BackgroundWe aimed to investigate the current prevalence of sexual dysfunction (SD), mood, anxiety, and personality disorders in female patients with fibromyalgia (FM).MethodsThis case–control study involved 96 patients with FM and 94 healthy women. The SD diagnosis was based on a psychiatric interview in accordance with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition criteria. Mood and anxiety disorders were diagnosed using the Structured Clinical Interview. Personality disorders were diagnosed according to the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM, Revised Third Edition Personality Disorders.ResultsFifty of the 96 patients (52.1%) suffered from SD. The most common SD was lack of sexual desire (n=36, 37.5%) and arousal disorder (n=10, 10.4%). Of the 96 patients, 45 (46.9%) had a mood or anxiety disorder and 13 (13.5%) had a personality disorder. The most common mood, anxiety, and personality disorders were major depression (26%), generalized anxiety disorder (8.3%), and histrionic personality disorder (10.4%).ConclusionSD, mood, and anxiety disorders are frequently observed in female patients with FM. Pain plays a greater role in the development of SD in female patients with FM.

We aimed to investigate the effects of body weight supported treadmill training (BWSTT) on cardio-pulmonary functions and on depression in subjects with incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). Eight subjects (2 female, 6 male) with incomplete SCI participated in this study. Heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP) and resting pulmonary function parameters were obtained from each subject at baseline and after BWSTT. The training programme was scheduled five times per week for six weeks. The psychological status was evaluated by Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The post-BWSTT HR value was lower than the pre-training HR value (p< 0.05). In comparison of pre- and post-BWSTT pulmonary parameters, there were only significant improvement in FVC and IC (p< 0.05). The mean BDI score was lower after BWSTT compared to before BWSTT value. As a conclusion, 6 weeks BWSTT had positive effect on heart rate and limited effect on pulmonary functions. There was an improvement in depression level of the SCI subjects.

To investigate the efficacy of phonophoresis with nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs (P-NSAID) and corticosteroids (P-CS) in the treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and to compare the efficacy of phonophoresis with local CS injection (LCSI) and splinting with a 3-month follow-up. 84 hands of 51 patients with CTS were treated by applying LCSI, P-CS, P-NSAID, and wrist splinting. Electrophysiological studies, grip strength, hand dexterity, and sensory recovery of the first three digits were assessed. Duruöz hand index (DHI) was used to assess the functional hand disability. For clinical evaluation, we used Phalen and Tinnel signs. Pain intensity was evaluated by visual analog scale. The LCIS group showed a significant improvement in pain relief and DHI, but this group had significant deterioration in the results of monofilament and pegboard tests. The P-CS group showed improvement in sensory nerve conduction velocity, distal latency, grip strength, and DHI parameters. There was a significant improvement in grip strength, pegboard test, and pain intensity in the P-NSAID group. There was improvement only in pain intensity in the splinting group. We identified marked improvement in the electrophysiological studies in the P-CS group. Splinting had no effect on hand functions, disability, and electrophysiological studies.

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a disorder characterized by several biochemical mechanisms which may impair the brain functions in PKU, leading to neurological problems. Our case report concerns a 19 year-old man with phenylketonuria who was evaluated with the onset of stiffness following the abandonment of the phenylalanine-restricted diet. He was assessed with grade-4 spasticity according to Modified Aschworth scale. The deep tendon reflexes had increased and the plantar reflexes were positive. Knee extensions were limited due to the shortening of the hamstring muscles. Serum phenylalanine concentration was elevated and plasma vitamin B12 level was low. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging scan revealed demyelinization area in periventricular deep white matter. We administered a phenylalanine-restricted diet and a rehabilitation program. Following the treatment, spasticity was reduced to grade-1 and patient could walk without aid. This case shows that, the combination of diet, medication and a rehabilitation program is an effective treatment model on adult PKU with upper motor neuron involvement.

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