Hepatitis C virus genotypes in Adana and Antakya regions of Turkey*

Background/aim: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 was found to be dominant in Turkey. In this study, HCV genotypes were examined in the Adana and Antakya regions of Turkey. Materials and methods: The study consisted of 639 HCV-RNA–positive patients with chronic HCV infection in Adana (214 males and 101 females) and Antakya (139 males and 185 females) in Turkey. Real time-polymerase chain reaction was used for genotype determination. Results: In Antakya, it was determined that the percentages of genotypes of type 1a (0.31%), 1b (86.73%), 2 (9.26%), 3 (0.93%), and 4 (2.78%) were compatible with the nationwide results seen in Turkey. In Adana, the percentages of genotypes of type 1a (3.49%), 1b (55.24%), 2 (14.60%), 3 (26.03%), and 4 (0.63%) were found to be different. This difference was mainly due to the infection rates in males: genotype 1b was significantly lower (42.5% versus 82.2%, P < 0.001) in men in Adana, but genotype 2 (17.8% versus 7.9%, P = 0.021) and genotype 3 (34.6% versus 7.9%, P < 0.001) were significantly higher in men than in women in Adana. Conclusion: Rates of genotypes 2 and 3 were unexpectedly high in Adana compared to other parts of TurkeyBackground/aim: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 was found to be dominant in Turkey. In this study, HCV genotypes were examined in the Adana and Antakya regions of Turkey. Materials and methods: The study consisted of 639 HCV-RNA–positive patients with chronic HCV infection in Adana (214 males and 101 females) and Antakya (139 males and 185 females) in Turkey. Real time-polymerase chain reaction was used for genotype determination. Results: In Antakya, it was determined that the percentages of genotypes of type 1a (0.31%), 1b (86.73%), 2 (9.26%), 3 (0.93%), and 4 (2.78%) were compatible with the nationwide results seen in Turkey. In Adana, the percentages of genotypes of type 1a (3.49%), 1b (55.24%), 2 (14.60%), 3 (26.03%), and 4 (0.63%) were found to be different. This difference was mainly due to the infection rates in males: genotype 1b was significantly lower (42.5% versus 82.2%, P < 0.001) in men in Adana, but genotype 2 (17.8% versus 7.9%, P = 0.021) and genotype 3 (34.6% versus 7.9%, P < 0.001) were significantly higher in men than in women in Adana. Conclusion: Rates of genotypes 2 and 3 were unexpectedly high in Adana compared to other parts of Turke

Early diagnosis of hip joint ınvolvement of ankylosing spondylitis using magnetic resonance ımaging in the absence of clinical and X-Ray findings

Objectives: This study aims to describe magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of hip joint involvement in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in the absence of clinical and X-ray signs. Patients and methods: Between January 2012 and June 2012, 23 patients with AS without hip pain symptoms who were admitted to Adana Training and Research Hospital, Department of Physical Therapy and Rheumatology were included in the study. The control group consisted of 20 healthy individuals. All patients underwent MRI examination of both hips. Results: Of 23 patients, 10 (43.4%) had a pathological finding in at least one of the two sides based on the MRI findings. Seven patients demonstrated unilateral, and three patients demonstrated asymmetrically bilateral involvements. Bone marrow edema was present in six out of the 46 hip joints (13%). Eleven hip joints (24%) showed synovial fluid. One patient had bone marrow edema together with a subchondral cyst, while another patient demonstrated a combination of bone marrow edema and tendinitis. Conclusion: There may be hip joint involvement in AS patients even in the absence of clinical and X-ray signs. Early detection of bony abnormalities may prevent both the damage to the bone and the development of ankylosis.Objectives: This study aims to describe magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of hip joint involvement in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in the absence of clinical and X-ray signs. Patients and methods: Between January 2012 and June 2012, 23 patients with AS without hip pain symptoms who were admitted to Adana Training and Research Hospital, Department of Physical Therapy and Rheumatology were included in the study. The control group consisted of 20 healthy individuals. All patients underwent MRI examination of both hips. Results: Of 23 patients, 10 (43.4%) had a pathological finding in at least one of the two sides based on the MRI findings. Seven patients demonstrated unilateral, and three patients demonstrated asymmetrically bilateral involvements. Bone marrow edema was present in six out of the 46 hip joints (13%). Eleven hip joints (24%) showed synovial fluid. One patient had bone marrow edema together with a subchondral cyst, while another patient demonstrated a combination of bone marrow edema and tendinitis. Conclusion: There may be hip joint involvement in AS patients even in the absence of clinical and X-ray signs. Early detection of bony abnormalities may prevent both the damage to the bone and the development of ankylosis

The Value of Fibrosis Index in Discrimination of Chronic Hepatitis and Cirrhosis

Aim: To evaluate the value of Doppler ultrasonography (US) and fibrosis index in differentiating between chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis. Methods: Sixty-seven non-cirrhotic viral hepatitis B and C patients and 28 cirrhotic patients were included in this study. All patients were examined by liver Doppler US. Quantitative Doppler parameters were obtained and fibrosis index was calculated. The results were evaluated statistically and a cut-off value for fibrosis index was obtained to differentiate between chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis groups. Results: The mean fibrosis index value in chronic hepatitis group and cirrhotic patients was 3.23±0.85 and 5.40±1.8, respectively. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p<0.05). Taking a cut-off value of 4.57 for fibrosis index, a sensitivity of 97% and a specificity of 71% were obtained. Conclusion: Fibrosis index may be valuable in monitoring of patients with chronic hepatitis and may be helpful in selecting patients who require biopsy