Evaluation of hepatitis serology and frequency of viral reactivation in patients with inflammatory arthritis receiving biologic agents: a multicenter observational study.

To evaluate of hepatitis serology and reactivation frequency in patients with rheumatic disease receiving biologic agents. Our study included patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases from 23 centers, who were followed up with biological therapy. Demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients, duration of drug use and hepatitis serology and the state of viral reactivation were analyzed. A total of 4060 patients, 2095 being males, were included in our study. Of the patients, 2463 had Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), 1154 had Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), 325 had Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA), and 118 had other inflammatory rheumatic diseases. When the viral serology of the patients was evaluated, 79 patients (2%) who were identified as HBs Ag positive, 486 (12%) patients who were HBs Ag negative and anti-HBc IgG positive and 20 patients (0.5%) who were anti-HCV positive. When evaluated on a disease-by-disease basis, the rate of HBsAg was found to be 2.5% in RA, 2% in AS and 0.9% in PsA. Viral reactivation was detected in 13 patients while receiving biologic agents. HBs Ag was positive in nine patients with reactivation and negative in four patients. Anti-HBc IgG, however, was positive. Six of these patients had AS, four had RA, and three had PsA. The development of hepatitis reactivation in 11.4% of HBs Ag positive patients and 0.82% of anti-HBc IgG positive patients due to the use of biologic agents is an important problem for this group of patients. Antiviral prophylaxis is recommended to be started especially in patients who are HBs Ag positive and who are using biologic agents due to viral reactivation. Therefore, it is important to carry out hepatitis screenings before biologic agent treatment and to carefully evaluate the vaccination and prophylaxis requirements.

Association Between Knee Flexor Strength and Preservation of the Tibial Attachment of the Sartorial Fascia During Hamstring Tendon Harvest.

Background: During anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, there are various autograft options. Donor-site morbidity is an important consideration while deciding the type of the autograft. Gracilis and semitendinosus autografts are commonly used in ACL reconstruction, resulting in weakness of the hamstring muscle. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that if we preserved the tibial insertion site of the sartorial fascia (SF) during hamstring tendon harvest, there would be better recovery of knee flexor strength. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: In this retrospective study, 34 patients (aged 20-59 years) underwent ACL reconstruction using hamstring tendon autograft with 2 different incision techniques on the SF. The tibial attachment site of the SF was preserved in 17 patients. The insertion site of the muscle was incised transversely in 17 patients. The follow-up duration was ≥2 years. Patients were recalled to the institute for examination and muscle strength assessment. The results were compared between the groups in terms of flexor and extensor knee isokinetic muscle strength at 60 and 180 deg/s. Results: There was no statistical difference between the groups in terms of age, sex, or body mass index. When compared with patients whose SF attachment site was incised, patients with a preserved SF tibial insertion were found to have a higher flexion peak torque at the angular speed of 180 deg/s (P < 002). No statistically significant difference was noted at 60 deg/s. Conclusion: During collection of gracilis and semitendinosus autografts, preserving the SF tibial attachment site was associated with better knee flexion peak torque.

Is there a paradoxical side effect? Is it a case of inefficiency? Peripheral ulcerative keratitis in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis in remission treated with tocilizumab.

Tocilizumab is a monoclonal antibody to interleukin-6 that has recently been used in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment. Treatment with tocilizumab may be associated with paradoxical manifestations that are poorly understood. Patients that developed peripheral ulcerative keratitis while on tocilizumab treatment were studied in a case series. It was discovered that this could be a paradoxical side effect or ineffectiveness. Herein, we present a patient with seropositive RA who was followed for 22 years, using tocilizumab for seven years, and who developed peripheral ulcerative keratitis while in remission. Consequently, even in remission, extra-articular involvement can occur in RA patients, and medication-related paradoxical side effects can arise.

Does fear of activity predict exercise capacity in patients with coronary artery disease in both sexes? A cross-sectional multicenter study.

Objectives: This study aimed to identify whether fear of activity predicts exercise capacity in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and whether there is a difference between sexes regarding this relationship. Patients and methods: One hundred ninety-seven patients (145 males, 52 females; mean age: 56.3±10.8 years; range, 22 to 80 years) with a diagnosis of CAD or cardiac event in the previous one to 60 months were enrolled in this cross-sectional multicenter study between November 2015 and February 2017. Demographic and clinical features were recorded. Fear of activity was assessed by the fear of activity scale in patients with CAD (FactCAD). A 6-min walk test was used to assess exercise capacity. Results: Female participants were older, less educated, and less employed (p=0.045, p=0.048, and p<0.001, respectively) than males. Prevalence of myocardial infarction was higher in males. Comorbidities were higher in females. Multiple linear regression predicted 6-min walk distance (6MWD) based on FactCAD, sex, and education level with an r-squared of 0.321 (p<0.001). Fear of activity had an effect on walking distance in males (each additional score of FactCAD predicts a decrease of 1.3 m in 6MWD), together with disease duration, presence of chronic pulmonary disease, and low back pain, whereas fear of activity was not a predicting factor on walking distance in females. Age, education, and presence of angina predicted 6MWD in females. Conclusion: This study emphasizes that fear of activity is one of the predictors of 6MWD in males with CAD, and its assessment is recommended as a possible barrier to rehabilitation.

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.

The clinical, functional, and radiological features of hand osteoarthritis: TLAR-osteoarthritis multi-center cohort study.

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the clinical, functional, and radiological features of hand osteoarthritis (OA) and to examine their relationships in different geographic samples of the Turkish population. Patients and methods: Between April 2017 and January 2019, a total of 520 patients (49 males, 471 females; mean age: 63.6±9.8 years) with hand OA were included in the study from 26 centers across Turkey by the Turkish League Against Rheumatism (TLAR). The demographic characteristics, grip strengths with Jamar dynamometer, duration of hand pain (month), the severity of hand pain (Visual Analog Scale [VAS]), and morning stiffness were evaluated. The functional disability was evaluated with Duruöz Hand Index (DHI). The Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) OA scoring system was used to assess the radiological stage of hand OA. Results: The DHI had significant correlations with VAS-pain (r=0.367, p<0.001), duration of pain (r=0.143, p=0.001) and bilateral handgrip strengths (r=-0.228, p=0.001; r=-0.303, p<0.001). Although DHI scores were similar between the groups in terms of the presence of hand deformity (p=0.125) or Heberden's nodes (p=0.640), the mean DHI scores were significantly higher in patients with Bouchard's nodes (p=0.015). The total number of nodes had no significant correlations with the VAS-pain and DHI score (p>0.05). The differences between the groups of radiological hand OA grades in terms of age (p=0.007), VAS-pain (p<0.001), duration of pain (p<0.001), and DHI (p<0.001) were significant. There were no significant differences between radiological hand OA grades according to the duration of the stiffness, grip strength, and BMI (p>0.05 for all). Conclusion: In our population, the patients with hand OA had pain, functional disability, and weak grip strength. The functional impairment was significantly correlated with the severity of the pain, and the functional status was worse in high radiological hand OA grades.

Ankle Proprioception in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Ankle position sense may be reduced before the appearance of the clinical manifestation of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. This is known to impair gait and cause falls and foot ulcers. Early detection of impaired ankle proprioception is important because it allows physicians to prescribe an exercise program to patients to prevent foot complications. METHODS: Forty-six patients diagnosed as having type 2 diabetes mellitus and 22 control patients were included in the study. Presence of neuropathy was assessed using the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI). Level of foot care awareness was determined using the Nottingham Assessment of Functional Footcare (NAFF). Joint position sense was measured using a dynamometer. RESULTS: Mean absolute angular error (MAAE) values were significantly higher in the neuropathy group compared with the control group (P < .05). Right plantarflexion MAAE values were significantly lower in the group without neuropathy compared with the group with neuropathy (P < .05). No correlation was found between MAAE values (indicating joint position sense) and age, educational level, disease duration, glycemic control, NAFF score, and MNSI history and examination scores in the groups with and without neuropathy (P > .05). Educational level and disease duration were found to be correlated with NAFF scores. CONCLUSIONS: Increased MNSI history scores and increased deficits in ankle proprioception demonstrate that diabetic foot complications associated with reduced joint position sense may be seen at an increased rate in symptomatic patients.

Prevalence, etiology, and biopsychosocial risk factors of cervicogenic dizziness in patients with neck pain: A multi-center, cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the prevalence, etiology, and risk factors of cervicogenic dizziness in patients with neck pain. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between June 2016 and April 2018, a total of 2,361 patients (526 males, 1,835 females; mean age: 45.0±13.3 years; range, 18 to 75 years) who presented with the complaint of neck pain lasting for at least one month were included in this prospective, cross-sectional study. Data including concomitant dizziness, severity, and quality of life (QoL) impact of vertigo (via Numeric Dizziness Scale [NDS]), QoL (via Dizziness Handicap Inventory [DHI]), mobility (via Timed Up-and-Go [TUG] test), balance performance [via Berg Balance Scale [BBS]), and emotional status (via Hospital Anxiety- Depression Scale [HADS]) were recorded. RESULTS: Dizziness was evident in 40.1% of the patients. Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) was the most common etiology for neck pain (58.5%) and accompanied with cervicogenic dizziness in 59.7% of the patients. Female versus male sex (odds ratio [OR]: 1.641, 95% CI: 1.241 to 2.171, p=0.001), housewifery versus other occupations (OR: 1.285, 95% CI: 1.006 to 1.642, p=0.045), and lower versus higher education (OR: 1.649-2.564, p<0.001) significantly predicted the increased risk of dizziness in neck pain patients. Patient with dizziness due to MPS had lower dizziness severity scores (p=0.034) and milder impact of dizziness on QoL (p=0.005), lower DHI scores (p=0.004), shorter time to complete the TUG test (p=0.001) and higher BBS scores (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest a significant impact of biopsychosocial factors on the likelihood and severity of dizziness and association of dizziness due to MPS with better clinical status.

Comparing the effectiveness of ultrasound guided versus blind genicular nerve block on pain, muscle strength with isokinetic device, physical function and quality of life in chronic knee osteoarthritis: a prospective randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: The genicular nerve block (GNB) is demonstrated from several reports to alleviate pain and improve knee functionality in patients with chronic knee osteoarthritis (OA). Ultrasound (US)-guided GNB has been the most used imaging method. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of US-guided versus blind GNB in the treatment of knee OA. METHODS: This prospective, randomized clinical trial included patients with knee OA based on American College of Rheumatology diagnostic criteria. The patients were evaluated for clinical and dynamometer parameters at the baseline, 4 weeks after treatment, and 12 weeks after treatment. The patients underwent blind injection or US-guided injection. RESULTS: When compared with the baseline, both groups showed significant improvement in pain, physical function, and quality of life parameters. Significant differences were observed between the groups for clinical parameters (30-second chair stand test, 6-minute walk test) in favor of the US-guided group. On the other hand, blind injection was more significantly effective on some parameters of the Nottingham Health Profile. There wasn't any significant improvement in isokinetic muscle strength for either group. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that both US-guided and blind GNB, in the treatment of knee OA, were effective in reducing symptoms and improving physical function. GNB wasn't an effective treatment for isokinetic muscle function. USguided injections may yield more effective clinical results than blind injections.

The effect of aerobic exercise on stroke rehabilitation.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: To compare the effects of aerobic exercise and conventional exercise that were applied during the rehabilitation process on the aerobic capacity, motor function, activity limitation, quality of life, depression level, and sleep quality in subacute stroke patients. METHODS: The patients were divided into two groups; aerobic exercise group (n = 22) or conventional exercise group (n = 20). Both groups participated in a conventional stroke rehabilitation program; however, aerobic exercise program was applied only for the patients in group 1. Exercise tolerance test (ETT), respiratory function tests, 6-min walking test (6-MWT), functional independence measure (FIM), Nottingham health profile (NHP), Beck depression scale (BDS), and Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) were evaluated on admission and discharge. RESULTS: The 6-MWT, FIM, some subgroups of NHP, BDS, and PSQI results demonstrated statistical differences in both groups after rehabilitation programs. Significant differences were recorded in terms of changes between admission and discharge values of ETT and BDS in favor of aerobic exercise group. CONCLUSIONS: Incorporation of aerobic exercises into conventional rehabilitation programs of early stroke patients may provide positive contributions, particularly to mood and aerobic capacity.

The evaluation of sleep quality and response to anti-tumor necrosis factor α therapy in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Poor sleep quality (SQ) is increasingly recognized as giving rise to decreased quality of life, and raising pain perception. Our aim is to evaluate the SQ in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients treated with anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNF-α) therapy. This was a prospective observational and open-label study of RA patients. A total of 35 patients with RA were enrolled in this study. Of the 35 patients, 22 had high disease activity (DA), and 13 were in remission. High DA group was initiated an anti TNF-α therapy. Clinical and objective parameters of SQ were assessed by using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and polysomnography (PSG). The total PSQI score and the frequency of poor SQ were high in 60 % of the RA patients. The median PSQI score was significantly higher in the high DA group than in the remission group (P = 0.026). Following an anti-TNF-α therapy initiation, significant improvements were observed in the high DA group by PSQI test (P = 0.012). However, no statistically significant difference was found by PSG (P > 0.05). Although an improvement in DA with anti-TNF-alpha therapy did not provide an amelioration in laboratory parameters, we found a significant improvement in SQ by subjective PSQI test. These findings may support that sleep disorders in RA are likely to be associated with a complex pathophysiology.

The effects of upper extremity progressive resistance and endurance exercises in patients with spinal cord injury.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Exercises aiming to strengthen the upper extremities are recommended to increase activities of daily living (ADLs) in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). The aim of this study was to compare the effects of upper extremity progressive resistance exercises (PRE) and endurance exercises (EE) performed with an arm ergometer in patients with paraplegia due to SCI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 19 SCI patients were included in the study, and randomly divided into two groups. The first group performed PRE while the second group performed arm EE. The functional independence measurement (FIM) was used on each patient at the beginning and at the end of the study. The elbow flexion and extension muscle strengths of each patient were determined with the computerized isokinetic dynamometer at the beginning and end of the study. RESULTS: Post-training increased the FIM scores in both PRE (p=0.005) and EE groups (p=0.008). There were increases in the extension peak torque (PT) and total work (TW) at 180°/sec and 60°/sec angular velocity in the PRE group compared to the EE group (all p<0.05). CONCLUSION: There were improvement in post-training muscle strength values in both the PRE (found to be more effective) and EE groups. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Randomized trial (Level I).

Relationship between anthropometric factors, gender, and balance under unstable conditions in young adults.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the anthropometric factors of height, body mass, body mass index and postural balance and to compare the balance indices between genders in the upright standing position, in healthy adult subjects under conditions of instability. Forty individuals were subjected to functional tests of body stability using the Biodex Balance System, and the resulting indices were correlated with body mass, height, and body mass index, and also compared between genders. Body mass was the main anthropometric factor that influenced variations in postural balance, with a high correlation between groups and with all variables. A linear regression analysis showed that body mass associated with BMI explained 66% of the overall stability, and body mass explained 59% of the anteroposterior stability index and 65% of the mediolateral stability index. In the female group, body mass explained 72% of the overall balance, 66% of the anteroposterior, and 76% of the medio-lateral stability index. Increased body mass requires greater movements to maintain postural balance. Height and BMI presented moderate correlations with balance. Women showed less movement than men on the Biodex Balance System.

Diagnostic value of ultrasonography in the evaluation of the temporomandibular joint anterior disc displacement.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the extent of agreement between the findings of ultrasonography (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the assessment of anterior disc displacement (ADD), with or without reduction, and to assess the sensitivity, specificity and the accuracy of the US examination in establishing diagnosis. Fifty-two temporomandibular joints (TMJ) in 52 patients with chronic TMJ pain were examined by US and MRI with respect to ADD, with, and without reduction of the TMJ. The level of agreement between US and MRI findings was evaluated. The sensitivity, specificity, and the accuracy of US were found to be respectively 91%, 16% and 82% in the assessment of ADD; 70%, 38% and 57% in ADD with reduction; 50%, 89% and 76% in ADD without reduction. The findings of both methods were in agreement with each other. US method is fairly sensitive especially in detecting ADD, and it is very reliable in determining the absence of ADD without reduction. However, it was not found to be as quite effective in demonstrating ADD whether it was with or without reduction.

Safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided intra-articular hylan G-F 20 injection in osteoarthritis of the hip: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of viscosupplementation applied to the hip joint with the lateral approach and ultrasound guidance and to show whether this can be an alternative treatment model in hip osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: We performed three hylan G-F injections each to 14 patients with hip OA. We evaluated visual analog score (VAS), Lequesne hip OA severity index, 15-meter walking time before injections and 30 and 90 days after injections, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: We established that after 30 respectively 90 days of treatment, VAS, Lequesne hip OA severity index, and 15-meter walking time were statistically significantly lower than before the treatment. This decrease continued after the 30th day. No side effects or complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Viscosupplementation performed under ultrasound guidance with the lateral approach is an effective and safe method and can be an alternative treatment of hip OA.