Low relapse rate in patients with giant cell arteritis in a multi-centre retrospective Turkish Registry.

OBJECTIVES: Glucocorticoids (GC) are widely accepted as the standard first-line treatment for giant cell arteritis (GCA). However, relapse rates are reported up to 80% on GC-only protocol arms in controlled trials of tocilizumab and abatacept in 12-24 months. Herein, we aimed to assess the real-life relapse rates retrospectively in patients with GCA from Turkey. METHODS: We assembled a retrospective cohort of patients with GCA diagnosed according to ACR 1990 criteria from tertiary rheumatology centres in Turkey. All clinical data were abstracted from medical records. Relapse was defined as any new manifestation or increased acutephase response leading to the change of the GC dose or use of a new therapeutic agent by the treating physician. RESULTS: The study included 330 (F/M: 196/134) patients with GCA. The mean age at disease onset was 68.9±9 years. The most frequent symptom was headache. Polymyalgia rheumatica was also present in 81 (24.5%) patients. Elevation of acute phase reactants (ESR>50 mm/h or CRP>5 mg/l) was absent in 25 (7.6%) patients at diagnosis. Temporal artery biopsy was available in 241 (73%) patients, and 180 of them had positive histopathological findings for GCA. For remission induction, GC pulses (250-1000 methylprednisolone mg/3-7 days) were given to 69 (20.9%) patients, with further 0.5-1 mg/kg/day prednisolone continued in the whole group. Immunosuppressives as GC-sparing agents were used in 252 (76.4%) patients. During a follow-up of a median 26.5 (6-190) months, relapses occurred in 49 (18.8%) patients. No confounding factor was observed in relapse rates. GC treatment could be stopped in only 62 (23.8%) patients. Additionally, GC-related side effects developed in 64 (24.6%) patients, and 141 (66.2%) had at least one Vasculitis Damage Index (VDI) damage item present during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In this first multi-centre series of GCA from Turkey, we observed that only one-fifth of patients had relapses during a mean follow-up of 26 months, with 76.4% given a GC-sparing IS agent at diagnosis. At the end of follow-up, GC-related side effects developed in one-fourth of patients. Our results suggest that patients with GCA had a low relapse rate in real-life experience of a multi-centre retrospective Turkish registry, however with a significant presence of GC-associated side effects during follow-up.

Symmetric polyarthritis as an initial symptom in granulomatosis with polyangiitis: A report of six cases and review of the literature.

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a primary systemic vasculitis characterized by granulomatous inflammation. Arthritis in GPA is most commonly associated with large joints, particularly the knees and ankles; however, symmetrical polyarthritis of small joints has been rarely reported in literature. Here, we describe retrospective analysis of six patients with GPA showing initial symptom of symmetrical polyarthritis who were followed-up by three different rheumatology departments. Male sex, anti-cyclic citrulinated peptide negativity, and early arthritis period are important clues for GPA.

Patients' concerns regarding biological agents in rheumatology.

OBJECTIVE: The potential side effects of biological agents may increase the anxiety levels of patients and influence not only their desire to use these therapies but also their concordance to treatment. This study aimed to determine the level and prevalence of drug-related concern in patients treated with biological agents and to acquire additional information regarding the related causes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1134 patients who were using biological agents for at least 3 months with a diagnosis of rheumatic diseases were enrolled. General anxiety levels were evaluated using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). RESULTS: The most common cause for drug-related concerns was the potential side effects of the drugs (59.5%). Among the potential side effects, cancer risk was the most common cause for concern (40.1%), followed by the risk of tuberculosis activation (30.7%). Anxiety levels were higher in patients who experienced side effects than in other patients, and this difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). STAI trait and state scores were moderately correlated with anxiety levels related to the drug (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Anxiety related to biological agents may significantly affect the patients' anxiety levels. Awareness regarding the patients' concerns and expectations related to the drug is important to ensure drug adherence and concordance to treatment.

Nationwide Experience With Off-Label Use of Interleukin-1 Targeting Treatment in Familial Mediterranean Fever Patients.

OBJECTIVE: Approximately 30-45% of patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) have been reported to have attacks despite colchicine treatment. Currently, data on the treatment of colchicine-unresponsive or colchicine-intolerant FMF patients are limited; the most promising alternatives seem to be anti-interleukin-1 (anti-IL-1) agents. Here we report our experience with the off-label use of anti-IL-1 agents in a large group of FMF patients. METHODS: In all, 21 centers from different geographical regions of Turkey were included in the current study. The medical records of all FMF patients who had used anti-IL-1 treatment for at least 6 months were reviewed. RESULTS: In total, 172 FMF patients (83 [48%] female, mean age 36.2 years [range 18-68]) were included in the analysis; mean age at symptom onset was 12.6 years (range 1-48), and the mean colchicine dose was 1.7 mg/day (range 0.5-4.0). Of these patients, 151 were treated with anakinra and 21 with canakinumab. Anti-IL-1 treatment was used because of colchicine-resistant disease in 84% and amyloidosis in 12% of subjects. During the mean 19.6 months of treatment (range 6-98), the yearly attack frequency was significantly reduced (from 16.8 to 2.4; P < 0.001), and 42.1% of colchicine-resistant FMF patients were attack free. Serum levels of C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and 24-hour urinary protein excretion (5,458.7 mg/24 hours before and 3,557.3 mg/24 hours after) were significantly reduced. CONCLUSION: Anti-IL-1 treatment is an effective alternative for controlling attacks and decreasing proteinuria in colchicine-resistant FMF patients.

Three cases of anti-TNF induced myositis and literature review / Três casos de miosite induzida pelo anti-TNF e revisão da literatura

Abstract Anti-tumor necrosis factor drugs are frequently preferred in the treatment of rheumatologic diseases and other inflammatory diseases. The development of myositis after using anti-tumor necrosis factor drugs is a rare clinical condition. Here we aimed to report cases who developed myositis after using anti-tumor necrosis factor drugs and review the current literature. We report two cases of rheumatoid arthritis and a case of ankylosing spondylitis developed idiopathic inflammatory myopathy following anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy. In conclusion, myositis could develop during anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy, so these patients should be evaluated carefully initially for myositis and should be closely monitored due to the potential for developing myositis in treatment process.

Resumo Os fármacos antifator de necrose tumoral (anti-TNF) são frequentemente preferidos no tratamento de doenças reumatológicas e outras doenças inflamatórias. O desenvolvimento de miosite após o uso de anti-FNT é uma condição clínica rara. Este estudo objetivou descrever casos de pacientes que desenvolveram miosite após o uso de anti-TNF e fazer uma revisão da literatura atual. Descrevem-se dois casos de artrite reumatoide (AR) e um caso de espondilite anquilosante (EA) que desenvolveram miopatia inflamatória idiopática após o tratamento com anti-TNF. Em conclusão, pode haver desenvolvimento de miosite durante o tratamento com anti-TNF, de modo que esses pacientes devem ser cuidadosamente avaliados inicialmente à procura de miosite e devem ser cuidadosamente monitorados em razão do potencial de desenvolvimento de miosite no processo de tratamento

Three cases of anti-TNF induced myositis and literature review.

Anti-tumor necrosis factor drugs are frequently preferred in the treatment of rheumatologic diseases and other inflammatory diseases. The development of myositis after using anti-tumor necrosis factor drugs is a rare clinical condition. Here we aimed to report cases who developed myositis after using anti-tumor necrosis factor drugs and review the current literature. We report two cases of rheumatoid arthritis and a case of ankylosing spondylitis developed idiopathic inflammatory myopathy following anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy. In conclusion, myositis could develop during anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy, so these patients should be evaluated carefully initially for myositis and should be closely monitored due to the potential for developing myositis in treatment process.

The management of gout in different clinical specialties in Turkey: a patient-based survey.

Although gout is potentially curable, the management of this disease is often suboptimal. In this study, we investigated the treatment of gout in Turkey and also compared the management approaches to gout in different clinical specialties. Three hundred and nineteen consecutive patients (mean age 58.60 ± 12.8 years; 44 females, 275 males) were included in this multicenter study. A standardized form was generated to collect data about the patient's first admission to health care, the specialty of the doctor first diagnosed the gout, the treatment options for gout including attack management, patient referral, chronic treatment including medical treatment, and life style modifications. Forty patients were referred to another center without any treatment (12.8 %), and referral rate is most common among the primary care physicians (28.8 %). Colchicine was more commonly used for attack prophylaxis than allopurinol. Ninety-two patients had never been treated with allopurinol (28.8 %). Allopurinol prescription was less common among the primary care physicians and orthopedists, and highest among the rheumatologists. Recommendation of diet and life style modifications was less common among the primary care physicians and orthopedists, and highest among the rheumatologists. The rates of life style modification recommendation and long-term allopurinol prescription were 83.7 and 77.6 %, respectively, among the rheumatologists. Both acute and chronic management of gout is suboptimal in Turkey especially among the primary care physicians and orthopedists. Moreover, chronic treatment is even suboptimal among rheumatologists.

A multicenter report of biologic agents for the treatment of secondary amyloidosis in Turkish rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis patients.

In this multicenter, retrospective study, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of biologic therapies, including anti-TNFs, in secondary (AA) amyloidosis patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In addition, the frequency of secondary amyloidosis in RA and AS patients in a single center was estimated. Fifty-one AS (39M, 12F, mean age: 46.7) and 30 RA patients (11M, 19F, mean age: 51.7) with AA amyloidosis from 16 different centers in Turkey were included. Clinical and demographical features of patients were obtained from medical charts. A composite response index (CRI) to biologic therapy-based on creatinine level, proteinuria and disease activity-was used to evaluate the efficacy of treatment. The mean annual incidence of AA amyloidosis in RA and AS patients was 0.23 and 0.42/1000 patients/year, respectively. The point prevalence in RA and AS groups was 4.59 and 7.58/1000, respectively. In RA group with AA amyloidosis, effective response was obtained in 52.2 % of patients according to CRI. RA patients with RF positivity and more initial disease activity tended to have higher response rates to therapy (p values, 0.069 and 0.056). After biologic therapy (median 17 months), two RA patients died and two developed tuberculosis. In AS group, 45.7 % of patients fulfilled the criteria of good response according to CRI. AS patients with higher CRP levels at the time of AA diagnosis and at the beginning of anti-TNF therapy had higher response rates (p values, 0.011 and 0.017). During follow-up after anti-TNF therapy (median 38 months), one patient died and tuberculosis developed in two patients. Biologic therapy seems to be effective in at least half of RA and AS patients with AA amyloidosis. Tuberculosis was the most important safety concern.

Three cases of anti-TNF induced myositis and literature review. / Três casos de miosite induzida pelo anti-TNF e revisão da literatura.

Anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) drugs are frequently preferred in the treatment of rheumatologic diseases and other inflammatory diseases. The development of myositis after using anti-TNF is a rare clinical condition. Here we aimed to report cases who developed myositis after using anti-TNF and review the current literature. We report two cases of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and a case of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) developed idiopathic inflammatory myopathy following anti-TNF therapy. In conclusion, myositis could develop during anti-TNF therapy, so these patients should be evaluated carefully initially for myositis and should be closely monitored due to the potential for developing myositis in treatment process.

Characteristics Predicting Tuberculosis Risk under Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Inhibitors: Report from a Large Multicenter Cohort with High Background Prevalence.

OBJECTIVE: Screening strategies for latent tuberculosis (TB) before starting tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α inhibitors have decreased the prevalence of TB among patients who are treated with these agents. However, despite vigilant screening, TB continues to be an important problem, especially in parts of the world with a high background TB prevalence. The aim of this study was to determine the factors related to TB among a large multicenter cohort of patients who were treated with anti-TNF. METHODS: Fifteen rheumatology centers participated in this study. Among the 10,434 patients who were treated with anti-TNF between September 2002 and September 2012, 73 (0.69%) had developed TB. We described the demographic features and disease characteristics of these 73 patients and compared them to 7695 patients who were treated with anti-TNF, did not develop TB, and had complete data available. RESULTS: Among the 73 patients diagnosed with TB (39 men, 34 women, mean age 43.6 ± 13 yrs), the most frequent diagnoses were ankylosing spondylitis (n = 38) and rheumatoid arthritis (n = 25). More than half of the patients had extrapulmonary TB (39/73, 53%). Six patients died (8.2%). In the logistic regression model, types of anti-TNF drugs [infliximab (IFX), OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.88-6.10, p = 0.001] and insufficient and irregular isoniazid use (< 9 mos; OR 3.15, 95% CI 1.43-6.9, p = 0.004) were independent predictors of TB development. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that TB is an important complication of anti-TNF therapies in Turkey. TB chemoprophylaxis less than 9 months and the use of IFX therapy were independent risk factors for TB development.

Effect of Chronic Periodontitis on Oxidative Status in Patients With Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis (PS), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and chronic periodontitis (CP) are the most common chronic inflammatory diseases and have remarkable pathologic similarities. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of periodontal inflammation on oxidative stress in patients with PS and PsA by evaluating serum total antioxidant status, total oxidant status, oxidative stress index, levels of lipid hydroperoxides, and the activities of paraoxonase, arylesterase, and ceruloplasmin. Also measured were the levels of prolidase and total sulfhydryl groups. METHODS: A total of 120 participants were divided into six groups of 20 participants: 1) PS with CP (PS-CP); 2) PS-periodontally healthy (PS-C); 3) PsA with CP (PsA-CP); 4) PsA-periodontally healthy (PsA-C); 5) systemically healthy with CP (CP); and 6) both systemically and periodontally healthy (C). Demographic, periodontal, and serum oxidative parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: Oxidative stress index values of PS-C, PS-CP, PsA-C, and PsA-CP groups were approximately twice as high as those of C and CP groups, and there were no differences between any of the PS (PS-C and PS-CP), and PsA (PsA-C and PsA-CP) groups. Total antioxidant status levels of the C group were higher by 27% compared with those of the PS-C and the PsA-CP groups (P <0.05). Total oxidant status levels of both PsA-C and PsA-CP groups were approximately twice as high as those of the C (P <0.05) and CP (P <0.05, P <0.001 respectively) groups. CONCLUSIONS: The contribution of CP on systemic oxidative levels in patients with PS and PsA or systemically healthy individuals seems limited. PS and PsA did not show any additional detrimental effect on clinical parameters in patients with CP.

Relationship between periodontal destruction and gene mutations in patients with familial Mediterranean fever.

Recent studies have shown that genetic factors involved in the host responses might determine the disease severity for both familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) and periodontitis. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship of FMF with periodontitis and to search for the potential association between periodontitis and MEFV gene missense variations in patients with FMF. The study consisted of 97 FMF patients and 34 healthy volunteers. FMF patients were classified according to the kind of MEFV gene mutation: (1) patients with homozygous M694V gene mutation, (2) patients with heterozygous M694V gene mutation, and (3) patients with MEFV gene different mutations. Gingival Index (GI), Plaque Index (PI), probing pocket depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were measured in all participants. The results of multivariate logistic regression showed a highly significant association between homozygous M694V gene mutation and periodontitis in FMF patients (p < 0.05). After adjusting for potential confounders (smoking, body weight, age, and gender), FMF patients with homozygous M694V gene mutation were 3.51 (1.08-11.45) times more likely to present periodontitis than the other FMF patients. These results indicate that the presence of homozygous M694V gene mutation seems to increase the risk for periodontitis in FMF patients.

Identification of Susceptibility Loci in IL6, RPS9/LILRB3, and an Intergenic Locus on Chromosome 21q22 in Takayasu Arteritis in a Genome-Wide Association Study.

OBJECTIVE: Takayasu arteritis is a rare large vessel vasculitis with incompletely understood etiology. This study was undertaken to perform the first unbiased genome-wide association analysis of Takayasu arteritis. METHODS: Two independent cohorts of patients with Takayasu arteritis from Turkey and North America were included in our study. The Turkish cohort consisted of 559 patients and 489 controls, and the North American cohort consisted of 134 patients and 1,047 controls of European ancestry. Genotyping was performed using the Omni1-Quad and Omni2.5 genotyping arrays. Genotyping data were subjected to rigorous quality control measures and subsequently analyzed to discover genetic susceptibility loci for Takayasu arteritis. RESULTS: We identified genetic susceptibility loci for Takayasu arteritis with a genome-wide level of significance in IL6 (rs2069837) (odds ratio [OR] 2.07, P = 6.70 × 10(-9)), RPS9/LILRB3 (rs11666543) (OR 1.65, P = 2.34 × 10(-8)), and an intergenic locus on chromosome 21q22 (rs2836878) (OR 1.79, P = 3.62 × 10(-10)). The genetic susceptibility locus in RPS9/LILRB3 lies within the leukocyte receptor complex gene cluster on chromosome 19q13.4, and the disease risk variant in this locus correlates with reduced expression of multiple genes including the inhibitory leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor gene LILRB3 (P = 2.29 × 10(-8)). In addition, we identified candidate susceptibility genes with suggestive levels of association (P < 1 × 10(-5)) with Takayasu arteritis, including PCSK5, LILRA3, PPM1G/NRBP1, and PTK2B. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate novel genetic susceptibility loci for Takayasu arteritis and uncover potentially important aspects of the pathophysiology of this form of vasculitis.

Current antiviral practice and course of Hepatitis B virus infection in inflammatory arthritis: a multicentric observational study (A + HBV study).

OBJECTIVE: The reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a well-known event in hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg)-positive patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy. The objective of this study was to assess the antiviral practice and course of HBV infection in inflammatory arthritis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Nineteen rheumatology centers participated in this retrospective study. HbsAg-positive patients who were taking disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and who were being tested for HBV viral load at a minimum of two different time points were included. The case report form (CRF) consisted of demographic data, rheumatic diseases, treatment profiles, transaminase levels, viral hepatitis serological markers, and HBV viral load. The reactivation of HBV was defined as the abrupt rise in HBV replication by an increase in serum HBV DNA levels in a patient with a previously inactive HBV infection. RESULTS: In total, the data of 101 (female 50.5%) patients were included (76 patients with inactive HBV carriers and 25 patients with chronic HBV infection). The mean age of patients was 44±12 years, and the mean follow-up duration was 31±22 months. Of the 101 patients, 70 (69.3%) received antiviral treatment. HBV reactivation was detected in 13 of 76 (17.1%) patients with inactive HBV carriers. HBV reactivation was observed less frequently, not although significantly, in those patients receiving antiviral prophylaxis compared with those not receiving prophylaxis [5/41 (12.2%) vs. 8/33 (24.2%), p=0.17]. Forty-two patients (31 patients had inactive HBV carriers) were using anti-tumor necrosis factor agents. HBV reactivation was detected in 6 of the 31 (19.3%) patients. Twenty-five patients had chronic hepatitis, and five (20%) of them had not received antiviral prophylaxis. HBV viral loads were persistently elevated in 7 (28%) of 25 patients (three patients under and four patients not under antiviral treatment). CONCLUSION: HBV reactivation was observed in approximately 17% of patients under immunosuppressive treatments. HBV reactivation was more frequently observed in those who did not receive antiviral prophylaxis.

Avaliação da frequência e aspectos dos ataques de pacientes com resistência à colchicina em febre familiar do Mediterrâneo (FFM) / Evaluation of frequency and the attacks features of patients with colchicine resistance in FMF

Introdução: Colchicina é a viga-mestra para o tratamento de FFM, que é uma doença autoinflamatória com polisserosite recidivante como principal manifestação. Apesar de doses diárias de 2 mg ou mais/dia, aproximadamente 5%-10% dos pacientes continuam a sofrer de seus ataques. Neste estudo, objetivamos investigar os aspectos da depressão e dos ataques em pacientes com FFM apresentando resistência à colchicina (RC). Pacientes e Métodos: Em pacientes com FFM, RC foi definida como dois ou mais ataques nos últimos seis meses, quando em medicação com colchicina 2 mg/dia. Dezoito pacientes (nove mulheres e nove homens) foram recrutados no grupo RC e 41 pacientes no grupo de controle (29 mulheres/12 homens). Foram avaliados os achados demográficos, clínicos e laboratoriais, a fidelidade ao tratamento e os escores do Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Resultados: A idade de surgimento da FFM foi significativamente menor no grupo RC (12,3 anos vs. 16,9 anos, P = 0,03). A duração da doença foi maior no grupo RC (p = 0,01). Dores abdominais e nas pernas em decorrência do exercício foram significativamente mais frequentes no grupo RC versus controles (83% vs. 51%; p = 0,02 e 88% vs. 60%; p = 0,04, respectivamente). Pacientes com escores BDI > 17 pontos foram mais frequentes no grupo RC versus controles (50% vs. 34,1%; p < 0,001). Discussão: Verificamos que: (1) a idade do surgimento da doença foi mais baixa e (2) a duração da doença foi maior no grupo RC. Ataques pleuríticos, hematúria e proteinúria foram mais frequentes em pacientes com RC. Propomos que a depressão é fator importante a ser levado em consideração na sensibilidade à RC. .

Introduction: Colchicine is the mainstay for the treatment of FMF, which is an auto-inflammatory disease mainly with relapsing polyserositis. Despite daily doses of 2 mg or more each day, approximately 5% to 10% of the patients continue to suffer from its attacks. In this study, we aimed to investigate the depression and attack features in patients with FMF who have colchicine resistance (CR). Patients e Methods: CR was defined for FMF patients with 2 or more attacks within the last 6 months period while using 2 mg/day colchicine. Eighteen patients (9 Female/9 Male) were enrolled into the CR group and 41 patients were enrolled into the control group (12 Male/29 Female). Demographic, clinical e laboratory findings, treatment adherence, and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores were evaluated. Results: The age of onset of FMF was significantly lower in the CR group (12.3 yrs vs. 16.9 yrs, P = 0.03). Disease duration was longer in the CR group (P = 0.01). Abdominal and leg pain due to exercise were significantly more frequent in the CR group versus controls (83% vs. 51%; P = 0.02 e 88% vs. 60%; P = 0.04, respectively). Patients with BDI scores over 17 points were more frequent in the CR group compared to controls (50% vs. 34.1%; P < 0.001). Discussion: We found that: (1) the age of disease onset was lower and (2) the disease duration was longer in CR group. Pleuritic attacks, hematuria e proteinuria were more frequent in CR patients. We propose that depression is an important factor to consider in the susceptibility to CR. .

Host modulation in rheumatoid arthritis patients with TNF blockers significantly decreases biochemical parameters in periodontitis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of host modulation therapy on periodontal and biochemical parameters. Sixteen rheumatoid arthritis patients newly scheduled for anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) therapy were screened for 30 days. Periodontal parameters (clinical attachment level, probing pocket depth, bleeding on probing, plaque index and gingival index) as well as salivary and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-8 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) levels of the patients were evaluated at baseline and on the 30th day of therapy. GCF volume, IL-1ß and IL-8 levels (p = 0.007, p = 0.017 and p = 0.009, respectively) of the periodontitis patients significantly decreased. Although there was a decrease in all these parameters in healthy patients, it was below statistical significance. Salivary IL-8 and MCP-1 levels significantly decreased in periodontitis patients (p = 0.028 and p = 0.013, respectively), but IL-1ß levels remained unchanged. These results suggest that TNF blockers may significantly modify host response in terms of biochemical parameters of the periodontium and may mask significant associations such as those reported between periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Periodontal disease in patients with psoriatic arthritis.

Rheumatological diseases and periodontal disease are both characterized by dysregulation of the host inflammatory response. The aim of this study was to determine the possible relationship between periodontitis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Fifty-one adults with PsA (27 men and 24 women; mean age 41.73 ± 11.27 years) and 50 age- and gender-balanced systemically healthy control subjects participated in the study. Participants' periodontal status as determined by probing pocket depth, clinical attachment loss (CAL), plaque index, and gingival index was evaluated. The CAL levels of the PsA group were significantly higher than those of the control group (p < 0.05) There were no statistically significant differences in the frequency of periodontitis, probing pocket depth, plaque index, or gingival index between the two groups. The results of the present study show that periodontitis severity as determined by CAL was higher in the PsA group; therefore, periodontal evaluation must be considered when PsA is diagnosed.

Rituximab seems to be a safer alternative in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis with tuberculosis.

Demonstrating the efficiency and safety of rituximab (Rtx) in the treatment of active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and tuberculosis (TB). Two cases of RA with active TB were followed up to 3 years following the initiation of Rtx. The former case presented with a history of concomitant diagnosis of both RA and TB and the latest one, also diagnosed with RA and reactivation of TB developed during the anti-tumour necrosis factor treatment. After a sufficient time of follow-up, we have observed that Rtx seems to be safer and efficient in the treatment of active RA and TB.

Recurrent giant sinus of Valsalva aneurysm and ankylosing spondylitis.

A 48-year-old woman underwent aneurysmectomy and primary suture repair with a pericardial patch for sinus of Valsalva aneurysm secondary to ankylosing spondylitis. The sinus of Valsalva aneurysm recurred one year after surgery, and reached a diameter of 53 mm. Special attention must be paid to the potential relapse of aortic aneurysms that develop secondary to autoimmune disorders, when using primary suture or patch repair.

Multiclinical experiences in erythema nodosum: rheumatology clinics versus dermatology and infection diseases clinics.

Erythema nodosum (EN) is the most common cause of inflammatory nodules and usually affects the lower extremities and especially pretibial regions. EN may be idiopathic or associated with a wide spectrum of conditions including systemic diseases, infection, treatment with various drugs, pregnancy, and exceptionally with malignancies. The purpose of this study is to investigate the EN patients with different etiologies and laboratory features admitted to the rheumatology department and to compare them with other EN patients admitted to different departments including dermatology and infectious diseases. Totally, 107 patients diagnosed with EN (male/female: 37/70) were enrolled in the study. Of the 107 EN patients, 37 participants who were categorized as primary (idiopathic) EN (34.6 %) had not any underlying diseases or precipitating events. Majority of the participants were women (male/female: 12/25; mean age: 42.9 ± 9.2 years). Precisely, 70 EN (secondary EN) patients (65.4 %) had an underlying disease (male/female: 25/45; mean age: 36.1 ± 10.1). Behçet's disease (BD) was the foremost (n = 40, 37.4 %), followed by sarcoidosis (n = 17, 15.9 %), post-streptococcal (n = 9, 8.4 %), and other rheumatologic disease (one patient temporal arthritis, one patient Sjögren's syndrome, 1.9 %). Consequently, it is observed that BD, sarcoidosis, and post-streptococcal infection were found as the main etiologies of EN patients treated in our rheumatology department. These diseases should be kept in mind as an etiological factor in the management of EN.