Effect of laparoscopic cholecystectomy on 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and bone mineral density in post menopausal women.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the gold standard management for benign gallbladder diseases. It has been observed that there is alteration in vitamin D levels and bone mineral density after cholecystectomy due to altered enterohepatic circulation. With increase in average age expectancy of the population, low levels of vitamin D levels and osteoporosis after cholecystectomies might cause increased health care burden. METHODS: A prospective observational study was planned between 1 January 2022 and 30 June 2023 in the Department of General Surgery at PGIMER Chandigarh, a tertiary care hospital in north India. One hundred and three post-menopausal women who underwent LC and met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the study. All participants underwent estimation of vitamin D and bone mineral density preoperatively and third-post operative month (POM). RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 58.46 ± 7.44. Pain abdomen was present in 68(66%) patients, 18 had epigastric discomfort and 17 had dyspepsia. The mean levels of vitamin D decreased from 21.92 at the baseline to 20.12 at third POM (p < .001). There was a significant change in t score Femoral Neck (-1.12 vs -1.15, p < .001) and Lumbar spine L1-L4 - 1.98 vs -1.98 (p = .033). z-scores of the femoral neck were -0.34 vs -0.54 (p < .001) and of lumbar spine L1-L4 were -0.95 vs 1.02 (p < .001). The decrease in fracture risk for the femoral neck (p = .344) and the lumbar spine (p = .223) was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: There is a significant decrease in vitamin D and BMD levels after LC in post-menopausal females.

Incidence and risk factors for dysglycaemia in Asian-Indians: a 10-year population-based prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes prevalence estimates suggest an increasing trend in South-East Asia region, but studies on its incidence are limited. The current study aims to estimate the incidence of type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes in a population-based cohort from India. METHODS: A subset of Chandigarh Urban Diabetes Study cohort (n=1878) with normoglycaemia or pre-diabetes at baseline was prospectively followed after a median of 11 (0.5-11) years. Diabetes and pre-diabetes were diagnosed as per WHO guidelines. The incidence with 95% CI was calculated in 1000 person-years and Cox proportional hazard model was used to find the association between the risk factors and progression to pre-diabetes and diabetes. RESULTS: The incidence of diabetes, pre-diabetes and dysglycaemia (either pre-diabetes or diabetes) was 21.6 (17.8-26.1), 18.8 (14.8-23.4) and 31.7 (26.5-37.6) per 1000 person-years, respectively. Age (HR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.04), family history of diabetes (HR 1.56, 95% CI 1.09 to 2.25) and sedentary lifestyle (HR 1.51, 95% CI 1.05 to 2.17) predicted conversion from normoglycaemia to dysglycaemia, while obesity (HR 2.43, 95% CI 1.21 to 4.89) predicted conversion from pre-diabetes to diabetes. CONCLUSION: A high incidence of diabetes and pre-diabetes in Asian-Indians suggests a faster conversion rate to dysglycaemia, which is partly explained by sedentary lifestyle and consequent obesity in these individuals. The high incidence rates call for a pressing need for public health interventions targeting modifiable risk factors.

COVID-19 associated variations in liver function parameters: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Characteristics of laboratory findings of COVID-19 patients are of great significance for diagnosis and treatment. Studies that have analysed the variations in hepatic profile in correlation with the inflammatory markers in SARS-CoV-2 are limited. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed liver function tests and inflammatory markers of 170 admitted patients with confirmed COVID-19 in the tertiary care centre, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), India, using Roche Cobas Autoanalyzer. RESULTS: Number of patients with normal liver enzyme levels were 63 (41.5%), while with raised levels of any of the liver enzymes were 89 (58.5%), out of which 43 (48.31%) had liver injury which manifested as increased severity in terms of intensive care unit (ICU) requirement (p=0.0005). Significantly raised levels of liver enzymes and liver injury were observed with age (p<0.0001) and in males (p=0.004). Significantly decreased levels of albumin and total proteins and increased levels of total bilirubin (p<0.0001) were seen in patients with abnormal liver enzyme levels and liver injury as compared to patients with normal levels. Significant increase in the levels of alanine transaminase and gamma-glutamyl transferase was seen on the 7th day, CRP and ferritin (p<0.0001) peaks were observed on 2nd and 3rd day respectively. A significant positive correlation was found between the levels of these inflammatory markers and liver function parameters. CONCLUSIONS: More than half of patients admitted to the hospital with SARS-CoV-2 infection had an abnormal liver function which was found to be associated with raised levels of inflammatory markers. Significantly higher proportions of patients with abnormal liver function were elderly and males and were at higher risk of progressing to severe disease.

Demographic & clinical profile of patients with COVID-19 at a tertiary care hospital in north India.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: The COVID-19 pandemic emerged as a major public health emergency affecting the healthcare services all over the world. It is essential to analyze the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients with COVID-19 in different parts of our country. This study highlights clinical experience in managing patients with COVID-19 at a tertiary care centre in northern India. METHODS: Clinical characteristics and outcomes of consecutive adults patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital at Chandigarh, India, from April 1 to May 25, 2020 were studied. The diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) on throat and/or nasopharyngeal swabs. All patients were managed according to the institute's consensus protocol and in accordance with Indian Council of Medical Research guidelines. RESULTS: During the study period, 114 patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection were admitted. The history of contact with COVID-19-affected individuals was available in 75 (65.8%) patients. The median age of the patients was 33.5 yr (13-79 yr), and there were 66 (58%) males. Of the total enrolled patients, 48 (42%) were symptomatic. The common presenting complaints were fever (37, 77%), cough (26, 54%) and shortness of breath (10, 20.8%). Nineteen (17%) patients had hypoxia (SpO2<94%) at presentation and 36 (31%) had tachypnoea (RR >24). Thirty four (29.8%) patients had an accompanying comorbid illness. Age more than 60 yr and presence of diabetes and hypertension were significantly associated with severe COVID-19 disease. Admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) was needed in 18 patients (52%), with three (2.6%) patients requiring assisted ventilation. Mortality of 2.6 per cent (3 patients) was observed. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: Majority of the patients with COVID-19 infection presenting to our hospital were young and asymptomatic. Fever was noted only in three-fourth of the patients and respiratory symptoms in half of them. Patients with comorbidities were more vulnerable to complications. Triaged classification of patients and protocol-based treatment resulted in good outcomes and low case fatality.

Incidence and risk factors for dysglycaemia in Asian-Indians: a 10-year population-based prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes prevalence estimates suggest an increasing trend in South-East Asia region, but studies on its incidence are limited. The current study aims to estimate the incidence of type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes in a population-based cohort from India. METHODS: A subset of Chandigarh Urban Diabetes Study cohort (n=1878) with normoglycaemia or pre-diabetes at baseline was prospectively followed after a median of 11 (0.5-11) years. Diabetes and pre-diabetes were diagnosed as per WHO guidelines. The incidence with 95% CI was calculated in 1000 person-years and Cox proportional hazard model was used to find the association between the risk factors and progression to pre-diabetes and diabetes. RESULTS: The incidence of diabetes, pre-diabetes and dysglycaemia (either pre-diabetes or diabetes) was 21.6 (17.8-26.1), 18.8 (14.8-23.4) and 31.7 (26.5-37.6) per 1000 person-years, respectively. Age (HR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.04), family history of diabetes (HR 1.56, 95% CI 1.09 to 2.25) and sedentary lifestyle (HR 1.51, 95% CI 1.05 to 2.17) predicted conversion from normoglycaemia to dysglycaemia, while obesity (HR 2.43, 95% CI 1.21 to 4.89) predicted conversion from pre-diabetes to diabetes. CONCLUSION: A high incidence of diabetes and pre-diabetes in Asian-Indians suggests a faster conversion rate to dysglycaemia, which is partly explained by sedentary lifestyle and consequent obesity in these individuals. The high incidence rates call for a pressing need for public health interventions targeting modifiable risk factors.

Correction to: Combined Analysis of Anti SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM Responses in COVID19 Patients in India.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1007/s12291-021-00986-x.].

Metabolic Bone Profile of Healthy Adult North Indian Population from Chandigarh Urban Bone Epidemiological Study (CUBES).

We aimed to estimate metabolic bone profile in a large cohort of healthy, adult Indian population to generate reference standards of serum calcium, phosphate and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), 25 (OH) Vitamin D and iPTH, and also to find out the prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency in healthy population. Apparently healthy people in the age group of 20-80 years, residing in the union territory of Chandigarh were chosen. Fasting samples for serum calcium, phosphate, albumin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), 25 (OH) D and iPTH were collected and were processed on the same day. We recruited 930 healthy subjects from different subsectors of Chandigarh. Final analysis was done for 915 subjects. Out of this, 530 (58%) were women and 385 (42%) were men. The study participants were divided into two groups, less than and more than 50 years for the men and pre and post-menopausal for the women. The serum calcium, phosphate, ALP and iPTH were significantly higher in the post-menopausal women compared to the pre-menopausal women. The median plasma 25 (OH) D in men and women was 12.5 ng/mL and 14.3 ng/mL, respectively. 25 (OH) D deficiency was seen in 65.4% of individuals. 25 (OH) D levels co-related negatively with iPTH levels (r = - 0.4, p < 0.0001), and showed an increasing trend with age. We have thus presented metabolic bone profile of healthy, adult north Indian population. These reference values can be used for diagnosis and monitoring of various MBDs. Vitamin D deficiency is still rampant in our population in spite of increasing awareness.

Combined Analysis of Anti SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM Responses in COVID19 Patients in India.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a global health problem, India being the second most affected country. The kinetics of antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 in Indian population is not studied yet. To understand serological response in relation to age, gender, time period and severity of disease, Roche Elecsys anti-SARS-CoV-2 test was used which analysed both IgM and IgG. One hundred and three COVID-19 patients were enrolled. Seropositivity was seen in 64% of patients, with 33% at ≤ 7 days, 62% between 8 and 15 days and 81% at ≥ 16 days from the time of admission. Men (65%) showed higher antibody response than women (59%), whereas no difference was observed in seropositivity with respect to age of the patients. Dynamics of antibody responses revealed individual variations. Patients in ICU had higher antibody reactivity with 67% positivity as compared to 60% positivity in non-ICU patients. Kinetics of antibody response during COVID-19 disease varied in relation to gender, age, time period and severity and these factors might play an important role in treatment and control of COVID-19.

Weight gain after curative parathyroidectomy predicts increase in bone mineral density in patients with symptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism.

BACKGROUND: Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) results in reduction of bone mineral density (BMD) and an increased risk of pathological fractures. Curative surgery does improve BMD; however, the magnitude of rise and predictive factors are highly variable amongst the hitherto available studies. OBJECTIVES: To quantify the magnitude of improvement in BMD after curative surgery in patients with symptomatic PHPT and dissect out the possible clinical and biochemical parameters predicting the BMD rise. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of symptomatic PHPT patients undergoing surgery between August 2016 and July 2018. Patients achieving biochemical cure with pre- and post-operative (at least 1 year after surgery) dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans performed were included in the study. RESULTS: After exclusion, 63 patients were included in the study (M:F = 2:5; mean age = 44.8 years). At a median interval of 15 months, the median per cent change in BMD (ΔBMD) at lumbar spine (LS), total hip (TH), femoral neck (FN) and one-third distal radius (forearm) was 6.5%, 7.0%, 8.1% and 6.9%, respectively. Following multiple linear regression analysis, baseline BMD was found to inversely predict ΔBMD at LS, TH and forearm. Pre-operative iPTH positively predicted ΔBMD at LS and FN. Interestingly, 82.5% of the patients had a gain in body weight following curative surgery and change in body weight emerged as a significant positive predictor of ΔBMD at all sites. CONCLUSIONS: Curative surgery improves BMD at all sites in patients with symptomatic PHPT. Weight gain following surgery can be used as a positive clinical predictor of BMD rise.

PRIMARY HYPERPARATHYROIDISM IN THE YOUNG: COMPARISON WITH ADULT PRIMARY HYPERPARATHYROIDISM.

OBJECTIVE: Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is relatively common among adults but rarely encountered in children and adolescents. According to the western literature, young PHPT is different from adult PHPT and is associated with more severe hypercalcemia. PHPT in the adult Indian population is different from its western counterpart. Here we present the clinical, biochemical, and surgical characteristics of young patients with PHPT treated at our tertiary care center. METHODS: PHPT patients were divided into adult (≥25 years) and young (<25 years) groups. The clinical, biochemical, hormonal, and histopathologic characteristics and treatment outcomes in the groups were compared. RESULTS: Out of 358 patients, 47 patients were young and 311 patients were adults. The mean ages of the groups were 19 ± 4 and 45 ± 12 years, respectively. The corresponding female-to-male ratios were 1.24:1 and 3.38:1 ( P<.05). The nature and frequency of presenting symptoms were comparable between the 2 groups. The most common symptom in young patients with PHPT was bone pain and was not significantly different from adults (57% vs. 61%, respectively). The most common symptom in adult PHPT was fatigue, which was also not significantly different from young patients (63% vs. 53%, respectively), The serum calcium, phosphate, 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels; alkaline phosphatase Z-score; and parathyroid hormone levels were comparable between the 2 groups. Parathyroid adenoma was the most common histopathologic finding, while hyperplasia was rare in both groups. CONCLUSION: We observed that young PHPT is not markedly different from its adult counterpart in an Indian population. ABBREVIATIONS: ALP = alkaline phosphatase; Ca = calcium; Cr = creatinine; iPTH = intact parathyroid hormone; 25(OH)D = 25-hydroxyvitamin D; P = phosphate; PHPT = primary hyperparathyroidism; PTH = parathyroid hormone; RR = reference range; 99mTc sestamibi = technetium sestamibi; USG = ultrasonography.

Impact of short-term application of continuous glucose monitoring system(CGMS) on long-term glycemic profile in adolescents and adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus: An open-label randomized control cross over study.

AIMS: The use of Continuous Glucose Monitoring System (CGMS) improves glycemic parameters in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1D), but the cost is prohibitive. Here, we investigated the effect of short-term application of real-time and intermittently-scanned CGMS (rt and is-CGMS) in T1D individuals on change in HbA1c at the end of 3 months. METHODS: T1D individuals were randomized into three groups in a ratio of 1:1:2 - Group A (rt-CGMS for 2 weeks initially, followed by is-CGMS for 2 weeks at 3 months), Group B (is-CGMS for 2 weeks initially followed by rt-CGMS for 2 weeks at 3 months) and Group C (only self-monitoring of blood glucose), respectively. HbA1c at baseline, 3, and 6 months were compared. RESULTS: Out of a total 68 T1D patients, HbA1c decreased significantly in groups A and B at 6 months compared to the baseline, but not in group C. HbA1c was significantly lower in Group A compared to Group C at 3 and 6 months. Fructosamine levels significantly decreased in Group B before and after cross-over. Glycemic variability indices improved significantly after cross-over from is-CGMS to rt-CGMS. CONCLUSION: Intermittent application of CGMS for 2 weeks improves short- and long-term blood glucose control in T1D.

Role of Interleukin-6 in Prediction of Early Complications After Minimally Invasive Oesophagectomy-a Pilot Study.

Infectious complications following oesophagectomy are associated with significant morbidity. Early prediction of these complications may mitigate significant morbidity and mortality. Patients undergoing minimally invasive oesophagectomy for carcinoma oesophagus between January 2019 and June 2020 were included in the study. All patients underwent standard preoperative investigations and preparation. Post-operative complications including infectious complications were recorded. Association of post-operative serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels with post-operative complications were analysed. A total of twenty-two participants were included in the study (median age; 51 years, 13 (%) male). The tumour site was middle 1/3rd of oesophagus in 13 (59.1%), lower 1/3rd of oesophagus in 9 (40.9%). The tumour histology was squamous cell carcinoma in all patients. Eight (36.4 %) patients developed major complications and five of them developed anastomotic leak. IL-6 levels were significantly higher on POD 3 in patients who developed major complications (p = 0.009) and anastomotic leak (p = 0.031). At receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve) analysis, an IL-6 cut-off level of 36.4 pg/ml on POD 3 yielded a sensitivity of 87% and a specificity of 79% for the prediction of major complication and cut-off level of 44.3 pg/ml on POD 3 yielded a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 82% for the prediction of anastomotic leak. A high post-operative IL-6 level helps in the prediction of major complications and cervical oesophagogastric anastomotic leak.

Efficacy of zoledronate, denosumab or teriparatide in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes mellitus at high risk of fragility fractures: protocol of an open, blinded endpoint randomized controlled pilot trial.

Background: People with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are at high risk of fragility fractures; however, there are no randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of anti-osteoporosis drugs as a primary pre-specified endpoint in T2D. Objectives: To compare the efficacy of anti-osteoporotic drugs in postmenopausal women with T2D. Design: Prospective, randomized, open, blinded endpoint clinical pilot trial. Methods: Postmenopausal women (⩾50 years) with T2D (duration ⩾5 years), HbA1c 7-10%, eGFR ⩾45 mL/min/1.73 m2 and prior vertebral (clinical/morphometric), hip, radius, humeral fragility fracture or bone mineral density (BMD) T-score (adjusted for diabetes) at lumbar spine/femoral neck ⩽-2.5 and high FRAX score will be eligible for inclusion. Subjects with secondary causes of osteoporosis, prior exposure to bone-active therapies or history of use of glucocorticoids/pioglitazone/thiazides/canagliflozin will be excluded. Finally, eligible subjects will undergo estimation of serum calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase, parathyroid hormone, 25-hydroxyvitamin D and bone turnover markers (BTMs) (total procollagen type I N-propeptide, ß-CTX) along with trabecular bone score (TBS) and high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) of non-dominant hand and leg. After a 2-week run in phase, they will be randomized in a 1:1:1:1 ratio to receive yearly zoledronate, or biannually denosumab or daily teriparatide (in addition to standard of care, i.e., calcium 1000 mg/day and cholecalciferol 1000 IU/day) or only standard of care (control). The primary endpoints will be change in areal BMD and frequency of incident fractures at 18 months. The secondary endpoints will be change in HR-pQCT parameters, TBS and BTMs at 18 months. Adverse events will be recorded for all randomized participants. Ethics: The study has been approved by the Institute Ethics Committee. Written informed consent will be obtained from each participant. Discussion: The trial is expected to provide information regarding optimal anti-osteoporotic therapy in people with T2D and bone fragility. Registration: Prospectively registered in Clinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI/2022/02/039978).

Incidence and predictors of metabolic syndrome in Asian-Indians: a 10-year population-based prospective cohort study.

Background: Metabolic syndrome represents aggregation of risk factors associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Assessing its incidence is an effective way for estimating the future burden of DM and ASCVD and understanding their secular trends and effect of public health measures on halting the evolution of risk factors. The present study aimed to estimate the incidence of metabolic syndrome and its predictors using a population-based cohort. Methods: A subset of Chandigarh Urban Diabetes Study cohort (n = 1023) without diabetes or metabolic syndrome was prospectively evaluated after a mean of 10.7 years. Metabolic syndrome was defined as per International Diabetes Federation criteria and diabetes as per American Diabetes Association standards. The incidence was calculated in 1000 person years, and multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate the strength of association between incident metabolic syndrome and risk factors. Results: In the followed-up individuals (n = 303), incidence of metabolic syndrome was 32.1 per 1000 person years (95% CI 26.3-38.7 per 1000 person years). Amongst those developing metabolic syndrome, ≥4 components were present in 52% individuals, with low HDL-C being the most common abnormality. Those with metabolic syndrome had a five-time higher risk of diabetes (OR: 4.94; 95% CI: 2.27-9.96; p < 0.001) and a threefold higher risk of hypertension (OR: 2.67; 95% CI: 1.30-5.48; p = 0.006). Conclusion: Asian-Indians have a high incidence rate of metabolic syndrome, which is associated with sedentary lifestyle and consequent central obesity.

Dose-Response Evaluation of Scopoletin, a Phytochemical, in a High-Fructose High-Fat Diet-Induced Dyslipidemia Model in Wistar Rats.

The putative hypolipidemic properties of scopoletin have not been fully confirmed due to a lack of validation in an irreversible chronic hyperlipidemia animal model. The druggability also needs to be studied in terms of bioavailability in the vascular compartment. Accordingly, we conducted a study to assess the hypolipidemic and pharmacokinetic behavior of scopoletin in the high-fructose high-fat diet (HFHFD)-induced dyslipidemia model in Wistar rats. A total of 42 rats were studied, with 6 in each of the 7 groups. A 60-day HFHFD opted for induction of dyslipidemia. Group I and groups II-VII received normal rat chow diet and HFHFD, respectively. Oral scopoletin (1, 5, 10 mg/kg) and atorvastatin 5 mg/kg were administered in groups III-VI, respectively, once daily for the next 15 days. A separate group, group VII, was used for the pharmacokinetic assessment comparing the scopoletin 10 mg/kg intraperitoneally (IP) in group VII versus the oral (group V). Pharmacokinetic blood sampling was performed on the 10th day of continuous once-daily therapy. Rats were sacrificed for the histological examination. All three scopoletin dosages significantly decreased the total cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins, and triglycerides (P < .05 for all), but not in a dose-dependent manner. Atherogenic Index of plasma, Castelli's risk indices, and histopathological findings confirmed the protective effect of scopoletin. The IP administration showed a 23.18% higher exposure than the oral route (P < .001 for area under the curve and P < .05 for concentration-maximum). This study confirms the hypolipidemic efficacy of scopoletin in a more robust irreversible model of dyslipidemia. Scopoletin's gut absorption in the disease state may also boost the initial phase exploratory clinical trial.

Association of serum BDNF level and Val66Met polymorphism with response to treatment in patients of major depressive disease: A step towards personalized therapy.

BACKGROUND: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most common psychiatric disorders and only less than 50% of MDD patients achieve remission after the first antidepressant trial. Hence, it is important to understand the factors associated with response to various antidepressant medications. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a member of the neurotrophin family. BDNF and Val66Met polymorphism in the BDNF gene has a role in MDD. This study aimed to determine the association of rs6265 polymorphism and serum BDNF level with response to treatment in MDD patients. METHODS: The study included 200 subjects, consisting of 100 MDD patients treated with oral antidepressants and 50 treated with ECT, and 50 healthy controls. Serum BDNF levels were estimated using ELISA and rs6265 polymorphism was genotyped using tetra-primer ARMS PCR. RESULTS: Val66Met polymorphism had an association with MDD, and in MDD patients with Met allele was associated with a better response to antidepressants. Serum BDNF level was significantly higher in MDD patients compared to healthy individuals. In MDD patients, lower serum BDNF level was associated with better ECT outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Val66Met polymorphism in BDNF gene and serum BDNF level has the potential to be used as a biomarker for the prediction of response to oral antidepressants and ECT in MDD patients. The presence of the Met allele might be used to predict the chances of occurrence of MDD in the future. The results of our study might form a basis for the development of personalized treatment for MDD in the future.

ASCITIC AND SERUM LEVELS OF TUMOR BIOMARKERS (CA 72-4, CA 19-9, CEA AND CA 125) IN DISCRIMINATION OF CAUSE OF ASCITES: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY.

BACKGROUND: The role of ascitic and serum levels of various tumour biomarkers in the discrimination of cause of ascites is not well established. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of serum and ascitic levels of tumor biomarkers (CA 72-4, CA 19-9, CEA and CA 125) in discrimination of cause of ascites. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted in consecutive patients presenting with ascites. Serum and ascitic levels of CA 19-9, CA 125, CA 72-4 and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) were determined at the presentation. The patients with cirrhotic ascites, tuberculous peritonitis (TBP) and peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) were eventually included in analysis. RESULTS: Of the 93 patients (58 males, mean age 47 years) included, the underlying cause was cirrhosis in 31, PC in 42 and peritoneal tuberculosis in 20. The best cutoff for discriminating benign and malignant ascites for serum CEA, CA 19-9 and CA 72-4 were 6.7 ng/mL, 108 IU/mL and 8.9 IU/mL, respectively. The best cutoff for discriminating benign and malignant ascites for ascitic CA 125, CEA, CA 19-9 and CA 72-4 were 623 IU/mL, 8.7 ng/mL, 33.2 IU/mL and 7 IU/mL, respectively. CONCLUSION: The performance of single biomarker for the prediction of underlying PC is low but a combination of serum CA 19-9 and CA 72-4 best predicted the presence of peritoneal carcinomatosis.

SERUM PROCALCITONIN AS A PROGNOSTIC MARKER IN ACUTE SEVERE ULCERATIVE COLITIS: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY.

BACKGROUND: Procalcitonin may be increased in active ulcerative colitis (UC). We investigated the role of procalcitonin in predicting response in acute severe UC (ASUC). METHODS: Consecutive patients with ASUC diagnosed on basis of Truelove and Witts criteria were enrolled. Serum procalcitonin levels for consecutive patients were measured at admission and day 3. We assessed role of procalcitonin values at presentation and at day 3 in assessing response on day 3 (Oxford's criteria) and need for second line therapy (day 28). RESULTS: Of fifty patients (23 males, mean age: 35.98±13.8 years), 16 did not respond (day 3). Ten (20%) patients required second-line therapy. Baseline procalcitonin was significantly associated with response on day 3 (P=0.016). There was no association between day 1 or day 3 procalcitonin and need for second-line rescue therapy. CONCLUSION: Serial procalcitonin is not an effective biomarker for predicting outcomes or need for second line therapy in ASUC.