Ferhan Canturk

A comparative evaluation of health related quality of life and depression in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis

The aim of this study was to compare health related quality of life (HRQoL) and assess functional and psychological status in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), fibromyalgia syndrome (FS) patients and controls (each 30 subjects). Demographic characteristics, pain and sleep disturbance by Visual Analog Scale, depression by Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), disease impact by fibromyalgia impact questionnaire, DAS-28, and HRQoL by SF-36 were gathered. The FS group scored significantly worser than the RA group with respect to physical role, social functioning and bodily pain subscales of SF-36. The scores of all SF-36 subscales were significantly lower in FS and RA patients than controls except mental health score. All of the subscales of SF-36 were negatively correlated with BDI scores in FS patients. In RA group, the DAS-28 scores were inversely correlated with all of SF-36 subscales. In conclusion, presence of comorbid depression must be taken into account when determining HRQoL in FS and RA. Essentials improving the HRQoL are management of depression in FS and control of disease activity in RA.

Effects of two exercise interventions on pulmonary functions in the patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of two different home-based daily exercise programs on pulmonary functions in the patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). METHODS Fifty-one patients with AS were distributed into three groups. Group 1 (n=19) was given a conventional exercise regimen. Group 2 (n=19) received exercises based on the Global Posture Reeducation (GPR) method. Group 3 (n=13) was accepted as the control group. Patients were assessed according to pain, functional capacity (The Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index - BASFI), disease activity (The Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index - BASDAI), chest expansion, pulmonary function parameters, and 6-min walk distance (6MWD) test. RESULTS Although there were significant improvements for BASDAI and BASFI scores in all groups, significant improvements in the VAS pain, chest expansion, pulmonary function parameters and 6MWD test were observed in the exercise groups. The improvements in pain, functional capacity, disease activity, chest expansion, pulmonary function parameters and 6MWD test were better in the exercise groups than in the control group. The GPR method resulted in greater improvements than the conventional exercise program in specific pulmonary function parameters like forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1s, and peak expiratory flow parameters. CONCLUSION Both exercises are efficient in improving pulmonary functions. Since the improvements in pulmonary function tests were greater in the patients who performed the exercise according to GPR method, motivated patients should be encouraged to perform this exercise program.

Effects of a home-based exercise program on quality of life, fatigue, and depression in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

The aim of this trial was to investigate the effects of a 12-week home-based exercise program (HEP) on quality of life (QOL) and fatigue in patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS). Forty-three patients with AS were included in this study. Group 1 was given a HEP; Group 2 served as the control group. The functional capacity (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index), disease activity (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Assessment Index), fatigue (Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue Scale), depression (Beck Depression Inventory scores), and QOL (Short Form 36) of all participants were evaluated. There were significant improvements for all the parameters in two groups after the treatment. The improvements for all the parameters were better in the exercise group than in the control group. Home-based exercise programs are very effective in improving QOL and reducing fatigue. Because of these advantages, HEP should be advised for the management program in AS in addition to medical treatments.

T helper 1 type cytokines polymorphisms: association with susceptibility to Behçet’s disease

The pathogenesis of Behçet’s disease (BD) is not fully understood and immunological abnormalities and genetic factors have been investigated. Because serum concentrations of mainly T helper 1 (Th1) type cells have been reported to be increased in BD, we aimed to investigate whether certain cytokine polymorphisms might represent a risk factor for developing BD. We genotyped 80 patients with BD and 105 healthy controls for interleukin (IL)-1 α (T/C −889), IL-1 β (C/T −511, T/C +3962), IL-1R (C/T pst11970), IL-1RA (T/C mspa111100), IL-2 (T/G −330), IL-12 (C/A −1188), interferon (IFN)-γ (A/T UTR 5644), and TNF-α (G/A −238) polymorphisms. Analyses of cytokine polymorphisms were performed with PCR-SSP. The genotype and allele frequencies of the patients and controls were compared and the association between the polymorphisms of the cytokines with the clinical findings was investigated. Genotype distribution showed significant differences between the patients and the controls for the IL-1 α −889, IL-1 β −511, IL-1 β +3962, IL-1R, IL-12, IFN- γ, and TNF-α cytokines. We didn’t observe significant difference in genotypic frequencies of IL-1RA and IL-2 in our study. Comparison of the IL-1 α −889, IL 1 β −511, and IL 1 β +3962 genotype frequencies showed significant increase in CC genotype between the patients and the controls. The individuals with IL-1R TT polymorphism had a higher risk for BD compared to patients with CT/CC polymorphism. Comparison of IL-12, IFN- γ, and TNF-α, genotype frequencies showed significant increase in CA, AA, and AA genotypes between the patients and controls, respectively. The frequencies of genotypes according to the clinical features of the patients with BD did not show a significant difference (p > 0.05). Our study suggests that development of BD might be determined by various cytokine gene polymorphisms. However, further studies on larger numbers of cases are needed before definite conclusions can be drawn.

Changes in bone mineral density and bone metabolism markers in premenopausal women with multiple sclerosis and the relationship to clinical variables

Bone mineral density (BMD) is affected in young adults with multiple sclerosis (MS), which leads to disabling disease. We aimed to show changes that were independent of immobilization by measuring BMD and laboratory markers of bone metabolism in mobile MS patients. We compared a total of 52 premenopausal female patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) to 41 women of similar age who had no risk factors for osteoporosis. The lumbar and femur BMD were measured using the dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) method. The urine concentration of serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OH vit D(3)), and pyridinoline and deoxypyridinoline were also measured. The concentration of serum osteocalcin was measured to determine the speed of bone metabolism. The mean age of patients (+/- standard deviation [SD]) was 36.1+/-7.4. The average Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score was 2.2+/-1.8. The concentration of 25-OH vit D(3) and osteocalcin was lower, whereas the concentration of parathyroid hormone (PTH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), pyridinoline and deoxypyridinoline was higher in the patient group. In the patient group, lumbar 2-4 BMD, T score and Z score and femur neck and trochantor BMD, T score and Z score were significantly lower than in the control group. There was a significant negative relationship between: the disease period and L 2-4 BMD, T score and Z scores; and the femoral neck BMD, T score and Z scores. There was a significant relationship between the total Functional Independence Measure score and the femoral neck, femoral trochanter BMD, T score, and Z score. There was a significant negative relationship between the average EDSS, L 2-4 and all the DXA measurements obtained from the femur. There was a significant relationship between the 25-OH vit D(3) concentration and L 2-4 T score and Z score from the DXA measurements obtained from the femur. There were no significant relationships between osteocalcin, pyridinoline, deoxypyridinoline levels and the BMD measurements. Therefore, the duration of the disease and decrease in functional capacity are the main factors that affect BMD in MS. Apart from the decrease in functional capacity, 25-OH vit D(3) deficiency and secondary PTH increase contribute to the BDM changes observed in MS.

Clinical significance of MEFV mutations in ankylosing spondylitis.

OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of MEFV gene mutations in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and to assess the clinical significance of the MEFV gene mutations in AS. METHODS Eighty AS patients and 85 healthy controls were examined for 12 common MEFV mutations via strip-assay technique. Bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index (BASDAI), bath ankylosing spondylitis functional index (BASFI), visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), Schober test, chest expansion measurements, hip involvement, ocular involvement, articular pain, and presence of syndesmophytes were used to assess the disease severity in patients. RESULTS Twenty-four of the AS patients (30%) and 17 of the healthy controls (20%) were found to carry a single MEFV mutation. There was no significant difference between the AS patients and controls in terms of MEFV gene mutation frequency (p = 0.13, OR: 1.71, 95% CI: 0.83-3.50). When the patients were divided into two groups as MEFV mutation carriers and noncarriers, there was significant difference between the groups regarding BASFI and BASDAI whereas there was no significant difference in VAS score for pain. No association was found with the clinical findings and MEFV mutation except hip involvement. While there was no significant difference in CRP levels, individuals with MEFV mutation had a higher ESR than the noncarriers. CONCLUSION MEFV gene mutation carriage rate was not found to be significantly higher in AS patients when compared with healthy controls. However having an MEFV mutation seems to aggravate the disease course in AS.

Physical function, muscle strength and muscle mass in children on peritoneal dialysis.

The aim of this study was to examine the physical function and muscle strength of children on peritoneal dialysis (PD) and to assess whether the muscle structure alterations influence physical function and muscle strength in these children. Twenty-two children on PD and 16 healthy children were enrolled into the study. A 6-min walk distance and gait speed tests were used to evaluate physical performance. Quadriceps muscle strength (QMS) was measured with a hand-held dynamometer. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to determine the cross-sectional area (CSA) and T2 signal intensity of the quadriceps muscle. Significant differences in the performance of these functional tests were found between PD patients and controls. Quadriceps muscle strength was significantly lower in PD patients than in controls. The CSA corrected for the body mass index (CSA/BMI) was not different between groups, whereas T2 signal intensity was significantly higher in PD patients than in the controls. Physical functioning tests and QMS had a close relationship with muscle CSA/BMI and with T2 signal intensity. In conclusion, along with the other previously documented mechanisms, increased fat in muscles may contribute to the decreased physical functioning and muscle strength in PD patients.

Assessment of the effect of glucosamine sulfate and exercise on knee cartilage using magnetic resonance imaging in patients with knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled clinical trial

INTRODUCTION Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic disease characterized by the focal deterioration and abrasion of articular cartilage. The goals of therapy are preserving normal joint function, relieving pain and improving quality of life (QOL). This study is performed to investigate whether glocosamine sulfate and exercise could both delay joint structure degradation evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and improve symptoms in a short time period. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-nine women with the diagnosis of knee OA were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomized into two groups. Group I (n=20) received an exercise program, while group II (n=19) received glucosamin sulphate (1500 mg/day) in addition to the exercise therapy. Both groups were treated for 12 weeks. The patients were evaluated before and after the treatment regarding pain, disability, functional performance, muscle strength, QOL, depression and MRI findings (cartilage volume, medial and lateral cartilage thickness). RESULTS Both groups showed significant improvements in pain, disability, functional performance, QOL and depression with no statistically significant difference between the groups after the therapy. While there were significant improvements for all MRI parameters expect right knee cartilage volume and lateral cartilage thickness in two groups, statistically significant differences could not be demonstrated between the groups after the therapy. CONCLUSION We found no additional effect of glucosamine in delaying the radiological progression and relieving the symptoms of OA. We also demonstrated that exercise alone was adequate to prevent structural changes and cartilage loss of the knee joint as assessed by MRI.

Early spondyloarthropathy: scintigraphic, biological, and clinical findings in MRI-positive patients

There are no specific diagnostic tests or a gold standard method for measuring disease activity and outcome in spondyloarthropathies (SpA). Many different methods have been developed to assess the signs and symptoms in SpA. The aim of this study was to evaluate the value of scintigraphy, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and Bath Ankilosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) in the evaluation of disease activity in early axial SpA diagnosed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Thirty early MRI-positive axial SpA patients (23 males, 7 females) with a median age of 35 (18–55) years and a median duration of inflammatory low back pain of 24 (8–60) months were included in the study. In the patients with sacroiliitis, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of disease activity parameters were determined regarding MRI as the gold standard method. The sensitivities of quantitative scintigraphy, visual scintigraphy, ESR, CRP, and BASDAI were 32, 82, 35, 71, and 60%, respectively. The specificities of quantitative scintigraphy, ESR, CRP, and BASDAI were 100, 100, 50, and 100%, respectively. The positive predictive values of quantitative scintigraphy, visual scintigraphy, ESR, CRP, and BASDAI were 100, 92, 100, 95, and 100%, respectively. The negative predictive values of quantitative scintigraphy, ESR, CRP, and BASDAI were 9, 10, 11, and 15%, respectively. Regarding MRI as the gold standard in the evaluation of disease activity, combined visual and quantitative bone scintigraphy can be valuable in patients with MRI-incompatible implants. Additionally, use of cheaper, simple, and readily reproducible tests such as CRP and BASDAI together could be valuable and practical in detecting disease activity in long-term follow-up of these patients.

Evaluation of Hand Functions in Hemodialysis Patients

Background and aims. Patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) have many musculoskeletal abnormalities, including hand dysfunction. The Sollerman test evaluates hand grip function in daily activities. The relationships between Sollerman test (dominant hand) with Duruozs Hand Index (DHI), Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) tests have not been investigated previously. The aims of this study are to evaluate hand grip function using the Sollerman test in hemodialysis (HD) patients, correlate this test with other measures evaluating hand function or psychosocial status, and investigate factors that can affect Sollerman test. Methods. One-hundred twenty HD patients (64 male, 56 female, mean age 51 ± 1.4 years, mean duration of HD therapy 5.3 ± 3.7 years) were included in this study. The HAQ, DHI, and BDI scores were determined by standard techniques. All patients underwent the Jamar grip test and Sollerman test for the dominant (D) and non-dominant hand (ND). Results. We found a positive correlation between Sollerman test (dominant hand) with Sollerman test-ND, Jamar-D, and Jamar-ND tests. There were negative correlations between Sollerman test with age, HAQ, BDI, and DHI tests. Conclusions. The relationships between Sollerman test (dominant hand) with DHI, HAQ, and BDI tests have not been investigated previously. This study showed the correlations between the Sollerman test (dominant hand) and other tests (either positive or negative). Psychosocial problems can affect hand functions.