Increased Circulating Fetuin-A Levels in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

Abstract Background Biomarkers related to the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation (AF) have attracted the attention of experts. One of these recently studied biomarkers is Fetuin-A. Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between serum Fetuin-A levels and AF. Methods This study used the convenience sampling method, based on inclusion criteria and consent to participate in the study. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to confirm the normal distribution of all continuous variables. Categorical variables were presented using absolute and relative frequencies. Both groups (48 patients with AF and 47 controls) were compared in terms of biochemical, hematological, and echocardiographic findings and Fetuin-A. the Chi-square or Fisher's exact test were used to compare groups concerning categorical variables. Continuous variables were compared using the independent samples t-test. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Serum Fetuin-A values increased in AF patients when compared to the controls (544±49 μg/mL versus 484±46 μg/mL, p=0.001). Moreover, Fetuin-A level was independently associated with AF — AOR = 0.978, 95%; confidence interval (CI) 0.969-988, p < 0.001. The cut-off values in Fetuin-A levels in patients with AF were >511.80 μg/mL with a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 73% — area under the curve (AUC) = 0.804, 95% CI = 0.715 - 0.892. Conclusions According to this study, there was a relationship between serum Fetuin-A levels and AF, regardless of conventional cardiovascular risk factors. Therefore, Fetuin-A may play a role in the pathophysiology of AF. Prospectively designed cohort studies are necessary to assess whether or not the results can be generalized for other populations.

Association of risk factors with smoking during pregnancy among women of childbearing age: an epidemiological field study in Turkey.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE:: Smoking during pregnancy is an important risk factor for maternal and infant health that is preventable. This study aimed to investigate the risk factors associated with smoking behavior during pregnancy. DESIGN AND SETTING:: A household-based probability sample survey of 1,510 women was conducted in the center of the city of Sivas, Turkey, between September 2013 and May 2014. METHODS:: The prevalence of smoking during pregnancy was estimated according to independent variables by means of regression analysis. RESULTS:: The prevalence of smoking during pregnancy was 16.5%. Logistic regression showed that being at a relatively young age (odds ratio, OR = 1.92, P = 0.025 for 15-24 age group; and OR = 2.45, P = 0.001 for 25-34 age group), having a low educational level (OR = 1.76, P = 0.032), being unmarried (OR = 1.48, P = 0.002) and living in an extended family (OR = 1.98, P = 0.009) were the factors associated with the risk of smoking during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS:: Systematic attention should be paid to socioeconomic inequalities, to support women towards quitting smoking before or at an early stage of their pregnancies. Younger women and particularly those in lower socioeconomic groups should be targeted. This will lead to better pregnancy status, especially among young women.

Association of risk factors with smoking during pregnancy among women of childbearing age: an epidemiological field study in Turkey / Associação de fatores de risco com tabagismo durante a gravidez em mulheres em idade fértil: estudo epidemiológico de campo na Turquia

ABSTRACT CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Smoking during pregnancy is an important risk factor for maternal and infant health that is preventable. This study aimed to investigate the risk factors associated with smoking behavior during pregnancy. DESIGN AND SETTING: A household-based probability sample survey of 1,510 women was conducted in the center of the city of Sivas, Turkey, between September 2013 and May 2014. METHODS: The prevalence of smoking during pregnancy was estimated according to independent variables by means of regression analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of smoking during pregnancy was 16.5%. Logistic regression showed that being at a relatively young age (odds ratio, OR = 1.92, P = 0.025 for 15-24 age group; and OR = 2.45, P = 0.001 for 25-34 age group), having a low educational level (OR = 1.76, P = 0.032), being unmarried (OR = 1.48, P = 0.002) and living in an extended family (OR = 1.98, P = 0.009) were the factors associated with the risk of smoking during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: Systematic attention should be paid to socioeconomic inequalities, to support women towards quitting smoking before or at an early stage of their pregnancies. Younger women and particularly those in lower socioeconomic groups should be targeted. This will lead to better pregnancy status, especially among young women.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: Fumar durante a gravidez é um fator de risco importante para a saúde materna e infantil e que pode ser evitado. O estudo teve como objetivo investigar os fatores de risco associados com o comportamento de fumar durante a gravidez. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Inquérito por amostragem probabilística de base domiciliar de 1.510 mulheres foi realizado no centro da cidade de Sivas, Turquia, entre setembro de 2013 e maio de 2014. MÉTODOS: A prevalência do hábito de fumar durante a gravidez foi estimada de acordo com as variáveis independentes por meio da análise de regressão. RESULTADOS: A prevalência do hábito de fumar durante a gravidez foi de 16,5%. A regressão logística mostrou que estar em idade relativamente jovem (odds ratio, OR = 1,92, P = 0,025 por grupo de idade 15-24e OR = 2,45, P = 0,001 para a faixa etária 25-34), com alto nível de escolaridade (OR = 1,76, P = 0,032), sendo solteira (OR = 1,48, P = 0,002) e vivendo em família grande (OR = 1,98, P = 0,009) foram os fatores associados ao risco de fumar durante a gravidez. Parto prematuro e baixo peso ao nascer foram mais frequentes entre as fumantes. CONCLUSÕES: Atenção sistemática deve ser dada às desigualdades socioeconômicas para apoiar mulheres a parar de fumar antes ou na fase inicial da gravidez, tendo como alvo mulheres mais jovens, e particularmente aquelas de grupos socioeconômicos mais desfavorecidos. Isso conduzirá a um melhor estado de gravidez em mulheres, especialmente às jovens.