The impact of diabetes mellitus in mortality of patients with compensated liver cirrhosis-a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that DM may reduce survival of patients with liver cirrhosis (LC). Nevertheless only few prospective studies assessing the impact of DM on mortality of cirrhotic patients have been published, none in compensated LC. AIMS: (i) to study the impact of DM on mortality and (ii) to identify predictors of death. METHODS: Patients with compensated LC with and without DM were studied. Survival was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier Method. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to determine independent predictors of mortality. RESULTS: 110 patients were included: 60 without DM and 50 with DM. Diabetic patients had significantly higher frequency of cryptogenic cirrhosis, anemia, hypoalbuminemia, and hypercreatininemia. They also had significantly higher BMI and Child-Pugh score. The 2.5-years cumulative survival was significantly lower in patients with DM (48 vs. 69%, p < 0.05). By univariate analysis: DM, female gender, serum creatinine > 1.5 mg/dL, Child-Pugh score class C and cryptogenic cirrhosis were significant. However, only serum creatinine > 1.5 mg/dL and Child-Pugh score class C were independent predictors of death. CONCLUSION: DM was associated with a significant increase in mortality in patients with compensated liver cirrhosis. Serum creatinine > 1.5 mg/dL and Child-Pugh score class C were independent predictors of death.

Association between serum uric acid and metabolic syndrome components in prepubertal obese children (Tanner Stage I) from Nuevo León, Mexico - a preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Previous studies in obese children demonstrating a positive association between serum uric acid (sUA) and components of MetS are confounded by lack of uniformity in age and pubertal status of children. Therefore, we have examined the role of sUA in MetS and its components in pre-pubertal children (Tanner Stage I, age ≤ 9 years). METHODS: Pre-pubertal obese children (32 boys, 27 girls, age 6-9 years) were recruited from Nuevo Leon, Mexico. For comparison, an equal number of children with normal body mass index (BMI) in the same age range (22 Boys, 39 girls, age 6-9 years) were also recruited from the same community. Presence of MetS and its components was defined according to the criteria of International Diabetes Federation. Fasting blood was analyzed for lipids, glucose, insulin, and uric acid. RESULTS: Among the obese children, sUA was positively associated with insulin resistance and hypertriglyceridemia and negatively associated with high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDLc). Subjects were three times more likely to have a MetS diagnosis per one unit (md/dL) difference in sUA. Of the 59 obese pre-pubertal children, 20 were classified as having MetS defined by the presence of abdominal obesity and two or more of other components described under methods. Of these, 57.1% (20/61) had sUA between 5.1 and 7.1 mg/dl. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study clearly indicate a positive relationship between uric acid and MetS and its components in pre-pubertal obese children with Tanner stage I and ≤9 years of age.

Role of the ACTH test and estimation of a safe dose for high potency steroids in vitiligo: A prospective randomized study.

BACKGROUND: Topical corticosteroids are used as first line of therapy for vitiligo, although side effects such as adrenal insufficiency are possible. OBJECTIVES: To establish the role of ACTH test before, during, and after treatment with high potency topical steroids; to determine if adrenal insufficiency occurs secondary to the use of high potency topical steroids in patients with vitiligo and intact cutaneous barrier; and also to determine response to treatment and side effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-four adults with non-segmental vitiligo affecting 20% or less of the body surface area were included and randomized to receive topical clobetasol propionate 0.05% cream (group 1) or placebo (group 2) for 12 weeks, with a maximum dose of 50 g per week. The placebo group was crossed over after week 6 and started on clobetasol until completion of the study. Serum cortisol levels with the 1 µg ACTH test were determined at baseline and on weeks 6 and 12. RESULTS: No adrenal insufficiency was detected nor statistical significance was achieved when comparing cortisol levels between and within the groups at baseline and weeks 6 and 12. Group 1 had a better response to therapy but with more side effects. CONCLUSIONS: Doses of 50 g or less per week of clobetasol during a period of 12 weeks are safe on adult vitiligo patients, although local side effects are possible. Repigmentation rates were incomplete with single steroid therapy, making combined therapy a better option.