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Objectives To compare the efficacy of intra-articular injection and radiofrequency (RF) neurotomy of genicular nerves in patients with chronic knee osteoarthritis (OA) pain. Methods Seventy-three patients with knee OA were included in the study. Patients were randomly assigned to Group IA (intra-articular 2.5 mL of bupivacaine, 2.5 mg of morphine and 1 mL of betamethasone, 6 mL of fluid injection) or Group RF (RF neurotomy of the genicular nerves). The outcome measures included a pain scale (visual analog scale, VAS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) Index of Osteoarthritis. Results No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in baseline VAS-pain. In Group RF, a significant reduction was observed in VAS-pain at the first month (P < 0.001) and the third month (P < 0.001) in comparison to Group IA. Also in Group RF, a significant reduction was observed in WOMAC total scores in the first month (P < 0.001) in comparison to Group IA. Conclusion This study is the first controlled study in the literature which compares RF genicular nerve to intra-articular injections. This study demonstrated that genicular nerve RF neurotomy is a safe and efficient treatment modality and provides functional improvement along with an analgesia in patients with chronic knee OA.

Address for Correspondence: Dr. Yasemin Turan, Adnan Menderes Universitesi Tip Fakultesi, Fiziksel Tip ve Rehabilitasyon Anabilim Dali, Aydin, Turkey Phone: +90 256 444 12 56 E-mail: yasemin_dincer@yahoo.com doi: 10.5152/tjr.2010.32 Ozet Romatolojik hastaliklarda cakisma sendromlu hastalara siklikla rastlanilmakla birlikte, Behcet hastaligi ve ankilozan spondilit hastaliginin birlikteligi olan az sayida olgu vardir. Bu sebeple, biz bu makalede Behcet hastaligi ve ankilozan spondilit birlikteligi olan HLA B5 pozitifligi, HLA B27’nin negatif oldugu, oral ve genital bolgede lezyonlari bulunan 55 yasindaki erkek hastayi literaturler esliginde sunmayi amacladik. (Turk J Rheumatol 2010; 25: 217-20) Anah tar soz cuk ler: Ankilozan spondilit, behcet hastaligi

Ozet Eozinofilik fasiit, periferik eozinofili, fasiit ve “Groove” isareti ile karakterize nadir gorulen bir durumdur. Periferal kanda eozinofili ve ozellikle ekstremitelerde skleroderma benzeri deri endurasyonlari bu hastaligin karakteristik ozellikleridir. Sistemik organlar genellikle etkilenmemistir. Bu yazida, uzun sure tani konamayan ve kas biyopsisi sonrasi eozinofilik fasit tanisi koydugumuz 35 yasindaki erkek olgunun klinik ozellikleri ve hastalik hakkinda yaptigimiz literatur taramasinin sonuclari sunulmustur. (Turk J Rheumatol 2010; 25: 208-13) Anahtar sozcukler: Eozinofilik fasiit, groove isareti Al›nd›¤› Tarih: 05.11.2008 Kabul Tarihi: 05.12.2008 Abst ract Eosinophilic fasciitis is a rare entity characterized by peripheral eosinophilia, fasciitis and “groove sign”. The characteristic features of this inflammatory disease include scleroderma-like skin indurations, predominantly on the extremities, and peripheral blood eosinophilia. Systemic organs are generally not affected. In this paper, we present the clinical characteristics of a 35-year-old male patient who could not be diagnosed for a long period and was diagnosed as eosinophilic fasciitis following muscle biopsy. We also include herein the results of our literature survey regarding this disease. (Turk J Rheumatol 2010; 25: 208-13)

GUNDUZ, Osman H/0000-0002-3214-803X; Ayhan, Fikriye Figen/0000-0001-6906-991X; Duruoz, Mehmet Tuncay/0000-0003-3584-2788; Ataman, Sebnem/0000-0003-3570-3825; NAS, Kemal/0000-0002-5845-0851 WOS: 000299007300027 PubMed: 20711591 A web-based application patient follow-up program was developed to create a registry of patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) by the Turkiye Romatizma Arastirma Savas Dernegi (TRASD) AS Study Group. This study describes the methodological background and patient characteristics. The patient follow-up program is a web-based questionnaire, which contains sections on socio-demographic data, anamnesis, personal and family history, systemic and musculoskeletal examination, laboratory and imaging data and treatment. Between October 1, 2007 and February 28, 2009, 1,381 patients from 41 centers were included in the registry (1,038 males [75.2%]; mean age 39.5 +/- A 10.7 years). Mean disease duration was 12.1 +/- A 8.5 years, and mean time from initial symptom to diagnosis was 5 +/- A 6.8 years (median 2 years). HLA-B27 positivity was detected in 73.7% of 262 patients tested. Manifestations of extraarticular involvement were anterior uveitis (13.2%), psoriasis and other skin and mucous membrane lesions (6%) and inflammatory bowel disease (3.8%). The prevalence of peripheral arthritis was 11.2%. In 51.7% of patients, the Bath AS Disease Activity Index was a parts per thousand yen4. But since our patients consisted of the ones with more severe disease who referred to the tertiary centers and needed a regular follow-up, they may not represent the general AS population. Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs were being used by 41.9% of patients, with 16.4% using anti-TNF agents. TRASD-IP (Izlem Programi: Follow-up program) is the first AS registry in Turkey. Such databases are very useful and provide a basis for data collection from large numbers of subjects. TRASD-IP gives information on the clinical and demographic profiles of patients, and the efficacy and safety of anti-TNF drugs, examines the impact on quality of life, and provides real-life data that may be used in cost-effectiveness analyses. Wyeth/Pfizer CompanyWyeth The authors express their gratitude to all members of TRASD AS Study group for their cooperation and to Wyeth/Pfizer Company for the sponsorship. The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Objectives: In this paper, we aim to present the new developments in the clinical findings and treatment of benign joint hypermobility syndrome [BJHS], in the light of recent studies, in an effort to give a better understanding and provide a review for the doctors involved.Findings: Hypermobility is a clinical sign independent of any rheumatic disease and is characterized by movement of joints beyond the normal range of motion. BJHS is associated with some system pathologies in which the main findings are correlated with the musculoskeletal system and can be easily confused with some hereditary and connective tissue disorders. Clinical signs of BJHS are considered in a range from joint instability to various problems, such as varicose veins and low bone mineral density.Conclusions: The clinical effects of BJHS are poorly understood by general practitioners and, furthermore, it may be misdiagnosed or neglected by rheumatologists too. For this reason, the clinical signs of this syndrome should be we...

Resume Objectif Etudier l’importance de l’enthesite et sa correlation avec les parametres cliniques et la qualite de vie chez les patients atteints de spondylarthropathie (SA). Methode Cent dix-huit patients repondant aux criteres de classification du groupe europeen d’etude des spondylarthropathies (ESSG) ont ete inclus dans cette etude. Les parametres cliniques suivants ont ete evalues : la raideur matinale, les douleurs au repos, les douleurs au cours de l’activite physique et le nombre d’articulations gonflees et douloureuses. Les enthesites etaient evaluees par le Mander Enthesis Index (MEI). La qualite de vie etait mesuree par le questionnaire generaliste SF-36. Resultats L’incidence ainsi observee de l’enthesite chez les patients atteints de SA etait de 84 %. Une correlation significative etait retrouvee entre la raideur matinale, la duree de la maladie, les articulations douloureuses et six des dimensions du questionnaire SF-36. La plus importante correlation etait observee entre le MEI et le nombre d’articulations douloureuses (p Conclusion L’enthesite est couramment observee parmi les patients atteints de SA. Elle affecte negativement la qualite de vie des patients.

Objective To investigate the involvement of enthesis and its correlation with clinical and quality of life parameters in patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA). Methods One hundred and eighteen patients who comply with the SpA classification criteria of the European Spondylarthropathy Study Group (ESSG) were included into the study. Clinical parameters such as morning stiffness, rest pain, activity pain, tender joints and swollen joints were evaluated. Enthesitis were assessed by Mander Enthesis Index (MEI). The quality of life was assessed by Short Form-36 (SF-36). Results The incidence of enthesitis in patient with SpA was found at a rate of 84.9%. There was a significant correlation between MEI and morning stiffness, disease duration, tender joints and six subgroups of SF-36. The highest correlation was found between MEI and number of tender joint ( p Conclusion Enthesitis is commonly seen among patients with SpA. Enthesitis also affects the life quality of patients negatively.

Resume Objectif Dans cette etude, nous avons l’intention d’etudier les taux seriques des enzymes antioxydantes et de l’oxyde nitrique (NO) chez les femmes postmenopausees atteintes d’osteoporose (OP) ainsi que chez des temoins sains et de determiner la relation entre ces enzymes, le NO et les parametres cliniques. Methode Quarante-cinq femmes postmenopausees remplissant les criteres diagnostic de l’OP de l’Organisation mondiale de la sante (OMS) et 42 femmes saines postmenauposees sans OP ont ete incluses dans cette etude. Les patientes de l’etude ont ete selectionnees parmi des femmes non prediagnostiquees ni pretraitees pour OP. Les patientes atteintes de maladies du metabolisme osseux, presentant des antecedents de fractures osseuses, fumeuses, consommatrices d’alcool et prenant des medications antioxydantes, etaient excluent de l’etude. Les resultats de l’absorptiometrie bioenergetique a rayons X (Dexa), l’indice de masse corporelle (IMC) et les donnees demographiques furent enregistrees. L’activite des enzymes catalase erythrocytaire (Cat) et glutathion reductase (GR), ainsi que le taux erythrocytaire en glutathion (GSH), le malondialdehyde plasmatique (MDA) etaient mesures par spectrophotometrie alors que les niveaux de nitrite/nitrate (NOx) etaient mesures par lecteur de microplaques Elisa. Resultats Les patientes avaient une activite enzymatique GR significativement plus basse (p Conclusion Le stress oxydatif peut jouer un role important dans la perte osseuse postmenopausique et par consequent il devrait etre pris en compte dans l’evaluation de la pathogenese de l’OP postmenopausique.

We aimed to investigate serum antioxidant enzymes and nitric oxide (NO) levels in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis (OP) and in healthy controls; and to determine the relationship between these enzymes, NO and clinical parameters in this present study.Forty-five postmenopausal women fulfilling OP diagnostic criteria of World Health Organization (WHO) and 42 postmenopausal healthy women without OP were enrolled. Patients in the study population were selected among individuals that were not pre-diagnosed or pre-treated for OP. Patients with metabolic bone diseases, fracture history, which were smokers, alcohol users and taking antioxidant drug treatment, were excluded from the study. Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) results, body mass indices and demographic data were recorded. Erythrocyte catalases (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR) enzyme activities and erythrocyte glutathione (GSH) levels, plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured by spectrophotometer whereas plasma nitrite+nitrate (NOx) levels were measured by ELISA microplate-reader.Patients had significantly lower GR (P0.01) enzyme activity and higher levels of MDA (P0.01) and NO (P0.01) than non osteoporotic healthy controls. There was no significant difference between both groups in erythrocyte GSH levels and CAT activities. Total femoral BMD measurements significantly correlated with MDA levels (P=0.001). There was no significant relationship between other antioxidants and lumbar or femoral BMD.Oxidative stress may play an important role in postmenopausal bone loss and therefore it might be considered when pathogenesis of postmenopausal OP has been investigated.

Dropped head syndrome is primarily based on weakness localized at neck extensors. It may result from motor neuron disease, myasthenia gravis, and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy and also from various neuromuscular diseases including inflammatory, dystrophic and metabolic myopathies. Camptocormia (CC) on the other hand is an unusual condition characterized by progressive weakness of the extensor vertebral muscles and results in involuntary trunk flexion. CC may emerge as a clinical feature of many different conditions such as several myopathies and Parkinson's disease. The association of dropped head syndrome with CC has been rarely published in the literature. However, this is the only case presenting with concomitant dropped head syndrome and CC as a clinical picture of myotonic dystrophy (MD). In this report we aimed to represent a female patient, who was diagnosed as having myotonic dystrophy, with concurrent dropped head syndrome and CC.

Resume Le syndrome de la tete tombante est lie principalement a une faiblesse des muscles extenseurs du cou. Cette faiblesse peut etre due a une maladie du motoneurone, a une myasthenie, a une polyneuropathie demyelinisante inflammatoire chronique ou a une maladie neuromusculaire, notamment a une myopathie inflammatoire, dystrophique ou metabolique. La camptocormie est un syndrome rare secondaire a une faiblesse progressive des extenseurs du rachis, qui est responsable d’une flexion involontaire du tronc vers l’avant. La camptocormie peut s’observer dans diverses pathologies, notamment certaines myopathies et la maladie de Parkinson. L’association d’un syndrome de la tete tombante et d’une camptocormie n’a ete que rarement rapportee. Nous decrivons le premier cas dans lequel cette association a pu etre rattachee a une myotonie.

We examined the association between serum trace elements and clinical findings such as number of sensitive tender points, severity of fatigue and functional status in patients with fibromyalgia (FM). Thirty-two patients diagnosed as having FM according to the ACR 1990 criteria and 32 normal healthy controls (NHC) were included in this study. The demographic data, disease duration, number of tender points and accompanying symptoms (fatigue, sleep disorders, headache, paresthesia, irritable bowel syndrome, sicca symptoms, Raynaud's phenomena) of the patients were noted. Visual analog scale (10 cm) was implemented to estimate daily severity of pain and fatigue. Fibromyalgia impact questionnaire was used for functional assessment. Serum selenium (microg/dL) and serum zinc (microg/dL) levels were measured by atomic absorption spectrometer. Serum magnesium (mmol/L) level was measured by the original kits of Abbott Aeroset auto-analyzer. The mean age of patients in FM group and NHC were calculated as 42.9 (SD = 7.7) years and 41.3 (SD = 9.7) years, respectively. Serum levels of zinc (P = 0.001) and magnesium (P = 0.002) were significantly decreased by FM groups, whereas there was no considerable difference with selenium levels of both groups (P0.05). Association between serum zinc level and number of tender points (P = 0.008) and that between fatigue and magnesium level (P = 0.003) was found as meaningful. According to the results of this study, it was asserted that serum magnesium and zinc levels may play an important role in the pathophysiology of FM.

Our aim in this study was to investigate serum hyaluronic acid (HA) levels and the relationship between clinical parameters in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Approximately 30 patients with AS and 30 healthy individuals were recruited in this study consecutively. Cross-sectional study was planned, and demographic, clinical, functional, radiological, and laboratory data of patients were evaluated. Disease activity, functional status, and quality of life were assessed, respectively, with Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), and Short-Form 36 (SF-36). Mander Enthesis Index (MEI) was used for evaluation of enthesis involvement. We examined serum concentrations of HA (ng/ml) in patients with AS and controls. The mean ages of patients and control group were 38.3 (SD = 10.8) and 42.7 (SD = 10.6) years, respectively. The mean of serum HA levels in AS patients was 40.4 (SD = 34.8) ng/ml and in controls was 24.9 (SD = 20.2). There was significant difference of HA levels between two groups (p = 0.04). Furthermore, there was a significant correlation between HA level and distance of hand–floor (r = 0.444, p = 0.014), modified lumbar Schober’s (r = −0.413, p = 0.023), distance of chin to chest (r = 0.436, p = 0.016), right sacroiliit grade (r = 0.601, p

We examined the association between clinical parameters of disease activity and serum hyaluronic acid (HA) level in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Fifty-eight patients with knee OA and 40 healthy individuals were included in this study. Demographic data were noted. The radiological evaluation was done according to Kellgren/Lawrence Grading System. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) was used in evaluating the clinical disability caused by OA. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) level were determined in laboratory evaluations. Serum HA levels (in nanogram per milliliter) of both groups were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The mean ages of patients in OA group and control group were 57.58 (9.55) and 43.3(10.2) years, respectively. There was a significant difference between HA levels of both groups (p=0.02). Also, there was a significant correlation between HA level and disease duration (p=0.04), ESR (p=0.001), and CRP level (p0.001). However, there was no significant correlation between HA levels with WOMAC and radiological grade (p0.05). There is no satisfactory amount of data regarding HA level in OA. In our study, we demonstrated that HA was in high levels in the serum of patients with OA. We suggest that serum HA levels may be used as a marker to determine the disease activity.

The Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life (ASQoL) questionnaire is a disease-specific measure of needs-based quality of life developed in the UK and the Netherlands. This study describes translation, validation, and reliability of the scale into Turkish population. The ASQoL was translated into Turkish using the dual-panel process. Content validity was assessed via cognitive debriefing interviews with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients. Patients with AS according to modified New York criteria were recruited into the study from 12 hospitals of all part of Turkey. Psychometric and scaling properties were assessed via a two administration survey involving the ASQoL, the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), Bath AS Functional Index (BASFI), and Bath AS Disease Activity Index (BASDAI). Classical psychometrics assessed reliability, convergent validity (correlation of ASQoL with NHP, BASFI, and BASDAI) and discriminative validity (correlation of ASQoL with perceived AS-severity and general health). Cognitive debriefing showed the new Turkish ASQoL to be clear, relevant, and comprehensive. Completed survey questionnaires were received from 277 AS patients (80 % Male, mean age 42.2/SD 11.6, mean AS duration 9.4 years/SD 9.4). Test-retest reliability was excellent (0.96), indicating low random measurement error for the scale. Correlations of ASQoL with NHP sections were low to moderate (NHP Sleep 0.34; NHP Emotional Reactions 0.83) suggesting the measures assess related but distinct constructs. The measure was able to discriminate between patients based on their perceived disease severity (p < 0.0001) and self-reported general health (p < 0.0001). The Turkish version of ASQoL has good reliability and validity properties. It is practical and useful scale to assess the quality of life in AS patients in Turkish population.

This double-blind, randomized controlled study was conducted with the aim to investigate the effect of magnetic field therapy applied to the hip region on clinical and functional status in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients. Patients with AS (n = 66) who were diagnosed according to modified New York criteria were enrolled in this study. Patients were randomly divided in two groups. Participants were randomly assigned to receive magnetic field therapy (2 Hz) (n = 35), or placebo magnetic field therapy (n = 31) each hip region for 20 min. Patients in each group were given heat pack and short-wave treatments applied to bilateral hip regions. Both groups had articular range of motion and stretching exercises and strengthening exercises for surrounding muscles for the hip region as well as breathing and postural exercises by the same physical therapist. These treatment protocols were continued for a total of 15 sessions (1 session per day), and patients were examined by the same physician at months 1, 3 and 6. Visual analogue scale (VAS) pain, VAS fatigue, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrologic Index (BASMI), DFI, Harris hip assessment index and Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life scale (ASQOL) were obtained at the beginning of therapy and at month 1, month 3 and month 6 for each patient. There were no significant differences between groups in the VAS pain, VAS fatigue, morning stiffness, BASDAI, BASFI, BASMI, DFI, Harris hip assessment index and ASQoL at baseline, month 1, month 3 or month 6 (p > 0.05). Further randomized, double-blind controlled studies are needed in order to establish the evidence level for the efficacy of modalities with known analgesic and anti-inflammatory action such as magnetotherapy, particularly in rheumatic disorders associated with chronic pain.

The aim of our study was to investigate the frequency of the metabolic syndrome in chronic low back pain and evaluate the differences in clinical and functional parameters in chronic low back pain patients with and without metabolic syndrome. Patients complaining of low back pain complaint lasting for at least 2 months were included in the study. In order to establish functional deficiency, Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire, Istanbul Low Back Pain Disability Index and Oswestry Disability Index were used. To evaluate depression, Beck’s depression scale was used. The diagnosis of metabolic syndrome was made according to the criteria of National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) defined in 2001. For this; lumbar circumference around anterior iliac spine, arterial blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, plasma triglyceride levels and HDL cholesterol levels were noted down. Sixty patients (51 women) were included in the study. There was significant difference in terms of BMI (P = 0.034), age (P = 0.001), waist circumference (P = 0.048) and disease duration (P = 0.005) between chronic low back pain patients with and without metabolic syndrome. There was no significant difference in other parameters. Low back pain is a frequent complaint amongst people with obesity in the abdominal area. According to our results, elderly people, people with chronic low back pain and patients with high BMI are under risk for metabolic syndrome. For this reason this group of patients can be screened for metabolic syndrome and preventive measures can be taken.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the axial skeleton. In recent years, several authors reported an increased prevalence of sexual dysfunction among AS patients. We aimed to find out, whether the prevalence of erectile dysfunction among AS patients is different from age-matched healthy controls. Thirty-seven male patients with AS who were diagnosed according to the modified New York criteria and 67 normal healthy controls (NHC) were included in this study. Clinical characteristics of patients including age, disease duration and morning stiffness were noted. Disease activity was evaluated by using Bath AS disease activity index (BASDAI), functional statement was evaluated by using Bath AS functional index, and scores of spinal measurements were done by using Bath AS metrology index. Erectile function is evaluated using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) scoring system. Health-related quality of life was assessed by short form 36. The mean age of the patients and controls were 42.8 + 10.8 and 43.6 + 5.9 years (P = 0.666). The prevalence of erectile dysfunction in AS patients and NHC were 35.1 and 26.9%, respectively (P = 0.335). There was no statistically significant difference between IIEF domain scores of AS patients and NHC except for the sexual desire domain (P = 0.014). Duration of morning stiffness and BASDAI was negatively correlated with sexual desire and overall satisfaction; however, they have no negative impact on erectile function, orgasmic function and intercourse satisfaction domains of IIEF. In this report, we showed that only the sexual desire domain of IIEF was significantly lower in AS patients. The prevalence of erectile dysfunction among AS patients is similar to NHC, which is a finding contrary to previous reports. AS patients do not suffer from erectile dysfunction, they rather have problems of satisfaction from the intercourse.

Ollier disease is a rare, non-hereditary mesodermal dysphasia, characterized by multiple enchondromas, which demonstrate asymmetric involvement of the metaphyses of the long bones. Many malignancies, especially chondrosarcomas, may be observed in association with this disease. The clinical and radiologic characteristics of a case involving a 44-year-old male patient with non-small cell lung cancer are presented together with the clinical characteristics of other cases reported in the literature.

We proposed to assess antioxidant status and nitric oxide in fibromyalgia (FM) patients in comparison to healthy controls. Additionally, the association between the serum antioxidant levels and clinical findings in FM patients was also investigated. Thirty-seven FM patients and 37 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Severity of fatigue and pain were determined by Visual Analogue Scale. Functional capacity in daily living activities was evaluated by fibromyalgia impact questionnaire. Serum NO, catalase and glutathione were measured. Serum glutathione and catalase levels were significantly lower in FM patients than controls. However, no significant difference was seen in serum NO levels between the two groups. A significant correlation was evident between serum NO level and pain. Additionally, the correlation between glutathione level and morning stiffness was found to be significant. These findings support other studies, we assume that these two antioxidants might have impact on the pathogenesis of FM disease.

Ochronosis is a rare autosomal-recessive disease, characterized by increased homogentisic acid (HGA) and substrates due to deficiency of HGA oxidase. The most common clinical presentations are homogentisic aciduria, blue-black pigment accumulation in collagen tissues, large joint arthropathies and degenerative disk diseases. However, the disease may exert very large spectrum with various system involvements. In this article, a patient who was admitted by progressed musculoskeletal system pains and diagnosed as ochronosis, especially with emerging cardiovascular involvement, was presented.

In this study, we evaluated fatigue by using the multidimensional assessment of fatigue (MAF) index in 68 ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients. To determine the disease activity, functional status and quality of life, bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index (BASDAI), bath ankylosing spondylitis functional index (BASFI) and Short Form 36 (SF36) were used respectively. Mander enthesis index (MEI) was used for evaluation of enthesitis. The mean age of the patients was 37.7 (11.1) years. The prevalence of fatigue was 76.5%. There were significant correlations between MAF and BASDAI (P

Background The main clinical phenomena in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) are pain and body limitation which effect daily activities and quality of life. Because of the postural alterations, inflammatory night pain and stiffness, sleep disturbances are also likely in patients with ankylosing spondilitis. There is a number of studies that demonstrate poor sleep quality in these patients. Objectives This study aimed to determine differences in sleep quality between patients with AS and healthy controls and to assess relationship between disease activity and sleep quality in AS patients. Methods Forty patients with AS (29 men, 11 women; age, 44±9 yrs) who fulfilled the modified New York criteria and forty comparable controls (29 men, 11 women; age, 43±9 yrs) completed the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) to assess sleep quality. BASDAI was collected for assessing disease activity. Results Significant differences in sleep disturbances (P=0.044), daytime dysfunction (p=0.027) and total PSQI score (P=0.017) but not for the sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration, habitual sleep efficiency and sleep medication use were found; between patients with AS and healthy controls. Significant positive correlations between BASDAI scores with sleep quality (P=0.008), sleep latency (P=0.006), sleep duration (P=0.015), habitual sleep efficiency (P=0.003), sleep disturbances (P=0.002), day time dysfunction (P Conclusions In the current study, we found that sleep disturbances were significantly higher in patients with AS and disease activity was associated with sleep quality. References Gunaydin R, Goksel Karatepe A, Cesmeli N, Kaya T. Fatigue in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: relationships with disease-specific variables, depression, and sleep disturbance. Clin Rheumatol. 2009; 28(9):1045-51. Hultgren S, Broman JE, Gudbjornsson B, Hetta J, Lindqvist U. Sleep disturbances in outpatients with ankylosing spondylitisa questionnaire study with gender implications. Scand J Rheumatol. 2000;29(6):365-9. Disclosure of Interest None Declared