TR Dizin İndeksli Yayınlar Koleksiyonu / TR Dizin Indexed Publications Collection
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14365/4
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Article The Clinical Features of Arthritis in Behçet’s Disease(2025-03-21) Kehribar, Demet Yalcin; Ozgen, Metin; Kırcı, Cem Kıvanç; Kırcı, ÖzlemAim: This study aims to explore the clinical, laboratory, and systemic differences between Behçet’s disease (BD) patients with arthritis and those without, focusing on how arthritis influences disease progression and treatment strategies. Material and Methods: A retrospective, observational study was conducted on 881 patients diagnosed with BD according to the International Study Group criteria. Patients were categorized into two groups: those with arthritis (n=233) and those without (n=648). Clinical findings, laboratory markers [C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)], and systemic manifestations, including neurological and vascular complications, were compared between the groups. Statistical analyses were performed to identify significant differences. Results: Patients with arthritis exhibited higher systemic inflammation, as evidenced by elevated ESR (37.6±23.9 vs. 31.1±23.9, p=0.000) and CRP (25.9±32.2 vs. 18.6±34.6, p=0.006) at baseline. Family history of BD was more prevalent in the arthritis group (15% vs. 10%, p=0.041). Neurological involvement was significantly higher in the non-arthritis group (11% vs. 4%, p=0.002), as were vascular complications, including: pulmonary artery aneurysms (2%, p=0.043) in the non-arthritis group and arterial thrombosis (5% vs. 1%, p=0.025). Patients with arthritis were more likely to receive corticosteroid therapy (36% vs. 21%, p=0.019), while pulse corticosteroid use was higher in the non-arthritis group (9% vs. 4%, p=0.008). Conclusion: BD patients with arthritis demonstrate heightened systemic inflammation, a stronger genetic predisposition, and greater reliance on corticosteroids. In contrast, those without arthritis have higher rates of severe systemic complications, including neurological and vascular involvement. These findings emphasize the importance of individualized management strategies tailored to the presence or absence of arthritis, addressing the diverse clinical spectrum of BD.Article The Evaluation of Health Status of Familial Mediterranean Fever Patients with Homozygous M694V Mutation(2025-09-02) Kehribar, Demet Yalcin; Ozgen, Metin; Baraz, Lale Saka; Çakar, AyşegülAim: Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive autoinflammatory disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of fever, serositis, and systemic inflammation. The M694V mutation in the MEFV gene is associated with a more severe disease phenotype, including early onset, frequent attacks, and an increased risk of amyloidosis. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical features, comorbidities, and treatment outcomes of FMF patients homozygous for the M694V mutation. Material and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 183 FMF patients homozygous for the M694V mutation, diagnosed and followed at our hospital between 2014 and 2022. Data on demographics, clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, and treatment modalities were collected. Results: The most common symptoms were abdominal pain (88%), joint pain (78%), and arthritis (46%). Proteinuria and amyloidosis were detected in 22.4% and 7.1% of patients, respectively. The average age of symptom onset was 14.1 years, with a mean annual attack frequency of 2.75. Comorbidities were present in 24% of patients, including spondyloarthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. Colchicine was the mainstay treatment (94.5%), while 21.8% required IL-1 inhibitors. Eight patients (4.4%) died during follow-up, five due to amyloidosis-related complications. Conclusion: M694V homozygous FMF patients exhibit a severe disease presentation associated with this variant with frequent attacks, high amyloidosis risk, and significant comorbidities. While colchicine remains essential, biologics are increasingly used for colchicine-resistant cases. Early diagnosis, individualized treatment, and regular monitoring are crucial to improving patient outcomes.