The Use of New Hematological Markers in the Diagnosis of Alopecia Areata.

INTRODUCTION: Alopecia areata (AA) is a non-cicatricial inflammatory and autoimmune hair loss disease. In recent studies, it has been reported that hematological parameters can be used as oxidative stress markers in the diagnosis of many inflammatory diseases due to their low cost and widespread use. OBJECTIVES: In this study, it was aimed to reveal the significant cut-off points of hematological inflammatory markers in AA that can guide clinicians in clinical practice and determine how many times they increase the risk of disease. METHODS: The present study is retrospective case-control type. Seventy patients with AA and seventy healthy controls were included in the study. The hematological parameters in both groups were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: Hemoglobulin, monocyte, platelet, monocyte high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio (MHR), monocyte lymphocyte ratio (MLR), platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were high in patients with AA, while the number of lymphocytes was low. In ROC analysis, the optimal cut-off values for the diagnosis of AA were as follows: MLR 0.216, MHR 0.010, and PLR 111.715. In regression analysis, being above the following values of MLR 0.216, MHR 0.010, and PLR 111.715 increased the risk of developing AA by 6.3, 3.8, and 2.7 times, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: It was seen that MHR and PLR, especially MLR, can significantly increase the risk of developing the disease in AA and can also be used as diagnostic markers.

Colorectal cancer screening: understanding the needs of the pre-screening group.

OBJECTIVES: For the last three decades, although colorectal cancer incidence has been decreasing in those over 50 years of age, it has been increasing in those under 50 included in the pre-screening group (PSG). The present study aims to explain the screening-related factors and compliance of individuals in PSG who are not included in the colorectal cancer screening programme. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted with a total of 323 participants, 143 of whom were from the pre-screening group (40-49 years), and 180 from the screening included group (SIG) (50-70 years). RESULTS: Individuals included in PSG were more likely to have accepted that both faecal occult blood test (FOBT) (2.23 ± 1.22 vs. 1.89 ± 1.33, p = 0.018) and colonoscopy (2.37 ± 0.97 vs. 2.02 ± 1.14, p = 0.003) were useful and suitable screening tests in colorectal cancer. Adequate health literacy (OR = 4.3, 95% CI: 1.8-10.0, p = 0.001) and better education level (OR = 3.3, 95% CI: 1.3-8.4, p = 0.010) were factors of increased knowledge of colorectal cancer screening. CONCLUSIONS: The findings show that PSG has different characteristics than SIG and may be more fitting in the colorectal cancer screening programme if included.

Evaluation of pro-atherogenic lipid profile and high atherohenic indexes in patients with Behçet's disease: A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Behçet's disease is a systemic auto-immune and auto-inflammatory chronic disease in which genetic and environmental factors play a role. Patients with Behçet's are at significant risk for developing many comorbidities, including cardiovascular diseases. AIMS: It was aimed to investigate the relationship between serum lipid parameters and atherogenic indexes to evaluate the cardiovascular risk status in patients with Behçet's disease. PATIENTS/METHODS: This study was designed as a single-center, retrospective case-control study. The study was conducted with 212 patients over 18 years of age, 106 in the case group and 106 in the control group. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in lipid values between the patients with Behçet's disease and the control group. While the serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (NHC) levels were significantly higher, the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level was low in patients with Behçet's disease. From atherogenic indexes, Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP) (0.03 ± 0.27 vs. -0.07 ± 0.23, p = 0.003), Castelli Risk Index I (CRI-I) (4.24 ± 1.07 vs. 3.02 ± 0.96, p < 0.001), Castelli Risk Index II (CRI-II) (2.65 ± 0.81 vs. 1.84 ± 0.59, p < 0.001) and Atherogenic Coefficient (AC) (3.24 ± 1.07 vs. 2.02 ± 0.96, p < 0.001) levels were significantly higher in patients with Behçet's disease. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that patients with Behçet's have a higher pro-atherogenic lipid profile and atherogenic indexes at high risk. Patients with Behçet's have an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases associated with atherosclerosis.

Retrospective Analysis of Dermatological Diseases in Geriatric Patients During Dermatology Outpatient Department Visits.

Introduction: The elderly population is vulnerable to experience a great number of dermatological diseases thanks to the intrinsic and extrinsic process of aging. Objectives: The aim of this study is to retrospectively investigate the prevalence of dermatological diseases in geriatric patients, their distribution by age and gender, and to provide a reference for studies on aging and skin problems. Methods: In the present study, patients who reported to the dermatology outpatient clinic between January 1 2019, and January 1 2021, were evaluated retrospectively. As a result of examining the records of patients, 887 patients over the age of 65 who met the study protocol were included. Results: The three most common diseases in all geriatric patients were fungal infections, eczematous dermatitis, and pruritus. Fungal infections were frequent in males and the 65-74 age group. In the males, the more frequent were precancerous lesions and malignant neoplasms, whereas in the females it was urticaria and adverse drug reactions. In the logistic regression model, the risk of fungal infection in geriatric patients was increased by being male (odds ratio 1.55, P = 0.006) and being in the range of 65-74 years old (odds ratio 1.46, P = 0.025). Male patients were at significantly higher risk for precancerous and malignant lesions (OR:2.81 P < 0.001) and actinic keratosis (odds ratio 3.26, P < 0.001) in this disease group. Conclusions: Men are more vulnerable to life-threatening skin diseases. It is important to determine risk factors for individuals who are more sensitive to environmental factors in terms of increasing the quality of life and protection from diseases.

Do patients with psoriasis are at higher risk for atherogenity? A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease that is common in both adult and childhood. Patients with psoriasis are at significant risk for the development of many comorbid conditions, including cardiovascular diseases. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the cardiovascular risk status and serum lipid parameters in patients with psoriasis and to determine the risk of cardiovascular disease by atherogenic indices obtained accordingly. METHODS: This retrospective case-control study was conducted with a total of 142 individuals, 72 patients with psoriasis vulgaris and 70 healthy volunteers over the age of 18 who were admitted to the dermatology outpatient clinic. Demographic information and laboratory values were retrieved from the hospital database. Afterward, atherogenic indexes such as Atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), Castelli Risk Index I and II (CRI-I and II), and Atherogenic coefficient (AC) were calculated. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in lipid profile between the psoriasis patients and the control group. In patients with psoriasis, triglyceride level (140.09 ± 71.20 mg/dl vs. 116.10 ± 63.95, p = 0.037) was higher, while HDL level (44.34 ± 11.77 mg/dl vs. 50.31 ± 11.62, p = 0.003) was lower. Regarding atherogenic indices; AIP (0.10 ± 0.24 vs. -0.04 ± 0.27, p = 0.001), CRI-I (4.63 ± 1.40 vs. 3.94 ± 1.02, p = 0.001), CRI-II (2.98 ± 1.01 vs. 2.61 ± 0.82, p = 0.019) and AC (3.63 ± 1.40 vs.. 2.94 ± 1.02, p = 0.001) were significantly higher in patients with psoriasis. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that patients with psoriasis have higher pro-atherogenic lipid profile and atherogenic indexes at a high risk level. Patients with psoriasis have an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Evaluation of left and right ventricular functions using conventional and tissue Doppler echocardiography in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was the evaluation of the effects of glycemic control in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes on cardiac functions. METHODS: Diabetic patients were divided into two groups as well-controlled and poorly controlled patients. All patients underwent M-mode, two-dimensions (2D), pulsed wave (PW) Doppler, and tissue Doppler (TDI) echocardiography to evaluate systolic and diastolic functions. RESULTS: Early diastolic mitral flow velocity (Em) and the ratio of early to late diastolic mitral flow velocity (Em/Am) obtained with TDI were found to be significantly lower in the well-controlled then the control group and significantly lower in the poorly-controlled group than the well-controlled group. Am, isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT) and myocardial performance index (MPI) were significantly higher in the poorly controlled group. The ratio of early mitral diastolic flow velocity obtained with PW Doppler (E) to Em (E/Em) was significantly higher in the diabetic group. According to the mitral valve PW Doppler results, 13.6% of the well-controlled group and 31% of the poorly-controlled group had type 1 diastolic dysfunction. According to the mitral TDI results, 18% of the well-controlled group and 40.4% of poorly-controlled group had type 1 diastolic dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Conventional and TDI echocardiography revealed impairment in left ventricular functions in some patients. Tissue Doppler echocardiography also revealed diastolic impairment in some patients who appeared normal with PW Doppler echocardiography. The present study found that impairment in left ventricular diastolic functions is directly related to glycemic control and the rate of diabetic cardiomyopathy was higher in children with poor metabolic control.

Short-Term Outcomes of Patent Ductus Arteriosus Closure With New Occlutech® Duct Occluder: A Multicenter Study.

AIM: Over the past 2 decades, transcatheter occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) with coils and the duct occluders evolved to be the procedure of choice. A new device, the Occlutech PDA® occluder (ODO) device has been designed. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the characteristics and short-term results of patients who underwent transcatheter closure of PDA using the ODO. METHODS: We reviewed the clinical records of 60 patients from different centers in Turkey between December 2013 and January 2016. The medical records were reviewed for demographic characteristics and echocardiographic findings. Device size was selected on the narrowest diameter of PDA. RESULTS: The median patient age was 2.5 years (6 months-35 years), and median PDA diameter was 2.5 mm (1.2-11 mm). Fifty-eight of 60 patients (96.6%) had successful ODO implantation. The occlusion rates were 37/58 (63.7%) at the end of the procedure, 51/58 (87.9%) at 24-48 hours post-procedure, and 57/58 (98.2%) on echocardiography at a median follow-up of 7.6 months. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that transcatheter closure of PDA using the ODO is effective. Larger studies and longer follow-up are required to assess whether its shape and longer length make it superior to other duct occluders in large, tubular, or window-type ducts. (J Interven Cardiol 2016;29:325-331).

The Effect of Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy on Right Ventricle Function and Pulmonary Artery Pressure by Using Doppler Echocardiography in Children.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study is to emphasize the efficacy of the myocardial performance index and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) in the determination of impaired cardiac functions and recovery period following the treatment in children with adenoid and/or tonsillar hypertrophy. METHODS: Fifty-three healthy children after routine laboratory, imaging and clinical examinations, with adenoid and/or tonsillar hypertrophy were evaluated before and 3 months after adenotonsillectomy for cardiac functions using M mode and Doppler echocardiography. RESULTS: The mean age of cases was 6.4±3.0 years, 34 (65%) were male, and 19 (35%) were female. Pulmonary hypertension was observed to be mild in 3 patients and moderate in 1 patient preoperatively. When the preoperative and postoperative echocardiographic measurements of the patients were compared, the tricuspid valve E wave velocity, the E/A ratio (E, early diastolic flow rate; A, late diastolic flow rate), and the TAPSE values were determined to be significantly higher postoperatively (P<0.05). The tricuspid valve deceleration time, the isovolumetric relaxation time and the systolic pulmonary artery pressure were found to be significantly lower compared to the preoperative values (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy may prevent cardiac dysfunctions that can develop in the later periods due to adenoid and/or tonsil hypertrophy in children, before the appearance of the clinical findings of cardiac failure.