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Subclinical atherosclerosis may be seen at an early age of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Syndecan 1 (S1) expression is increased in response to proinflammatory cytokine and inflammation. High S1 may reduce carotid atherosclerosis progression. We aimed to investigate the relationship between S1 levels and subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with AS.Fifty-eight patients diagnosed with AS and 58 age-, sex-, and body mass index-matched controls were included in the study. S1 level and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) were evaluated using appropriate methods.AS patients' cIMT (0.53 ± 0.1 vs 0.45 ± 0.1 mm, p = .008), S1 (6.0 [1.7-149.2] vs 5.5 [1.0-29.8] ng/ml, p = .020), CRP (C-reactive protein) (2.1 [0.1-19.7] vs 1.1 [0.3-9.6] mg/dl, p = .012), fibrinogen (330.2 ± 87.0 vs 278.0 ± 54.5 mg/dl, p .001) values were significantly higher than the values of the control group. There was a negative correlation between cIMT and CRP (p = .034), age (p .001), disease duration (p = .005), BASDAI (p = .048) and fibrinogen (p = .009) in AS patients. There was a negative correlation between cIMT and S1 (p = .029). In multivariate analysis, an independent relationship was found between cIMT and age (β = 0.611, p .001) and syndecan (β = -0.196, p = .046).S1 level may rise in AS patients to suppress the inverse effects of proinflammatory cytokines and inflammation. A negative relationship between the cIMT values of AS patients and S1 level may reveal that S1 has a protective effect on the development of atherosclerosis in AS patients, independent of disease activity.

Objectives: Labial minor salivary gland biopsy (MSGB) is a procedure in which complications such as bleeding, hematoma, numbness, wetness can be seen after the procedure. It is not known whether these complications have changed in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (PSS). The aim of this study is to investigate the frequency of complications after the labial MSGB and to investigate whether these complications has changed in PSS. Methods: Participants with a preliminary diagnosis of PSS who underwent a labial MSGB without any suture were included in the study. One month after the procedure, the complication screening questionnaire was administered face-to-face interview or by telephone. All complications were compared between PSS and non-PPS groups. Results: Complications screening questionnaire was applied to 99 participants (face to face with 79 participants and by telephone with 20 participants). After the procedure, 17.2% of the participants had uncomfortable bleeding, 2.0% had persistent numbness which continues more than 1 week and 1.0% had wetness and hematoma. Bleeding duration was more than 1 hour in 11.1% of the participants. Complications were not different between PSS and non-PSS groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: After the labial MSGB procedure without suturing, uncomfortable bleeding is frequent and the duration of bleeding is long, but complications other than bleeding are rare. The incidence of complications after labial MSGB procedure was not different in participants with PSS than in those without PSS.

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a condition which develops after a painful incident and characterized by allodynia/hyperalgesia, edema, skin anomalies and anomaly in blood flow and abnormal sudomotor activities independent of the precipitating incident. It is a rare condition in pregnancy and difficult to distinguish from pelvis and lower extremity pains which are inherent in pregnancy. Hips are typically involved, symmetrical involvement of feet and ankles are rarely reported; has a benign course however it is important to diagnose and treat due to fracture risk. Herein, we have presented a 28-year-old patient who came to us in week 32 of her pregnancy and gave birth in week 36 and diagnosed CRPS with bilateral involvement of foot and ankle.

To compare the clinical features, laboratory findings, and prognosis of Behçet's disease (BD) patients with and without Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS).This multicenter retrospective study investigated 61 (M/F: 41/20) patients with BD, having coexistent BCS, and 169 (M/F:100/69) BD patients as the control group without BCS from 22 different centers of Turkey diagnosed between 1990 and 2017.Of the total 61 BD patients with BCS, the onset of the first symptom and the median age of diagnosis were earlier in contrast to BD patients without BCS (p = 0.005 and p = 0.007). Lower extremity deep vein and inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombosis were more common in patients with BCS (all; p 0.01) compared to the control group. Mortality was significantly higher in BD-BCS patients with IVC thrombosis than in the controls (p = 0.004). Since most of the cases in our cohort had chronic and silent form of BCS, mortality rate was 14.8%, which was on the lower range of mortality rate reported in literature (14-47%). While all BD-BCS patients received immunosuppressive (IS) agents, only half of them received additional anticoagulant treatments. Among IS agents, interferon treatment was more frequently used in this cohort (19%), compared to other series reported in literature (2.3%).To our knowledge, this is the largest series of BD patients with BCS. Our patients had earlier disease onset and diagnosis, higher frequency of IVC thrombosis, and higher mortality rate, compared to BD patients without BCS. Mortality was significantly higher in BD-BCS patients with IVC thrombosis compared to controls. Key Points • Mortality rate is higher in BD-associated BCS patients with IVC involvement. • Chronic and silent form of BD-associated BCS has a better prognosis. • The main treatment options are corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents, whereas anticoagulant treatment remains controversial.

Introduction. Fibromyalgia syndrome (FS) comprises general body pain, sleep disturbances, and fatigue. Vitamin B12 (VB), vitamin D (VD), and iron deficiencies lead to similar complaints. First, this study aimed to evaluate the VB, VD, and ferritin levels of patients with FS. Second, it aimed to investigate whether there was a relationship between these parameters and FS severity. Material and methods. The study included 58 female patients with FS and 58 healthy females as a control group. The patients completed the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), fatigue questionnaire, Pittsburgh sleep quality scale, and the Short Form-36 (SF-36). This study examined the VD, VB, and ferritin levels of the patient and control groups. Results. The VB (240.0 [110.0–394.0] vs 291.0 [210.0–609.0] pg/ml, p Conclusions. There may be a relationship between VB, VD, and ferritin levels and the number of tender points in patients with FS. Levels of iron and VB may play a vital role in FS etiopathogenesis. However, VD levels may not be a risk factor for FS etiopathogenesis.

Background/aim: Atherosclerotic heart diseases can occur at an early age in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) values are reliable markers for early detection of subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with AS. We aimed to investigate the relationship between visfatin levels and indirect markers of subclinical atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction in patients with AS. Materials and methods: Forty-two patients diagnosed with AS and 42 age, sex, and body mass index (BMI)-matched controls were included in the study. Visfatin levels, FMD, and cIMT were measured using appropriate methods. Results: Visfatin levels of the patients were significantly higher than controls (p < 0.001). FMD values in patients with AS were significantly lower (p = 0.007) whereas cIMT were significantly higher than the controls (p = 0.003). There was a negative relationship between FMD with visfatin levels (p = 0.004), BASDAI (p = 0.010), and BASFI (p = 0.007). There was a positive relationship between cIMT with visfatin (p = 0.005), BASDAI (p < 0.001), and BASFI (p < 0.001). There was a positive relationship between visfatin with BASDAI (p < 0.001), and BASFI (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Visfatin levels are increased and associated with impaired FMD and increased cIMT in patients with AS. Increased visfatin levels may be associated with subclinical atherosclerosis in AS.

Background/aim The COVID-19 outbreak is known to increase stress levels of most patients with chronic diseases. Patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are highly susceptible to environmental stress. In the current study, we aimed to determine how the COVID-19 pandemic psychologically affected patients with chronic progressive diseases such as AS and RA and the effects of these psychological factors on disease activity. Materials and methods Age and sex-matched patients with AS (n = 80), RA (n = 80), and healthy controls (n = 80) were included in the study. All participants were evaluated with the “Perceived COVID-19 Threat Form (PCTF)”, “Suicide-Ideation Scale (SIS)”, “Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)”, “The Ability to Cope with Trauma (PACT)”, and “Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWB)” scales. BASDAI was used in patients with AS, and DAS28 was used in patients with RA to assess disease severity. Results Compared to healthy individuals, patients with RA and AS had lower PGWB scores and higher HADS depression and anxiety subscale scores. Almost all psychometric assessment test scores were worse in AS patients with high-disease activity compared to those in low-disease activity. PACT scores were higher in patients with moderate RA compared to patients with mild RA (p = 0.006). While a positive correlation was identified between BASDAI and most of the psychometric assessment test scores (r = 0 .36 for PCTF, r = 0.53 for depressive scores, r = 0.54 for anxiety scores, r = 0.57 for suicidal ideation), DAS28 scores were found to be associated only with PACT total and PACT perceived forward-focused subscale scores (r = –.26 and r = .33, respectively). Conclusion Psychologically, AS and RA patients were found to be worse off compared to healthy controls. The perceived COVID threat and psychological status were associated with disease activity in AS, but not RA patients. Patients with chronic illnesses may be more vulnerable to the psychological effects of the pandemic, which can worsen disease activity.

The temporal relationship between the onset of skin psoriasis (Pso) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a long and well-known feature of psoriatic disease. Psoriatic skin lesions emerge years before the development of musculoskeletal manifestations in nearly 75% of PsA patients. While skin and joint manifestations develop within one year in 15-20% of the patients, joint manifestations precede the skin involvement by a year or more in about 10% of the patients (1).

Objective: There has been no previous study comparing the frequency of sicca symptoms and Sjogren’s syndrome (SS) in coeliac patients (CPs) and healthy controls (HCs) using a tight screening method...

Yildiz, Fatih/0000-0003-3628-8870; Cinar, Muhammet/0000-0002-6150-3539 WOS: 000537230800003 PubMed ID: 31922480 Objective: Our aim is to test the validity of the Psoriasis Symptom Inventory (PSI), a patient-reported outcome, to assess the psoriasis severity within the scope of rheumatology. Methods: Within the PsA international database (PSART-ID), 571 patients had PSI, while 322 of these also showed body surface area (BSA). Correlations between PSI, BSA, and other patient- and physician-reported outcomes were investigated. Results: There was a good correlation between PSI and BSA (r=0.546, p

Background:The aim of this study is to investigate, evaluation of monocyte to high density liporotein ratio and carotid intima media thickness in gout patients.Objectives:Gout disease is an autoinflammatory disease caused by the accumulation of monosodium urate crystals (MSU) in tissues and organs due to hyperuricemia (1). It is a common cause of arthritis due to the changes in lifestyle and eating habits. The effects of the inflammatory process and hyperuricemia in gout are not limited to the joints, but are associated with increased atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease (1,2) Monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) is a systemic inflammatory marker and has recently been used quite widely for the evaluation of inflammation in cardiovascular disorders (3,4).Methods:Fourty eight patients who were evaluated in the rheumatology clinic with an arthritis attack and diagnosed with Gout, and 48 healthy individuals whose age, gender and body mass index were matched were included in our study. Basic laboratory and biochemical parameters of the period when gout patients were asymptomatic were examined. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), which is a non-invasive procedure due to its widespread use, was used as a marker.Results:MHR and CIMT values were 18.22 ± 9.01 and 0.76 ± 0.11 mm in patients with gout. In the control group, it was 13.62 ± 4.48 and 0.65 ± 0.13 (p = 0.002, p Figure 1.Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis.Conclusion:This study showed us that MHR can be an inexpensive and easily accessible marker that can be used in the evaluation of atherosclerotic lesions. We think that studies with larger number of patients are needed on this subject.References:[1]Çukurova S, Pamuk ON, Unlu Ercument, Pamuk GE, Cakir NE. Subclinical atherosclerosis in gouty arthritis patients: a comparative study. Rheumatol Int. 2012 Jun; 3 2(6): 1769-73.[2]Choi HK, Curhan G. Independent impact of gout on mortality and risk for coronary heart disease. Circulation 2007 Aug 21; 116 (8): 894-900.[3]McAdams-DeMarco MA, Maynard JW, Coresh J, Baer AN.Anemia and the onset of gout in a population-based cohort of adults: Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study. Arthritis Res Ther. 2012 Aug 20; 14(4): R193.[4]Enhos A, Cosansu K, Huyut MA, Turna F, Karacop E, Bakshaliyev N, Nadir A, Ozdemir R, Uluganyan M. Assessment of the Relationship between Monocyte to High-Density Lipoprotein Ratio and Myocardial Bridge. Arq Bras Cardiol. 2019 Jan;112(1):12-17.Disclosure of Interests:None declared.

Background:Suboptimal control of RA may lead to severe and progressive articular damage, loss of function, and deterioration of the quality of life (QoL).Objectives:To assess treatment satisfaction, sociodemographic, clinical, health care resource utilization, and QoL characteristics of patients with sub-optimally controlled RA and treated with conventional synthetic and/or biologic DMARDs.Methods:This study was an international, multicenter, cross-sectional, non-interventional study. Adult RA patients with moderate to severe disease activity (DAS28>3.2) were enrolled. Patient satisfaction was evaluated with Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM, version 1.4) with a scale ranging from 0 (indicating poor satisfaction) to 100 (indicating perfect satisfaction). Patients were questioned regarding treatment adherence, patient preferences, and expectations. Workability was evaluated using Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire-Rheumatoid Arthritis (WPAI-RA, version 2.0). Short Form 36 (V2) survey were performed to all patients.Results:One hundred sixty-four patients were included in the study and most (78.0%) were female. The median age was 57.0 years, ranging between 22.0 and 84.0 years. Half of the patients (50.6%) were primary school graduates and 6.1% were unemployed due to RA and seeking work. Median time since RA diagnosis was 8.0 years and mean (±SD) DAS28-CRP score was 4.8 (±1.0). Mean total activity impairment was 54.9% (±27.4). In the past 3 months from enrollment, the mean number of healthcare professional and emergency room visits were 1.8 (±1.1) and 1.8 (±1.3), respectively. Mean number and length of hospitalizations in the previous 3 months were 1.1 (±0.3) times and 8.3 (±7.2) days, respectively. Mean TSQM scores were 53.5 (±21.4) for effectiveness, 86.0 (±26.7) for side effects, 67.8 (±16.5) for convenience, and 57.7 (±22.0) for global satisfaction. The leading expectation was ‘lasting relief of RA symptoms’ (mean score: 5.8). Preferred time until the effect of onset was ‘up to 1 week’ for 76.2% of the patients. Most of the patients (57.9%) preferred oral administrations and the most preferred frequency of administration was ‘once per day’ (46.3%). Mean physical and mental component summary scores for Short Form 36 (V2) survey were 37.9 (±8.3) and 40.1 (±10.7).Conclusion:Two-thirds of the patients with RA who have suboptimal responses are not satisfied with their treatments. Moreover, oral and once-daily treatment approaches stand out in patient preferences. Finally, suboptimal control leads to deterioration in clinical characteristics, workability, and QoL of patients with RA.Acknowledgements:The design, study conduct, and financial support for the study were provided by AbbVie. AbbVie participated in the interpretation of data, review, and approval of the publication. All authors have received research funding for this study. The authors wish to thank B. Murat Ozdemir of Monitor CRO for medical editing and reviewing services of this manuscript. AbbVie provided funding to Monitor CRO for this work.Disclosure of Interests:Umut Kalyoncu Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Pfizer, UCB, Novartis, and Janssen, Consultant of: AbbVie, Pfizer, UCB, Novartis, and Lilly, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Pfizer, and Janssen, Adem Kucuk Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Gokhan Sargin: None declared, Fatih Ozdener Speakers bureau: UCB, Nutricia Advanced Medical Nutrition, Grant/research support from: Nutricia Advanced Medical Nutrition, Servet Yolbaş Speakers bureau: AbbVie, UCB, Pfizer, and MSD, Berna Yurttas: None declared, Sezin Turan: None declared, Gezmiş Kimyon Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Pfizer, Novartis, UCB, MSD, Johnson and Johnson, and Celltrion, Consultant of: Amgen, and Pfizer, ALI SAHIN Speakers bureau: Roche, Pfizer, and AbbVie, Consultant of: Roche and Pfizer, Sedat Yilmaz Speakers bureau: UCB, Pfizer, AbbVie, MSD, Novartis, and Celltrion, Consultant of: Pfizer and Novartis, Ridvan Mercan Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Novartis, MSD, Pfizer, UCB, Roche, Amgen, and Celltrion, Consultant of: Novartis, MSD, Pfizer, and Celltrion, Hakan Emmungil Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Pfizer, Novartis, and MSD, Muhammet Çinar Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Pfizer, Celltrion, UCB, Amgen, Novartis, and MSD, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Pfizer, Celltrion, UCB, Amgen, Novartis, and MSD, İlhan Sezer Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Pfizer, MSD, Novartis, Celltrion, UCB, Amgen, and Abdi Ibrahim, Consultant of: AbbVie, Pfizer, MSD, Novartis, Celltrion, UCB, Amgen, and Abdi Ibrahim, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Pfizer, MSD, Novartis, Celltrion, UCB, Amgen, and Abdi Ibrahim, Timuçin Kaşifoğlu Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Roche, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Roche, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Fulya Cosan Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Pfizer, Novartis, UCB, and MSD, Taskin Senturk: None declared, Nevsun Inanc Speakers bureau: AbbVie, UCB, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Lilly and MSD, Consultant of: Roche and Pfizer, Grant/research support from: Roche and Pfizer

PubMed ID: 27436495, Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a disease characterized by chronic inflammation. Atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) is a logarithmic value of the triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and it is a good marker for atherosclerotic heart disease and cardiac risk. In this study, we investigated subclinical atherosclerosis and cardiac risks in patients with FMF. Patients with FMF (78 men and 84 women) and healthy controls (74 men and 82 women) were included in this study. The AIP values of the patients were calculated and carotid intima-media thicknesses (cIMTs) were measured. The cIMT (P

Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is a progressive disease characterized by chronic inflammation, which also has negative effects on cochlear functions and hearing levels. We investigated whether the cochlear functions and hearing levels of FMF patients were different than healthy controls and also evaluated the relationship of hearing levels with the age at diagnosis, duration without treatment, and inflammation and lipid parameters in this study. A total of 60 patients diagnosed with FMF and 48 age, gender and body mass index (BMI)-matched healthy controls were included in the study. The hemogram, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and lipid parameters of the subjects were studied and they all underwent pure tone audiometry and Transient evoked otoacoustic emission tests after an otologic examination. The hearing levels of the FMF group were significantly higher than those of the control group. The TEOAE signal/noise (S/N) ratios were similar in both groups. A positive relationship was present between the audiometric test results and the age, BMI, low-density lipoprotein and triglyceride levels and a negative relationship with the high-density lipoprotein levels. A negative relationship was present between the TEOAE S/N ratios and the age of the patients, duration without treatment, lipid parameters, inflammation markers and the creatinine level. FMF patients are exposed to chronic inflammation and this can influence their hearing levels. The age at diagnosis, duration without treatment, chronic inflammation, unfavorable lipid parameters, and obesity can affect hearing tests negatively.

Background Cardiovascular diseases, among which atherosclerotic heart disease, are known to be one of the most important mortality and morbidity causes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Ischemia modified albumin (IMA) is a potential marker that can be used to assess atherosclerosis-related myocardial ischemia. Another frequently used marker for the assessment of atherosclerotic lesions is the carotid intima media thickness (CIMT). Aim To evaluate the role that IMA has on atherosclerosis development and its clinical usability in patients with RA, by assessing the values of IMA and CIMT. Methods and materials Our prospective study was conducted between June 2012 and March 2013 at the Rheumatology Department of Necmettin Erbakan Meram Medical School, Turkey. Fifty-two RA patients, diagnosed according to the 1987 criteria of the American College of Rheumatology, and an age- and sex-matched control group of 46 healthy subjects were included in this study. Results No significant difference was detected between the groups with respect to age, sex and body mass index. In the patient group the IMA and CIMT values were found to be 0.37 ± 0.12 absorbance units (ABSU) and 0.80 ± 0.22 mm, respectively, while in the control group they were 0.31 ± 0.11 ABSU and 0.51 ± 0.18 mm, respectively. The IMA and CIMT values were significantly higher in the patient group (P = 0.022 and P < 0.0001, respectively). A positive correlation was found between IMA, CIMT and Disease Activity Score of 28 joints (P = 0.016 and P = 0.002, respectively). Conclusion Since the values of IMA were higher in the patient group compared to controls and because of its correlation with CIMT, we suggest the use of IMA as an early marker of atherosclerosis in RA patients.

Cure, Medine Cumhur/0000-0001-9253-6459; cure, erkan/0000-0001-7807-135X; Balta, Sevket/0000-0002-6657-7334 WOS: 000374792900009 PubMed: 26941246 Behcet's disease (BD) is a vasculitic and inflammatory disease causing endothelial dysfunction. Irisin is a metabolic hormone related to insulin resistance and endothelial functions. in this study, we investigated the relationship between irisin and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), which is a marker of atherosclerosis in patients with BD. 48 patients with BD and 50 healthy individuals were enrolled in the study. Disease severity was evaluated by BD current activity form. Irisin, glucose, insulin, C reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and lipid panel were examined in all patients. Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) was used to calculate insulin resistance. A simple and inexpensive cIMT test was used as indicator of atherosclerosis. cIMT was 0.62 (0.45-1.05) mm in the patients, while it was 0.38 (0.25-0.65) mm in the control group (p

WOS: 000372174600020, PubMed ID: 26864298, Background/Aims: Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by attacks of fever and diffuse abdominal pain. The primary concern with this presentation is to distinguish it from acute appendicitis promptly. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the role of neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) to leverage the differential diagnosis of acute FMF attack with histologically proven appendicitis. Methods: Twenty-three patients with histologically confirmed acute appendicitis and 88 patients with acute attack of FMF were included in the study. NLR, C-reactive protein and other hematologic parameters were compared between the groups. Results: Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio was significantly higher in patients with acute appendicitis compared to the FMF attack group (8.24 +/- 6.31 vs. 4.16 +/- 2.44, p = 0.007). The performance of NLR in diagnosing acute appendicitis with receiver operating characteristic analysis with a cut-off value of 4.03 were; 78% sensitivity, 62% specificity, and area under the curve 0.760 (95% confidence interval, 0.655 to 0.8655; p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study showed that NLR, the simple and readily available inflammatory marker may have a useful role in distinguishing acute FMF attack from acute appendicitis.

WOS: 000484626500003, PubMed: 31543528, Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder affecting a large number of people in the world. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin condition characterized by relapsing eczematous lesions in a typical distribution. It was first described in 1933 but exists since antiquity. Aim and Objectives: To determine the relationship between AD and IBS. Materials and Methods: A total of 109 patients with AD and 100 healthy controls were included in the study. They were defined for diagnosis of IBS according to ROME-III diagnostic criteria. Supporting findings, Bristol stool scale, frequency of defecation and history of AD and IBS were also evaluated. AD severity was assessed using Severity Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis index. Results: A total of 62 patients (56.9%) in the AD group and 28 patients (28%) in the control group were diagnosed with IBS (P

Background: Vasculopathy is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in Behcet’s Disease (BD). Subclinical atherosclerosis can even be detected in the early stage of BD. Soluble tumor necrosis factor-like (TNF) weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) is known as a good marker of the inflammation in vascular tree. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between carotid artery intima-media thickness (cIMT) and serum TWEAK levels in patients with BD. Materials and Methods: In line with International BD Study Group criteria, 48 BD, and 30 controls were included in our study. Disease activity was evaluated according to BD current activity form (BDCAF). C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), lipid parameters, serum TWEAK levels, and cIMT were measured. Results: Disease activity score of BD patients was found as 2 (range 0–7). cIMT, serum TWEAK, CRP and ESR levels of BD patients were significantly higher comparing to cIMT (0.62 ± 0.13 mm vs. 0.43 ± 0.09 mm, p < 0.001), serum TWEAK (667.5 ± 130.6 vs. 603.4 ± 89.6 pg/ml, p = 0.015), CRP (3.9 ± 4.3 vs. 1.4 ± 1.0 mg/dl, p < 0.001) and ESR (10.2 ± 10.0 vs. 5.6 ± 3.7 mm/h, p = 0.005) levels of the control group. There was a positive correlation between serum TWEAK level and disease activity (r = 0.251, p = 0.030) and cIMT (r = 0.463, p < 0.001). Our study also revealed an independent correlation between cIMT and serum TWEAK levels (beta = 0.354, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Increased serum TWEAK levels can play a part in the development of atherosclerotic heart disease in BD. Due to their liability to atherosclerosis, patients with BD must followed closely.

Background/aim: Human endothelial cell-specific molecule-1 (endocan) is a marker of vascular endothelial dysfunction that may be used in the evaluation of inflammatory-associated atherosclerotic lesions. Endocan may be a marker for the evaluation of atherosclerosis and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.Materials and methods: We included 39 RA patients assessed according to the American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatology 2010 diagnostic criteria and recruited 30 age- and sex-matching healthy subjects for the control group.Results: Endocan values were 14.11 ± 3.27 for the RA patients and 12.10 ± 2.92 for the controls. The endocan values of the patients were significantly higher than those of the control group (P = 0.009). In the correlation analysis, endocan showed a significantly positive correlation with disease activity score-28 (r = 0.386, P = 0.029) and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) (r = 0.419, P = 0.008). Linear regression analysis revealed that there was an independent relationship between endocan and cIMT (P = 0.029).Conclusion: Endocan can be a marker for early atherosclerosis and disease activity in RA patients.

The constriction of vessels due to atherosclerotic lesions causes hypoxia/ischemia and oxidative changes resulting in transformation of free albumin to ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) in the circulation and increased carotid intima–media thickness (cIMT). We investigated the reliability of IMA increase in evaluating atherosclerosis in patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) compared with cIMT. Patients with FMF (n = 58) diagnosed by the Tel-Hashomer criteria in attack-free period and 38 healthy people were included in the study. Patient demographics as well as the clinical and laboratory characteristics of the healthy controls and patients with FMF were noted. The IMA levels and cIMT in patients with FMF were 0.30 ± 0.09 absorbance units (ABSUs) and 1.12 ± 0.27 mm, respectively, and in the control group, IMA levels and cIMT were 0.25 ± 0.07 ABSU and 0.74 ± 0.26 mm, respectively. The IMA levels and cIMT were significantly higher in patients with FMF than in controls ( P = .020 and P < .0001, respectively). The IMA values showed positive correlation with cIMT in patients with FMF( r = .302, P = .041). Our results reveal that IMA—an oxidative stress marker—may be an indicator of atherosclerosis in patients with FMF. This finding deserves further investigation.

Background and Design: It has been demonstrated that ratio of neutrophil and platelet count systemic inflammation and is associated with prognosis of many cardiovascular diseases, malignates and chronic inflammatory diseases.As far as it is known, there are no studies investigating neutrophil/lymphocyeratio(NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio(PLR) and mean platelet volume(MPV) values together within the context of psoriasis, a chronic and systemic inflammatory disease. Materials and Methods: 320 patients followed up in our polyclinic with psoriasis vulgaris and 200 healthy persons were evaluated in the study. Results: Leukocyte, neutrophil, platelet, MPV, NLR and PLR values in patients with psoriasis were significantly higher, and lymphocyte count, on the other hand, was significantly lower than those of the control group. No significant difference was found between MPV, NLR and PLR values of patients with or without a family history, nail and joint involvement. Conclusions: These parameters may be made use of as cheap and easily applicable methods in predicting which psoriasis patients are under the risk of cardiovascular disease. PLR is a better inflammation marker than MPV and NLR in patients with psoriasis. We did not observe a significant relationship between MPV, NLR and PLR values and such disease characteristics as severity of disease, joint involvement, nail involvement and duration of disease in patients with psoriasis. So, we believe that there is little information on the extent to which MPV,NLR and PLR might be useful regarding these characteristics.

WOS: 000434417500008, PubMed ID: 29879318, ObjectiveThe potential side effects of biological agents may increase the anxiety levels of patients and influence not only their desire to use these therapies but also their concordance to treatment. This study aimed to determine the level and prevalence of drug-related concern in patients treated with biological agents and to acquire additional information regarding the related causes. Materials and MethodsA total of 1134 patients who were using biological agents for at least 3months with a diagnosis of rheumatic diseases were enrolled. General anxiety levels were evaluated using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). ResultsThe most common cause for drug-related concerns was the potential side effects of the drugs (59.5%). Among the potential side effects, cancer risk was the most common cause for concern (40.1%), followed by the risk of tuberculosis activation (30.7%). Anxiety levels were higher in patients who experienced side effects than in other patients, and this difference was statistically significant (P

OBJECTIVE: Increased reactive oxygen species may play an important role in Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) etiopathogenesis. The thiol group is a very potent antioxidant. In this study, we aimed to investigate the presence of oxidative stress in patients with AS by evaluating thiol/disulfide homeostasis. METHODS: In this study, a total of 66 AS patients (27 male, 39 female) and 66 healthy controls (21 male, 45 female) were enrolled. Recently, a novel method for the thiol measurement was found. Thiol and disulfide values were measured by the novel methods. RESULTS: Native thiol (NT) (p

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ACD). The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), which is the logarithmic transformation of the plasma triglyceride (TG) level to the high-density lipoprotein level (HDL) ratio, has been suggested to be a novel marker in the identification of atherosclerosis risk. Therefore, this study aims to determine if the AIP can act as an accurate marker for the detection of subclinical atherosclerosis. Fifty-two male patients with AS and 52 age-, gender-, and body mass index (BMI)-matched healthy control subjects were included in the study. For each patient, AIP and total cholesterol (TC)/HDL values were calculated and carotid artery intima-media thickness (cIMT) was measured. The mean (SD) cIMT and median (range) AIP values for AS patients were higher than that of the healthy control subjects (0.60 ± 0.18 vs. 0.51 ± 0.10, p = 0.003 and 0.23 [− 0.32 to 0.85] vs. 0.09 [− 0.53 to 0.49], p = 0.007, respectively). A positive correlation was found between the patients’ cIMT and AIP values (r = 0.307, p = 0.002) and TC/HDL values (r = 0.241, p = 0.014). Regression analysis revealed an independent association between the subclinical atherosclerosis and AIP (beta [β] = 0.309, p = 0.002). There were no independent correlations between subclinical atherosclerosis and TC (β = 0.245, p = 0.065), TG (β = 0.185, p = 0.515), HDL (β = 0.198, p = 0.231), TC/HDL (β = 0.032, p = 0.862), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (β = 0.151, p = 0.246). A strong and independent correlation exists between AIP and cIMT values. Therefore, the AIP could serve as a better marker than the TC/HDL ratio for the detection of subclinical atherosclerosis in AS patients.

Objective: Behcet's disease (BD) is an episodic and chronic multisystemic disease Many comorbid psychiatric disorders are frequently encountered in BD In addition, it is reported that individuals with chronic diseases during the epidemic period are at risk for COVID-19 infection Therefore, these situations may cause anxiety levels to increase and coping strategies to decrease overall psychological conditions in patients with BD However, individuals with both psychiatric complaints and comorbid inflammatory and chronic diseases such as BD are more prone to this stressful situation than healthy individuals In the current study, we aimed to determine whether patients with Behcet's Disease (BD) are psychologically more sensitive than healthy individuals and whether disease severity increase with the COVID-19 pandemic Methods: One hundred and fifty-six patients with BD and 156 healthy volunteers were included in the study All participants received Perceived COVID-19 Threat Form (PCTF), Suicide-Ideation Scale (SIS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), The Ability to Cope with Trauma (PACT), well-being index (PGWB) scales Results: When the responses of the patient with BD and control groups to the psychiatric evaluation scales were examined;the mean scores of PCTF (p

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a major cause of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity associated with early atherosclerosis. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is one of the early markers of atherosclerosis. Oxidative stress plays an important role in pathophysiologic mechanisms of SLE. Ischemia modified albumin (IMA) and total oxidant status (TOS) have been associated with oxidative stress in several diseases. In our study we aimed to investigate the relationship between serum IMA and TOS levels with CIMT in patients with SLE and to compare these with control group values. In our study, 60 SLE patients diagnosed according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria and 35 healthy controls were included. Serum IMA levels were measured by manually spectrophotometric method. Increased serum TOS and IMA levels and CIMT were found in patients with SLE when compared with control group (p 0.05). Our results suggest that serum levels of IMA and TOS increase in SLE. However lack of association between the tested parameters suggests that further researches are needed.

To the Editor, Rapidly progressing immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy usually presents with a histological pattern of focal or diffuse necrotizing crescentic glomerulonephritis. Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) and its specific antibody to antigen proteinase-3 (anti-PR3) are markers of pauci-immune crescentic nephritis, Wegener granulomatosis, and microscopic polyangiitis (PAN). The coexistence of ANCA positivity and IgA nephropathy has rarely been reported. A 35-year-old man presented with arthralgia in the large joints, a palpable purpuric rash on both legs, swelling of the left knee (Fig. 1), difficulty swallowing, and epigastric discomfort for 2 weeks. His medical history was unremarkable. He was a nonsmoker and never used alcohol or illicit drugs. Three months earlier, he was evaluated for microscopic hematuria and was told that he had urinary stone disease. He was married and had two sons. He was afebrile and his blood pressure was 110/70 mmHg, pulse was regular at 80 beats per minute, and respiratory rate 18 breaths per minute. On physical examination, there was no erythema or thrush in the oral cavity. The abdomen was soft, and there was no organomegaly. There was tenderness in the epigastric region with voluntary guarding without rebound tenderness. He had palpable purpura on both legs and synovitis in the left knee joint without erythema. Figure 1. The patient’s swollen left knee (A) and vasculitic lesions on the lower limb (B). The laboratory evaluation revealed the following: glucose (random) 125 mg/dL, creatinine 0.6 mg/dL, urea 20 mg/dL, Na 138 mEq/L, K 4.2 mEq/L, lactate dehydrogenase 230 U/L, total bilirubin 0.5 mg/dL, alkaline phosphatase 48 U/L, gamma glutamyl transferase 9 mg/dL, alanine transaminase 24 U/L, aspartate transaminase 25 U/L, high-sensitive C-reactive protein 110 mg/L, erythrocyte sedimentation rate 64 mm/hr, white blood cell 5.81 × 103/μL, eosinophils 0.120%, hemoglobin 11.6 g/dL, platelets 187 × 103/μL, international normalized ratio 1.11, activated partial thromboplastin time 27.7, rheumatoid factor 23.2 IU/mL, complement component 3 1.38 g/L, complement component 4 0.225 g/L, and hepatitis serology negative for hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus. Immunologic markers were antinuclear antibody 1:80 (granular pattern), anti-dsDNA negative, and both IgG type cANCA and anti-PR3 positive. The Schirmer test was normal. Urinalysis showed microscopic hematuria, pyuria, and proteinuria. A 24-hour urine collection showed protein excretion of 3.135 g/day. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed diffuse white plaques that were compatible with candidiasis. Anti-human immunodeficiency virus antibody was negative. Gastric mucosa biopsies showed gastritis with atrophy and intestinal metaplasia. Lymphoid aggregates were present but Helicobacter pylori was negative. We thought that the abdominal pain was due to microscopic PAN or Henoch-Schonlein purpura, and performed abdominal magnetic resonance angiography, which was normal. A punch biopsy of the skin of the leg with palpable purpura showed leukocytoclastic vasculitis without IgA deposition. Paranasal and chest computed tomography did not reveal any pathological changes. Renal ultrasound showed normal-sized kidneys bilaterally, with normal echogenicity. A renal biopsy was compatible with IgA nephropathy (Fig. 2). There was no crescent formation or amyloid deposits. Figure 2. Light (A: HE B: PAS, ×200) and immunofluorescence (C) microscopy of the renal biopsy, and light microscopic images (D: H&E, ×400) of the skin biopsy. (A) and (B) show mesangial cellular proliferation (arrows), ... The patient was administered oral prednisone 32 mg a day for presumptive vasculitis and fluconazole for esophageal candidiasis. After the ANCA antibody was found to be positive, we administered 1 g cyclophosphamide along with 500 mg steroid pulses for 3 days. With this treatment, the palpable purpuric lesions disappeared and the 24-hour urinary protein excretion fell to 0.5 g. After the steroid pulses, 1 mg/kg prednisone was given daily and the dosage was planned to be reduced by 25% at 2-week intervals. We planned to give the patient 1 g cyclophosphamide every month for 6 months. The patient responded well to this regimen without any systemic toxicity. The palpable purpura disappeared and proteinuria decreased to 0.5 g/day by 3 weeks after presentation. However, anti-PR3 was still positive. The co-occurrence of IgA nephropathy with ANCA positivity has rarely been reported. Bantis et al. [1] retrospectively evaluated 393 patients with IgA nephropathy and found eight ANCA-positive patients (0.2%), of whom only three were anti-PR3 positive. All of these patients had rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis with crescent formation in kidney biopsies. The anti-PR3-positive patients had pulmonary infiltrates or hemoptysis, proteinuria (in the nephrotic range in one and in the subnephrotic range in the other two patients), fever, and arthralgias. O’Donoghue et al. [2] screened 100 patients with IgA nephropathy and found two with ANCA positivity (2%). Both patients were anti-myeloperoxidase positive and had no crescent formation in the kidney. Haas et al. [3] reported six patients with IgA nephropathy and ANCA positivity (five of them were anti-PR3 positive). All five anti-PR3 positive patients had impaired renal function, proteinuria (in the nephrotic range in two patients), hematuria, and hypertension. All of the patients had crescentic glomeruli in kidney biopsies, as well as systemic manifestations of vasculitic involvement. Most of the anti-PR3-positive cases had severe kidney disease along with pulmonary or other manifestations of systemic vasculitis. However, our patient had only palpable purpura, subnephrotic proteinuria, and microscopic hematuria. He had no pulmonary involvement, creatinine elevation, crescent formation in the glomeruli, or hypertension. Our patient had IgG type ANCA. A punch biopsy of the skin revealed leukocytoclastic vasculitis without IgA deposition. In light of these clues, we diagnosed our patient with IgA nephropathy and ANCA associated vasculitis. Generally, IgA nephropathy is considered a benign disease. In 30% of cases, renal function declines progressively, but slowly [4]. In most cases, the treatment is supportive. In a minority of cases, IgA nephropathy presents as rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis and these patients benefit from therapy that is analogous to the treatment administered in ANCA-associated vasculitis (steroids and cyclophosphamide) [5]. Patients with IgA nephropathy associated with ANCA antibodies should be treated in the same manner. Despite a lack of severe systemic manifestations of vasculitic disease, we administered one dose of cyclophosphamide to our patient along with pulse steroids and then oral corticosteroids. In conclusion, we presented a rare case of vasculitic IgA nephropathy associated with anti-PR3 and ANCA positivity. Unlike other reported cases, our patient presented with mild renal and systemic involvement and showed a favorable response to cytotoxic treatment and corticosteroids.

Objective This study presents the current prevalence of mood, anxiety and personality disorders and factors associated with the existence of psychiatric disorders in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods The study sample was comprised of 45 patients with SLE and 60 control subjects. Mood and anxiety disorders were ascertained by means of the Structured Clinical Interview for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition /Clinical Version. Personality disorders were diagnosed with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM , Revised Third Edition Personality Disorders. The disease activity was assessed with SLE Disease Activity Index. Results Of the 45 patients, 21 (46.7%) had at least one mood or anxiety disorder, and 16 (35.6%) had at least one personality disorder. The most common Axis I and Axis II diagnoses in the patient group were major depression (22.2%) and obsessive–compulsive personality disorder (20.0%), respectively. Specifically, major depression, generalized anxiety disorder and obsessive–compulsive personality disorder were more prevalent in the SLE group compared to the control group. The existence of Axis I disorders was associated with a more severe disease activity of SLE. Conclusion Mood and anxiety disorders, particularly major depression and generalized anxiety disorder, are frequently observed in patients with SLE.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by chronic inflammation. Plasma atherogenic index (PAI) is a valuable marker for the cardiovascular disease and cardiac risk. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role and clinical use of PAI in atherosclerosis and the cardiac risk in SLE patients.We included 56 female SLE patients who were selected according to the American College of Rheumatology (1997) diagnosis criteria. Furthermore, we selected age-and body mass index (BMI)-matched 56 female healthy individuals. PAI was measured as a logarithmic value of triglyceride to high-density cholesterol ratio. We used carotid intima media thickness (cIMT) as an inflammatory marker because of its widespread use. The lipid and other biochemical parameters of patient and control groups were examined.The PAI and cIMT values of SLE patients were 0.04±0.23 and 0.78±0.18 mm, respectively. Besides, for the control group, the PAI value was -0.09±0.20 and cIMT value was 0.50±0.15 mm (p=0.002, p0.001; respectively). There was a strong correlation between cIMT and PAI (r=0.273, p=0.003). According to the multiple logistic regression analysis, we found that PAI value is an independent factor for cIMT in SLE patients (odds ratio: 2.6, 95 % confidence interval; 1.506-4.374; p=0.029).We determined that PAI can be used as an independent indicator for subclinical atherosclerosis in SLE patients.Sistemik lupus eritematozus (SLE), kronik inflamasyon ile karakterize bir hastalıktır. Plazma aterojenik indeks (PAI), kardiyovasküler hastalık ve kardiyak risk için değerli bir belirteçtir. Bu çalışmanın amacı PAI’in SLE hastalarında aterosklerozu ve kardiyak riski değerlendirmekteki rolü ve klinik kullanılabilirliliğini araştırmaktır.Amerikan Romatoloji Koleji (1997) tanı kriterlerine göre değerlendirilen 56 kadın SLE hastası dahil edildi. Ayrıca yaş ve vucüt kitle indeksi uyumlu 56 kadın sağlıklı kişi seçildi. PAI, trigliserit’in yüksek yoğunluklu kolesterole oranı logartimik ölçümüdür. Karotis intima medya kalınlığı (KIMK) inflamatuvar belirteç olarak yaygın olarak kullanıldığından, bu işareti bu çalışmada kullandık. Hasta ve kontrol gruplarının lipid ve diğer biyokimyasal parametreleri incelendi.Hasta grubunda PAI 0,04±0,23, KIMK 0,78±0,18 mm, kontrol grubunda PAI −0,09±0,20, KIMK 0,50±0,15 mm olduğu tespit edildi. Hasta grubunda PAI ve KIMK’ın kontrol grubuna kıyasla yüksek olduğu görüldü (sırasıyla p=0,002, p0,001). SLE hastaları içerisine KIMK ile PAI arasında pozitif korelasyon olduğu görüldü (r=0,273, p=0,003). Multipl logistik regresyon analize göre PAI, KIMK için bağımsız risk faktörü olarak değerlendirildi (Olasılık oranı: 2,6, Güven aralığı %95 1,506–4,374, p=0,029).Bu çalışma bize PAI’nın SLE hastalarında subklinik aterosklerozun değerlendirilmesinde kullanılabilecek bağımsız bir belirteç olabileceğini düşündürdü.

WOS: 000404381800020, PubMed: 28618733, Background/aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate and determine the relationships (if any) among pain, depression levels, fatigue, sleep quality, and quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) aged 65 years and over, and to compare the results with those of RA patients under 65 years of age. Materials and methods: The study included 52 patients with RA aged 65 years and over (Group 1) and 84 patients with RA under 65 years of age (Group 2). Pain, depression levels, fatigue, sleep quality, quality of life, and disease activity of all of the participants were evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Checklist Individual Strength (CIS), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Short Form-36 (SF-36), and the Disease Activity Score-28, respectively. Results: When the two groups were compared, higher scores for the VAS, BDI, total CIS, and PSQI were found in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (P = 0.003, P = 0.003, P = 0.007, and P = 0.001, respectively). The SF-36 subscales of the physical component summary and mental component summary were not statistically significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: This study evaluated the situation in elderly patients with RA and showed that pain, depression level, fatigue, and sleep quality worsen with age.

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a disease characterized by chronic inflammation. Atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) is a logarithmic value of the triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and it is a good marker for atherosclerotic heart disease and cardiac risk. In this study, we investigated subclinical atherosclerosis and cardiac risks in patients with FMF. Patients with FMF (78 men and 84 women) and healthy controls (74 men and 82 women) were included in this study. The AIP values of the patients were calculated and carotid intima-media thicknesses (cIMTs) were measured. The cIMT ( P.001) and AIP ( P.001) values of patients with FMF were higher than the values of the control group. There was a positive correlation between cIMT and AIP values ( r = .304, P.001). In regression analysis, we detected an independent relationship between cIMT and AIP (β = .248, P = .001). Atherogenic index of plasma may be highly correlated with the subclinical atherosclerosis. Particularly, male patients with FMF may have a high cardiac risk.

PubMedID: 27118199 Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune connective tissue disease with multisystem involvement. An increased incidence of cancer in SSc patients compared with the general population has been reported in several reports. Our aims in this study were to determine the most common malignancies and to investigate the possible risk factors for the development of malignancy in patients with SSc. Three hundred forty SSc patients from 13 centers were included to the study. Data of the patients were obtained by evaluating their medical records retrospectively. A total of 340 patients with SSc were evaluated. Twenty-five of the patients had 19 different types of malignancy. Bladder cancer was the most common type of cancer with four patients and was followed by breast cancer with three patients, and cervix cancer and ovarian cancer with two patients each. Other types of cancers such as squamous cell skin cancer, adenocancer with an unknown origin, multiple myeloma, chronic myeloid leukemia, papillary thyroid cancer, larynx cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, follicular type non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), endometrium cancer, colon cancer, uterus cancer, neuroendocrine tumor, glioblastoma multiforme, and soft tissue sarcoma were diagnosed in one patient each. The only cancer type that showed an association with cyclophosphamide dose was bladder carcinoma. Other malignancies did not show a correlation with age, sex, smoking, type and duration of the disease, autoantibodies, organ involvement, and dose and duration of cyclophosphamide therapy. Cancer may develop in any organ in patients with SSc. Continuous screening of the patients during a follow-up period is necessary for the early detection of the tumor development. © 2016, International League of Associations for Rheumatology (ILAR).