Weekly Versus Daily Levothyroxine Tablet Replacement in Adults with Hypothyroidism: A Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Daily levothyroxine is the treatment of choice and standard of care in hypothyroidism, sufficient to restore thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) to normal range. For many patients, daily lifelong therapy is required, making adherence a major issue. In such cases, weekly replacement may be a suitable alternative to improve adherence. In this study, we aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of weekly levothyroxine replacement among adults with hypothyroidism. METHODOLOGY: Electronic databases were searched. Two reviewers (HCC and RBL) independently screened the abstracts, reviewed full-text papers, critically appraised the quality of included studies using PRISMA guidelines. Meta-analysis was performed using the random-effects model. The primary outcome is the difference in serum TSH levels between weekly and daily administration, while secondary outcomes included adverse events and symptoms of hypothyroidism. RESULTS: The primary outcome is the difference in serum TSH levels between weekly and daily administration. Secondary outcomes included adverse events and clinical symptoms. The study included two randomized trials (n=109) in the primary analysis. The difference in TSH levels was 1.78 mIU/mL higher [(95% confidence interval (CI): 1.28 to 2.28, p<0.00001] at 6 weeks and 1.22 mIU/mL higher (95% CI: 0.76 to 1.67, p<0.00001) at 12 weeks for the weekly regimen. There was no significant heterogeneity between the two groups. There was no significant difference in hypothyroid symptoms and adverse events before and after levothyroxine treatment within each group. CONCLUSIONS: Weekly levothyroxine resulted in less suppression and higher mean serum TSH levels, while still remaining within the normal reference range. It may be a suitable alternative for non-adherent patients. However, larger randomized trials with longer duration of follow-up are needed to firmly establish its role.

Cardiometabolic Risk Factors leading to Diabetes Mellitus among the Young (YOD) from the 8th Philippine National Nutrition Survey.

OBJECTIVES: This study looked into the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and risks for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases among young adults with diabetes (age 20-44 years old, YOD) and late-onset DM (≥45 years old, LOD) in Filipinos. METHODOLOGY: Weighted data from 546,580 adults with DM from the 8th Philippine National Nutrition and Health Survey (NNHeS) were utilized. Differences in sociodemographic, anthropometric, clinical profiles and metabolic risks were compared between YOD and LOD. RESULTS: The aggregated prevalence of DM is 5.43% (95%CI, 5.10-5.79), YOD were 2.64% (95% CI, 2.32-3.00) and LOD 9.85% (95%CI, 9.18-10.56). Mean age of YOD was 37,6 years, LOD 59,9 years. The YOD were mostly males (56%), with higher BMI (26.24 kg/m2 vs 25 kg/m2, p=0.002), lower mean SBP (122.41±19.17 mmHg vs 135.45±22.47 mmHg, p<0.001), more daily smokers (23% vs 14%), and alcoholic beverage drinkers (39% vs 31%). Physical activity was similar between groups (44% vs 51%, p=0.078). However, average total caloric intake (1776.78±758.38 kcal vs 1596.88±639.16 kcal, p=0.023) and carbohydrate intake (306.13±142.16 grams vs 270.53±104.74 g, p=0.014) were higher in YOD. Dietary carbohydrate proportions were higher than recommended (69% vs 68%) for both groups. Young Filipinos had higher risk to develop diabetes when they are obese II (22% vs 12%), current drinker (56% vs 37%), and current smoker (28% vs 18%). Eighty percent of YOD and LOD had metabolic syndrome (MetS). With every unit increase in age and fat intake, the odds of having MetS were raised by 5.4% (95%CI 1%-10%, p=0.029) and 1.6% (95%CI 0.04%-3%, p=0.044), respectively. CONCLUSION: Early-onset diabetes mellitus appears to be driven by obesity, MetS and social behaviors. Modifiable risk factors can be improved early to decrease hazards to develop cardiometabolic complications.

An Exploration of Knowledge and Themes on Diabetes during Outpatient Consultation in a Tertiary Referral Hospital.

OBJECTIVES: Effective communication has been correlated with improved outcomes in diabetes mellitus. Patient comprehension bears an effect on understanding, improving healthcare access and utilization, interaction with healthcare providers, caring for one's own health, and shared decision making. Currently, there is a gamut of information on diabetes-related terms from various sources. However, no material has yet been available for clinical use in the third world setting. Hence, we explored the most common themes discussed during an outpatient diabetes consult in our hospital. METHODOLOGY: Consultation audio recordings (N = 96) and focus group discussions (N = 32) were conducted among adults with diabetes. Transcribed results underwent qualitative content and thematic analyses to develop the conceptual framework. RESULTS: The study generated the following themes: diabetes mellitus diagnosis, lifestyle modification, treatment targets, hypoglycemia precautions, diabetes complications, and medication safety. There was a good understanding of these themes among patients with a higher educational attainment, however, among those with lower educational attainment, the attitude of patients toward diabetes care is paternalistic. CONCLUSION: The themes discussed in outpatient diabetes consult reflects the dimensions of diabetes care mainly influenced by socio-cultural factors, patient-doctor relationships and adaptability to limitations of resources. The results will be used to develop and validate a culturally appropriate diabetes health literacy tool.

UP Philippine General Hospital Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism Consensus Recommendations for In-Patient Management of Diabetes Mellitus among Persons with COVID-19.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a known risk factor for morbidity and mortality among patients with COVID-19 based on recent studies. While there are many local and international guidelines on inpatient management of diabetes, the complicated pathology of the virus, the use of glucose-elevating drugs such as glucocorticoids, antivirals and even inotropes, and various other unique problems has made the management of in-hospital hyperglycemia among patients with COVID-19 much more difficult than in other infections. The objective of this guidance is to collate and integrate the best available evidence that has been published regarding in-patient management of diabetes among patients with COVID-19. A comprehensive review of literature was done and recommendations have been made through a consensus of expert endocrinologists from the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism. These recommendations are evolving as we continue to understand the pathology of the disease and how persons with diabetes are affected by this virus.

Incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of unplanned extubation in adult patients in a resource-limited teaching hospital in the Philippines: a cohort study. / Incidência, fatores de risco e desfechos da extubação não planejada em pacientes adultos em um hospital de ensino com recursos limitados nas Filipinas: um estudo de coorte.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of unplanned extubation among adult patients. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study of adult intubated patients admitted to the charity wards of a government tertiary teaching hospital in the Philippines. Patients managed in both intensive care and nonintensive care settings were included. Patients were followed-up until discharge or until seven days postextubation. RESULTS: The outcomes of the 191 included patients were planned extubation (35%), unplanned extubation (19%), death (39%), and discharge against advice (7%). Competing risk regression showed that male sex (Crude OR: 2.25, 95%CI: 1.10 - 4.63) and age (Crude OR 0.976, 95%CI: 0.957 - 0.996) were significant baseline factors. The night shift (Crude OR: 24.6, 95%CI: 2.87 - 211) was also consistently associated with more unplanned extubations. Among postextubation outcomes, reintubation (unplanned extubation: 61.1% versus planned extubation: 25.4%), acute respiratory failure (unplanned extubation: 38.9% versus planned extubation: 17.5%), and cardiovascular events (unplanned extubation: 8.33% versus planned extubation: 1.49%) occurred significantly more often among the unplanned extubation patients. Admission in an intensive care unit was not associated with a lower risk of unplanned extubation (Crude OR 1.15, 95%CI: 0.594 - 2.21). CONCLUSION: Many intubated patients had unplanned extubation. Patients admitted in nonintensive care unit settings did not have significantly higher odds of unplanned extubation.

OBJETIVO: Determinar a incidência, os fatores de risco e os desfechos da extubação não planejada em pacientes adultos. MÉTODOS: Conduzimos estudo prospectivo de coorte de pacientes adultos intubados admitidos em ala de atendimento gratuito em um hospital governamental terciário de ensino nas Filipinas. Incluíram-se tanto pacientes em cuidados de terapia intensiva quanto fora dela. Os pacientes foram seguidos até a alta ou até o sétimo dia após a extubação. RESULTADOS: Os desfechos dos 191 pacientes incluídos foram: extubação planejada (35%), extubação não planejada (19%), óbito (39%) e alta a pedido (7%). A regressão de riscos competitivos demonstrou que o sexo masculino (OR bruta de 2,25; IC95% 1,10 - 4,63) e a idade (OR bruta: 0,976; IC95%: 0,957 - 0,996) foram fatores basais significantes. O turno da noite (OR bruta: 24,6; IC95%: 2,87 - 211) também teve associação consistente com maior ocorrência de extubação não planejada. Dentre os desfechos após a extubação, ocorreram significantemente mais, entre os pacientes com extubação não planejada, reintubação (extubação não planejada, com 61,1%, versus extubação planejada, com 25,4%), insuficiência respiratória aguda (extubação não planejada, com 38,9%, versus extubação planejada, com 17,5%) e eventos cardiovasculares (extubação não planejada, com 8,33%, versus extubação planejada, com 1,49%). A admissão à unidade de terapia intensiva não se associou com risco menor de extubação não planejada (OR bruta de 1,15; IC95% 0,594 - 2,21). CONCLUSÃO: Muitos pacientes intubados tiveram extubação não planejada. Os pacientes admitidos em outras unidades, que não a de terapia intensiva, não tiveram tendências mais elevadas de extubação não planejada.

Incidência, fatores de risco e desfechos da extubação não planejada em pacientes adultos em um hospital de ensino com recursos limitados nas Filipinas: um estudo de coorte / Incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of unplanned extubation in adult patients in a resource-limited teaching hospital in the Philippines: a cohort study

RESUMO Objetivo: Determinar a incidência, os fatores de risco e os desfechos da extubação não planejada em pacientes adultos. Métodos: Conduzimos estudo prospectivo de coorte de pacientes adultos intubados admitidos em ala de atendimento gratuito em um hospital governamental terciário de ensino nas Filipinas. Incluíram-se tanto pacientes em cuidados de terapia intensiva quanto fora dela. Os pacientes foram seguidos até a alta ou até o sétimo dia após a extubação. Resultados: Os desfechos dos 191 pacientes incluídos foram: extubação planejada (35%), extubação não planejada (19%), óbito (39%) e alta a pedido (7%). A regressão de riscos competitivos demonstrou que o sexo masculino (OR bruta de 2,25; IC95% 1,10 - 4,63) e a idade (OR bruta: 0,976; IC95%: 0,957 - 0,996) foram fatores basais significantes. O turno da noite (OR bruta: 24,6; IC95%: 2,87 - 211) também teve associação consistente com maior ocorrência de extubação não planejada. Dentre os desfechos após a extubação, ocorreram significantemente mais, entre os pacientes com extubação não planejada, reintubação (extubação não planejada, com 61,1%, versus extubação planejada, com 25,4%), insuficiência respiratória aguda (extubação não planejada, com 38,9%, versus extubação planejada, com 17,5%) e eventos cardiovasculares (extubação não planejada, com 8,33%, versus extubação planejada, com 1,49%). A admissão à unidade de terapia intensiva não se associou com risco menor de extubação não planejada (OR bruta de 1,15; IC95% 0,594 - 2,21). Conclusão: Muitos pacientes intubados tiveram extubação não planejada. Os pacientes admitidos em outras unidades, que não a de terapia intensiva, não tiveram tendências mais elevadas de extubação não planejada.

ABSTRACT Objective: We aimed to determine the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of unplanned extubation among adult patients. Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study of adult intubated patients admitted to the charity wards of a government tertiary teaching hospital in the Philippines. Patients managed in both intensive care and nonintensive care settings were included. Patients were followed-up until discharge or until seven days postextubation. Results: The outcomes of the 191 included patients were planned extubation (35%), unplanned extubation (19%), death (39%), and discharge against advice (7%). Competing risk regression showed that male sex (Crude OR: 2.25, 95%CI: 1.10 - 4.63) and age (Crude OR 0.976, 95%CI: 0.957 - 0.996) were significant baseline factors. The night shift (Crude OR: 24.6, 95%CI: 2.87 - 211) was also consistently associated with more unplanned extubations. Among postextubation outcomes, reintubation (unplanned extubation: 61.1% versus planned extubation: 25.4%), acute respiratory failure (unplanned extubation: 38.9% versus planned extubation: 17.5%), and cardiovascular events (unplanned extubation: 8.33% versus planned extubation: 1.49%) occurred significantly more often among the unplanned extubation patients. Admission in an intensive care unit was not associated with a lower risk of unplanned extubation (Crude OR 1.15, 95%CI: 0.594 - 2.21). Conclusion: Many intubated patients had unplanned extubation. Patients admitted in nonintensive care unit settings did not have significantly higher odds of unplanned extubation.

Development and validation of a sunlight exposure questionnaire for urban adult Filipinos.

OBJECTIVES: To develop and validate a self-reported sunlight exposure questionnaire (SEQ) for urban adult Filipinos. METHODS: The study included adults (19-76 years old) in Metro Manila, Philippines, well-versed in the Filipino (Tagalog) language and had resided in Metro Manila for at least 1 year. Exclusion criteria included pregnancy, active skin disorders, and immunocompromised states. An expert panel created a questionnaire in Likert-scale format based on a conceptual framework and 4 existing instruments. The study proceeded in 4 phases: questionnaire item development, translation and back-translation, pretesting, and construct validity and reliability testing using factor analysis, the Cronbach alpha coefficient, and the paired t-test. RESULTS: A 25-item, self-administered, Filipino (Tagalog) SEQ answerable using a 4-point Likert scale was created. The questionnaire was administered to 260 adult participants twice at a 2-week interval, with all participants completing both the first and second rounds of testing. All questionnaire items possessed adequate content validity indices of at least 0.86. After factor analysis, 3 questionnaire domains were identified: intensity of sunlight exposure, factors affecting sunlight exposure, and sun protection practices. Internal consistency was satisfactory for both the overall questionnaire (Cronbach alpha, 0.80) and for each of the domains (Cronbach alpha, 0.74, 0.71, and 0.72, respectively). No statistically significant differences were observed in the responses between the first and second rounds of testing, indicating good test-retest reliability. CONCLUSIONS: We developed a culturally-appropriate SEQ with sufficient content validity, construct validity, and reliability to assess sunlight exposure among urban adult Filipinos in Metro Manila, Philippines.

Attitudes, Behaviors and Beliefs of Urban Adult Filipinos on Sunlight Exposure: A Qualitative Study.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the attitudes, behaviors, and beliefs of urban adult Filipinos on sunlight exposure as an initial step in the development and validation of a culturally-appropriate questionnaire. METHODOLOGY: Focus groups were conducted among urban Filipinos 19 years old and above (n=38). The transcribed results underwent qualitative content and thematic analyses and were used to develop a conceptual framework. RESULTS: Qualitative analysis revealed four main themes of sunlight exposure: internal influences, external influences, perceived benefits, and perceived risks. Both internal and external influences lead to perceived risks and benefits. Consequently, the perceived benefits (or lack) of sunlight exposure influence an individual's attitude towards vitamin D supplementation; whereas the perceived risks of sunlight exposure influence an individual's attitude towards the need for sun protection. CONCLUSION: The attitudes, behaviors and beliefs of urban adult Filipinos on sunlight exposure are influenced by both internal and external factors, that in turn lead to perceived risks and benefits. An increased awareness of these factors is necessary to establish future recommendations on proper sunlight exposure in this population. The study results will be used to develop and validate a culturally-appropriate sunlight exposure questionnaire.

Efficacy of ranolazine in lowering HbA1c in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus (DM) are two disease entities that commonly coexist in a single patient. Ranolazine is an active piperazine derivative approved by FDA in 2006 as an anti-anginal medication. It was noted to have HbA1c lowering effects in the trials on angina. The proposed mechanism of action is the inhibition of glucagon secretion by blocking the Na v1.3 isoform of sodium channels in pancreatic alpha cells leading to glucagon- and glucose-lowering effects. HbA1c lowering to a target of 6.5% in type 2 diabetes patients has been shown to reduce risk of microvascular complications. The objective of this study is to determine the efficacy and safety of Ranolazine in HbA1c lowering as an add-on therapy to existing anti-diabetic regimen. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search in PubMed, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, the ClinicalTrials.gov website, Google Scholar databases and EMBASE databases were made using the search terms "Randomized controlled trial", "Ranolazine," "HbA1c," and "glycosylated hemoglobin", as well as various combinations of these, was done to identify randomized control trials. No restriction on language and time were done. The authors extracted data for characteristics, quality assessment and mean change in HbA1c after at least eight weeks of treatment with ranolazine. The program RevMan 5.3 was used to generate the statistical analysis of the data. RESULTS: Six RCTs were included to make up a total of 1,650 diabetic patients. Five studies had moderate risk of bias assessment while one had low risk of bias assessment and hence was not included in the analysis. The overall analysis showed an HbA1c reduction of 0.35% 0.68 to -0.03, p-value=0.03) however, the population was heterogenous (I2=100%). The heterogeneity was not eliminated by sensitivity analysis. DISCUSSION: The results showed a statistically significant lowering of HbA1c with ranolazine. However, the population was heterogenous. The sources of heterogeneity could be the (1) differences in the level of glycemic control among subjects as indicated by baseline HbA1c levels, (2) the current anti-diabetic regimen of the study patients, i.e. whether or not they are on insulin therapy, (3) the presence or absence of ischemic heart disease and (5) duration of ranolazine therapy, and (4) the presence or absence of chronic kidney disease. When the analysis excluded the population with combination insulin therapy and ranolazine, the effect becomes non-significant. Thus, the HbA1c lowering effect may have been from the insulin therapy rather than the ranolazine. CONCLUSION: Ranolazine as anti-diabetic therapy shows statistically significant HbA1c lowering effect. It can be a potential treatment option for patients with both DM and angina pectoris. However, well-designed, prospective trials are still recommended to determine the effect on a less heterogenous population. Likewise, more studies are needed to determine its safety.

A rare case of an intracardiac hemangioma causing significant right ventricular outflow tract obstruction

INTRODUCTION: Cardiac hemangiomas are rare benign primary tumors.We present the successful management of a patient with a hemangioma causing significant right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) obstruction.CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 54-year-old  female  with  no  co-morbidities  presented  with  progressive  right-sided  heart failure  symptoms.Examination  revealed  a  prominent right  ventricular  heave,  irregular  cardiac  rhythm,murmurs  consistent  with  pulmonic  stenosis  and  tricuspid regurgitation,  ascites,  and  bipedal  edema.  Given the echo features of the mass and the patient's clinical course,we  favored  a  benign  cardiac  tumor  over  malignancy.Differentials included  myxoma,  fibroma,  and  papillary fibroelastoma. Medical management included enoxaparin and carvedilol as anticoagulation and rate control for the atrial flutter, respectively. Surgical treatment consisted of tumor excision and tricuspid valve annuloplasty.RESULTS: Intra-operatively, the stalk was indeed attached to the RV free wall. Histopathology was consistent with primary cardiac hemangioma. The patient's post-operative course was complicated by pneumonia, acute kidney injury, and tracheostomy, but she was eventually discharged improved after a month in the ICU.SIGNIFICANCE: This report highlights a rare primary cardiac tumor in an unusual location. While there have been several reports in the world literature on cardiac hemangiomas, less than ten cases have been shown to have significant RVOT obstruction as in our patient.CONCLUSION: Cardiac hemangiomas should be part of the differential diagnosis for an intracardiac mass in the right ventricle.  Meticulous  echocardiography  can  be  a  non-invasive and inexpensive aid to diagnosis and pre-operative planning.