Copeptin Plasma Levels are Associated with Decline of Renal Function in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a leading complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and is considered as a public health problem. Copeptin is a surrogate marker of arginine vasopressin (AVP) system and is proposed as a biomarker of decline renal function. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate whether plasma copeptin levels may be used as a biomarker of decline renal function in patients with T2DM. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 480 patients with T2DM and different stages of CKD were included. Plasma levels of copeptin, cystatin-C, and other biochemical parameters were measured. The correlation between copeptin and glomerular filtration rate (GFR), estimated based on plasma cystatin-C levels, was investigated. RESULTS: Plasma copeptin levels were gradually increased from the stage 1-5 of CKD in the patients with T2DM. In univariate linear regression analysis, high plasma levels of copeptin were associated with lower GFR (Standardized ß = -0.535, R2 = 0.287, p <0.0001). This association remained significant even after being adjusted for glucose levels and years of T2DM diagnosis, mean blood pressure, pharmacological treatment, gender, and age. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that high plasma copeptin levels are associated with the decline of renal function in patients with T2DM and, therefore, copeptin may be considered as a biomarker of renal function. Further evaluation of plasma copeptin levels to predict morbidity and mortality of T2DM patients, with or without CKD, has been taken into our consideration.

BNP predicts mortality of cardiovascular disease in patients with end-stage renal disease treated / BNP predictor de mortalidad cardiovascular en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica terminal

BACKGROUND: Mortality for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is higher. In the end-stage renal disease (ESRD) the mortality is 20 times greater in comparison with general population. Natriuretic peptides, particularly type-B natriuretic peptide (BNP) have been studied as potential markers of risk of cardiovascular (CV) mortality. The aim of this paper is to determine whether BNP acts as a prognostic marker for CV mortality in patients with ESRD. METHODS: We studied 53 patients with ESRD prevalent in peritoneal dialysis without clinical evidence of heart failure at baseline was studied. The impact of variables was performed with linear regression model. The probability of survival was estimated by Kaplan-Meir analysis and the difference between survivals between groups with log-rank test according the levels of BNP. Adjusted hazard ratios were calculated with Cox proportional hazards analysis. RESULTS: BNP strongly predicts CVD mortality. The Cox regression model showed that BNP is a predictor of death from CVD. Patients with high levels of BNP were at increased risk of death. Several pathophysiological mechanisms not well defined are involved. CONCLUSIONS: BNP predicts CVD mortality in patients with ESRD. Serum measurement of this peptide can be useful for risk stratification in these patients and adjust treatment.

INTRODUCCIÓN: la mortalidad por enfermedad cardiovascular (ECV) en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) es alta. En la población con ERC terminal (ERCT) la mortalidad es hasta 20 veces mayor en comparación a la población general. Los péptidos natriuréticos, especialmente el péptido natriurético tipo-B (BNP), han sido estudiados como posibles marcadores de riesgo de mortalidad por ECV. El objetivo de este trabajo es determinar si el BNP actúa como un marcador pronóstico para mortalidad por ECV en pacientes con ERCT. MÉTODOS: se estudiaron 53 pacientes con ERCT prevalentes en diálisis peritoneal sin evidencia clínica de insuficiencia cardiaca al inicio del estudio. El impacto de las variables se realizó con el modelo de regresión lineal. La probabilidad de sobrevida fue estimada con el análisis de Kaplan-Meier y la diferencia entre grupos con el test de Log-Rank, acorde a los niveles de BNP dividido en tertiles. La asociación de riesgo fue calculada con el análisis proporcional de Cox ajustado. RESULTADOS: el BNP fuertemente predice la mortalidad por ECV. El modelo de regresión de Cox mostró que el BNP es un predictor de muerte por ECV. Pacientes con niveles altos de BNP tuvieron mayor riesgo de muerte. Varios mecanismos fisiopatológicos no bien definidos están involucrados. CONCLUSIONES: el BNP predice la mortalidad por ECV en pacientes con ERCT. La medición sérica de este péptido puede ser útil para la estratificación de riesgo en estos pacientes y ajustar el plan terapéutico

Structure, process, and outcomes in skilled nursing facilities: understanding what happens to surgical patients when they cannot go home. A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The surgical population is aging, and greater numbers of surgical patients are being discharged to skilled nursing facilities. Post-acute care is a poorly understood but very important aspect of our healthcare system. METHODS: This systematic review examines the current body of literature surrounding the structural, process of care, and outcomes measurements for patients in skilled nursing facilities. English language articles published between 1998 and 2011 that purposed to examine nursing facility structure, process of care, and/or outcomes were included. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS: Abstracts (2129) were screened and 102 articles were reviewed in full. Twenty-nine articles were included in the qualitative synthesis. The role of the care setting and care delivery in contributing to outcomes has not been well studied, and no strong conclusions can be made. This area of care currently represents a "black box" to practicing surgeons. An understanding of these factors maybe instrumental to determining future directions for research to maximize positive outcomes for these patients.

Global, regional, and national prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adults during 1980-2013: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013.

BACKGROUND: In 2010, overweight and obesity were estimated to cause 3·4 million deaths, 3·9% of years of life lost, and 3·8% of disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) worldwide. The rise in obesity has led to widespread calls for regular monitoring of changes in overweight and obesity prevalence in all populations. Comparable, up-to-date information about levels and trends is essential to quantify population health effects and to prompt decision makers to prioritise action. We estimate the global, regional, and national prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adults during 1980-2013. METHODS: We systematically identified surveys, reports, and published studies (n=1769) that included data for height and weight, both through physical measurements and self-reports. We used mixed effects linear regression to correct for bias in self-reports. We obtained data for prevalence of obesity and overweight by age, sex, country, and year (n=19,244) with a spatiotemporal Gaussian process regression model to estimate prevalence with 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs). FINDINGS: Worldwide, the proportion of adults with a body-mass index (BMI) of 25 kg/m(2) or greater increased between 1980 and 2013 from 28·8% (95% UI 28·4-29·3) to 36·9% (36·3-37·4) in men, and from 29·8% (29·3-30·2) to 38·0% (37·5-38·5) in women. Prevalence has increased substantially in children and adolescents in developed countries; 23·8% (22·9-24·7) of boys and 22·6% (21·7-23·6) of girls were overweight or obese in 2013. The prevalence of overweight and obesity has also increased in children and adolescents in developing countries, from 8·1% (7·7-8·6) to 12·9% (12·3-13·5) in 2013 for boys and from 8·4% (8·1-8·8) to 13·4% (13·0-13·9) in girls. In adults, estimated prevalence of obesity exceeded 50% in men in Tonga and in women in Kuwait, Kiribati, Federated States of Micronesia, Libya, Qatar, Tonga, and Samoa. Since 2006, the increase in adult obesity in developed countries has slowed down. INTERPRETATION: Because of the established health risks and substantial increases in prevalence, obesity has become a major global health challenge. Not only is obesity increasing, but no national success stories have been reported in the past 33 years. Urgent global action and leadership is needed to help countries to more effectively intervene. FUNDING: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Enteral contrast in the computed tomography diagnosis of appendicitis: comparative effectiveness in a prospective surgical cohort.

OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to perform a comparative effectiveness study of intravenous (IV)-only versus IV + enteral contrast in computed tomographic (CT) scans performed for patients undergoing appendectomy across a diverse group of hospitals. BACKGROUND: Small randomized trials from tertiary centers suggest that enteral contrast does not improve diagnostic performance of CT for suspected appendicitis, but generalizability has not been demonstrated. Eliminating enteral contrast may improve efficiency, patient comfort, and safety. METHODS: We analyzed data for adult patients who underwent nonelective appendectomy at 56 hospitals over a 2-year period. Data were obtained directly from patient charts by trained abstractors. Multivariate logistic regression was utilized to adjust for potential confounding. The main outcome measure was concordance between final radiology interpretation and final pathology report. RESULTS: A total of 9047 adults underwent appendectomy and 8089 (89.4%) underwent CT, 54.1% of these with IV contrast only and 28.5% with IV + enteral contrast. Pathology findings correlated with radiographic findings in 90.0% of patients who received IV + enteral contrast and 90.4% of patients scanned with IV contrast alone. Hospitals were categorized as rural or urban and by their teaching status. Regardless of hospital type, there was no difference in concordance between IV-only and IV + enteral contrast. After adjusting for age, sex, comorbid conditions, weight, hospital type, and perforation, odds ratio of concordance for IV + enteral contrast versus IV contrast alone was 0.95 (95% CI: 0.72-1.25). CONCLUSIONS: Enteral contrast does not improve CT evaluation of appendicitis in patients undergoing appendectomy. These broadly generalizable results from a diverse group of hospitals suggest that enteral contrast can be eliminated in CT scans for suspected appendicitis.

Effects of dopamine on leptin release and leptin gene (OB) expression in adipocytes from obese and hypertensive patients.

BACKGROUND: A reduction of dopaminergic (DAergic) activity with increased prolactin levels has been found in obese and hypertensive patients, suggesting its involvement as a pathophysiological mechanism promoting hypertension. Similarly, leptin action increasing sympathetic activity has been proposed to be involved in mechanisms of hypertension. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of DA, norepinephrine (NE), and prolactin on leptin release and leptin gene (OB) expression in adipocytes from obese and hypertensive patients. METHODS: Leptin release and OB gene expression were analyzed in cultured adipocytes from 16 obese and hypertensive patients treated with DA (0.001, 0.01, 0.1, and 1.0 µmol/L), NE (1.0 µmol/L), insulin (0.1 µmol/L), and prolactin (1.0 µmol/L), and from five nonobese and normotensive controls treated with DA (1 µmol/L), NE (1 µmol/L), insulin (0.1 µmol/L), and prolactin (1.0 µmol/L). RESULTS: A dose-related reduction of leptin release and OB gene messenger ribonucleic acid expression under different doses of DA was observed in adipocytes from obese hypertensive patients. Whereas prolactin treatment elicited a significant increase of both leptin release and OB gene expression, NE reduced these parameters. Although similar effects of DA and NE were observed in adipocytes from controls, baseline values in controls were reduced to 20% of the value in adipocytes from obese hypertensive patients. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that DAergic deficiency contributes to metabolic disorders linked to hyperleptinemia in obese and hypertensive patients.

Single oral flecainide dose to unmask type 1 Brugada syndrome electrocardiographic pattern.

BACKGROUND: Brugada syndrome (BrS) includes a group of patients with a typical pattern of ST segment elevation in right precordial leads who are at risk for sudden cardiac death. The electrocardiogram pattern may be intermittent and unmasked by sodium channel blockers. The main objective of this study is to describe a serie of consecutive patients in whom oral administration of flecainide was used to unmask BrS type I electrocardiographic pattern. METHODS: We prospectively studied 14 symptomatic (palpitations/syncope) patients referred to our laboratory presenting a suggestive but not diagnostic Brugada ECG or family history of sudden death. Single oral dose of flecainide 400 mg was administered. Resting 12-lead ECG with upper and standard right precordial leads were performed after flecainide administration at 15, 30, 60 and 90 min and hourly until ECG became normal. RESULTS: Median age was 37.5 years (range = 22-50). None of them had structural heart disease. In 7 patients (50%) the typical coved-type ECG pattern of BrS was unmasked. PR interval, QRS duration and QTc median difference after-before test was 20 msec (min-max = -17-+57), 21 ms (min-max = 0 to +59) and 20 ms (min-max = -11-+77), respectively. There were no episodes of AV block, atrial or ventricular tachyarrhythmia. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience we found that oral administration of flecainide in a single dose of 400 mg is useful to unmask type 1 Brugada electrocardiographic pattern.

The economic value of reducing medication dosing frequency with drug delivery technologies: an evidence assessment.

OBJECTIVE: To critically evaluate published cost-effectiveness studies of novel drug products requiring less-frequent medication dosing compared to conventional formulations of the same drug substance. METHODS: A search was conducted in the Medline and Embase databases for cost-effectiveness studies published before May 2009 that compared two or more drug delivery technologies formulated with the same active drug substance. The Quality of Health Economic Studies (QHES) grading criteria for cost-effectiveness studies was applied to the selected publications. RESULTS: The literature search identified approximately 907 articles of which six cost-effectiveness studies met the inclusion criteria. The studies spanned four chronic conditions, were conducted from various international perspectives and used decision-analytic models to project economic outcomes. The base-case results of all six studies indicated that the drug product with sustained therapeutic efficacy was either more effective and less costly ('dominant') or more cost effective than the conventional formulation of the same drug substance. Quality scores ranging from 70 to 84 (scale 0 to 100) were assigned to the studies, with a mean of 78. LIMITATIONS: This review likely did not capture all relevant drug delivery technologies and drug products. Only one reviewer critically evaluated the cost-effectiveness studies and independently assigned quality scores using the QHES grading criteria, which may be limited in its ability to identify poorly analyzed studies. CONCLUSION: Evaluation of the published literature suggests that drug products with less-frequent medication dosing can be cost effective when compared to conventional formulations, but assessments are challenging because of complex relationships among therapeutic drug levels, dosing frequency, medication adherence, and health outcomes. Additional product-specific, comparative, pragmatic studies in this area are needed.

Inteligencia emocional y comunicación en el paciente neurótico / Emotional intelligence and communication in the neurotic patient

Se realiza un estudio descriptivo en el servicio de la Unidad de Intervención en Crisis del Hospital Psiquiátrico Provincial “Luis Ramírez López” de Guantánamo durante el semestre julio-diciembre de 2005, con el objetivo de demostrar la relación entre la inteligencia emocional y la comunicación en el paciente neurótico. A cada paciente se le toman los datos generales de identidad, sexo, edad, escolaridad y se les aplica un cuestionario para conocer la existencia de dificultades en la canalización de las emociones, así como prueba de inteligencia, además del IDARE y el Cornell-Index. Se obtuvo como resultado el predominio de los pacientes en las edades comprendidas entre 31 y 50 años, el nivel escolar de preuniversitario y el sexo femenino. La relación entre coeficiente de inteligencia e inteligencia emocional resulta ser casi inversamente proporcional, por lo que se concluyó que la dificultad con la inteligencia emocional repercute de manera negativa en la comunicación del paciente neurótico. Se expresan las principales dificultades constatadas en la comunicación y se emiten sugerencias para el manejo psicoterapéutico de estos pacientes.(AU)

Reconstrução mamária pós-mastectomia / Breast reconstruction after mastectomy

Trabalho monográfico sobre reconstrução mamária pós mastectomia, baseado em pesquisa bibliográfica realizada no período de 1996 a 2001. Com a seleção dos trabalhos mais representativos sobre o tema, procuropu-se enfocar todos os passos na abordagem das pacientes que deverão ser submetidas a este procedimento, enfatizando-se inclusive o momento da reconstrução. Descreve-se objetivamente as técnicas de cirurgia plástica utilizadas pelos diversos autores consultados, incluindo seus critérios de seleção, visando individualizar cada caso. O assunto foi direcionado de maneiro a permitir uma avaliação adequada e escolha criteriosa do melhor procedimento entre os diversos métodos de tratamento referidos na literatura consultada...