Albuminuria improves R2CHA2DS2-VASc score in predicting mortality in high cardiovascular risk population.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The CHA2DS2-VASc score estimates the risk of cardioembolism in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). It also predicts vascular events and death in different clinical settings, even in the absence of AF. The R2CHA2DS2-VASc score, obtained by adding the glomerular filtration rate to CHA2DS2-VASc, shows a higher prediction ability for new events and all-cause mortality. The present study aims to assess whether the addition of albuminuria to R2CHA2DS2-VASc score further improves its discrimination ability in predicting all-cause mortality in a sample of high cardiovascular risk population. METHODS AND RESULTS: Prospective, monocentric, observational study, evaluating a subset of 737 subjects consecutively undergoing to coronary angiography at Coronary Unit of Scientific Institute "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza" from June 2016 to December 2018. The presence of albuminuria was significantly associated with all-cause mortality (p < 0.0001). Any one-point increase of Alb-R2CHA2DS2-VASc score increased mortality of about 1.5-fold (adjusted HR 1.49; 95%CI: 1.37-1.63; p < 0.0001). Considering tertiles of Alb-R2CHA2DS2-VASc, the third tertile showed a 9.5-fold increased risk of mortality (HR 9.52; 95% CI: 5.15-17.60, p < 0.001). Comparing the two scores, the Alb-R2CHA2DS2-VASc score (C-statistic = 0.751; 95%CI: 0.69-0.81) outperformed the R2-CHA2DS2-VASc score (C-statistic = 0.736; 95%CI: 0.68-0.961) in predicting mortality (delta C-statistic = 0.015; 95%CI: 0.001-0.029). The better prediction ability of the Alb-R2CHA2DS2-VASc score was also proven by an IDI of 0.024 (p < 0.0001) and a relative IDI of 24.11% (p < 0.0001), with an NRI = 0.608 (p < 0.00001). CONCLUSIONS: The addition of albuminuria to R2CHA2DS2-VASc significantly and independently predicts the risk of all-cause mortality in a sample of high CV risk patients. Moreover, Alb-R2CHA2DS2-VASc outperforms R2CHA2DS2-VASc.

Abdominal Lymphadenopathies: Lymphoma, Brucellosis or Tuberculosis? Multidisciplinary Approach-Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Abdominal pain represents a frequent symptom for referral to emergency departments and/or internal medicine outpatient setting. Similarly, fever, fatigue and weight loss are non-specific manifestations of disease. The present case describes the diagnostic process in a patient with abdominal pain and a palpable abdominal mass. Abdominal ultrasonography confirmed the presence of a mass in the mesogastrium. Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans oriented toward calcific lymphadenopathies with increased metabolism in the positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) scan. Laboratory examinations were inconclusive, although serology for Brucella and the Quantiferon test were positive. After multidisciplinary discussion, the patient underwent surgical excision of the abdominal mass. Histological examination excluded malignancies and oriented toward brucellosis in a patient with latent tuberculosis. The patient was treated with rifampin 600 mg qd and doxycycline 100 mg bid for 6 weeks with resolution of the symptoms. In addition, rifampin was continued for a total of 6 months in order to treat latent tuberculosis. This case underlines the need for a multidisciplinary approach in the diagnostic approach to abdominal lymphadenopathies.

Treating Alcohol Use Disorder in Patients with Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease: Controversies in Pharmacological Therapy.

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is one of the main causes of global death and disability. The liver represents the main target of alcohol damage, and alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) represents the first cause of liver cirrhosis in Western countries. Alcohol abstinence is the main goal of treatment in AUD patients with ALD, as treatments for ALD are less effective when drinking continues. Moreover, the persistence of alcohol consumption is associated with higher mortality, increased need for liver transplantation, and graft loss. The most effective treatment for AUD is the combination of psychosocial interventions, pharmacological therapy, and medical management. However, the effectiveness of these treatments in patients with ALD is doubtful even because AUD patients with ALD are usually excluded from pharmacological trials due to concerns on liver safety. This narrative review will discuss the treatment options for AUD-ALD patients focusing on controversies in pharmacological therapy.

Remdesivir significantly reduces SARS-CoV-2 viral load on nasopharyngeal swabs in hospitalized patients with COVID-19: A retrospective case-control study.

Remdesivir is a broad-spectrum antiviral agent able to inhibit the RNA polymerase of SARS-CoV-2. At present, studies focusing on the effect of remdesivir on viral load (VL) are few and with contrasting results. Aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of remdesivir on SARS-CoV-2 VL from nasopharyngeal swabs (cycle threshold criterion) in a sample of patients treated with the drug, compared with patients who did not receive the antiviral treatment. This retrospective analysis evaluated patients with (1) real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis and (2) availability of at least two positive nasopharyngeal swabs analysed with the same analytic platform (ORF target gene, Ingenius ELITe, ELITechGroup, Puteaux, France). Upper respiratory specimens from nasopharyngeal swabs were collected at admission (T0) and 7-14 days after treatment, upon clinical decision. A total of 27 patients treated with remdesivir (Group A) met the inclusion criteria and were compared with 18 patients (Group B) treated with standard care, matched for baseline clinical characteristics. At baseline, both remdesivir-treated and nontreated patients showed comparable VLs (21.73 ± 6.81 vs. 19.27 ± 5.24, p = 0.348). At the second swab, remdesivir-treated patients showed a steeper VL reduction with respect to controls (34.28 ± 7.73 vs. 27.22 ± 3.92; p < 0.001). Longitudinal linear model estimated a mean decrease in cycle threshold equal to 0.61 (SE: 0.09) per day in remdesivir-treated versus 0.33 (SE: 0.10) per day in remdesivir nontreated patients (p for heterogeneity = 0.045). The present study shows that the administration of remdesivir in hospitalized COVID-19 patients significantly reduces the VL on nasopharyngeal swabs.

CHA2DS2-VASc and R2CHA2DS2-VASc scores predict mortality in high cardiovascular risk population.

BACKGROUND: The CHA2 DS2 -VASc score, widely used to estimate cardioembolic risk in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), appears to be useful also in predicting vascular adverse events and death in different sets of patients without AF. The R2 CHA2 DS2 -VASc score, which includes renal impairment, allows a better prediction of death and thromboembolism in patients without AF. The aims of our study were to assess, in a large sample of patients at high cardiovascular (CV) risk, (i) the correlation between CHA2 DS2 -VASc and R2 CHA2 DS2 -VASc with all-cause mortality, and (ii) to compare the performances of CHA2 DS2 -VASc and R2 CHA2 DS2 -VASc in predicting all-cause mortality. METHODS: In this single-centre prospective observational study, conducted at the Research Hospital 'Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza' between June 2016 and December 2018, 1017 CV patients at high risk of undergoing coronary angiography were enrolled. RESULTS: CHA2DS2-VASc and R2 CHA2 DS2 -VASc scores significantly associated with all-cause mortality. For each one-point increase in CHA2 DS2 -VASc or R2 CHA2 DS2 -VASc scores, mortality increased by almost 1.5-fold. The R2 CHA2 DS2 -VASc score (C-statistic = 0.71; 95% CI = 0.65-76) outperformed the CHA2 DS2 -VASc score (C-statistic = 0.66; 95% CI = 0.61-0.71) in predicting 4-year mortality (delta C-statistic = 0.05; 95% CI = 0.02-0.07). The better predictive ability of the R-CHA2 DS2 -VASc score was also demonstrated by an IDI = 0.027 (95% CI = 0.021-0.034, p < .00001) and a relative IDI = 62.8% (95% CI = 47.9%-81.3%, p < .00001). The R2 CHA2 DS2 -VASc score correctly reclassified the patients with a NRI = 0.715 (95% = 0.544-0.940, p < .00001). CONCLUSIONS: The CHA2DS2-VASc and R2 CHA2 DS2 -VASc scores are useful predictors of all-cause mortality in subjects at high CV risk, with the R2 CHA2 DS2 -VASc score being the best performer.

Signs of Dissociation and Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Several psychological disorders have been described in patients affected by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Few studies have focused on the relationship between IBD and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and no data are available on the relationship between IBD and dissociative symptoms. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of PTSD and dissociative symptoms in a sample of IBD patients compared to healthy controls. A possible relationship with disease activity was also investigated. METHODS: A total of 112 IBD patients, 55 Crohn's disease (CD) and 57 ulcerative colitis (UC), and 114 healthy individuals were evaluated. IBD patients were divided into 3 subgroups according to disease activity (remission, mild, and moderate). The revised version of the Impact of Event Scale (IES-R) and the Dissociative Experience Scale (DES) were administered to patients and controls. RESULTS: IBD patients showed significantly higher rates of PTSD and dissociative symptoms compared to healthy controls. No differences were found between CD and UC patients. PTSD and dissociative symptoms were higher among CD patients with mild to moderate-severe activity compared to the remission group. No differences were found among UC patients with different activity levels. CONCLUSION: IBD patients show a high prevalence of dissociative and traumatic affective disorders. Future studies are needed to investigate the role of these disorders in the clinical course and management of IBD patients according to the different disease activity phase.

Low GFR amplifies the association between coronary three-vessel disease and all-cause mortality.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Three vessels disease (3VD) has been associated with worse prognosis and higher mortality. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an independent risk factor for premature death, mostly due to coronary artery disease (CAD). We aim to examine the prognostic impact of 3VD on all-cause mortality in a cohort of high cardiovascular risk subjects undergoing coronary angiography (CA) and to explore whether low eGFR (<60 ml/min/1.73 m2) modulates the risk of all-cause mortality associated to 3VD. METHODS AND RESULTS: One-thousand-seventeen subjects (759 M, mean age 68.4 ± 11 years) consecutive subjects undergoing CA from 2016 to 2018 were evaluated. Subjects were classified according to the severity of CAD as follows: group "three vessels disease" (3VD), and "no three vessels disease" (No 3VD). Serum creatinine was measured to estimate glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). The whole population was divided into 4 groups (A, B, C, D), according to the presence/absence of low eGFR and/or 3VD. One-hundred-fourteen deaths occurred (median follow-up:44 months). The risk of death in subjects with 3VD was almost 2-time higher than subject without 3VD (adjusted HR = 1.61; 95% CI 1.094-2.373, p = 0.0157). Among 4 subgroups, subjects with low eGFR and 3VD (Group D) had the highest risk of death (adjusted HR = 3.881; 95% CI 2.256-6.676, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Low eGFR significantly amplifies the risk of all-cause mortality associated to 3VD. Our results strengthen the role of kidney disease as a risk multiplier for cardiovascular and all-cause mortality and highlight the need to prevent its onset and progression.

Risk of burnout and stress in physicians working in a COVID team: A longitudinal survey.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The COVID-19 pandemic represents a source of stress and potential burnout for many physicians. This single-site survey aimed at assessing perceived stress and risk to develop burnout syndrome among physicians operating in COVID wards. METHODS: This longitudinal survey evaluated stress and burnout in 51 physicians operating in the COVID team of Gemelli Hospital, Italy. Participants were asked to complete the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and the Perceived Stress Questionnaire on a short run (PSQs) (referring to the past 7 days) at baseline (T0) and then for four weeks (T1-T4). Perceived Stress Questionnaire on a long run (PSQl) (referring to the past 2 years) was completed only at T0. RESULTS: Compared with physicians board-certified in internal medicine, those board-certified in other disciplines showed higher scores for the Emotional Exhaustion (EE) score of the MBI scale (P < .001). Depersonalisation (DP) score showed a reduction over time (P = .002). Attending physicians scored lower than the resident physicians on the DP scale (P = .048) and higher than resident physicians on the Personal Accomplishment (PA) scale (P = .04). PSQl predicted higher scores on the EE scale (P = .003), DP scale (P = .003) and lower scores on the PA scale (P < .001). PSQs showed a reduction over time (P = .03). Attending physicians had a lower PSQs score compared with the resident physicians (P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: Medical specialty and clinical position could represent risk factors for the development of burnout in a COVID team. In these preliminary results, physicians board-certified in internal medicine showed lower risk of developing EE during the entire course of the study.

Sepsis: New Challenges and Future Perspectives for an Evolving Disease-Precision Medicine Is the Way!

Sepsis still remains the leading cause of in-hospital death in the world [...].

Neutropenic Enterocolitis and Sepsis: Towards the Definition of a Pathologic Profile.

Background: Neutropenic enterocolitis (NE), which in the past was also known as typhlitis or ileocecal syndrome for the segment of the gastrointestinal tract most affected, is a nosological entity that is difficult to diagnose and whose pathogenesis is not fully known to date. Initially described in pediatric patients with leukemic diseases, it has been gradually reported in adults with hematological malignancies and non-hematological conditions, such as leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, aplastic anemia, and also myelodysplastic syndromes, as well as being associated with other immunosuppressive causes such as AIDS treatment, therapy for solid tumors, and organ transplantation. Therefore, it is associated with high mortality due to the rapid evolution in worse clinical pictures: rapid progression to ischemia, necrosis, hemorrhage, perforation, multisystem organ failure, and sepsis. Case report: A case report is included to exemplify the clinical profile of patients with NE who develop sepsis. Literature Review: To identify a specific profile of subjects affected by neutropenic enterocolitis and the entity of the clinical condition most frequently associated with septic evolution, a systematic review of the literature was conducted. The inclusion criteria were as follows: English language, full-text availability, human subjects, and adult subjects. Finally, the papers were selected after the evaluation of the title and abstract to evaluate their congruity with the subject of this manuscript. Following these procedures, 19 eligible empirical studies were included in the present review. Conclusions: Despite the recent interest and the growing number of publications targeting sepsis and intending to identify biomarkers useful for its diagnosis, prognosis, and for the understanding of its pathogenesis, and especially for multi-organ dysfunction, and despite the extensive research period of the literature review, the number of publications on the topic "neutropenic enterocolitis and sepsis" appears to be very small. In any case, the extrapolated data allowed us to conclude that the integration of medical history, clinical and laboratory data, radiological imaging, and macroscopic and histological investigations can allow us to identify a specific pathological profile.

Delta-Procalcitonin and Vitamin D Can Predict Mortality of Internal Medicine Patients with Microbiological Identified Sepsis.

Background: The management of septic patients hospitalized in Internal Medicine wards represents a challenge due to their complexity and heterogeneity, and a high mortality rate. Among the available prognostic tools, procalcitonin (PCT) is considered a marker of bacterial infection. Furthermore, an association between vitamin D deficiency and poor sepsis-related outcomes has been described. Objectives: To evaluate the prognostic accuracy of two consecutive PCT determinations (Delta-PCT) and of vitamin D levels in predicting mortality in a population of patients with microbiological identified sepsis admitted to Internal Medicine wards. Methods: This is a sub-analysis of a previous prospective study. A total of 80 patients had at least two available consecutive PCT determinations, while 63 had also vitamin D. Delta-PCT was defined as a reduction of PCT > 50% after 48 h, >75% after 72 h, and >85% after 96 h. Mortality rate at 28- and 90-days were considered as main outcome. Results: Mortality rate was 18.7% at 28-days and 30.0% at 90-days. Baseline PCT levels did not differ between survived and deceased patients (28-days: p = 0.525; 90-days: p = 0.088). A significantly higher proportion of survived patients showed Delta-PCT (28-days: p = 0.002; 90-days: p < 0.001). Delta-PCT was associated with a lower 28-days (p = 0.007; OR = 0.12, 95%CI 0.02-0.46) and 90-days mortality (p = 0.001; OR = 0.17, 95%CI 0.06-0.48). A significantly higher proportion of deceased patients showed severe vitamin D deficiency (28-days: p = 0.047; 90-days: p = 0.049). Severe vitamin D deficiency was associated with a higher 28-days (p = 0.058; OR = 3.95, 95%CI 1.04-19.43) and 90-days mortality (p = 0.054; OR = 2.94, 95%CI 1.00-9.23). Conclusions: Delta-PCT and vitamin D represent two useful tests for predicting prognosis of septic patients admitted to Internal Medicine wards.

Low Sensitivity of Admission Lung US Compared to Chest CT for Diagnosis of Lung Involvement in a Cohort of 82 Patients with COVID-19 Pneumonia.

Background and Objectives: The potential role of lung ultrasound (LUS) in characterizing lung involvement in Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is still debated. The aim of the study was to estimate sensitivity of admission LUS for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 lung involvement using Chest-CT (Computed Tomography) as reference standard in order to assess LUS usefulness in ruling out COVID-19 pneumonia in the Emergency Department (ED). Methods: Eighty-two patients with confirmed COVID-19 and signs of lung involvement on Chest-CT were consecutively admitted to our hospital and recruited in the study. Chest-CT and LUS examination were concurrently performed within the first 6-12h from admission. Sensitivity of LUS was calculated using CT findings as a reference standard. Results: Global LUS sensitivity in detecting COVID-19 pulmonary lesions was 52%. LUS sensitivity ranged from 8% in case of focal and sporadic ground-glass opacities (mild disease), to 52% for a crazy-paving pattern (moderate disease) and up to 100% in case of extensive subpleural consolidations (severe disease), although LUS was not always able to detect all the consolidations assessed at Chest-CT. LUS sensitivity was higher in detecting a typical Chest-CT pattern (60%) and abnormalities showing a middle-lower zone predominance (79%). Conclusions: As admission LUS may result falsely negative in most cases, it should not be considered as a reliable imaging tool in ruling out COVID-19 pneumonia in patients presenting in ED. It may at least represent an expanded clinical evaluation that needs integration with other diagnostic tests (e.g., nasopharyngeal swab, Chest-CT).

Gut microbiota compositional and functional fingerprint in patients with alcohol use disorder and alcohol-associated liver disease.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) represents the most common cause of liver disease. The gut microbiota plays a critical role in the progression of alcohol-related liver damage. Aim of this study was to characterize the gut microbial composition and function in AUD patients with alcohol-associated liver disease (AALD). METHODS: This study included 36 AUD patients (14 with cirrhosis) who were active drinkers and an equal number of matched controls. Stool microbial composition, serum levels of lipopolysaccharide, cytokines/chemokines and gut microbiota functional profile were assessed. RESULTS: AUD patients had a decreased microbial alpha diversity as compared to controls (0.092 vs 0.130, P = .047) and a specific gut microbial signature. The reduction of Akkermansia and the increase in Bacteroides were able to identify AUD patients with an accuracy of 93.4%. Serum levels of lipopolysaccharide (4.91 vs 2.43, P = .009) and pro-inflammatory mediators (tumour necrosis factor alpha 60.85 vs 15.08, P = .001; interleukin [IL] 1beta 4.43 vs 1.72, P = .0001; monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 225.22 vs 16.43, P = .006; IL6 1.87 vs 1.23, P = .008) were significantly increased in AUD patients compared to controls and in cirrhotic patients compared to non-cirrhotic ones (IL6 3.74 vs 1.39, P = .019; IL8 57.60 vs 6.53, P = .004). The AUD-associated gut microbiota showed an increased expression of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) metabolic pathways and energy metabolism. CONCLUSIONS: AUD patients present a specific gut microbial fingerprint, associated with increased endotoxaemia, systemic inflammatory status and functional alterations that may be involved in the progression of the AALD and in the pathogenesis of AUD.

Takotsubo Syndrome and Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Does a Link Exist?

BACKGROUND: Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is an acute cardiac dysfunction in the absence of viral causes or obstructive coronary disease completely reversible within 4-8 weeks. Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are a group of diseases caused by the interaction between immune system, genetic, and environmental factors against intestinal mucosa. Both these syndromes are characterized by complex mechanisms involving endothelial dysfunction and affective disorders. AIM: To assess the possibility of an association between IBD and TTS. METHODS: First, we present a case of TTS in a patient affected by active stenosing Crohn's disease. Articles in English language were collected from PubMed and Google Scholar databases with the search terms "takotsubo," "IBD," "crohn disease," "ulcerative colitis". RESULTS: Both TTS and IBD show multiple common features: preference for female patients, recurrent course of disease, association with endothelial dysfunction, and affective disorders. Patients affected by IBD could show specific triggers for TTS, such as malabsorption, electrolytes disturbances, and affective disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Despite pathophysiological similarities between TTS and IBD in active phase, future studies are needed to confirm this apparently possible association and to assess the presence of a pathophysiological link between these diseases.

Make Mission Impossible Feasible: The Experience of a Multidisciplinary Team Providing Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder to Homeless Individuals.

AIM: People experiencing homelessness are often excluded from treatment programs for alcohol use disorder (AUD). The goal of this study was to describe the impact of a multidisciplinary treatment program on alcohol consumption and social reintegration in individuals with AUD experiencing homelessness. METHODS: Thirty-one individuals with AUD experiencing homelessness were admitted to an inpatient unit for 5-6 days for clinical evaluation and to treat potential alcohol withdrawal syndrome. A group of volunteers, in collaboration with the Community of Sant'Egidio, provided social support aimed to reintegrate patients. After inpatient discharge, all patients were followed as outpatients. Alcohol intake (number drinks/day), craving and clinical evaluation were assessed at each outpatient visit. Biological markers of alcohol use were evaluated at enrollment (T0), at 6 months (T1) and 12 months (T2). RESULTS: Compared with T0, patients at T1 showed a significant reduction in alcohol consumption [10 (3-24) vs 2 (0-10); P = 0.015] and in γ-glutamyl-transpeptidase [187 (78-365) vs 98 (74-254); P = 0.0021]. The reduction in alcohol intake was more pronounced in patients with any housing condition [10 (3-20) vs 1 (0-8); P = 0.008]. Similarly, compared with T0, patients at T2 showed significant reduction in alcohol consumption [10 (3-24) vs 0 (0-15); P = 0.001], more pronounced in patients with any housing condition [10 (3-20) vs 0 (0-2); P = 0.006]. Moreover, at T2 patients showed a significant reduction in γ-glutamyl-transpeptidase [187 (78-365) vs 97 (74-189); P = 0.002] and in mean cell volume [100.2 (95-103.6) vs 98.3 (95-102); P = 0.042]. CONCLUSION: Patients experiencing homelessness may benefit from a multidisciplinary treatment program for AUD. Strategies able to facilitate and support their social reintegration and housing can improve treatment outcomes.

New Strategies for Treatment of Sepsis.

Sepsis represents a major global health concern and is one of the most feared complications for hospitalized patients, being the cause, directly or indirectly, of about half of all hospital deaths. According to the last definition, sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection and defined septic shock as a subset of sepsis in which underlying circulatory and cellular/metabolic abnormalities are profound enough to significantly increase mortality. Sepsis is a time-dependent disease and requires a prompt recognition and a standardized treatment. The Special Issue "New Strategies for Treatment of Sepsis" has been thought to connect the experience of physicians involved in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of sepsis at every stage of disease, from emergency departments to general and intensive wards. The focus will be pointed on new approaches to this syndrome, such as early recognition based on clinical features and biomarkers, management in non-ICUs, non-invasive treatment strategies, including non-antimicrobial agents, and, of course, invasive approaches. This Special Issue will highlight the many different facets of sepsis, seen through the eyes of different specialists. We hope to spread the knowledge of a new blueprint for treatment.

Liver Transplantation in Patients with Alcoholic Liver Disease: A Retrospective Study.

AIM: Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is the most common liver disease in the Western World. Liver transplantation (LT) is the treatment for end-stage ALD. However, many transplant centers are still reluctant to transplant these patients because of the risk of alcohol relapse, recurrence of the primary liver disease and associated post-transplant complications. We examined survival rate, prevalence of primary liver disease recurrence, re-transplantation and post-transplant complications among transplanted patients for alcoholic cirrhosis compared with those transplanted for viral cirrhosis. METHODS: data about patients transplanted for alcoholic and viral cirrhosis at the Gemelli Hospital from January 1995 to April 2016 were retrospectively collected. Survival rate was evaluated according to the Kaplan-Meier method. Recurrence was defined as histological evidence of primary liver disease. Data on the onset of complication, causes of death and graft failure after liver transplant were analyzed. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference regarding survival rate between the two groups. Only patients transplanted for viral cirrhosis presented with primary liver disease recurrence. There was a higher rate of cancer development in patients transplanted for alcoholic cirrhosis. Cancer was the major cause of death in this population. Risk factors associated with the onset of cancer were a high MELD score at the transplant time and smoking after transplantation. CONCLUSION: ALD is a good indication for LT. Patients transplanted for alcoholic cirrhosis should receive regular cancer screening and should be advised against smoking. SHORT SUMMARY: No difference was found between patients transplanted for alcoholic cirrhosis and viral cirrhosis in term of survival rate. Only patients transplanted for viral cirrhosis presented primary liver disease recurrence. A higher rate of cancer development was found in patients transplanted for alcoholic cirrohosis. This complication was associated with post-trasplant smoking.

Diabetic kidney disease in the elderly: prevalence and clinical correlates.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a major burden in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR+, < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) and albuminuria (Alb+) are essential for the diagnosis of DKD, but their association with clinical variables and quality of care may be influenced by ageing. METHODS: Here we investigated the association of clinical variables and quality of care measures with eGFR+ and Alb+ in 157,595 T2DM individuals participating to the Italian Association of Clinical Diabetologists (AMD) Annals Initiative, stratified by age. RESULTS: The prevalence of eGFR+ and Alb+ increased with ageing, although this increment was more pronounced for low eGFR. Irrespective of age, both the eGFR+ and Alb + groups had the worst risk factors profile when compared to subjects without renal disease, showing a higher prevalence of out-of target values of HbA1c, BMI, triglycerides, HDL-C, blood pressure and more complex cardiovascular (CVD) and anti-diabetic therapies, including a larger use of insulin In all age groups, these associations differed according to the specific renal outcome examined: male sex and smoking were positively associated with Alb+ and negatively with eGFR+; age and anti-hypertensive therapies were more strongly associated with eGFR+, glucose control with Alb+, whereas BMI, and lipid-related variables with both abnormalities. All these associations were attenuated in the older (> 75 years) as compared to the younger groups (< 65 years; 65-75 years), and they were confirmed by multivariate analysis. Notably, Q-score values < 15, indicating a low quality of care, were strongly associated with Alb+ (OR 8.54; P < 0.001), but not with eGFR+. CONCLUSIONS: In T2DM patients, the prevalence of both eGFR and Albuminuria increase with age. DKD is associated with poor cardiovascular risk profile and a lower quality of care, although these associations are influenced by the type of renal abnormality and by ageing. These data indicate that clinical surveillance of DKD should not be unerestimated in old T2DM patients.

Association of kidney disease measures with risk of renal function worsening in patients with type 1 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Albuminuria has been classically considered a marker of kidney damage progression in diabetic patients and it is routinely assessed to monitor kidney function. However, the role of a mild GFR reduction on the development of stage ≥3 CKD has been less explored in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) patients. Aim of the present study was to evaluate the prognostic role of kidney disease measures, namely albuminuria and reduced GFR, on the development of stage ≥3 CKD in a large cohort of patients affected by T1DM. METHODS: A total of 4284 patients affected by T1DM followed-up at 76 diabetes centers participating to the Italian Association of Clinical Diabetologists (Associazione Medici Diabetologi, AMD) initiative constitutes the study population. Urinary albumin excretion (ACR) and estimated GFR (eGFR) were retrieved and analyzed. The incidence of stage ≥3 CKD (eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) or eGFR reduction > 30% from baseline was evaluated. RESULTS: The mean estimated GFR was 98 ± 17 mL/min/1.73m2 and the proportion of patients with albuminuria was 15.3% (n = 654) at baseline. About 8% (n = 337) of patients developed one of the two renal endpoints during the 4-year follow-up period. Age, albuminuria (micro or macro) and baseline eGFR < 90 ml/min/m2 were independent risk factors for stage ≥3 CKD and renal function worsening. When compared to patients with eGFR > 90 ml/min/1.73m2 and normoalbuminuria, those with albuminuria at baseline had a 1.69 greater risk of reaching stage 3 CKD, while patients with mild eGFR reduction (i.e. eGFR between 90 and 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) show a 3.81 greater risk that rose to 8.24 for those patients with albuminuria and mild eGFR reduction at baseline. CONCLUSIONS: Albuminuria and eGFR reduction represent independent risk factors for incident stage ≥3 CKD in T1DM patients. The simultaneous occurrence of reduced eGFR and albuminuria have a synergistic effect on renal function worsening.