Predictive Value of Nutrition and Inflammation-Related Indices on Prognosis in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients with Coronavirus Disease-2019.

Objectives: This study aimed to demonstrate how the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII) help predict the severity and prognosis of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 501 T2DM patients (male, 42.1%; female, 57.9%) who were hospitalized due to COVID-19 between April 2020 and December 2020. The patients were divided into survivors and non-survivors. After comparing demographic and laboratory data between the groups, the correlation of PNI and SII with clinical and laboratory data was evaluated. Results: The median (interquartile) ages of the non-survivor and survivor groups were 74 (15) and 69 (14) years, respectively, and the difference was significant (p<0.001). The PNI was significantly lower in the non-survivor group than in the survivor group (p<0.001). The SII was significantly higher in the non-survivor group than in the survivor group (p<0.001). PNI was negatively correlated with glucose levels (r=-0.115, p=0.011). If the cut-off PNI value of 29.1 was used, it had a sensitivity and specificity of 76.2% and 76.3%, respectively, in predicting the severity of the illness and the risk of death in T2DM patients. Conclusion: Consequently, the PNI and SII levels are effective in predicting survival and disease severity in patients with COVID-19 and T2DM.

The effects of adequate dietary calcium intake in patients with hypoparathyroidism non-adherent to treatment: a prospective randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: A significant problem that compels clinicians in the conventional treatment of hypoparathyroidism is patients' non-adherence to treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of adequate Ca intake with dietary recommendations among hypoparathyroidism patients who persistently use Ca supplementation irregularly on plasma Ca and phosphate levels. METHODS: This prospective, randomized, controlled study was conducted on patients diagnosed with chronic hypoparathyroidism who persistently interrupt Ca supplementation therapy and therefore have a hypocalcemic course. Patients with a total daily Ca intake below 800 mg were randomized. All patients were advised to keep the doses of active vitamin D and Ca supplements they were currently using. The patients in the study group (n=32) were advised to consume 1,000-1,200 mg of Ca daily, and the patients in the control group (n=35) were advised to continue their diet according to their daily habits. After 12 weeks of follow-up, the patients' laboratory values were compared between groups to assess treatment goals. RESULTS: The mean of the total Ca level was 8.56±0.36 mg/dL in the study group and was found to be significantly higher than that in the control group, which was 7.67±0.48 mg/dL (p<0.001). The mean serum phosphate and serum Ca-P product levels were significantly higher in the study group (p<0.001) but did not exceed the safe upper limits in any patient. CONCLUSION: A suitable increase in dietary Ca intake could effectively control hypocalcemia in patients with hypoparathyroidism who persistently interrupt the recommended calcium supplementation.

Previous, simultaneous, or subsequent occurrence of malignant tumours in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism: a closer look at the single-tertiary-centre cases.

INTRODUCTION: Our aims were to explore the relationship between primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) and malignant tumour development, to determine the frequency and the time of occurrence of malignant tumours in patients with pHPT, and to evaluate the characteristics of pHPT in these patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included consecutive individuals who were diagnosed with pHPT aged 18 years or older in a university hospital during a 7-year period. A total of 198 patients with pHPT were reviewed retrospectively. Demographic, clinical, biochemical, radiologic findings, and histopathological diagnosis were collected from the electronic medical records of the hospital system. RESULTS: The mean age of the study population was 58 ± 13 years and was predominantly female (female/male: 162/36). There were 42 (21.2%) patients with malignant tumours. Five (12%) out of 42 patients had metachronous double malignancies. The most common 2 concurrent malignancies were breast (36.1%) and thyroid (17.0%). Sixty-eight per cent of the malignant tumours occurred before the diagnosis of pHPT. A higher percentage (87.5%) of simultaneous tumours was seen in the thyroid gland. No statistically significant differences were observed between patients with and without malignant tumours in terms of demographic, clinical, biochemical, radiological, and histopathological features. The median follow-up duration was 24 months after parathyroid surgery. CONCLUSION: The results of this study revealed that pHPT was associated with various tumour types. The frequency of malignant tumours was 21.2%. Breast and thyroid cancers were the most common 2 cancers coexisting with pHPT. A large percentage of malignant tumours occurred before the diagnosis of pHPT. A higher percentage of simultaneous tumours was seen in the thyroid gland. pHPT patients with and without malignant tumours seemed to have similar characteristics.

Subacute THYROiditis Related to SARS-CoV-2 VAccine and Covid-19 (THYROVAC Study): A Multicenter Nationwide Study.

CONTEXT: The aims of the study are to compare characteristics of subacute thyroiditis (SAT) related to different etiologies, and to identify predictors of recurrence of SAT and incident hypothyroidism. METHODS: This nationwide, multicenter, retrospective cohort study included 53 endocrinology centers in Turkey. The study participants were divided into either COVID-19-related SAT (Cov-SAT), SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-related SAT (Vac-SAT), or control SAT (Cont-SAT) groups. RESULTS: Of the 811 patients, 258 (31.8%) were included in the Vac-SAT group, 98 (12.1%) in the Cov-SAT group, and 455 (56.1%) in the Cont-SAT group. No difference was found between the groups with regard to laboratory and imaging findings. SAT etiology was not an independent predictor of recurrence or hypothyroidism. In the entire cohort, steroid therapy requirement and younger age were statistically significant predictors for SAT recurrence. C-reactive protein measured during SAT onset, female sex, absence of antithyroid peroxidase (TPO) positivity, and absence of steroid therapy were statistically significant predictors of incident (early) hypothyroidism, irrespective of SAT etiology. On the other hand, probable predictors of established hypothyroidism differed from that of incident hypothyroidism. CONCLUSION: Since there is no difference in terms of follow-up parameters and outcomes, COVID-19- and SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-related SAT can be treated and followed up like classic SATs. Recurrence was determined by younger age and steroid therapy requirement. Steroid therapy independently predicts incident hypothyroidism that may sometimes be transient in overall SAT and is also associated with a lower risk of established hypothyroidism.

Effect of Exenatide on Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis and Inflammation-Related Indices in Diabetic Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Purpose: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease often associated with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and obesity. Both obesity and NASH are closely related to inflammation. In this study, we examined how exenatide, a glucagon-like peptide 1 analog, affects inflammatory and NASH-related markers in patients with diabetes. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted on 100 patients who visited our hospital with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus. NASH-related indices and inflammatory indices were calculated from data obtained at baseline and at the third month of exenatide treatment. All data were analyzed first in all patients, and then the patients were grouped according to glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels of <8% or ≥8% and body mass index (BMI) of <40 or ≥40 kg/m2 and their data were reanalyzed. Results: A highly significant improvement was found in the conventional lipid profile. Among NASH-related indices, the nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) fibrosis score and aspartate aminotransferase-platelet ratio index (APRI) showed statistically significant decreases (P < 0.001 and P = 0.016, respectively). In particular, these significant decreases were independent of BMI and glycemic parameters. No statistically significant change was found in inflammatory indices. The decreases in NAFLD fibrosis score and APRI were statistically more significant in the group with HbA1c ≥8% (P = 0.021 and P = 0.002, respectively) and the group with BMI ≥40 kg/m2 (P = 0.002 and P = 0.029, respectively). Conclusions: Besides its established effects, such as lowering fasting plasma glucose levels and weight loss, exenatide exerts positive effects on the conventional lipid profile and NASH-associated indexes.

The effects of adequate dietary calcium intake in patients with hypoparathyroidism non-adherent to treatment: a prospective randomized controlled trial

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: A significant problem that compels clinicians in the conventional treatment of hypoparathyroidism is patients' non-adherence to treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of adequate Ca intake with dietary recommendations among hypoparathyroidism patients who persistently use Ca supplementation irregularly on plasma Ca and phosphate levels. METHODS: This prospective, randomized, controlled study was conducted on patients diagnosed with chronic hypoparathyroidism who persistently interrupt Ca supplementation therapy and therefore have a hypocalcemic course. Patients with a total daily Ca intake below 800 mg were randomized. All patients were advised to keep the doses of active vitamin D and Ca supplements they were currently using. The patients in the study group (n=32) were advised to consume 1,000-1,200 mg of Ca daily, and the patients in the control group (n=35) were advised to continue their diet according to their daily habits. After 12 weeks of follow-up, the patients' laboratory values were compared between groups to assess treatment goals. RESULTS: The mean of the total Ca level was 8.56±0.36 mg/dL in the study group and was found to be significantly higher than that in the control group, which was 7.67±0.48 mg/dL (p<0.001). The mean serum phosphate and serum Ca-P product levels were significantly higher in the study group (p<0.001) but did not exceed the safe upper limits in any patient. CONCLUSION: A suitable increase in dietary Ca intake could effectively control hypocalcemia in patients with hypoparathyroidism who persistently interrupt the recommended calcium supplementation.

Antioxidant Effect of Thioredoxin and Vitamin D3 in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients.

Background: Among the chronic diseases, chronic kidney failure is one of diseases that have the most difficulty in coping with oxidative stress due to the deterioration of the antioxidant system balance in the body. Beyond being a vitamin, 1α,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (vitamin D3) is a molecule that positively or negatively affects many enzymes which are in protein structures. Thioredoxin (TRX), which has an important role in the antioxidant system, is one of these proteins. By conducting this study, we wanted to emphasize the role of vitamin D3 in reducing the oxidative stress load on patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) via serum TRX level measurement. Methods: In this study, we evaluated the medical treatments of 69 PD patients who were followed up routinely. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to whether they used vitamin D3 or not. 49 of our patients were using vitamin D3. While requesting routine laboratory tests, we reserved a separate serum sample to measure serum TRX levels by double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for all patients. Results: Only one parameter has a significant statistical relationship with serum TRX level and the treatment protocol. The serum TRX level was significantly higher (211,62 U/l ± 314,46) in the group receiving vitamin D3 compared to the group which is not using Vitamin D3 (101,63 U/l ± 215,03) (p < 0,006). Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of appropriate dose of vitamin D3 replacement especially in PD patients who are under intense oxidative stress compared to healthy individuals.

Identifying Clinical Characteristics of Hypoparathyroidism in Turkey: HIPOPARATURK-NET Study.

Hypoparathyroidism is an orphan disease with ill-defined epidemiology that is subject to geographic variability. We conducted this study to assess the demographics, etiologic distribution, treatment patterns and complication frequency of patients with chronic hypoparathyroidism in Turkey. This is a retrospective, cross-sectional database study, with collaboration of 30 endocrinology centers located in 20 cities across seven geographical regions of Turkey. A total of 830 adults (mean age 49.6 ± 13.5 years; female 81.2%) with hypoparathyroidism (mean duration 9.7 ± 9.0 years) were included in the final analysis. Hypoparathyroidism was predominantly surgery-induced (n = 686, 82.6%). The insulting surgeries was carried out mostly due to benign causes in postsurgical group (SG) (n = 504, 73.5%) while patients in nonsurgical group (NSG) was most frequently classified as idiopathic (n = 103, 71.5%). The treatment was highly dependent on calcium salts (n = 771, 92.9%), calcitriol (n = 786, 94.7%) and to a lower extent cholecalciferol use (n = 635, 76.5%) while the rate of parathyroid hormone (n = 2, 0.2%) use was low. Serum calcium levels were most frequently kept in the normal range (sCa 8.5-10.5 mg/dL, n = 383, 46.1%) which might be higher than desired for this patient group. NSG had a lower mean plasma PTH concentration (6.42 ± 5.53 vs. 9.09 ± 7.08 ng/l, p < 0.0001), higher daily intake of elementary calcium (2038 ± 1214 vs. 1846 ± 1355 mg/day, p = 0.0193) and calcitriol (0.78 ± 0.39 vs. 0.69 ± 0.38 mcg/day, p = 0.0057), a higher rate of chronic renal disease (9.7% vs. 3.6%, p = 0.0017), epilepsy (6.3% vs. 1.6%, p = 0.0009), intracranial calcifications (11.8% vs. 7.3%, p < 0.0001) and cataracts (22.2% vs. 13.7%, p = 0.0096) compared to SG. In conclusion, postsurgical hypoparathyroidism is the dominant etiology of hypoparathyroidism in Turkey while the nonsurgical patients have a higher disease burden with greater need for medications and increased risk of complications than the postsurgical patients.

The effect of hypervitaminosis D and intoxication on hematological parameters.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the hematological parameters of patients with very high and normal 25-hydroxyvitamin-D3 (25(OH)D3) levels. METHODS: This study was designed as a retrospective cross-sectional study. The patients were divided into three groups according to their 25(OH)D3 levels: groups 1, 2 and 3 consists of patients with normal 25(OH)D3 levels (30-88 ng/mL), hypervitaminosis D (89-149 ng/mL) and vitamin D intoxication (>150 ng/mL), respectively. According to vitamin D levels, statistical analysis was performed by comparing the biochemical and hematological data between the groups. RESULTS: This study evaluated 120 patients (40 patients) in three equal groups. A statistically significant difference was found between the three groups in hemoglobin (P=0.03), hematocrit (P=0.01), red blood cell levels (P=0.03), leukocyte count (P<0.001), neutrophil count (P<0.001), lymphocyte count (P=0.006), mean platelet volume (P=0.04), and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (P=0.03). In post-hoc analysis, hemoglobin, hematocrit and RBC were significantly higher in group 1 than in group 3 (post-hoc Tukey, P<0.05). A statistically significant negative correlation was noted between 25(OH)D3 level and hemoglobin (r=-0.236), hematocrit (r=-0.230), and red blood cell (r=-0.265) levels. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D intoxication has been observed to affect hemoglobin, hematocrit, and RBC levels negatively. However, more studies are needed to clarify the effects and mechanisms of high vitamin D levels on the hematopoietic system.

Alteration in choroidal microvasculature determined by optical coherence tomography angiography in patients with acromegaly.

AIM: We aimed to investigate the retinal layers and macular capillary structure using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) with acromegaly patients and determine the relationship between OCTA parameters and disease duration, Growth hormone (GH) and Insuline growth factor (IGF - 1) levels. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Twenty-two patients with acromegaly who were followed up in the endocrinology outpatient clinic of Sisli Hamidiye Etfal Health Training and Research Hospital, were recruited into the study. Healthy control group was consisted of 22 age and gender matched subjects. Complete opthalmological examination including best visual acuity (BCVA), axial lenght, intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement, anterior segment and fundus examination, central corneal thickness with pachymetry and OCTA measurement were performed in the patients and healthy control group. Foveal avascular zone (FAZ), foveal vascular density (FVD), parafoveal vascular density (PFVD), choroidal flow (CF), foveal thickness (FT) and choroidal thickness (CT) were compared beetwen groups. Correlation between disease duration, GH and IGF-1 levels and OCTA parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of BCVA, axial length, IOP, FT, FAZ, FD and PFVD. Choroidal thickness and CF was significantly high in the patients group compared to healthy controls (respectively, p = 0.003, p = 0.022). The mean follow-up period in patients with acromegaly was 90±50.2 months. There was a significant correlation between GH and subfoveal choroidal thickness in the patient group (p < 0.001, r = 0.52), a significant correlation was determined between disease duration and corneal thickness (p = 0.01, r = 0.41). In addition, an inverse correlation was detected between the IGF-1 level and the FAZ domain (p = 0.022, r= -0.34). CONCLUSION: In patients with acromegaly, choroidal vasculature seems to be more affected than the retinal vasculature.

Biochemical characteristics and calcium and PTH levels of patients with high normal and elevated serum 25(OH)D levels in Turkey: DeVIT-TOX survey.

Vitamin D intake over the recommended dose is usually associated with high serum 25(OH)D levels and generally not associated with symptoms of hypercalcemia. High doses of cholecalciferol need to be avoided to protect against vitamin D toxicity and related complications. Strict adherence to the clinical guidelines for treating vitamin D deficiency can ensure safe and effective treatment. PURPOSE: We observed a tendency to use high doses of cholecalciferol for vitamin D deficiency treatment or vitamin D supplementation. We aimed to determine the biochemical characteristics of patients with high normal and elevated serum 25(OH)D levels. METHODS: An online invitation was sent to all tertiary endocrinology clinics in Turkey to complete an online retrospective survey (DeVIT-TOX Survey) for patients diagnosed with high serum 25(OH)D levels (> 88 ng/mL) between January 2019 and December 2019. The patients were evaluated according to the presence of signs and symptoms of hypercalcemia and doses of vitamin D intake, evaluated into the following three groups according to their 25(OH)D levels: group 1, > 150 ng/mL; group 2, 149-100 ng/mL; and group 3, 99-88 ng/mL. RESULTS: A total of 253 patients were included in the final analysis (female/male: 215/38; mean age, 51.5 ± 15.6 years). The average serum 25(OH)D level was 119.9 ± 33 (range, 88-455) ng/mL, and the average serum calcium level was 9.8 ± 0.7 (range, 8.1-13.1) mg/dL. Most (n = 201; 75.4%) patients were asymptomatic despite having high serum 25(OH)D and calcium levels. The serum 25(OH)D level was significantly higher in the symptomatic groups than in the asymptomatic groups (138.6 ± 64 ng/mL vs. 117.7 ± 31 ng/mL, p < 0.05). The most common cause (73.5%) associated with high serum 25(OH)D levels was the inappropriate prescription of a high dose of oral vitamin D (600.000-1.500.000 IU) for treating vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency in a short time (1-3 months). The cut-off value of 25 (OH) D level in patients with hypercalcemia was found to be 89 ng/mL [median 116.5 (89-216)]. CONCLUSIONS: High dose of vitamin D intake is associated with a high serum 25 OH D level, without symptoms of hypercalcemia. Inappropriate prescription of vitamin D is the primary cause for elevated 25(OH) D levels and related hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia may not be observed in every patient at very high 25(OH) D levels. Adherence to the recommendation of guidelines is essential to ensure safe and effective treatment of vitamin D deficiency.

Risk of hypercalcemia in patients with very high serum 25-OH vitamin D levels.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the risk of hypercalcemia in patients with very high levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D). METHODS: The distribution of patients who were screened for 25(OH)D in our hospital between January 2014 and December 2018 was evaluated and patients with serum concentrations of 25(OH)D >88 ng/mL were selected. Then, biochemical parameters of the cases with 25(OH)D >88 ng/mL were compared according to calcium status, vitamin D level (group 1, 88-100 ng/mL; group 2, 100-150 ng/mL, and group 3, >150 ng/mL), and gender. RESULTS: A total of 282 932 patients who underwent 25(OH)D tests in our hospital were evaluated. A total of 1311 (0.5%) patients had very high 25(OH)D levels (>88 ng/mL). Four hundred and ninety-five patients who met our inclusion criteria and had complete data participated in the study. The median age was 58 years (interquartile range [IQR] = 41-71 years) and the median level of 25(OH)D was 104.6 mg/mL (IQR = 94.9-124.9 ng/mL). Most of the subjects (83.7%) with very high 25(OH)D levels were normocalcemic. A weak inverse correlation was observed between 25(OH)D level and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) level (r = -0.118, P = .01), but no correlation between 25(OH)D and calcium levels was observed. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels were significantly higher in males (P = .032), and age and iPTH levels were higher in females (P < .001 and P = .004). ALP, phosphorus levels, and iPTH suppression rates were higher in hypercalcemic patients (P < .001, P < .001, and P < .001, respectively), while the iPTH level was significantly lower in hypercalcemic patients (P < .001) than in normocalcemic patients. Amongst the three groups with different 25(OH)D levels, no difference was found in levels of iPTH, calcium, phosphorus, ALP, or age. CONCLUSION: Most patients with very high vitamin D levels were normocalcemic, but severe hypercalcemia was also observed. Vitamin D replacement therapy and follow-up should be performed according to clinical guideline recommendations.

Is only Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody Sufficient for Diagnosing Chronic Lymphocytic Thyroiditis?

OBJECTIVES: Recently, only anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) has been suggested as an autoantibody in the diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis (CLT). In contrast, anti-thyroglobulin (anti-Tg) positivity has also been reported to be important. To evaluate this relationship more clearly, we planned to retrospectively investigate the autoantibody levels of the patients who underwent thyroid surgery for various reasons and those with CLT in postoperative pathology. METHODS: We evaluated 670 patients who underwent thyroid surgery (total/subtotal thyroidectomy) for various reasons at our hospital between January 2015 and March 2017. Patients with indications of Graves' disease, toxic multinodular goiter, and all malignancies except for thyroid papillary carcinoma (TPC) were excluded. Eighty-nine patients whose pathology findings were compatible with CLT and preoperative thyroid autoantibodies were identified enrolled in to the study. Patients with absence and presence of thyroid antibodies were included in the seronegative CLT group and seropositive CLT group, respectively. In addition, patients were divided into thyroid papillary carcinoma (TPC) and benign groups. RESULTS: According to the study criteria, 89 (83 females, six males) (mean age, 46.08±11.19 years) patients who had preoperatively identified autoantibodies were detected. Anti-TPO positivity was found in 47 (52.8%) cases, whereas anti-Tg positivity was found in 49 (55.1%). Only anti-TPO positivity was found in 18 (20.2%) cases, whereas only anti-Tg positivity was detected in 20 (22.5%). Twenty-two (24.7%) of the patients were seronegative. On comparing the seronegative and seropositive groups, seronegativity was more frequent in male patients (p=0.03). Thyroid-stimulating hormone was found to be significantly higher in the seropositive group (p=0.01). TPC was detected in 36 (40.4%) of all cases. No difference regarding age, thyroid function tests, and antibody levels was found between the benign and TPC groups. CONCLUSION: Although all of our cases were histopathologically diagnosed with CLT, serologically, 75.3% of thyroid autoimmunities could be shown when both antibodies were evaluated together. When only anti-TPO was considered, this rate decreased to 52.8%. Therefore, anti-Tg appears to be still important in showing autoimmunity. Prospective studies are needed to evaluate this relationship more clearly.

[Microbiota and metabolic syndrome]. / Mikrobiyota ve metabolik sendrom.

The role of gut bacteria in the pathogenesis and treatment of various diseases has been a focus of attention in the last 10 years. Prevalence of diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases continues to increase, in spite of technological developments and treatment alternatives. Microbial dysbiosis, described as the decrease of useful bacteria and the increase of harmful bacteria, has been associated with diabetes, obesity, atherosclerosis, and metabolic syndrome. In microbial dysbiosis, increase of harmful metabolites and changes to composition of bile acids occur via carbohydrate and protein fermentation. As a result, insulin resistance pathways are activated, which initiate the processes of obesity, diabetes, and atherosclerosis. Healthy diet recommendations, including prebiotic and probiotic foods and the use of probiotic agents, look promising for future treatment of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases.

Soluble Programmed Death 1 (PD-1) Is Decreased in Patients With Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP): Potential Involvement of PD-1 Pathway in ITP Immunopathogenesis.

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune disease characterized by dysregulation of T cells. Programmed death (PD) 1 and programmed death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) are cosignaling molecules, and the major role of the PD-1 pathway is the inhibition of self-reactive T cells and to protect against autoimmune diseases. We measured levels of serum soluble PD 1 (sPD-1) and serum soluble PD-L1 (sPD-L1) in 67 patients with ITP (24 newly diagnosed ITP [ndITP], 43 chronic ITP [cITP]) and 21 healthy controls (HCs). We determined decreased serum sPD-1 levels both in patients with ndITP and in patients with cITP when compared to HC. Moreover, there was a positive correlation between sPD-1 levels and platelet counts. The sPD-L1 levels were decreased in patients with ndITP when compared to patients with cITP. This is the first study investigating PD-1 signaling pathway in ITP. Decreased sPD-1 levels may have a role in ITP pathogenesis as without the inhibitory regulation of PD-1, sustained activation of T cells may cause inflammatory responses which is the case in ITP.

Treatment of patients with multiple myeloma over 65 yr: more tolerability or better response?

OBJECTIVE: Two-thirds of newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma (MM) are over 65 yr and/or physically unfit. Such patients are not eligible for high-dose chemotherapy or stem cell transplantation. The treatment aims in these patients should be to prolong survival by obtaining the best possible response, while maintaining good tolerability. The aim of our study was to evaluate the response to treatment and treatment-related toxicities in patients treated with conventional and novel protocols. METHODS: The records of 138 elderly (≥65 yr) patients with MM were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: The median overall survival(OS) of the patients was 46 months. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 18 months. The OS and PFS of the patients treated with the conventional protocols did not differ significantly from those treated with the novel protocols. The statistical analysis of the quality of the response to the treatment with the conventional and novel therapies showed that complete remission (CR), combined with a very good partial response (VGPR), was significantly higher in the latter. However, the toxicities were higher in the novel treatment group. CONCLUSION: The novel drug protocols significantly increased the quality of the responses of elderly patients with MM to therapy, but they did not increase the patients' tolerability.

Valsartan-induced acute pancreatitis.

Gastrointestinal toxicity is uncommon among patients treated with angiotensin II receptor antagonists. A 58-year-old man presented with nausea, vomiting and constant pain in the epigastrium that radiated to the flanks. He received treatment with valsartan (160 mg daily) for hypertension. The clinical, biochemical and radiological findings were compatible with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. After the patient achieved a clinical and biochemical recovery, the valsartan therapy was started again. Six weeks later, he returned to the hospital with an attack of pancreatitis. Subsequently, he returned with repeated attacks of pancreatitis twice, and the valsartan was discontinued. Ten months after the treatment, the patient had no complaints. When severe abdominal symptoms occur for no apparent reason during treatment with valsartan, a diagnosis of pancreatitis should be considered.