SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: A significant problem that compels clinicians in the conventional treatment of hypoparathyroidism is patients’ non-adherence to treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of adequate Ca intake with dietary recommendations among hypoparathyroidism patients who persistently use Ca supplementation irregularly on plasma Ca and phosphate levels. METHODS: This prospective, randomized, controlled study was conducted on patients diagnosed with chronic hypoparathyroidism who persistently interrupt Ca supplementation therapy and therefore have a hypocalcemic course. Patients with a total daily Ca intake below 800 mg were randomized. All patients were advised to keep the doses of active vitamin D and Ca supplements they were currently using. The patients in the study group (n=32) were advised to consume 1,000–1,200 mg of Ca daily, and the patients in the control group (n=35) were advised to continue their diet according to their daily habits. After 12 weeks of follow-up, the patients’ laboratory values were compared between groups to assess treatment goals. RESULTS: The mean of the total Ca level was 8.56±0.36 mg/dL in the study group and was found to be significantly higher than that in the control group, which was 7.67±0.48 mg/dL (p<0.001). The mean serum phosphate and serum Ca-P product levels were significantly higher in the study group (p<0.001) but did not exceed the safe upper limits in any patient. CONCLUSION: A suitable increase in dietary Ca intake could effectively control hypocalcemia in patients with hypoparathyroidism who persistently interrupt the recommended calcium supplementation.

Abstract Background: Panic disorder has long been associated with the changes in various neurotransmitters, such as Neuropeptide-S (NPS). Objective: In this study we aimed to determine whether there is a relationship between blood NPS levels and panic disorder. Methods: Twenty nine patients with panic disorder and thirty two healthy control subjects who were age and gender matched were enrolled to the study. Blood samples were taken from participants and plasma NPS levels were quantified by using an ELISA kit. Results: In the study group, median NPS blood level was 16.7 pg/mL and in the control group it was 32.5 pg/mL. There was a statistically significant difference (p = 0.021). Using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve, sensitivity and specificity of NPS blood level, for diagnosing panic disorder was calculated, and it was found 79.3% and 56.25% respectively (AUC:0.672, 95% CI: 0.540-0.787). Discussion: Malfunction at the NPS modulatory system in the cortical areas (which is causing excitations in brain areas, such as amygdala and hypothalamus) does not only increase anxiety symptoms and risk of panic disorder but also causes panic disorder patients to have lower plasma NPS levels than the control group. Therefore it can be argued that such malfunction can be treated with a systemic treatment. Baykan H et al. / Arch Clin Psychiatry. 2018;45(4):79-81

RESUMO Objetivo: As opções de tratamento cirúrgico devem ser discutidas nos casos de ombro congelado que, em geral, são tratadas de modo conservador. Neste estudo, avaliamos a eficácia da manipulação e da liberação artroscópica nos casos de ombro congelado refratário ao tratamento conservador. Métodos: Um total de 32 pacientes submetidos a manipulação e liberação capsular artroscópica em 34 ombros foram incluídos no estudo. O período médio de acompanhamento foi de 49,5 meses (faixa: 24 a 90 meses). Não foi possível determinar o motivo do início da afecção em 8 (25%) pacientes, que foram classificados como ombro congelado primário; 24 (75%) pacientes foram classificados como ombro congelado secundário, devido a patologias subjacentes. O período médio de queixa pré-operatória foi de 11 meses (faixa: 3 a 24 meses). Depois do exame artroscópico, realizou-se manipulação, seguida por liberação capsular artroscópica. A amplitude de movimento em ambos os ombros foi comparada antes do procedimento e na última visita de acompanhamento. As classificações de Constant e Oxford foram usadas para avaliar os resultados funcionais, e os resultados foram avaliados estatisticamente. Resultados: Os valores dos pacientes para elevação, abdução, adução-rotação externa, abdução-rotação externa e abdução-rotação interna aumentaram de modo estatisticamente significante entre a avaliação pré-operatória e a do acompanhamento (p < 0,01). A mudança média de 47,97 ± 21,03 unidades observada nos valores dos pacientes, obtidos nas medidas de controle com relação aos escores de Constant no pré-operatório foi determinada como estatisticamente significante (p < 0,01). De acordo com a classificação de Oxford, 29 ombros foram suficientes. Conclusão: Os resultados bem-sucedidos podem ser atingidos com liberação artroscópica realizada depois da manipulação dos pacientes com ombro congelado, resistentes ao tratamento conservador. Nível de Evidência IV, Série de Casos.

ABSTRACT Objective: Surgical treatment options should be discussed in cases of frozen shoulder, which is usually treated in a conservative manner. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of manipulation and arthroscopic release in cases of frozen shoulder which resisted conservative treatment. Methods: A total of 32 patients who underwent manipulation and arthroscopic capsular release in 34 shoulders were included in the study. The average follow-up period was 49.5 months (range: 24-90 months). No reason for onset could be found in 8 (25%) patients, who were classified as primary frozen shoulder; twenty-four (75%) patients were classified as secondary frozen shoulder due to underlying pathologies. The average pre-operative complaint period was 11 months (range: 3-24 months). After arthroscopic examination, manipulation was performed first, followed by arthroscopic capsular release. The range of motion in both shoulders was compared before the procedure and in the last follow-up visit. Constant and Oxford classifications were used to assess functional results, and the results were assessed statistically. Results: Patient values for passive elevation, abduction, adduction-external rotation, abduction-external rotation, and abduction-internal rotation increased in a statistically significant manner between the preoperative assessment and follow-up evaluation (p<0.01). The average change of 47.97±21.03 units observed in the patients’ values obtained in the control measurements against the pre-op Constant scores was determined to be statistically significant (p<0.01). According to the Oxford classification, 29 shoulders were sufficient. Conclusion: Successful results can be obtained with arthroscopic release performed after manipulation in patients with frozen shoulder resistant to conservative treatment. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.

RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar o efeito de dois tipos de corticosteroides em osteoartrite (OA) de joelho bilateral e simétrica. Métodos: Cento e vinte e seis pacientes receberam injeções de acetato de metilprednisolona (MP) em um joelho e de triancinolona hexacetonida (TH) no joelho contralateral. Os pacientes foram avaliados antes da injeção e 2, 4, 8, 12 e 24 semanas depois. Resultados: A média de idade dos pacientes foi 68,5 ± 9 anos. O IMC médio foi 26,3 ± 2,6 kg/m2. Na primeira internação, o escore médio da EVA foi 7,7 ± 1,3 para o lado direito e 7,5 ± 1,5 para o esquerdo e a média do escore WOMAC foi 67,6 ± 14,4. Depois da aplicação bilateral das injeções intra-articular, os escores da EVA e do WOMAC para ambos os joelhos diminuíram significantemente ao comparar os escores iniciais com os de 2, 4, 8, 12 e 24 semanas depois da injeção (p < 0,05). Constatou-se diferença estatisticamente significante no decorrer do tempo, quando os escores EVA e WOMAC às 2, 4, 8, 12 e 24 semanas depois da injeção foram comparados entre si (p < 0,05). Não houve diferença significante entre os lados direito e esquerdo (p > 0,05). Conclusão: MP e TH têm eficácia similar quanto ao alívio da dor e à melhora da função. A eficácia da injeção intra-articular de corticosteroides atinge o máximo duas semanas depois da aplicação e o efeito continua até a 24a semana. Nível de Evidência II, Estudo Prospectivo Comparativo.

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare the effect of two different corticosteroid types in bilateral and symmetrical knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: One hundred and twenty-six patients received injections of methylprednisolone acetate (MP) in one knee and triamcinolone hexacetonide (TH) in the contralateral knee. Patients were evaluated before injection and 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks after. Results: Mean patient age was 68.5±9 years. Mean BMI was 26.3±2.6 kg/m2. At first admission, mean VAS score was 7.7±1.3 for the right side and 7.5±1.5 for the left side, and mean WOMAC score was 67.6±14.4. After bilateral intra-articular injection, VAS scores for both knees and WOMAC scores decreased significantly when initial scores were compared with 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks after injection (p<0.05). A statistically significant change was seen over time when VAS and WOMAC scores for 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks post-injection were compared to each other (p<0.05). No significant difference was seen between knee sides (p>0.05). Conclusion: MP and TH have similar efficacy in relieving pain and improving function. The efficacy of intra-articular corticosteroid injection peaks 2 weeks after injection and the effect continues until the 24th week. Level of Evidence II, Comparative Prospective Study.