Dietary inflammatory potential and arterial stiffness in a French cohort: Insights from the STANISLAS study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Chronic inflammation plays a key role in arterial stiffness pathogenesis. Dietary components can display anti- or pro-inflammatory properties. Nonetheless, the association between the diet's overall inflammatory potential and arterial stiffness is unclear. This study aimed to assess the association between the diet's overall inflammatory potential and arterial stiffness assessed by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV). METHODS AND RESULTS: This cross-sectional study included 1307 participants from the STANISLAS family cohort study. Dietary data were collected using a validated food frequency questionnaire. The adapted dietary inflammatory index (ADII) score was calculated to assess the inflammatory potential of the participants' diet. The association of ADII score quartile with cfPWV was assessed using IPW-weighted linear mixed models with random family effect. The median (Q1-Q3) ADII score was 0.45 (-1.57, 2.04). Participants exhibiting higher ADII scores demonstrated elevated energy intake, dietary saturated fat, and ultra-processed foods. Conversely, individuals with lower ADII scores exhibited higher vitamins and omega intakes, and a higher diet quality, as assessed by the DASH score. Despite these observations from the descriptive analyses, ADII score quartiles were not significantly associated with cfPWV (ß(95% CI) were 0.01 (-0.02,0.04) for Q2, 0.02 (-0.01,0.05) for Q3, and 0.02 (-0.01,0.05) for Q4 compared to Q1). CONCLUSION: In this cross-sectional study, participants had a relatively modest consumption of pro-inflammatory foods, no substantial associations were observed between the diet inflammatory potential and arterial stiffness. Further longitudinal studies in larger cohorts are needed to better understand the link between inflammatory diet and arterial stiffness.

Parental acceptability of vaccinating young children against influenza and COVID-19.

INTRODUCTION: The struggle against influenza, and more recently against Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), relies mostly on protective measures and vaccines. In France, COVID-19 vaccination campaigns include children over 5 years of age, whereas the influenza vaccine is reserved for children and infants older than 6 months with severe chronic disease. The final decision to vaccinate ultimately rests with the parents. This study aimed to explore the opinions of parents regarding COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations, and which factors are likely to influence their decision in order to improve prevention approaches, and thus obtain better vaccination coverage among children. METHODS AND SURVEY: In this trans-sectional multicenter survey, self-administered questionnaires were sent to parents of children attending 14 childcare institutions over a period of 2 months, December 2021-February 2022. The questionnaire consisted of three sections: the first collected general, social and professional data, the second addressed perceived parental acceptability regarding influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations in healthy children, while the last section explored the main sources of information consulted by the parents regarding vaccinations. Subject's characteristics were described using number and percentages, as they are all categorical variables. Description of answers regarding both influenza and COVID-19 sources of information data were performed. Characteristics of patients answers were described and compared according to intention of vaccine groups. RESULTS: Among the 343 questionnaires collected, 41.7 % of respondents stated they were supportive of vaccination of their children against influenza and 37 % against COVID-19. Media (Internet, TV and radio) were the most cited sources of information. Incentive factors for both vaccination against influenza and COVID-19 were individual, and collective protection. Limiting factors were fear of side effect and Age of the child. Media was the sole source of information, concerning vaccination against influenza for 59 % non-graduates and 28 % of participants having a higher education level, and respectively 49 % and 19 % for vaccination against COVID-19. The acceptability rate was influenced by the level of education and the sources of information. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: About 40 % of the parents were supportive of children's vaccinations against COVID-19 and influenza respectively (37 % and 42 %) in order to protect the vulnerable people around them. The media influences the decision to vaccinate especially when the level of education is low.

Birth weight and subclinical cardiovascular and renal damage in a population-based study (the STANISLAS cohort study).

OBJECTIVE: Although preterm-born and low-birth-weight individuals have an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases in adulthood, little is known regarding early cardiovascular and renal damage (CVRD) or hypertension in adulthood. Our study investigated the association of birth weight with early CVRD markers as well as the heritability of birth weight in an initially healthy family-based cohort. METHODS: This study was based on 1028 individuals from the familial longitudinal STANISLAS cohort (399 parents/629 children) initiated in 1993-1995, with a fourth examination conducted in 2011-2016. Analyses performed at the fourth visit included pulse-wave velocity, central pressure, ambulatory blood pressure, hypertension status, diastolic dysfunction/distensibility, left ventricular mass indexed (LVMI), carotid intima-media thickness and kidney damage. The family structure of the cohort allowed birth weight heritability estimation. RESULTS: Mean (±SD) birth weight was 3.3 ±â€Š0.6 kg. Heritability was moderate (42-44%). At the fourth visit, individuals were 37 years old (32.0-57.0), 56% were women and 13% had antihypertensive treatment. Birth weight was strongly and negatively associated with hypertension [odds ratio (OR) 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.61 (0.45-0.84)]. A nonlinear association was found with LVMI, participants with a birth weight greater than 3 kg having a higher LVMI. A positive association ( ß 95% CI 5.09 (1.8-8.38)] was also observed between birth weight and distensibility for adults with normal BMI. No associations were found with other CVRD. CONCLUSION: In this middle-aged population, birth weight was strongly and negatively associated with hypertension, and positively associated with distensibility in adults with normal BMI and with LVMI for higher birth weights. No associations were found with other CVRD markers.

Association between eating behaviour and 13-year cardiovascular damages in the initially healthy STANISLAS cohort.

AIMS: Several dimensions of eating behaviour (EB), such as restrained eating (RE), appear to be cross-sectionally associated with certain cardiovascular (CV) diseases and metabolic risk factors although little is known regarding longitudinal associations. This study aimed to assess the associations between EB and CV damage or metabolic syndrome after 13 years, in initially healthy individuals. METHODS AND RESULTS: This study included 1109 participants from the familial STANISLAS (Suivi Temporaire Annuel Non-Invasif de la Santé des Lorrains Assurés Sociaux) cohort study. Emotional eating (EmE), RE, and external eating were assessed using the Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire. Metabolic syndrome and CV damages such as carotid-femoral pulse-wave velocity (cfPWV), left ventricular mass, carotid intima-media thickness, and diastolic dysfunction (DD) were measured after a period of 13 years. Mixed model analysis with a family random effect and adjustment for age, sex, education, temporal gap, physical activity, metabolic factors at baseline, and the onset of CV disease during follow-up, and mediation analysis were performed in adults and adolescents separately. Among adults, EmE was associated with a 38% increased risk of DD 13 years later [odds ratio = 1.38 (1.05; 1.83)]. Stress level mediated 31.9% of this association (P = 0.01). Emotional eating was positively associated with cfPWV (ß=0.02 [0.01; 0.04]). External eating was slightly associated with lower cfPWV (ß=-0.03 [-0.05; -0.01]). No associations were observed between EB dimensions and metabolic syndrome. Energy intake was not found to be a mediator of any associations. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that CV prevention should also take into account EB and include emotion regulation skills teaching.

The association of three dimensions of eating behaviour [emotional eating, restrained eating, and external eating] with 13 years later cardiovascular damages have been investigated in the initially healthy STANISLAS (Suivi Temporaire Annuel Non-Invasif de la Santé des Lorrains Assurés Sociaux) cohort. Emotional eating was associated with higher pulse-wave velocity and an increased risk of diastolic dysfunction. External eating was associated with lower pulse-wave velocity. Stress level was found to be a mediator of the association found between emotional eating and diastolic dysfunction.

School, behavior and health-related difficulties in early adolescents with contraceptive consultation: a population-based study in eastern France.

BACKGROUND: Early adolescence (10-16 years) is a crucial period for physical, mental and cognitive development where a wide range of school, behavior and health-related difficulties may occur. These issues may be aggravated in adolescents with early affective/sexual live and contraceptive consultation. This study assessed the risk of school, behavior and health-related problems among younger boys and girls having a contraceptive consultation. Such knowledge would inform care providers about their main role in monitoring and caring adolescent problems. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 1559 middle-school adolescents from north-eastern France (mean age 13.5±1.3). They completed a questionnaire gathering socioeconomic features, obesity, school difficulties, substances use, physical health, psychological health, social relationship, violence, sexual abuse, and suicide behaviors. Data were analyzed for each gender separately using logistic regression models. RESULTS: The contraceptive consultation concerned 6.7% of girls and 3.2% of boys (P=0.002). Based on Odds Ratio (adjusted for age, school-class level and socioeconomic factors), both boys and girls with contraceptive consultation had 2-to-7-time higher risk of consumption of alcohol, tobacco, cannabis and other drogues, poor physical health, relational problems, and perpetrated violence. Additionally, the girls had a 4-time higher risk of low academic-performance and obesity while the boys had 6-to-37-time higher risk of sexual abuse, school dropout ideation, suicide ideation and suicide attempts. CONCLUSIONS: Although based on self-reported data, we found that primary care providers play a prominent role in detecting and monitoring school, behavior and health-related problems during adolescent contraceptive consultations.

Fatty acid desaturase genetic variations and dietary omega-3 fatty acid intake associate with arterial stiffness.

Aims: Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) generate diverse bioactive lipid mediators, which tightly regulate vascular inflammation. The effects of omega-3 PUFA supplementation in cardiovascular prevention however remain controversial. In addition to direct dietary intake, fatty acid desaturases (FADS) determine PUFA levels. Increased arterial stiffness represents an independent predictor of mortality and cardiovascular events. The aim of the present study was to determine the association of PUFA intake, FADS1 genotype, and FADS expression with arterial stiffness. Methods and results: A cross-sectional population-based cohort study of 1464 participants without overt cardiovascular disease was conducted. Dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. Arterial stiffness was assessed by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), and the FADS1 locus variant was determined. Blood cell transcriptomics was performed in a subset of 410 individuals. Pulse wave velocity was significantly associated with the FADS1 locus variant. Differential associations between PWV and omega-3 PUFA intake were observed depending on the FADS1 genotype. High omega-3 PUFA intake attenuated the FADS1 genotype-dependent associations. Carriers of the minor FADS1 locus variant exhibited increased expression of FADS2, which is associated with PWV. Conclusion: Taken together, these findings point to FADS1 genotype-dependent associations of omega-3 PUFA intake on subclinical cardiovascular disease. These findings may have implications for identifying responders and non-responders to omega-3 PUFA supplementation and open up for personalized dietary counselling in cardiovascular prevention.

Weak Association Between Genetic Markers of Hyperuricemia and Cardiorenal Outcomes: Insights From the STANISLAS Study Cohort With a 20-Year Follow-Up.

Background Hyperuricemia is associated with poor cardiovascular outcomes, although it is uncertain whether this relationship is causal in nature. This study aimed to: (1) assess the heritability of serum uric acid (SUA) levels, (2) conduct a genome-wide association study on SUA levels, and (3) investigate the association between certain single-nucleotide polymorphisms and target organ damage. Methods and Results The STANISLAS (Suivi Temporaire Annuel Non-Invasif de la Santé des Lorrains Assurés Sociaux) study cohort is a single-center longitudinal cohort recruited between 1993 and 1995 (visit 1), with a last visit (visit 4 [V4]) performed ≈20 years apart. Serum lipid profile, SUA, urinary albumin/creatinine ratio, estimated glomerular filtration rate, 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, transthoracic echocardiography, pulse wave velocity, and genotyping for each participant were assessed at V4. A total of 1573 participants were included at V4, among whom 1417 had available SUA data at visit 1. Genome-wide association study results highlighted multiple single-nucleotide polymorphisms on the SLC2A9 gene linked to SUA levels. Carriers of the most associated mutated SLC2A9 allele (rs16890979) had significantly lower SUA levels. Although SUA level at V4 was highly associated with diabetes, prediabetes, higher body mass index, CRP (C-reactive protein) levels, estimated glomerular filtration rate variation (visit 1-V4), carotid intima-media thickness, and pulse wave velocity, rs16890979 was only associated with higher carotid intima-media thickness. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that rs16890979, a genetic determinant of SUA levels located on the SLC2A9 gene, is associated with carotid intima-media thickness despite significant associations between SUA levels and several clinical outcomes, thereby lending support to the hypothesis of a link between SUA and cardiovascular disease.

Impact of smoking on cardiovascular risk and premature ageing: Findings from the STANISLAS cohort.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Smoking may lead to premature ageing, but the impact on the cardiovascular system and circulating proteins needs further investigation. In the present study, we aim to understand the impact of smoking on heart and vessels and circulating biomarkers of multiple domains including cardiovascular damage, premature ageing and cancer-related pathways. METHODS: The STANISLAS Cohort is a longitudinal familial cohort with detailed cardiovascular examination and biomarker assessment. This study included all the participants enrolled in the fourth visit of the STANISLAS Cohort for whom information on smoking habits was available (n = 1696). We assessed pulse wave velocity, intima-media thickness, echocardiographic parameters and a total of 460 proteins to study the association of circulating plasma proteins with smoking status (never vs. past vs. current smoking) while adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS: Current smokers were approximately 18 years younger but had higher left ventricular mass index (LVMi) and similar pulse wave velocity (PWV), carotid intima media thickness (cIMT), frequency of hypertension, diabetes and carotid plaques compared to the much older never smokers. After multivariate selection, 25 proteins were independently associated with current or past smoking. Current smoking was strongly associated with higher levels of EDIL-3, CCL11, TNFSF13B, KIT, and lower levels of IL-12B and PLTP (p < 0.0001) while past smoking was associated with FGF-21, CHIT1, and lower levels of CXCL10, IL1RL2 and RAGE (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Current smoking is associated with signs of early onset of cardiovascular ageing and protein biomarkers that regulate inflammation, endothelial function, metabolism, oncological processes and apoptosis.

Impact of natriuretic peptide polymorphisms on diastolic and metabolic function in a populational cohort: insights from the STANISLAS cohort.

AIMS: Elevated brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and the N-terminal fragment of its pro-hormone (NT-proBNP) have become established biomarkers for heart failure and are associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Investigating sources of inter-individual heterogeneity, particularly genetic factors, could help better identify patients at risk of future cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to estimate the heritability of circulating NT-proBNP levels, to perform a genome-wide association study (GWAS) and gene-candidate analysis focused on NPPB-NPPA genes on these levels, and to examine their association with cardiovascular or metabolic outcomes. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 1555 individuals from the STANISLAS study were included. The heritability of circulating NT-proBNP levels was estimated at 15%, with seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) reaching the significant threshold in the GWAS. All above SNPs were located on the same gene cluster constituted of MTHFR, CLCN6, NPPA, NPPB, and C1orf167. NPPA gene expression was also associated with NT-proBNP levels. Moreover, six other SNPs from NPPA-NPPB genes were associated with diastolic function (lateral e' on echocardiography) and metabolic features (glycated haemoglobin). CONCLUSIONS: The heritability of natriuretic peptides appears relatively low (15%) and mainly based on the same gene cluster constituted of MTHFR, CLCN6, NPPA, NPPB, and C1orf167. Natriuretic peptide polymorphisms are associated with natriuretic peptide levels and diastolic function. These results suggest that natriuretic peptide polymorphisms may have an impact in the early stages of cardiovascular and metabolic disease.

Machine Learning-Derived Echocardiographic Phenotypes Predict Heart Failure Incidence in Asymptomatic Individuals.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to identify homogenous echocardiographic phenotypes in community-based cohorts and assess their association with outcomes. BACKGROUND: Asymptomatic cardiac dysfunction leads to a high risk of long-term cardiovascular morbidity and mortality; however, better echocardiographic classification of asymptomatic individuals remains a challenge. METHODS: Echocardiographic phenotypes were identified using K-means clustering in the first generation of the STANISLAS (Yearly non-invasive follow-up of Health status of Lorraine insured inhabitants) cohort (N = 827; mean age: 60 ± 5 years; men: 48%), and their associations with vascular function and circulating biomarkers were also assessed. These phenotypes were externally validated in the Malmö Preventive Project cohort (N = 1,394; mean age: 67 ± 6 years; men: 70%), and their associations with the composite of cardiovascular mortality (CVM) or heart failure hospitalization (HFH) were assessed as well. RESULTS: Three echocardiographic phenotypes were identified as "mostly normal (MN)" (n = 334), "diastolic changes (D)" (n = 323), and "diastolic changes with structural remodeling (D/S)" (n = 170). The D and D/S phenotypes had similar ages, body mass indices, cardiovascular risk factors, vascular impairments, and diastolic function changes. The D phenotype consisted mainly of women and featured increased levels of inflammatory biomarkers, whereas the D/S phenotype, consisted predominantly of men, displayed the highest values of left ventricular mass, volume, and remodeling biomarkers. The phenotypes were predicted based on a simple algorithm including e', left ventricular mass and volume (e'VM algorithm). In the Malmö cohort, subgroups derived from e'VM algorithm were significantly associated with a higher risk of CVM and HFH (adjusted HR in the D phenotype = 1.87; 95% CI: 1.04 to 3.37; adjusted HR in the D/S phenotype = 3.02; 95% CI: 1.71 to 5.34). CONCLUSIONS: Among asymptomatic, middle-aged individuals, echocardiographic data-driven classification based on the simple e'VM algorithm identified profiles with different long-term HF risk. (4th Visit at 17 Years of Cohort STANISLAS-Stanislas Ancillary Study ESCIF [STANISLASV4]; NCT01391442).

Antibiotic stewardship in French nursing homes: a 2019 regional survey.

BACKGROUND: Antibiotic resistance is a growing issue in nursing homes (NHs). Antibiotic stewardship (ABS) programmes can reduce antibiotic use in NHs, but few studies have assessed to what extent they are implemented in NHs. OBJECTIVES: To describe ABS current practices and describe the opinion of NH stakeholders regarding ABS and opportunities for improvement in one French region. METHODS: We invited by e-mail the medical and nurse coordinators of all NHs of the Grand Est region, France, to participate in our survey in 2019. The online questionnaire included 35 questions covering four topics: NH characteristics, current ABS practices, attitudes towards ABS and opinions on strategies to promote ABS. A score evaluating implementation of core ABS elements was calculated using the current ABS practice responses. RESULTS: Out of 417 NHs, 75 (18%) participated in our survey. The three most implemented ABS activities were antibiotic consumption monitoring (65%), antibiotic plan documentation (56%) and antibiotic prescription guide distribution (54%). Audit and feedback, training sessions or identification of a local ABS leader ranged from 13% to 29%. Participants positively perceived ABS and most suggestions to improve ABS programmes in NH, with maximal interest in training, audit and feedback interventions. The median score for implementation of core ABS elements was 3.3 (IQR = 2.3-5.4; theoretical range 0-11), and the score distribution was not associated with any NH characteristic. CONCLUSIONS: While there is still room for improvement, NHs had a positive attitude towards ABS strategies. Some regional and national initiatives to promote ABS in NHs exist and should be actively promoted.

Isolated diastolic hypertension and target organ damage: Findings from the STANISLAS cohort.

BACKGROUND: Isolated diastolic hypertension (IDH) is defined as diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥80 mmHg and systolic blood pressure (SBP) <130 mmHg according to 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines. The effective cardiovascular risk linked to IDH is debated. HYPOTHESIS: IDH might contribute marginally to hypertension-related target organ damage (TOD) development. METHODS: In this cross-sectional analysis 1605 subjects from the STANISLAS cohort, a large familiar longitudinal study from Eastern France, were included. Participants were categorized according to average values at 24-h ABP recording as having normal BP (SBP < 130/DBP < 80 mmHg); combined hypertension (SBP ≥130/DBP ≥80 mmHg or on antihypertensive treatment); IDH (SBP <130/DBP >80 mmHg); isolated systolic hypertension (ISH: SBP ≥130/DBP <80 mmHg). The association between hypertension status and TOD was assessed by multivariable-adjusted logistic models. RESULTS: Using normotension as reference, IDH was not significantly associated with NTproBNP levels (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.04 [95%CI 0.82;1.32], p = .750), microalbuminuria (OR 0.99 [0.69; 1.42], p = .960), diastolic dysfunction (OR 1.53 [0.88; 2.68], p = .130), left ventricular (LV) mass index (OR per 10 g/m2 increase 1.07 [0.95; 1.21], p = .250), LV longitudinal strain (global: OR 1.07 [0.99; 1.14], p = .054; subendocardial: OR 1.06 [0.99; 1.13], p = .087), carotid intima media thickness (OR 1.27 [0.79; 2.06], p = .320), reduced ankle-brachial index (<0.9; OR 1.59 [0.19; 13.55], p = .670) and pulse wave velocity (PWV; OR 1.07 [0.93; 1.23], p = .360). In contrast, combined hypertension and ISH were independently associated with LV mass index and PWV increase (all p ≤ .01). CONCLUSIONS: IDH was not significantly associated with TOD. Further studies are needed to clarify the clinical role of IDH. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT01391442.

Perceptions of Antibiotic Use and Resistance: Are Antibiotics the Dentists' Anxiolytics?

BACKGROUND: Antibiotic resistance is a global health crisis. The aim of this study was to explore dentists' perceptions of antibiotic resistance. METHODS: A qualitative method was used. Seventeen dentists practising in the Nancy (Lorraine, France) region were surveyed. They were general practitioners or specialised in oral surgery, implantology, or periodontology. The practitioners took part in semi-structured interviews between September 2019 and July 2020. All of the interviews were transcribed in full and analysed thematically. RESULTS: Four major themes have been selected: attitudes of the dentists in regard to the guidelines, clinical factors that influence prescriptions, non-clinical factors that influence prescriptions, and the perception of antibiotic resistance. The dentists stated that they were very concerned regarding the public health issue of antibiotic resistance. However, they often prescribe according to their own interests and habits rather than according to the relevant guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: Although dentists are generally well aware of antibiotic resistance, they often do not adequately appreciate the link between their prescribing habits and the phenomenon of antibiotic resistance. Regular updating of practitioners' knowledge in this regard is necessary, but patients and the general public should also be made more aware of the issue.

Hypertension in Children and Adolescents: A Position Statement From a Panel of Multidisciplinary Experts Coordinated by the French Society of Hypertension.

Hypertension is much less common in children than in adults. The group of experts decided to perform a review of the literature to draw up a position statement that could be used in everyday practice. The group rated recommendations using the GRADE approach. All children over the age of 3 years should have their blood pressure measured annually. Due to the lack of data on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality associated with blood pressure values, the definition of hypertension in children is a statistical value based on the normal distribution of blood pressure in the paediatric population, and children and adolescents are considered as having hypertension when their blood pressure is greater than or equal to the 95th percentile. Nevertheless, it is recommended to use normative blood pressure tables developed according to age, height and gender, to define hypertension. Measuring blood pressure in children can be technically challenging and several measurement methods are listed here. Regardless of the age of the child, it is recommended to carefully check for a secondary cause of hypertension as in 2/3 of cases it has a renal or cardiac origin. The care pathway and principles of the therapeutic strategy are described here.

Quality of Beverage Intake and Cardiometabolic and Kidney Outcomes: Insights From the STANISLAS Cohort.

Background and Aims: Beverages are an important aspect of diet, and their quality can possibly affect health. The Healthy Beverage Index (HBI) has been developed to take into account these effects. This study aimed to highlight the relationships between health and beverage quality by assessing the association of the HBI and its components with kidney and cardiometabolic (CM) outcomes in an initially healthy population-based familial cohort. Methods: This study included 1,271 participants from the STANISLAS cohort. The HBI, which includes 10 components of habitual beverage consumption, was calculated. Associations of the HBI and its components with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), albuminuria, hypertriglyceridemic waist (HTG waist), metabolic syndrome (MetS), carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), and left ventricular mass (LV mass) were analyzed using multivariable linear or logistic regression models. Results: The median HBI score was 89.7 (78.6-95) out of 100 points. While the overall HBI score was not significantly associated with any of the studied outcomes, individual HBI components were found differently associated with the outcomes. cfPWV and cIMT were lower in participants who did not meet the full-fat milk criteria (p = 0.03 and 0.001, respectively). In men, higher cfPWV was observed for the "low Fat milk" (p = 0.06) and "alcohol" (p = 0.03) non-adherence criteria. Odds of HTG waist were higher with the non-adherence to sugar-sweetened beverages criteria (p < 0.001). eGFR was marginally higher with non-adherence to the coffee/tea criteria (p = 0.047). Conclusions: In this initially healthy population, HBI components were differently associated with kidney and cardiometabolic outcomes, despite a good overall HBI score. Our results highlight specific impacts of different beverage types and suggest that beverages could have an impact on kidney and cardiometabolic health.

Dyskalemia: a management problem for students.

BACKGROUND: Although dyskalemia is common, its management can be problematic for students and general practitioners, especially when it occurs in patients with heart and renal failure. The basic academic knowledge of general medicine students, who have often not yet encountered clinical situations of dyskalemia, remains unclear in this regard. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and reflexive practices of general medicine students in regard to dyskalemia. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey, based on a self-questionnaire, of all of the students enrolled in general medicine studies at the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Nancy (France) at the end of their degree. The students were asked questions pertaining to specific clinical situations. The answers were compared to the information provided in the medical curriculum as well as to the relevant European guidelines. RESULTS: We collected 290 of the questionnaires (participation rate: 81.2%). The hyper- and hypokalemia thresholds considered pathological (3.5-5.0 mmol/L) were known by 78% and 67% of the students, respectively. The perception of danger in case of severe hypokalemia was underestimated by 62.7% of them. In most cases, the proposed management of hyperkalemia in heart and renal failure did not comply with the relevant guidelines. The students tended to favor permanent discontinuation of the administration of converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE) and/or mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA) without considering the need for their reintroduction (51.6%). Sodium polystyrene sulfate was frequently seen as an appropriate first-line treatment for hyperkalemia (45%). CONCLUSIONS: The knowledge and competence of general medicine students appear to be lacking for hyperkalemia in heart and renal failure, and they are long way from full compliance with the relevant European guidelines. Exposure to complex clinical situations as part of the medical curriculum, therefore, seems essential to improve the way dyskalemia is managed in France.

Hypokalemia is frequent and has prognostic implications in stable patients attending the emergency department.

BACKGROUND: Potassium disturbances are associated with adverse prognosis in patients with chronic conditions. Its prognostic implications in stable patients attending the emergency department (ED) is poorly described. AIMS: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of dyskalemia, describe its predisposing factors and prognostic associations in a population presenting the ED without unstable medical illness. METHODS: Post-hoc analysis of a prospective, cross-sectional, multicenter study in the ED of 11 French academic hospitals over a period of 8 weeks. All adults presenting to the ED during this period were included, except instances of self-drug poisoning, inability to complete self-medication questionnaire, presence of an unstable medical illness and decline to participate in the study. All-cause hospitalization or deaths were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 1242 patients were included. The mean age was 57.2±22.3 years, 51% were female. The distribution according to potassium concentrations was: hypokalemia<4mmol/L(n = 620, 49.9%), normokalemia 4-5mmol/L(n = 549, 44.2%) and hyperkalemia >5mmol/L(n = 73, 0,6%). The proportion of patients with a kalemia<3.5mmol/L was 8% (n = 101). Renal insufficiency (OR [95% CI] = 3.56[1.94-6.52], p-value <0.001) and hemoglobin <12g/dl (OR [95% CI] = 2.62[1.50-4.60], p-value = 0.001) were associated with hyperkalemia. Female sex (OR [95% CI] = 1.31[1.03-1.66], p-value = 0.029), age <45years (OR [95% CI] = 1.69 [1.20-2.37], p-value = 0.002) and the use of thiazide diuretics (OR [95% CI] = 2.04 [1.28-3.32], p-value = 0.003), were associated with hypokalemia<4mmol/l. Two patients died in the ED and 629 (52.7%) were hospitalized. Hypokalemia <3.5mmol/L was independently associated with increased odds of hospitalization or death (OR [95% CI] = 1.47 [1.00-2.15], p-value = 0.048). CONCLUSIONS: Hypokalemia is frequently found in the ED and was associated with worse outcomes in a low-risk ED population.

Hyperkalaemia and hypokalaemia outpatient management: a survey of 500 French general practitioners.

AIMS: How general practitioners (GPs) manage dyskalaemia is currently unknown. This study aimed at describing GP practices regarding hypokalaemia or hyperkalaemia diagnosis and management in their outpatients. METHODS AND RESULTS: A telephone survey was conducted among French GPs with a 20-item questionnaire (16 closed-ended questions and 12 open-ended questions) regarding their usual management of hypokalaemia or hyperkalaemia patients, both broadly and more specifically in patients with heart failure and/or chronic kidney disease and/or in patients treated with angiotensin-converting enzyme/angiotensin receptor blockers or mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists. We aimed to interview 500 GPs spread geographically throughout France. This descriptive survey results are presented as mean ± standard deviation (if normally distributed or as median and inter-quartile range if the distribution was skewed). Categorical variables are expressed as frequencies and proportions (%). A total of 500 GPs participated in the study. Dyskalaemia thresholds (for diagnosis and intervention) and management patterns were highly heterogeneous. The mean ± SD (range) potassium level leading to 'intervene' was 5.32 ± 0.34 mmol/L (4.5-6.5) for hyperkalaemia and 3.23 ± 0.34 mmol/L (2.0-6.5) for hypokalaemia. Potassium levels leading to refer the patient to the emergency department (ED) were 6.14 ± 0.55 (4.5-10) and 2.69 ± 0.42 mmol/L (1-4), respectively. Potassium binders (51-65%) or potassium supplements (67-74%) were frequently used to manage hyperkalaemia or hypokalaemia. GPs uncommonly referred their dyskalaemic patients to cardiologists or nephrologists (or to the emergency department, if the latter was deemed necessary owing to the severity of the dyskalaemia). We identified an association between the close vicinity of GP office from an ED and 'referring a heart failure patient' (19.2% with ED vs. 8.6% without ED) and referring a heart failure and chronic kidney disease patient on mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (16.7% with ED vs. 9.3% without ED). Although the majority (67%) of GPs had an electrocardiogram on hand, it was rarely used (14%) in dyskalaemic patients. Subgroup analyses considering gender, age of the participating GPs, and high-income/low-income regions did not identify specific patterns regarding the multidimensional aspect of dyskalaemia management. CONCLUSIONS: Owing to the considerable heterogeneity of French GP practices toward dyskalaemia diagnosis and management approaches, there is a likely need to standardize (potentially enabled by therapeutic algorithms) practices.