Assessing the relationship between lipoprotein(a) levels and blood pressure among hypertensive patients beyond conventional measures. An observational study.

High lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) levels are associated with an increased risk of arterial hypertension (AHT) and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. However, little is known about the detailed profile of AHT based on Lp(a) levels. This observational study focused on elucidating the relationship between Lp(a) concentrations and specific indices obtained from 24-h ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring in hypertensive patients over 18 years of age. We gathered and analyzed data on BP indices along with demographic, epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory variables from 227 hypertensive patients, median age 56 years, including 127 women (56%). After comparing hypertensive patients with Lp(a) levels above and below 125 nmol/L, we found that a 10 mmHg increase in nocturnal systolic BP and all pulse pressure indices (24-h, daytime, and night-time) was associated with an increased risk of high Lp(a) levels by more than 20% and 40%, respectively. Similarly, each 10% increase in the area under the function over time of nocturnal diastolic BP dipping was associated with more than a 30% decrease in the odds of belonging to the elevated Lp(a) levels category. Additionally, Lp(a) levels above 125 nmol/L were associated with higher 24-h, daytime, and night-time systolic BP and pulse pressure load. The relationship between Lp(a) and AHT appears to extend beyond conventional BP measurements, which may be relevant given the prognostic implications of nocturnal BP and pulse pressure indices.

A newborn Screening Programme for Inborn errors of metabolism in Galicia: 22 years of evaluation and follow-up.

BACKGROUND: There is a notable lack of harmonisation in newborn screening (NBS) programmes worldwide. The Galician programme for early detection of inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) was one of the first NBS programmes in Europe to incorporate mass spectrometry (July 2000). This programme currently screens for 26 IEMs in dried blood and urine samples collected 24-72 h after birth. RESULTS: In its 22-year history, this programme has analysed samples from 440,723 neonates and identified 326 cases of IEM with a prevalence of 1:1351. The most prevalent IEMs were hyperphenylalaninaemia (n = 118), followed by medium chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MCADD, n = 26), galactosaemia (n = 20), and cystinurias (n = 43). Sixty-one false positives and 18 conditions related to maternal pathologies were detected. Urine samples have been identified as a useful secondary sample to reduce the rate of false positives and identify new defects. There were 5 false negatives. The overall positive value was 84.23%. The fatality rate over a median of 12.1 years of follow-up was 2.76%. The intelligence quotient of patients was normal in 95.7% of cases, and school performance was largely optimal, with pedagogic special needs assistance required in < 10% of cases. Clinical onset of disease preceded diagnosis in 4% of cases. The age at which first NBS report is performed was reduced by 4 days since 2021. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the benefits of collecting urine samples, reduce NBS reporting time and expanding the number of IEMs included in NBS programmes.

Characterization of the plasma proteomic profile of Fabry disease: Potential sex- and clinical phenotype-specific biomarkers.

Fabry disease (FD) is a X-linked rare lysosomal storage disorder caused by deficient α-galactosidase A (α-GalA) activity. Early diagnosis and the prediction of disease course are complicated by the clinical heterogeneity of FD, as well as by the frequently inconclusive biochemical and genetic test results that do not correlate with clinical course. We sought to identify potential biomarkers of FD to better understand the underlying pathophysiology and clinical phenotypes. We compared the plasma proteomes of 50 FD patients and 50 matched healthy controls using DDA and SWATH-MS. The >30 proteins that were differentially expressed between the 2 groups included proteins implicated in processes such as inflammation, heme and haemoglobin metabolism, oxidative stress, coagulation, complement cascade, glucose and lipid metabolism, and glycocalyx formation. Stratification by sex revealed that certain proteins were differentially expressed in a sex-dependent manner. Apolipoprotein A-IV was upregulated in FD patients with complications, especially those with chronic kidney disease, and apolipoprotein C-III and fetuin-A were identified as possible markers of FD with left ventricular hypertrophy. All these proteins had a greater capacity to identify the presence of complications in FD patients than lyso-GB3, with apolipoprotein A-IV standing out as being more sensitive and effective in differentiating the presence and absence of chronic kidney disease in FD patients than renal markers such as creatinine, glomerular filtration rate and microalbuminuria. Identification of these potential biomarkers can help further our understanding of the pathophysiological processes that underlie the heterogeneous clinical manifestations associated with FD.

The correlation of lipid profile and waist circumference with phenylalanine levels in adult patients with classical phenylketonuria / Correlación del perfil lipídico y el perímetro de cintura con los niveles de fenilalanina en pacientes adultos con fenilcetonuria clásica

Introduction and Objectives Some studies have pointed to a relationship between Phenyketonuria (PKU) and an increased cardiovascular risk (CVR). This study aimed to evaluate the influence of metabolic control on classical CVR factors in adult patients with PKU. Material and methods It was a cross-sectional study conducted in patients older than 18 years with a diagnosis of classical PKU and under strict dietary control. Demographic, epidemiological and laboratory variables related to CVR were collected. The variables of metabolic control were some parameters related to phenylalanine (Phe) plasma levels. Results A total of 47 patients were included with a mean age of 36 ± 10 years of which 30 (64%) were women. Multivariate analysis revealed that range Phe (B = −2.211, P = 0.044, 95%CI: −4.354–(−0.068)) levels were within the model for triglyceride concentrations, while minimum (B = −2.803, P = 0.051, 95%CI: −5.612–0.007) and range (B = −1.515, P = 0.039, 95%CI: −2.945–(−0.084)) Phe levels were within the model for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations. Median Phe levels showed a stronger correlation with waist circumference (WC) (B = 1.216, P = 0.002, 95%CI: 0.462–1.969) than with body mass index (B = 0.355, P = 0.052, 95%CI: −0.004–0.714). Conclusions High Phe levels and wide Phe fluctuations were related to weight gain, increased WC and lipid profile abnormalities. Systematic CVR assessments and comprehensive monitoring of Phe levels may be desirable to prevent or delay cardiovascular disease in PKU patients (AU)

Introducción y objetivos Algunos estudios señalan una relación entre la fenilcetonuria (PKU) y riesgo cardiovascular (RCV). El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la influencia del control metabólico sobre los factores de RCV clásicos en pacientes adultos con PKU. Material y métodos Fue un estudio transversal en pacientes mayores de 18 años con diagnóstico de PKU clásica y bajo control dietético estricto. Se recogieron variables demográficas, epidemiológicas y de laboratorio relacionadas con RCV. Las variables de control metabólico fueron algunos parámetros relacionados con los niveles plasmáticos de fenilalanina (Phe). Resultados Se incluyeron 47 pacientes con una edad media de 36 ± 10 años (64% mujeres). El análisis multivariante reveló que el rango de niveles de Phe (B = −2,211, p = 0,044, IC 95%: −4,354; −0,068) se correlacionó con las concentraciones de triglicéridos, mientras que los niveles mínimos (B = −2,803, p = 0,051, IC 95%: −5,612; 0,007) y el rango (B = −1,515, p = 0,039, IC 95%: −2,945; −0,084) de Phe se correlacionaron con las concentraciones de colesterol ligado a lipoproteínas de alta densidad. La mediana de los niveles de Phe mostró una correlación más fuerte con el perímetro de cintura (B = 1,216, p = 0,002, IC 95%: 0,462; 1,969) que con el índice de masa corporal (B = 0,355, p = 0,052, IC 95%: −0,004; 0,714). Conclusiones Niveles altos y fluctuaciones amplias de Phe se correlacionaron con el aumento de peso corporal, incremento de perímetro de cintura y anomalías del perfil lipídico. La realización de evaluaciones sistemáticas de RCV y un seguimiento exhaustivo de los niveles de Phe podrían ser favorables para prevenir o retrasar la enfermedad cardiovascular en los pacientes con PKU (AU)

Rastreio de síndrome poliglandular autoimune em uma população de pacientes com diabetes melito tipo 1 / Screening for autoimmune polyglandular syndrome in a cohort of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus

OBJETIVO: Caracterizar uma população de pacientes com diabetes melito tipo 1 (DMT1) relativamente à presença de outras entidades autoimunes que permitam estabelecer o diagnóstico de síndrome poliglandular autoimune (SPGA). SUJEITOS E MÉTODOS: Incluímos 151 pacientes com DMT1. Analisamos os seguintes parâmetros clínicos: gênero, idade atual, duração da doença, antecedentes pessoais de patologia autoimune e antecedentes familiares de diabetes melito. Submetemos cada doente a um estudo laboratorial com o objetivo de detectar a presença de marcadores imunológicos para a tireoidite, insuficiência adrenocortical, gastrite e doença celíaca, e eventual disfunção associada. RESULTADOS: Coorte com 51,7% homens, idade média atual de 33,4 ± 13 anos e duração da doença de 14,4 ± 9,6 anos. Antecedentes pessoais de autoimunidade presentes em 2% da amostra e história familiar de diabetes melito em 31,1%. A frequência de marcadores imunológicos foi de 24% para a tireoidite, 9,4% para a insuficiência adrenocortical, 17,2% para a gastrite e 2% para a doença celíaca. Foi diagnosticada SPGA em 25,2% dos pacientes. O risco de SPGA e tireoidite autoimune foi superior em mulheres. A duração da doença correlacionou-se diretamente com a presença de autoanticorpos gástricos e inversamente com a positividade dos anticorpos anti-ilhota, antiglutamato descarboxilase e antitirosina fosfatase. Constatou-se a existência de uma associação entre os marcadores imunológicos da tireoidite e gastrite, bem como entre a doença celíaca e insuficiência adrenocortical. CONCLUSÃO: Atendendo à frequência e ao prognóstico inerente à SPGA, a necessidade de realizar rastreio em pacientes com DMT1 é enfatizada. O diagnóstico atempado de outras doenças autoimunes permitirá individualizar o tratamento e seguimento do doente.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize a cohort of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) on the presence of other autoimmune disorders that could establish the diagnosis of autoimmune polyglandular syndrome (APS). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We included 151 patients with T1DM. The following clinical parameters were analyzed: gender, current age, disease duration, previous history of autoimmune disorders, and familial history for diabetes mellitus. Each patient was analyzed to detect autoimmune markers of thyroiditis, adrenocortical insufficiency, gastritis, and celiac disease, as well as possible associated dysfunctions. RESULTS: A cohort with 51.7% males, average current age of 33.4 ± 13 years and disease duration of 14.4 ± 9.6 years was analyzed. Previous history of autoimmunity was found in 2%, and familial history for diabetes mellitus in 31.1% of the cohort. Frequency of autoimmune markers was 24% for thyroiditis, 9.4% for adrenocortical insufficiency, 17.2% for gastritis, and 2% for celiac disease. APS was diagnosed on 25.2% of the patients. APS and autoimmune thyroiditis risk was higher in females. Disease duration correlated directly with gastric autoantibodies, and inversely with positive islet cell, glutamic acid decarboxylase, and tyrosine phosphatase antibodies. We noticed a correlation between autoimmune markers for thyroiditis and gastritis, as well as between celiac disease and adrenocortical insufficiency. CONCLUSION: Considering APS prevalence and prognosis, the need for APS screening in patients with T1DM is emphasized. Early diagnosis of other autoimmune disorders will enable us to adjust each patient treatment and follow-up.

Persistent primary hyperparathyroidism: an uncommon location for an ectopic gland - Case report and review / Hiperparatiroidismo primário persistente: glândula ectópica em localização rara - Caso clínico e revisão

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is a common endocrine disorder that mainly affects middle-aged women. Patients are usually asymptomatic. The disease might be ascribable to hyperplasia, carcinoma, and single or multiple adenomas. PHPT may be sporadic or familial, the latter comprising multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 or 2A, familial benign hypocalciuria hypercalcemia, and hyperparathyroidism-jaw tumor syndrome. The most common causes for persistent PHPT are multiglandular disease, and missed abnormal ectopic or orthotopic parathyroid glands. Imaging localization studies should precede a new surgical intervention. Ectopic parathyroid glands are rarely located at the aortopulmonary window. For diagnosis confirmation, 99mTc-sestamibi SPECT/CT seems to be an advantageous test. Another possibility is to perform 99mTc-sestamibi followed by thoracic CT or MRI. Parathyroidectomy may be performed by means of median sternotomy, thoracotomy, or video-assisted thoracoscopy. We describe a case of persistent primary hyperparathyroidism due to the presence of an ectopic parathyroid gland found at the aortopulmonary window. As the investigation necessary to clarify the etiology of recurrent nephrolithiasis proceeded, the diagnosis of PHPT was determined. The patient underwent subtotal parathyroidectomy; nevertheless, PHPT persisted. Genetic syndromes that could account for this condition were excluded. Imaging studies available at that time were not able to locate abnormal glands; moreover, the patient refused to undergo surgical exploration. Later, the patient underwent 99mTc-sestamibi SPECT/CT, which revealed a parathyroid gland at the aortopulmonary window.

O hiperparatiroidismo primário (HPP) é uma endocrinopatia frequente que afeta maioritariamente mulheres de meia-idade e é geralmente assintomática. A doença pode ser atribuível a hiperplasia, carcinoma, adenomas únicos ou múltiplos. O HPP inclui formas esporádicas e familiares. As formas familiares englobam neoplasia endócrina múltipla tipo 1 ou 2A, hipercalcemia hipocalciúrica familiar e síndrome hiperparatiroidismo/tumor mandibular-maxilar. As causas mais frequentes de HPP persistente são a presença de doença multiglandular ou de paratiroide anômala ectópica ou ortotópica não identificada previamente. É recomendável que a localização imagiológica preceda a reintervenção cirúrgica. A janela aortopulmonar é uma localização ectópica rara, sendo o 99mTc-sestamibi SPECT/TC um exame de confirmação vantajoso ou, alternativamente o 99mTc-sestamibi seguido de TC ou RM torácica. A paratiroidectomia pode ser efetuada por meio de esternotomia mediana, toracotomia ou toracoscopia videoassistida. Descrevemos um caso de HPP persistente atribuível à presença de uma glândula paratiroide ectópica localizada à janela aortopulmonar. O diagnóstico de HPP foi estabelecido na sequência da investigação requisitada para esclarecimento etiológico da nefrolitíase recidivante constatada nessa doente. Foi submetida à paratiroidectomia subtotal; não obstante, o HPP persistiu. Excluíram-se síndromes genéticas que pudessem justificar esse quadro clínico. Os exames imagiológicos disponíveis (à época) revelaram-se infrutíferos na detecção de paratiroides anômalas; adicionalmente, a doente recusou exploração cirúrgica. Posteriormente, a doente foi submetida a 99mTc-sestamibi SPECT/TC, que revelou a presença de uma paratiroide na janela aortopulmonar.