In our study, a cut-off value for the HScore different from the original study performed better. Further studies are warranted to determine optimum cut-off values in different studies.
ObjectiveFamilial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a periodic fever syndrome caused by MEFV mutations. FMF may be associated with psoriasis in some cases. The prevalence of psoriasis in the normal Turkish population is 0.42%. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of psoriasis among FMF patients and their relatives.MethodsFMF patients followed at Hacettepe University Adult and Pediatric Rheumatology Departments between January and August 2016 were included. FMF patients/their relatives were accepted to have psoriasis if the diagnosis was made by a dermatologist.ResultsA total of 351 FMF patients (177 adults; 174 children) were included. The median (min–max) age of adult and pediatric patients was 35 (19–63) and 10 (2–18) years, respectively. Thirteen (3.7%) FMF patients (11 adults, 2 children) had psoriasis. Psoriasis was more common in adult than pediatric patients (p = 0.02). Psoriasis was present in 22 (12.4%) of adult and 9 (5.2%) of pediatric patients’ relatives (p = 0.023). The frequency of psoriasis in ≥1 relatives of FMF patients was found to be 8.8%. Abdominal pain and fever were significantly higher, and arthralgia, arthritis, pleural chest pain, and pericarditis were significantly less frequent in the pediatric group than in adults (p < 0.05).ConclusionPsoriasis was more common in FMF patients than in the normal population. Thus, FMF patients should be questioned and carefully examined for psoriasis lesions and psoriasis family history. Prospective multicenter studies may be important to find the incidence of psoriasis in FMF.
The use of anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNF-α) agents has increased during the past decade in rheumatology practice. Opportunistic infections have been reported with anti-TNF-α agents in clinical trials and post-marketing usage. Aspergillus infection is a rare opportunistic infection that is associated with immunosuppression, and there are reported cases of pulmonary aspergillosis in various rheumatic diseases treated with anti-TNF-α agents. Here, we present the first case of pulmonary aspergillosis associated with infliximab treatment in a patient with Still's disease.
BackgroundIsoniazid (INH) prophylaxis is strongly recommended for the patients who have latent tuberculosis (TB) and who are going to be under anti-TNF treatment. INH is prescribed for 9 months and patient adherence to INH affects the risk of active TB development.ObjectivesIn this study we aimed to assess the levels of patient adherence to INH prophylaxis.MethodsPatients, who are under biological treatment and who have a quantiferon (QFT) test result, were evaluated with a questionnaire between August 2015-August 2016. Questionnaire included the demographic and clinical characteristics. Besides, patients were asked whether they had been prescribed INH. Patients, who were given INH prophylaxis, were asked to answer those questions: i) Did you take INH daily and regularly for 9 months? ii) If not what was the reason? The reasons are classified into three categories: 1) The patient discontinued INH of his/her own volition before 9 months. 2) Continued INH for 9 months but did not take regularly due to forgetfulness. 3) Treatment stopped by physicisan due to an adverse effect (elevation of liver enzymes, neuropathy, etc.)Results1. 710 patients were recruited. INH was prescribed to 169 (23.8%) of 710. Demographic characteristics of INH-prescribed patients: 88 (52.1%) of 169 were female, mean age was 46.2 (SD:11.4), 82 (48.5%) of 169 at least graduated from a high school. Diagnosis were followed; RA 65 (38.4%), SpA 85 (50.3%), PsA 13 (7.7%), others 6 (3.6%). Totally 34 (20.1%) of 169 took INH irregularly. 19 (11.2%) of 169 patients discontinued INH of his/her own volition before 9 months. During follow-up 5 of 19 were prescribed INH again by the physician and they completed the 9-months duration. 9 (5.3%) of 169 patients did not take INH regularly due to forgetting. INH was stopped by a physician due to liver enzyme elevation in 6 (3.5%) of 169 patients. There was not a statistically difference in demographical and clinical characteristics between regular and irregular INH takers.ConclusionsThere is an inadherence to INH treatment approximately in one of five patients. Only 3.5% of INH-recommended patients had a medical reason of inadherence. Among other patients, causes of inadherence were discontinuance of own volition and forgetfulness or perfunctoriness. Physicians should be aware that reminding of INH is one of the question in every outpatient clinic visits. Other reminding methods such as regular calling should be considered in those of high risk population. Further studies were needed for reminding process.Disclosure of InterestNone declared
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