Beyond expectations: disease duration and psychological burden in psoriatic arthritis.

This study aims to investigate the relationship between disease duration and psychological burden in PsA and to identify the risk factors associated with psychological distress. Patients with PsA who met CASPAR classification criteria enrolled by Turkish League Against Rheumatism (TLAR)-Network. Patients were categorized into three groups based on disease duration: early stage (< 5 years), middle stage (≥ 5, < 10 years), and late stage (≥ 10 years). All patients underwent clinical and laboratory assessment using standardized protocol and case report forms. The associations between psychological variables and clinical parameters were assessed by a multivariate analysis. Of the 1113 patients with PsA (63.9% female), 564 (%50.7) had high risk for depression and 263 (%23.6) for anxiety. The risk of psychological burden was similar across all PsA groups, and patients with a higher risk of depression and anxiety also experienced greater disease activity, poorer quality of life, and physical disability. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that female gender (OR = 1.52), PsAQoL (OR = 1.13), HAQ (OR = 1.99), FiRST score (OR = 1.14), unemployment/retired (OR = 1.48) and PASI head score (OR = 1.41) were factors that influenced the risk of depression, whereas the current or past enthesitis (OR = 1.45), PsAQoL (OR = 1.19), and FiRST score (OR = 1.26) were factors that influenced the risk of anxiety. PsA patients can experience a comparable level of psychological burden throughout the course of their disease. Several socio-demographic and disease-related factors may contribute to mental disorders in PsA. In the present era of personalized treatment for PsA, evaluating psychiatric distress can guide tailored interventions that improve overall well-being and reduce disease burden.

Diagnostic delay in psoriatic arthritis: insights from a nationwide multicenter study.

This study aimed to investigate the duration of diagnostic delay in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and identify potential contributing factors using a comprehensive, population-based approach. Data were obtained from the Turkish League Against Rheumatism (TLAR)-Network, involving patients who met the CASPAR criteria. Diagnostic delay was defined as time interval from symptom onset to PsA diagnosis, categorized as ≤ 2 years and > 2 years. Temporal trends were assessed by grouping patients based on the year of diagnosis. Various factors including demographics, clinical characteristics, disease activity, quality of life, physical function, disability, fatigue, and well-being were examined. Logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with diagnostic delay. Among 1,134 PsA patients, mean diagnostic delay was 35.1 months (median: 12). Approximately 39.15% were diagnosed within 3 months, and 67.02% were diagnosed within 24 months. Patients experiencing longer delays had higher scores in Psoriatic Arthritis Quality of Life Questionnaire (PsAQoL), Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-Fatigue), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), patient's global assessment (PtGA) and physician's global assessment (PhGA). Diagnostic delay has decreased over time, with median delay falling from 60 to 24 months throughout pre-2010 and 2015-2019 terms. Several factors were identified as significant contributors to delayed diagnosis, including lower levels of education (OR = 2.63), arthritis symptoms preceding skin manifestations (OR = 1.72), low back pain at first visit (OR = 1.60), symptom onset age (OR = 0.96), and psoriasis subtype (OR = 0.25). Timely diagnosis of PsA is crucial for effective management and improved outcomes. Despite recent improvements, about one-third of PsA patients still experience delays exceeding 2 years. By identifying influential factors such as education level, arthritis symptoms preceding skin manifestations, initial visit symptoms, age of symptom onset, and psoriasis subtype, healthcare practitioners may create specific techniques to help in early detection and intervention.

Impact of obesity on quality of life, psychological status, and disease activity in psoriatic arthritis: a multi­center study.

This article aims to evaluate the possible effect of obesity on quality of life, psychological status, and other clinical variables in Psoriatic arthritis (PsA). PsA patients have been recruited by the Turkish League Against Rheumatism-Network from various centers in Turkey in this cross-sectional study. Patients with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ of 30 kg/m2 were considered obese. Differences among patients with regard to obesity status were assessed with health-related quality of life measures (PsA Quality of Life Questionnaire [PsAQoL]), psychological status (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS]), and disease activity parameters (the Disease Activity index for PSoriatic Arthritis [DAPSA], Disease Activity Score 28-C-reactive protein [DAS28-CRP], Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index [BASDAI], Psoriasis Area and Severity Index [PASI]), physical functions (Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index [BASFI], Health Assessment Questionnaire [HAQ], and Health Assessment Questionnaire for the spondyloarthropathies [HAQ-S]). Pain was assessed using visual analog scale of pain (VAS-P), and fatigue was evaluated using visual analog scale of fatigue (VAS-F) and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT). A total of 1033 patients with PsA, 650 (62.9%) non-obese and 383 (37.1%) obese were included in the study. The PsAQoL, HADS-Anxiety, HADS-Depression, DAPSA, DAS28-CRP, BASDAI, BASFI, HAQ and HAQ-S scores of the obese group were higher than the non-obese group (p < 0.05). VAS-P and PASI scores were similar between group of patients with and without obesity. Obese patients had higher median scores of VAS-F and FACIT than non-obese patients (p < 0.05). Linear regression analysis showed that BMI affects the quality of life, depression, and disease activity. Consequently, obesity has significant associations with higher disease activity, lower QoL, risk of anxiety, depression, and fatigue. Therefore, obesity should also be taken into account in the management of PsA patients.

The effect of gender on disease activity and clinical characteristics in patients with axial psoriatic arthritis.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of gender on clinical findings, disease activity, functional status and quality of life in patients with axial involvement in Turkey. METHODS: Patients with PsA who met the CASPAR classification criteria were enrolled consequently in this cohort. Turkish League Against Rheumatism (TLAR)-Network was formed with the participation of 25 centres. The demographic variables, fatigue, diagnostic delay, the beginning of peripheral arthritis, enthesitis, dactylitis and spine involvement, inflammatory low back pain, BASFI, HAQ, HAQ-s, visual analogue scale-pain (VAS-pain), anxiety, depression and disease activity parameters (ESR, DAS28, BASDAI) were recorded. Axial involvement was assessed according to clinical and radiological data according to modified New York (MNYC) or Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS) criteria. RESULTS: A total of 1018 patients with PsA were included in this study. Of the 373 patients with axial involvement, 150 were male (40.2%) and 223 (59.8%) were female. Spondylitis was detected in 14,7% of men and 21,9% of women in all patients. Pain score (VAS) (p < .002), fatigue (p < .001), ESR (p < .001), DAS28 (p < .001), BASDAI score (p < .001), PsAQoL (p < .001), HAQ score (p < ,01), HAQ-S score (p < .001), anxiety (p < .001), depression (p < .024), FACIT (p < .001) and FiRST (p < .001) scores were statistically significantly worse in women than males with axial PsA. However, quality of life was better (p < .001) and PASI score (p < .005) were statistically worse in male patients than in female patients with axial involvement. CONCLUSION: This study has shown that the burden of disease in axial PsA has significant difference between genders. Disease activity, physical disability, functional limitation, depression and anxiety scores were higher in female patients, while quality of life were better and PASI score were higher in male patients. Therefore, we suggest that new strategies should be developed for more effective treatment of axial PsA in female patients.

The impact of fatigue on patients with psoriatic arthritis: a multi-center study of the TLAR-network.

Fatigue is a substantial problem in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) that needs to be considered in the core set of domains. This study aimed to evaluate fatigue and its relationship with disease parameters, functional disability, anxiety, depression, quality of life, and correlation with disease activity as determined by various scales. A total of 1028 patients (677 females, 351 males) with PsA who met the CASPAR criteria were included [Turkish League Against Rheumatism (TLAR) Network multicenter study]. The demographic features and clinical conditions of the patients were recorded. Correlations between fatigue score and clinical parameters were evaluated using the Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28), Disease Activity in Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA), Clinical DAPSA (cDAPSA), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), the Fibromyalgia Rapid Screening Tool (FiRST), minimal disease activity (MDA), and very low disease activity (VLDA). Fatigue was assessed with the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT-F) and a 10-point VAS (VAS-F). The mean age of the patients was 47 (SD: 12.2) years, and the mean disease duration was 6.4 (SD: 7.3) years. The mean VAS-F score was 5.1 (SD: 2.7), with fatigue being absent or mild, moderate, and severe in 12.8%, 24.6%, and 62.5% of the patients, respectively. Fatigue scores were significantly better in patients with DAS28 remission, DAPSA remission, cDAPSA remission, MDA, and VLDA (p < 0.001). Fatigue scores significantly increased with increasing disease activity levels on the DAS28, DAPSA, and cDAPSA (p < 0.001). VAS-F scores showed correlations with the scores of the BASDAI, BASFI, PsAQoL, HAD-A, FiRST, pain VAS, and PtGA. FiRST scores showed fibromyalgia in 255 (24.8%) patients. FACIT-F and VAS-F scores were significantly higher in patients with fibromyalgia (p < 0.001). In regression analysis, VLDA, BASDAI score, FiRST score, high education level, HAD-Anxiety, and BMI showed independent associations with fatigue. Our findings showed that fatigue was a common symptom in PsA and disease activity was the most substantial predictor, with fatigue being less in patients in remission, MDA, and VLDA. Other correlates of fatigue were female gender, educational level, anxiety, quality of life, function, pain, and fibromyalgia.

Enthesitis and its relationship with disease activity, functional status, and quality of life in psoriatic arthritis: a multi-center study.

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an inflammatory arthritis with distinct phenotypic subtypes. Enthesitis is assigned as a hallmark of the disease, given its significant relations to disease activity and quality of life. Our objective is to evaluate the prevalence of enthesitis and its association with some clinical parameters, particularly quality of life, using data from a national registry. Patients with PsA meeting ClASsification criteria for Psoriatic Arthritis (CASPAR) were enrolled by means of a multi-centre Turkish League Against Rheumatism (TLAR) Network Project. The following information was recorded in web-based case report forms: demographic, clinical and radiographic data; physical examination findings, including tender and swollen joint counts (TJC and SJC); nail and skin involvement; Disease Activity Score-28 for Rheumatoid Arthritis with Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (DAS 28-ESR); Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI); Maastricht Ankylosing Spondylitis Enthesitis Score (MASES); Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI); Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Radiology Index for the spine (BASRI-s); Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ); Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI); Health Assessment Questionnaire for the spondyloarthropathies (HAQ-s); Psoriatic arthritis quality of Life scale (PsAQoL); Short Form 36 (SF-36); Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS); Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-F); and Fibromyalgia Rapid Screening Tool (FiRST) scores. The patients were divided into two groups, namely with and without enthesitis, based on the triple Likert-type physician-reported statement of 'active enthesitis', 'history of enthesitis' or 'none' in the case report forms. Patients with active enthesitis were compared to others in terms of these clinical parameters. A total of 1130 patients were enrolled in this observational study. Of these patients, 251 (22.2%) had active enthesitis according to the clinical assessment. TJC, HAQ-s, BASDAI, FiRST and PsAQoL were significantly higher whereas the SF-36 scores were lower in patients with enthesitis (p < 0.05). Chronic back pain, dactylitis, and tenosynovitis were more frequent in the enthesopathy group (59.4%/39%, 13.1%/6.5% and 24.7%/3.4%, respectively). Significant positive correlations between the MASES score and the TJC, HAQ, DAS 28-ESR, BASDAI, FiRST and PsAQoL scores, and a negative correlation with the SF-36 score were found. When linear regression analysis was performed, the SF-36 MCS and PCS scores decreased by - 9.740 and - 11.795 units, and the FiRST scores increased by 1.223 units in patients with enthesitis. Enthesitis is an important involvement of PsA with significant relations to quality of life determined with PsAQoL and SF-36 scores. Our study found higher frequency of dactylitis and chronic back pain, and worse quality of life determined with SF-36 and PsAQoL scores in patients with enthesitis.

Residual symptoms and disease burden among patients with psoriatic arthritis: is a new disease activity index required?

The aim of this study was to investigate residual symptoms or disease burden among patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in remission or low disease activity (LDA) according to different outcome measures. A total of 126 patients with PsA were included and the following variables were assessed: Tender joint count (TJC), swollen joint count (SJC), patient's global assessment, physician's global assessment, pain, extra-articular manifestations, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index, Health Assessment Questionnaire, fatigue, Short Form-36, psoriatic quality of life, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and C-reactive protein (CRP). Disease activity was measured using three different outcome measures including minimal disease activity (MDA), disease activity score for 28 joints (DAS28-CRP) and disease activity in psoriatic arthritis (DAPSA). The number (%) of patients who achieved remission or LDA was 9(14.1), 34(27.0) and 67(53.2) according to MDA, DAPSA and DAS28-CRP criteria, respectively, under usual care. SJC > 1 was seen in 3(8.8%) and 13(19.4%) of patients in remission or LDA as defined by the DAPSA and DAS28-CRP respectively. TJC > 1 was found at least 32.4% of patients with PsA in remission or LDA by any definition. 22.2-49.3% of patients with PsA in remission or LDA still suffered from clinically important fatigue. No patients in MDA had a substantial functional impairment while 2.9-19.4% of patients fulfilling remission or LDA according to the DAPSA and DAS28-CRP experienced functional disability. At least 22.2% of patients with PsA in remission or LDA by any description had higher risk for depression, and at least 11.1% for anxiety. Despite patients with PsA in remission or LDA by various definition, they may continue to experience pain, tender or swollen joints, fatigue, physiologic distress as well as functional impairment suggesting that there is a significant unmet need with regard to definition of remission or LDA in PsA.

Effect of Turbinate Intervention on Nasal Functions in Septorhinoplasty Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to evaluate the effect of inferior turbinate reduction on nasal function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 32 patients who underwent septorhinoplasty (SRP) operation were included in the study and assigned into 2 groups as group I who received inferior turbinate reduction during SRP operation consisted of 17 patients and the group II who consisted of 15 patients without inferior turbinate reduction. For 2 groups before and after surgery, visual analogue score and findings of the acoustic rhinometry were recorded both before and after decongestion of the nasal mucosa. RESULTS: Postoperative mean visual analogue scale (VAS) scores revealed a statistically significant reduction compared with preoperative values on right and left side of the nasal cavity, both before and after topical decongestion in group I (P < 0.005). Also in group II, the differences of VAS scores for both sides before and after topical decongestion were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Postoperatively, the increase of the volume measurements at the level of pyriform sinüs (VOL2) value on the right side of the nasal cavity before and after decongestion and volume measurements at the level of the nasal valve (VOL1) values on both sides after topical decongestion were found to be statistically significant in group I. When the VAS scores and acoustic rhinometry measurements of group I and group II patients were compared the difference, for before and after topical decongestion, postoperative mean MCA1 (minimal cross-sectional area at the level of the nasal valve) values for left side and right side of nasal cavity were higher in group I than group II and these differences were statistically significant (P < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: As a result, in the SRP operations, turbinoplasty should be implemented by taking into account the function as well as aesthetic concern. Similar results were obtained in other studies that were carried on.

Gender specific differences in patients with psoriatic arthritis.

OBJECTIVES: To assess gender related differences in a cohort of patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). METHODS: Consecutively recruited patients were included and underwent clinical, radiological and laboratory evaluation by using standardized protocol and case report forms. RESULTS: Women (n = 115) with PsA had higher symptom duration and body mass index (BMI), tender and swollen joint counts, disease activity score-28 joints (DAS28), Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and poorer physical activity and fatigue than men (n = 72) with PsA. Psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) were higher in male patients. However quality of life (SF36 physical and mental component scores), articular pattern, extra-articular features (including uveitis, iritis) and family history for psoriasis, spondyloarthritis (SpA) (PsA and ankylosing spondylitis [AS]) were quite similar between men and women. CONCLUSIONS: Some of the clinical and laboratory variables tend to be different between men and women with PsA. The extent of quality of life and articular pattern seem to be similar in both genders. Men with PsA are more likely to have higher PASI scores and longer duration to develop arthritis after the onset of psoriasis, while women are more likely to have higher disease activity and report more fatigue and physical activity limitations.

Discriminant validity of the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) in patients with non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis: a cohort study.

The aim of this study was to assess discriminant validity of Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS)-C-reactive protein (-CRP) and ASDAS-erythrocyte sedimentation rate (-ESR) and to compare with The Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) as clinical tools for the measurement of disease activity in patients with non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Also, the cut-off values for ASDAS-CRP in nr-axSpA and AS is revisited. Patients with axSpA were recruited from Erciyes Spondyloarthritis Cohort (ESPAC) and were assessed for disease activity, quality of life and functional measures. The discriminatory ability of ASDAS-CRP and ASDAS-ESR was assessed using standardized mean differences and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves analysis. Optimal cut-off values for disease activity scores were calculated. Two hundred and eighty-seven patients with axSpA (nr-axSpA:132, AS:155) were included in this study. Two ASDAS versions and BASDAI had good correlations with patient's and physician's global assessment in both groups. Discriminatory ability of ASDAS-CRP, ASDAS-ESR and BASDAI were similar in patients with nr-axSpA and AS when the patients were assigned into low and high disease activity according to the ASAS partial remission, patient's and physician's global assessment scores (based on the comparison of ROC curves). ASDAS cut-off values are quite similar between groups indicating that ASDAS-CRP works similarly well in nr-axSpA and AS. The performance of ASDAS to discriminate low and high disease activity and cut-off values are quite similar in patients with AS and non-radiographic axial SpA.

Presence of enthesopathy demonstrated with ultrasonography in systemic sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to sonographically assess the presence and distribution of enthesopathy in systemic sclerosis (SSc). METHODS: Consecutive patients with SSc and age-matched healthy controls were included in this study. All of the patients met the 2013 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism classification criteria for SSc. Six entheses sites were evaluated using gray scale and Doppler ultrasonographies (USs) with a linear transducer and were scored using the Madrid Sonography Enthesitis Index (MASEI). RESULTS: We evaluated 52 patients with SSc (46.10 ± 13.42 years) and 41 healthy controls (49.59 ± 9.35 years). Patients with SSc had significantly higher MASEI scores than the healthy controls. Except for plantar aponeurosis, the tendons and ligaments were thicker in the SSc group. In the SSc group, there were 25 (48.1%) diffuse cutaneous SScs and 22 (42.3%) limited cutaneous SScs. Variables such as age, BMI, disease duration, diagnostic delay and MASEI scores were similar in subgroups of SSc. There was a positive correlation between MASEI score and age, modified Rodnan's skin score and dyspnea grade, and a negative correlation with handgrip strength. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study showing the presence of enthesopathy in patients with SSc using US. Enthesopathy should be kept in mind in symptomatic patients with SSc; additionally, it can be easily identified with US.

Gender disparities in Behçet's syndrome: identifying distinct phenotypes through cluster analysis.

Behçet's syndrome (BS) is a complex, multi-systemic disorder with a global occurrence, notably concentrated along the Silk Road. This study aimed to investigate gender-specific expressions and clinical phenotypes in BS patients within the Eastern Black Sea Region of Turkey. A total of 290 BS patients were retrospectively analyzed between January 2013 and December 2023. Demographic characteristics, clinical manifestations, medical treatment, and pathergy test results were obtained from a review of medical records. The mean age was 45.79 ± 13.05, with a male-to-female ratio of 48.6:51.4. Male patients had higher papulopustular lesions (p < 0.001) and ocular involvement (p = 0.036), while females showed more frequent genital ulcers (p = 0.032). Medication usage showed gender-based variations, notably higher corticosteroid, azathioprine, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitor (TNFi) use in males (p < 0.001). Cluster analysis revealed five distinct clusters, each with unique features and gender predominance. Cardiovascular type, ocular type, and skin type predominantly featured male patients, while joint involvement type and neurologic and mucosal involvement type were more prevalent among female patients with BS. This research contributes valuable insights into the gender-related clinical variations of BS within a specific geographic region, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of this challenging syndrome. The identification of distinct clinical phenotypes facilitates the development of tailored treatment strategies, potentially leading to improved outcomes for patients with BS.

Degenerative changes of lumbar spine and their clinical implications in patients with axial spondyloarthritis.

The objective of this study was to assess degenerative changes (DCs) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of lumbar spine in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and non-specific mechanical low back pain (mLBP). Patients were consecutively recruited and all underwent MRI of the lumbar spine in this cross-sectional study. Disk degeneration (DD, Pfirrmann classification), endplate changes (Modic, types 1, 2, and 3), annular fissure, disk bulging, and protrusion or extrusion at each lumbar spinal level were assessed using anonymized images. Patients with axSpA were assessed for disease activity, functioning, and quality of life. Univariate and subsequent multivariate logistic regression analyses with adjustments of various covariates were used to assess association between MRI findings and clinical variables. One hundred twenty-three patients had non-radiographic (nr-axSpA) and 144 had radiographic axSpA/ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Degenerative changes were more prevalent in patients with mLBP (n = 105) than axSpA. Disk degeneration was the most prevalent MRI finding, followed by annular fissure, disk herniation (protrusion or extrusion), and Modic changes (MCs) in axSpA. Disk herniation was more prevalent in patients with nr-axSpA compared to AS. Modic changes (OR = 6.455), lumbar disk herniation (OR = 2.278), annular fissure (OR = 2.842), conventional synthetic or biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) non-users (OR = 2.225), and advanced age (OR = 31.556) were factors associated with an increased risk of DD in axSpA. Coexisting DD increased the burden of disease in axSpA. A considerable proportion of patients with axSpA had DD at the lumbar spine. These degenerative changes might explain some of the complaints and should not been overlooked in patients with axSpA. Key Points • Lumbar herniated nucleus pulposus (LHNP) is more frequent in nr-axSpA while MC is more frequent in AS. • DD may cause an increase in BASFI and BASMI scores in axSpA. • Spinal DCs might be an alternative explanation for low back complaints and should not been overlooked in patients with axSpA.

The impact of nail psoriasis on disease activity, quality of life, and clinical variables in patients with psoriatic arthritis: A cross-sectional multicenter study.

AIM: Nail involvement is common in psoriatic arthritis. This study assesses clinical characteristics, nail psoriasis prevalence, and impact of nail psoriasis on disease activity in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). METHOD: This cross-sectional multicenter study was conducted by the Turkish League Against Rheumatism using PsA patients recruited from 25 centers. Demographic and clinical characteristics of PsA patients, such as disease activity measures, quality of life, and nail involvement findings were assessed during routine follow-up examinations. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of nail psoriasis and compared using the χ2 test or Fisher exact test for categorical variables and the t-test or Mann-Whitney U test for continuous variables. RESULTS: In 1122 individuals with PsA, 645 (57.5%) displayed nail psoriasis. The most frequent features of fingernails were ridges (38%), followed by pitting (21%) and onycholysis (19%). More females were present in both groups (with and without nail psoriasis; 64% vs 67%, P < 0.282). Patients with nail psoriasis were older, indicated more pain and fatigue, experienced greater swelling, tender joint counts, and skin disease severity, and had a higher disease activity score compared with those without nail psoriasis (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: We demonstrate an increased prevalence of nail psoriasis observed in patients with psoriatic arthritis. Patients with nail involvement experience increased disease activity, lower quality of life, and diminished mental and physical status compared with those without nail involvement.

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the parotid gland.

An inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor, previously known as an inflammatory pseudotumor, is an uncommon neoplasm. This tumor, which has characteristic morphologic and immunohistochemical features, is mostly seen in the lung. We present a rare case of an inflammatory myofibroblastic pseudotumor of the parotid gland. A 45-year-old woman presented with a 4-month history of a swelling in her right parotid region. A partial parotidectomy with preservation of the facial nerve branches was performed. The incidence of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor in the parotid gland is low, and local resection is currently the best treatment. A prolonged postoperative follow-up period is necessary for patients with inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor. Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the parotid gland is discussed with a brief literature review.

Rapidly progressive thyroid mass: amyloid goiter.

Amyloidosis is a disease of unknown etiology characterized by the accumulation of an amorphous proteinaceous material in various organs and tissues of the body. Amyloid goiter is an exceedingly rare pathologic condition due to massive amyloid infiltration of the thyroid tissue. Amyloid goiter occurs in association with both primary and secondary systemic amyloidosis, more commonly in the latter. Preoperatively, it simulates a multinodular goiter, and surgical intervention is often necessary to establish a diagnosis and to relieve compressive symptoms of a neck mass. We present the case of an 85-year-old female patient who presented with a rapidly enlarging goiter. Histologic examination confirmed amyloid goiter.

Gender differences in the discriminative value of inflammatory low back pain criteria.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Inflammatory low back pain (IBP) is the leading symptom in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and its assessment is crucial for the diagnosis. Our aim was to assess gender specific differences in the discriminative ability of the items and criteria sets in a specific patient population consisting patients with axSpA and other causes of chronic low back pain (LBP). METHODS: Patients with chronic LBP with an onset less than 45 years were included and screened for the Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS) axSpA criteria. Items of IBP, according to Calin, Berlin and ASAS expert criteria were evaluated in patients with axSpA and non-SpA LBP by a blinded researcher. Discriminative ability of the single items and sets were assessed in terms of sensitivity, specificity and area under the curve (AUC) analysis in male and female patients and compared between genders. RESULTS: Single IBP items performed similarly well in men and women, as well as criteria sets. Despite similar discriminative performance of IBP items and criteria sets in both genders, women tend to have slightly better performance. Our results revealed similar sensitivity but slightly lower specificity for most of the single items and criteria sets compared to previous reports. CONCLUSION: Gender may have an influence on the discriminative performance of some of the IBP items and criteria sets as well. Calin criteria seem to perform slightly better in both genders than Berlin and ASAS criteria sets. KEY WORDS: Inflammatory, back pain, gender, axial spondyloarthritis.

Inconsistencies of the Disease Activity Assessment Tools for Psoriatic Arthritis: Challenges to Rheumatologists.

OBJECTIVE: Currently, concerning the evaluation of psoriatic arthritis (PsA), there is no agreement on a standardized composite index for disease activity that includes all relevant domains. The present study sought to assess the rates of remission (REM)/low disease activity (LDA) and disease states [minimal disease activity (MDA), very low disease activity (VLDA)] as defined by diverse activity scales (DAPSA, DAS28-ESR) in an attempt to display discrepancies across these assessment tools for peripheral PsA. METHODS: The study involved 758 patients (496 females, 262 males; mean age 47,1 years) with peripheral PsA who were registered to the Turkish League Against Rheumatism (TLAR) Network. The patients were assessed using the DAS28-ESR, DAPSA, MDA, and VLDA. The overall yield of each scale was assessed in identifying REM and LDA. The presence or absence of swollen joints was separately analysed. RESULTS: The median disease duration was 4 years (range 0-44 years). According to DAPSA and DAS28-ESR, REM was achieved in 6.9% and 19.5% of the patients, respectively. The rates of MDA and VLDA were 16% and 2.9%, respectively. Despite the absence of swollen joints, a significant portion of patients were not considered to be in REM (296 (39.1%) patients with DAS28-ESR, 364 (48%) with DAPSA, and 394 (52%) with VLDA). CONCLUSION: Patients with peripheral PsA may be assigned to diverse disease activity levels when assessed with the DAS28-ESR, DAPSA, MDA and VLDA, which would inevitably have clinical implications. In patients with PsA a holistic approach seems to be necessary which includes other domains apart from joint involvement, such as skin involvement, enthesitis, spinal involvement, and patient-reported outcomes.

The effect of lidocaine, bupivacaine and ropivacaine in nasal packs on pain and hemorrhage after septoplasty.

We aimed to investigate the effects of local anesthetics soaked in Merocel nasal packs on hemorrhage and pain after septoplasty. The methodology includes a prospective double-blind study that was conducted in patients undergoing septoplasty because of nasal septal deviation. The study included 143 patients. The patients were divided into four groups. Each group received 1% lidocaine + 0.000625% adrenalin, 0.375% ropivacaine, 0.25% bupivacaine as study groups or 0.9% sodium chloride as a control group in their Merocel packs postoperatively. The local anesthetics or sodium chloride were reapplied at the eighth postoperative hour. Each patient was given a questionnaire where verbal analog score and amount of postoperative hemorrhage was noted. The statistical analysis was performed using two sided t test on each patient group at each time point. The results included the patients in the control group needing rescue drug most often. There was no statistically significant difference between bupivacaine and lidocaine plus adrenalin in the patients who requested rescue drug. The patients in the ropivacaine group requested rescue drug more frequently than the bupivacaine and lidocaine plus adrenalin groups. Bupivacaine group had significantly better pain scores versus control group at all intervals except for the first postoperative hour.The bupivacaine group had better pain scores versus ropivacaine and lidocaine plus adrenalin groups in the 4th, 8th and the 24th hours. The bupivacaine group had better pain scores versus lidocaine plus adrenalin in the 12th, 16th and the 20th hours. The ropivacaine group had significantly better pain scores versus control group in the 8th, 12th, 16th, 20th and 24th postoperative hours. The ropivacaine group scored better than lidocaine plus adrenalin group just in the 16th hour. The lidocaine plus adrenalin group had significantly better pain scores versus control group in 4th and 12th hours. There was no statistically significant difference between the study groups in terms of postoperative hemorrhage. We concluded that bupivacaine use in nasal surgery provides better analgesia at least in the first 8 h period and does not cause more bleeding. Topical bupivacaine application to nasal packs should be considered after septoplasty.

Metastatic basal cell carcinoma.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer with a high propensity for local recurrence. The incidence of metastases from BCC is rare. We report a 65-year-old man who had BCC of the medial canthus of the left eye. In the 10-year period, he had been operated on approximately 12 times because of local recurrences. Three years after the last operation, he had a suspicious lesion on the operated area and a lumbar pain. Radiologic examination showed multiple metastatic skeletal and liver lesions. He was referred to the oncology department for radiation therapy and chemotherapy.