Sexual functions in ankylosing spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the axial skeleton. In recent years, several authors reported an increased prevalence of sexual dysfunction among AS patients. We aimed to find out, whether the prevalence of erectile dysfunction among AS patients is different from age-matched healthy controls. Thirty-seven male patients with AS who were diagnosed according to the modified New York criteria and 67 normal healthy controls (NHC) were included in this study. Clinical characteristics of patients including age, disease duration and morning stiffness were noted. Disease activity was evaluated by using Bath AS disease activity index (BASDAI), functional statement was evaluated by using Bath AS functional index, and scores of spinal measurements were done by using Bath AS metrology index. Erectile function is evaluated using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) scoring system. Health-related quality of life was assessed by short form 36. The mean age of the patients and controls were 42.8 + 10.8 and 43.6 + 5.9 years (P = 0.666). The prevalence of erectile dysfunction in AS patients and NHC were 35.1 and 26.9%, respectively (P = 0.335). There was no statistically significant difference between IIEF domain scores of AS patients and NHC except for the sexual desire domain (P = 0.014). Duration of morning stiffness and BASDAI was negatively correlated with sexual desire and overall satisfaction; however, they have no negative impact on erectile function, orgasmic function and intercourse satisfaction domains of IIEF. In this report, we showed that only the sexual desire domain of IIEF was significantly lower in AS patients. The prevalence of erectile dysfunction among AS patients is similar to NHC, which is a finding contrary to previous reports. AS patients do not suffer from erectile dysfunction, they rather have problems of satisfaction from the intercourse.     

Sexual dysfunction is highly prevalent among men with chronic hepatitis C virus infection and negatively impacts health-related quality of life

OBJECTIVES: Although sexual dysfunction has been reported in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, little is known about this association. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of sexual dysfunction among men with chronic HCV infection and to evaluate the impact of sexual dysfunction on health-related quality of life (HRQOL). METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 112 HCV positive men and 239 HCV negative controls, and all patients completed validated questionnaires to assess sexual function (Brief Male Sexual Function Inventory [BMSFI]), depression (Beck Depression Inventory), and HRQOL (Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36). The BMSFI assessed sexual drive, erection, ejaculation, sexual problem assessment, and overall sexual satisfaction. RESULTS: HCV positive men had significantly more sexual dysfunction than control subjects across all five domains of the BMFSI. In addition, HCV-infected men were significantly more likely than controls to not be sexually satisfied (53.6% vs 28.9%, p<0.001) and this remained statistically significant after adjusting for age, race, and other potential confounding variables (OR=3.36; 95% CI, 1.59-7.13). In the 241 individuals without depression, HCV positive men were significantly more likely to not be sexually satisfied as compared with control subjects (47.5% vs 11.0%, p<0.001). HCV-infected men who were not sexually satisfied scored significantly worse in six of eight domains of HRQOL as compared with HCV-infected men who were sexually satisfied. CONCLUSIONS: Sexual dysfunction is highly prevalent in men with chronic HCV infection, is independent of depression, and is associated with a marked reduction in HRQOL.     

Assessment of sexual functions in female patients with ankylosing spondylitis compared with healthy controls

Healthy human sexuality is integral to a well-lived life. Recent studies reported that sexual problems were common in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in relation to the consequences of the illness such as pain, stiffness of the spine and depression. Twenty-three female patients with AS and 27 healthy female controls were applied the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) to determine the influence of the disease on sexual functions. The rate of low sexual function was 60.9% in female patients with AS and 66.7% in healthy controls (P > 0.05). Ten patients were depressed in our study group according to the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), while 15 healthy controls were depressed (P > 0.05). No statistically significant differences were found between the female patients and controls in FSFI and BDI scores. There was a significant correlation between BDI and total FSFI, desire and orgasm domains in female patients with AS. Pain, disease activity and functional status of the patients with AS were correlated with FSFI. However, there was no correlation between spinal mobility, laboratory parameters and sexual functions. General health, vitality, emotional role and mental health subscales of Short Form-36 were correlated with total FSFI scores. We did not find any relationship between AS quality of life scale and sexual functions. Sexual dysfunctions are common, but not different in female patients with AS when compared with healthy controls. Sexual problems in female patients with AS seem to be associated with higher depression level, increased disease activity, decreased functionality, higher pain scores and decreased quality of life.     

Associations of Peritoneal Glucose Load With Male Sexual Dysfunction and Depression in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

This cross‐sectional study examined possible associations of peritoneal glucose load with male sexual dysfunction and depression in peritoneal dialysis patients. Compared to patients with peritoneal glucose load ≤3 g/kg per day, those with load >3 g/kg per day had higher Beck Depression Inventory scores, (18.9 ± 5.4 vs. 11.4 ± 5.8, P = 0.002) and lower International Index of Erectile Function scores, serum total testosterone and DHEA [(15.4 ± 6.4 vs. 45.1 ± 20.7, P < 0.001), (8.5 ± 3.0 vs. 13.9 ± 3.2, P < 0.001), (113.9 ± 58.8 vs. 280.2 ± 128.3, P < 0.001); respectively)]. Of participants with peritoneal glucose load >3 g/kg per day, 84.6% had mild to moderate erectile dysfunction and 92.3% had abnormal Beck Depression Inventory scores. Peritoneal glucose load inversely correlated with International Index of Erectile Function scores (P < 0.001), total serum testosterone (P = 0.002) and serum DHEA (P = 0.001); and directly with Beck Depression Inventory scores (P < 0.001) and serum estradiol (P < 0.001). This study demonstrated higher prevalence of sexual dysfunction, depression and sex hormone disturbances in male peritoneal dialysis patients receiving higher peritoneal glucose load.     

Depression, Testosterone Concentration, Sexual Dysfunction and Methadone Use Among Men with Hypogonadism and HIV Infection

Low testosterone levels are associated with depression and impaired sexual performance. We examined the association between hypogonadism, sexual function and depression among men with HIV infection in Shiraz, Iran. A total of 237 male HIV-positive patients referred to voluntary counseling centers were recruited based on convenience sampling from May to October 2010. All patients provided informed consent and completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) and Brief Male Sexual Function Inventory (BMSFI). Blood samples were collected after an overnight fast to measure free testosterone (FT) concentration. Hypogonadism was found in 68?% of the participants, and about 68.8?% had moderate and severe depression. Serum FT levels were significantly lower in patients with depression and a direct association was found between the risk of hypogonadism and increased BDI-II score. Among methadone nonusers and nondepressed patients, an inverse association was found between hypogonadal and eugonadal men in the sexual drive, erectile and ejaculatory function domains of the BMSFI. However, there was no significant association between methadone user status and depression. Depression and hypogonadism had a reciprocal effect. Depression and methadone use were associated with hypogonadism and had a significant effect on sexual function.     

Comparison of group-based exercise versus home-based exercise in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: effects on Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Indices,quality of life and depression

The objective of this non-randomised controlled trial was to evaluate the impact of group-based exercise programme and a home-based exercise programme on Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Indices, depression and quality of life in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Approximately 41 patients in a rehabilitation unit were divided into two groups, either group- or home-based exercise programme. Exercise sessions were performed three times a week for a period of 6 weeks. The patients were compared before and after the rehabilitation programme, with respect to Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Assessment Index (BASDAI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and The Nottingham Health Profile (NHP). A statistically significant improvement was observed on BASDAI, BASMI and energy, pain, reaction of emotional and sleep subscores of NHP in both exercise groups after the exercise programme (p < 0.05). No statistically significant changes were detected in BASFI, BDI and social and mobility subscores of NHP in both exercise groups (p > 0.05). No statistically significant differences were found between the two exercise programmes (p > 0.05). Group and home-based exercise programmes are efficient in improving symptoms and mobility and had an important effect on quality of life in patients with AS. Home-based exercise programme, as it is cheaper, more easily performed and efficient, may be preferable for the management programme in AS.     

Relationship of the sexual functions with the clinical parameters, radiological scores and the quality of life in male patients with ankylosing spondylitis

The aim of this study was to explore the impact of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and the disease-related variables on the patients’ sexual function according to the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) scoring system. A total of 70 sexually active male AS patients and 60 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Their demographic data were evaluated, and the pain was assessed according to the visual analogue scale (VAS). Laboratory tests were conducted in order to measure the C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rates (ESR) of the patients. The disease activity was evaluated using the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI). Functional statement was evaluated with the help of the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) and with the scores obtained from the spinal measurements with the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI). The Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Radiology Index (BASRI) was used to evaluate the radiological damage. The disease-related quality of life was measured with the Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (ASQoL). The anxiety and depression level of the patients was revealed through the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). In comparison with the healthy control group, patients with AS had significantly lower scores in each of the 5 domains of the IIEF (p < 0.0001). The BASDAI, BASFI, BASMI, BASRI, ASQoL, HADS scores and CRP levels were negatively correlated with IIEF (p < 0.05). Orgasmic function and sexual desire scores were significantly lower in patients with peripheral arthritis (p < 0.05). No significant correlation was observed with the disease duration, smoking status, pain (VAS), and ESR levels when the total scores and the scores from the domains of IIEF were compared. The multivariate regression analyses indicated that BASFI and BASMI were independently associated with the sexual function. The sexual function is impaired in male patients with AS. This impairment in the sexual function is especially correlated with the BASFI and BASMI among the clinical and laboratory parameters.     

Disability and related factors in patients with chronic cervical myofascial pain

The aim of this study is to detect whether cervical myofascial pain leads to disability and to determine factors associated with disability in patients with chronic cervical myofascial pain. One hundred-three female patients with chronic cervical myofascial pain and 30 age-matched healthy females participated. Main outcome measurements are visual analog scale, Neck Pain and Disability scale, Beck Depression Inventory and pain pressure threshold measurements from the most usual trigger-point locations of trapezius, levator scapula, multifidus, and splenius capitis muscles. The Neck Pain and Disability scale and Beck Depression Inventory scores of the patient group were higher than controls. In the patient group, the total Neck Pain and Disability scale scores were significantly correlated with the pain pressure threshold values of the trapezius and levator scapula muscles and Beck Depression Inventory scores. Regression analyses showed that increased disease duration (R ² = 0.37), decreased pain pressure threshold values of trapezius muscle (R ² = 0.04), unilateral disease (R ² = 0.02) and increased Beck Depression Inventory scores (R ² = 0.02) were associated with higher disability. Cervical myofascial pain is a reason for disability in chronic neck pain population. Disease duration was found as the strongest predictor of disability.     

Home-based exercise therapy in ankylosing spondylitis: short-term prospective study in patients receiving tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitors

The importance of exercise and regular physiotherapy in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) under treatment with tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitors (TNFα inhibitors) was reported in some studies, but the literature on this topic is still scarce. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of home-based exercise therapy on functional capacity, disease activity, spinal mobility, quality of life, emotional state and fatigue in patients with AS receiving TNFα inhibitors. Forty-two AS patients were trained on the disease, and home-based exercise program was demonstrated to all the patients. At baseline and at the end of 10 week, we evaluated Bath AS Disease Activity Index, Bath AS Functional Index, Bath AS Metrology Index, Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue Scale, Beck Depression Inventory and Short-Form 36. Patients following home-based exercise program five times a week at least 30 min per session (exercise group) were compared with those exercising less than five times a week (control group). At baseline, exercise and control group had similar demographic features. After 10 weeks, all outcome parameters showed statistically significant improvements in exercise group. There were significant differences in all the parameters except social functioning subscale of Short-Form 36 between groups in favor of exercise group at 10th week (P < 0.05). Home-based exercise program is an effective therapy in increasing functional capacity and joint mobility, decreasing disease activity, improving emotional state, fatigue and quality of life for AS patient receiving TNFα inhibitors. We need to find out new ways to provide continuity of AS patients with it.     

Effects of a home-based exercise program on quality of life, fatigue, and depression in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

The aim of this trial was to investigate the effects of a 12-week home-based exercise program (HEP) on quality of life (QOL) and fatigue in patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS). Forty-three patients with AS were included in this study. Group 1 was given a HEP; Group 2 served as the control group. The functional capacity (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index), disease activity (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Assessment Index), fatigue (Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue Scale), depression (Beck Depression Inventory scores), and QOL (Short Form 36) of all participants were evaluated. There were significant improvements for all the parameters in two groups after the treatment. The improvements for all the parameters were better in the exercise group than in the control group. Home-based exercise programs are very effective in improving QOL and reducing fatigue. Because of these advantages, HEP should be advised for the management program in AS in addition to medical treatments. This study was presented at the 21st National Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Congress, Antalya, Turkey, 24–29 September 2007.     

Sexual dysfunction in fibromyalgia patients

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in female patients with fibromyalgia (FM), the impact of FM on sexual activity and the factors associated with sexual dysfunction in these patients.METHODS:Thirty-one consecutive women with FM were enrolled; two groups of 20 aged-matched healthy women and 26 patients with rheumatoid arth-ritis (RA) were used as controls. Demographic features were recorded in all patients. A cross-sectional analysis of pain (100-mm VAS scale), anxiety and depression (as determined by the STAI and Beck Depression Inventory scales, respectively) was performed. Sexual function was assessed by the Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (CSFQ).RESULTS:FM and RA patients showed a significantly higher rate of sexual dysfunction compared to healthy controls. Sexual dysfunction was more frequent among FM patients (97%) than in RA patients (84%) but without statistical differences. A univariate analysis showed that age (p=0.0002), marital (p=0.036) and work status (p=0.048), pain intensity (p=0.007), level of anxiety (p=0.002), level of depression (p=0.0005), were significantly associated with sexual dysfunction in FM. However, only the intensity of depression was associated with the sexual dysfunction in patients with FM in the multivariate analysis (p=0.012).CONCLUSIONS:Sexual function was very frequently and severely affected in patients with FM and this impairment appeared to be particularly associated with the degree of depression. The recognition of this dysfunction and its inclusion for the multidisciplanary management of FM may contribute to improve quality of life of these patients.     

Genital sympathetic skin responses in fibromyalgia syndrome

The study was designed to investigate the autonomic dysfunction in fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) by recording sympathetic skin response (SSR) from palmar, plantar and genital regions. The second aim was to evaluate the relation between sexual problems and autonomic dysfunction in FMS. SSR potential was recorded from palmar, plantar and genital regions in 28 married, female FMS patients and 18 married, healthy females. Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) was used to show the clinical severity and functional disability in FMS patients. Glombok Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS), a 28-item questionnaire, was used to assess the existence and severity of sexual problems. Beck test was used to evaluate anxiety and depression. The amplitude of SSR recorded from palmar, plantar and genital regions was lower than in the control subjects (P < 0.05). GRISS (total and subscale), Beck test and FIQ scores of FMS patients were higher than in the control subjects (P < 0.05). No correlation was found between the SSR potential and GRISS scores. The results of our study reveal that abnormality in SSR recorded from palmar, plantar and genital regions reflects the abnormality in the autonomic nervous system (ANS) of FMS patients. These patients have more sexual problems than healthy subjects, and we think this finding is related to increased anxiety and depression in these patients.     

Analysis of Quality of Life,Depression, and Sexual Function in Patients on the Liver Transplant List

Background: The only treatment in patients developing liver failure is liver transplantation. According to the Ministry of Health, the number of patients waiting for a liver transplantation is 2141, the average waiting period for liver transplantation is approximately 5 years, and 15-18% of these patients lose their life while waiting for transplantation. In these patients, limitations in daily activities and depression–anxiety are commonly found. The aim of this study was to analyze life quality, depression symptoms, and existence of sexual functional disorders of patients waiting for liver transplantation.Methods: A total of 74 patients, who were registered in Başkent University Hospital between 2015 and 2018, were included into the study. Short Form-36, Beck Depression Inventory, and Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale were applied to 56 patients who approved study.Results: Most of the patients were male (64.3%), and the mean age was 46 (18-64). Short Form-36 scores were low in all patients. The mean Beck Depression Inventory score of patients was found as 18.4 ± 11.3, and they were suffering from moderate depressive symptoms. According to Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale, total mean scores of males was found as 16.3 ± 5.5, and for females, it was 19.5 ± 5.3 with a statistically significant difference (P < .05). It was found that sexual dysfunction mostly had moderate to mild. Conclusion: Depression and sexual dysfunction are common in patients with chronic liver diseases, and their life qualities deteriorate significantly. It is anticipated that evaluation of these patients in terms of psychological issues and sexual dysfunction will increase their quality of life during the organ waiting period and affect their well-being post-transplant.     

Effects of dynamic exercise on circulating IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels in patients with rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis

This study was performed to determine the effects of short-term dynamic exercise on serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) levels in the patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Patients with RA or AS and healthy controls were recruited. Dynamic treadmill exercise therapy was accomplished for 20 min/session with all of the participants. There were five sessions per week for 2 weeks. Morning stiffness duration, body pain, Stanford health assessment questionnaire, Ritchie articular index, Bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index (BASDAI), and Bath ankylosing spondylitis functional index (BASFI) were evaluated in the RA and AS patients. Laboratory assessments included: erythrocyte sedimentation rate, serum C-reactive protein, IGF-1, and IGFBP-3. Clinical and laboratory assessments were recorded at baseline and during exercise treatment on days 7 and 15. Twenty patients with RA, 15 with AS, and 14 healthy controls were included in this study. The pain evaluation, Ritchie, BASDAI, and BASFI scores were significantly improved by the exercise treatment in both patient groups. The important increases were found in circulating IGF-1 in RA (p < 0.001) and AS (p = 0.001) at the end of 2 weeks. In control individuals, serum IGF-1 levels showed a significant decline in the first week (p < 0.05). No significant changes were observed on serum IGFBP-3 levels. Our data suggest that serum IGF-1 levels are increased by the dynamic exercise program in RA and AS patients. The increased IGF-1 may play an important role in the beneficial effects of dynamic exercise therapy in these patients.     

Ventricular diastolic function of ankylosing spondylitis patients by using conventional pulsed wave Doppler, myocardial performance index and tissue Doppler imaging

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate ventricular functions by using standard Doppler echocardiography (SDE), myocardial performance index (MPI), and pulsed wave tissue Doppler imaging (PW-TDI) in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and healthy controls. METHODS: Forty-nine AS patients (38 +/- 11 years, 25 M/24 F) and 33 controls (36 +/- 9 years, 17 M/16 F) were studied. Two-dimensional, M-Mode, SDE, PW-TDI echocardiography examinations were performed. Spinal mobility was assessed by the Bath ankylosing spondylitis metrology index (BASMI) measurement. Patients were also evaluated using the Bath ankylosing spondylitis functional index (BASFI) and the Bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index (BASDAI). RESULTS: Four control subjects and six AS patients met the left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction (DD) criteria by using conventional Doppler echocardiography (p > 0.05). However, using PW-TDI method 22 patients in the AS group and six subjects in the control group were diagnosed to have LV DD (Em/Am < 1). Pseudonormalized pattern was present in 16 AS patients and two control subjects. Correlation analysis revealed significant moderate negative correlations between Em/Am and BASMI, age and body mass index (p < 0.05; r =-0.3, -0.6, and -0.4, respectively). No correlation was observed between Em/Am and disease duration, BASFI, BASDAI, CRP, and ESR. We could not detect any right ventricular function involvement either by conventional or by recently introduced echocardiography methods. The risk of developing LV DD was found to be 3.7 times higher in AS patients. CONCLUSION: When sensitive echocardiographic Doppler techniques such as MPI, TDI-derived MPI, and PW-TDI are utilized, DD can be detected in a significant proportion of patients with AS without cardiovascular (CV) disease which may contribute CV mortality in these patients.     

Body composition,insulin, and leptin levels in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of chronic inflammation on insulin resistance, serum leptin levels, and body composition (BC) in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and healthy controls. Twenty-eight AS patients and 17 healthy controls were included in this study. Subjects with hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and obesity were excluded. Acute phase reactants and serum levels of glucose, insulin, lipids, and leptin were studied. BC was determined anthropometrically and by foot-to-foot body fat analyzer (BIA, bioelectrical impedance analysis). Quantitative insulin-sensitivity check index, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance, and McAuley indices were calculated. Spinal mobility was assessed by the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI). Patients were also evaluated with the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index and the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index. Age, sex distribution, smoking status, serum lipids, insulin concentrations, and insulin resistance indices were comparable between AS patients and controls (p > 0.05). However, acute phase reactants were significantly higher and leptin levels were significantly lower in the AS patients than in controls (p < 0.05). Fat percent assessed by both BIA and anthropometrical methods was lower in the male and female AS patients than in controls, and this reduced fat level reached statistical significance for men (p < 0.05). There were significant correlations between percent body fat, body mass index, leptin, age, and BASMI (p < 0.05; r = 0.6, 0.75, 0.35, -0.41, respectively). On the other hand, body fat percent, waist-to-hip ratio, C-reactive protein, and BASMI were significantly correlated with serum leptin levels (p < 0.05; r = 0.75, -0.42, -0.52, -0.47, respectively). Chronic inflammatory condition in AS may be responsible for the reduced body fat content and lower circulating leptin concentrations. Insulin levels and insulin resistance indices seem similar in patients and controls in the absence of classic vascular risk factors.     

Gender and disease features in Moroccan patients with ankylosing spondylitis

This study was conducted to determine differences in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) between men and women in terms of clinical characteristics, biological features, structural severity and quality of life (QoL). A total of 130 consecutive AS patients fulfilling the modified New York criteria were included. Sociodemographic data were collected. The activity of disease was assessed by the Bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index (BASDAI) and the functional disability by the Bath Ankylosing spondylitis functional index (BASFI). Spinal mobility was measured using the occiput-to-wall distance, chest expansion, Schober index and the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI). The Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Radiologic Index (BASRI) was used to evaluate structural damage. Fatigue was evaluated using a visual analogue scale and the QoL was measured by using the generic instrument SF-36. Laboratory tests included the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and the C-reactive protein (CRP). In our sample, there were 87 (66.9%) men and 43 (33.1%) women. Women had significantly lower educational levels but there were no differences in socioeconomic status, age at onset, diagnosis delay, disease duration or treatments. Also, women had higher clinical disease activity (morning stiffness and BASDAI score), higher number of tender joints, more severe enthesitis and higher scores of fatigue (for all p ≤ 0.05). Moreover, hip involvement was more prevalent in men and the impairment of spinal mobility was significantly worse compared to women (for all p ≤ 0.001). Men had worse radiographic damage and lower scores in physical and social domains of QoL, but there were no differences in functional impairment scores. In this study, we noticed that AS presents differently according to gender in our patients. More longitudinal studies seem to be necessary to identify gender-related parameters of disease, thing that may help in diagnosis and therapeutic management of our AS patients.     

Plasma testosterone and sexual function in men receiving buprenorphine maintenance for opioid dependence

High-dose methadone is well known to cause testosterone deficiency and sexual dysfunction in opioid-dependent men. Buprenorphine is a new drug for the pharmacotherapy of opioid dependence. Its influence on the gonadal axis has not been investigated to date. We therefore assayed testosterone, free testosterone, estradiol, SHBG, LH, FSH, and prolactin in 17 men treated with buprenorphine. Thirty-seven men treated with high-dose methadone and 51 healthy blood donors served as controls. Sexual function and depression were assessed using a self-rating sexual function questionnaire and the Beck Depression Inventory. Patients treated with buprenorphine had a significantly higher testosterone level [5.1 +/- 1.2 ng/ml (17.7 +/- 4.2 nmol/liter) vs. 2.8 +/- 1.2 ng/ml (9.7 +/- 4.2 nmol/liter); P < 0.0001] and a significantly lower frequency of sexual dysfunction (P < 0.0001) compared with patients treated with methadone. The testosterone level of buprenorphine-treated patients did not differ from that of healthy controls. In conclusion, we demonstrated for the first time that buprenorphine, in contrast with high-dose methadone, seems not to suppress plasma testosterone in heroin-addicted men. To this effect, buprenorphine was less frequently related to sexual side effects. Buprenorphine might therefore be favored in the treatment of opioid dependence to prevent patients from the clinical consequences of methadone-induced hypogonadism.     

A primary analysis of sexual problems in Chinese patients with ankylosing spondylitis

While the physical impact of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is central to clinical treatment, the sexual problems associated with AS are often overlooked. Sexual problems may be related to a variety of undocumented demographic parameters, physical impairments, and psychological problems. These associations were examined through a single-center cross-sectional study of 103 AS patients (78 males and 25 females) and 121 healthy individuals (73 males and 48 females). All participants provided information pertaining to sexual problems, sociodemographics, and clinical characteristics via written questionnaires including multiple-choice questions conducted independently in the clinical setting under physician supervision. Rates of both prevalence and severity of sexual dysfunctions in AS patients were much higher than those observed in healthy individuals. Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis (BAS) Disease Activity Index and two parameters of body image disturbance (distress and impairment in social functioning) correlated with impaired partner relationships (P < 0.05). BAS mobility index, impaired social functioning, and BAS functionality index were the most significant causes of impaired sexual function (P < 0.05) in AS patients. Both physical and psychological factors were shown to impact sexual relationships and function in Chinese AS patients. To more effectively manage AS in clinical settings, rheumatologists and nursing specialists should be aware of the condition’s impact on sexual health, considering both physical outcomes, such as disease activity and physical function, as well as psychological well-being.     

Validation of the Turkish version of the fatigue severity scale in patients with fibromyalgia

The aim of the study was to investigate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the fatigue severity scale (FSS) in fibromyalgia (FM) patients. Sixty-one FM patients and 54 healthy controls were evaluated using the Turkish version of the FSS. Reliability was investigated using test–retest reliability and internal consistency. Concurrent validity was evaluated between the FSS score and the VAS fatigue. Convergent validity was assessed by comparing the FSS score with the scores of VAS pain, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ). Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was used to evaluate validity. Test–retest reliability and internal consistency of the FSS were excellent in FM patients (ICC: 0.94, Cronbach’s alpha coefficient: 0.85) and in the healthy controls (ICC: 0.90, Cronbach’s alpha coefficient: 0.91). For the concurrent validity, the correlation between the FSS and VAS fatigue was very good in FM group (r: 0.63, P: 0.000) and in the healthy controls (r: 0.94, P: 0.000). For the convergent validity, correlations between the FSS and BDI, BAI, FIQ, pain intensity were moderate to good in both groups (P: 0.000). The Turkish version of the FSS has been proved to be valid and reliable to detect severity of fatigue in FM patients. We recommend the use of it in clinical practice.