Evaluation of the effects of neural therapy in patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare the effects of neural therapy and exercise on pain, quality of life, depression, anxiety, and functioning status in patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This multi-center study included a total of 72 patients (60 females, 12 males; mean age: 39.2±9.5 years; range, 22 to 53 years) who were diagnosed with FMS according to the 1990 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria between January 2015 and June 2015. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: the first group (n=30) received an exercise program (strengthening, stretching, relaxation, and aerobic exercises, three days a week), and the second group (n=42) received a total of six sessions of neural therapy as one session a week in addition to the same exercise program. Pain severity was assessed with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), emotional state with the Beck Depression Scale (BDS) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), quality of life with Short Form-36 (SF-36), and functioning status with the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ). The patients were evaluated at the end of treatment (week 6) and one month after the end of treatment. RESULTS: The mean disease duration was 34.3±9.3 months, the mean VAS score was 7.3±2.2, and the mean FIQ score was 58.4±13.2. There were significant improvements in the VAS, FIQ, SF-36, BDS, and BAI scores after the treatment in both groups (p<0.05). Post-treatment BDS and VAS scores were significantly lower in the neural therapy group (p=0.038; p=0.049; p<0.05). There was no significant difference in any parameter one month after the treatment between the groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: When neural therapy is combined with exercise in FMS patients, it may be advantageous in terms of pain and depression, compared to exercise alone.

Effect of multiparity on bone mineral density, evaluated with bone turnover markers.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to investigate the effect of parity on osteoporosis by evaluating bone mineral density, markers of bone turn-over and other factors that are effective in osteoporosis in multiparous (five deliveries or more) and nulliparous women in the post-menopausal period. METHODS: A total of 91 multiparous (five deliveries or more) and 31 nulliparous postmenopausal women were included in this study. All patients were interviewed on sociodemographic characteristics, gynecologic history, personal habits, levels of physical activity, and life-long intake of calcium. Bone mineral density was measured at lumbar (L1-4) and femoral neck regions with Dexa. RESULTS: The mean age of multiparous women was 58.79±7.85 years, and the mean age of nulliparous women was 55.84±7.51. The femoral BMD was 0.94±0.16 and lumbar BMD 1.01±0.16 in multiparous women, femoral BMD was 0.99±0.16 and lumbar BMD 1.07±0.14 in nulliparous women. There were no statistical differences between the femoral and lumbar T scores and BMD values of the two groups. Lumbar T scores and lumbar BMD showed a decrease with increasing total duration of breast-feeding in multiparous women. The independent risk factors for osteoporosis in the regression analysis of multiparous women were found to be the duration of menopause and body weight of 65kg and less. CONCLUSION: There is no difference between the bone mineral densities of multiparous and nulliparous women. Females with lower body-weight and longer duration of menopause should be followed-up more carefully for development of osteoporosis.

Effect of multiparity on bone mineral density, evaluated with bone turnover markers / Efeito da multiparidade sobre a densidade mineral óssea, avaliada por marcadores de remodelação óssea

Abstract Objective: Our aim was to investigate the effect of parity on osteoporosis by evaluating bone mineral density, markers of bone turn-over and other factors that are effective in osteoporosis in multiparous (five deliveries or more) and nulliparous women in the post-menopausal period. Methods: A total of 91 multiparous (five deliveries or more) and 31 nulliparous postmenopausal women were included in this study. All patients were interviewed on sociodemographic characteristics, gynecologic history, personal habits, levels of physical activity, and life-long intake of calcium. Bone mineral density was measured at lumbar (L1-4) and femoral neck regions with Dexa. Results: The mean age of multiparous women was 58.79 ± 7.85 years, and the mean age of nulliparous women was 55.84 ± 7.51. The femoral BMD was 0.94 ± 0.16 and lumbar BMD 1.01 ± 0.16 in multiparous women, femoral BMD was 0.99 ± 0.16 and lumbar BMD 1.07 ± 0.14 in nulliparous women. There were no statistical differences between the femoral and lumbar T scores and BMD values of the two groups. Lumbar T scores and lumbar BMD showed a decrease with increasing total duration of breast-feeding in multiparous women. The independent risk factors for osteoporosis in the regression analysis of multiparous women were found to be the duration of menopause and body weight of 65 kg and less. Conclusion: There is no difference between the bone mineral densities of multiparous and nulliparous women. Females with lower body-weight and longer duration of menopause should be followed-up more carefully for development of osteoporosis.

Resumo Objetivo: Investigar o efeito da paridade sobre a osteoporose por meio da avaliação da densidade mineral óssea, marcadores de remodelação óssea e outros fatores eficazes na avaliação da osteoporose em multíparas (cinco partos ou mais) e nulíparas no período pós-menopausa. Métodos: Foram incluídas neste estudo 91 multíparas (cinco partos ou mais) e 31 nulíparas, todas na pós-menopausa. As pacientes foram entrevistadas para a determinação das características sociodemográficas, história ginecológica, hábitos pessoais, níveis de atividade física e ingestão de cálcio ao longo da vida. A densidade mineral óssea foi medida na região lombar (L1-4) e do colo femoral com a Dexa. Resultados: A média de idade das multíparas e nulíparas foi de 58,79 ± 7,85 anos e 55,84 ± 7,51, respectivamente. Nas multíparas, a DMO femoral e lombar foi de 0,94 ± 0,16 e 1,01 ± 0,16, respectivamente; nas nulíparas, a DMO femoral e lombar foi de 0,99 ± 0,16 e 1,07 ± 0,14, respectivamente. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os T-escores femoral e lombar e os valores de DMO dos dois grupos. O T-escore e a DMO lombar mostraram uma diminuição em caso de aumento na duração total da lactação materna em multíparas. Encontrou-se que os fatores de risco independentes para a osteoporose na análise de regressão das multíparas são a duração da menopausa e o peso corporal menor ou igual a 65 kg. Conclusão: Não há diferença entre a densidade mineral óssea de multíparas e nulíparas. As mulheres com menor peso corporal e maior duração da menopausa devem ser acompanhadas com mais atenção para determinar se há desenvolvimento de osteoporose.

Evaluation of pain sensitivity by tender point counts and myalgic score in patients with and without obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to assess the difference between patients with and without obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) with respect to pain sensitivity. METHOD: The study was conducted on 31 womens diagnosed with OSAS and 31 healthy women. All patients underwent polysomnographic testing. A pressure algometer (dolorimeter) was used to measure the pressure pain threshold. Fibromyalgia was diagnosed based on the 1990 American College of Rheumatology diagnosis criteria. RESULTS: The myalgic score was 73.95 ± 18.09 in patients with OSAS, while this value was 84.18 ± 24.31 in the control group. The difference between the groups was statistically significant (P = 0.041).The number of tender points was 8.19 ± 3.35 in the patient group with OSAS, while this number was 6.35 ± 2.23 in the control group. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P = 0.014). No statistically significant differences were found between age, body mass index, Beck depression scores, control point score and the presence of fibromyalgia, between the two groups (P > 0.05). A statistically significant positive correlation was found between the myalgic scores and mean saturation O2 (%) values of the patients (r = 0.357; P = 0.049). CONCLUSION: The differences noted between OSAS patients and the control group with respect to myalgic score and the number of tender points suggest that there might be a relation between OSAS and pain sensitivity. There might be an association between low oxygen saturation and total myalgic score.

Factors affecting executive functions in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and volumetric changes in the prefrontal cortex.

PURPOSE: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is associated with cognitive changes and executive functions are among the cognitive domains most affected. However, it is not completely understood which of the factor(s) among hypoxemia, repeated arousal, and sleepiness affect the executive functions. This study aims to evaluate the possible relationship between the executive functions and nocturnal parameters, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) scores, and prefrontal cortex (PFC) volumes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 28 patients aged between 18 and 60 years who were newly diagnosed with OSAS were included in this study. The Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) and Stroop test which were used in the evaluation of executive functions were applied to all patients. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and volumetric measurements of the PFC were performed. Polysomnography (PSG), WCST, Stroop test, and cranial MRI were also applied to the control group which consisted of age- and education status-matched 15 healthy subjects. The correlation of WCST and Stroop tests and PFC volume, PSG parameters, and ESS scale was examined. RESULTS: The WCST-6 test scores were statistically significantly higher in the patient group (p = 0.022; p < 0.05). Additionally, the Stroop test 5 (p = 0.043) and Stroop test-5 correction (p = 0.005) measurements were statistically significantly higher in the patient group (p < 0.05). A negative and statistically significant correlation was found between the WCST-4 and WCST-10 and ESS measurements in the patient group (r -0.452; p 0.016; p < 0.05; r -0.437; p 0.020; p < 0.05). However, there was no correlation between the PSG parameters and WCST and Stroop test scores. No statistically significant differences in the MRI volumetric measurements of the PFC were found between the patient and control groups. CONCLUSIONS: Impairment in the attentive and executive functions in OSAS is evident. The most influential factor is excessive daytime sleepiness, rather than hypoxemia and severity of the disease.

Musculoskeletal system pain and related factors in mothers of children with cerebral palsy.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to identify prevalence of musculoskeletal system diseases and related factors among mothers of children with cerebral palsy. METHODS: Eighty-five mothers of children with cerebral palsy were included as the treatment group, and 42 mothers of healthy children were included as the control group. Sociodemographic characteristics of all subjects were recorded. Musculoskeletal system pain was evaluated by the standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, and level of depression was evaluated according to Beck's Depression Scale. RESULTS: Musculoskeletal system pain and depression scores of the treatment group were significantly higher than those of the control group. Most frequently reported by mothers in the treatment group was low back pain (44.7%). In multiple regression analysis, number of children, age, and functional level of the child with cerebral palsy, as well as depression level of the mother were identified as independent risk factors for musculoskeletal system pain. CONCLUSION: Mothers of children with cerebral palsy are at higher risk for musculoskeletal system pain and depression. Prevalence of musculoskeletal system pain in these mothers, especially those with older children who have lower functional statuses, should be kept in mind.

Bone mineral density and changes in bone metabolism in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences between patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and phenotypically similar subjects without OSAS in terms of bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover markers. The study was conducted on 30 males diagnosed with OSAS and 20 healthy males. All subjects underwent polysomnographic testing. Calcium, phosphorus parathyroid hormone, thyroid stimulating hormone, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, osteocalcin, and beta-CrossLaps (ß-CTx) were measured. BMD in the lumbar spine (L1-L4) and femoral neck was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of demographic data with the exception of bone mass index and waist circumference. (p < 0.05). Analyses showed significantly lower BMD measurements in the femoral neck and T-scores in the femoral neck in patients diagnosed with OSAS. Serum ß-CTx levels were found to be statistically significantly higher in the OSAS group (p = 0.017). In multivariate assessments performed for apnea/hypopnea index values, mean saturation O2 levels were found to be significantly associated with osteocalcin levels and neck BMD. OSAS patients might represent a risk group with respect to loss of BMD and bone resorption. It is important to evaluate bone loss in these patients. Further studies should be carried out on larger study populations to evaluate the effects of chronic hypoxia on BMD in detail.

Bone Mineral Density After Burn Injury and Its Relation to the Characteristics of Scar Tissue.

Burn injuries are associated with the negative effects on the musculoskeletal system and are important causes of severe disabilities. The aim of this study was to evaluate bone mineral density (BMD), bone turnover markers, and 25(OH) vitamin D levels in male patients with sustained at least 1 year postburns involving more than 30% of the TBSA in comparison to a control group and evaluate the relation between the characteristics of scar tissue and BMD and 25(OH) vitamin D levels. The study included 25 male patients who previously sustained burn injuries involving more than 30% of the TBSA and 20 healthy subjects as the control group. The burn scars were assessed using the Modified Vancouver Scar Scale Score (MVSSS). BMD at the lumbar spine and femoral neck were measured. The blood tests included calcium, phosphorus, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, thyroid stimulating hormone, parathyroid hormone, 25(OH) vitamin D, osteocalcin, and ß-isomerized form C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen. The femoral neck z score and bone mass density values, 25(OH) vitamin D3, and bone-specific ALP were significantly lower in injured compared with the control group. There was a negative correlation between MVSSS and vitamin D levels. Femoral bone loss should be taken into consideration in patients who sustain burn injuries and preventive treatment strategies must be adopted in the early treatment of burn injuries. Particularly in patients with high MVSSS should be evaluated for possible vitamin D deficiency during the long term.

[Effect of multiparity on bone mineral density, evaluated with bone turnover markers]. / Efeito da multiparidade sobre a densidade mineral óssea, avaliada por marcadores de remodelação óssea.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to investigate the effect of parity on osteoporosis by evaluating bone mineral density, markers of bone turn-over and other factors that are effective in osteoporosis in multiparous (5 deliveries or more) and nulliparous women in the post-menopausal period. METHODS: A total of 91 multiparous (5 deliveries or more) and 31 nulliparous postmenopausal women were included in this study. All patients were interviewed on sociodemographic characteristics, gynecologic history, personal habits, levels of physical activity, and life-long intake of calcium. Bone mineral density was measured at lumbar (L1-4) and femoral neck regions with Dexa. RESULTS: The mean age of multiparous women was 58.79±7.85 years, and the mean age of nulliparous women was 55,84±7,51. The femoral BMD was 0,94±0,16 and lumbar BMD 1,01±0,16 in multiparous women, femoral BMD was 0,99±0,16 and lumbar BMD 1,07±0,14 in nulliparous women. There were no statistical differences between the femoral and lumbar T scores and BMD values of the two groups. Lumbar T scores and lumbar BMD showed a decrease with increasing total duration of breast-feeding in multiparous women. The independent risk factors for osteoporosis in the regression analysis of multiparous women were found to be the duration of menopause and body weight of 65kg and less. CONCLUSION: There is no difference between the bone mineral densities of multiparous and nulliparous women. Females with lower body-weight and longer duration of menopause should be followed-up more carefully for development of osteoporosis.

[The prevalence of low back pain in hospital staff and its relationship with chronic fatigue syndrome and occupational factors]. / Hastane çalisanlarinda bel agrisi sikligi, bel agrisinin kronik yorgunluk sendromu ve mesleki faktörler ile iliskisi.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of low back pain in hospital employees during the previous year and its correlation with demographic data, occupational factors and chronic fatigue syndrome. METHODS: All participants provided information on their socio-demographic background, occupational characteristics, their experience of low back pain during the previous year, and chronic fatigue syndrome. RESULTS: The study included 365 volunteers (221 male and 144 female). The mean age was 33.1 ± 7.2. Of the 365 participants, 218 (59.7%) had experienced low back pain in the last year. No statistically significant difference was detected in age, height, weight, level of education, smoking habits, occupation, professional working hours, shift work or levels of income between the groups with and without low back pain. Low back pain was more frequent (p<0.05) in male workers. Chronic fatigue syndrome was statistically significant in the group suffering from low back pain (p<0.05), of whom 21.5% had chronic fatigue syndrome. We detected a statistically significant relationship (p<0.05) between chronic fatigue syndrome, occupational duration and shift work. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first to show the relationship between low back pain and chronic fatigue syndrome in hospital employees. Shift work and length of time in occupation are risk factors for chronic fatigue syndrome.

Avaliação da relação entre síndrome pré-menstrual e dismenorreia primária em mulheres com fibromialgia / Evaluating the relation of premenstrual syndrome and primary dysmenorrhea in women diagnosed with fibromyalgia

RESUMOObjetivoInvestigar a presença de síndrome pré-menstrual (SPM), dismenorreia primária (DP) e depressão em mulheres com fibromialgia (FM) e mulheres saudáveis e determinar possíveis fatores relacionados com a SPM e a DP na FM.MétodoEste estudo foi feito com 98 pacientes do sexo feminino com diagnóstico de FM e 102 controles saudáveis pareados por idade e sexo. Todas as pacientes foram avaliadas à procura de síndrome pré-menstrual (SPM) e dismenorreia primária (DP). A síndrome pré-menstrual foi determinada pela presença de um ou mais sintomas afetivos ou somáticos nos cinco dias anteriores à menstruação. O diagnóstico de dismenorreia primária foi definido como a presença de dor abdominal ou lombar com duração mínima de dois dias durante o período menstrual. A dismenorreia foi avaliada pela escala visual analógica. A dismenorreia foi classificada pelo Sistema de Pontuação Multidimensional. A Escala de Depressão de Hamilton foi aplicada a todas as pacientes.ResultadosA dismenorreia primária foi encontrada em 41% das pacientes com FM e 28% do grupo controle. Encontrou-se diferença estatisticamente significativa na DP entre os dois grupos (p = 0,03). A SPM foi detectada em 42% das pacientes com FM e 25% do grupo controle. Houve diferença estatisticamente significativa na SPM entre os dois grupos (p = 0,03).ConclusãoHá um aumento na frequência de síndrome pré-menstrual e dismenorreia em pacientes com FM. Aquelas com escore de gravidade dos sintomas elevado e altas pontuações de depressão entre as pacientes com FM estão em risco de SPM e DP.

ABSTRACTObjectiveIn this study, we aimed to investigate the presence of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), primary dysmenorrhea (PD) and depression among women with fibromyalgia (FM) and healthy females and to determine possible factors related with PMS and PD in FM.MethodThe present study was conducted on 98 female patients diagnosed with FM and 102 age and sex-matched healthy controls. All patients were evaluated for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and primary dysmenorrhea (PD). Premenstrual syndrome was assessed among the patients for the presence of one or more affective or somatic symptoms within the five days preceding menses. The diagnosis of primary dysmenorrhea was defined as having abdominal pain or lower back pain lasting at least two days during a menstrual period. Dysmenorrhea was assessed via visual analog scale. Dysmenorrhea was rated via Multidimensional Scoring System. The Hamilton depression scale was applied to all patients.ResultsPrimary dysmenorrhea was established in 41% of FM patients and 28% of the control group. A statistically significant difference was found in PD between the two groups (p = 0.03). PMS was established in 42% of the FM patients and 25% of the control group. A statistically significant difference was found in PMS between the two groups (p = 0.03).ConclusionThere is an increased frequency of premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea in FM patients. The patients with high symptom severity scores and high depression scores among the FM patients are at risk of PMS and PD.

The relationship between fibromyalgia and pressure pain threshold in patients with dyspareunia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the number of tender points, pressure pain threshold and presence of fibromyalgia among women with or without dyspareunia. METHODS: The present cross-sectional study included 40 patients with dyspareunia and 30 healthy controls. The participants were asked if they had engaged in sexual intercourse during the previous four weeks, and dyspareunia was rated from 0 to 3 based on the Marinoff Dyspareunia Scale. A pressure algometer (dolorimeter) was used to measure the pressure pain threshold. Fibromyalgia was diagnosed based on the 1990 American College of Rheumatology criteria. The depression status of the participants was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was found with regard to age, body mass index, habits (alcohol use and smoking), educational status and occupational status between the two groups. Total myalgic score, total control score and tender point mean pain threshold were significantly lower in the group with dyspareunia. The number of tender points was significantly higher in patients with dyspareunia. The mean Beck Depression Inventory score was 14.7±8.4 in the dyspareunia group compared with 11.2±7.1 in the control group. Five (12.5%) of the patients with dyspareunia were diagnosed with fibromyalgia, whereas no patients in the control group were diagnosed with fibromyalgia. There was no significant difference between the two groups with regard to the presence of fibromyalgia. CONCLUSION: The finding of lower pressure pain thresholds and a higher number of tender points among patients with dyspareunia suggests that these patients may have increased generalized pain thresholds. Additional studies involving a larger number of patients are required to investigate the presence of central mechanisms in the pathogenesis of dyspareunia.

[Evaluating the relation of premenstrual syndrome and primary dysmenorrhea in women diagnosed with fibromyalgia]. / Avaliação da relação entre síndrome pré-menstrual e dismenorreia primária em mulheres com fibromialgia.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to investigate the presence of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), primary dysmenorrhea (PD) and depression among women with fibromyalgia (FM) and healthy females and to determine possible factors related with PMS and PD in FM. METHOD: The present study was conducted on 98 female patients diagnosed with FM and 102 age and sex-matched healthy controls. All patients were evaluated for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and primary dysmenorrhea (PD). Premenstrual syndrome was assessed among the patients for the presence of one or more affective or somatic symptoms within the five days preceding menses. The diagnosis of primary dysmenorrhea was defined as having abdominal pain or lower back pain lasting at least two days during a menstrual period. Dysmenorrhea was assessed via visual analog scale. Dysmenorrhea was rated via Multidimensional Scoring System. The Hamilton depression scale was applied to all patients. RESULTS: Primary dysmenorrhea was established in 41% of FM patients and 28% of the control group. A statistically significant difference was found in PD between the two groups (p=0.03). PMS was established in 42% of the FM patients and 25% of the control group. A statistically significant difference was found in PMS between the two groups (p=0.03). CONCLUSION: There is an increased frequency of premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea in FM patients. The patients with high symptom severity scores and high depression scores among the FM patients are at risk of PMS and PD.

The prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder in patients with burn injuries, and their quality of life.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in patients with burn injuries undergoing physical therapy, and to evaluate their quality of life. METHODS: A total of 21 patients who underwent physical therapy for burn injuries between October 2012 and December 2012, in the Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation outpatient clinic of a Training and Research Hospital, were included in the study. The sociodemographic form for data collection, the Clinician- Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) for the diagnosis of PTSD, and the Short Form 36 (SF-36) Health Survey for the assessment of the quality of life, were used. RESULTS: Eight patients (38.1%) had PTSD. These patients had poor physical functioning, and indicated a lower rate of role functioning-physical, vitality, and role functioning-social, compared to those without PTSD. However, it did not reach statistical significance. The physical functioning related to the quality of life was statistically significantly lower in the patients with contracture. CONCLUSIONS: PTSD seems to be an important health issue in patients with burn injuries. Clinicians who attempt to tailor treatment interventions should keep in mind that these patients require psychosocial rehabilitation, as well as physical therapy.

Restless legs syndrome is related to obstructive sleep apnea symptoms during pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the relation between restless legs syndrome (RLS) and obstructive sleep apnea symptoms during pregnancy. METHODS: A questionnaire consisting of diagnostic criteria of restless legs syndrome, demographic characteristics, personal behavior, muscle cramps during pregnancy, past medical illnesses, family history of RLS, and the major symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome was administered during a face-to-face interview. Pregnant women with and without RLS were compared in terms of serum hemoglobin, hematocrit, calcium, phosphor, iron, folate, vitamin B12 levels, and obstructive sleep apnea symptoms. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences between two groups in terms of two of the obstructive sleep apnea symptoms (witnessed apnea and fatigue) (p < 0.01). No statistically significant difference was found with regard to serum calcium, magnesium, iron, hemoglobin, hematocrit, vitamin B12, phosphor, and folate levels; however, there were significant differences in terms of total iron-binding capacity. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing awareness of restless legs syndrome among obstetricians is essential as it might be related to obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, which is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Relationships among the metabolic syndrome, bone mineral density, bone turnover markers, and hyperglycemia.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the possible effects of metabolic syndrome on bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover markers in Turkish postmenopausal women. METHOD: This prospective case-control study included a total of 230 postmenopausal women, between 45 and 65 years old, including 63 with metabolic syndrome and 167 without metabolic syndrome on the basis of the International Diabetes Federation criteria. The height, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, hip circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio of each subject were measured. Fasting and nonfasting blood glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), parathyroid hormone (PTH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), calcium, phosphorus, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (ALP), 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH) D], osteocalcin, and the ß-isomerized form carboxy-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ß-CTx) were measured. Bone mineral densities in the lumbar spine and femoral neck were measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: The mean age was 58.49±5.7 years in metabolic syndrome patients and 56.13±5.0 years in patients without metabolic syndrome. There was a statistically significant difference in the age of the patients. The mean BMI was 33.96±5.3 and 30.867±3.8 kg/m(2) in metabolic syndrome patients and patients without metabolic syndrome, respectively, indicating a statistically significant difference. Serum calcium, osteocalcin, and ß-CTx were statistically significantly lower in metabolic syndrome patients. There was no significant difference in the levels of phosphorus, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, and bone-specific ALP, TSH, and PTH among the patients with metabolic syndrome and without metabolic syndrome. The statistical analysis, after adjusting for age and BMI, revealed no significant difference between the two groups in terms of lumbar and femoral BMD. When the patients in the metabolic syndrome group were split into two groups on the basis of those with a T score -2.5 or less and those with a normal score, a statistically significant difference was identified between the two groups in terms of the fasting blood glucose (FBG) and HbA1c values (P<0.05). Furthermore, a negative correlation was identified between the lumbar T score and the FBG and HbA1c values (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: After adjusting for age and BMI in a comparison of BMD between postmenopausal women with and without metabolic syndrome, it was revealed that metabolic syndrome has no positive or negative effect on BMD. In contrast, a negative correlation was identified between FBG and HbA1c levels and lumbar BMD, suggesting that poor glycemic control may have a negative effect on lumbar BMD in this group of patients.

A rare cause of postpartum low back pain: pregnancy- and lactation-associated osteoporosis.

Pregnancy- and lactation-associated osteoporosis (PLO) is a rare form of osteoporosis. It results in severe low back pain in the last trimester of pregnancy and in the postpartum period, decreases in height, and fragility fractures, particularly in the vertebra. The current case report presents a 32-year-old patient who presented with back and low back pain that began in the last trimester of the pregnancy and worsened at two months postpartum and who was diagnosed with pregnancy- and lactation-associated osteoporosis after exclusion of other causes; the findings are discussed in view of the current literature. PLO is a rare clinical condition causing significant disability. PLO must be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis in patients presenting with low back pain during or after pregnancy. The patients must be evaluated for the risk factors of PLO, and an appropriate therapy must be initiated.

Extraskeletal symptoms and comorbidities of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis.

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is a non-inflammatory disease characterized by calcification and ossification of soft tissues, mainly enthesis and spinal ligaments. The clinical presentation primarily includes spinal involvement-induced pain and range of motion. Although rare, life-threatening gastrointestinal, respiratory or neurological events or severe morbidity due to bone compression on the adjacent structures may develop. There is a limited amount of data on DISH-related events in the literature. In recent years, comorbid metabolic disorders are of great interest in patients with DISH. The early diagnosis of these conditions as well as rare entities allows an effective multidisciplinary approach for the treatment of DISH. In this article, we review extraskeletal symptoms and associated comorbidities in patients with DISH.