The Impact of Kidney/Pancreas Transplantation on Peripheral Arterial Disease.

INTRODUCTION: It is unclear whether kidney/pancreas (KP) transplantation will prevent the progression of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in patients with insulin dependent diabetes (IDDM) and end-stage renal disease. We sought to determine the pre- and posttransplant prevalence of symptomatic PAD and changes in carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) in KP recipients. METHODS: In this single center study, outcomes were compared between KP recipients with and without a history of PAD. A subset of recipients underwent pre- and posttransplant IMT measurements. RESULTS: Among the study group (N = 107), 18 (17%) recipients admitted to a pretransplant history of symptomatic PAD, comprised 11 foot infections and 7 amputations (5 minor and 2 major). Baseline characteristics of age, gender, race, years of diabetes, dialysis history, smoking history, years of hypertension, and history of coronary artery disease (CAD) were equivalent between PAD and non-PAD cohorts. At a median follow-up of 60 months (IQR: 28, 110), 16 (15%) KP recipients had suffered a PAD event. In multivariate analysis, a pretransplant history of PAD (hazard ratio [HR] 9.66, p < 0.001) and CAD (HR 3.33, p = 0.04) were independent predictors of posttransplant PAD events. Among a subset of 20 recipients (3 with PAD), mean IMT measurements pretransplant and at a median of 24 (range 18-24) months posttransplant, showed no evidence of disease progression. CONCLUSION: Based on IMT measurements and clinical results, KP transplantation stabilized PAD in most patients, but did not alter outcomes of symptomatic PAD recipients. A pretransplant history of PAD and CAD was an independent predictor of posttransplant PAD events.

Surgical site infection prevention bundle in gynecology oncology surgery: a key element in the implementation of an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program.

Surgical site infection rates are among 5-35% in all gynecologic oncology procedures. Such infections lead to increased patient morbidity, reduction in quality of life, higher likelihood of readmissions, and reinterventions, which contribute directly to mortality and increase in health-related costs. Some of these are potentially preventable by applying evidence-based strategies in the peri-operative patient setting. The objective of this review is to provide recommendations for the individual components that most commonly comprise the surgical site infection prevention bundles that could be implemented in gynecologic oncology procedures. We searched articles from relevant publications with specific topics related to each surgical site infection intervention chosen to be reviewed. Studies on each topic were selected with an emphasis on meta-analyses, systematic reviews, randomized control studies, non-randomized controlled studies, reviews, clinical practice guidelines, and case series. Data synthesis was done through content and thematic analysis to identify key themes in the included studies. This review intends to serve as the most up-to-date frame of evidence-based peri-operative care in our specialty and could serve as the first initiative to introduce an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program.

A Woman with Bilateral Pheochromocytoma and Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.

Background/Objective: Pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL) are rare neuroendocrine tumors. Here, we report an unusual case of synchronous PPGL in an asymptomatic patient with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). Case Report: A 49-year-old woman with a history of TSC and end-stage renal disease was referred for evaluation of bilateral adrenal and retroperitoneal masses. She denied chest pain, palpitations, headaches, or previous hypertensive crisis. The laboratory test results showed a plasma normetanephrine level of 20.20 nmol/L (normal range, 0.00-0.89 nmol/L) and plasma chromogranin A level Chromogranin A (CgA) levels of 1518 ng/mL (normal range, 0-103 ng/mL). The plasma metanephrine level was normal. After α-blockade, the patient underwent bilateral adrenalectomy and retroperitoneal mass excision. Pathology confirmed these lesions to be pheochromocytoma and composite paraganglioma/ganglioneuroma, respectively. Her plasma normetanephrine level normalized postoperatively, and the chromogranin A levels improved to 431 ng/mL. Discussion: Routine imaging has increased the incidental diagnosis of PPGL. Diagnostic workup includes measurement of the urinary and/or plasma metanephrine and catecholamine levels followed by tumor localization. Patients with young age, syndromic lesions, bilateral PPGL, or unilateral disease with a positive family history should have genetic testing. Definitive treatment is surgical after α-blockade. Conclusion: This case highlights a rare presentation of bilateral PPGL in a patient with TSC.

Digital Health and Shared Decision-Making in Diabetes Care - A Survey Initiative in Patients and Clinicians.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the landscape of digital health resources in the United States, better understand the impact of the digital health on shared decision-making, and identify potential barriers and opportunities for progress in the care of persons with diabetes. METHODS: The study consisted of two phases: A qualitative phase in which one-on-one interviews were conducted virtually with 34 physicians (endocrinologists {Endos}: n = 15; primary care physicians {PCPs}: n = 19) between February 11, 2021 and February 18, 2021, and a quantitative phase in which two online, email-based surveys in the English language were conducted between April 16, 2021 and May 17, 2021: one with healthcare professionals (HCP) (n = 403: n = 200 Endos and n = 203 PCPs), and one with persons with diabetes (n = 517: patients with type 1 diabetes, n = 257; patients with type 2 diabetes, n = 260). RESULTS: Diabetes digital health tools were found to be helpful in shared decision-making, but leading barriers include cost, coverage, and lack of time by healthcare professionals. Among diabetes digital health tools, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems were used most commonly and viewed as most effective in improving quality of life and facilitating shared decision-making. Strategies for increasing use of diabetes digital health resources included lower cost, integration into electronic health records, and increased simplicity of tools. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that both Endos and PCPs feel that diabetes digital health tools have an overall positive impact. Integration with telemedicine and simpler, lower cost tools with increased patient access can further facilitate shared decision-making and improved diabetes care and quality of life.

The Evolution of Diabetes Technology - Options Toward Personalized Care.

OBJECTIVE: Advances in diabetes technology, especially in the last few decades, have transformed our ability to deliver care to persons with diabetes (PWDs). Developments in glucose monitoring, especially continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems, have revolutionized diabetes care and empowered our patients to manage their disease. CGM has also played an integral role in advancing automated insulin delivery systems. OBSERVATIONS: Currently available and upcoming advanced hybrid closed-loop systems aim to decrease patient involvement and are approaching the functionality of a fully automated artificial pancreas. Other advances, such as smart insulin pens and daily patch pumps, offer more options for patients and require less complicated and costly technology. Evidence to support the role of diabetes technology is growing, and PWD and clinicians must choose the right type of technology with a personalized strategy to manage diabetes effectively. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: Here, we review currently available diabetes technologies, summarize their individual features, and highlight key patient factors to consider when creating a personalized treatment plan. We also address current challenges and barriers to the adoption of diabetes technologies.

Management of Hyperglycemia in the Noncritical Care Setting: A Real-World Case-Based Approach With Alternative Insulin- and Noninsulin-Based Strategies.

Insulin remains the mainstay of treatment for inpatient hyperglycemia in the United States and Canada. However, some other countries commonly use noninsulin agents such as metformin and sulfonylureas, and several trials have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of incretin-based agents in patients with type 2 diabetes who are admitted to noncritical care medicine and surgery services. There is a high degree of interest in alternative glucose-lowering strategies to achieve favorable glycemic outcomes with lower risks of hypoglycemia. In this case series, we highlight the challenges of inpatient glycemic management and the need for alternatives to the traditional basal-bolus insulin regimen. Additional investigation will be imperative to validate the safety and efficacy of appropriate insulin and noninsulin treatments and to further develop guidelines that are applicable in real-world hospital settings.

American Association of Clinical Endocrinology Clinical Practice Guideline: Developing a Diabetes Mellitus Comprehensive Care Plan-2022 Update.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this clinical practice guideline is to provide updated and new evidence-based recommendations for the comprehensive care of persons with diabetes mellitus to clinicians, diabetes-care teams, other health care professionals and stakeholders, and individuals with diabetes and their caregivers. METHODS: The American Association of Clinical Endocrinology selected a task force of medical experts and staff who updated and assessed clinical questions and recommendations from the prior 2015 version of this guideline and conducted literature searches for relevant scientific papers published from January 1, 2015, through May 15, 2022. Selected studies from results of literature searches composed the evidence base to update 2015 recommendations as well as to develop new recommendations based on review of clinical evidence, current practice, expertise, and consensus, according to established American Association of Clinical Endocrinology protocol for guideline development. RESULTS: This guideline includes 170 updated and new evidence-based clinical practice recommendations for the comprehensive care of persons with diabetes. Recommendations are divided into four sections: (1) screening, diagnosis, glycemic targets, and glycemic monitoring; (2) comorbidities and complications, including obesity and management with lifestyle, nutrition, and bariatric surgery, hypertension, dyslipidemia, retinopathy, neuropathy, diabetic kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease; (3) management of prediabetes, type 2 diabetes with antihyperglycemic pharmacotherapy and glycemic targets, type 1 diabetes with insulin therapy, hypoglycemia, hospitalized persons, and women with diabetes in pregnancy; (4) education and new topics regarding diabetes and infertility, nutritional supplements, secondary diabetes, social determinants of health, and virtual care, as well as updated recommendations on cancer risk, nonpharmacologic components of pediatric care plans, depression, education and team approach, occupational risk, role of sleep medicine, and vaccinations in persons with diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: This updated clinical practice guideline provides evidence-based recommendations to assist with person-centered, team-based clinical decision-making to improve the care of persons with diabetes mellitus.

Elevated hemoglobin A1c level and bariatric surgery complications.

INTRODUCTION: In cardiac and orthopedic surgery, elevated glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is a modifiable risk factor for postoperative complications. However, in bariatric surgery, there is insufficient evidence to assess the effectiveness of preoperative HbA1c assessment and its association with postoperative complications. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of HbA1c on early postoperative outcomes in bariatric surgery patients. METHODS: Patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and laparoscopic Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass between 2017 and 2018 were selected for a retrospective review from the metabolic and bariatric surgery accreditation and quality improvement program (MBSAQIP) database. The study population of 118,742 patients was analyzed for our primary outcome which was defined as a composite of any postoperative complications occurring within 30 days. Two groups were defined by HbA1c cutoff: comparison point A (≤ 8% vs > 8%) and comparison point B (≤ 10% vs > 10%). Procedure-related complications were also examined on subgroup analysis. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used with one-to-one matching. The complication rates before and after PSM were calculated and assessed by Fisher's exact test and conditional logistic regression, respectively. RESULTS: After PSM, demographic and clinical characteristics were all balanced and elevated HbA1C was not associated with worse outcomes. After adjusting for underlying comorbidities, there was no statistically significant difference seen in the composite outcome for comparison point A HbA1C ≤ 8 and HbA1C > 8 (p = 0.22). For comparison point B, patients with HbA1C ≤ 10 had more composite complications compared to patients with HbA1C > 10 (p < 0.001). Also, on subgroup analysis after PSM for procedure-specific complications, patients above the cutoff threshold of 8 did not have worsened composite outcomes (p = 0.58 and 0.89 for sleeve and bypass, respectively). Again, at cutoff threshold of 10, patients in HbA1C ≤ 10 had more composite complications (p = 0.001 and 0.007 for sleeve and bypass, respectively). CONCLUSION: In this study of bariatric patients, elevated HbA1c > 8% or 10% was not associated with increased postoperative complications. HbA1c lower than 10% was associated with some types of adverse outcomes in this bariatric dataset. More studies are needed to investigate these findings further. A high HbA1c alone may not disqualify a patient from proceeding with bariatric surgery.

Neurogenic Orthostatic Hypotension: a Common Complication of Successful Pancreas Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is a poorly understood complication of simultaneous pancreas-kidney (SPK) transplantation. We sought to determine the incidence, timing, and relationship of OH to rapid glycemic control in the early posttransplant period. METHODS: This was a nonrandomized retrospective single-center review of 75 SPK and 19 kidney-alone (KA) recipients with type 1 diabetes (DM). RESULTS: OH occurred in 57 (76%) SPK versus 2 (10%) KA recipients (odds ratio [OR] 61.72, 95% confidence interval [CI], 9.69-393.01; P < 0.001). The median onset of OH was 12 (interquartile range [IQR] 9-18) days posttransplant and resolved in 85% of SPK recipients after a median of 2.5 (IQR 1.2-6.3) months. Among SPK recipients, independent risk factors for OH were a shorter duration of DM (OR 0.85, 95% CI, 0.73-0.98; P = 0.03) and rapid glycemic control in the early posttransplant period (OR 1.13, 95% CI, 1.01-1.27; P = 0.04), as evidenced by a larger percent change in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) from transplant to month 3. OH patients had a higher median baseline HbA1c [8.3% (IQR 7.2-10.0) versus 7.1% (IQR 6.8-8.3); P = 0.07], lower median 3-month HbA1c [4.8% (IQR 4.6-5.2) versus 5.2% (IQR 5.0-5.4); P = 0.02], and a larger reduction in HbA1c over time as compared to recipients without OH (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that OH is more likely to occur following SPK versus KA transplantation and is strongly associated with rapid glucose normalization within the early posttransplant period.

Outcomes of "Real-World" Insulin Strategies in the Management of Hospital Hyperglycemia.

CONTEXT: Guidelines recommend scheduled long-acting basal and short-acting bolus insulin several times daily to manage inpatient hyperglycemia. In the "real world," insulin therapy is complicated, with limited data on the comparative effectiveness of different insulin strategies. OBJECTIVE: This work aimed to evaluate the association of different insulin strategies with glucose control and hospital outcomes after adjustment for patient and physician factors that influence choice of therapy. METHODS: This retrospective, observational study took place at an academic hospital. Participants included noncritically ill hospitalized medical/surgical patients (n = 4558) receiving subcutaneous insulin for 75% or longer during admission. Insulin therapy was grouped into 3 strategies within the first 48 hours: basal bolus (BB: scheduled long and short/rapid n = 2358), sliding scale (SS: short/rapid acting n = 1855), or basal only (BO: long only: n = 345). Main outcome measures included glucose control: hypoglycemic days, hyperglycemic days, euglycemic days, mean glucose; and hospitalization: in-hospital mortality, length of stay (LOS), and readmissions. RESULTS: Initial therapy with BB was associated with more hypoglycemic (2.40; CI, 2.04 to 2.82) (P < .001) and fewer euglycemic days (0.90; CI, 0.85 to 0.97) (P = .003) than SS, whereas BO was associated with fewer hyperglycemic days (0.70; CI, 0.62 to 0.79) (P < .001), lower mean glucose (-18.03; CI, -22.46 to -12.61) (P < .001), and more euglycemic days (1.22; CI, 1.09 to 1.37) (P < .001) compared to SS. No difference in mortality, LOS, and readmissions was found. However, decreased LOS was observed in the BB subgroup with a medical diagnostic related group (0.93; CI, 0.89 to 0.97) (P < .001). CONCLUSION: BO had a more favorable hyperglycemia profile than SS. BB, on the other hand, showed worse glycemic control as compared to SS. In the real-world hospital, BO may be a simpler and more effective insulin strategy.

Resident opinions of diabetes management in training: a survey.

CONTEXT: Primary care physicians need a strong foundation in diabetes management, as they are the first line of care for patients with this complex disease, which is increasing in frequency in the United States. This foundational training begins in medical school, but its applications become more important during residency. OBJECTIVES: To quantify osteopathic and allopathic family medicine residents' amount of exposure to diabetes in residency training, investigate referral patterns related to diabetes management, and assess comfort levels with various diabetes treatment modalities. METHODS: An 18-item cross sectional survey was sent via email using Qualtrics to program directors and chief residents of 16 different training programs located in seven different health systems and four different states; the programs were focused on family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, and combined internal medicine/pediatrics programs. The link was also posted on Twitter using specific "handles" to "tag" professional associations and groups related to primary care. Emails and tweets were initiated on October 15, 2018 and responses were collected through April 15, 2019. Data collection was reinitiated via email only from May 1, 2020 through July 31, 2020 due to low initial response rate. The study, which included multiple choice and Likert scale questions with some skip logic, was designed by study investigators. Data was exported from Qualtrics to an Excel spreadsheet and analyzed using descriptive statistics, which are reported as percentages. RESULTS: A total of 61 residents responded to the survey, with most (52; 85.2%) enrolled in family medicine or internal medicine programs. Residents were mostly located in rural (28; 45.9%) and suburban (25; 41.0%) areas. Respondents reported being extremely comfortable with metformin (45; 73.8%), basal insulin (24; 39.3%), and healthy lifestyle education (32; 52.5%) for the treatment of diabetes. They reported being least comfortable with diabetes technology, with 51 (83.6%) uncomfortable or extremely uncomfortable with insulin pumps and 43 (70.5%) uncomfortable with continuous glucose monitoring systems for diabetes treatment. Referral rates to endocrinologists were low, with 47 (77%) reporting referral of diabetes patients 10-15% of the time. Residents reported interest in workshops and online continuing medical education for further training opportunities, but interest in additional formal training was low (3; 4.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Residents in this study reported confidence in diabetes management and referral rates among this group were low. However, reported comfort levels with treatment modalities beyond metformin and lifestyle changes were not strong. Referral rates may have been low due to the low number of endocrinologists in rural areas and therapeutic inertia. Diabetes fellowships could increase resource availability for patient referral. Utilization of diabetologists in primary care programs may also add benefit and improve skills among trainees including more familiarity with diabetes technology and use of newer medications used in diabetes management.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Critically Ill Patients With COVID-19: Results of an Emergent Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Amidst the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) has emerged as an alternative for inpatient point-of-care blood glucose (POC-BG) monitoring. We performed a feasibility pilot study using CGM in critically ill patients with COVID-19 in the intensive care unit (ICU). METHODS: Single-center, retrospective study of glucose monitoring in critically ill patients with COVID-19 on insulin therapy using Medtronic Guardian Connect and Dexcom G6 CGM systems. Primary outcomes were feasibility and accuracy for trending POC-BG. Secondary outcomes included reliability and nurse acceptance. Sensor glucose (SG) was used for trends between POC-BG with nursing guidance to reduce POC-BG frequency from one to two hours to four hours when the SG was in the target range. Mean absolute relative difference (MARD), Clarke error grids analysis (EGA), and Bland-Altman (B&A) plots were calculated for accuracy of paired SG and POC-BG measurements. RESULTS: CGM devices were placed on 11 patients: Medtronic (n = 6) and Dexcom G6 (n = 5). Both systems were feasible and reliable with good nurse acceptance. To determine accuracy, 437 paired SG and POC-BG readings were analyzed. For Medtronic, the MARD was 13.1% with 100% of readings in zones A and B on Clarke EGA. For Dexcom, MARD was 11.1% with 98% of readings in zones A and B. B&A plots had a mean bias of -17.76 mg/dL (Medtronic) and -1.94 mg/dL (Dexcom), with wide 95% limits of agreement. CONCLUSIONS: During the COVID-19 pandemic, CGM is feasible in critically ill patients and has acceptable accuracy to identify trends and guide intermittent blood glucose monitoring with insulin therapy.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis in COVID-19: Unique Concerns and Considerations.

CONTEXT: While individuals with diabetes appear to be at similar risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection to those without diabetes, they are more likely to suffer severe consequences, including death. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a common and potentially lethal acute complication of diabetes arising from a relative insulin deficiency, which occurs more often in those with type 1 diabetes and in the setting of moderate to severe illness. Early reports indicate that among patients with pre-existing diabetes, DKA may be a common complication of severe COVID-19 and a poor prognostic sign. CASE DESCRIPTION: This clinical perspective explores the key elements of caring for individuals with DKA during the COVID-19 pandemic through 2 cases. Topics addressed include diagnosis, triage, and the fundamental principles of treatment with a focus on the importance of characterizing DKA severity and medical complexity to determine the best approach. CONCLUSIONS: As discussed, some tenets of DKA management may require flexibility in the setting of COVID-19 due to important public health goals, such as preventing transmission to highest risk individuals, reducing healthcare worker exposure to infected patients, and preserving personal protective equipment. Evidence for alternative treatment strategies is explored, with special attention placed on treatment options that may be more relevant during the pandemic, including use of subcutaneous insulin therapy. Finally, DKA is often a preventable condition. We include evidence-based strategies and guidance designed to empower clinicians and patients to avoid this serious complication when possible.

Weight Gain After Simultaneous Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Excessive weight (EW) gain is common after solid organ transplantation, but there is little information concerning obesity after pancreas transplantation. The study goal was to characterize EW gain after kidney-pancreas (KP) transplantation. METHODS: This was a retrospective single-center review of 100 KP recipients transplanted between September 2007 and June 2015. RESULTS: The median percent weight gain for all recipients at 1 year posttransplant was 10% (interquartile range, 2.7%-19.3%) of baseline weight. EW gain, defined as greater than or equal to a 19% 1-year increase in weight, included all recipients (n = 26) above the upper limit of interquartile range for weight gain at 1 year. In multivariate analysis, recipient age <40 years, the use of tacrolimus/mammalian target of rapamycin immunosuppression, and an acute rejection event were independent risk factors for EW gain. At a mean follow-up of 43±23 months, there was no difference in patient or graft survival between the EW and non-EW cohorts. Although mean hemoglobin A1c levels between groups were equivalent, the EW versus non-EW cohort displayed a significant increase in mean insulin levels and a trend towards higher C-peptide levels. Criteria for posttransplant metabolic syndrome was met in 34.6% of EW versus 17.6% of non-EW cohorts (P = 0.07). CONCLUSIONS: At intermediate-term follow-up, EW gain after KP transplantation was not associated with an increased risk of death or graft loss, although there was a trend toward a greater risk of posttransplant metabolic syndrome. There may be a metabolic consequence of successful pancreas transplantation that results in EW gain in a proportion of recipients, leading to an increased risk of long-term cardiovascular complications.

Comparison of Levothyroxine Dosing in Patients with and without Heart Failure.

Background: Evidence has shown that low thyroid hormone levels may lead to worse prognosis including a higher mortality rate in patients with heart failure (HF). Thyroid replacement increases cardiac output and exercise performance without causing significant adverse events. The purpose of this study is to compare levothyroxine doses in patients with and without HF.Methods: This single center, retrospective cohort study compared levothyroxine doses in ambulatory hypothyroid patients with a history of HF to those without a history of HF. Patients were stratified into three groups: no HF, HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF, EF<40%), and other types of HF. The primary endpoint of average levothyroxine dose was analyzed using multivariable linear regression with variables determined a priori.Results: Three hundred patients were included in the study with 100 patients in each arm. Average levothyroxine doses (mcg/kg) were 1.5 ± 0.7, 1.6 ± 0.8, and 1.6 ± 0.9 for no HF, other types of HF, HFrEF, respectively (p= .61). Factors found to be significantly related to levothyroxine dosing included gender, drug-drug interactions, and the timing of clinic visit to lab draw. No differences were found in secondary outcomes including TSH levels, free T4, T3, and percentage of patients with elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) among HFrEF, other types of HF, and no HF patients. Among HF patients, average ejection fractions were also similar comparing patients with elevated TSH, normal TSH, and low TSH.Conclusion: The dose of levothyroxine was not significantly different in HF patients compared to patients without HF.