Comparison of international normalized ratio audit parameters in patients enrolled in GARFIELD-AF and treated with vitamin K antagonists.

Vitamin K antagonist (VKA) therapy for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF) requires monitoring of the international normalized ratio (INR). We evaluated the agreement between two INR audit parameters, frequency in range (FIR) and proportion of time in the therapeutic range (TTR), using data from a global population of patients with newly diagnosed non-valvular AF, the Global Anticoagulant Registry in the FIELD-Atrial Fibrillation (GARFIELD-AF). Among 17 168 patients with 1-year follow-up data available at the time of the analysis, 8445 received VKA therapy (±antiplatelet therapy) at enrolment, and of these patients, 5066 with ≥3 INR readings and for whom both FIR and TTR could be calculated were included in the analysis. In total, 70 905 INRs were analysed. At the patient level, TTR showed higher values than FIR (mean, 56·0% vs 49·8%; median, 59·7% vs 50·0%). Although patient-level FIR and TTR values were highly correlated (Pearson correlation coefficient [95% confidence interval; CI], 0·860 [0·852-0·867]), estimates from individuals showed widespread disagreement and variability (Lin's concordance coefficient [95% CI], 0·829 [0·821-0·837]). The difference between FIR and TTR explained 17·4% of the total variability of measurements. These results suggest that FIR and TTR are not equivalent and cannot be used interchangeably.

[Prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus]. / Prevalencia de disfunción tiroidea en pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and thyroid dysfunction (TD) are two common endocrine disorders. The unrecognized subclinical TD may adversely affect metabolic control and increase cardiovascular risk. Our aim was to investigate the prevalence of TD in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in an observational cross-sectional study. Clinical and laboratory evaluation was performed to 205 consecutive outpatients at Endocrinology Diabetes and Nutrition Center in Concepcion City, Tucuman, Argentina. Thyroid dysfunction was classified as clinical hypothyroidism with TSH > 4.20 mUI / ml and FT4 < 0.93 ng / dl, subclinical hypothyroidism with TSH > 4.20 mUI / ml and free T4 0.93 to 1.70 ng / dl. Subclinical hyperthyroidism was considered with TSH < 0.27 mUI / ml and free T4 was in normal range (0.93 to 1.70 ng / dl); and clinical hyperthyroidism with TSH < 0.27 mUI / ml and free T4 > 1.70 mUI / ml. Autoimmunity was diagnosed with anti-TPO > 34 IU / ml. TD prevalence in type 2 diabetic patients was 48% (n = 92). In subjects who denied prior TD, the prevalence was 40% (n = 37), 15 with subclinical hypothyroidism (45%). In the whole study population prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism was 8%. Globally, subclinical DT prevalence was 9% (n = 17) and anti-TPO 13% (n = 25). Early detection of thyroid dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus should be performed routinely, given the high rate of newly diagnosed cases, and increased cardiovascular risk associated with undiagnosed thyroid dysfunction.

Vitamin D levels in a population from Argentina with metabolic disorders.

Metabolic disorders are a public health problem worldwide. The vitamin D status in patients with metabolic diseases is not a routine procedure. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and examine the correlation between vitamin D status and cardiometabolic parameters in Latin American population with metabolic disorders. Methods: This observational study with a cross-sectional design included 151 patients with metabolic disorders (type 2 diabetes, hypothyroidism, type 2 diabetes with hypothyroidism, and excess weight). A fasting blood sample was collected and analyzed to determine the levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, calcium, glucose, hemoglobin A1c, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and free thyroxine. Anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were also performed. Results: According to vitamin D values established by the Institute of Medicine, subjects with metabolic disorders group showed: 23% risk to bone health (9.42 ±3.O4ng/mL), 45% risk of insufficiency/deficiency (17.05 ±2.12ng/mL), and 32% had sufficient levels (26.34±6.74ng/mL), whereas healthy subjects group showed significantly higher values than metabolic diseases group (37.25± 7.72). In addition, vitamin D levels were inversely correlated with elevated body mass index (29.13±5.15kg/m2), systolic blood pressure (126.50± 15.60 mm Hg), fast blood glucose (106.29±33.80 mg/dL), and hemoglobin A1c (6.40% ± 1.38%) values. Conclusion: Subjects with metabolic disorders and with adequate nutritional intake of vitamin D-rich foods and frequent exposure to sunlight have low serum vitamin D concentrations compared to the general population and vitamin D status should be assessed in these patients.

RBD-specific polyclonal F(ab´)2 fragments of equine antibodies in patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 disease: A randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, adaptive phase 2/3 clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: passive immunotherapy is a therapeutic alternative for patients with COVID-19. Equine polyclonal antibodies (EpAbs) could represent a source of scalable neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. METHODS: we conducted a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial to assess efficacy and safety of EpAbs (INM005) in hospitalized adult patients with moderate and severe COVID-19 pneumonia in 19 hospitals of Argentina. Primary endpoint was improvement in at least two categories in WHO ordinal clinical scale at day 28 or hospital discharge (ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT04494984). FINDINGS: between August 1st and October 26th, 2020, a total of 245 patients were enrolled. Enrolled patients were assigned to receive two blinded doses of INM005 (n = 118) or placebo (n = 123). Median age was 54 years old, 65•1% were male and 61% had moderate disease at baseline. Median time from symptoms onset to study treatment was 6 days (interquartile range 5 to 8). No statistically significant difference was noted between study groups on primary endpoint (risk difference [95% IC]: 5•28% [-3•95; 14•50]; p = 0•15). Rate of improvement in at least two categories was statistically significantly higher for INM005 at days 14 and 21 of follow-up. Time to improvement in two ordinal categories or hospital discharge was 14•2 (± 0•7) days in the INM005 group and 16•3 (± 0•7) days in the placebo group, hazard ratio 1•31 (95% CI 1•0 to 1•74). Subgroup analyses showed a beneficial effect of INM005 over severe patients and in those with negative baseline antibodies. Overall mortality was 6•9% the INM005 group and 11•4% in the placebo group (risk difference [95% IC]: 0•57 [0•24 to 1•37]). Adverse events of special interest were mild or moderate; no anaphylaxis was reported. INTERPRETATION: Albeit not having reached the primary endpoint, we found clinical improvement of hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, particularly those with severe disease.

Stroke prevention in patients from Latin American countries with non-valvular atrial fibrillation: Insights from the GARFIELD-AF registry.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an important preventable cause of stroke. Anticoagulation (AC) therapy can reduce this risk. However, prescribing patterns and outcomes in patients with non-valvular AF (NVAF) from Latin American countries are poorly described. METHODS: Using data from the Global Anticoagulant Registry in the FIELD-AF (GARFIELD-AF), we examined the stroke prevention strategies and the 1-year outcomes in patients from four Latin American countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Mexico. RESULTS: A total of 4162 patients (2010-2014) were included in this analysis. At the time of AF diagnosis, 39.9% of patients were prescribed vitamin K antagonists (VKA) ± antiplatelet (AP) therapy, 21.8% non-VKA oral anticoagulant (NOAC) ± AP, 24.1% AP only and 14.1% no antithrombotic treatment. The proportion of moderate-high risk patients receiving no AC therapy at participating centers was highest in Mexico (46.4%) and lowest in Chile (14.3%). During 1-year follow-up, the rates of all-cause mortality, stroke/SE and major bleeding were: 5.77 (95% CI) (5.06-6.56), 1.58 (1.23-2.02), and 0.99 (0.72-1.36) and per 100 person-years, respectively, which are higher than the global rates across all countries in GARFIELD-AF. Unadjusted rates of all-cause mortality were highest in Argentina, 6.95 (5.43-8.90), and lowest in Chile, 4.01 (2.92-5.52). CONCLUSIONS: GARFIELD-AF results describes the marked variation in the baseline characteristics and patterns of antithrombotic treatments in patients with NVAF in four Latin American countries. Over one-third of patients with a moderate-to-high risk of stroke received no AC therapy, highlighting the need for improved management of patients according to national guideline. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION-URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01090362.

[Nocardia endocarditis in aortic and tricuspid native valves]. / Endocarditis infecciosa por nocardia en valvulas nativas aortica y tricuspide.

Nocardia endocarditis in native valve is an uncommon infection that usually arises in immunodepressed patients. We report a 51-year-old man diagnosed as having Nocardia endocarditis in aortic and tricuspid native valves, which received antimicrobial therapy and required aortic valve replacement. In 6 month follow up the patient remained asymptomatic with good clinical evolution.

[Pheochromocytoma associated with von Recklinghausen neurofibromatosis]. / Feocromocitoma asociado a neurofibromatosis de von Recklinghausen.

A pheochromocytoma is an adrenal gland tumor that secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine hormones, and is responsible for regulating heart rate and blood pressure, among other functions. The condition can occur alone or in combination with other disorders, and genetic and environmental factors play a key role. Neurofibromatosis-1 (NF-1) an inherited "autosomal dominant" disorder is one of the most common genetic disorders, characterized by formation of neurofibromas (tumors involving nerve tissue) in the skin, subcutaneous tissue, cranial and spinal root nerves. NF1 generally is diagnosed by physical examination. There is no cure for NF1, but there are ways to treat some of its effects. Neurofibromatosis arterial hypertension caused by pheochromocytoma is extremely rare, less frecuent than 1% in childrens less than 10 years old, and young adults. We present a case of an extremely infrequent association between neurofibromatosis and a pheochromocytoma in a young woman with a newly diagnosed hypertension. We discuss the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and clinical implications.

Diagnostic role of new Doppler index in assessment of renal artery stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Renal artery stenosis (RAS) is one of the main causes of secondary systemic arterial hypertension. Several non-invasive diagnostic methods for RAS have been used in hypertensive patients, such as color Doppler ultrasound (US). The aim of this study was to assess the sensitivity and specificity of a new renal Doppler US direct-method parameter: the renal-renal ratio (RRR), and compare with the sensitivity and specificity of direct-method conventional parameters: renal peak systolic velocity (RPSV) and renal aortic ratio (RAR), for the diagnosis of severe RAS. METHODS: Our study group included 34 patients with severe arterial hypertension (21 males and 13 females), mean age 54 (+/- 8.92) years old consecutively evaluated by renal color Doppler ultrasound (US) for significant RAS diagnosis. All of them underwent digital subtraction arteriography (DSA). RAS was significant if a diameter reduction > 50% was found. The parameters measured were: RPSV, RAR and RRR. The RRR was defined as the ratio between RPSV at the proximal or mid segment of the renal artery and RPSV measured at the distal segment of the renal artery. The sensitivity and specificity cutoff for the new RRR was calculated and compared with the sensitivity and specificity of RPSV and RAR. RESULTS: The accuracy of the direct method parameters for significant RAS were: RPSV >200 cm/s with 97% sensitivity, 72% specificity, 81% positive predictive value and 95% negative predictive value; RAR >3 with 77% sensitivity, 90% specificity, 90% positive predictive value and 76% negative predictive value. The optimal sensitivity and specificity cutoff for the new RRR was >2.7 with 97% sensitivity (p < 0.004) and 96% specificity (p < 0.02), with 97% positive predictive value and 97% negative predictive value. CONCLUSION: The new RRR has improved specificity compared with the direct method conventional parameters (RPSV >200cm/s and RAR >3). Both RRR and RPSV show better sensitivity than RAR for the RAS diagnosis.

Efficacy assessment of meloxicam, a preferential cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, in acute coronary syndromes without ST-segment elevation: the Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs in Unstable Angina Treatment-2 (NUT-2) pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Despite the use of heparin, aspirin, and other antiplatelet agents, acute coronary syndrome patients without ST-segment elevation remain at risk of cardiovascular thrombotic events. Given the role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of arterial thrombosis, we tested the hypothesis that the combination of meloxicam, a preferential COX-2 inhibitor, and heparin and aspirin would be superior to heparin and aspirin alone. METHODS AND RESULTS: In an open-label, randomized, prospective, single-blind pilot study, patients with acute coronary syndromes without ST-segment elevation were randomized to aspirin and heparin treatment (n=60) or aspirin, heparin, and meloxicam (n=60) during coronary care unit stay. Patients then received aspirin or aspirin plus meloxicam for 30 days. During the coronary care unit stay, the primary outcomes variable of recurrent angina, myocardial infarction, or death was significantly lower in the patients receiving meloxicam (15.0% versus 38.3%, P=0.007). The second composite variable (coronary revascularization procedures, myocardial infarction, and death) was also significantly lower in meloxicam-treated patients (10.0% versus 26.7%, P=0.034). At 90 days, the primary end point remained significantly lower in the meloxicam group (21.7% versus 48.3%, P=0.004), as did the secondary end point (13.3% versus 33.3%, P=0.015) and the need for revascularization alone (11.7% versus 30.0%, P=0.025). No adverse complications associated with the meloxicam treatment were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Meloxicam with heparin and aspirin was associated with significant reductions in adverse outcomes in acute coronary syndrome patients without ST-segment elevation. Additional larger trials are required to confirm the findings of this pilot study.

[Prothrombotic state in early stages of chronic Chagas' disease. Its association with thrombotic risk factors]. / Estado protrombótico en estadios tempranos de la enfermedad de Chagas crónica. Su asociación con factores de riesgo trombótico.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the presence of prothrombotic state in early stages of chronic Chagas' disease with serum markers of thrombosis and fibrinolysis, and to investigate it's association with thrombotic risk factors for venous thromboembolic disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty two patients with chronic Chagas' disease were compared with 21 healthy volunteers. Thrombotic markers used were fragment 1 + 2, ATM complex, fibrinogen/fibrin degradation products, D-dimer and beta-thromboglobulin. Fibrinolysis was evaluated with euglobulin lysis time, tissue plasminogen activator and it's inhibitor levels. A thrombophilic screening was performed. Antithrombin and protein C were determined by functional methods, as well as free fraction of protein S, resistance to activated protein C, factor V Leiden R506Q mutation, prothrombin G20210A mutation, homocysteine and antiphospholipid antibodies: lupus and anticardiolipin antibodies isoforms IgG and IgM. RESULTS: In chronic Chagas' disease patients, statistically significant differences were observed in thrombotic markers: fragment 1 + 2 (p < 0.0001), ATM complex (p < 0.0001), fibrinogen/fibrin degradation products (p < 0.05) and D-dimer (p < 0.05). beta-thromboglobulin did not reach statistically significant difference (p = 0.06). Statistically significant differences (p < 0.0001) were found only in euglobulin lysis time, a non specific fibrinolytic marker. Specific fibrinolytic markers tissue plasminogen activator and it's inhibitor, however, did not show statistically significant differences among studied groups. CONCLUSIONS: Eighty six percent of patients had positive thrombophilic screening for at least one thrombophilic risk factor. Thrombophilic risk factors were inherited in 39% and acquired in 83% of the patients.

Marcadores bioquímicos en la detección y estadificación del riesgo de progresión de la enfermedad renal crónica / Biochemistry markers in detection and risk staging of chronic kidney disease progression / Marcadores bioquímicos na detecção e estadiamento do risco de progressão da doença renal crônica

Resumen La enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) se define como la pérdida progresiva de la estructura y función renal. Es asintomática en etapas iniciales, pero lleva a insuficiencia renal y mortalidad cardiovascular prematura. La investigación e marcadores de lesión y función renal permite su detección precoz y la evaluación del riesgo de progresión. Se estudiaron 73 voluntarios aparentemente sanos con factores de riesgo, de ambos sexos, asintomáticos y con edades entre 20 y 70 años, y se los comparó con una población control sin factores de riesgo. Fueron evaluadas las historias clínicas, los parámetros antropométricos y la presión arterial. Se analizó la creatinina sérica por métodos enzimático y cinético, se estimó la filtración glomerular con las ecuaciones CKD-EPI, MDRD-IDMS y MDRD-4 y la creatinina urinaria y la albuminuria por métodos cinético e inmunoturbidimétrico, respectivamente. La lipocalina asociada a gelatinasa de neutrófilos (NGAL) sérica y urinaria se determinó por ELISA. El 66% de la población estudiada presentaba sobrepeso, el 34% hipertensión arterial y el 31% tabaquismo. El riesgo de progresión de ERC se estadificó con el filtrado glomerular estimado y la albuminuria y se evidenció un 87% con bajo riesgo, 12% con riesgo moderado y 1% con riesgo alto. La NGAL sérica mostró diferencias significativas respecto al grupo control 11,65 vs. 5,4 ng/mL (p<0,05), e incrementos en las distintas categorías conforme aumentaba el riesgo de progresión. La detección de ERC temprana, en pacientes asintomáticos con factores de riesgo considerados modificables, permitirá la implementación de acciones que retrasen la progresión a estadios avanzados y las complicaciones cardiovasculares asociadas a la enfermedad.

Abstract Progressive loss of renal structure and function define chronic kidney disease (CKD). It is silent in early stages but leads to renal failure and premature cardiovascular mortality. Investigation of renal function and injury markers allows CKD early detection and progression risk evaluation. A total of 73 apparently healthy volunteers, both sexes, asymptomatic with risk factors, from 20 to 70 years old were studied compared to the control population without risk factors. Clinical histories, anthropometric parameters and blood pressure were evaluated. Serum creatinine was analyzed with enzymatic and kinetic methods. Estimated glomerular filtration was calculated with CKD-EPI, MDRD-IDMS and MDRD-4 equations, urinary creatinine by kinetics method and albuminuria by immunoturbidimetry. Serum and urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) were investigated by ELISA. Population risk factors analyzed showed 66% overweight, 34% hypertensive and 31% smoking patients. CKD risk progression was staged with estimated glomerular filtration and albuminuria, according to KDIGO 2012. Population showed 87% patients in low CKD risk, 12% with moderate risk, and only 1% with high risk progression. Serum NGAL showed significant differences with respect to the control group, 11.65 vs 5.4 ng/mL (p<0,05), and increases in different categories as progression risk increases. CKD detection of asymptomatic patients with modifiable risk factors, in reversible early stages, will allow implementing actions that delay associated cardiovascular complications and disease progression to advanced stages.

Resumo A doença renal crônica (DRC) é definida como a perda progressiva da estrutura e função dos rins. Assintomático nos estágios iniciais, leva à insuficiência renal e à mortalidade cardiovascular prematura. A pesquisa de marcadores de lesão e função renal permite sua detecção precoce e avaliação do risco de progressão. Foram estudados 73 voluntários aparentemente saudáveis com fatores de risco, de ambos os sexos, assintomáticos e idades entre 20 e 70 anos, comparados à população controle sem fatores de risco. Prontuários, parâmetros antropométricos e pressão arterial foram avaliados. A creatinina sérica foi analisada pelo método enzimático e cinético, estimando a filtração glomerular com as equações CKD-EPI, MDRD-IDMS e MDRD-4, e a creatinina urinária e albuminúria, pelos métodos cinético e imunoturbidimétrico, respectivamente. Lipocalina associada à gelatinase de neutrófílos (NGAL), sérica e urinária foi determinada pelo método ELISA. 66% da população estudada apresentavam sobrepeso, 34% pressão arterial alta e 31% tabagismo. O risco de progressão da DRC foi classificado com a filtração glomerular estimada e albuminúria, mostrando 87% com baixo risco, 12% com risco moderado e apenas 1% com alto risco. A NGAL sérica mostrou diferenças significativas em relação ao grupo controle 11,65 vs 5,4 ng/mL (p<0,05) e incrementos nas diferentes categorias à medida que o risco de progressão aumentava. A detecção da DRC precoce, em pacientes assintomáticos com fatores de risco considerados modificáveis, permitirá a implementação de ações que atrasem a progressão para estágios avançados e complicações cardiovasculares associadas à doença.

Facilitated thrombolysis: dethrombosis?

Intracoronary thrombus formation results from the combined effects of platelet aggregation and fibrin formation. Fibrinogen plays a significant role in each of these components. Dethrombosis is a therapeutic approach that allows dissolution of a recent thrombus while avoiding the potent fibrinolytic therapies. The less aggressive strategies suggested to achieve dethrombosis are antifibrin, antiplatelet, and defibrinogenation. Glycoprotein receptor antagonists have been beneficial in patients undergoing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty; however, little is known about their potency of inducing reperfusion in acute myocardial infarction. Early use of the strategies suggested to induce dethrombosis (antifibrin, antiplatelet, and defibrinogenation) may facilitate fibrinolysis and primary angioplasty and further induce reperfusion. Nevertheless, the theoretical arguments of facilitated thrombolysis (dethrombosis) have not yet been fruitful as a major clinical benefit except in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

[The prothrombotic state in early stages of chronic chagas' disease]. / Estado protrombótico en estadios tempranos de la enfermedad de Chagas crónica.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to explore the presence of a prothrombotic state in the early stages of chronic Chagas' disease by evaluating serum markers of thrombosis and fibrinolysis. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Forty-two patients with chronic Chagas' disease (12 men and 30 women, 32.5 6.7 years) were compared with 21 healthy volunteers (10 men and 11 women, 24.2 5.6 years). The markers of thrombotic activation used were fragment 1 + 2, ATM complex, PDF/pdf, D-dimer, and beta-thromboglobulin. Fibrinolysis was evaluated before and after venous occlusion, together with euglobulin lysis time, t-PA, and PAI-1 titers. RESULTS: The markers of thrombotic state were significantly higher in patients with chronic Chagas' disease than in controls: F1 + 2 (p < 0.0001), ATM (p < 0.0001), PDF/pdf (p < 0.05), and D dimer (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in beta-thromboglobulin (p = 0.06). Euglobulin lysis time, a global fibrinolytic marker, differed significantly (p < 0.0001) between patients with Chagas' disease and healthy volunteers. However, the more specific fibrinolytic markers t-PA and PAI-1 did not differ significantly between the two study groups. CONCLUSIONS: Although there were no significant differences in fibrinolytic markers between patients with chronic Chagas' disease and healthy volunteers, the significant increase in thrombosis markers (F1 + 2, ATM complex, PDF/pdf, and D dimer) suggests the presence of a prothrombotic state in the early stages of chronic Chagas' disease.

[Determination of blood markers and inflammation in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance]. / Determinación de marcadores séricos de trombosis e inflamación en sujetos con intolerancia a la glucosa: evidencia de un estado protrombótico.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to explore the presence of a prothrombotic state, fibrinolytic dysfunction and inflammation in impaired glucose tolerance subjects, by evaluating serum markers of thrombosis, fibrinolysis and inflammation. METHODS: In 48 consecutive adults, 25 patients with impaired glucose tolerance (nine men and 16 women, 50.0 ± 9.2 years) were compared with 23 control subjects (six men and 17 women, 48.0 ± 11 years). The markers of thrombotic activation used were D-dimer and fibrinogen. Fibrinolysis dysfunction was evaluated with plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) and the inflammatory marker studied was hs-C reactive protein (hs-CRP). RESULTS: The markers of thrombotic state were significantly higher in patients with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) than in controls: D dimer (489.6 ± 277.3 vs. 345.8 ± 158.9 ng/mL) (p< 0.01) and fibrinogen (317.7 ± 32.1 vs. 266.7 ± 25.4 mg/dL) (p < 0.0001). Fibrinolytic marker PAI-1 also differed significantly between the two study groups (66.4 ± 30.7 vs. 35.5 ± 31.0 ng/mL) (p < 0.006). However, hs-CRP, as inflammation marker, (0.45 ± 0.62 mg/dL vs. 0.38 ± 0.47) did not differ significantly between the two study groups (<0.28). CONCLUSION: This result suggests the presence of a prothrombotic state with fibrinolytic dysfunction in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance.

Prevalencia de disfunción tiroidea en pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 / Prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

La diabetes mellitus (DM) y la disfunción tiroidea (DT) son dos frecuentes desórdenes endocrinos. La DT subclínica no reconocida puede afectar adversamente el control metabólico y aumentar el riesgo cardiovascular. Nuestro objetivo fue determinar la prevalencia de DT en pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2, en un estudio observacional de corte transversal con evaluación clínica y de laboratorio a 205 pacientes consecutivos atendidos en consulta externa del Centro de Endocrinología, Diabetes y Nutrición de la ciudad de Concepción, Tucumán, Argentina. La disfunción tiroidea se clasificó como hipotiroidismo clínico con TSH > 4.20 μUI/ml y T4L < 0.93 ng/dl; hipotiroidismo subclínico con TSH > 4.20 μUI/ml y T4 libre 0.93 a 1.70 ng/dl. hipertiroidismo subclínico con TSH < 0.27 μUI/ml y T4 libre en rango normal (0.93-1.70 ng/dl). Se consideró hipertiroidismo clínico con TSH < 0.27 μUI/ml y T4 libre > 1.70 μUI/ml. Se diagnosticó autoinmunidad con anti-TPO > 34 UI/ml. La prevalencia de DT en los diabéticos tipo 2 fue 48% (n = 92). En aquellos que negaron DT previa, la prevalencia fue 40% (n = 37), 15 presentaron hipotiroidismo subclínico (45%). En el total de la población estudiada la prevalencia de hipotiroidismo subclínico fue 8%. En forma global la prevalencia de DT subclínica fue 9% (n = 17) y la de anticuerpos anti-TPO 13% (n = 25). La detección temprana de disfunción tiroidea en diabetes mellitus tipo 2 debería realizarse rutinariamente, dada la elevada tasa de nuevos casos diagnosticados y el aumento del riesgo cardiovascular asociado a la disfunción tiroidea no diagnosticada oportunamente.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and thyroid dysfunction (TD) are two common endocrine disorders. The unrecognized subclinical TD may adversely affect metabolic control and increase cardiovascular risk. Our aim was to investigate the prevalence of TD in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in an observational cross-sectional study. Clinical and laboratory evaluation was performed to 205 consecutive outpatients at Endocrinology Diabetes and Nutrition Center in Concepcion City, Tucuman, Argentina. Thyroid dysfunction was classified as clinical hypothyroidism with TSH > 4.20 mUI / ml and FT4 < 0.93 ng / dl, subclinical hypothyroidism with TSH > 4.20 mUI / ml and free T4 0.93 to 1.70 ng / dl. Subclinical hyperthyroidism was considered with TSH < 0.27 mUI / ml and free T4 was in normal range (0.93 to 1.70 ng / dl); and clinical hyperthyroidism with TSH < 0.27 mUI / ml and free T4 >1.70 mUI / ml. Autoimmunity was diagnosed with anti-TPO > 34 IU / ml. TD prevalence in type 2 diabetic patients was 48% (n = 92). In subjects who denied prior TD, the prevalence was 40% (n = 37), 15 with subclinical hypothyroidism (45%). In the whole study population prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism was 8%. Globally, subclinical DT prevalence was 9% (n = 17) and anti-TPO 13% (n = 25). Early detection of thyroid dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus should be performed routinely, given the high rate of newly diagnosed cases, and increased cardiovascular risk associated with undiagnosed thyroid dysfunction.

Inflammatory and prothrombotic activation with conserved endothelial function in patients with chronic, asymptomatic Chagas disease.

UNLABELLED: Previously, our group showed a prothrombotic state in asymptomatic patients with chronic Chagas disease. The current paper studies the inflammatory status and endothelial function in these patients. METHODS: In 40 patients and 40 healthy volunteers, we evaluated prothrombotic state, blood parasitemia (molecular biology: polymerized chain reaction [PCR]-amplification), tissue factor pathway inhibitor antibodies (aTFPI), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). Endothelial function was determined by reactive hyperemia (pulse plethysmography). RESULTS: In patients, prothrombin fragment 1 + 2, d-dimer, PAI-1, and fibrinogen were higher. Amplification of 121/122 primers (Trypanosoma cruzi) was positive in 45% of the patients. Patients presented higher values of aTFPI- immunoglobulin G (IgG; P < .05), aTFPI-IgM (P < .001), IL-6 (P = .004), and VCAM-1 (P = .00001). In both groups, endothelial function was preserved. CONCLUSIONS: We found that asymptomatic patients with chronic Chagas disease presented a prothrombotic/inflammatory status. The fact that endothelial function is still preserved suggests that prothrombosis and inflammation are primarily implicated in the beginning of cardiovascular damage.