Expeditious exclusion of acute coronary syndrome diagnosis by combined measurements of copeptin, high-sensitivity troponin, and GRACE score.

BACKGROUND: High-sensitivity troponin (HS-TnT) combined with copeptin have been proposed to expedite the diagnostic exclusion of acute myocardial infarction. The Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) has been validated and recommended by the European Society of Cardiology as a prognostic score in the management of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) without ST-segment elevation (non-ST+) on the electrocardiogram. Our study examined whether a low GRACE score (<108) combined with negative HS-TnT (<14 ng/L) and copeptin (<14 pmol/L) reliably exclude the diagnosis of non-ST+ ACS, including non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and unstable angina. METHODS: This observational, prospective study included patients presenting with chest pain lasting <6 hours, consistent with non-ST+ ACS. Blood was collected early for measurements of copeptin and HS-TnT. The negative predictive value of combined copeptin, HS-TnT, and GRACE score was calculated in the diagnosis of non-ST+ ACS. The thresholds of positivity were 14 ng/L for HS-TnT, 14 pmol/L for copeptin and 108 for the GRACE score. RESULTS: Among 247 patients retained in the analysis, the diagnosis of ACS was made in 50 (20.4%), including 39 non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and 11 unstable angina. The negative predictive value of combined HS-TnT, copeptin and GRACE score was 99%. CONCLUSION: A negative copeptin associated with a negative HS-TnT in a patient presenting with a low GRACE score expedited the diagnostic exclusion of non-ST+ ACS.

A novel single agent for nutritional supplementation following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

BACKGROUND: Duodenal bypass and intestinal malabsorption from Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) can exacerbate known nutritional deficiencies of morbidly obese patients and worsen symptoms. Preventatively, most bariatric patients use postoperative nutritional supplementation. This study evaluated Nuvista(®) (Nutricia North America, Rockville, MD) and its potential as an adequate single nutritional supplement. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: From October 2009 to June 2010, 25 patients enrolled in a prospective, consecutive pilot study. Each underwent laparoscopic RYGB. The study group consumed two packs of Nuvista daily. The control group received standard nutritional supplements. Both groups had the same postoperative diet. Laboratory and demographics were compared at baseline and 12 months. Statistical analysis included paired t test, and a value of P<.05 was significant. RESULTS: The study and control groups (16 and 9 patients, respectively) had statistically similar demographic profiles. Both groups had preoperative elevations of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (6.2% and 6.2%, respectively), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (108.2 mg/dL and 199.2 mg/dL, respectively), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (55.1 mg/dL and 48.0 mg/dL, respectively) and deficiencies in vitamin D with respective mean values of 20.6 ng/mL and 22.7 ng/mL (normal range, 30-100 ng/mL). Postoperatively, the study group had significant increases in phosphorus (P=.02), iron (P=.03), vitamin D (P=.05), zinc (P=.01), and HDL (P≤.01) and significant decreases in body mass index (BMI) (P≤.01), creatinine (P=.02), HbA1c (P=.01), triglycerides (P≤.01), and LDL (P≤.01). The control group had a significant increase in HDL (P=.01) and significant decreases in BMI (P≤.01), hemoglobin (P=.01), creatinine (P≤.01), albumin (P=.05), HbA1c (P=.05), zinc (P≤.01), triglycerides (P=.03), and LDL (P=.01). No change in mean parathyroid hormone value was seen. CONCLUSIONS: Nuvista can provide adequate supplementation to bariatric patients 12 months after RYGB. Lifelong biochemical follow-up is necessary to personalize the diet and nutritional supplementation to compensate for the pathophysiologic changes of the gastric bypass.

Preoperative liver reduction utilizing a novel nutritional supplement.

BACKGROUND: One of the most common reasons for conversion in bariatric surgery is hepatomegaly caused by inadequate exposure of the proximal stomach. This study utilizes a novel nutritional supplement with a calorie-restricted diet to reduce liver volume preoperatively. METHODS: A consecutive series of morbidly obese patients consumed a nutritional supplement called Nuvista(®) for 4 weeks preoperatively. Preoperatively, each patient completed baseline demographics, blood work, urine ketone analysis, ultrasonography of the left lateral segment, and multiple questionnaires. At the time of surgery, these studies were repeated. Data were analyzed using a paired t-test and bivariate analysis where appropriate. A P<.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Four men and 17 women were recruited with a mean preoperative weight and body mass index of 122.7±15.9 kg and 44.5±3.9, respectively. Mean preoperative liver volume of the left lateral segment was 562.5±291.3 cm(3). After 4 weeks of Nuvista, the mean weight and body mass index decreased significantly to 118.9±15.5 kg and 43.1±3.4, respectively (P<.001). The mean liver volume of the left lateral segment was significantly reduced to 299.9±162.1 cm(3) (P<.001). Mean liver reduction was 43.4%±17.2% (13.6%-81.9%, P<.05). Urinary ketone scores did not show any evidence of starvation. No preoperative factors correlated with liver volume reduction. CONCLUSION: Utilizing Nuvista, as part of a preoperative 4-week calorie-restricted regimen, significantly reduced lateral segment liver volume by 43.4%. This preoperative regimen incorporates healthy behavioral changes that are necessary to sustain long-term weight loss.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy for linear scleroderma.

Linear scleroderma is a rare type of autoimmune connective-tissue disorder and is one of five known types of localized, nonsystemic scleroderma. This type of localized scleroderma affects the skin and subcutaneous tissues and induces extensive fibrosis and atrophy of the affected limbs. The disease is, characteristically, a unilateral phenomenon and usually affects the lower extremities. Due to its underlying pathophysiology, linear scleroderma is rarely associated with morbid obesity. This article documents the case of a 45-year-old female with a 35-year history of unilateral linear scleroderma, who subsequently developed morbid obesity of her contralateral side. Due to her linear scleroderma, she was unable to exercise effectively and developed hemiobesity associated with arthritis, lower back pain, and hypercholesterolemia. Based on her hemiobesity and associated comorbidities, she underwent a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Postoperatively, she has lost 20 kg or 75% of her excess weight, with a resolution of joint and back pain and hypercholesterolemia at 12-month follow-up. This article describes a unique application for a sleeve gastrectomy in the setting of linear scleroderma and hemiobesity.