Cachexia measured by bioelectrical impedance vector analysis and risk of infection in women with rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients have a higher frequency of infections than the healthy population. The reason has yet to be explained but involves several factors, of which body composition and rheumatoid cachexia are often overlooked. This study aimed to evaluate whether patients with cachexia, measured by bioelectrical impedance vector analysis, are at an increased risk of developing infections compared with patients without cachexia. A secondary analysis of 186 women with RA enrolled in a randomized trial (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02900898, September 14, 2016) was completed. Medical records and phone calls were used to record infectious events diagnosed and treated during follow-up. Hazard ratios were calculated using Cox proportional hazard regression analysis, and a predictive model of infection was created. After 36 months of follow-up, 62 patients (26.7% non-cachectic and 44.3% cachectic, p < 0.01) developed at least one infectious event. The most common site of was the urinary tract, followed by the lungs and respiratory tract. The presence of cachexia (HR 1.90, 95% CI 1.15-3.13) and the use of glucocorticoids (HR 1.77, 95% CI 1.01-3.09) were associated with infection in univariate and multivariate models. Body mass index (BMI), smoking, and methotrexate use were not associated with a higher frequency of infections. The presence of cachexia and the use of glucocorticoids were identified as predictors of infections in a cohort of female RA patients. More extensive measurements of body composition should be performed beyond BMI in RA patients to better understand its impact and to prevent additional comorbidities and complications. Key Points • The presence of cachexia measured by bioelectrical impedance vector analysis was associated with infectious events in women with rheumatoid arthritis, whereas body mass index did not show an association. • Glucocorticoids were the only drug associated with a higher frequency of infection. None of the disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, including methotrexate, showed an association.

Epidemiological Profile and Social Welfare Index as Factors Associated with COVID-19 Hospitalization and Severity in Mexico City: A Retrospective Analysis.

Epidemiological data indicate that Mexico holds the 19th place in cumulative cases (5506.53 per 100,000 inhabitants) of COVID-19 and the 5th place in cumulative deaths (256.14 per 100,000 inhabitants) globally and holds the 4th and 3rd place in cumulative cases and deaths in the Americas region, respectively, with Mexico City being the most affected area. Several modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors have been linked to a poor clinical outcome in COVID-19 infection; however, whether socioeconomic and welfare factors are associated with clinical outcome has been scanty addressed. This study tried to investigate the association of Social Welfare Index (SWI) with hospitalization and severity due to COVID-19. A retrospective analysis was conducted at the Centro Médico Nacional "20 de Noviembre"-ISSSTE, based in Mexico City, Mexico. A total of 3963 patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19, registered from March to July 2020, were included, retrieved information from the Virology Analysis and Reference Unit Database. Demographic, symptoms and clinical data were analyzed, as well as the SWI, a multidimensional parameter based on living and household conditions. An adjusted binary logistic regression model was performed in order to compare the outcomes of hospitalization, mechanical ventilation requirement (MVR) and mortality between SWI categories: Very high (VHi), high (Hi), medium (M) and low (L). The main findings show that lower SWI were independently associated with higher probability for hospital entry: VHi vs. Hi vs. M vs. L-SWI (0 vs. +0.24 [OR = 1.24, CI95% 1.01-1.53] vs. +0.90 [OR = 1.90, CI95% 1.56-2.32] vs. 0.73 [OR = 1.73, CI95% 1.36-2.19], respectively); Mechanical Ventilation Requirement: VHi vs. M vs. L-SWI (0 vs. +0.45 [OR = 1.45, CI95% 1.11-1.87] vs. +0.35 [OR = 1.35, CI95% 1.00-1.82]) and mortality: VHi vs. Hi vs. M (0 vs. +0.54 [OR = 1.54, CI95% 1.22-1.94] vs. +0.41 [OR = 1.41, CI95% 1.13-1.76]). We concluded that SWI was independently associated with the poor clinical outcomes in COVID-19, beyond demographic, epidemiological and clinical characteristics.

The metabolic phenotype of the patient influences the reduction in carotid intima-media thickness achieved following metabolic surgery.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether metabolic phenotype is associated with the change in carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in patients undergoing bariatric /metabolic surgery (BMS). METHODS: We performed a case-control study of BMS candidates who had metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO) or metabolically healthy obesity (MHO). We measured the change in CIMT during the 9 months following BMS. The plasma tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1ß, adiponectin, leptin, nitric oxide (NO), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), and malondialdehyde concentrations were determined, adipocyte area was measured histologically, and adipose tissue area was estimated using computed tomography. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients (mean age 44.5 years, mean body mass index 44.9 kg/m2, 53% women, and 53% had MUO) were studied. Nine months following BMS, the MUO phenotype was not associated with a significant reduction in CIMT, and that of the MHO group was larger. In addition, fewer participants achieved a 10% reduction in CIMT in the MUO group. A CIMT reduction was associated with lower VEGF-A and NO in the MUO group, while that in the MHO group was associated with a higher NO concentration. CONCLUSION: The metabolic phenotype of patients may influence their change in CIMT following BMS, probably through circulating vasodilatory and pro-inflammatory molecules.

Neurological Manifestations and Outcomes in a Retrospective Cohort of Mexican Inpatients with SARS-CoV-2 Pneumonia: Design of a Risk Profile.

We analyzed the neurological manifestations in Mexican patients hospitalized with pneumonia due to COVID-19 and investigated the association between demographic, clinical, and biochemical variables and outcomes, including death. A retrospective, analytical study was conducted using the electronic records of patients hospitalized between 1 April 2020 and 30 September 2020. Records of 1040 patients were analyzed: 31.25% died and 79.42% had neurological symptoms, including headache (80.62%), anosmia (32.20%), ageusia (31.96%), myopathy (28.08%), disorientation (14.89%), encephalopathy (12.22%), neuropathy (5.4%), stroke (1.3%), seizures (1.3%), cerebral hemorrhage (1.08%), encephalitis (0.84%), central venous thrombosis (0.36%), and subarachnoid hemorrhage (0.24%). Patients also had comorbidities, such as hypertension (42.30%), diabetes mellitus (38.74%), obesity (61.34%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (3.17%), and asthma (2.01%). Factors associated with neurological symptoms were dyspnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, advanced respiratory support, prolonged hospitalization, and worsening fibrinogen levels. Factors associated with death were older age, advanced respiratory support, amine management, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, intensive care unit management, dyspnea, disorientation, encephalopathy, hypertension, neuropathy, diabetes, male sex, three or more neurological symptoms, and obesity grade 3. In this study we designed a profile to help predict patients at higher risk of developing neurological complications and death following COVID-19 infection.

Analysis of Impulse Control Disorders (ICDs) and Factors Associated with Their Development in a Parkinson's Disease Population.

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease in which non-motor symptoms may appear before motor phenomena, which include Impulse Control Disorders (ICDs). The objective of this study is to identify factors associated with the development of ICDs in PD. An analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted using clinical records from patients diagnosed with PD, both genders, from 40 to 80 years old. Clinical and demographic data were collected: 181 patients were recruited; 80 of them showed PD and ICDs, and they constituted the study group, whereas 101 patients with PD without ICDs constituted the control reference group. The duration of PD was longer in the group with ICDs (p < 0.008), and all patients showed at least one ICD: binge eating (61.29%), compulsive shopping (48.75%), hypersexuality (23.75%), gambling behavior (8.75%), and punding (3.75%). After logistic regression analysis, only the use of dopamine agonists remained associated with ICDs (p < 0.001), and the tremorgenic form was suggested to be a protective factor (p < 0.001). Positive associations were observed between the rigid-akinetic form and compulsive shopping (p < 0.007), between male and hypersexuality (p < 0.018), and between dopamine agonists and compulsive shopping (p < 0.004), and negative associations were observed between motor fluctuations and compulsive shopping (p < 0.031), between Deep Brain Stimulation and binge eating (p < 0.046), and between levodopa consumption and binge eating (p < 0.045). Binge eating, compulsive shopping, and hypersexuality were the most frequent ICDs. Complex forms and motor complications of PD were associated with the development of ICDs.

Identification of adipose tissue-related predictors of the reduction in cardiovascular risk induced by metabolic surgery.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to determine whether parameters associated with adipose tissue (adipocyte density and the circulating concentrations of markers of adipose tissue pathology) predict cardiovascular risk (CVR) modification after metabolic surgery (MS). METHODS: We performed a case-control study of patients with morbid obesity who were candidates for MS. CVR was defined using flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and carotid intima media thickness (CIMT), which were measured during the 9 months following MS. Subgroups of CVR reduction were defined using the following cut-offs: CIMT 10% and/or a two-fold increase in FMD. RESULTS: We studied 40 patients with morbid obesity (mean age 44.5 years, 75% women, mean body mass index 46.4 kg/m2) and high prevalences of the metabolically unhealthy obesity phenotype, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. A significant reduction in CVR was associated with lower vascular endothelial growth factor-A concentration (6.20 vs. 1.59 pg/mL, respectively), low adipocyte density in visceral adipose tissue (100 vs. 80 cells/field), low infiltration with CD68+ cells (18 vs. 8 cells/field) and higher concentrations of lipid peroxidation markers and malondialdehyde (313.7 vs. 405.7 ng/mL). CONCLUSION: The characteristics of adipose tissue and the circulating concentrations of markers of adipose pathology might represent useful predictors of the reduction in CVR following MS.Clinical trial registration number: NCT0356198 (https://clinicaltrials.gov).

Enlarged adipocytes from subcutaneous vs. visceral adipose tissue differentially contribute to metabolic dysfunction and atherogenic risk of patients with obesity.

Morphological characteristics and source of adipose tissue as well as adipokines may increase cardiometabolic risk. This study aimed to explore whether adipose tissue characteristics may impact metabolic and atherogenic risks. Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue (SAT), Visceral Adipose Tissue (VAT) and peripheral blood were obtained from obese patients submitted to bariatric surgery. Adipose tissue (morphometry), plasma adiponectin, TNF-α, resistin (multiplexing) and biochemical chemistry were analyzed; as well as endothelial dysfunction (Flow Mediated Dilation, FMD) and atherogenesis (Carotid Intima Media Thickness, CIMT). Subgroups divided by adipocyte size and source were compared; as well as correlation and multivariate analysis. Sixty patients 36.6% males, aged 44 years-old, BMI 46.7 kg/m2 were included. SAT's adipocytes showed a lower range of size expandability than VAT's adipocytes. Independent from their source, larger adipocytes were associated with higher glucose, lower adiponectin and higher CIMT. Particularly, larger adipocytes from SAT were associated with higher blood pressure, lower insulin and HDL-cholesterol; and showed positive correlation with glucose, HbA1c, systolic/diastolic values, and negatively correlated with insulin and adiponectin. VAT's larger adipocytes particularly associated with lower resistin and lower FMD values. Gender and Diabetes Mellitus significantly impacted the relation of adipocyte size/source with the metabolic and atherogenic risk. Multivariable analysis suggested hypertension-resistin-HbA1c interactions associated with SAT's larger adipocytes; whereas potential insulin-adiponectin associations were observed for VAT's larger adipocytes. Adipocyte morphology and source are differentially related with cardiometabolic and atherogenic risk in population with obesity, which are potentially affected by gender and Diabetes Mellitus.

Breast cancer survival by immunohistochemistry-determined subtype: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer subtype classification according to hormone receptors (HR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) using immunohistochemistry is the standard practice for therapeutic decision making. OBJECTIVE: To design future studies information on characteristics and survival of each subtype is essential. METHOD: We conducted a retrospective study to analyze clinical and pathologic features as well as survival data according to breast cancer immunohistochemistry subtype. RESULTS: There were 211 women with a RH(+)/HER2(-) breast cancer subtype, 53 HR(+)/HER2(+), 16 HER2(+) and 23 HR(-)/HER2(-), with a median overall survival in months of 39 (20.5-62.7), 42 (25.5-65), 42 (13.7-67.7) and 26 (11-78), respectively, for a 3.7 hazard ratio of death (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.3-10.3) for the triple negative group as compared to the HR(+)/HER2(-) group (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: HR positive subtypes by immunohistochemistry where most frequent and showed a greater overall survival compared to the triple negative subtype.

[Supervivencia en cáncer de mama por subtipo mediante inmunohistoquímica: Un estudio retrospectivo].

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer subtype classification according to hormone receptors (HR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) using immunohistochemistry is the standard practice for therapeutic decision making. OBJECTIVE: To design future studies information on characteristics and survival of each subtype is essential. METHOD: We conducted a retrospective study to analyze clinical and pathologic features as well as survival data according to breast cancer immunohistochemistry subtype. RESULTS: There were 211 women with a RH(+)/HER2(-) breast cancer subtype, 53 HR(+)/HER2(+), 16 HER2(+) and 23 HR(-)/HER2(-), with a median overall survival in months of 39 (20.5-62.7), 42 (25.5-65), 42 (13.7-67.7) and 26 (11-78), respectively, for a 3.7 hazard ratio of death (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.3-10.3) for the triple negative group as compared to the HR(+)/HER2(-) group (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: HR positive subtypes by immunohistochemistry where most frequent and showed a greater overall survival compared to the triple negative subtype.

ANTECEDENTES: La clasificación del cáncer de mama en subtipos mediante la expresión de receptores hormonales (RH) y del receptor 2 del factor de crecimiento epidérmico humano (HER2) por inmunohistoquímica (IHQ) es una práctica estándar para la toma de decisiones terapéuticas. OBJETIVO: Conocer las características y supervivencia de cada subtipo de pacientes, que es indispensable para poder diseñar futuros estudios. MÉTODO: Realizamos un estudio retrospectivo evaluando las características clinicopatológicas y la supervivencia por subtipo mediante IHQ en mujeres con cáncer de mama. RESULTADOS: 211 mujeres con cáncer de mama RH(+)/HER2(­), 53 con RH(+)/HER2(+), 16 con HER2(+) y 23 con RH(­)/HER2(­), con una mediana de supervivencia global en meses de 39 (20.5-62.7), 42 (25.5-65), 42 (13.7-67.7) y 26 (11-78), respectivamente, para un cociente de riesgo (HR por sus siglas en inglés, Hazard Ratio): 3.7 (IC 95%: 1.3-10.3) en el grupo triple negativo comparado con RH(+)/HER2(­) (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIÓN: Los subtipos con RH positivos por IHQ son los más frecuentes y este grupo de pacientes tienen una mejor supervivencia global comparada con las pacientes triple negativo.

Factores cognitivos predictivos de adherencia terapéutica en personas con sobrepeso y obesidad / Cognitive factors predicting therapeutic adherence in people with overweight and obesity

Resumen La falta de adherencia al tratamiento (ADT) en personas con enfermedades crónicas puede fluctuar entre 40 y 75%. Dos tercios de los pacientes con obesidad bajo tratamiento recuperan el peso perdido tras un año, y casi todos a los cinco años, lo que se asocia con la falta de ADT. Esta refiere a un fenómeno multidimensional que supone la acción recíproca de diversos factores, y entre ellos los relativos al paciente. Supuesto que dio paso al surgimiento de los modelos socio-cognitivos de la ADT. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue identificar qué factores de tres diferentes modelos (Teoría de la conducta planeada [TCP], Creencias en salud y el de Wallston) pueden predecir la ADT de pacientes con sobrepeso u obesidad. Participaron 118 adultos, con edad promedio de 52.0 años (DE = 19.0), quienes estaban bajo tratamiento farmacológico y completaron tres cuestionarios, cada uno relativo a los modelos evaluados, y otro más referente a ADT. De los 13 factores, solo uno (Actitudes, del modelo de TCP) mostró capacidad para predecir la ADT (t = 2.75, ß = .26, p < .01). Por tanto, en el caso del sobrepeso u obesidad resulta necesario proponer modelos que reflejen mejor los aspectos que subyacen a la ADT.

Abstract The lack of adherence to treatment (ADT) in people with chronic diseases range from 40 to 75%. Two thirds of the patients with obesity under treatment recover the weight lost after one year, and almost all of them after five years, which is associated with the lack of ADT. Adherence refers to a multidimensional phenomenon that involves the reciprocal action of several factors, including those related to the patient. Assumption that triggered the first socio-cognitive models of ADT. The aim of the present work was to identify which factors of three different models (Theory of the planned behavior [TPB], Beliefs in health, and the one of Wallston) can predict the ADT of patients with overweight or obesity. A total of 118 adults participated, with an average age of 52.0 years (SD = 19.0), who were under pharmacological treatment and completed three questionnaires, each one related to the models evaluated, and another one related to ADT. Of the 13 factors, only one (attitudes, from the TPB model) showed ability to predict ADT (t = 2.75, ß = .26, p < .01). Therefore, for overweight and obesity it is necessary to propose models that can reflect better the differences that underlie the ADT.

Supervivencia en cáncer de mama por subtipo mediante inmunohistoquímica: Un estudio retrospectivo / Survival in breast cancer by subtype by immunohistochemistry: A retrospective study

Resumen Antecedentes: La clasificación del cáncer de mama en subtipos mediante la expresión de receptores hormonales (RH) y del receptor 2 del factor de crecimiento epidérmico humano (HER2) por inmunohistoquímica (IHQ) es una práctica estándar para la toma de decisiones terapéuticas. Objetivo: Conocer las características y supervivencia de cada subtipo de pacientes, que es indispensable para poder diseñar futuros estudios. Método: Realizamos un estudio retrospectivo evaluando las características clinicopatológicas y la supervivencia por subtipo mediante IHQ en mujeres con cáncer de mama. Resultados: 211 mujeres con cáncer de mama RH(+)/HER2(-), 53 con RH(+)/HER2(+), 16 con HER2(+) y 23 con RH(-)/HER2(-), con una mediana de supervivencia global en meses de 39 (20.5-62.7), 42 (25.5-65), 42 (13.7-67.7) y 26 (11-78), respectivamente, para un cociente de riesgo (HR por sus siglas en inglés, Hazard Ratio): 3.7 (IC 95%: 1.3-10.3) en el grupo triple negativo comparado con RH(+)/HER2(-) (p = 0.01). Conclusión: Los subtipos con RH positivos por IHQ son los más frecuentes y este grupo de pacientes tienen una mejor supervivencia global comparada con las pacientes triple negativo.

Abstract Background: Breast cancer subtype classification according to hormone receptors (HR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) using immunohistochemistry is the standard practice for therapeutic decision making. Objective: To design future studies information on characteristics and survival of each subtype is essential. Method: We conducted a retrospective study to analyze clinical and pathologic features as well as survival data according to breast cancer immunohistochemistry subtype. Results: There were 211 women with a RH(+)/HER2(-) breast cancer subtype, 53 HR(+)/HER2(+), 16 HER2(+) and 23 HR(-)/HER2(-), with a median overall survival in months of 39 (20.5-62.7), 42 (25.5-65), 42 (13.7-67.7) and 26 (11-78), respectively, for a 3.7 hazard ratio of death (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.3-10.3) for the triple negative group as compared to the HR(+)/HER2(-) group (p = 0.01). Conclusions: HR positive subtypes by immunohistochemistry where most frequent and showed a greater overall survival compared to the triple negative subtype.

Body composition evaluated by body mass index and bioelectrical impedance vector analysis in women with rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a complex inflammatory disease that modifies body composition. Although body mass index (BMI) is one of the clinical nutrition tools widely used to assess indirectly nutritional status, it is not able to identify these body alterations. Bioelectrical Vector Analysis (BIVA) is an alternative method to assess hydration and body cell mass of patients with wasting conditions. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the differences in nutrition status according to BMI groups (normal, overweight and obesity) and BIVA classification (cachectic and non-cachectic) in women with RA. METHODS: Women with confirmed diagnosis of RA were included from January 2015 to June 2016. Whole-body bioelectrical impedance was measured using a tetrapolar and mono-frequency equipment. Patients were classified according to BMI as: low body weight (n = 6, 2.7%), normal (n = 59, 26.3%), overweight (n = 88, 39.3%) and obese (n = 71, 31.7%), and each group was divided into BIVA groups (cachectic 51.8% and non-cachectic 48.2%). RESULTS: A total of 224 RA patients were included, with mean age 52.7 years and median disease duration of 12 years. Significant differences were found in weight, arm circumference, waist, hip, resistance/height, reactance/height and erythrocyte sedimentation rate among all BMI groups. However, serum albumin levels were significantly different between cachectic and non-cachectic patients independently of BMI. In all BMI categories, cachectic groups had lower reactance and phase angle than non-cachectic subjects. CONCLUSION: RA patients with normal or even high BMI have a significantly lower muscle component. Evaluation of body composition with BIVA in RA patients could be an option for cachexia detection.

Changes in body composition in heart failure patients after a resistance exercise program and branched chain amino acid supplementation.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Heart Failure (HF) is a complex syndrome, which can include the physiological, neural hormonal and metabolic complications known as "Cardiac Cachexia" (CC). In the development of CC there is a release of catabolic cytokines (Tumor Necrosis Factor-α, interleukins 1 and 6) that cause a decrease of fat free mass and fat mass. These changes in body composition might be reversed with a therapeutic combination of resistance exercise and branched chain amino acid supplementation (BCAA). AIM: Evaluate changes in body composition after a resistance exercise program and BCAA supplementation in patients with HF. METHODS: In a randomized clinical trial with 3 month of follow-up anthropometric body composition analysis and stress tests were evaluated at the beginning and in the end of the study. Patients were divided into two groups; the experimental group performed the resistance exercise program and received 10 g/day BCAA supplementation, and the control group only performed the resistance exercise program. Both groups were provided with individualized diets and conventional medical treatment. RESULTS: Changes were found in hip circumference between the groups (p = 0.02), and muscle strength was increased in the experimental group (8%) and the control group (11.4%) with no difference between them. METS and VO2Max also increased in experimental and control groups (16.6% and 50.1% respectively). Regarding changes in symptoms, improvements in fatigue (45.4%), decubitus intolerance (21.8%) and dyspnea (25.4%) were observed in the overall sample. CONCLUSION: Improvements in physical and functional capacities are attributed to resistance exercise program but not to the BCAA supplementation. CLINICAL TRIALS IDENTIFIER: NCT02240511.

Malnutrition syndrome, but not body mass index, is associated to worse prognosis in heart failure patients.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Many studies have suggested that obese patients with chronic heart failure have a better prognosis than leaner patients. The main purpose of this study was to assess the prognostic value of body mass index in patients with chronic heart failure, independently of other poor prognosis parameters. METHODS: This retrospective study included 405 heart failure patients. Anthropometric, body composition, clinical, biochemical, and echocardiographic data were collected from all patients. Patients were classified as: underweight (<20 kg/m(2)), normal (20-24.9 kg/m(2)), overweight (25-29.9 kg/m(2)), and obese (≥30 kg/m(2)). The endpoints were all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. RESULTS: Cox regression analysis on all-cause mortality showed that normal weight patients were at significantly lower risk of death [RR = 0.231 (CI(95%) 0.085-0.627)] as compared with obese patients, while underweight and overweight categories did not show a significantly different risk compared with the reference category. Age, gender, ejection fraction, systolic heart failure, angiotensin II receptor blockers use, hemoglobin levels, and handgrip strength were independent predictors of all-cause mortality. Cardiovascular deaths showed the same trend. CONCLUSION: A lower body mass index does not predict all-cause and cardiovascular mortality among chronic heart failure patients, independently of other nutritional, body composition, and clinical status parameters.