Prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and traditional cardiovascular risk factors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a real-life evidence from BioSTAR nationwide registry.

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have increased morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular (CV) comorbidities. The association of CV diseases (CVD) and traditional CV risk factors has been debated, depending on patient and RA characteristics. This study aimed to find the prevalence of CVD and CV risk factors in patients with RA. A multi-center cross-sectional study was performed on RA patients using the BioSTAR (Biological and Targeted Synthetic Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs Registry) in September 2022. Socio-demographic, clinical, and follow-up data were collected. Myocardial infarction, ischemic heart disease, peripheral vascular disorders, congestive heart failure, ischemic stroke, and transient ischemic attack were regarded as major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). CVD was defined as the presence of at least one clinical situation of MACE. Group 1 and Group 2 included patients with and without CVD. Prevalence rates of CVD and traditional CV risk factors were the primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes were the differences in the clinical characteristics between patients with and without CVD. An analysis of 724 patients with a mean age of 55.1 ± 12.8 years diagnosed with RA was conducted. There was a female preponderance (79.6%). The prevalence rate of CVD was 4.6% (n = 33). The frequencies of the diseases in the MACE category were ischemic heart disease in 27, congestive heart failure in five, peripheral vascular disorders in three, and cerebrovascular events in three patients. The patients with CVD (Group 1) were significantly male, older, and had higher BMI (p = 0.027, p < 0.001, and p = 0.041). Obesity (33.4%) and hypertension (27.2%) were the two CV risk factors most frequently. Male sex (HR = 7.818, 95% CI 3.030-20.173, p < 0.001) and hypertension (HR = 4.570, 95% CI 1.567-13.328, p = 0.005) were the independent risk factors for CVD. The prevalence of CVD in RA patients was 4.6%. Some common risk factors for CVD in the general population, including male sex, older age, and hypertension, were evident in RA patients. Male sex and hypertension were the independent risk factors for developing CVD in patients with RA.

Cross-sectional analysis of cardiovascular disease and risk factors in patients with spondyloarthritis: a real-life evidence from biostar nationwide registry.

The association between spondyloarthritis and cardiovascular (CV) diseases is complex with variable outcomes. This study aimed to assess the prevalence rates of CV diseases and to analyze the impact of CV risk factors on CV disease in patients with spondyloarthritis. A multi-center cross-sectional study using the BioSTAR (Biological and Targeted Synthetic Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs Registry) database was performed on patients with spondyloarthritis. Socio-demographic, laboratory, and clinical data were collected. Patients with and without major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were grouped as Group 1 and Group 2. The primary outcome was the overall group's prevalence rates of CV disease and CV risk factors. The secondary outcome was the difference in socio-demographic and clinical characteristics between the groups and predictive risk factors for CV disease. There were 1457 patients with a mean age of 45.7 ± 10.9 years. The prevalence rate for CV disease was 3% (n = 44). The distribution of these diseases was coronary artery disease (n = 42), congestive heart failure (n = 4), peripheral vascular disorders (n = 6), and cerebrovascular events (n = 4). Patients in Group 1 were significantly male (p = 0.014) and older than those in Group 2 (p < 0.001). There were significantly more patients with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic renal failure, dyslipidemia, and malignancy in Group 1 than in Group 2 (p < 0.05). Smoking (36.7%), obesity (24.4%), and hypertension (13.8%) were the most prevalent traditional CV risk factors. Hypertension (HR = 3.147, 95% CI 1.461-6.778, p = 0.003), dyslipidemia (HR = 3.476, 95% CI 1.631-7.406, p = 0.001), and cancer history (HR = 5.852, 95% CI 1.189-28.810, p = 0.030) were the independent predictors for CV disease. A multi-center cross-sectional study using the BioSTAR (Biological and Targeted Synthetic Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs Registry) database was performed on patients with spondyloarthritis. Socio-demographic, laboratory, and clinical data were collected. Patients with and without major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were grouped as Group 1 and Group 2. The primary outcome was the overall group's prevalence rates of CV disease and CV risk factors. The secondary outcome was the difference in socio-demographic and clinical characteristics between the groups and predictive risk factors for CV disease. There were 1457 patients with a mean age of 45.7 ± 10.9 years. The prevalence rate for CV disease was 3% (n = 44). The distribution of these diseases was coronary artery disease (n = 42), congestive heart failure (n = 4), peripheral vascular disorders (n = 6), and cerebrovascular events (n = 4). Patients in Group 1 were significantly male (p = 0.014) and older than those in Group 2 (p < 0.001). There were significantly more patients with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic renal failure, dyslipidemia, and malignancy in Group 1 than in Group 2 (p < 0.05). Smoking (36.7%), obesity (24.4%), and hypertension (13.8%) were the most prevalent traditional CV risk factors. Hypertension (HR = 3.147, 95% CI 1.461-6.778, p = 0.003), dyslipidemia (HR = 3.476, 95% CI 1.631-7.406, p = 0.001), and cancer history (HR = 5.852, 95% CI 1.189-28.810, p = 0.030) were the independent predictors for CV disease. The prevalence rate of CV disease was 3.0% in patients with spondyloarthritis. Hypertension, dyslipidemia, and cancer history were the independent CV risk factors for CV disease in patients with spondyloarthritis.

Familial Mediterranean fever: perspective on female fertility and disease course in pregnancy from a multicenter nationwide network.

The aim of this study was to analyze the pregnancy process, especially the Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) disease course and attack types during pregnancy, and to examine the relationship between disease-related factors and female infertility in FMF patients. The study, which was planned in a multicenter national network, included 643 female patients. 435 female patients who had regular sexual intercourse were questioned in terms of infertility. Pregnancy and delivery history, FMF disease severity and course during pregnancy were evaluated. The relationship between demographic and clinical findings, disease severity, genetic analysis results and infertility was investigated. 401 patients had at least 1 pregnancy and 34 patients were diagnosed with infertility. 154 patients had an attack during pregnancy. 61.6% of them reported that attacks during pregnancy were similar to those when they were not pregnant. The most common attack symptoms were fever, fatigue and abdominal pain-peritonitis (96%, 87%, and 83%, respectively) in the pregnancy period. The disease-onset age, disease activity score, gene mutation analyses, and regular colchicine use (> 90%) were similar between the fertile and infertile groups, while the frequency of previous appendectomy and alcohol consumption rates were higher in individuals with infertility. Our results indicated no significant change in the frequency and severity of attacks during pregnancy. The low rate of infertility (7.8%) in our patients was noted. It has been suggested that the risk of FMF-related infertility may not be as high as thought in patients who are followed up regularly and received colchicine.

Clinical performance of rheumatoid arthritis impact of disease score: a real-life evidence from the multicenter nationwide registry BioStaR.

The rheumatoid arthritis impact of disease (RAID) score was developed as a patient-derived composite response index for the evaluation of the disease impact on cases with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties and performance of RAID score in the real-life settings. Cases with RA from our multi-center, nationwide registry called Biologic and targeted Synthetic antirheumatic drugs Registry RA (BioStaR RA) were included in this cross-sectional observational study. Demographic data, disease duration, pain, patient's global assessment (PGA) and physician's global assessment (PhyGA) were recorded. DAS28-ESR, DAS28-CRP, the simplified disease activity index (SDAI) and the clinical disease activity index (CDAI) were assessed as disease activity evaluations. The health assessment questionnaire-disability index (HAQ-DI) and RAID were completed by all the participants. The construct validity was tested by the analysis of correlations between RAID score and scores of PGA, disease activity indexes and HAQ-DI. We also evaluated the discriminatory ability of RAID to distinguish patients with different levels of disease activity and disability and the cut-off values were calculated by ROC analysis. 585 cases with RA were included in this investigation. The RAID score was significantly positively correlated with PGA, all disease activity indexes and HAQ-DI (p < 0.001). The discriminatory ability of RAID score in different disease activity and disability groups was also demonstrated (p < 0.001). To estimate DAS28-ESR (remission/low + moderate + high), RAID score cut-off points were 2.88 (sensitivity 73%, specificity 62%), 3.23 (sensitivity 75%, specificity 60%) and 3.79 (sensitivity 74%, specificity 58%), respectively. Our study indicated that RAID was a reliable tool in daily clinical practice by presenting its correlations with disease activity and disability assessments and by showing its discriminatory ability in these parameters in the real-life experiences.

The impact of COVID-19 on familial Mediterranean fever: a nationwide study.

The study aimed to evaluate the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) and to assess the relationships between FMF characteristics and severe COVID-19 outcomes such as hospitalization. The study was planned within a national network of 21 different centers. Demographics, FMF-related clinical and genetic characteristics, and COVID-19 outcomes were obtained. A total of 822 patients with FMF (mean age of 36 years) were included in the study. Fifty-nine of them (7%) had a COVID-19 diagnosis confirmed by real-time PCR test or chest CT findings. Most FMF patients with COVID-19 (58) had mild and moderate disease activity. All patients were on colchicine treatment. However, 8 of them (13.6%) were not compliant with colchicine use and 9 of them (15.3%) were colchicine resistant. Twelve FMF patients with COVID-19 were hospitalized. There were 4 patients requiring oxygen support. COVID-19 related complications were observed in 2 patients (1 thromboembolism, 1 acute respiratory distress syndrome). Hospitalized COVID-19 patients with FMF were older than non-hospitalized patients (median ages: 51 and 31 years, respectively; p: 0.002). Other FMF-related characteristics were similar between the groups. FMF-related characteristics were not found to be associated with poor outcomes in COVID-19. Thus, FMF may not be a risk factor for poor COVID-19 outcomes.

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.

Clinical performance of ASAS Health Index in patients with ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis: real-world evidence from Multicenter Nationwide Registry.

The Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society Health Index (ASAS HI) is used as a new instrument in measuring the function, disability and health of patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA). However, the real-world evidence of ASAS HI is very limited. In the present study, our objective is to evaluate the psychometric properties and performance of ASAS HI in the real-world setting as well as comparing ASAS HI with the current instruments to assess the construct validity and determine the cut-off points in patients with both ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA). A total of 991 patients with axSpA who fulfilled either the ASAS classification criteria for axial SpA (axSpA) or the Modified New York Criteria (mNY) for AS were recruited from the Biologic and targeted Synthetic antirheumatic drugs Registry (BioStaR) SpA. The construct validity of ASAS HI against the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activities Index (BASDAI) and Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score-C-Reactive Protein (ASDAS-CRP) the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional index (BASFI) was performed. Using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves analysis, the cut-off points were calculated. Of all the recruited patients, 851 (85.9%) were AS and 140 (14.1%) were nr-axSpA. The difference in the mean ASAS HI scores of the patients with AS and the ones with nr-axSpA were not statistically significant (6.12 ± 4.29 and 6.42 ± 4.86, respectively). The mean ASAS HI score was significantly higher in females and small city residents. The ASAS HI had a strong construct validity against ASDAS-CRP, BASDAI and BASFI. A cut-off point of ≤ 4 was determined to discriminate good and moderate, as well as ≥ 12 to discriminate moderate and poor health status. In conclusion, ASAS HI is a reliable instrument to evaluate health and functioning for both patients with AS and nr-axSpA in clinical practice.

Familial mediterranean fever: assessment of clinical manifestations, pregnancy, genetic mutational analyses, and disease severity in a national cohort.

The aims of this study were to investigate the main clinical and laboratory features, including pregnancy and genetic analysis, of Turkish Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) patients and to analyze the relationships between genotypic features, age of disease onset, clinical findings, and disease severity. A study was planned within a national network of 22 different centers. Demographics, clinical and laboratory findings, attack characteristics, drugs, pregnancy and birth history, disease severity, and gene mutation analyses were evaluated. Disease severity, assessed using a scoring system developed by Pras et al., was evaluated in relation to gene mutations and age of disease onset. A total of 979 patients (643 females and 336 males; mean age: 35.92 ± 11.97 years) with FMF were included in the study. Of a total of 585 pregnancies, 7% of them resulted in preterm birth and 18.1% resulted in abortions. During pregnancy, there was no FMF attack in 61.4% of patients. Of the MEditerranean FeVer (MEFV) mutations, 150 (24.3%) cases were homozygous, 292 (47.3%) cases were heterozygous, and 175 (28.4%) were compound heterozygous. Patients with homozygous gene mutations had more severe disease activity, earlier age of disease onset, higher rates of joint and skin involvement, sacroiliitis, and amyloidosis. Patients with compound heterozygous genotype displayed severe disease activity in close resemblance to patients with homozygous mutation. In addition, patients with compound heterozygous mutations had higher rates of protracted febrile myalgia and elevated fibrinogen levels. In 63.9% of compound heterozygous patients, age of onset was < 20 years, with greater disease severity, and high rates of attack frequency and colchicine resistance. Our results suggest that indicators for disease severity include early onset of disease and homozygous gene mutations. Furthermore, patients with compound heterozygous mutations displayed significant presentations of severe disease activity.

Efficiency of pulsed electromagnetic fields on pain, disability, anxiety, depression, and quality of life in patients with cervical disc herniation: a randomized controlled study

Background/aim: In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effects ofpulsed electromagnetic field(PEMF) therapy on pain, disability, psychological state, and quality of life in cervical disc herniation. Materials and methods: Patients were randomly divided into two groups, including Group 1, which received a therapy consisting of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), hot pack (HP), and PEMF, and Group 2, which received a magnetic field (sham magnetic field) without current flow in addition to TENS and HP therapy. Pain was assessed by a visual analog scale (VAS, 0­10 cm). The other outcome measures were function (Neck Pain and Disability Scale), anxiety-depressive mood (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), and quality of life (Nottingham Health Profile). All evaluations were performed at baseline, in the 3rd week, and in the 12th week after treatment. Results: A significant improvement was found in the neck pain, disability, depression, anxiety, and quality of life scores of both groups after treatment when compared to those before treatment. However, in the comparison between changes within groups, significant improvements were determined only in the VAS and Nottingham Health Profile sleep subparameter in the 12th week after treatment compared to those before treatment. Conclusion: PEMF therapy in cervical disc herniation can be used safely in routine treatment in addition to conventional physical therapy modalities.

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.

Comparison of PA spine, lateral spine, and femoral BMD measurements to determine bone loss in ankylosing spondylitis.

To evaluate bone loss in the early- and late-stage ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients using posteroanterior (PA) and lateral lumbar and femoral bone mineral density (BMD) measurement methods. Eighty-six AS patients and 50 control subjects were enrolled. PA spine, lateral spine, and femur BMD values of patients and controls were measured. The presence of any syndesmophytes or compression fractures was determined. Patients were divided as early (<10 years) and late stage (≥10 years) according to the onset of the inflammatory pain. Mean PA spinal BMD was similar in patients and controls (p = 0.460). Femoral and lateral spine BMD values were significantly lower in patients (p = 0.012 and p = 0.001). When comparing early- and late-stage AS groups, mean PA spinal BMD was found to be lower in the early group (p = 0.005), while femoral and lateral spinal values were lower (although statistically not significant) in the late group. At least one compression fracture was present in 28 % of patients. Although not statistically significant, mean PA spinal BMD was higher in those with fractures. Femoral and lateral spinal BMD values were significantly lower in the fracture group (p = 0.034 and p = 0.004). Lateral spinal BMD values were significantly lower in patients with syndesmophytes (p = 0.004). Bone loss is increased in AS compared with control subjects. The BMD measurement at the lateral lumbar spine reflects bone loss and fracture risk better than PA spine and femoral measurements.

Sleep quality and associated factors in ankylosing spondylitis: relationship with disease parameters, psychological status and quality of life.

The aim of this study is to investigate sleep quality in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and to evaluate the relationship of the disease parameters with sleep disturbance. Eighty AS patients (60 males and 20 females) fulfilling the modified New York criteria, and 52 age- and gender-matched controls (33 males and 19 females) were enrolled in the study. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Pain was measured by visual analogue scale. The disease activity and functional status were assessed by the Bath AS disease Activity Index and the Bath AS Functional Index. The Bath AS Metrology Index was used to evaluate mobility restrictions, and the Bath AS Radiology Index was employed to evaluate the radiological damage. The psychological status and quality of life were assessed with the hospital anxiety-depression scale and AS quality of life scale. The patients with AS had significantly more unfavourable scores in the subjective sleep quality, habitual sleep efficiency domains (p < 0.001) and the total PSQI score (p < 0.05). Poor sleep quality (total PSQI score) was positively correlated with increased pain, poor quality of life, higher depressed mood, higher disease activity and mobility restrictions. Pain was also an independent contributor to poorer sleep quality (p = 0.002). The sleep quality is disturbed in patients with AS. The lower quality of sleep is greatly associated with the pain, disease activity, depression, quality of life and increased limitation of mobility.

Sleep quality in patients with systemic sclerosis: relationship between the clinical variables, depressive symptoms, functional status, and the quality of life.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between the sleep quality and the disease-related variables, functional status, quality of life, and depressive symptoms in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Forty-eight patients diagnosed with SSc and 42 healthy control subjects were enrolled in the study. The demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients such as the Raynaud's phenomenon, SSc subtype, digital ulcers, gastrointestinal and lung involvement, and disease activity were recorded. All patients were assessed using the short form 36 (SF-36) quality of life scale, the health assessment questionnaire and the beck depression inventory. Generalized pain and fatigue were assessed with the Visual Analoge Scale. For the evaluation of the sleep disturbance, the SSc and control groups were assessed with the help of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The patients with SSc had significantly higher scores in the subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, habitual sleep efficiency, sleep disturbance, daytime dysfunction domains, and in terms of the total PSQI score compared to the healthy control group (p < 0.05). According to the results of spearman's analysis, there was a significantly higher correlation between the generalised pain, fatigue, depressive symptoms, functional status, and physical score of the SF-36 and the sleep disturbance (p < 0.01). There was also a significantly lower correlation between the menopause status, dyspnoea, gastroesophageal reflux, dysphagia, the mental score of the SF-36, and the sleep disturbance (p < 0.05). The sleep quality is disturbed in patients with SSc. The lower quality of sleep is especially associated with the pain, fatigue, depressive symptoms, and functional status.

Sexuality of men with fibromyalgia: what are the factors that cause sexual dysfunction?

The purpose of the present study is to compare male patients with the fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) with healthy individuals in terms of the sexual function. For the purposes of this study, 37 sexually active male FMS patients and 30 healthy controls were enrolled. The demographic data of the patients were recorded, and the widespread pain observed in FMS was graded with the help of the visual analogue scale (VAS 0-100 mm). Sexual function was assessed according to the international index of erectile function (IIEF) scoring system. The disease-related quality of life was measured with the help of the Short Form-36 quality of life questionnaire (SF-36 QoL). Levels of anxiety and depression observed in the patients were graded through the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Patients with FMS had significantly lower scores in each of the five domains of the IIEF in comparison with the healthy control group (p < 0.001). Patients' age and widespread pain were negatively correlated with the IIEF scores (p < 0.05). The SF-36 scores (physical functioning, role limitations due to physical problems, pain and general health perception) were observed to be positively correlated with the IIEF scores (p < 0.05). No significant relationship has been observed between the scores obtained from the domains of IIEF and the psychological status (p > 0.05). FMS leads to an impairment in the sexual function in male patients, which is especially strongly associated with the age, widespread pain and the quality of life.

Relationship of the sexual functions with the clinical parameters, radiological scores and the quality of life in male patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

The aim of this study was to explore the impact of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and the disease-related variables on the patients' sexual function according to the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) scoring system. A total of 70 sexually active male AS patients and 60 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Their demographic data were evaluated, and the pain was assessed according to the visual analogue scale (VAS). Laboratory tests were conducted in order to measure the C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rates (ESR) of the patients. The disease activity was evaluated using the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI). Functional statement was evaluated with the help of the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) and with the scores obtained from the spinal measurements with the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI). The Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Radiology Index (BASRI) was used to evaluate the radiological damage. The disease-related quality of life was measured with the Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (ASQoL). The anxiety and depression level of the patients was revealed through the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). In comparison with the healthy control group, patients with AS had significantly lower scores in each of the 5 domains of the IIEF (p < 0.0001). The BASDAI, BASFI, BASMI, BASRI, ASQoL, HADS scores and CRP levels were negatively correlated with IIEF (p < 0.05). Orgasmic function and sexual desire scores were significantly lower in patients with peripheral arthritis (p < 0.05). No significant correlation was observed with the disease duration, smoking status, pain (VAS), and ESR levels when the total scores and the scores from the domains of IIEF were compared. The multivariate regression analyses indicated that BASFI and BASMI were independently associated with the sexual function. The sexual function is impaired in male patients with AS. This impairment in the sexual function is especially correlated with the BASFI and BASMI among the clinical and laboratory parameters.

Prevalence of atopic disorders in rheumatic diseases.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the point prevalences of hay fever, asthma, and atopic dermatitis in OA, RA, and AS, and to compare with healthy controls. METHODS: A total of 935 patients and healthy controls were included. Demographic and clinical features were recorded, and a questionnaire assessing the existence of atopic disorders like asthma, hay fever, and atopic dermatitis in all groups was applied. "Either atopy" implied that an individual was either diagnosed with or had symptoms of one or more of these disorders, such as asthma, hay fever, or atopic dermatitis. RESULTS: When compared to the controls, only patients with AS had an increased risk for hay fever (OR 1.52, 95 % CI 1.00-2.41). Patients with RA had increased risks for hay fever, atopic dermatitis, and either atopy compared to the patients with OA (2.14, 95 % CI 1.18-3.89; 1.77, 95 % CI 1.00-3.18; and 3.45, 95 % CI 1.10-10.87, respectively). Steroid use had no effect on the prevalence of atopic disorders in patients with RA. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with OA, RA, and AS seem to have similar risks for asthma, atopic dermatitis, and either atopy to healthy controls. However, the prevalence of hay fever may increase in AS. Patients with RA have a higher risk of atopy than patients with OA.

Association of pain and clinical factors on disability and quality of life in systemic sclerosis: A cross-sectional study from Turkish League Against Rheumatism Network.

Objectives: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the factors associated with disability and quality of life (QoL) in Turkish patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Patients and methods: Between January 2018 and January 2019, a total of 256 SSc patients (20 males, 236 females; mean age: 50.9±12.4 years; range, 19 to 87 years) who were diagnosed with SSc were included in the study. Disability and health-related QoL (HRQoL) were evaluated by the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), scleroderma HAQ (SHAQ), Duruöz Hand Index (DHI), and Short Form-36 (SF-36). Linear regression analysis methods were used to describe factors associated with disability and QoL of the patients. Results: All disability scores were higher and HRQoL scores were lower in diffuse cutaneous SSc patients compared limited cutaneous SSc, and differentiations were significant (p=0.001 and p=0.007). In multiple regression, pain (VAS) was the strongest predictor for high disability and low QoL scores (p<0.001) as HAQ (ß=0.397, 0.386, 0.452), SHAQ (ß=0.397, 0.448, 0.372), DHI (ß=0.446, 0.536, 0.389), PCS (ß=-0.417,-0.499, -0.408) and MCS (ß=-0.478, -0.441, -0.370) in combined, lcSSc and dcSSc patients respectively. The factors associated with high disability and low QoL scores were forced vital capacity for HAQ (ß=-0.172, p=0.002) and SF-36 PCS (ß=0.187, p=0.001); disease duration for HAQ (ß=0.208, p<0.001), DHI (ß=0.147, p=0.006), and SF-36 PCS (ß=-0.134, p=0.014); 6-minute walk test for HAQ (ß=-0.161, p=0.005) and SF-36 PCS (ß=0.153, p=0.009); and modified Rodnan skin score for SHAQ (ß=0.250, p<0.001) and DHI (ß=0.233, p<0.001) in SSc patients. Diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide for HAQ (ß=-0.189, p=0.010) and SHAQ (ß=-0.247, p=0.002); erythrocyte sedimentation rate for DHI (ß=0.322, p<0.001); age for SF-36 PCS (ß=-0.221, p=0.003) and body mass index for SF-36 PCS (ß=-0.200, p=0.008) and MCS (ß=-0.175, p=0.034) were the other variables associated with high disability or low QoL scores in SSc subsets. Conclusion: Clinicians should consider the management of the pain and its sources as a key to improve better functional state and quality of daily life in SSc.

Real-life data on the comorbidities in spondyloarthritis from our multicenter nationwide registry: BioStar.

Objectives: Considering that the comorbid situations during the management of Spondyloarthritis (SpA) have been underlined in several recommendations, the main objective of this study was to evaluate the comorbid conditions of Turkish patients with SpA. Patients and methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 1,242 SpA patients (844 males, 398 females; mean age: 43.9±11.0 years; range, 19 to 81 years) diagnosed according to the modified New York criteria for ankylosing spondylitis or the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society (ASAS) criteria. The patient data were collected from the Biologic and targeted Synthetic antirheumatic drugs Registry (BioStar) between February 1, 2019, and December 29, 2020. Clinical and demographic data, including, age, sex, disease duration, body mass index (BMI), pain, patient's global assessment, physician's global assessment, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index, Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index, and Maastricht Enthesitis Score, were recorded. Comorbid conditions were recorded by filling out a questionnaire according to the clinical history or medical records. Charlson Comorbidity Index and Rheumatic Disease Comorbidity Index scores were calculated from the gathered comorbidity information. Results: Nine hundred thirteen patients had radiographic axial SpA, 153 had nonradiographic axial SpA, and 176 had peripheral SpA. The most common comorbidities were hypertension (HT) (n=167, 13.4%), diabetes mellitus (DM) (n=83, 6.7%), thyroid disorders (n=64, 5.6%), and depression (n=61, 4.9%). The comorbidities and the calculated comorbidity indices were significantly higher in females, in those with a BMI >25 kg/m2 , and those over 60 years of age. No relationship was found between smoking and alcohol use and comorbidities. A significantly higher prevalence of HT and DM in peripheral SpA patients and a lower prevalence of thyroid disorders in radiographic axial SpA patients were observed. Conclusion: The most commonly reported comorbidities were HT, DM, thyroid disorders, and depression in SpA patients according to the BioStar database. The frequency of comorbidities and composite comorbidity scores were higher among females, older (>60 years) patients, and overweight (BMI >25 kg/m2 ) patients.

Correlation of clinical signs and magnetic resonance imaging findings in patients with lumbar spondylosis.

Objectives: The purpose of the study was to contribute further to this debated topic by investigating the correlation of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings with the clinical picture in lumbar spondylosis patients. Patients and methods: This multicenter retrospective study (as part of the epidemiological project of the TLAR-OASG [Turkish League Against Rheumatism-Osteoarthritis Study Group]) included 514 patients (101 males, 413 females; mean age: 63.6±10.8 years; range, 40 to 85 years) who were diagnosed as lumbar spondylosis by clinical examination and direct X-ray between December 2016 and June 2018. Demographic characteristics of patients, Visual Analog Scale for pain, presence of radiating pain, Roland-Morris disability questionnaire, straight leg raise test, deep tendon reflexes, neurogenic intermittent claudication symptoms, any decrease of muscle strength, and abnormality of sensation were recorded. Lumbar MRI findings of the patients were recorded as positive or negative in terms of disc herniation, intervertebral disc degeneration, root compression, osteophytes, spinal stenosis. Statistical analysis was done to assess the correlation between the clinical symptoms, physical examination, and MRI findings. Results: Correlation analysis of the MRI results and the clinical findings showed a significant correlation between straight leg raise test and root compression (p<0.001, r=0.328) and a significant correlation between neurogenic intermittent claudication and spinal stenosis (p<0.001, r=0.376). Roland-Morris disability questionnaire had a significant correlation with all MRI findings (p<0.05, r<0.200). Conclusion: The results of this study corroborate the notion that diligent patient history and physical examination are more valuable than MRI findings, even though a higher incidence of abnormal MRI findings have been obtained in patients with disability and dermatomal radiating pain.

Where we are in treat to target era? Predictive factors for remission and drug switching in patients with axial spondyloarthritis: a real-life evidence from BioStaR nationwide registry.

OBJECTIVES: Factors associated with disease activity of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and switching of biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs have not been clearly defined. We aimed to evaluate clinical characteristics of patients with axSpA, factors related to remission in treat to target era and predictive factors for biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug switching. METHOD: A multicenter, observational cross-sectional study was performed between February 2019 and August 2019. We included all consecutive patients ≥ 18 years with axSpA. Demographic and clinical variables were prospectively recorded. Clinical tools included Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score with C-reactive protein (ASDAS-CRP), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI), and Maastricht Ankylosing Spondylitis Enthesitis Score (MASES). RESULTS: There were 969 patients with a mean age of 43.4 ± 10.8 years. There were 143 patients (14.8%) with remission and 223 (23.1%) patients with low disease activity. Male sex (p = 0.021), positive family history (p = 0.036), and human leukocyte antigen-B27 (p = 0.011) were predictors of remission by ASDAS-CRP. There were 654 patients (67.5%) who did not switch to another drug. The highest BASMI and MASES scores were calculated in patients with very high disease activity (p < 0.05). In patients with drug switching, the disease duration was significantly higher (p < 0.001) and the age at diagnosis was significantly lower (p = 0.016). There were significantly more patients with uveitis and higher scores of MASES and BASMI in patients who switch to another biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (p = 0.003, p = 0.009, and p = 0.004, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with axSpA, male sex, younger age, and HLA-B27 positivity are associated with remission, while longer disease duration and accompanied uveitis appear to be related with drug switching. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER AND DATE: NCT04139954/25.10.2019.