Analysis of the association between anxiety, depression and obesity in individuals with metabolic syndrome.

Objective. The aim of this study was to verify the association between anxiety, depression, and obesity in metabolic syndrome (MetS) patients. Methods. It is a retrospective study with 142 volunteers with MetS of both genders and age ≥20 years. Every subject responded to the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS). Data are shown as absolute and relative frequencies for categorical variables and a Pearson's chi-square test was performed to verify the association between anxiety or depression and body mass index (BMI). The value of p≤0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results. The frequency of anxiety and depression was 18.3% (n=26) and 12% (n=17), respectively. There was no significant association between anxiety or depression and BMI (p=0.481 and 0.079, respectively) in individuals with MetS. Conclusions. Although no association among anxiety, depression and obesity was found, the psychological factors should be added to the MetS treatment contributing to a more effective health care in order to find answers to manage and adhere to the conducts carried out from a more humanized and transdisciplinary perspective. The data also indicate that large sample and case-control methodology are required to obtain a more specific evaluation of this association.

Prevalence and risk factors for Human T-Lymphotropic Virus Type 1 (HTLV-1) among maintenance hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Infection with the human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1), although asymptomatic in most cases, can lead to potentially grave consequences, such as adult T-cell leukemia-lymphoma and HTLV-1-associated myelopathy / tropical spastic paraparesis. Its prevalence varies widely across different populations and geographic regions. A population-based study in the city of Salvador, located in the Northeast region of Brazil, showed an overall prevalence of HTLV-1 seropositivity of 1.7%. Blood borne virus infections are recognized as important hazards for patients and staff in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) units but most studies focus on hepatitis B, hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency viruses. There are scarce data about HTLV-1 infection in the MHD population. We aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors for HTLV-1 infection among MHD patients in the city of Salvador-Bahia, Brazil. METHODS: We conducted a multi-center, cross-sectional study nested in a prospective cohort of MHD patients enrolled from four outpatient clinics. HTLV-1 screening was performed with ELISA and positive cases were confirmed by Western Blot. Factors associated with HTLV-1 seropositivity were identified by multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: 605 patients were included in the study. The overall prevalence of HTLV-1 infection was 2.48% (15/605), which was similar to that of hepatitis B [1.98% (12/605)] and C [3.14% (19/605)] viruses in our sample. HTLV-1 seropositivity was positively associated with age [prevalence odds ratio (POR) 1.04; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-1.08], unmarried status (POR 3.65; 95% CI 1.13-11.65), and history of blood transfusion (POR 3.35; 95% CI 1.01-11.13). CONCLUSIONS: The overall prevalence of HTLV-1 infection in a sample of MHD patients was similar to that of other viral infections, such as hepatitis B and C. Our data revealed that MHD patients who are older, unmarried or who have received blood transfusions are at higher risk for HTLV-1 infection.

Clinical and Biochemical Features of Hypopituitarism Among Brazilian Children With Zika Virus-Induced Microcephaly.

Importance: The Zika virus infects progenitor neuron cells, disrupts cerebral development, and, in mice, drives hypothalamic defects. Patients with microcephaly caused by congenital Zika infection present with midline cerebral defects, which may result in hypopituitarism. Objective: To analyze postnatal growth and the presence of clinical and biochemical features associated with hypopituitarism in children with congenital Zika infections. Design, Setting, and Participants: In this prospective cohort study at 2 public referral hospitals in Bahia, Brazil, specializing in the treatment of congenital Zika infection, clinical data and growth parameters of 65 patients with the infection were evaluated. Data were analyzed from April 2017 through July 2018. Exposure: Congenital Zika infection. Main Outcomes and Measures: Length, weight, and head circumference were measured at birth and during follow up (ie, at 27 months of life) for each patient. Basal levels of free thyroxine, thyrotropin, cortisol, corticotropin, prolactin, insulin-like growth factor 1, insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3, urine and plasma osmolality, electrolytes, glucose, and insulin were evaluated at the age of 26 months to 28 months. All patients underwent central nervous system computed tomography scans and ophthalmic and otoacoustic evaluations at the time of this investigation or had done so previously. Results: Among 65 patients (38 [58.4%] male; median [interquartile range] age at enrollment, 27 [26-28] months), 61 patients presented with severe brain defects (93.8%), including corpus callosum agenesis or hypoplasia (ie, midline brain defects; 25 patients [38.5%]) and optic nerve atrophy (38 patients [58.5%]). Most patients presented with severe neurodevelopmental delay (62 of 64 patients [96.9%]). Past or present clinical signs of hypopituitarism were rare, occurring in 3 patients (4.6%). Severe microcephaly, compared with mild or moderate microcephaly, was associated with a shorter length by median (interquartile range) z score at birth (-1.9 [-2.5 to -1.0] vs -0.3 [-1.0 to 0]; P < .001), but this difference did not persist at 27 months (-1.6 [-2.3 to -0.3] vs -2.9 [-4.0 to -1.2]; P = .06). Growth hormone deficiency or hypothyroidism were not observed in any patients, and glucose and insulin levels were within reference ranges for all patients. Low cortisol levels (ie, below 3.9 µg/dL) were observed in 4 patients (6.2%). These 4 patients presented with low (ie, below 7.2 pg/mL) or inappropriately low (ie, below 30 pg/mL) corticotropin levels. Low corticotropin levels (ie, below 7.2 pg/mL) were observed in 6 patients (9.2%). Diabetes insipidus was evaluated in 21 patients; it was confirmed in 1 patient (4.8%) and suggested in 3 patients (14.3%). Conclusions and Relevance: This study found that congenital Zika infection with microcephaly was associated with midline brain defects and optic nerve atrophy. Children with congenital Zika infections presented with prenatal growth impairments with a lack of postnatal catch-up, as shown by persistent short length from birth until 27 months; these impairments were not associated with growth hormone deficiency. Patients also presented with severe developmental delay that was not associated with hypothyroidism, while central adrenal insufficiency and diabetes insipidus occurred in some patients.

Cardiometabolic evaluation of small for gestational age children: protective effect of breast milk.

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: human growth is the result of an interaction between genetic, hormonal, nutritional, and environmental factors. It is not yet fully understood what is predominant and decisive in determining an individual's weight and height. Objective: the aim of this study was to evaluate the cardiometabolic profile of exclusively breastfed children born small for gestational age (SGA). Methods: this is a prospective cohort study of children born at term who were classified as SGA, and as appropiate for gestational age (AGA), who were followed up to pre-school age. Anthropometric measures and body composition parameters were obtained. Breastfeeding duration was calculated in days, and achievement of catch up of weight was considered an increase in Z-score ≥ 0.67. The cardiometabolic profile was evaluated in the first month of life and repeated at pre-school age. At pre-school age, fasting blood glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, and blood pressure were measured. Results: twenty SGA and 12 AGA children were studied. The mean duration of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) was 180 days in both groups. Of SGA children, 85 % had recovery anthropometric parameters for age within the first six months, with a speed of weight gain significantly higher than the that of AGAs (p < 0.001). SGAs continued to be thinner and smaller than AGAs at pre-school age. There was no diagnosis of overweight or obesity in the studied sample, and no differences were foun between groups in laboratory tests. Conclusion: these findings suggest that EBF may confer protection until pre-school age in children born SGA, who are considered at higher risk for chronic non-communicable diseases.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: el crecimiento humano es el resultado de la interacción de factores genéticos, hormonales, nutricionales y ambientales. Todavía no se comprende completamente lo que es predominante y decisivo para determinar el peso y la altura del individuo. Objetivo: el objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el perfil cardiometabólico de niños alimentados con lactancia materna exclusivamente y que nacieron pequeños para la edad gestacional (PEG). Métodos: este es un estudio de cohortes prospectivo con niños nacidos a término, unos clasificados como PEG y otros como apropiados para la edad gestacional (AEG). Se hizo un seguimiento de estos niños hasta la edad preescolar. Se realizaron medidas antropométricas y de la composición corporal. La duración de la lactancia materna se calculó en días y el éxito en la recuperación del peso se consideró como un aumento de la puntuación Z ≥ 0,67. El perfil cardiometabólico se evaluó en el primer mes de vida y se repitió en la edad preescolar. En la edad preescolar se midieron la glucosa en sangre en ayunas, la insulina, el HOMA-IR y la presión arterial. Resultados: el grupo del estudio estaba formado por veinte niños PEG y doce niños AEG. La duración media de la lactancia materna exclusiva (LME) fue de 180 días en ambos grupos. De los niños PEG, el 85 % tenían parámetros antropométricos de recuperación para la edad en los primeros seis meses, siendo la velocidad del aumento de peso significativamente mayor que en los AEG (p < 0,001). Aun así, los niños PEG continuaron siendo más delgados y pequeños que los AEG en la edad preescolar. No hubo diagnóstico de sobrepeso u obesidad en la muestra estudiada, y no hay diferencia entre los grupos relativos a las pruebas de laboratorio. Conclusión: estos hallazgos sugieren que la LME puede conferir protección hasta la edad preescolar en los niños nacidos PEG, que se consideran en mayor riesgo de contraer enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles.

Genetic and Oral Tests for the Diagnosis of Lactose Intolerance in Mixed-Ancestry Brazilians with Metabolic Syndrome.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) comprises a cluster of physiological and anthropometric abnormalities. MetS has been linked to lactose intolerance (LI). The aim of this study was to compare the sensitivity and specificity to detect LI using 2 different tests: (1) a genetic test and (2) an oral lactose tolerance test (OLTT). METHODS: Two hundred and fifty-four MetS patients, ≥20 years of age, of both genders, were recruited for this comparative study. Nine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were selected for genetic investigation: rs182549and rs4988235(both considered "gold standard"); rs56064699; rs148142676; rs562211644; rs59533246; rs3754689; rs2278544,and rs10552864(as potential novel SNPs). Sensitivity and specificity, as well as positive and negative predictive values, were calculated for each genotype using WINPEPI version 11.65. Differences between positive and negative OLTT groups were considered statistically significant when p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: Among the selected SNPs, only rs182549(p < 0.001) and rs4988235(p < 0.001) gave similar results compared to an OLTT. The sensitivity of both SNPs to detect LI was 87 and 86%, and specificity was 83 and 82.5%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Genetic tests using rs182549and rs4988235SNPs showed high agreement with OLTT. These genetic tests may be a good option to replace OLTT in MetS patients.

Relationship between vitamin D status, glycemic control and cardiovascular risk factors in Brazilians with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVES: Determine the prevalence and identify predictors of hypovitaminosis D in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); 2) correlate vitamin D levels with variables indicative of glycemic control and cardiovascular risk. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study with consecutive patients treated at a University Hospital's Endocrinology outpatient clinic located at 12°58'S latitude, between October 2012 and November 2013. Hypovitaminosis D was defined as 25-hydroxyvitamin D < 30 ng/mL (chemiluminescence). RESULTS: We evaluated 108 patients with mean duration of T2DM of 14.34 ± 8.05 years and HbA1c of 9.2 ± 2.1%. Mean age was 58.29 ± 10.34 years. Most were women (72.2%), non-white (89.8%) and had hypertension (75.9%) and dyslipidemia (76.8%). Mean BMI was 28.01 ± 4.64 kg/m2; 75.9% were overweight. The prevalence of hypovitaminosis D was 62%. In multiple logistic regression, independent predictors of hypovitaminosis D were female gender (OR 3.10, p = 0.02), dyslipidemia (OR 6.50, p < 0.01) and obesity (OR 2.55, p = 0.07). In multiple linear regression, only total cholesterol (ß = -0.36, p < 0.01) and BMI (ß = -0.21, p = 0.04) remained associated with levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D. CONCLUSIONS: Using currently recommended cutoffs, the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in Brazilians with T2DM was as high as that of non-tropical regions. Female gender, dyslipidemia and obesity were predictors of hypovitaminosis D. Low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D were correlated with high cholesterol and BMI values. Future studies are needed to evaluate whether vitamin D replacement would improve these parameters and reduce hard cardiovascular outcomes.

Tempo de trânsito intestinal de indivíduos portadores de síndrome metabólica pela escala de bristol / Intestinal transit time of individuals with metabolic syndrome by the bristol scale

Introdução: a síndrome Metabólica (SM) é um transtorno de origem multifatorial que envolve a elevação da circunferência da cintura, da glicemia, da pressão arterial e dos triglicerídeos e redução do HDL-colesterol. Na etiopatogenia deste transtorno, diversos fatores genéticos e ambientais estão envolvidos, dentre eles, a alteração da microbiota intestinal pode ser um dos agentes causais deste distúrbio. Devido aos elevados custos para analisar este ecossistema, e à sua impossibilidade na prática clínica, ferramentas podem ser utilizadas com a intenção de monitorar o funcionamento intestinal, a exemplo da Escala de Bristol. Metodologia: foram avaliados indivíduos adultos e idosos com Síndrome Metabólica atendidos entre fevereiro de 2015 e maio de 2017. A síndrome metabólica foi definida de acordo com o preconizado pela Federação Internacional de Diabetes. Foi realizada anamnese com informações a respeito da consistência das fezes e coleta de medidas clínicas e antropométricas. Foi realizada análise estatística descritiva. Resultados: foram incluídos neste estudo 186 pacientes, com predominância do sexo feminino (83,9%) e indivíduos adultos (55,1%). Dentre os critérios da SM, o mais presente foi a pressão arterial elevada (95,1%), e a maior parte dos indivíduos apresentaram ritmo intestinal normal pela Escala de Bristol (54,8%). Em relação à idade entre os grupos, o que apresentou ritmo lento, teve maior média de idade (69 anos) em relação aos grupos com ritmo normal e ritmo rápido (57 e 54 anos, respectivamente). Por sua vez, indivíduos com ritmo intestinal rápido, apresentaram maiores médias de índice de massa corporal. Conclusão: indivíduos com Síndrome Metabólica parecem possuir tempo de trânsito intestinal adequado segundo a Escala de Bristol.

Introduction: metabolic syndrome (MS) is a multifactorial disorder that involves elevation of waist circumference, blood glucose, blood pressure and triglycerides, and reduction of HDL-cholesterol. In the etiopathogenesis of this disorder, intestinal health plays an important role, especially in the composition of the microbiota. Due to the high costs to analyze this ecosystem, and the impossibility in clinical practice, other tools can be used with the intention of monitoring the state of health of the microbiota such as the Bristol Scale. Metodology: adult and elderly individuals attended at the Núcleo de Pesquisa e Extensão em Genômica Nutricional e Disfunções Metabólicas of Universidade do Estado da Bahia between February 2015 and May 2017 were evaluated. Anamnesis was performed with information about the consistency of feces and Collection of clinical and anthropometric measurements. The metabolic syndrome was defined according to the International Diabetes Federation. Data were analyzed descriptively. Results: a total of 186 patients were analyzed during the study period, with a predominance of females (83.9%) and adults (55.1%). Among the criteria of MS, the most present was high blood pressure (95.1%), and most of the individuals presented normal bowel rhythm by the Bristol Scale (54.8%). In relation to the age between the groups, which presented a slow rhythm, the mean age (69 years) was higher in relation to the groups with normal rhythm and fast rhythm (57 and 54 years, respectively). In turn, individuals with fast bowel rhythm presented higher mean body mass index. Conclusion: individuals with Metabolic Syndrome seem to have intestinal transit time according to the Bristol Scale.

Associação entre níveis séricos de vitamina D e componentes da síndrome metabólica em pacientes atendidos no centro de estudos e atendimento dietoterápico da Universidade do Estado da Bahia / Association between serum levels of vitamin D and components of the metabolic syndrome in patients attended at the Center for Studies and Diet Therapy at the State University of Bahia

Introdução: a síndrome metabólica é um conjunto de disfunções que ocorre no metabolismo. Por sua vez, as disfunções endocrinometabólicas, incluindo componentes da síndrome, tais como obesidade, diabetes mellitus, elevação da pressão arterial e dislipidemias, têm sido associadas a baixos níveis séricos de vitamina D. A Hipovitaminose D tem atingido altas prevalências em diferentes populações mundiais, sobretudo em portadores desta síndrome. Metodologia: estudo observacional analítico, descritivo, de corte transversal. Os pacientes foram diagnosticados com síndrome metabólica a partir das recomendações da IDF, 2006. A coleta de dados foi realizada no período de agosto de 2015 a julho de 2016 e para determinação da concentração sérica de 25-hidroxivitamina D foi utilizado o método de quimioluminescência. Resultados: a hipovitaminose D foi observada em 77,6% dos pacientes. Dentre os componentes da SM a hipertensão arterial foi o mais prevalente. A análise de dados evidenciou correlação inversamente proporcional entre os níveis séricos de 25(OH)D, com as medidas de circunferência da cintura (r= ­ 0,245; pvalor= 0,013), com níveis séricos de triglicerídeos (r= ­ 1,54; pvalor= 0,030) e também com valores de Índice de Massa Corporal (r= ­ 0,225; pvalor= 0,023). Conclusão: neste estudo foi observado alta prevalência de hipovitaminose D e evidenciada correlação inversa entre os níveis séricos de vitamina D e as medidas de Circunferência da Cintura, de níveis séricos de triglicerídeos e valores de IMC.

Introduction: metabolic syndrome is a condition in which the individual manifests a set of metabolic dysfunctions. Endocrine-metabolic dysfunctions, including components of the syndrome, such as diabetes mellitus, elevated blood pressure and dyslipidemias, have been associated with low serum levels of vitamin D. Hypovitaminosis D has reached high prevalence in different world populations, Patients with this syndrome. Metodology: descriptive, cross-sectional observational study. Patients were diagnosed with metabolic syndrome from the recommendations of the IDF, 2006. Data collection was performed from August 2015 to July 2016 and for determination of the serum concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D was used the chemiluminescence method. Results: hypovitaminosis D was observed in 77.6% of the patients. Among the components of MS, arterial hypertension was the most prevalent. Data analysis showed an inversely proportional correlation between 25 (OH) D serum levels and waist circumference (r = ­ 0.245; pvalor = 0.013), with serum triglyceride levels (r = ­ 1.54; pvalor = 0.030) and also with values of Body Mass Index (r = ­ 0.225, pvalor = 0.023). Conclusion: in this study, a high prevalence of D-hypovitaminosis was observed and an inverse correlation was found between serum vitamin D levels and Waist Circumference, serum triglyceride levels and BMI values.

Detection of metabolic disorders in high-risk patients: a pilot study in Salvador, Bahia

The purpose of this pilot-study was to evaluate the applicability of a screening protocol for the detection of inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) in high-risk patients. The protocol was applied in 65 patients referred to the Medical Genetics Laboratory of the University Hospital Professor Edgard Santos due to the suspicion of an IEM. Eight of these patients (12.3 percent) displayed an abnormal result in the screening protocol. These patients, along with 22 who displayed normal results in the screening protocol but who presented clinical symptoms or signs suggestive of an IEM not detectable by the tests applied, were selected for a further diagnostic investigation. In 5 of these 30 patients (7.7 percent of the total sample) it was possible to establish the diagnosis of an specific IEM. The results indicate that the designed screening protocol was sucessfully applied, allowing the detection of affected patients in a frequency comparable to that observed in larger studies performed elsewhere. The continuation of this study and the enlargement of the sample will help to delineate the profile of IEM in northeast of Brazil and will allow the identification of a significative number of patients and families. who could benefit from the therapeutic and preventive measures available for these diseases.