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Objective: Transitional care is essential to maintain the continuity of care in younger patients with rheumatic diseases. In this study, we aimed to assess the transition readiness of rheumatology patients who had already transferred from pediatric to adult care using a questionnaire. Materials and Methods: We included young adult rheumatology patients who had already transferred to adult rheumatology care. The Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire (TRAQ) was used in the adult rheumatology clinic to assess the patients’ readiness; a retrospective chart review was conducted to include diagnosis, age at diagnosis, age at transfer, and current age. Results: Three hundred and ten patients (184 female and 126 male) participated in this study. The mean age at diagnosis, the mean age at transfer, and the mean age at the time of the study were 10.7 ± 4.29, 21.1 ± 1.69, and 24.0 ± 2.26 years, respectively. Most of the patients had familial Mediterranean fever, followed by arthritis, connective tissue disorders, and other diseases. Tracking health issues was the lowest-scored domain. Females scored significantly higher than males in the tracking health issue domain (P = .006) and managing health issue domain (P = .028) but not in the overall TRAQ score (P = .053). Patients in different diagnosis and transfer age groups scored similarly across the domains. Conclusion: In this study, females performed better than males in 2 domains of the TRAQ questionnaire. Diagnoses or transfer age groups were not associated with TRAQ outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Mercury poisoning is a condition with multiple-organ dysfunction that has effects on the central nervous system, gastrointestinal system, cardiovascular system, skin, lungs, and kidneys. It can be fatal or may result in sequelae such as neurological disturbances, if treated late or left untreated. The endocrinological effects of mercury exposure are not well-known. We aimed to evaluate patients with mercury poisoning. Materials and Methods: A total of 6 cases of mercury poisoning from 3 families were included in the study. Clinical, laboratory, and follow-up data were recorded. Results: Thyroid dysfunction was presented as high thyroid hormones and normal thyrotropin level (unsuppressed) in 5 cases (83.3%). On the other hand, pheochromocytoma-like syndrome was detected in 5 cases (83.3%) with hypertension. The 4 cases were the first to use methimazole for mercury poisoning due to tachycardia and hypertension despite antihypertensive treatment due to catecholamine excess and thyroid dysfunction. Hyponatremia was detected in 3 cases (50%). Conclusion: Mercury poisoning is difficult to diagnose because it is rare and presents with nonspecific physical and laboratory findings. Early diagnosis and providing appropriate treatment are essential in order to prevent sequelae. Mercury poisoning should be considered in patients with unexplained hypertension and tachycardia suggesting the involvement of thyroid hormones and catecholamines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the influence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic among patients with juvenile systemic sclerosis (JSS). Patients and methods: Twenty-seven patients (22 females, 5 males; mean age: 20 years; range, 17 to 22 years) diagnosed with JSS and followed up at the department of pediatric rheumatology were included in the cross-sectional study. A web-based survey was performed by focusing on patients' complaints, accessibility to health care, and compliance with routine treatment from January 1, 2021, to January 10, 2021. Results: Five (18.5%) patients had deterioration of the disease, while six (22.2%) patients reported irregular usage of their routine scleroderma treatment during the last six months. Nine (33.3%) patients had missed their routine clinic control since the proclamation of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Seven (25.9%) patients had household contact with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Four (14.8%) patients were diagnosed with COVID-19, and only one (3.7%) was hospitalized. Nine patients were under biological treatment (tocilizumab); however, only one of them was diagnosed with COVID-19. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has not significantly disrupted the medical care of JSS patients. Telemedicine could be an acceptable option for JSS patients disenabled to come to the hospital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is a heterogeneous group of disorders and is the most common rheumatic condition in childhood. There are scarce data regarding all comorbidities in juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients. Materials and Methods: We aimed to identify the non-rheumatic comorbidities in our juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients. Data were obtained cross-sectionally from the medical records and the face-to-face interviews for 6 consecutive months. Those with more than 1 rheumatic disease were excluded, and conditions that were highly related to the disease, such as uveitis, were not taken into account. Results: The study included 459 patients with female dominance (62.1%, n = 285). The median age of the patients was 12.87 (1.53-20.95) years. One hundred fifty patients (32.7%) had at least 1 comorbidity (5 patients had 3 comorbidities, and 24 patients had 2 comorbidities). The most common 3 non-rheumatic accompanying medical conditions in our patients were allergic rhinitis (n = 37, 8.1%), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (n = 35, 7.6%), and atopic dermatitis (n = 28, 6.1%). None of our patients with systemic JIA had any autoimmune disease. All the patients with primary immune deficiencies had anti-nuclear antibody positivity. Conclusion: Almost one-third of our patients had at least one comorbidity. This finding might be very helpful to us in planning our multi-disciplinary approach to our patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Our aim in this study is to reveal the frequency of febrile seizures in patients with Familial Mediterranean Fever and Periodic Fever, Aphthous stomatitis, Pharyngitis, cervical Adenitis syndrome and to compare it to normal population. Materials and Methods: Patients with Familial Mediterranean Fever and Periodic Fever, Aphthous stomatitis, Pharyngitis, cervical Adenitis syndrome, who were diagnosed according to Turkish pediatric Familial Mediterranean Fever diagnostic criteria and Marshall criteria, were enrolled to the study. A form containing questions about febrile seizures history was prepared for Familial Mediterranean Fever and Periodic Fever, Aphthous stomatitis, Pharyngitis, cervical Adenitis syndrome patients. Demographic data and febrile seizures history of Periodic Fever, Aphthous stomatitis, Pharyngitis, cervical Adenitis patients were obtained by calling the parents by phone. Familial Mediterranean Fever patients were randomly selected during their routine follow-up. The frequency of febrile seizures in both disease groups was compared with the prevalence of previous febrile seizures studies in the general population in Turkey. Results: A total of 417 Familial Mediterranean Fever and 152 Periodic Fever, Aphthous stomatitis, Pharyngitis, cervical Adenitis subjects were recruited to the study. The frequency of febrile seizures in Familial Mediterranean Fever and Periodic Fever, Aphthous stomatitis, Pharyngitis, cervical Adenitis syndrome was similar (8.4% vs. 8.6%; P > .05). The frequency of febrile seizures in Familial Mediterranean Fever and Periodic Fever, Aphthous stomatitis, Pharyngitis, cervical Adenitis syndrome patients was found to be significantly higher than the frequency in general population (8.4% vs. 4.4%) [P < .0001, OR: 1.99 (CI: 1.4-2.8)]; (8.6% vs. 4.4%) [P < .01, OR: 2.03 (CI: 1.1-3.6)], respectively. Conclusion: The frequency of febrile seizures in patients with Familial Mediterranean Fever and Periodic Fever, Aphthous stomatitis, Pharyngitis, cervical Adenitis syndrome was found to be significantly higher than in the general population. This increased frequency of febrile seizures in both periodic syndromes seems to be a result of recurrent fever. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this study is to share our experience about clinical findings, natural course, and treatment response rates of a large cohort of patients with periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome. Materials and Methods: Medical records of patients who were diagnosed with PFAPA syndrome between January 2010 and May 2021 at Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty pediatric rheumatology department were reviewed retrospectively. Results: A total of 607 patients (females: 277, males: 330) with PFAPA syndrome were included. The median duration of episodes was 3 (1-15; interquartile range (IQR) 3-5) days, and the median interval between episodes was 20 days (5-120; IQR 15-30). The median age at the last attack and median disease duration were 66 (24-168; IQR 48-84) months and 40 (4-132; IQR 27.5-60) months, respectively. Fever (100%) was the most common clinical finding, followed by pharyngitis/exudative tonsillitis in 594 (97.9%), aphthous stomatitis in 308 (50.7%), cervical lymphadenopathy in 278 (45.8%), abdominal pain in 249 (41%), and arthralgia in 228 (37.6%) of the patients. Among the clinical findings, there was no statistical difference according to gender, except for cervical lymphadenitis being higher in males (P < .001). Of the patients who were given steroids during attacks, 94.6% were responsive. Colchicine was effective in 93 (63.7%) patients. The disease episodes ceased in 313 (95.4%) of patients who had tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy. Conclusions: Clinicians should be alert for additional symptoms such as abdominal pain, arthralgia, and headache apart from the cardinal signs. Although tonsillectomy is highly effective, its use is controversial. Colchicine may be a good alternative for prophylaxis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Juvenile spondyloarthropathies (JSpA) are defined as a heterogeneous group of diseases that start before the age of 16, which is associated with peripheral joint (especially large joints of the lower limbs) and axial skeletal (spine and sacroiliac joint) involvement, enthesitis, and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) B27 positivity. Juvenile spondyloarthropathies mainly cover juvenile ankylosing spondylitis (JAS), psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease-associated arthritis, seronegative enthesopathy, arthropathy syndrome (SEA), and enthesitis-associated arthritis. Symptoms associated with spondyloarthropathies are enthesitis, inflammatory low back pain, dactylitis, nail changes, psoriasis, acute anterior uveitis, and inflammatory bowel disease-related symptoms. In JSpA, axial involvement is rarely seen in the early stages of the disease, in contrast to adult patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The disease usually begins as asymmetric oligoarthritis of lower extremities in children, and axial skeletal involvement can occur in the course of the disease. Although the debate on the classification of juvenile spondyloarthropathies continues due to its initial nonspecific findings and the heterogeneity of the disease phenotype, the International League of Associations Rheumatology (ILAR) classification criteria are the most commonly used pediatric criteria. In that set of criteria, patients with JSpA are mainly classified under enthesitis-related arthritis or psoriatic arthritis group. Since juvenile spondyloarthropathies can cause severe loss of function and long-term sequelae, the main goal in treatment should be suppression of inflammation as early as possible and prevent sequelae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common rheumatic disease in childhood. The disease is divided in different subtypes based on main clinical features and disease course. Emergence of biological agents targeting specific pro-inflammatory cytokines responsible for the disease pathogenesis represents the revolution in the JIA treatment. Discovery and widespread usage of biological agents have led to significant improvement in JIA patients' treatment, with evidently increased functionality and decreased disease sequel. Increased risk of infections remains the main discussion topic for years. Despite the slightly increased frequency of upper respiratory tract infections reported in some studies, the general safety of drugs is acceptable with rare reports of severe adverse effects (SAEs). Tuberculosis (TBC) represents the important threat in regions with increased TBC prevalence. Therefore, routine screening for TBC should not be neglected when prescribing and during the follow-up of biological treatment. Malignancy represents a hypothetical complication that sometimes causes hesitations for physicians and patients in its prescription and usage. On the other hand, current reports from the literature do not support the increased risk for malignancy among JIA patients treated with biological agents. A multidisciplinary approach including a pediatric rheumatologist and an infectious disease specialist is mandatory in the follow-up of JIA patients. Although the efficacy and safety of biological agents have been proven in different studies, there is still a need for long-term, multicentric evaluation providing relevant data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Humanity has recently gained a novel foe named coronavirus disease 2019. Although data so far mostly suggest that children are more likely to have a favorable disease course, new concerns have been raised because of recently reported pediatric cases with hyperinflammatory conditions resembling Kawasaki disease, toxic shock syndrome, and macrophage activation syndrome/hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Because the increasing evidence suggests that this recent hyperinflammatory condition emerged in the coronavirus disease 2019 era is a distinct clinical picture, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention named this novel disease multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. Even if this novel disease is rare, it seems to be highly fatal. Therefore, it is urgent to understand the pathogenesis of the disease to be able to establish the appropriate treatment regimes. Concerns regarding the diagnostic process and the management of the disease have been raised even among pediatricians. Therefore, we aimed to clarify this newly occurring enigma based on the current literature and our clinical insights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aims to determine the prevalence of Fabry disease (FD) among patients with juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Patients and methods: This cross-sectional study included 76 juvenile SLE patients (12 males; 64 females; mean age 16±3.3 years; range, 8 to 23.5 years) who were diagnosed according to 1997 update of the 1982 American College of Rheumatology revised criteria for classification of SLE. Since the majority of patients were female, alpha-galactosidase A gene was investigated for mutations resulting in FD. Lysosomal accumulation of globotriaosylsphingosine (lyso-Gb3) was further evaluated in mutation positive subjects by using dried blood spot testing. Results: Alpha-galactosidase A gene screening did not yield any positive mutation in our 74 subjects. However, a heterozygous p.D313Y mutation was found in two females. These subjects were further investigated for lyso-Gb3 levels in dried blood spot samples and the levels of lyso-Gb3 being normal lead to exclusion of FD in these two patients. Conclusion: We do not suggest routine screening of FD in patients with juvenile SLE; however, prospective studies with larger sample sizes are needed for further analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the frequency of celiac disease (CD) in patients with juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) and the potential association of JSLE and CD. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study performed from October 2015 to October 2017. A total of 50 patients with JSLE were included in the study. The levels of total IgA and tissue transglutaminase (tTG) IgA antibody were measured in all patients. Subjects with increased tTG were further evaluated for anti-endomysial antibodies (EMAs). Gastroduodenoscopy and intestinal biopsy were performed in those with increased EMA levels to confirm the diagnosis of CD. Results: The study included 44 (88.0%) female and 6 (12.0%) male patients. Of the 50 patients, 30 (60.0%) received corticosteroids, and only 4 (8.0%) received no therapy at the time of the study. Only 3 (6.0%) patients were positive for tTG IgA. Patients with positive tTG IgA were then tested for EMA IgA antibodies, and none of them had a positive result. Conclusion: We did not find CD in children with systemic lupus erythematosus. Studies with more patients with JSLE are needed to conclude a more precise result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aim: The aims of this study were to primarily investigate fatigue and sleep and to secondarily examine possible relationships between disease activity, pain, and functional ability in children and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Materials and methods: Ninety-six patients were enrolled in the study. Disease activity, functional ability, fatigue symptoms, fatigue severity, and sleep quality were assessed with the Juvenile Arthritis Disease Activity Score (JADAS), Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ), Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory-Multidimensional Fatigue Scale (PedsQL-F), visual analog scale (VAS), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), respectively. Results: Fatigue severity was moderate to high in 75% of patients with JIA and sleep quality was poor in 40% of them. VAS-fatigue was correlated with VAS-pain, VAS-wellbeing, PSQI, and sleep duration (P < 0.001). Significant relationships were found between the PedsQL-F and all other parameters except JADAS (P < 0.05). VAS-fatigue, CHAQ, and PSQI were identified as significant predictors of PedsQL-F (P < 0.05). Sleep quality, pain, and sleep duration were also significant predictors of fatigue severity (P < 0.05). Conclusion: This study suggests that fatigue and sleep problems are common problems in JIA. If underlying factors of fatigue and sleep are understood, strategies for improving sleep/fatigue paradox may develop in JIA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the demographic and clinical features, laboratory data, treatment modalities, and outcomes of juvenile systemic sclerosis (JSS) and juvenile localized scleroderma (JLS) patients at a referral pediatric rheumatology center in Turkey. Patients and methods: Medical records of a total of 57 patients, including 29 with JSS (1 male, 28 females; mean age 18.3±3.2 years; range 14 to 27 years) and 28 with JLS (6 males, 22 females; mean age 14.4±4.8 years; range 6 to 23 years), diagnosed betweenJanuary 2006 and Mart 2015 and followed-up for at least six months were evaluated in this retrospective longitudinal study. All medical records were retrospectively analyzed for demographic, clinical, and laboratory findings. Results: Mean age at disease onset was 9.9±4.2 years and 7.7±3.9 years for JSS and JLS, respectively. Mean ages at diagnosis and at the time of study were lower in JLS: 9.1±3.5 years vs. 11.7±3.7 years and 14.4±4.8 years vs. 18.3±3.2 years, respectively. Mean disease duration was 7.8±5.2 years and 8.0±4.3 years for JSS and JLS, respectively. Among JSS patients, interstitial lung disease was seen in eight (27%), pulmonary hypertension in three (10%), and arrhythmia in one (3%). One JSS patient (3%) died as a consequence of cardiac sclerosis. Corticosteroids with methotrexate were used in 29 JSS patients (100%) and in 21 JLS patients (75%). Patients with vasculopathy were treated with nifedipine (n=18, 62%) and bosentan (n=12, 41%). Internal organ involvement was treated with high-dose cyclophosphamide (n=10, 34%) or biological agent (n=3, 10%). Conclusion: Close monitoring of internal organ involvement is of great importance in preventing disease-related complications in JSS and JLS. Although rare, vital organ involvement has a devastating effect on prognosis. Biological agents represent an option for patients resistant to standard immunosuppressive treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the levels of serum endocan in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Patients and methods: Sixty-seven children with JIA (30 males, 37 females; mean age 10.4±4.9 years; range 2 to 18 years) and a sex- and agematched healthy control group of 39 children (16 males, 23 females; mean age 9.3±4.1 years; range 1 to 17 years) were recruited. Patients with JIA were divided into two groups as the clinically active JIA group (n=27) and inactive JIA group (n=40). Results: The median serum endocan level in patients with JIA was significantly higher than in the control group (633.75 ng/L vs. 379.76 ng/L, p<0.01). Comparison between patients with active JIA and inactive JIA was not significant in terms of endocan levels (618.70 ng/L vs. 687.36 ng/L, p=0.34). There was a weak negative correlation between Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire scores of patients with JIA and serum endocan levels. Conclusion: The high level of serum endocan highlighted the endothelial damage in patients with JIA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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All inflammatory changes in the vessel wall are defined as vasculitis. Pediatric vasculitis may present with different clinical findings. Although Henoch-Schönlein purpura which is the most common pediatric vasculitis generally recovers spontaneously, it should be monitorized closely because of the risk of renal failure. Although Kawasaki disease is easy to diagnose with its classical findings, the diagnosis may be delayed in case of incomplete Kawasaki disease. Kawasaki disease should be considered especially in infants in case of prolonged fever even if the criteria are not fully met and intravenous immunoglobulin treatment should be administered without delay in order to prevent development of coronary artery aneurism. Reaction at the site of administration of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine may be observed as commonly as cervical lymphadenopathy in Kawasaki disease and may be used as a valuable finding in suspicious cases. Although anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitides are rare in children, renal involvement is more common and progression is more severe compared to adults. Hence, efficient and aggressive treatment is required. Takayasu’s arteritis is observed commonly in young adult women and rarely in adolescent girls. Therefore, a careful physical examination and blood pres sure measurement should be performed in addition to a detailed history in daily practice. In children with unexplained neurological findings, cerebral vasculitis should be considered in the absence of other systemic vasculitides and necessary radiological investigations should be performed in this re gard. This review will provide an insight into the understanding of pediatric vasculitis, current diagnostic approaches and prognosis by the aid of new studies. (Turk Pediatri Ars 2015; 50: 194-205) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Amaç: Jüvenil sistemik lupus eritematosus (jSLE) hastalarının sınıflandırmasında en yaygm kullanılan ölçütler ACR-1997 ve SLICC-2012'dir. ACR-1997'nin en önemli kısıtlılığı duyarlıh-ğının düşük olması iken SLICC-2012'nin ise özgüllüğünün düşük olmasıdır. 2017 ACR kongresinde, EULAR ve ACR ortak iş birliği ile erişkinlerde daha etkin olduğu gösterilen yeni bir ölçüt geliştirilmiştir. jSLE tanısı almış hastalarda yeni EU-LAR/ACR sınıflandırma ölçütlerinin etkinliğinin ACR-1997 ve SLICC-2012 ölçütleri ile karşılaştırılması Yöntem: Hastaların ilk olarak jSLE tanısı aldığındaki bulguları ve kan değerleri, ACR-1997, SLICC-2012 ve EULAR /ACR sınıflandırma ölçütlerine göre değerlendirildi. Hastaların tanıdan sonraki hem 1. yıl vizitinde hem de son vizitinde, bu sınıflama ölçütlerinin duyarlılık değerlendirilmesi yeniden yapılmıştır. Özgüllük değerlendirmesi için 104 hasta (jSLE olmayan) polikliniğe başvuru sırasına göre çalışmaya alındı. Bulgular: Sınıflama ölçütlerinin klinisyenin tanısı anındaki duyarlılık değerlendirilmesi için 104 jSLE hastası değerlendirildi. Toplamda 12 olgu, takip süresi 1 yılın altında olduğu için, ilk değerlendirmeden sonra çalışmadan çıkarıldı. Tanıdan sonraki birinci yılve son vizit değerlendirmesi için 92 olgu uygun olarak bulundu. Çalışmamızdaki kızların erkeklere oranı 4.7:l'di. Olgularımızdaki medyan tanı yaşı 13.0 iken, medyan hastalık süresi 5 yıl olarak saptandı. Yeni geliştirilen sınıflama ölçütleri EULAR/ACR'ın duyarlılığı; tanı sırasında ve birinci yılda SLICC-2012 ve ACR-1997 ile kıyaslandığında daha yüksek saptandı (Tablo 1 SS-07). Son vizitte yeni kriterler ve SLICC-2012 kriterlerinin duyarlılığı aym iken, ACR-1997 kriterlerinin duyarlılığı daha düşük saptandı. Sonuç: Yeni sınıflama ölçütü EULAR/ACR-2017, tanı sırasında ve birinci yıl değerlendirmesinde SLICC-2012 ve ACR-1997 kriterlerine gore daha çok sayıda hastanın SLE olarak sınıflandırılmasını sağladı. Ancak son vizitte, EULAR/ACR ve SLICC-2012 kriterlerinin duyarlılığı arasmda fark saptanmadı. Her ne kadar duyarlılıklar arasındaki fark istatistiksel olarak anlamlı olmasa da, yeni sınıflandırma seti ile klinik çalışmalara daha fazla hasta alımı mümkün gibi görünmektedir. Yeni sınıflama ölçütü EULAR/ACR-2017'nin özgüllüğü, ACR1997'nin özgüllüğüne ulaşamadı (Tablo 2 SS-07). Ancak SLICC-2012 ölçütlerine gore özgüllüğü daha yüksekti (daha az hastayı yanlışlıkla SLE olarak sınıflandırmış oldu). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Turkish Society for Rheumatology is the property of Galenos Yayinevi Tic. LTD. STI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Turkish Society for Rheumatology is the property of Galenos Yayinevi Tic. LTD. STI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: Mercury poisoning is a condition with multiple-organ dysfunction that has effects on the central nervous system, gastrointestinal system, cardiovascular system, skin, lungs, and kidneys. It can be fatal or may result in sequelae such as neurological disturbances, if treated late or left untreated. The endocrinological effects of mercury exposure are not well-known. We aimed to evaluate patients with mercury poisoning., Materials and Methods: A total of 6 cases of mercury poisoning from 3 families were included in the study. Clinical, laboratory, and follow-up data were recorded., Results: Thyroid dysfunction was presented as high thyroid hormones and normal thyrotropin level (unsuppressed) in 5 cases (83.3%). On the other hand, pheochromocytoma-like syndrome was detected in 5 cases (83.3%) with hypertension. The 4 cases were the first to use methimazole for mercury poisoning due to tachycardia and hypertension despite antihypertensive treatment due to catecholamine excess and thyroid dysfunction. Hyponatremia was detected in 3 cases (50%)., Conclusion: Mercury poisoning is difficult to diagnose because it is rare and presents with nonspecific physical and laboratory findings. Early diagnosis and providing appropriate treatment are essential in order to prevent sequelae. Mercury poisoning should be considered in patients with unexplained hypertension and tachycardia suggesting the involvement of thyroid hormones and catecholamines.