with chronic hemiplegia lasting at least 12 months were enrolled in this prospective study.

Evaluation of personality profile in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome and healthy controls.

Objectives: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is associated with widespread musculoskeletal pain disorder characterized by various symptoms. Our aim was to compare the personality profiles and psychological aspects between FMS patients and control subjects. Additionally, we evaluated the FMS symptoms, pain and functional status.

Elbow problems in paraplegic spinal cord injured patients: frequency and related risk factors--a preliminary controlled study.

Study Design: Cross-sectional controlled study.

Objectives: To evaluate the elbow joint with ultrasound in paraplegic patients, determine the related factors and compare it with healthy controls.

Setting: A training and research rehabilitation hospital in Istanbul.

The effect of low-frequency TENS in the treatment of neuropathic pain in patients with spinal cord injury.

Study Design: Prospective, randomized and controlled study.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of low-frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (LF-TENS) in the treatment of neuropathic pain in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI).

Methods: A total of 33 SCI patients with neuropathic pain were included in the study.

Efficacy of supervised exercise combined with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in women with fibromyalgia: a prospective controlled study.

The aim of this study was to investigate the results of a supervised exercise with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in an exercise controlled study in women with fibromyalgia. Sixty-six women with fibromyalgia who admitted to the outpatient clinic of our hospital were randomized into two treatment groups. The patients in both groups participated in a supervised combined exercise program for 12 weeks.

The clinical characteristics of neuropathic pain in patients with spinal cord injury.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the characteristics of neuropathic pain and observe intensity alterations in pain with regard to time during the day in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients.

Methods: A total of 50 SCI patients (M/F, 40/10; mean age, 35±12 years) with at-level and below-level neuropathic pain were included in the study. All patients were examined and classified according to the ASIA/ISCoS 2002 International Neurologic Examination and Classification Standards.

Frequency, features, and factors for falls in a group of subacute stroke patients hospitalized for rehabilitation in Istanbul.

Falling is a major complication seen in stroke patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the frequency, features, and factors for falls affecting subacute stroke patients hospitalized for rehabilitation. Ninety-nine subacute stroke patients, hospitalized for rehabilitation were evaluated prospectively in this study.

Impact of cognitive impairment on functional outcome in stroke.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the cognitive impairment on functional status in patients with subacute stroke. Fifty-two patients with subacute stroke were included in the study. Mini mental state examination (MMSE) test was used for the evaluation of cognitive status.

Employment among spinal cord injured patients living in Turkey: a cross-sectional study.

The aim of this study was to determine the rate of employment and to establish the factors affecting vocational status in spinal cord injured patients living in Turkey. One hundred and fifty-two traumatic spinal cord injured patients older than 18 years with injury duration of at least 1 year and living in the community were included in the study; homemakers were not taken into consideration. The demographic and clinical data were retrieved from the medical records.

Relationship between bone turnover and bone density at the proximal femur in stroke patients.

Objective: To investigate the relationship between the rate of bone turnover and bone loss at the proximal femur in stroke patients.

Methods: This study was performed between January 1, 2005 and August 31, 2006 at the Stroke Rehabilitation Unit, Istanbul Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Training Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. One hundred six patients who had a stroke for the first time were included in the study.

Sex hormone levels and functional outcomes: a controlled study of patients with spinal cord injury compared with healthy subjects.

Objectives: To investigate testosterone and free testosterone levels in male patients after spinal cord injury (SCI) in comparison with healthy subjects, the effects of free testosterone on Functional Independence Measure (FIM) instrument, and their relationship between time since injury, spinal cord injury levels, and testosterone levels.

Design: Prospective case series during 2004-2005. Male patients with SCI (n = 44) and a control group (n = 42) from healthy volunteers with similar age and body mass index were included in the study.

Bone loss and bone turnover in acute and chronic spinal cord injured patients.

Objective: To investigate bone loss and the rate of bone turnover in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI), and to compare the results with those healthy controls.

Methods: This cross-sectional, controlled study was performed between January and December 2005, in the Istanbul Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Training Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. Forty-eight patients with SCI were included in the study.

Domain-specific quality of life assesment in spinal cord injured patients.

The objective of the study was to describe the domain-specific quality of life in persons with spinal cord injury, and to evaluate the influences of injury level, time since injury, age at time of injury, marital status and education level on quality of life subscales. A cross-sectional questionnaire study was used. Thirty persons with spinal cord injury and 32 age-sex-matched healthy controls were included in the study.

Reasons for rehospitalization in patients with spinal cord injury: 5 years' experience.

The aim of this study was to determine the causes of rehospitalization in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) treated in Istanbul Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Centre and to compare the data with previous studies. Patients who were rehospitalized after an initial phase of rehabilitation between 1 January 1996 and 31 December 2001 were enrolled into the study. SCI patients aged 17 years or over at the time of injury were included.