Estimating eGFR using serum creatinine or cystatin C in healthy Vietnamese population.

Very few studies worldwide have assessed the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) using serum cystatin C (ScysC) in comparison to the gold standard measured glomerular filtration rate (mGFR) with a gamma camera technique using 99m-Technetium-Diethylene Triaminepentoacetic Acid (99mTc-DTPA). To determine the eGFR formula with the most accurate estimate of glomerular filtration rate when compared with mGFR in a healthy population in Vietnam. We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study of more than 100 adults without hypertension. The study subjects were examined for general characteristics and blood biochemistry tests to assess eGFR, and the glomerular filtration rate was measured using 99mTc-DTPA with the Gates technique to record mGFR. The estimated values of the eGFR formula were evaluated and compared with the actual mGFR using 99mTechnetium-DTPA. Serum creatinine (Scr) concentration showed a significant difference between males and females: 0.9 ±â€…0.1 versus 0.8 ±â€…0.1 (P < .001), while ScysC concentration did not show this difference. The mGFR in the age groups < 40, 40 to 59, and ≥ 60: 105.0 ±â€…9.9, 94.8 ±â€…8.6, and 93.4 ±â€…10.6, respectively (P < .001). The eGFR-CKD-EPI-cystatin C 2012 formula showed the highest positive correlation with mGFR (ΔGFR = -1.6, R = 0.68, P < .001). eGFR calculated using cystatin C does not require sex adjustment, whereas, for creatinine, sex adjustment is necessary. The eGFR-CKD-Epi-CysC formula showed the lowest difference and a strong correlation with mGFR.

Early detection of reduced left ventricular systolic function by 2D speckle tracking echocardiography in patients with primary mitral regurgitation in a Vietnamese cohort.

Background: Mitral regurgitation (MR) is a common heart valve disease, causing many serious complications in several organ systems, especially the cardiovascular system. The 2D speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) is a new technique for detecting potential cardiac dysfunction when only tissue function abnormalities are present. The study aimed to assess left ventricular (LV) systolic function early by STE in patients with primary MR through global LV deformity along the global longitudinal strain (GLS). Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was performed on 46 patients with moderate to severe primary MR as recommended by the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) 2017. Results: The prevalence of patients with GLS reduction with ejection fraction (EF) >60%, New York Heart Association (NYHA) I, and left ventricular internal diameter systolic (LVIDs) <40 mm was 38.1%, 35.7%, and 39.5%, respectively. 100% of patients with EF<60% and LVIDs ≥40 mm had reduced GLS (<16%). The GLS index strongly correlates with the NYHA classification, degree of MR, EF, and echocardiographic parameters. Conclusion: GLS index gives a significant sign in the early detection of cardiac function abnormalities before symptoms or other echocardiographic parameters in patients with MR.

Effect of Pharmacist-Led Interventions on Medication Adherence among Vietnamese Patients with Asthma: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Medication adherence in asthmatic patients enhances the effectiveness of treatments, but some studies in low and middle-income countries still show some limitations. Our study aimed to determine if pharmacist-led interventions could increase medication adherence, improve treatment effectiveness, and relieve symptom severity in outpatients with asthma. METHODS: We conducted a randomized, controlled trial on 247 asthmatic outpatients (aged ≥ 16) with a 1:1 ratio randomization at the hospitalization time and repeated after 1-month discharge. The primary outcome was to detect the difference in medication adherence between groups. Adherence was assessed by the general medication adherence scale (GMAS). Data collected by questionnaire was coded and entered into SPSS_20 for statistical analysis; Results: 247 patients (123 intervention, 124 control) were enrolled (61.1% male). After intervention, the adherence rate was higher among the intervention group than the control group (94.3% vs. 82.8%, p = 0.001). Patient behavior and knowledge were enhanced in the intervention group (p < 0.05). Asthma symptoms were relieved in the intervention group (p = 0.014). Pharmacist-led interventions on adherence rate were higher with OR: 3.550, 95% CI: 1.378-9.143, p = 0.009. CONCLUSIONS: pharmaceutical intervention could improve medication adherence, treatment efficacy, and the outcome should not be taken for granted; further research should be carried out in this regard.

The combination of CYP2C19 polymorphism and inflammatory cell ratios in prognosis cardiac adverse events after acute coronary syndrome.

Background: CYP2C19 gene polymorphism combination with inflammatory cell ratios was significant in the prognosis of coronary heart disease. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional analysis study, with 6 months follow-up on 142 patients with acute coronary syndrome. Patients were analyzed for CYP2C19 gene polymorphisms by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and complete blood count to determine inflammatory cell ratios and recorded cardiovascular events (CEs) after following up to 6 months. Results: For 90-day CEs, CYP2C19 gene polymorphism (Hazard Ratio (HR): 1.965, 95 % Confidence Interval (CI): 1.012-3.814), the combination of a neutrophil and lymphocyte ratio (NLR) ≥ 2.982 (HR: 13.001, 95 % CI: 1.37-97.304) or a platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) ≥ 162.42 (HR: 2.878, 95 % CI: 1.212-6.835) was independent predictors of CEs. For 180-day CEs, CYP2C19 gene polymorphism combination with NLR ≥3.02 (HR: 13.946, 95 % CI: 1.833-106.121) or PLR ≥160.38 (HR: 5.349, 95 % CI: 1.379-20.745) or monocyte to lymphocyte ratio (MLR) ≥ 0.3 (HR: 4.699, 95 % CI: 1.032-31.393) were independent predictors of CEs. Conclusion: NLR, PLR or MLR combined with CYP2C19 gene polymorphism were stronger independent predictors of cardiovascular events in patients with acute coronary syndromes compared to CYP2C19 gene polymorphism and inflammatory cell ratios separately. CYP2C19 polymorphism and high NLR was the strongest predictor of both CEs at 90 days and 180 days.