Turk J Med Sci
-
Observational Study
Abnormal retinal microvasculature found in active rheumatoid arthritis:a different perspective of microvascular health
We aimed to assess the association between retinal vascular caliber (RVC) scores and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. ⋯ CRVE, which reflects systemic inflammation and possibly increased cardiovascular risk, was significantly increased in active RA patients. The association between retinal venular widening and disease activity, regardless of CRP, may be a sign that RA-related inflammation may have systemic vascular effects even with normal levels of CRP.
-
The aims of this study were to determine the levels of the total antioxidant status (TAS), the total oxidant status (TOS), the oxidative stress index (OSI), and the concentration of immunoglobulin A (IgA) and M (IgM) in colostrum, and evaluate relationships between these parameters and maternal age, maternal parity, and infant sex. ⋯ In conclusion, sex-based hormonal changes in mothers during pregnancy may be associated with the different colostral immunoglobulin levels for male and female infants.
-
We aimed to compare the effectivity of percutaneous disc coagulation therapy (PDCT) and navigable ablation decompression treatment (L-DISQ) in patients who were diagnosed with cervical disc herniation. ⋯ The diameter of the canal of the cervical vertebrae is narrower than of the lumbar and thoracic regions; therefore, the smaller part of the disc may be sufficient to create clinical signs. The response to decompression therapies is faster in the case of cervical percutaneous procedures that are performed correctly. Proper patient selection and practitioner’s experience are important in the treatment success
-
The purpose of this study was to investigate possible effects of anti-TNF alpha therapy on cardiorespiratory fitness and physical functional capacity of patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). ⋯ Results from this study indicate that in addition to inflammatory parameters and quality of life index, even short-term anti-TNF alpha therapy results in significant improvement in cardiopulmonary health status as objectively reflected by peak VO2,maximum work rate, and exercise duration.
-
Ig level assessment is frequently used in the diagnosis and follow-up of immunodeficiency, as well as in studies investigating the prevalence of low serum Ig level in specific diseases. ⋯ In this study, we found that the rates of low Ig level in a group of pediatric patients differed significantly when evaluated using three different reference systems for age-related serum Ig levels