Impact of age on tumor characteristics and treatment outcomes in pediatric Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma.

PURPOSE: There is a tendency to use data generated for adults in the management of pediatric Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma, neglecting the clinical peculiarities of this condition in childhood. This study aimed to assess and compare the clinical-epidemiological characteristics and their significance in the evolution of thyroid carcinoma diagnosed in childhood across different age groups. METHODS: Seventy-seven patients diagnosed with Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma (DTC) up to 21 years old were selected and divided into different age groups: up to 10 years, 11 to 18 years, and 19 to 21 years old. Clinical-epidemiological data and their influence in the disease progression were analyzed and compared across age groups. RESULTS: Patients diagnosed below 10 years of age were associated with tumors showing extrathyroidal extension, metastasis in regional lymph nodes, higher levels of stimulated thyroglobulin in the diagnostic iodine-131 whole-body scan (WBS), and under TSH suppression in the last assessment. Additionally, pulmonary metastasis were associated in both diagnostic and post-radioiodine dose WBSs in these younger patients. Analysis of findings in the post-radioiodine therapy WBS revealed significant differences between all age groups (p = 0.0029). The time of diagnosis was identified as a factor associated with an excellent response in subgroups up to 18 years and up to 21 years. No factors associated with dynamic responses over the 1st, 3rd and 5th years of follow-up and the persistence/recurrence of the disease were identified in the subgroup up to 18 years. In the subgroup up to 21 years, having an incomplete structural response in the 3rd year of follow-up increased the chances of recurrent or persistent response by 5.5 times, and by 32.6 times if found in the 5th year of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Younger patients exhibited more aggressive tumor characteristics and underwent more rigorous treatment. However, treatment response and disease status in the last assessment, whether free or recurrent/persistence, were similar when comparing the age groups of 11 to 18 and 19 to 21 years. Nonetheless, responses obtained in the 3rd and 5th years post-treatment emerged as factors associated with the persistence/recurrence of the disease in the last assessment in the age group up to 21 years but not in patients diagnosed up to 18 years, a relevant distinction considering the tumor behavior in defining the pediatric age range in thyroid cancer.

Cardiac Autonomic Neuropathy in Graves' Disease: Smoking and Age as Predictive Factors.

OBJECTIVES: Hypermetabolic state in Graves' disease (GD) has a great impact on heart homeostasis, acting directly on the heart muscle and modulating the autonomic nervous system. To characterize cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) as a possible complication in patients with GD. METHODS: We evaluated euthyroid GD patients and a control group of healthy euthyroid people. CAN was assessed using autonomic tests of cardiovascular reflex and heart rate variability: respiratory, Valsalva, orthostatic and orthostatic hypotension tests, high frequency, low frequency, and very low-frequency bands. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed in GD patients. RESULTS: Sixty GD patients and 50 people in control group were assessed. CAN was diagnosed in 20% of GD and 14% in the control group. Among GD, 13.3% presented incipient, and 6.7% established CAN, while in the control group, it was verified incipient in 8% and established in 6% (P = .7479). All GD patients with CAN presented an alteration in the deep breathing test. Age and smoking were evidenced as factors associated with the presence of CAN, while higher TRAb values at diagnosis decreased the chance of CAN. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of CAN in euthyroid GD patients was 20%. Changes in the cardiac autonomic nervous system were identified, pointing to the importance of evaluating this complication in these patients. Smoking was a predictive factor for CAN, increasing its relationship with conditions that aggravate GD.

Semblance of a physician: medical students' experiences during Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus clinic simulation / Com o semblante de médico: experiências de estudantes de medicina durante a simulação clínica em Diabetes tipo 2 / Con el semblante de médico: experiencias de estudiantes de medicina durante la simulación clínica en Diabetes tipo 2

This qualitative research aimed to understand the experiences of a fourth-year medical class during two clinical simulation scenarios of type 2 diabetes management in Primary Care. Ten simulated students were interviewed. The results describe the symbolic conception of diabetes and its treatment as anguish, damage, condemnation and an unpleasant sentence that affects the appropriation and performance of the medical role by students. Considering Medical Psychology, we suggest that such subjective factors should be addressed in teaching-learning in addition to commonly cognitive aspects mentioned in the medical education literature in order for students to develop the work profile to cope with diabetes in Primary Care. Clinical simulation facilitates the subjective approach through its group support component to promote reflection, insights and self-awareness.(AU)

Esta pesquisa qualitativa objetivou compreender as experiências de estudantes de um quarto ano médico durante dois cenários de simulação clínica do manejo do diabetes tipo 2 na Atenção Primária. Dez estudantes simulados foram entrevistados. Os resultados descrevem a concepção simbólica do diabetes e seu tratamento como angústia, dano, condenação e uma sentença desagradável que afeta a apropriação e o desempenho do papel médico pelos estudantes. Considerando a Psicologia Médica, sugerimos que os fatores subjetivos apontados devem ser abordados no ensino-aprendizado além de aspectos cognitivos mais comuns na literatura de educação médica para que os estudantes desenvolvam o perfil de trabalho ao enfrentamento do diabetes na Atenção Primária. A simulação clínica permite esta abordagem subjetiva por seu componente de suporte grupal promovendo reflexão, insights e autoconsciência.(AU)

Esta encuesta cualitativa tuvo el objetivo de comprender las experiencias de estudiantes del cuarto año de medicina durante dos escenarios de simulación clínica del manejo de la diabetes tipo 2 en la Atención Primaria. Fueron entrevistados 10 estudiantes simulados. Los resultados describen la concepción simbólica de la diabetes y su tratamiento, tales como angustia, daño, condenación y una sentencia desagradable que afecta la apropiación y el desempeño del papel médico por parte de los estudiantes. Considerando la Psicología Médica, sugerimos que los factores subjetivos señalados deben abordarse en la enseñanza-aprendizaje, más allá de aspectos cognitivos más comunes en la literatura de educación médica para que los estudiantes desarrollen el perfil de trabajo para el enfrentamiento de la diabetes en la Atención Primaria. La simulación clínica permite este abordaje subjetivo por su componente de soporte grupal promoviendo reflexión, insights y autoconciencia.(AU)

Higher systemic inflammatory status and cardiovascular risk associated with Charcot arthropathy unrelated to infection or extremity amputation.

Purpose: People with diabetes and Charcot arthropathy have higher mortality than people with diabetes without this complication. Are the causes of this higher mortality exclusively infectious or of a cardiovascular origin? We aimed to study aspects related to cardiovascular risk and inflammation in a population of people with type 2 diabetes with and without Charcot arthropathy. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in people with diabetes and Charcot Eickenholtz III arthropathy, matched for sex and age, with two groups of people with diabetes without Charcot arthropathy with and without peripheral sensory-motor neuropathy, in the absence of active infection. All participants underwent clinical and laboratory evaluation at the time of the interview, and their cardiovascular risk was calculated according to the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) calculator. Results: We evaluated 69 people with type 2 diabetes (21 with Charcot arthropathy, 24 with diabetic peripheral neuropathy and 24 without this neuropathy), with a mean age between 57 and 61 years and with a diabetes duration of more than 10 years. Patients with Charcot arthropathy had a longer duration of diabetes; more frequency of dyslipidemia; and higher levels of uric acid, microalbuminuria and C-reactive protein than the other two groups. A total of 73.9% of the people evaluated had high or very high cardiovascular risk according to the UKPDS score. Conclusion: The people with type 2 diabetes presenting Charcot arthropathy had greater values of systemic inflammatory parameters, even in the chronic phase of the complication, with a higher risk of mortality unrelated to infections.

Full Diabetic Foot Ulcer Healing and Pain Relief Based on Platelet-Rich-Plasma gel Formulation Treatment and the Involved Pathways.

Diabetic foot ulcer is a severe Diabetic Mellitus-associated complication. It is induced by poor glycemic control, which leads to peripheral neuropathy and vascular diseases. Platelet-rich plasma could be beneficial for healing processes due to its active biomolecules that promotes immunomodulation, angiogenesis, cell proliferation and analgesia.

Influence of thyroid hormone in the expression of the marker pro-apoptosis BID, in spite of the predominance of anti-apoptosis activation in intratiroidal lymphocytic infiltration in Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Cell destruction in Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) involves autoantibodies and cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Thyrocytes maintenance occurs by pro-apoptotic, anti-apoptotic and cell proliferation balance. OBJECTIVES: To characterize factors related to the mechanisms of apoptosis and cell proliferation in thyroid cells and intrathyroid lymphocytic infiltrate in HT. METHODS: We assessed lymphocytic infiltrate and thyroid cells from HT and normal thyroid by immunohistochemical analysis of cell proliferation (Ki-67), antiproliferation (p27Kip1), pro-apoptosis (Fas, Fas-ligand, BID) and anti-apoptosis (MCL-1, BCL2) markers. RESULTS: Lymphocytic infiltrate presented BCL2 and MCL-1 higher expression, Ki-67 and p27kip1 balance. Thyrocytes exhibited Fas and FasL balance, higher BID expression; MCL-1, BCL-2, Ki-67 similar to the normal thyroid. T4 and higher lymphocytes BID expression were associated. CONCLUSIONS: In lymphocytic infiltrate predominated anti-apoptosis in relation to pro-apoptosis except for BID. Thyrocytes presented pro-apoptosis and anti-apoptosis balance and cell proliferation similar to normal thyroid. T4-associated BID expression in HT lymphocytes suggests the influence of thyroid hormone as a signal to up-regulate the BID pro-apoptotic protein and thus increase lymphocytic apoptosis rates.

Digital educational technology for care management of diabetes mellitus people's feet.

OBJECTIVE: to develop and validate a distance learning course aimed at the pillars of care management of diabetes mellitus people's feet. METHOD: a technological production research using Moodle Virtual Learning Environment, based on Andragogy, Constructionism and Instructional Design. Content is based on consensus guidelines on diabetic foot. Validation was carried out by distance education, diabetes and/or diabetic foot experts. RESULTS: the course's content is based on diabetic foot guidelines, and is structured in units with didactic material, videos, forums and questionnaires to assess the participants' learning. The judges considered it appropriate to meet nurses' needs in clinical practice. CONCLUSION: the virtual learning course has been validated, being a promising strategy for training nurses on care management of diabetes mellitus people's feet.

Digital educational technology for care management of diabetes mellitus people's feet / Tecnología educativa digital para el manejo del cuidado de los pies de personas con diabetes mellitus / Tecnologia educacional digital para a gestão de cuidados dos pés de pessoas com diabetes mellitus

ABSTRACT Objective: to develop and validate a distance learning course aimed at the pillars of care management of diabetes mellitus people's feet. Method: a technological production research using Moodle Virtual Learning Environment, based on Andragogy, Constructionism and Instructional Design. Content is based on consensus guidelines on diabetic foot. Validation was carried out by distance education, diabetes and/or diabetic foot experts. Results: the course's content is based on diabetic foot guidelines, and is structured in units with didactic material, videos, forums and questionnaires to assess the participants' learning. The judges considered it appropriate to meet nurses' needs in clinical practice. Conclusion: the virtual learning course has been validated, being a promising strategy for training nurses on care management of diabetes mellitus people's feet.

RESUMEN Objetivos: desarrollar y validar un curso, en la modalidad a distancia, dirigido a los pilares del manejo del cuidado del pie de personas con diabetes mellitus. Método: investigación de producción tecnológica utilizando el Entorno Virtual de Aprendizaje Moodle, basado en Andragogía, Construccionismo y Modelo de Diseño Instruccional. El contenido se basa en las directrices de Consenso sobre el pie diabético. La validación fue realizada por jueces expertos en el campo de la educación a distancia, diabetes y/o pie diabético. Resultados: el contenido del curso se basa en las directrices sobre pie diabético, estando estructurado en unidades con material didáctico, videos, foros y cuestionarios para evaluar el aprendizaje de los participantes. Los jueces lo consideraron adecuado para satisfacer las necesidades de las enfermeras en la práctica clínica. Conclusión: se ha validado el curso virtual de aprendizaje, siendo una estrategia prometedora para la capacitación de enfermeros en la gestión del cuidado del pie para personas con diabetes

RESUMO Objetivos: desenvolver e validar um curso, na modalidade a distância, voltado para os pilares da gestão dos cuidados com os pés das pessoas com diabetes mellitus. Método: pesquisa de produção tecnológica utilizando o Ambiente Virtual de Aprendizagem Moodle, fundamentado na Andragogia, Construcionismo e Modelo de Design Instrucional. O conteúdo é baseado nas diretrizes do Consenso sobre o pé diabético. A validação foi realizada por juízes especialistas no campo da educação a distância, diabetes e/ou pé diabético. Resultados: o conteúdo do curso é baseado nas diretrizes sobre o pé diabético, sendo estruturado em unidades com material didático, vídeos, fóruns e questionários para avaliar a aprendizagem dos participantes. Os juízes consideraram adequado para atender às necessidades dos enfermeiros na prática clínica. Conclusão: o curso virtual de aprendizagem foi validado, sendo uma estratégia promissora para a qualificação de enfermeiros sobre gerenciamento dos cuidados com os pés de pessoas com diabetes.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the challenge of using technology for medical education in low and middle income countries.

This article was migrated. The article was marked as recommended. The current use of technology for medical education in low and middle income countries (LMIC) during the COVID-19 pandemic is not yet reaching its potential. We provide recommendations for LMIC that has focus on a systematic framework that considers both faculty development and developing the skills of students. An enormous challenge for all medical educators, but especially in LMIC, continues to be how to maintain clinical teaching in these extraordinary times.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus associated or not with primary hypothyroidism and women's fertility.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of infertility and other reproductive parameters in women with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) with and without primary hypothyroidism (PH). This is a cross-sectional study conducted at Division of Endocrinology. We evaluated 110 female, aged over 18 years, 79 had DM1 and 31 had DM1 plus PH. They were interviewed to obtain data on their gynecological and obstetric history; medical charts were reviewed to determine the characteristics of the diseases and to assess clinical/laboratory data. Infertility was defined as 12 months of unprotected sexual intercourse without conception. We used the chi-square and Mann-Whitney's tests, and logistic regression analysis. The prevalence of infertility in the total sample was 24.5%, no differences were found between groups regarding obstetric outcomes and gynecologic variables. Factors associated with infertility were microvascular complication (OR: 11.36; 95% CI: 2.488-52.632; p = .029), polycystic ovary syndrome (OR: 9.80; 95% CI: 2.247-43.478; p = .016), PH (OR: 3.38; 95% CI: 1.078-10.638; p = .047), and older age at onset of DM1 (OR: 1.12; 95% CI: 1.029-1.215; p = .019). The presence of PH in women with DM1 was a predictive factor for infertility. Women with DM1 showed poorer reproductive outcomes compared to the general population.

Ambivalence about the selection of cardiovascular risk stratification tools: Evidence in a type 1 diabetes population.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of death among people with diabetes, however, despite the increasing incidence of CVD, there are few tools for evaluating Cardiovascular Risk (CVR) in the population of patients with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), with the existing ones diverging in the stratification of risk and in the suggestions for therapeutic conduct. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 104 participants diagnosed with T1D, aged 18-40, attending specialized services. The Steno Type 1 Risk Engine and the Cardiovascular Risk Stratification Calculator (CRSC) were used to assess the risk of a cardiovascular event over a 10-year period. FINDINGS: Of the total sample selected, 62% were female, with a median age of 32 years (IQ 24; 43). There was a large difference between the stratification of CVR between the calculators, and 65.82% of the patients classified as low risk for CVD according to the Steno were identified as intermediate (30, 38.00%) and high risk (35.44%) by the CRSC. The analysis also highlighted a great difference in eligibility for statin use according to the risk stratification of the tools. CONCLUSION: The CRSC and Steno tools evaluated and stratified the CVR of the same population with T1D, with there being divergence of the results. It was found that the CRSC tool classified the majority of the sample as high risk. Due to this result, the eligibility to use statins, which is one of the applications of these tools, showed great differences, with the Steno tool presenting less aggressive provisions regarding the prescription of statins in patients with type 1 DM.

Identification and performance of multiple clinical and laboratorial risk factors for diagnosis of cardiac autonomic neuropathy in type 1 diabetes patients.

PURPOSE: The incidence of cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) is frequently underestimated. Individuals with T1D and CAN have an increased mortality risk, mainly from cardiovascular causes. The objectives of the present study were to assess the clinical and laboratory characteristics associated with CAN in patients with T1D and verify the ability of multiple clinical factors to help identify patients with this condition. METHODS: 102 patients with T1D were evaluated for CAN using standardized cardiovascular reflex testing. Clinical characteristics were used to compute a numerical score for CAN diagnosis and a ROC curve elaborated for assessment of the best cutoff to predict CAN. This score was then applied to the second sample of 120 patients. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were calculated. RESULTS: Prevalence of CAN was around 35% in the first sample of patients and just below 20% in the second sample. Hypertension, total cholesterol, triglycerides, postprandial sweating, diastolic blood pressure, abnormal right and left 10 g monofilament, retinopathy, and nephropathy were considered independent predictors of CAN. The CAN-score cut-off was 16.88. This yielded a sensitivity of 50%, specificity 73.8%, positive predictive value 22.9%, and negative predictive value 90.5%. CONCLUSION: The use of a subset of clinical and laboratory characteristics can be more accessible than the cardiac reflex tests and more accurate than a single isolated characteristic.

Value of Apoptotic, Antiapoptotic, and Cell Proliferation Markers in the Treatment of Graves' Disease.

To better understand the genesis of autoimmunity in Graves' disease (GD), it is essential to study the mechanism of apoptosis and cell proliferation in thyroid cells and intrathyroidal lymphocytic infiltrate of GD patients. Methods. A cross sectional, observational study performed by evaluating histopathological samples of thyroidectomy products from GD patients using immunohistochemistry. New histological sections were prepared for immunohistochemical analysis with markers of cell proliferation, antiproliferation, apoptosis, and antiapoptosis. Results. Patients with GD who underwent radioiodine therapy (RIT) had a lower lymphocytic expression level of p27Kip1, and those who took beta-blockers had higher expression levels of BID (BH3-interacting domain) and a lower Ki-67 expression level in thyrocytes than those who did not. The association of a shorter diagnostic time with a lower expression level of MCL-1 in thyroid cells suggests that the hyperthyroid state was related to a lower antiapoptotic effect on thyrocytes. In comparison to patients with GD not using antithyroid drugs (ATD), we found a lower expression level of BID in lymphocytes for those who used ATD. Conclusion. In GD, the hyperthyroid state was associated with a lower antiapoptotic effect on thyroid cells. RIT, beta-blockers, and thionamide act by stimulating apoptosis of thyrocytes by intrathyroidal lymphocytes.

Relation of thyroid hormone abnormalities with subclinical inflammatory activity in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Thyroid hormone (TH) abnormalities are common in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). These thyroid hormone abnormalities have been associated with inflammatory activity in several conditions but this link remains unclear in DM. We assessed the influence of subclinical inflammation in TH metabolism in euthyroid diabetic patients. Cross-sectional study involving 258 subjects divided in 4 groups: 70 patients with T2DM and 55 patients with T1DM and two control groups of 70 and 63 non-diabetic individuals, respectively. Groups were paired by age, sex, and body mass index (BMI). We evaluated the association between clinical and hormonal variables [thyrotropin, reverse T3 (rT3), total and free thyroxine (T4), and triiodothyronine (T3)] with the inflammation markers C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), serum amyloid A (SAA), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Serum T3 and free T3 were lower in patients with diabetes (all P < 0.001) compared to the control groups. Interleukin-6 showed positive correlations with rT3 in both groups (P < 0.05). IL-6 was independently associated to FT3/rT3 (B = -0.193; 95% CI -0.31; -0.076; P = 0.002) and FT4/rT3 (B = -0.107; 95% CI -0.207; -0.006; P = 0.039) in the T1DM group. In the T2DM group, SAA (B = 0.18; 95% CI 0.089; 0.271; P < 0.001) and hs-CRP (B = -0.069; 95% CI -0.132; -0.007; P = 0.03) predicted FT3 levels. SAA (B = -0.16; 95% CI -0.26; -0.061; P = 0.002) and IL6 (B = 0.123; 95% CI 0.005; 0.241; P = 0.041) were related to FT4/FT3. In DM, differences in TH levels compared to non-diabetic individuals were related to increased subclinical inflammatory activity and BMI. Altered deiodinase activity was probably involved. These findings were independent of sex, age, BMI, and HbA1c levels.

Dyspeptic symptoms in patients with type 1 diabetes: endoscopic findings, Helicobacter pylori infection, and associations with metabolic control, mood disorders and nutritional factors.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate, in a group of patients with long-standing type 1 diabetes (DM1), an association of dyspepsia symptoms with: changes in the gastroduodenal mucosa, infection by Helicobacter pylori, glycemic control, and psychological and nutritional factors. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 32 patient with DM1 were studied (age: 38 ± 9 years; females: 25; diabetes duration: 22 ± 5 years). All patients answered a standardized questionnaire for the evaluation of gastrointestinal symptoms and underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, with gastric biopsies for the evaluation of Helicobacter pylori infection. The presence of anxiety and depression was evaluated by the HAD scale. Nutritional parameters were BMI, arm and waist circumference, skinfold measurement, and body fat percentage. RESULTS: Upper endoscopy detected lesions in the gastric mucosa in 34.4% of the patients, with similar frequency in those with (n = 21) and without dyspepsia (n = 11). The patients with dyspepsia complaints showed greater frequency of depression (60% vs. 0%; p = 0.001), higher values for HbA1c (9.6 ± 1.7 vs. 8.2 ± 1.3%; p = 0.01) and lower values for BMI (24.3 ± 4.1 vs. 27.2 ± 2.6 kg/m2; p = 0.02), body fat percentage (26.6 ± 6.2 vs. 30.8 ± 7.7%; p = 0.04), and waist circumference (78.7 ± 8 vs. 85.8 ± 8.1 cm; p = 0.02). No association was found between the symptoms and the presence of Helicobacter pylori. CONCLUSIONS: Dyspepsia symptoms in patients with long-standing DM1 were associated with glycemic control and depression, and they seem to negatively influence the nutritional status of these patients.

Dyspeptic symptoms in patients with type 1 diabetes: endoscopic findings, Helicobacter pylori infection, and associations with metabolic control, mood disorders and nutritional factors

Objectives To evaluate, in a group of patients with long-standing type 1 diabetes (DM1), an association of dyspepsia symptoms with: changes in the gastroduodenal mucosa, infection by Helicobacter pylori, glycemic control, and psychological and nutritional factors. Subjects and methods A total of 32 patient with DM1 were studied (age: 38 ± 9 years; females: 25; diabetes duration: 22 ± 5 years). All patients answered a standardized questionnaire for the evaluation of gastrointestinal symptoms and underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, with gastric biopsies for the evaluation of Helicobacter pylori infection. The presence of anxiety and depression was evaluated by the HAD scale. Nutritional parameters were BMI, arm and waist circumference, skinfold measurement, and body fat percentage. Results Upper endoscopy detected lesions in the gastric mucosa in 34.4% of the patients, with similar frequency in those with (n = 21) and without dyspepsia (n = 11). The patients with dyspepsia complaints showed greater frequency of depression (60% vs. 0%; p = 0.001), higher values for HbA1c (9.6 ± 1.7 vs. 8.2 ± 1.3%; p = 0.01) and lower values for BMI (24.3 ± 4.1 vs. 27.2 ± 2.6 kg/m2; p = 0.02), body fat percentage (26.6 ± 6.2 vs. 30.8 ± 7.7%; p = 0.04), and waist circumference (78.7 ± 8 vs. 85.8 ± 8.1 cm; p = 0.02). No association was found between the symptoms and the presence of Helicobacter pylori. Conclusions Dyspepsia symptoms in patients with long-standing DM1 were associated with glycemic control and depression, and they seem to negatively influence the nutritional status of these patients. .

A cross-sectional study of depression and self-care in patients with type 2 diabetes with and without foot ulcers.

Depression has been recognized as a risk factor for foot ulceration in persons with diabetes mellitus. Using convenience sampling methods, a cross-sectional study was conducted among persons with type 2 diabetes treated in a diabetic foot clinic in Sao Paulo, Brazil between February 2010 and December 2011. One hundred (100) patients (average age 62 years, range 38 to 83 years), 50 with a foot ulcer and 50 at risk for developing a foot ulcer, participated. Symptoms of depression were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), where scores increase with severity; and patients were interviewed about foot self-care behaviors. Average BDI scores among patients with an ulcer were higher (mean 20.37; range 1 to 42) than those of patients that had not developed a foot ulcer (mean 15.70; range 2 to 49) (P = 0.030). Self-care behavior was not significantly different between the two groups. Severe depression (P = 0.049, OR= 6.56 95% CI 1.01-42.58) and male gender (P <0.001, OR=14.87 95% CI 3.83-57.82) were associated with the presence of a foot ulcer. Despite reported adequate self-care behaviors, patients with an ulcer had more symptoms of depression than patients who were at risk for developing a foot ulcer. Studies examining cause-and-effect relationships between these observations and the potential role of depression interventions are needed. The results of this and other studies suggest depression screening is important in patients with diabetes mellitus and foot ulcers.

Radiographic and functional results in the treatment of early stages of Charcot neuroarthropathy with a walker boot and immediate weight bearing.

BACKGROUND: One of the most common gold standards for the treatment of Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN) in the early Eichenholtz stages I and II is immobilization with the total contact casting and lower limb offloading. However, the total amount of offloading is still debatable. OBJECTIVES: This study evaluates the clinical and radiographic findings in the treatment of early stages of CN (Eichenholtz stages I and II) with a walker boot and immediate total weight-bearing status. METHODS: Twenty-two patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and CN of Eichenholtz stages I and II were selected for non-operative treatment. All patients were educated about their condition, and full weight bearing was allowed as tolerated. Patients were monitored on a fortnightly basis in the earlier stages, with clinical examination, temperature measurement, and standardized weight-bearing radiographs. Their American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores were determined before and after the treatment protocol. RESULTS: No cutaneous ulcerations or infections were observed in the evaluated cases. The mean measured angles at the beginning and end of the study, although showing relative increase, did not present a statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). Mean AOFAS scores showed a statistically significant improvement by the end of the study (p < 0.005). CONCLUSION: The treatment of early stages of CN (Eichenholtz stages I and II) with emphasis on walker boot and immediate weight bearing has shown a good functional outcome, non-progressive deformity on radiographic assessment, and promising results as a safe treatment option.

The influence of body mass index and low-grade systemic inflammation on thyroid hormone abnormalities in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Previous reports highlight the role of systemic inflammation in the genesis of non-thyroidal illness syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Our objective was to assess whether body mass index and the low-grade systemic inflammation would be associated with changes in thyroid hormone metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes. This was a cross-sectional study of 104 subjects; 52 patients with type 2 diabetes and 52 in a control group, paired by age, gender and body mass index. We measured total (T) and free (F) thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), reverse T3 (rT3), the ratios FT3/rT3, FT3/FT4 and FT4/rT3, clinical parameters (age, gender, diabetes duration and complications, body mass index, waist circumference, hypertension, HbA1c), and high sensitivity C-reactive protein. Patients with DM presented lower levels of TT4 (p=0.006), TT3 (p<0.001) and FT3 (p<0.001) and higher of FT4 (p<0.001), waist circumference (p=0.047) and C-reactive protein (p<0.001). Body mass index was inversely correlated with FT4 (p=0.036) and TT3 (p=0.008). C-reactive protein was positively correlated with rT3 (p=0.001) and inversely with FT4/rT3 (p<0.001) and FT3/rT3 (p=0.014). Body mass index was an independent predictor for FT4 (B=-0.011, p=0.029) and TT3 levels (B=-1.118, p=0.003). Inflammation predicted the FT4/rT3 ratio (B=-0.190, p<0.001). C-reactive protein (B=0.235, p<0.001) and body mass index (B=-0.008, p=0.047) were independent predictors for rT3. In conclusion, type 2 diabetes was associated with a low T3 state. Body mass index and the low-grade systemic inflammation are related to the non-thyroidal illness syndrome in these patients, possibly by altering the activity of peripheral deiodinases.