Hospitalization Outcomes of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Complicated with Diabetic Ketoacidosis.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) poses a significant medical emergency in both type 1 (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. Recent attention has focused on the emergence of euglycemic DKA associated with sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. OBJECTIVES: To understand the epidemiology and outcomes of DKA, particularly in T2DM patients. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of 204 patients admitted with DKA to Shamir Medical Center (2013-2021). We assessed demographics, clinical characteristics, and outcomes. Patients were stratified by diabetes type and SGLT2 inhibitor treatment status. RESULTS: Among the 204 patients with DKA, 38.2% had T2DM. Patients with T2DM exhibited older age, higher co-morbidity burden, and greater prevalence of microvascular complications compared to T1DM patients. Mortality rates were notably higher among T2DM patients, despite similar DKA severity at presentation, including in-hospital mortality rates of 6.4% vs. 0%, P < 0.05, and 90-day mortality rates of 7.7% vs. 0%, P < 0.05. T2DM was independently associated with adverse hospitalization outcomes, including a composite of rehospitalization, prolonged hospital stays, and mortality (odds ratio 2.68, 95% confidence interval 1.302-5.557). SGLT2 inhibitor treatment did not affect hospitalization outcomes of patients with T2DM. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings underscore the importance of recognizing DKA as a substantial complication in diabetic patients, particularly those with T2DM. Vigilance in management, adherence to DKA guidelines, and awareness of triggers such as SGLT2 inhibitors are crucial for improving outcomes in this population.

A novel operational protocol for the establishment of a medical facility for receiving returning hostages: structure, process and outcomes.

BACKGROUND: On October 7, 2023, Hamas carried out an unprecedented attack on the State of Israel and kidnapped 251 people into captivity to the Gaza Strip. Several months later, as part of a humanitarian exchange deal, 105 hostages were released in five phases and admitted to one of six hospitals throughout the country for treatment. Shamir Medical Center (SMC) was one of these facilities. This study aims to describe the structure, process and outcomes of establishing a comprehensive, multi-step, operational protocol for receiving hostages returning from captivity. METHOD: The process of preparing SMC as a receiving center, the establishment of procedures for implementation of the medical protocol, and the assessment of multi-disciplinary team preparedness and implementation and outcomes in an institutional protocol are described. RESULTS: 24 returning hostages were received at SMC. Social workers, dietitians and translators were used by 100% of the majority group of returning hostages from the same country of origin and the sole individual from the other country of origin utilized a dietitian, social worker, ENT consultations, and a hearing test. Among the majority group, orthopedic and dermatological consultations were utilized by 17.4% and 13% received an ENT consultation. Of the administered imaging, 13% received a chest X-ray, 8.7% received a limb X-ray, 17.4% received a head CT scan, and 4.3% received an abdominal CT. In addition, 21.7% were provided antibiotic therapy. Protocol efficacy was measured by assessing time to various operational aspects of protocol implementation and medical procedures such as mean hours to room assignment, primary physician evaluation and social worker session. No correlation between age and operational variables was found. CONCLUSION: This novel operational protocol was successfully implemented and may serve as a framework for managing similar unpredictable sensitive events in the case of future need.

CT-based sarcopenia assessment: Predicting outcomes in acute infection patients.

In this retrospective cohort study, we investigated the prognostic value of sarcopenia evaluated by Computed Tomography (CT)-based indices for adverse hospitalization outcomes in patients with acute infections. We analyzed data from 225 patients admitted to the hospital for acute infections between 2019 and 2020. Patients who had undergone an abdominal CT scan either up to 1 month before or within the first 3 days of hospitalization were included. CT image analysis was used to evaluate skeletal muscle mass (by skeletal muscle index (SMI)) and muscle quality (by psoas muscle density, pMD). Low pMD was associated with higher in-hospital mortality (31% vs 11.4% p < 0.001) as well as higher longer-term mortality rates (p = 0.008 for 30 days and <0.001 for 90- and 1-year mortality). Low pMD remained an independent poor prognostic factor after controlling for confounders, with an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 2.74, (95% CI 1.33-5.67, p = 0.006) for 1-year mortality, and aOR of 2.61, (95% CI 1.23-5.55) for a prolonged hospital stay. Low SMI was associated with adverse outcomes, although this association was not independent after controlling for confounders. Notably, patients with both low SMI and pMD exhibited the poorest hospitalization outcomes: aOR for 1-year mortality 5.015 (95% CI 1.767-14.23, p = 0.002), and prolonged length of stay aOR 3.197, (95% CI 1.159-8.821, p = 0.025). CT-based muscle indices serve as independent prognostic factors in medical patients admitted with acute infection. Incorporating radiological assessments of sarcopenia into routine care for hospitalized patients with acute infection may enable risk stratification and early intervention in reversible conditions.

Does the "Obesity Paradox" Have an Expiration Date? A Retrospective Cohort Study.

(1) Background: The "obesity paradox" refers to a protective effect of higher body mass index (BMI) on mortality in acute infectious disease patients. However, the long-term impact of this paradox remains uncertain. (2) Methods: A retrospective study of patients diagnosed with community-acquired acute infectious diseases at Shamir Medical Center, Israel (2010-2020) was conducted. Patients were grouped by BMI: underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity classes I-III. Short- and long-term mortality rates were compared across these groups. (3) Results: Of the 25,226 patients, diverse demographics and comorbidities were observed across BMI categories. Short-term (90-day) and long-term (one-year) mortality rates were notably higher in underweight and normal-weight groups compared to others. Specifically, 90-day mortality was 22% and 13.2% for underweight and normal weight respectively, versus 7-9% for others (p < 0.001). Multivariate time series analysis revealed underweight individuals had a significantly higher 5-year mortality risk (HR 1.41 (95% CI 1.27-1.58, p < 0.001)), while overweight and obese categories had a reduced risk (overweight-HR 0.76 (95% CI 0.72-0.80, p < 0.001), obesity class I-HR 0.71 (95% CI 0.66-0.76, p < 0.001), obesity class II-HR 0.77 (95% CI 0.70-0.85, p < 0.001), and obesity class III-HR 0.79 (95% CI 0.67-0.92, p = 0.003)). (4) Conclusions: In this comprehensive study, obesity was independently associated with decreased short- and long-term mortality. These unexpected results prompt further exploration of this counterintuitive phenomenon.

Short- and long-term outcomes of patients with hyper or hypothyroidism following COVID vaccine.

Since the beginning of the wide-scale anti-Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program, sporadic cases of thyroid disease following vaccination have been reported. We describe 19 consecutive cases of COVID vaccine-related thyroid disease. Medical records were reviewed for 9 patients with Graves' disease (GD) and 10 with Thyroiditis, all of whom were diagnosed following COVID-19 vaccination. In the GD group, the median age was 45.5 years, female/male(F/M) ratio 5:4, thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins were elevated in seven patients. The median time from vaccination to diagnosis was 3 months. Methimazole treatment was given to all but one patient. At a median follow-up of 8.5 months from vaccination, three patients were still on methimazole, five went into remission (data were missing for one). In the Thyroiditis group, the median age was 47 years, the F/M ratio 7:3. Thyroiditis was diagnosed after the first, second, and third doses in one, two, and seven patients, respectively. The median time from vaccination to diagnosis was 2 months. TPO antibodies were positive in three patients. All patients were euthyroid off medication at the last visit. Six patients were diagnosed in the hypothyroid phase at 2.5 months from vaccination. Four resolved spontaneously at 3, 6, 4, and 8 months; the other two were treated with thyroxine at 1.5 and 2 months from vaccination and remained on treatment at their last visit, at 11.5 and 8.5 months, respectively. Thyroid disease should be included among possible complications of COVID-19 vaccine and either a late onset or delayed diagnosis should be considered.

The effect of over- and undertreatment of hypothyroidism on hospitalization outcomes of patients with decompensated heart failure.

The effect of over- and undertreatment of hypothyroidism on hospitalization outcomes of patients with acute decompensated heart failure (HF) has not been evaluated yet. We conducted retrospective cohort analyses of outcomes among 231 consecutive patients with treated hypothyroidism who were admitted to internal medicine departments of Shamir Medical Center with HF (2011-2019). Patients were divided into three groups according to their thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels: well treated (TSH: 0.4-4 mIU/L), overtreated (TSH: <0.4 mIU/L), and undertreated (TSH: >4 mIU/L). The main outcomes were mortality and recurrent hospitalization within 3 months. Among 231 patients, 106 were euthyroid, 14 were overtreated, and 111 undertreated. Patients' mean age was 79.8 ± 9.4 years. In-hospital mortality occurred in 4.7% in euthyroid patients, 14.3% in the overtreated group, and 10.7% in the undertreated group (p = 0.183). Differences in 30-day (p = 0.287) and 90-day (p = 0.2) mortality or recurrent hospitalization (p = 0.438) were not significantly different as well. However, in patients who were markedly undertreated and overtreated (TSH: >10 mIU/L or below 0.4 mIU/L) compared with 0.4-10 mIU/L, a significant increase in 90-day mortality was observed (33.3% vs 15.1% p = 0.016). Treatment status was independently associated with 90-day mortality after controlling for confounders with an adjusted odds ratio of 3.55 (95% confidence interval: 1.39-9.06). Although mild under- or overtreatment of hypothyroidism does not have a significant detrimental effect on hospitalization outcomes of patients with acute decompensated HF, markedly under- and overtreatment are independently associated with rehospitalizations and 90-day mortality. Larger cohorts are needed to establish the relationship between treatment targets and hospitalization outcomes of patients at risk for HF hospitalization.

Obesity Paradox in Patients Hospitalized with Community Acquired Sepsis: Does Age Make a Difference?

BACKGROUND: Higher body mass index (BMI) has been shown to be a protective factor from mortality in sepsis patients. Yet, whether this effect is different in the very elderly is currently unknown. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between BMI and sepsis outcomes in patients older and younger than 80 years of age. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of consecutive patients admitted with sepsis to Shamir Medical Center, Israel, was conducted. We compared patients older than and younger than 80 years of age with a BMI higher and lower than 25 kg/m² for hospitalization outcomes. RESULTS: Patients older than 80 years presented with multiple co-morbidities compared to younger patients, but with no difference between BMI groups. Similarly, hospitalization outcomes of functional deterioration, discharge to long-term care facilities, and readmission were not significantly different between BMI groups in the same age category. Mortality was significantly different between BMI groups in patients older than 80 years of age, with higher mortality in BMI < 25 kg/m²: in-hospital mortality (23.4% vs. 14.9%, P < 0.001), 30-day mortality (27.6% vs. 17.9%, P < 0.001), and 90-day mortality (43.4% vs. 28.9%, P < 0.001). This difference was not significant between the groups younger than 80 years old. On logistic regression, BMI over 25 kg/m² was protective in all mortality categories. Nevertheless, there was no significant interaction between age over 80 years to BMI over 25 kg/m² in all mortality outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients hospitalized with sepsis, higher BMI is a protective factor against mortality in both elderly and younger patients.

The risk of small and large for gestational age newborns in women with gestational diabetes according to pre-gestational body mass index and weight gain.

AIM: To explore the effects of pregestational body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) on maternal and neonatal outcomes of women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). METHODS: We conducted retrospective cohort analyses of outcomes among women with GDM who delivered at Shamir Medical Center, Israel (2017-2018). RESULTS: We included 673 women with GDM in our analysis, 217 (32.24%) with appropriate GWG (aGWG), 247 (36.7%) with excessive GWG (eGWG), and 209 (31%) with insufficient GWG (iGWG). Cesarean section (CS) was less prevalent among women with iGWG (19.6%), compared with women with eGWG (31.2%) and aGWG (31.1%) (p = .008). Small for gestational weight (SGA) newborns were more prevalent in women with iGWG 9.1%, compared with 2% and 0.9% for women with eGWG and aGWG, respectively (p<.001). Large for gestational age (LGA) newborns were significantly more prevalent in women with eGWG 17.4% compared with 4.8% and 9.7% in patients with iGWG and aGWG women, respectively (p<.001). SGA and LGA newborns were more prevalent in women with iGWG and e-GWG across all pre-gestational BMI groups >18.5 kg/m2. CONCLUSIONS: A complex interplay exists between pregestational weight, GWG, and GDM and pregnancy outcomes, specifically SGA and LGA newborns. A strict follow-up considering the pregestational BMI, GWG, blood glucose levels, treatment modality, and fetal abdominal circumference could assist in managing the complex interplay of patients with GDM for better neonatal outcomes.

Insulin treatment of patients with gestational diabetes: does dosage play a role?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: In nonpregnant patients high insulin requirements are associated with hypoglycemia and weight gain but not with improvement in glucose control. The effect of insulin requirement on maternal and neonatal outcomes in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is yet unknown. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of maternal and neonatal outcomes of pregnancy according to insulin requirements in women with GDM who were followed and delivered at the Yitzhak Shamir Medical Center between 2006 and 2016. The daily insulin dose in units per body weight was divided into quartiles and analyses were performed to compare the lowest, highest, and two middle quartiles. The primary outcome was a composite of any of the following: cesarean-section (CS), preeclampsia, macrosomia and large for gestational age (LGA) birth weight, neonatal intensive care unit admission, need for phototherapy, and neonatal hypoglycemia. RESULTS: Women were divided according to their insulin requirements as follows: 79 (24.8%) women who needed <0.13 IU/kg/day of insulin (insulin-sensitive group), 160 (50%) women who needed 0.14-0.42 IU/kg/day of insulin (comparison-group), and the rest who needed >0.43 IU/kg/day of insulin (insulin resistant group). There were no differences in the composite outcome between the groups (64.6, 61.3, and 69.6% for the insulin sensitive-, comparison- and resistant- groups, respectively, p = .44). Women in the insulin-resistant group had higher fasting glucose levels in the first trimester (91, 98 and 102 mg/dL for women in the insulin sensitive-, comparison- and insulin-resistant groups, respectively; p = .01). Women in the insulin-sensitive group had significantly better glycemic control (fasting glucose levels ≤90 mg/dL and 1-hour and 2-hour postprandial glucose levels ≤140 mg/dL and ≤120 mg/dL for more than 80% of measurements) than those in the insulin-resistant group (70.3 versus 29.9%; p < .001). The rate of CS was significantly higher in the insulin-resistant group (42.3 versus 24.1%; p = .03), but the rate of LGA birth weight was surprisingly higher in the insulin-sensitive group (29.5 versus 16.7%, p = .04). After controlling for confounders, women in the insulin-sensitive group had a decreased risk for CS in relation to the comparison group (OR = 0.46, 95%CI 0.23-0.9, p = .025). CONCLUSION: We found no association between insulin requirements and adverse composite outcome in women with GDM. However, those with higher insulin requirements have poorer glucose control and higher rates of CS than those with lower insulin requirements. Larger studies are needed to inquire short- and long-term outcomes of insulin requirements on fetal and maternal outcomes.

Ovarian adrenal rest tumor in congenital adrenal hyperplasia: Is medical treatment the first line option?

SUMMARY Ovarian adrenal rest tumors (OARTs) are very rare. We describe a case of a young woman with uncontrolled classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CCAH), presenting with bilateral OARTs, successfully treated with steroid replacement. A 20-year-old woman, known to have 21OH-CCAH, presented with severe abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. As a result of poor compliance, 6 months before her admission hirsutism worsened and amenorrhea, hyperpigmentation, and weakness developed. ACTH levels were 278 < pmol/L and 17OHP 91.3 nmol/L. She was admitted for parenteral antibiotics and high-dose hydrocortisone treatment. CT revealed bilateral juxta-ovarian masses (6.2 x 3.6 x 7.4 cm left and 5 x 2.2 x 3.2 cm right) that on MRI were iso-intense in T1 and hypointense in T2, with early enhancement and rapid washout. One week of high-dose hydrocortisone resulted in significant clinical and laboratory improvement and the patient was discharged with 2 mg dexamethasone/day. One month later US revealed shrinkage of the masses and dexamethasone dose was decreased. At three months from discharge, she has resumed regular menses, and a repeated MRI revealed the para-ovarian masses have shrunk. One year after the diagnosis, the para-ovarian masses have shrunk more to 2.8 x 1.9 x 4.3 on the left and 2.1 x 0.9 x 1.2 on the right with less contrast enhancement in comparison to previous test possibly due to fibrotic changes of the tissue. OARTs are rare tumors with a poorly known natural history, and surgery has been the first option in the few reported cases. We demonstrate that medical treatment is a good alternative, leading to significant tumor shrinkage over a short period.

Ovarian adrenal rest tumor in congenital adrenal hyperplasia: Is medical treatment the first line option?

Ovarian adrenal rest tumors (OARTs) are very rare. We describe a case of a young woman with uncontrolled classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CCAH), presenting with bilateral OARTs, successfully treated with steroid replacement. A 20-year-old woman, known to have 21OH-CCAH, presented with severe abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. As a result of poor compliance, 6 months before her admission hirsutism worsened and amenorrhea, hyperpigmentation, and weakness developed. ACTH levels were 278 < pmol/L and 17OHP 91.3 nmol/L. She was admitted for parenteral antibiotics and high-dose hydrocortisone treatment. CT revealed bilateral juxta-ovarian masses (6.2 × 3.6 × 7.4 cm left and 5 × 2.2 × 3.2 cm right) that on MRI were iso-intense in T1 and hypointense in T2, with early enhancement and rapid washout. One week of high-dose hydrocortisone resulted in significant clinical and laboratory improvement and the patient was discharged with 2 mg dexamethasone/day. One month later US revealed shrinkage of the masses and dexamethasone dose was decreased. At three months from discharge, she has resumed regular menses, and a repeated MRI revealed the para-ovarian masses have shrunk. One year after the diagnosis, the para-ovarian masses have shrunk more to 2.8 × 1.9 × 4.3 on the left and 2.1 × 0.9 × 1.2 on the right with less contrast enhancement in comparison to previous test possibly due to fibrotic changes of the tissue. OARTs are rare tumors with a poorly known natural history, and surgery has been the first option in the few reported cases. We demonstrate that medical treatment is a good alternative, leading to significant tumor shrinkage over a short period.

Maternal and Newborn Thyroid Hormone, and the Association With Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) Burden: The EHF (Environmental Health Fund) Birth Cohort.

Background: Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants found in human tissues. PCBs can be transferred through the placenta and may disrupt the maternal thyroid homeostasis, and affect fetal thyroid hormone production. Several studies have shown that intrauterine exposure to PCBs might be associated with abnormal levels of thyroid hormones in mothers and their offspring. Objectives: To examine the associations between environmental exposure to PCBs and thyroid hormone levels in mothers and newborns. Methods: The EHF-Assaf-Harofeh-Ichilov cohort includes 263 mothers-newborns dyads. A total of 157 mother-newborn dyads had both PCBs and thyroid function measures. Regression models were used to estimate associations between maternal PCB exposure and maternal and newborn thyroid function, controlling for possible confounders. Results: Four PCBs congeners were analyzed: PCBs 118, 138, 153, and 180. ∑PCBs median (IQR) level was 14.65 (2.83-68.14) ng/g lipids. The median maternal thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level was 2.66 (0.70-8.23) µIU/ml, the median maternal free thyroxine (FT4) level was 12.44 (11.27-13.53) µg/dL, the median maternal thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO Ab) level was 9.6 (7.36-12.51) IU/mL. Newborns' median total thyroxine (T4) level was 14.8 (7.6-24.9) µg/dL. No association was found between exposure to different congeners or to ∑PCBs and maternal TSH, FT4, thyroglobulin autoantibodies (Tg Ab), TPO Ab and newborn total T4 levels. In multivariable analysis a 1% change in ∑PCBs level was significantly associated with a 0.57% change in maternal TSH levels in women with body mass index (BMI) < 19. The same association was observed for each of the studied PCB congeners. Maternal TPO Ab levels statistically significantly increased by 0.53 and 0.46% for 1% increase in PCB 118 and 153 congeners, respectively. In women with BMI > 25, the association between the PCBs levels and maternal TSH levels was in the opposite direction. No association was found in women with normal BMI (19-24.9). Conclusions: Background exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of some PCBs can alter thyroid hormone homeostasis in pregnant women and might be associated with abnormal TSH levels and TPO-Ab in women with low BMI. However, these findings require further investigation.

Patient-Reported Outcome Measures After Hospitalization During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Survey Among COVID-19 and Non-COVID-19 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Many people recovering from COVID-19 suffer from long-term sequelae. The objective of this study was to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in COVID-19 patients several months after discharge. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional case-control study on COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 pneumonia patients admitted to Shamir Medical Center, Israel (03-07/2020). In the months following discharge, patients were invited to participate in a survey and fill the RAND-36 questionnaire. Patients' characteristics and comorbidities were extracted from electronic charts. RESULTS: Among 66 COVID-19 participants, the median age was 58.5 (IQR 49.8-68.3), 56.1% were female, and 36.4% were obese. The median length of stay was 7 days (IQR 4-10). Patient-reported outcome measures were reported at a median follow-up of 9-months (IQR 6-9). Pain, general health, vitality, and health change had the lowest scores (67.5, 60, 57.5, and 25, respectively). Matching to patients hospitalized with pneumonia due to other pathogens was performed on 42 of the COVID-19 patients. Non-COVID-19 patients were more frequently current or past smokers (50% vs 11.9%, p < 0.01) and suffered more often from chronic lung disease (38.1% vs 9.5%, p = 0.01). The score for health change was significantly lower in the COVID-19 group (25 vs 50, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Post COVID-19 patients continue to suffer from an assortment of symptoms and perceive a deterioration in their health many months after hospitalization. This emphasizes the importance of prolonged medical follow-up in this population, and the need for additional research to better understand this novel disease's long-term effects.

The Prevalence of Hypomagnesemia in Hospitalized Type 2 Diabetic Patients Treated with Diuretics and/or Proton Pump Inhibitors.

BACKGROUND: Hypomagnesemia (serum magnesium level < 1.7 mg/dl) occurs more frequently in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Serum magnesium levels are not routinely tested in hospitalized patients, including in hospitalized patients with T2DM. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prevalence of hypomagnesemia among hospitalized T2DM patients treated with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and/or diuretics. METHODS: A total of 263 T2DM patients hospitalized in general departments were included in the study and were further divided into four groups: group 1 (patients not treated with PPIs or diuretics), group 2 (patients treated with PPIs), group 3 (patients treated with diuretics), and group 4 (patients treated with both PPIs and diuretics).  Blood and urine samples were taken during the first 24 hours of admission. Electrocardiogram was performed on admission. RESULTS: Of the 263 T2DM patients, 58 (22.1%) had hypomagnesemia (serum magnesium level < 1.7 mg/dl). Patients in group 2 had the lowest mean serum magnesium level (1.79 mg/dl ± 0.27). Relatively more patients with hypomagnesemia were found in group 2 compared to the other groups, although a statistically significant difference was not observed. Significantly more patients in group 3 and 4 had chronic renal failure. Patients with hypomagnesemia had significantly lower serum calcium levels. CONCLUSIONS: Hospitalized T2DM patients under PPI therapy are at risk for hypomagnesemia and hypocalcemia.

A Randomized Clinical Trial of Linagliptin vs. Standard of Care in Patients Hospitalized With Diabetes and COVID-19.

Objective: To assess the effect of linagliptin vs. standard therapy in improving clinical outcomes in patients hospitalized with diabetes and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Materials and Methods: We did an open-label, prospective, multicenter, randomized clinical trial in 3 Israeli hospitals between October 1, 2020, and April 4, 2021. Eligible patients were adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and a diagnosis of COVID-19. A total of 64 patients, 32 in each group, were randomized to receive linagliptin 5 mg PO daily throughout the hospitalization or standard of care therapy. The primary outcome was time to clinical improvement within 28 days after randomization, defined as a 2-point reduction on an ordinal scale ranging from 0 (discharged without disease) to 8 (death). Results: The mean age was 67 ± 14 years, and most patients were male (59.4%). Median time to clinical improvement was 7 days (interquartile range (IQR) 3.5-15) in the linagliptin group compared with 8 days (IQR 3.5-28) in the standard of care group (hazard ratio, 1.22; 95% CI, 0.70-2.15; p = 0.49). In-hospital mortality was 5 (15.6%) and 8 (25.0%) in the linagliptin and standard of care groups, respectively (odds ratio, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.16-1.93). The trial was prematurely terminated due to the control of the COVID-19 outbreak in Israel. Conclusions: In this randomized clinical trial of hospitalized adult patients with diabetes and COVID-19 who received linagliptin, there was no difference in the time to clinical improvement compared with the standard of care. Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT04371978.

The association of diabetes and hyperglycemia with sepsis outcomes: a population-based cohort analysis.

The independent association of diabetes and hyperglycemia on the outcomes of sepsis remains unclear. We conducted retrospective cohort analyses of outcomes among patients with community-onset sepsis admitted to Shamir Medical Center, Israel (08-12/2016). Statistical associations were queried by Cox and logistic regressions, controlled for by matched propensity score analyses. Among 1527 patients with community-onset sepsis, 469 (30.7%) were diabetic. Diabetic patients were significantly older, with advanced complexity of comorbidities, and were more often exposed to healthcare environments. Despite statistically significant univariable associations with in-hospital and 90-day mortality, the adjusted Hazard Ratios (aHR) were 1.21 95% CI 0.8-1.71, p = 0.29 and 1.13 95% CI 0.86-1.49, p = 0.37, respectively. However, hyperglycemia at admission (i.e., above 200 mg/dl (was independently associated with: increased in-hospital mortality, aHR 1.48 95% CI 1.02-2.16, p = 0.037, 30-day mortality, aHR 1.8 95% CI 1.12-2.58, p = 0.001), and 90-day mortality, aHR 1.68 95% CI 1.24-2.27, p = 0.001. This association was more robust among diabetic patients than those without diabetes. In this study, diabetes was not associated with worse clinical outcomes in community-onset sepsis. However, high glucose levels at sepsis onset are independently associated with a worse prognosis, particularly among diabetic patients. Future trials should explore whether glycemic control could impact the outcomes and should be part of the management of sepsis, among the general adult septic population.

The Risk of Bone Fractures in Post-Poliomyelitis Patients Transitioning to Middle Adulthood.

ObjectiveWhile osteoporotic fractures are reported in up to 40% of adults with post-poliomyelitis syndrome (PPS), clinical guidelines regarding bone mineral density (BMD) and indications for treatment are scarce. We investigated the characteristics of PPS patients, focusing on fractures and osteoporosis as the primary outcomes. METHODS: A cross-sectional retrospective data analysis from medical records of 204 PPS patients regarding their clinical characteristics and long-term outcome, with emphasis on bone metabolism status. RESULTS: Our cohort included 53% women; mean age was 65 years at study entry and 1.7 years at the diagnosis of acute poliomyelitis. The lower limb was involved in 97.5% of patients, and the BMD in the affected limb tended to be lower than the unaffected, with a mean T-score of -1.64 vs. -1.19, respectively (P = .06). Recurrent falls were documented in 39.2% of patients, and osteoporosis in 20.6%, being more frequent in women (P = .003) and patients with fractures (P = .002). At least one fracture occurred in 52.2% of patients, and more than one in 40.3%. The median age for the first fracture was 57.5 years (range, 30 to 83 years), and most fractures occurred in the affected limb (73.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Underdiagnosis and delayed treatment of osteoporosis in late-adulthood post-poliomyelitis patients underlie the need for comprehensive clinical guidelines to manage these patients, including recommendations on bone health assessment, medical treatment, and their inclusion as a high-risk group for bone fractures.

Effect of pre-gestational weight and gestational weight gain in women with gestational diabetes controlled with medication on pregnancy outcomes - is recommended weight gain too liberal?

This is a retrospective cohort study of women with GDM treated with glucose-lowering agents that were followed and gave birth between 2005 and 2015 in the Assaf Harofeh medical center, Israel. Classification and regression tree method identified four groups according to adverse outcomes, consisted of 74 women with pre-gestational BMI below 25, 98 women with BMI 25-31, 90 women 31-39 and 18 women above 39. Respectively, median GWG was 12 kg (8-16), 11 kg (8-15), 7.5 kg (3.75-11) and 5 kg (-1.5 to 11.5) (p < .001). The risk for composite adverse outcomes was higher in the groups of BMI 25-31 (73.5%) and 31-39 (83.3%) in comparison to BMI <25 (51.4%) and 39 < (55.6%), p < .001. In women with pre-gestational BMI of <25, GWG of more than the median resulted in odds ratio of 2.75 (1.07-7.08, p = .036) for adverse pregnancy outcomes compared with participants who gained less than the median. Maternal obesity is related to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Women with GDM with normal pre-gestational BMI who gained weight according to IOM recommendations still experienced adverse outcomes.

A 2017 SURVEY OF THE CLINICAL PRACTICE PATTERNS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF RELAPSING GRAVES DISEASE.

OBJECTIVE: Previous surveys from different world regions have demonstrated variations in the clinical management of Graves disease (GD). We aimed to investigate the clinical approach to GD relapse among endocrinologists. METHODS: Electronic questionnaires were e-mailed to all members of the Israeli Endocrine Society. Questionnaires included demographic data and different scenarios regarding treatment and follow-up of patients with GD relapse. RESULTS: The response rate was 49.4% (98/198). For a young male with GD relapse, 68% would restart antithyroid drug (ATD) (98% methimazole), while 32% would refer to radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment. Endocrinologists who treat >10 thyroid patients a week tended to choose ATDs over RAI ( P = .04). In the case of GD relapse with ophthalmopathy, 50% would continue ATDs, whereas 22.4% would recommend RAI treatment and 27.6% surgery. Most endocrinologists (56%) would continue ATDs for 12 to 24 months. Seventy-five percent would monitor complete blood count and liver function (39% for the first month and 36% for 6 months), and 44% would recommend a routine neck ultrasound. In a case of thyrotoxicosis due to a 3-cm hot nodule, most endocrinologists (70%) would refer to RAI ablation, 46.4% without and 23.7% with a previous fine-needle aspiration. No significant differences were found regarding gender, year of board certification, or work environment. CONCLUSION: Our survey demonstrates diverging patterns in the diagnosis and management of GD relapse that correlate well with previous surveys from other countries on GD-naïve patients and a less than optimal adherence to recently published clinical guidelines. ABBREVIATIONS: ATA = American Thyroid Association; ATD = antithyroid drug; CBC = complete blood count; GD = Graves disease; GO = Graves ophthalmopathy; LFT = liver function test; MMI = methimazole; PTU = propylthiouracil; RAI = radioactive iodine; TSI = thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin.

Short-term Adherence with Discharge Recommendation for Insulin Treatment among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Basal-bolus (BB) insulin treatment is increasingly used in poorly controlled diabetes patients during hospitalization and is commonly recommended at discharge; however, the extent of adherence with this recommendation is unknown. OBJECTIVES: To determine short-term adherence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients discharged from internal medicine wards with recommendation for BB insulin treatment. METHODS: Prescription (primary physician adherence) and purchase (patient adherence) of long-acting and short-acting insulins during the first month following discharge from internal medicine wards was determined in 153 T2DM patients. Adherence was defined as full if prescription/purchase of both basal (long-acting) and bolus (short-acting) insulin was completed, and as partial if only one kind of insulin (basal or bolus) was prescribed/purchased. Association between demographic and clinical parameters and adherence was determined. RESULTS: Full adherence with discharge instructions was higher for primary physicians than for patients )79.1% vs. 69.3%, respectively, P = 0.0182). Pre-hospitalization hemoglobin A1C was significantly associated with adherence by both patients and primary physicians (full-adherence group 9.04% ± 2.04%; no-adherence group 7.51% ± 1.35%, P = 0.002). Age was negatively associated with adherence of both primary physicians and patients; however, this association did not reach statistical significance. Patients with certain background diseases such as atrial fibrillation, coronary heart disease, and chronic heart failure had significantly worse adherence (P < 0.05). When the sole cause of admission was diabetes, full adherence (100%) of both primary physicians and patients was found. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term adherence with discharge recommendation for BB insulin treatment is associated with pre-hospitalization patient characteristics.