Mortalidad hospitalaria de 415.798 pacientes con IAM: 4 años antes en Canarias que en el conjunto de España / Hospital mortality in 415 798 AMI patients: 4 years earlier in the Canary Islands than in the rest of Spain

Introducción y objetivos: Canarias tiene la mortalidad por diabetes más elevada de España. El objetivo es averiguar si existen diferencias con las restantes comunidades autónomas en la mortalidad hospitalaria por infarto agudo de miocardio (IAM), en los factores asociados con esta mortalidad y la fracción poblacional atribuible a la diabetes. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo de los ingresos hospitalarios por IAM en España desde 2007 hasta 2014, registrados en el Conjunto Mínimo Básico de Datos. Resultados: Se identificaron 415.798 IAM. Los pacientes canarios (16.317) eran más jóvenes que los del resto de España (63,93 +/- 13,56 frente a 68,25 +/- 13,94 años; p < 0,001); también el fallecimiento ocurrió 4 años antes en el archipiélago (a los 74,03 +/- 11,85 frente a los 78,38 +/- 11,10 años; p < 0,001). En esta comunidad alcanzó su prevalencia máxima el tabaquismo (el 44% de los varones y el 23% de las mujeres), que se asoció con un adelanto de 13 años en la edad al IAM. Las islas Canarias tuvieron la mayor mortalidad de pacientes tanto con diabetes (8,7%) como sin ella (7,6%), y también la mayor fracción poblacional de muerte por IAM atribuible a la diabetes (9,4; IC95%, 4,8-13,6). Tras ajustar por tipo de IAM, diabetes, dislipemia, hipertensión, tabaquismo, consumo de cocaína, insuficiencia renal, sexo y edad, Canarias presentó el mayor riesgo de mortalidad respecto a España (OR = 1,25; IC95%, 1,17-1,33; p < 0,001). Fue, además, una de las comunidades autónomas que no mejoró significativamente su riesgo demortalidad por IAM durante el periodo estudiado

Introduction and objectives: The Canary Islands has the highest mortality from diabetes in Spain. The aim of this study was to determine possible differences in mortality due to acute myocardial infarction (AMI) during hospital admission between this autonomous community and the rest of Spain, as well as the factors associated with this mortality and the population fraction attributable to diabetes. Methods: Cross-sectional study of hospital admissions for AMI in Spain from 2007 to 2014, registered in the Minimum Basic Data Set. Results: A total of 415 798 AMI were identified. Canary Island patients (16 317) were younger than those living in the rest of Spain (63.93 +/- 13.56 vs 68.25 +/- 13.94; P < .001) and death occurred 4 years earlier in the archipelago (74.03 +/- 11.85 vs 78.38 +/- 11.10; P < .001). This autonomous community had the highest prevalence of smoking (44% in men and 23% in women); throughout Spain, AMI occurred 13 years earlier in smokers than in nonsmokers. Patients in the Canary Islands had the highest mortality rates whether they had diabetes (8.7%) or not (7.6%), and they also showed the highest fraction of AMI mortality attributable to diabetes (9.4; 95% CI, 4.8-13.6). After adjustment for type of AMI, diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, smoking, cocaine use, renal failure, sex and age, the Canary Islands showed the highest risk of mortality vs the rest of Spain (OR = 1.25; 95%CI, 1.17-1.33; P < .001) and it was one of the autonomous communities showing no significant improvement in the risk of mortality due to AMI during the study period. Conclusions: Mortality due to AMI during hospital admission is higher in the Canary Islands than in the rest of Spain

Hospital Mortality in 415 798 AMI Patients: 4 Years Earlier in the Canary Islands Than in the Rest of Spain.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The Canary Islands has the highest mortality from diabetes in Spain. The aim of this study was to determine possible differences in mortality due to acute myocardial infarction (AMI) during hospital admission between this autonomous community and the rest of Spain, as well as the factors associated with this mortality and the population fraction attributable to diabetes. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of hospital admissions for AMI in Spain from 2007 to 2014, registered in the Minimum Basic Data Set. RESULTS: A total of 415 798 AMI were identified. Canary Island patients (16 317) were younger than those living in the rest of Spain (63.93 ± 13.56 vs 68.25 ± 13.94; P < .001) and death occurred 4 years earlier in the archipelago (74.03 ± 11.85 vs 78.38 ± 11.10; P < .001). This autonomous community had the highest prevalence of smoking (44% in men and 23% in women); throughout Spain, AMI occurred 13 years earlier in smokers than in nonsmokers. Patients in the Canary Islands had the highest mortality rates whether they had diabetes (8.7%) or not (7.6%), and they also showed the highest fraction of AMI mortality attributable to diabetes (9.4; 95%CI, 4.8-13.6). After adjustment for type of AMI, diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, smoking, cocaine use, renal failure, sex and age, the Canary Islands showed the highest risk of mortality vs the rest of Spain (OR = 1.25; 95%CI, 1.17-1.33; P < .001) and it was one of the autonomous communities showing no significant improvement in the risk of mortality due to AMI during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Mortality due to AMI during hospital admission is higher in the Canary Islands than in the rest of Spain.

Validation of DIABSCORE in screening for Type 2 Diabetes and prediabetes in Tunisian population.

AIMS: To perform a validation of DIABSCORE in a sample of Tunisian adults and find out the optimal cut-off point for screening of Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and prediabetes. METHODS: 225 adults 18-75 years and a subgroup of 138 adults (18-54 years), with undiagnosed T2D from the region of Cap-Bon, Tunisia were included in the present study. The DIABSCORE was calculated based on: age, waist/height ratio, family history of T2D and gestational diabetes. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves and areas under curve (AUC) were obtained. The T2D and prediabetes prevalences odds ratios (OR) between patients exposed and not exposed to DIABSCORE≥90 and DIABSCORE≥80, respectively were calculated in both age ranges. RESULTS: For screening of T2D the best value was DIABSCORE = 90 with a highest sensitivity (Se), negative predictive value (NPV) and lower negative likelihood ratio in participants aged 18-75 yr (Se = 97%; NPV = 97%) when compared to participants aged 18-54 yr (Se = 95%; NPV = 97%); for prediabetes, the best Se and NPV were for DIABSCORE = 80 in both age groups, but it showed a disbalanced sensitivity-specificity. The ROC curves for T2D showed a similar AUC in both age ranges (AUC = 0.62 and AUC = 0.61 respectively). The ROC curves for prediabetes showed a highest AUC in those aged 18-54 years than the older ones (AUC = 0.62 and AUC = 0.57, respectively). The prevalences OR of T2D for DIABSCORE≥90 was higher than for DIABSCORE≥80 in both age ranges. Nevertheless, the prevalences OR of prediabetes for DIABSCORE≥90 was half of the detected for DIABSCORE≥80 in both age ranges. CONCLUSION: The DIABSCORE is a simple clinical tool and accurate method in screening for T2D and prediabetes in the adult Tunisian population.

Austerity Policies and Mortality in Spain After the Financial Crisis of 2008.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze mortality in Spain and the United States before and after these countries implemented divergent policies in response to the financial crisis of 2008. METHODS: We examined mortality statistics in both countries in the years 2000 to 2015. Spain started austerity policies in 2010. We compared differences in mortality ratios, on the basis of trends and effect size analysis. RESULTS: During 2000 to 2010, overall mortality rates (r = 0.98; P < .001; Cohen's d = -0.228) decreased in both countries. In 2011, this trend changed abruptly in Spain, where observed mortality surpassed expected mortality by 29% in 2011 and by 41% in 2015. By contrast, observed mortality surpassed expected mortality in the United States by only 8% in 2015. As the mortality statistics diverged, the effect size greatly increased (d = 7.531). During this 5-year period, there were 505 559 more deaths in Spain than the expected number, while in the United States the difference was 431 501 more deaths despite the 7-fold larger population in the United States compared with Spain. CONCLUSIONS: The marked excess mortality in 2011 to 2015 in Spain is attributable to austerity policies.

Inverse association of resistin with physical activity in the general population.

AIM: Resistin is a cytokine related with inflammation and ischemic heart disease. Physical activity (PA) prevents chronic inflammation and ischemic heart disease. We studied the relationship of serum concentration of resistin with HDL cholesterol, a known biomarker of PA, and with different measures of PA, in a large sample of the general adult population in the Canary Islands. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 6636 adults recruited randomly. We analyzed the correlation of resistin and HDL cholesterol with PA (as metabolic equivalent level [MET]), and fitted the results with linear and logistic regression models using adjustment for age, alcohol consumption and smoking. RESULTS: Mean resistin level was higher in women (p<0.001), correlated inversely with age, HDL cholesterol (p<0.001) and alcohol consumption (p<0.001 in men), and correlated directly with smoking (p<0.001). Resistin correlated inversely with the duration of leisure time PA (p<0.001), leisure time MET (p<0.001) and moderate leisure time PA (p<0.001), with some differences between sexes. Men (OR = 0.78 [0.61-0.99; p<0.05]) and women (OR = 0.75 [0.61-0.92; p<0.01]) in the upper quintile of leisure time PA had a lower risk of elevated resistin. In contrast, a high degree of sedentarism was associated with an increased risk elevated resistin in women (OR = 1.24 [1.04-1.47; p<0.05] and in men (OR = 1.40 [1.01-1.82; p<0.05]). CONCLUSIONS: In our sample of the general population, resistin was inversely associated with measures and levels of PA and HDL cholesterol. The association of resistin with PA was stronger than the association of HDL cholesterol with PA, making resistin a potentially useful biomarker of PA.

Clinical applicability and cost-effectiveness of DIABSCORE in screening for type 2 diabetes in primary care.

AIMS: To evaluate the applicability and cost-effectiveness of a clinical risk score (DIABSCORE) to screen for type 2 diabetes in primary care patients. METHODS: Multicenter cross-sectional study of 10,508 adult no previously diagnosed with diabetes, in 2 Spanish regions (Canary Islands and Valencian Community). The variables comprising DIABSCORE were age, waist to height ratio, family history of diabetes and gestational diabetes. ROC curves were obtained; the diabetes prevalences odds ratios (HbA1c ≥6.5%) between patients exposed and not exposed to DIABSCORE ≥100, and to fasting blood glucose ≥126mg/dL were calculated. The opinions of both the professionals and the patients concerning DIABSCORE were collected, and a cost-effectiveness analysis was performed. RESULTS: In both regions, the valid cut-off point for diabetes (DIABSCORE=100), showed an area under the curve >0.80. The prevalences odds ratio of diabetes for DIABSCORE ≥100 was 9.5 (3.7-31.5) in Canarian and 18.3 (8.0-51.1) in Valencian; and for glucose ≥126mg/dL it was, respectively, 123.0 (58.8-259.2) and 303.1 (162.5-583.8). However, glucose ≥126mg/dL showed a low sensitivity (below 48% in both communities) as opposed to DIABSCORE ≥100 (above 90% in both regions). Professionals (100%) and patients (75%) satisfaction was greater when using DIABSCORE rather than glucose measurement for diabetes screening. The cost of each case of diabetes identified was lower with DIABSCORE ≥100 (7.6 € in Canarian and 8.3 € in Valencian) than glucose ≥126mg/dL (10.8 € and 10.5 €, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: DIABSCORE is an applicable and cost-effective screening method for type 2 diabetes in primary care.

Incidence, Mortality and Positive Predictive Value of Type 1 Cardiorenal Syndrome in Acute Coronary Syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether the risk of cardiovascular mortality associated with cardiorenal syndrome subtype 1 (CRS1) in patients who were hospitalized for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) was greater than the expected risk based on the sum of its components, to estimate the predictive value of CRS1, and to determine whether the severity of CRS1 worsens the prognosis. METHODS: Follow-up study of 1912 incident cases of ACS for 1 year after discharge. Cox regression models were estimated with time to event (in-hospital death, and readmission or death during the first year after discharge) as the dependent variable. RESULTS: The incidence of CRS1 was 9.2/1000 person-days of hospitalization (95% CI = 8.1-10.5), but these patients accounted for 56.6% (95% CI = 47.4-65.) of all mortality. The positive predictive value of CRS1 was 29.6% (95% CI = 23.9-36.0) for in-hospital death, and 51.4% (95% CI = 44.8-58.0) for readmission or death after discharge. The risk of in-hospital death from CRS1 (RR = 18.3; 95% CI = 6.3-53.2) was greater than the sum of risks associated with either acute heart failure (RR = 7.6; 95% CI = 1.8-31.8) or acute kidney injury (RR = 2.8; 95% CI = 0.9-8.8). The risk of events associated with CRS1 also increased with syndrome severity, reaching a RR of 10.6 (95% CI = 6.2-18.1) for in-hospital death at the highest severity level. CONCLUSIONS: The effect of CRS1 on in-hospital mortality is greater than the sum of the effects associated with each of its components, and it increases with the severity of the syndrome. CRS1 accounted for more than half of all mortality, and its positive predictive value approached 30% in-hospital and 50% after discharge.

Lipid and inflammatory biomarker profiles in early insulin resistance.

AIMS: To analyze the serum lipid and inflammatory biomarker profile in the early insulin resistance (e-IR). METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 5943 adults without diabetes, stratified into no IR group (C-peptide

Social class and metabolic syndrome in populations from Tunisia and Spain.

BACKGROUND: There is an increasing prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome (MS) in developing countries. It has been shown the relationship between social class and MS in developed countries. The objective of our study was to compare the association of social class with the prevalence of MS in a developing country (Tunisia, region of Cap-Bon) and a developed one (Spain, Canary Islands). METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 6729 Canarian and 393 Tunisian individuals. Social class was measured with the income, crowding and education (ICE) model, which includes family income, household crowding and education level. Logistic regression models adjusted by age estimated the risk by odds ratio (OR) and confidence interval (CI 95 %) of MS according to social class. RESULTS: MS prevalence was higher in Tunisian (50 %) than in Canarian women (29 %; p = 0.002), with no significant differences between men. For Canarian women, being in the highest social class was a protective factor against MS (OR = 0.39; CI 95 % 0.29-0.53) and all its components. The Canarian population and the Tunisian women, showed a significant linear trend (p < 0.001) of MS to decrease when social class increased. CONCLUSION: High social class is a protective factor from MS and its components within the Canarian population and the Tunisian women. Our results suggest that the socioeconomic transition in a developing country like Tunisia can improve the population health in a sex-specific manner.

C-peptide as a risk factor of coronary artery disease in the general population.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the association between serum C-peptide and coronary artery disease in the general population. METHODS: Follow-up study of 6630 adults from the general population. They were stratified into group 1 (no insulin resistance: C-peptide < third tercile and glycaemia < 100 mg/dL), group 2 (initial insulin resistance: C-peptide ⩾ third tercile and glycaemia < 100 mg/dL) and group 3 (advanced insulin resistance: glycaemia ⩾ 100 mg/dL). RESULTS: After 3.5 years of follow-up, group 2 had a higher incidence of myocardial infarction (relative risk (RR) = 4.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.7-10.6) and coronary artery disease (RR = 3.5, 95% CI = 1.9-6.6) than group 1. Group 3 also had increased incidences of both diseases. In multivariable analysis of the entire population, groups 2 and 3 showed significant risks of myocardial infarction and coronary artery disease (RR > 3 and RR > 2, respectively). However, when people with diabetes were excluded, the increased risks were corroborated only in group 2 for myocardial infarction (RR = 2.8, 95% CI = 1.1-6.9; p = 0.025) and coronary artery disease (RR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.3-4.6; p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Elevated C-peptide is associated with the incidence of myocardial infarction and coronary artery disease in the general population. It can be an earlier predictor of coronary events than impaired fasting glucose.

Frecuencia cardiaca en reposo y enfermedad cardiovascular / Resting heart rate and cardiovascular disease

La frecuencia cardiaca refleja la actividad del sistema nervioso autónomo. Numerosos estudios han demostrado que la frecuencia cardiaca elevada en reposo se asocia con la morbimortalidad cardiovascular como factor de riesgo independiente. Se ha evidenciado una relación entre balance autonómico cardiaco e inflamación, de tal forma que la frecuencia cardiaca elevada produce una respuesta microinflamatoria e interviene en la patogénesis de la disfunción endotelial. A su vez, la disminución de la frecuencia se asocia a beneficios en insuficiencia cardiaca congestiva, infarto de miocardio, fibrilación auricular, obesidad, hiperinsulinemia, resistencia a la insulina y aterosclerosis. La alteración de otros parámetros relacionados con la frecuencia cardiaca, tales como su variabilidad y su recuperación tras realizar ejercicio, se asocia con riesgo de episodios cardiovasculares. Los fármacos que reducen la frecuencia (betabloqueantes, antagonistas del calcio e inhibidores de canales If) tienen el potencial de reducir sucesos cardiovasculares. Aunque en sujetos sanos no se recomienden intervenciones para la reducción de la frecuencia cardiaca, en determinadas enfermedades constituye un objetivo terapéutico razonable (AU)

Heart rate reflects autonomic nervous system activity. Numerous studies have demonstrated that an increased heart rate at rest is associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality as an independent risk factor. It has been shown a link between cardiac autonomic balance and inflammation. Thus, an elevated heart rate produces a micro-inflammatory response and is involved in the pathogenesis of endothelial dysfunction. In turn, decrease in heart rate produces benefits in congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, obesity, hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, and atherosclerosis. Alteration of other heart rate-related parameters, such as their variability and recovery after exercise, is associated with risk of cardiovascular events. Drugs reducing the heart rate (beta-blockers, calcium antagonists and inhibitors of If channels) have the potential to reduce cardiovascular events. Although not recommended in healthy subjects, interventions for reducing heart rate constitute a reasonable therapeutic goal in certain pathologies (AU)

Relationships between serum resistin and fat intake, serum lipid concentrations and adiposity in the general population.

AIMS: The serum resistin level is associated with the incidence of ischemic heart disease in the general population. We analyzed the associations between serum resistin and fat intake, serum lipid concentrations and adiposity in the general population. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 6,637 randomly recruited adults was conducted. The resistin levels were measured in thawed aliquots of serum using an enzyme immunoanalysis technique. RESULTS: The resistin level exhibited a positive nonparametric correlation with saturated fat intake(p < 0.001) and an inverse correlation with adherence to the Mediterranean diet(p < 0.001), monounsaturated fat intake(p < 0.05), total serum cholesterol(p < 0.001), non-HDL cholesterol(p < 0.001), LDL cholesterol(p < 0.001), body mass index(p < 0.001), waist circumference(p < 0.001) and the waist/height ratio(p < 0.001). An elevated resistin concentration(fifth quintile) was associated with adherence to the Mediterranean diet(OR=0.82 CI95%=0.71-0.93), saturated fat intake(OR=1.34 CI95%=1.16-1.56), monounsaturated fat intake(OR=0.88 CI95%=0.78-0.99), a total cholesterol level of ≥200 mg/dL(OR=0.81 CI95%=0.72-0.91), a low HDL cholesterol level(OR=0.84 CI95%= 0.76-0.93), a high non-HDL cholesterol level(OR=0.84 CI95%=0.72-0.99), a high LDL cholesterol level(OR=0.82 CI95%=0.70-0.97) and a waist/height ratio of ≥0.55(OR=0.76 CI95%=0.67-0.85). The multivariate models corroborated the positive associations between the resistin level and saturated fat intake(p < 0.001) and serum triglycerides(p=0.004) and the inverse associations between the resistin level and adherence to the Mediterranean diet(p=0.002), total serum cholesterol(p < 0.001) and cholesterol fractions and the waist/height ratio(p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: In the general population, the serum resistin level is associated with fat intake: positively with saturated fat intake and inversely with monounsaturated fat intake. As a consequence, the resistin level is also inversely associated with adherence to the Mediterranean diet. In addition, the resistin level is inversely associated with the serum cholesterol level and adiposity.

The association of resistin with coronary disease in the general population.

AIMS: To explore the association between resistin expression and the incidence of ischemic heart disease in the general population. METHODS: A follow-up study of 6636 adults recruited randomly from the general population. RESULTS: The serum resistin concentration was higher in women (6.1 ng/mL; CI95%=6.0-6.2) than in men (5.6 ng/mL; CI95%=5.5-5.7). Individuals in the 5th quintile or higher of resistin (RQ5) were younger (P＜0.001) and had a lower prevalence of arterial hypertension (P＜0.001), abdominal obesity (P＜0.001), diabetes (P＜0.001) and dyslipidemia (P＜0.001). The cardiovascular risk estimated by the Framingham function was also lower in the RQ5 subgroup (P＜0.001); however, the prevalence of smoking was higher (P＜0.001), as was the prevalence of low HDL cholesterol (P＜0.001). After 3.5 years of follow-up, the RQ5 subgroup had a higher incidence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI, RR=1.9; CI95%=1.01-3.54). In the population without diabetes, the RQ5 subgroup had a higher risk of AMI (RR=2.4; CI95%=1.10-5.17), and the risk of AMI was highest in women in this group (4.97; CI95%=1.33-18.57). The risk levels were significant in the Cox models adjusted for age, sex and smoking; and the hazard ratio was 2.5 for AMI (CI95%=1.29-4.70) in the sample of patients matched by sex and smoking status. CONCLUSIONS: Resistin may be a risk marker for ischemic heart disease in the general population. The serum resistin concentration is higher in women, and the associated increase in the risk of AMI based on the resistin level is also higher in women than in men.

[Resting heart rate and cardiovascular disease]. / Frecuencia cardiaca en reposo y enfermedad cardiovascular.

Heart rate reflects autonomic nervous system activity. Numerous studies have demonstrated that an increased heart rate at rest is associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality as an independent risk factor. It has been shown a link between cardiac autonomic balance and inflammation. Thus, an elevated heart rate produces a micro-inflammatory response and is involved in the pathogenesis of endothelial dysfunction. In turn, decrease in heart rate produces benefits in congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, obesity, hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, and atherosclerosis. Alteration of other heart rate-related parameters, such as their variability and recovery after exercise, is associated with risk of cardiovascular events. Drugs reducing the heart rate (beta-blockers, calcium antagonists and inhibitors of If channels) have the potential to reduce cardiovascular events. Although not recommended in healthy subjects, interventions for reducing heart rate constitute a reasonable therapeutic goal in certain pathologies.

Alteraciones metabólicas en pacientes con trastornos del sueño / Metabolic changes in patients with sleep disorders

El sueño y la vigilia se coordinan para que el hambre y la vigilancia sucedan de día y la saciedad de noche.Los mecanismos de control del sueño abarcan todos los niveles de organización biológica, desde la expresión génica hasta el sistema nervioso central (SNC) con la participación de los sistemas inmunitario, endocrino y de balance energético. El sueño se regula en el núcleo supraquiasmático (NSQ), marcando su ritmo mediante las hormonas y el sistema nervioso autónomo. Los núcleos hipotalámicos controlan el inicio del sueño e integran información procedente del cerebro y del resto del organismo. El eje NSQ hipotálamo es el reloj molecular que sincroniza el sueño/vigilia; concretamente, mantiene constante la energía mediante oscilaciones circadianas de las enzimas implicadas en el metabolismo de los tejidos. Interrumpir el ciclo circadiano por privación del sueño aumenta el estrés oxidativo cerebral e, incluso, puede afectar el equilibrio de energía y la composición corporal. La ingesta, la termogénesis, el metabolismo de la glucosa y los lípidos muestran fluctuaciones debidas al ciclo luz/oscuridad. Así, la restricción del sueño produce alteración de la sensibilidad a la insulina y de la tolerancia a la glucosa, lo cual afectala regulación del apetito, provocando ganancia de peso y riesgo de diabetes. Por el contrario, el ejercicio físico mejora los patrones de sueño, aumenta las enzimas antioxidantes y previene la obesidad, la diabetes y las enfermedades cardiovasculares. Todo ello demuestra la interrelación entre sueño, diabetes y ejercicio físico...

Microsatellite polymorphisms in the EGFR, NOTCH4 and E2F4 genes and their association with breast cancer risk.

BACKGROUND: The sequences of many human genes that encode proteins involved in cancer contain polymorphic microsatellites. Variations in microsatellite length may constitute risk factors in several human diseases, a possibility that has been little explored in breast cancer. Among the genes that contain polymorphic microsatellites are EGFR, NOTCH4 and E2F4. The length of some of these microsatellites has been associated with breast cancer risk. PURPOSE AND METHODS: To determine whether the length of the microsatellites (CA)n in EGFR, (CTG)n in NOTCH4 and (AGC)n in E2F4 was associated with breast cancer risk, we genotyped these 3 microsatellites in 212 women with breast cancer and a control group of 308 women from the general population who did not have this disease. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The allelic distribution observed for the 3 microsatellites matched that found in other white populations, with the exception of some (AGC)n alleles in E2F4, which have not been described previously. The length of (CA)n in EGFR and (CTG)n in NOTCH4 was not associated with breast cancer (OR=0.99; 95% CI 0.59-1.37; p=0.619 and OR=1.08; 95% CI 0.71-1.65; p=0.725, respectively). Short alleles (<13 repeats) of (AGC)n in E2F4 were less frequent in women with cancer than in the control sample.

Factors associated with parietal cell autoantibodies in the general population.

The presence in serum of parietal cell autoantibodies (PCA) is a characteristic of autoimmune gastritis. We determined the prevalence of PCA in the general population and investigate their association with type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance and lifestyle factors related with autoimmune gastritis. A cross-sectional study was performed, involving 429 individuals enrolled in a cohort study of the general population of the Canary Islands. All participants underwent physical examination, provided a blood sample and responded to a questionnaire regarding health and lifestyle factors. Serum concentrations of PCA, soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L), C-peptide and glucose (to determine insulin resistance) were measured. The association of PCA with the other factors was determined with bivariate analysis, and logistic regression models were used to adjust the associations for age and sex. The prevalence of PCA was 7.8% (95% CI=10.3-5.3). The factors associated with PCA were female sex (p=0.032), insulin resistance (p=0.016), menopause (p=0.029) and sCD40L (p=0.019). Alcohol consumption (p=0.006) and smoking (p=0.005) were associated with low prevalences of PCA. After adjustment for age and sex, the association with PCA was confirmed for smoking (OR=0.1 [0.0-0.9]), alcohol consumption (OR=0.3 [0.1-0.9]), insulin resistance (OR=2.4 [1.1-4.9]), female sex (OR=2.4 [1.1-5.3]), sCD40L (OR=3.7 [1.2-11.4]) and menopause (OR=5.3 [1.2-23.3]). In conclusion, smoking and alcohol consumption acted as protective factors against the appearance of PCA in the general population, whereas female sex, menopause, insulin resistance and elevated serum sCD40L were risk markers for PCA. In patients who smoke or drink alcohol, clinicians should be cautious when using PCA to rule out autoimmune gastritis.

Factores asociados al conocimiento y el control de la hipertensión arterial en Canarias / Factors associated with knowledge and control of arterial hypertension in the Canary Islands

Introducción y objetivos. Analizar los factores asociados al conocimiento y el control de la hipertensión arterial en la población adulta de Canarias. Métodos. Se reclutó aleatoriamente una muestra de población general adulta (18-75 años). Se consideró hipertensión la presión arterial sistólica/diastólica >= 140/90mmHg; hipertensión conocida, la declaración de padecerla e hipertensión controlada, valores < 140/90mmHg. La asociación bivariable del conocimiento y el control de la hipertensión con edad, sexo, antropometría, lípidos séricos y estilo de vida se ajustó posteriormente por edad y sexo en un modelo logístico multivariable. Resultados. Se incluyó a 6.675 participantes. Entre los varones hay mayor prevalencia de hipertensión (el 40 frente al 31%; p < 0,001), pero menos frecuencia de tratamiento y control. El sexo femenino (p < 0,001), la edad ≥ 55 años (p < 0,001), la obesidad (p < 0,001) y la diabetes mellitus (p < 0,001) se asocian directamente con la hipertensión conocida. Los factores modificables que, pese al tratamiento, incrementaban el riesgo de mal control son consumo de alcohol (odds ratio [OR] = 2,4 si alcohol > 30g/día [p < 0,001]; OR = 2 si 15 < alcohol ≤ 30g/día [p = 0,009]; OR = 1,83 si 5 < alcohol ≤ 15g/día [p = 0,004]), obesidad (OR = 2 si índice masa corporal >= 30 [p = 0,003]; OR = 1,7 si 24,9 < índice masa corporal < 30 [p = 0,024]), colesterol sérico > 250mg/dl (OR = 1,6; p = 0,006) y frecuencia cardiaca elevada (OR = 1,45 si frecuencia > 80 lat/min [p = 0,045]; OR = 1,36 si 70 < frecuencia <= 80 lat/min [p = 0,038]). Conclusiones. El conocimiento de la hipertensión aumenta con la frecuentación del sistema sanitario y los factores asociados a ello: sexo femenino, edad y sufrir problemas de salud. Los factores modificables que incrementan el mal control de la hipertensión conocida son: consumo de alcohol, obesidad, frecuencia cardiaca elevada e hipercolesterolemia (AU)

Introduction and objectives. To analyze the factors associated with knowledge and control of hypertension in the adult population of the Canary Islands (18-75 years). Methods. We recruited a random sample of the general population aged ≥18 years. Hypertension was defined as systolic/diastolic blood pressure >=140/90mmHg or known hypertension (self-declared, or controlled hypertension <140/90mmHg). The bivariate association of known and controlled hypertension with age, sex, anthropometry, serum lipids, medication, and lifestyle was corroborated by adjusting a multivariate logistic model. Results. We included 6675 participants. The prevalence of hypertension was higher in men (40% vs 31%, P<.001), who also had a lower frequency of treated and controlled hypertension. Female sex (P<.001), age ≥55 years (P<.001), obesity (P<.001), and diabetes (P<.001) were associated with known hypertension. The modifiable factors that, in spite of treatment, increased the risk of poor control of hypertension were alcohol consumption (>30g/day, odds ratio [OR]=2.4, P<.001; >15-≤30g/day, OR=2, P=.009; >5-≤15, g/day, OR=1.83, P=.004), obesity (body mass index ≥30, OR=2, P=.003; >24.9-<30, OR=1.7, P=.024), serum cholesterol >250mg/dL (OR=1.6, P=.006) and elevated heart rate (>80 bpm, OR=1.45, P=.045; >70-<=80 bpm, OR=1.36, P=.038). Conclusions. The awareness of hypertension increases with frequent use of the health system and with factors associated with known hypertension: female sex, age, underlying health problems. The modifiable factors associated with poor control of known hypertension are alcohol consumption, obesity, elevated heart rate, and hypercholesterolemia (AU)

Factors associated with knowledge and control of arterial hypertension in the Canary Islands.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To analyze the factors associated with knowledge and control of hypertension in the adult population of the Canary Islands (18-75 years). METHODS: We recruited a random sample of the general population aged ≥18 years. Hypertension was defined as systolic/diastolic blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg or known hypertension (self-declared, or controlled hypertension <140/90 mmHg). The bivariate association of known and controlled hypertension with age, sex, anthropometry, serum lipids, medication, and lifestyle was corroborated by adjusting a multivariate logistic model. RESULTS: We included 6675 participants. The prevalence of hypertension was higher in men (40% vs 31%, P<.001), who also had a lower frequency of treated and controlled hypertension. Female sex (P<.001), age ≥55 years (P<.001), obesity (P<.001), and diabetes (P<.001) were associated with known hypertension. The modifiable factors that, in spite of treatment, increased the risk of poor control of hypertension were alcohol consumption (>30 g/day, odds ratio [OR]=2.4, P<.001; >15-≤30 g/day, OR=2, P=.009; >5-≤15, g/day, OR=1.83, P=.004), obesity (body mass index ≥30, OR=2, P=.003; >24.9-<30, OR=1.7, P=.024), serum cholesterol >250 mg/dL (OR=1.6, P=.006) and elevated heart rate (>80 bpm, OR=1.45, P=.045; >70-≤80 bpm, OR=1.36, P=.038). CONCLUSIONS: The awareness of hypertension increases with frequent use of the health system and with factors associated with known hypertension: female sex, age, underlying health problems. The modifiable factors associated with poor control of known hypertension are alcohol consumption, obesity, elevated heart rate, and hypercholesterolemia.

Efficiency of different strategies to detect autoantibodies to extractable nuclear antigens.

Autoantibodies to extractable nuclear antigens (anti-ENA) are identified mainly in samples positive for antinuclear antibodies (ANA). Although the method of choice for ANA screening is indirect immunofluorescence (IIF), several techniques are available to detect anti-ENA. The aim of this study was to compare the efficiency of five different strategies to determine anti-ENA. During a 2-year period we screened ANA in 30375 samples with IIF, and the 4475 samples ANA positive were tested for anti-ENA by double immune diffusion screening or fluoroenzymeimmunoassay (Screening FI); anti-ENA specificities were then determined by line immunoassay (LIA) or fluoroenzymeimmunoassay (FI). We compared five strategies that involved FI or LIA identification of anti-ENA with or without prior screening, or an algorithm that combined fluorescence pattern, number of anti-ENA specificities requested by the clinician and ANA dilution titer. One cost unit (CU) was defined as the cost of 1 test of ANA determination. We detected 553 anti-ENA positive samples. The most efficient strategy was the algorithm, at a cost of 3.3 CU per sample processed, the second most efficient strategy was screening plus FI identification (cost=3.8 CU), and the third most efficient strategy was screening plus LIA identification (cost=3.9 CU). The fourth most efficient strategy was FI identification without prior screening (13.3 CU per sample) and the least efficient was LIA identification without prior screening (13.6 CU per sample). In conclusion, an algorithm that combined techniques for detection, ANA titer, fluorescence pattern and number of specificities requested was the most efficient strategy for determining anti-ENA.