Browsing by Author "Çapkin, E"
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Item Real-life data on the comorbidities in spondyloarthritis from our multicenter nationwide registry: BioStarÇay, HF; Melikoglu, MA; Yurdakul, FG; Boduee, H; Ataman, S; Çapkin, E; Gürer, G; Sezer, I; Duruöz, MT; Rezvani, A; Yagci, I; Gögüs, F; Kamanli, A; Çevik, R; Akgül, ÖObjectives: Considering that the comorbid situations during the management of Spondyloarthritis (SpA) have been underlined in several recommendations, the main objective of this study was to evaluate the comorbid conditions of Turkish patients with SpA.Patients and methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 1,242 SpA patients (844 males, 398 females; mean age: 43.9 +/- 11.0 years; range, 19 to 81 years) diagnosed according to the modified New York criteria for ankylosing spondylitis or the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society (ASAS) criteria. The patient data were collected from the Biologic and targeted Synthetic antirheumatic drugs Registry (BioStar) between February 1, 2019, and December 29, 2020. Clinical and demographic data, including, age, sex, disease duration, body mass index (BMI), pain, patient's global assessment, physician's global assessment, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index, Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index, and Maastricht Enthesitis Score, were recorded. Comorbid conditions were recorded by filling out a questionnaire according to the clinical history or medical records. Charlson Comorbidity Index and Rheumatic Disease Comorbidity Index scores were calculated from the gathered comorbidity information.Results: Nine hundred thirteen patients had radiographic axial SpA, 153 had nonradiographic axial SpA, and 176 had peripheral SpA. The most common comorbidities were hypertension (HT) (n=167, 13.4%), diabetes mellitus (DM) (n=83, 6.7%), thyroid disorders (n=64, 5.6%), and depression (n=61, 4.9%). The comorbidities and the calculated comorbidity indices were significantly higher in females, in those with a BMI >25 kg/m2, and those over 60 years of age. No relationship was found between smoking and alcohol use and comorbidities. A significantly higher prevalence of HT and DM in peripheral SpA patients and a lower prevalence of thyroid disorders in radiographic axial SpA patients were observed.Conclusion: The most commonly reported comorbidities were HT, DM, thyroid disorders, and depression in SpA patients according to the BioStar database. The frequency of comorbidities and composite comorbidity scores were higher among females, older (>60 years) patients, and overweight (BMI >25 kg/m2) patients.Item Femoral cartilage thickness measurements in healthy individuals: Learning, practicing and publishing with TURK-MUSCULUSÖzçakar, L; Tunç, H; Öken, Ö; Ünlü, Z; Durmus, B; Baysal, Ö; Altay, Z; Tok, F; Akkaya, N; Dogu, B; Çapkin, E; Bardak, A; Çarli, AB; Bugdayci, D; Toktas, H; Diraçoglu, D; Gündüz, B; Erhan, B; Kocabas, H; Erdenn, G; Günendi, Z; Kesikburun, S; Omaç, ÖK; Taskaynatan, M; Senel, K; Ugur, M; Yalçinkaya, EY; Önes, K; Atan, Ç; Akgun, K; Bilgici, A; Kuru, Ö; Özgöçmen, SBACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Measurement of the femoral cartilage thickness by using in-vivo musculoskeletal ultrasonography (MSUS) has been previously shown to be a valid and reliable method in previous studies; however, to our best notice, normative data has not been provided before in the healthy population. The aim of our study was to provide normative data regarding femoral cartilage thicknesses of healthy individuals with collaborative use of MSUS. METHODS: This is across-sectional study run at Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Departments of 18 Secondary and Tertiary Centers in Turkey. 1544 healthy volunteers (aged between 25-40 years) were recruited within the collaboration of TURK-MUSCULUS (Turkish Musculoskeletal Ultrasonography Study Group). Subjects who had a body mass index value of less than 30 and who did not have signs and symptoms of any degenerative/inflammatory arthritis or other rheumatic diseases, history of knee trauma and previous knee surgery were enrolled. Ultrasonographic measurements were performed axially from the suprapatellar window by using linear probes while subjects' knees were in maximum flexion. Three (mid-point) measurements were taken from both knees (lateral condyle, intercondylar area, medial condyle). RESULTS: A total of 2876 knees (of 817 M, 621 F subjects) were taken into analysis after exclusion of inappropriate images. Mean cartilage thicknesses were significantly lower in females than males (all p < 0.001). Thickness values negatively correlated with age; negatively (females) and positively (males) correlated with smoking. Men who regularly exercised had thicker cartilage than who did not exercise (all p < 0.05). Increased age (in both sexes) and absence of exercise (males) were found to be risk factors for decreased cartilage thicknesses. CONCLUSION: Further data pertaining to other countries would be interesting to uncover whether ethnic differences also affect cartilage thickness. Collaborative use of MSUS seems to be promising in this regard.Item Prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and traditional cardiovascular risk factors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a real-life evidence from BioSTAR nationwide registryDuruöz, MT; Ataman, S; Bodur, H; Çay, HF; Melikoglu, MA; Akguel, Ö; Çapkin, E; Gürer, G; Çevik, R; Gögüs, FN; Kamanli, A; Yurdakul, FG; Yagci, I; Rezvani, A; Altan, LPatients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have increased morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular (CV) comorbidities. The association of CV diseases (CVD) and traditional CV risk factors has been debated, depending on patient and RA characteristics. This study aimed to find the prevalence of CVD and CV risk factors in patients with RA. A multi-center cross-sectional study was performed on RA patients using the BioSTAR (Biological and Targeted Synthetic Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs Registry) in September 2022. Socio-demographic, clinical, and follow-up data were collected. Myocardial infarction, ischemic heart disease, peripheral vascular disorders, congestive heart failure, ischemic stroke, and transient ischemic attack were regarded as major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). CVD was defined as the presence of at least one clinical situation of MACE. Group 1 and Group 2 included patients with and without CVD. Prevalence rates of CVD and traditional CV risk factors were the primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes were the differences in the clinical characteristics between patients with and without CVD. An analysis of 724 patients with a mean age of 55.1 +/- 12.8 years diagnosed with RA was conducted. There was a female preponderance (79.6%). The prevalence rate of CVD was 4.6% (n = 33). The frequencies of the diseases in the MACE category were ischemic heart disease in 27, congestive heart failure in five, peripheral vascular disorders in three, and cerebrovascular events in three patients. The patients with CVD (Group 1) were significantly male, older, and had higher BMI (p = 0.027, p < 0.001, and p = 0.041). Obesity (33.4%) and hypertension (27.2%) were the two CV risk factors most frequently. Male sex (HR = 7.818, 95% CI 3.030-20.173, p < 0.001) and hypertension (HR = 4.570, 95% CI 1.567-13.328, p = 0.005) were the independent risk factors for CVD. The prevalence of CVD in RA patients was 4.6%. Some common risk factors for CVD in the general population, including male sex, older age, and hypertension, were evident in RA patients. Male sex and hypertension were the independent risk factors for developing CVD in patients with RA.Item Pandemic of the century: COVID-19 in inflammatory rheumatic diseases of a national cohort with 3,532 patientsYurdakul, F; Bodur, H; Çengiz, AK; Durmaz, Y; Duruöz, MT; Kaya, T; Ketenci, S; Cüzdan, N; Güler, T; Günendi, Z; Sarikaya, S; Çapkin, E; Önder, ME; Melikoglu, MA; Gñzel, R; Sen, N; Ayna, AB; Akgül,Ö; Eser, E; Ataman, SObjectives: This study aimed to assess the clinical outcomes and risk factors for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in patients with inflammatory rheumatic disease (IRD) of a national cohort. Patients and methods: The multicenter cross-sectional study was carried out between July 15, 2020, and February 28, 2021. Data collection was provided from a national network database system, and 3,532 IRD patients (2,359 males, 1,173 females; mean age: 48.7 +/- 13.9 years; range; 18 to 90 years) were analyzed. Demographics, clinics about rheumatic disease, comorbidities, smoking status, being infected with COVID-19, and the course of the infection were questioned by rheumatology specialists. Results: One hundred seventeen patients were infected with COVID-19, the hospitalization rate due to COVID-19 was 58.9%, and the mortality rate was 1.7%. There was no difference between the COVID-19 positive and negative groups in terms of rheumatic disease activities and receiving drugs. It was observed that patients with COVID-19 had worse compliance with isolation rules, and bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccination was less common. The mean age and the rate of smoking of hospitalized COVID-19 patients were higher than those without hospitalization. Conclusion: In this cohort, in which real-life data were analyzed, COVID-19 rates in IRD patients were similar to the general population for the same period. Compliance with the isolation rules and BCG vaccination attracted attention as components that reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection. The risk factors for hospitalization were older age and smoking.Item Cross-sectional analysis of cardiovascular disease and risk factors in patients with spondyloarthritis: a real-life evidence from biostar nationwide registryDuruöz, MT; Bodur, H; Ataman, S; Gürer, G; Akguel, O; Çay, HF; Çapkin, E; Sezer, I; Rezvani, A; Melikoglu, MA; Yagci, I; Yurdakul, FG; Gögüs, FN; Kamanli, A; Çevik, R; Altan, LThe association between spondyloarthritis and cardiovascular (CV) diseases is complex with variable outcomes. This study aimed to assess the prevalence rates of CV diseases and to analyze the impact of CV risk factors on CV disease in patients with spondyloarthritis. A multi-center cross-sectional study using the BioSTAR (Biological and Targeted Synthetic Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs Registry) database was performed on patients with spondyloarthritis. Socio-demographic, laboratory, and clinical data were collected. Patients with and without major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were grouped as Group 1 and Group 2. The primary outcome was the overall group's prevalence rates of CV disease and CV risk factors. The secondary outcome was the difference in socio-demographic and clinical characteristics between the groups and predictive risk factors for CV disease. There were 1457 patients with a mean age of 45.7 +/- 10.9 years. The prevalence rate for CV disease was 3% (n = 44). The distribution of these diseases was coronary artery disease (n = 42), congestive heart failure (n = 4), peripheral vascular disorders (n = 6), and cerebrovascular events (n = 4). Patients in Group 1 were significantly male (p = 0.014) and older than those in Group 2 (p < 0.001). There were significantly more patients with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic renal failure, dyslipidemia, and malignancy in Group 1 than in Group 2 (p < 0.05). Smoking (36.7%), obesity (24.4%), and hypertension (13.8%) were the most prevalent traditional CV risk factors. Hypertension (HR = 3.147, 95% CI 1.461-6.778, p = 0.003), dyslipidemia (HR = 3.476, 95% CI 1.631-7.406, p = 0.001), and cancer history (HR = 5.852, 95% CI 1.189-28.810, p = 0.030) were the independent predictors for CV disease. A multi-center cross-sectional study using the BioSTAR (Biological and Targeted Synthetic Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs Registry) database was performed on patients with spondyloarthritis. Socio-demographic, laboratory, and clinical data were collected. Patients with and without major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were grouped as Group 1 and Group 2. The primary outcome was the overall group's prevalence rates of CV disease and CV risk factors. The secondary outcome was the difference in socio-demographic and clinical characteristics between the groups and predictive risk factors for CV disease. There were 1457 patients with a mean age of 45.7 +/- 10.9 years. The prevalence rate for CV disease was 3% (n = 44). The distribution of these diseases was coronary artery disease (n = 42), congestive heart failure (n = 4), peripheral vascular disorders (n = 6), and cerebrovascular events (n = 4). Patients in Group 1 were significantly male (p = 0.014) and older than those in Group 2 (p < 0.001). There were significantly more patients with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic renal failure, dyslipidemia, and malignancy in Group 1 than in Group 2 (p < 0.05). Smoking (36.7%), obesity (24.4%), and hypertension (13.8%) were the most prevalent traditional CV risk factors. Hypertension (HR = 3.147, 95% CI 1.461-6.778, p = 0.003), dyslipidemia (HR = 3.476, 95% CI 1.631-7.406, p = 0.001), and cancer history (HR = 5.852, 95% CI 1.189-28.810, p = 0.030) were the independent predictors for CV disease. The prevalence rate of CV disease was 3.0% in patients with spondyloarthritis. Hypertension, dyslipidemia, and cancer history were the independent CV risk factors for CV disease in patients with spondyloarthritis.Item Correlation of clinical signs and magnetic resonance imaging findings in patients with lumbar spondylosisAltan, L; Ökmen, BM; Tuncer, T; Sindel, D; Çay, HF; Hepgüler, S; Sarikaya, S; Ayhan, F; Bal, A; Bilgilisoy, M; Çapkin, E; Cerrahoglu, L; Çevik, R; Dülgeroglu, D; Durmaz, B; Duruöz, T; Gürer, G; Gürsoy, S; Hizmetli, S; Kaçar, C; Kaptanoglu, E; Ecesoy, H; Melikoglu, M; Nas, K; Nur, H; Özcakir, S; Sahin, N; Sahin, O; Saridogan, M; Sendur, ÖF; Sezer, I; Bozbas, GT; Tikiz, C; Ugurlu, HObjectives: The purpose of the study was to contribute further to this debated topic by investigating the correlation of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings with the clinical picture in lumbar spondylosis patients.Patients and methods: This multicenter retrospective study (as part of the epidemiological project of the TLAR-OASG [Turkish League Against Rheumatism-Osteoarthritis Study Group]) included 514 patients (101 males, 413 females; mean age: 63.6 +/- 10.8 years; range, 40 to 85 years) who were diagnosed as lumbar spondylosis by clinical examination and direct X-ray between December 2016 and June 2018. Demographic characteristics of patients, Visual Analog Scale for pain, presence of radiating pain, Roland-Morris disability questionnaire, straight leg raise test, deep tendon reflexes, neurogenic intermittent claudication symptoms, any decrease of muscle strength, and abnormality of sensation were recorded. Lumbar MRI findings of the patients were recorded as positive or negative in terms of disc herniation, intervertebral disc degeneration, root compression, osteophytes, spinal stenosis. Statistical analysis was done to assess the correlation between the clinical symptoms, physical examination, and MRI findings.Results: Correlation analysis of the MRI results and the clinical findings showed a significant correlation between straight leg raise test and root compression (p<0.001, r=0.328) and a significant correlation between neurogenic intermittent claudication and spinal stenosis (p<0.001, r=0.376). Roland-Morris disability questionnaire had a significant correlation with all MRI findings (p<0.05, r<0.200). Conclusion: The results of this study corroborate the notion that diligent patient history and physical examination are more valuable than MRI findings, even though a higher incidence of abnormal MRI findings have been obtained in patients with disability and dermatomal radiating pain.Item Management of Psoriatic Arthritis: Turkish League Against Rheumatism (TLAR) Expert OpinionsNas, K; Kiliç, E; Çevik, R; Bodur, H; Ataman, S; Ayhan, F; Akgül, Ö; Akinci, A; Altay, Z; Çapkin, E; Dagli, AZ; Duruöz, T; Gürer, G; Gögüs, F; Garip, Y; Kaçar, C; Kamanli, A; Kaptanoglu, E; Kaya, T; Kocabas, H; Özdemirel, EA; Özel, S; Sezer, I; Sunar, I; Yilmaz, GObjectives: This study aims to establish the first national treatment recommendations by the Turkish League Against Rheumatism (TLAR) for psoriatic arthritis (PsA) based on the current evidence. Materials and methods: A systematic literature review was performed regarding the management of PsA. The TLAR expert committee consisted of 13 rheumatologists and 12 physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists experienced in the treatment and care of patients with PsA from 22 centers. The TLAR recommendations were built on those of European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) 2015. Levels of evidence and agreement were determined. Results: Recommendations included five overarching principles and 13 recommendations covering therapies for PsA, particularly focusing on musculoskeletal involvement. Level of agreement was greater than eight for each item. Conclusion: This is the first paper that summarizes the recommendations of TLAR as regards the treatment of PsA. We believe that this paper provides Turkish physicians dealing with PsA patients a practical guide in their routine clinical practice.Item The clinical, functional, and radiological features of hand osteoarthritis: TLAR-osteoarthritis multi-center cohort studyDuruöz, MT; Gürsoy, DE; Tuncer, T; Altan, L; Ayhan, F; Bal, A; Bilgilisoy, M; Cerrahoglu, L; Çapkin, E; Çay, HF; Çevik, R; Durmaz, B; Dülgeroglu, D; Gürer, G; Gürsoy, S; Hepgüler, S; Hizmetli, S; Kaçar, C; Kaptanoglu, E; Kaya, T; Ecesoy, H; Melikoglu, MA; Nas, K; Nur, H; Özçakir, S; Saridogan, M; Sarikaya, S; Sezer, I; Sindel, D; Sahin, N; Sahin, Ö; Sendur, ÖF; Bozbas, GT; Tikiz, C; Ugurlu, HObjectives: This study aims to evaluate the clinical, functional, and radiological features of hand osteoarthritis (OA) and to examine their relationships in different geographic samples of the Turkish population. Patients and methods: Between April 2017 and January 2019, a total of 520 patients (49 males, 471 females; mean age: 63.6 +/- 9.8 years) with hand OA were included in the study from 26 centers across Turkiye by the Turkish League Against Rheumatism (TLAR). The demographic characteristics, grip strengths with Jamar dynamometer, duration of hand pain (month), the severity of hand pain (Visual Analog Scale [ VAS]), and morning stiffness were evaluated. The functional disability was evaluated with Duruoz Hand Index (DHI). The Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) OA scoring system was used to assess the radiological stage of hand OA. Results: The DHI had significant correlations with VAS- pain (r= 0.367, p<0.001), duration of pain (r=0.143, p=0.001) and bilateral handgrip strengths (r=-0.228, p=0.001; r=-0.303, p<0.001). Although DHI scores were similar between the groups in terms of the presence of hand deformity (p= 0.125) or Heberden's nodes (p=0.640), the mean DHI scores were significantly higher in patients with Bouchard's nodes (p=0.015). The total number of nodes had no significant correlations with the VAS-pain and DHI score (p>0.05). The differences between the groups of radiological hand OA grades in terms of age (p= 0.007), VAS-pain (p<0.001), duration of pain (p<0.001), and DHI (p<0.001) were significant. There were no significant differences between radiological hand OA grades according to the duration of the stiffness, grip strength, and BMI (p>0.05 for all). Conclusion: In our population, the patients with hand OA had pain, functional disability, and weak grip strength. The functional impairment was significantly correlated with the severity of the pain, and the functional status was worse in high radiological hand OA grades.Item Description of the registry of patients with ankylosing spondylitis in Turkey: TRASD-IPBodur, H; Ataman, S; Bugdayci, DS; Rezvani, A; Nas, K; Uzunca, K; Emlakcioglu, E; Karatepe, AG; Durmuus, B; Sezgin, M; Ayhan, F; Yazgan, P; Duruöoz, T; Yener, M; Gürgan, A; Kirnap, M; Çakar, E; Altan, L; Soydemir, R; Çapkin, E; Tekeoglu, I; Aydin, G; Günendi, Z; Nacir, B; Salli, A; Öztürk, C; Memis, A; Turan, Y; Kozanoglu, E; Sivrioglu, KA web-based application patient follow-up program was developed to create a registry of patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) by the Turkiye Romatizma Arastirma Savas Dernegi (TRASD) AS Study Group. This study describes the methodological background and patient characteristics. The patient follow-up program is a web-based questionnaire, which contains sections on socio-demographic data, anamnesis, personal and family history, systemic and musculoskeletal examination, laboratory and imaging data and treatment. Between October 1, 2007 and February 28, 2009, 1,381 patients from 41 centers were included in the registry (1,038 males [75.2%]; mean age 39.5 +/- A 10.7 years). Mean disease duration was 12.1 +/- A 8.5 years, and mean time from initial symptom to diagnosis was 5 +/- A 6.8 years (median 2 years). HLA-B27 positivity was detected in 73.7% of 262 patients tested. Manifestations of extraarticular involvement were anterior uveitis (13.2%), psoriasis and other skin and mucous membrane lesions (6%) and inflammatory bowel disease (3.8%). The prevalence of peripheral arthritis was 11.2%. In 51.7% of patients, the Bath AS Disease Activity Index was a parts per thousand yen4. But since our patients consisted of the ones with more severe disease who referred to the tertiary centers and needed a regular follow-up, they may not represent the general AS population. Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs were being used by 41.9% of patients, with 16.4% using anti-TNF agents. TRASD-IP (Izlem Programi: Follow-up program) is the first AS registry in Turkey. Such databases are very useful and provide a basis for data collection from large numbers of subjects. TRASD-IP gives information on the clinical and demographic profiles of patients, and the efficacy and safety of anti-TNF drugs, examines the impact on quality of life, and provides real-life data that may be used in cost-effectiveness analyses.Item Turkish League Against Rheumatism (TLAR) Recommendations for the Pharmacological management of Rheumatoid Arthritis: 2018 Update Under Guidance of Current RecommendationsAtaman, S; Sunar, I; Yilmaz, G; Bodur, H; Nas, K; Ayhan, FF; Akgül, Ö; Akinci, A; Altay, Z; Birtani, M; Soy Bugdayci, D; Çapkin, E; Çevik, R; Garip Çimen, Y; Duruöz, MT; Elhan, AH; Gürer, G; Kaçar, C; Kamanli, A; Kaptanoglu, E; Kaya, T; Kocabas, H; Kuru, Ö; Alkan Melikoglu, M; Özel, S; Rezvani, A; Sezer, I; Gül Yurdakul, FObjectives: This study aims to report the assessment of the Turkish League Against Rheumatism (TLAR) expert panel on the compliance and adaptation of the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) 2016 recommendations for the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Turkey. Patients and methods: The EULAR 2016 recommendations for the treatment of RA were voted by 27 specialists experienced in this field with regard to participation rate for each recommendation and significance of items. Afterwards, each recommendation was brought forward for discussion and any alteration gaining >= 70% approval was accepted. Also, Turkish version of each item was rearranged. Last version of the recommendations was then revoted to determine the level of agreement. Levels of agreement of the two voting rounds were compared with Wilcoxon signed-rank test. In case of significant difference, the item with higher level of agreement was accepted. In case of no difference, the changed item was selected. Results: Four overarching principles and 12 recommendations were assessed among which three overarching principles and one recommendation were changed. The changed overarching principles emphasized the importance of physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists as well as rheumatologists for the care of RA patients in Turkey. An alteration was made in the eighth recommendation on treatment of active RA patients with unfavorable prognostic indicators after failure of three conventional disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. Remaining principles were accepted as the same although some alterations were suggested but could not find adequate support to reach significance. Conclusion: Expert opinion of the TLAR for the treatment of RA was composed for practices in Turkish rheumatology and/or physical medicine and rehabilitation clinics.Item Turkish League Against Rheumatism Consensus Report: Recommendations For Management of Axial SpondyloarthritisBodur, H; Yurdakul, FG; Ataman, S; Garip, Y; Nas, K; Ayhan, FF; Akgül, Ö; Akinci, A; Altay, Z; Birtane, M; Soy Bugdayci, D; Çapkin, E; Çevik, R; Duruöz, T; Gürer, G; Kaçar, C; Kamanli, A; Kaptanoglu, E; Kaya, T; Kocabas, H; Kuru, Ö; Melikoglu, MA; Özdemirel, E; Özel, S; Rezvani, A; Sezer, I; Sunar, I; Yilmaz, GObjectives: This study aims to update 2011 Turkish League Against Rheumatism SpondyloArthritis Recommendations, and to compose a national expert opinion on management of axial spondyloarthritis under guidance of current guidelines, and implantation and dissemination of these international guidelines into our clinical practice. Materials and methods: A scientific committee of 28 experts consisting of 14 rheumatologists and 14 physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists (one of them also has an immunology PhD) was formed. The recommendations, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses including pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment were scrutinized paying special attention with convenient key words. The draft of Turkish League Against Rheumatism opinion whose roof consisted of international treatment recommendations, particularly the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society/European League Against Rheumatism recommendations was composed. Assessment of level of agreement with opinions by task force members was established through the Delphi technique. Voting using a numerical rating scale assessed the strength of each recommendation. Results: Panel compromised on five basic principles and 13 recommendations including pharmacological and nonpharmacological methods. All of the recommendations had adequate strength. Conclusion: Turkish League Against Rheumatism expert opinion for the management of axial spondyloArthritis was developed based on scientific evidence. These recommendations will be updated regularly in accordance with current developments.Item Turkish Compliance and Adaptation of EULAR 2013 Recommendations for the Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis with Synthetic and Biological Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs: Expert Opinion of TLARAtaman, S; Sürmeli, ZS; Sunar, I; Özdemirel, E; Akinci, A; Bodur, H; Akgül, Ö; Altan, L; Altay, Z; Ayhan, F; Birtane, M; Soy Bugdayci, D; Çapkin, E; Cerrahoglu, L; Duruöz, MT; Günaydin, R; Günendi, Z; Gürer, G; Bal, A; Kaçar, C; Kaptanoglu, E; Kaya, T; Kocabas, H; Kotevoglu, N; Nas, K; Rezvani, A; Sen, N; Sendur, OF; Yalçin, PObjectives: This study aims to report Turkish League Against Rheumatism's assessment on the compliance of European League Against Rheumatism 2013 treatment recommendations for rheumatoid arthritis with practices in Turkish rheumatology clinics and adaptations for Turkey. Materials and methods: Members of Turkish League Against Rheumatism and one rheumatoid arthritis patient voted for the 2013 recommendations of the European League Against Rheumatism for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in two sessions. An item was changed and voted again only if at least 70% of participants wanted a change. Strength of recommendations was calculated for the items. Strength of recommendations for the changed items in the first and second voting rounds was compared by Wilcoxon signed-rank test. In case of significant difference, the item with higher strength of recommendation was accepted. In case of no difference, the changed item was selected. Results: Three overarching principles and fourteen recommendations were assessed among which the three overarching principles were changed emphasizing the importance of physiatrists as well as rheumatologists for taking care of the patients. Third item was changed by adding composite indices for assessing disease activity. In the ninth recommendation, rituximab was suggested as a first line drug independent of situations like latent tuberculosis or lymphoma, etc. In the 11th recommendation, unlike European League Against Rheumatism, our committee did not suggest any thought about tofacitinib, as then it had not been approved in Turkey. Remaining principles were accepted as the same. Conclusion: Expert opinion of Turkish League Against Rheumatism for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis patients was formed for practices in Turkish clinics.