Firearms and Extortions in Mexico, 2012 to 2021.

The study of firearm violence in Mexico has primarily focused on homicides and trafficking. Less attention has been given to understanding how firearms affect other crimes and facilitate criminal activity beyond drug markets. By analyzing two questions, this study explores the role of firearms in extortions perpetrated in Mexico from 2012 to 2021. Questions are: What is the likelihood of reporting extortions to the police if offenders exhibited firearms? What is the likelihood of compliance with demands when offenders are armed with firearms? We obtained data from Mexico's National Crime Victimization Surveys and analyzed 2,619 extortions reported from 2012 to 2021. To explore our research questions, we ran two binary logistic regressions. Our dependent variables were dichotomous (reported to police = 1, complied with demands = 1). The independent variables were weapon types (extortions involving firearms as the reference group). We controlled for victim demographics as well as crime characteristics. Our results indicate that 40% of these extortions (n = 1,058) were perpetrated with a firearm. Fifty-two percent of extortions were perpetrated by unarmed offenders (n = 1,348) and 8% (n = 213) were perpetrated with other weapons (no firearms). Models suggest that, when compared to extortions perpetrated by unarmed offenders or those exhibiting other weapons (no firearms), victims of extortions involving firearms are less likely to report these crimes to police, mainly because of fear of reprisal. Similarly, victims are more likely to comply with demands if offenders exhibit firearms. Findings highlight the role of firearms in criminal enterprises and support the need for a comprehensive policy agenda to address firearm violence in Mexico.

Paraganglioma presenting as stress cardiomyopathy: case report and literature review.

Pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma (PPGL) are neuroendocrine tumors that can secrete catecholamines. The authors describe a challenging case who presented as stress cardiomyopathy and myocardial infarction (MI). A 76-year-old man, with a medical history of Parkinson's disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidaemia and a previous inferior MI in 2001, presented to the emergency department due to chest pain, headaches and vomiting. He also reported worsening blood glucose levels and increasing constipation over the preceding weeks. BP was 185/89 mmHg (no other relevant findings). EKG had ST segment depression in leads V2-V6, T troponin was 600 ng/L (<14) and the echocardiogram showed left ventricular hypokinesia with mildly compromised systolic function. Nevertheless, he rapidly progressed to severe biventricular dysfunction. Coronary angiogram showed a 90% anterior descendent coronary artery occlusion (already present in 2001), which was treated with angioplasty/stenting. In the following days, a very labile BP profile and unexplained sinus tachycardia episodes were observed. Because of sustained severe constipation, the patient underwent an abdominal CT that revealed a retroperitoneal, heterogeneous, hypervascular mass on the right (62 × 35 mm), most likely a paraganglioma. Urinary metanephrines were increased several fold. 68Ga-DOTANOC PET-CT scan showed increased uptake in the abdominal mass (no evidence of disease elsewhere). He was started on a calcium-channel blocker and alpha blockade and underwent surgery with no major complications. Eight months after surgery, the patient has no evidence of disease. Genetic testing was negative for known germline mutations. This was a challenging diagnosis, but it was essential for adequate cardiovascular stabilization and to reduce further morbidity. Learning points: PPGL frequently produces catecholamines and can manifest with several cardiovascular syndromes, including stress cardiomyopathy and myocardial infarction. Even in the presence of coronary artery disease (CAD), PPGL should be suspected if signs or symptoms attributed to catecholamine excess are present (in this case, high blood pressure, worsening hyperglycaemia and constipation). Establishing the correct diagnosis is important for adequate treatment choice. Inodilators and mechanical support might be preferable options (if available) for cardiovascular stabilization prior to alpha blockade and surgery. Laboratory interference should be suspected irrespective of metanephrine levels, especially in the context of treated Parkinson's disease.

Sellar plasmacytoma presenting with symptoms of anterior pituitary dysfunction.

Sellar plasmacytomas are rare and the differential diagnosis with non-functioning pituitary adenomas might be difficult because of clinical and radiological resemblance. They usually present with neurological signs and intact anterior pituitary function. Some may already have or eventually progress to multiple myeloma. We describe a case associated with extensive anterior pituitary involvement, which is a rare form of presentation. A 68-year-old man was referred to our Endocrinology outpatient clinic due to gynecomastia, reduced libido and sexual impotence. Physical examination, breast ultrasound and mammography confirmed bilateral gynecomastia. Blood tests revealed slight hyperprolactinemia, low testosterone levels, low cortisol levels and central hypothyroidism. Sellar MRI showed a heterogeneous sellar mass (56 × 60 × 61 mm), initially suspected as an invasive macroadenoma. After correcting the pituitary deficits with hydrocortisone and levothyroxine, the patient underwent transsphenoidal surgery. Histological examination revealed a plasmacytoma and multiple myeloma was ruled out. The patient was unsuccessfully treated with radiation therapy (no tumor shrinkage). Myeloma ultimately developed, with several other similar lesions in different locations. The patient was started on chemotherapy, had a bone marrow transplant and is now stable (progression free) on lenalidomide and dexamethasone. The presenting symptoms and panhypopituitarism persisted, requiring chronic replacement treatment with levothyroxine, hydrocortisone and testosterone. LEARNING POINTS: Plasmacytomas, although rare, are a possible type of sellar masses, which have a completely different treatment approach, so it is important to make the correct diagnosis.Usually, they present with neurological signs and symptoms and a well-preserved pituitary function, but our case shows that anterior pituitary function can be severely compromised.Making a more extensive evaluation (clinical and biochemical) might provide some clues to this diagnosis.

Monomorphous Plurihormonal Pituitary Adenoma of Pit-1 Lineage in a Giant Adolescent with Central Hyperthyroidism.

Thyrotropin (TSH)-secreting pituitary adenomas are exceedingly rare at the pediatric age and no cases of co-secretion with other pituitary hormones in these tumors have been described in this age range. We present a case of a monomorphous plurihormonal pituitary adenoma that co-secreted TSH and GH in a pediatric patient. A 13-year-old male presented with increasing height velocity (17.75 cm/year, 9.55SD), weight loss, and visual impairment. Initial biochemical evaluations revealed secondary hyperthyroidism. A giant pituitary tumor compressing the surrounding structures was detected by magnetic resonance, and a transsphenoidal surgery was initially performed. Pathological examinations revealed an atypical, monomorphous plurihormonal Pit-1 lineage tumor with mixed features of silent subtype 3 adenoma and acidophil stem cell adenoma. In the postoperative period, secondary hyperthyroidism recurred with high levels of both GH and IGF1. In addition, due to tumor re-growth, a multimodality treatment plan was undertaken including surgery, somatostatin analogs, and radiotherapy. We report the first pediatric case of a plurihormonal TSH- and GH-secreting pituitary adenoma, further expanding the clinical manifestations of pediatric pituitary tumors. Comprehensive pathological evaluation and close follow-up surveillance are crucial to the prompt delivery of the best therapeutic options in the context of this particularly aggressive pituitary tumor.

X-linked adrenal hypoplasia congenita: clinical and follow-up findings of two kindreds, one with a novel NR0B1 mutation.

X-linked adrenal hypoplasia congenita typically manifests as primary adrenal insufficiency in the newborn age and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in males, being caused by mutations in NR0B1 gene. We present the clinical and follow-up findings of two kindreds with NR0B1 mutations. The proband of kindred A had a diagnosis of primary adrenal insufficiency when he was a newborn. Family history was relevant for a maternal uncle death at the newborn age. Beyond 2 year-old steroid measurements rendered undetectable and delayed bone age was noticed. Molecular analysis of NR0B1 gene revealed a previously unreported mutation (c.1084A>T), leading to a premature stop codon, p.Lys362*, in exon 1. His mother and sister were asymptomatic carriers. At 14 year-old he had 3 mL of testicular volume and biochemical surveys (LH < 0.1 UI/L, total testosterone < 10 ng/dL) concordant with hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism. Kindred B had two males diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency at the newborn age. By 3 year-old both siblings had undetectable androgen levels and delayed bone age. NR0B1 molecular analysis identified a nonsense mutation in both cases, c.243C>G; p.Tyr81*, in exon 1. Their mother and sister were asymptomatic carriers. At 14 year-old (Tanner stage 1) hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis evaluation in both males (LH < 0.1UI/L, total testosterone < 10 ng/dL) confirmed hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. In conclusion, biochemical profiles, bone age and an X-linked inheritance led to suspicion of NR0B1 mutations. Two nonsense mutations were detected in both kindreds, one previously unreported (c.1084A>T; p.Lys362*). Mutation identification allowed the timely institution of testosterone in patients at puberty and an appropriate genetic counselling for relatives.

X-linked adrenal hypoplasia congenita: clinical and follow-up findings of two kindreds, one with a novel NR0B1 mutation

X-linked adrenal hypoplasia congenita typically manifests as primary adrenal insufficiency in the newborn age and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in males, being caused by mutations in NR0B1 gene. We present the clinical and follow-up findings of two kindreds with NR0B1 mutations. The proband of kindred A had a diagnosis of primary adrenal insufficiency when he was a newborn. Family history was relevant for a maternal uncle death at the newborn age. Beyond 2 year-old steroid measurements rendered undetectable and delayed bone age was noticed. Molecular analysis of NR0B1 gene revealed a previously unreported mutation (c.1084A>T), leading to a premature stop codon, p.Lys362*, in exon 1. His mother and sister were asymptomatic carriers. At 14 year-old he had 3 mL of testicular volume and biochemical surveys (LH < 0.1 UI/L, total testosterone < 10 ng/dL) concordant with hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism. Kindred B had two males diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency at the newborn age. By 3 year-old both siblings had undetectable androgen levels and delayed bone age. NR0B1 molecular analysis identified a nonsense mutation in both cases, c.243C>G; p.Tyr81*, in exon 1. Their mother and sister were asymptomatic carriers. At 14 year-old (Tanner stage 1) hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis evaluation in both males (LH < 0.1UI/L, total testosterone < 10 ng/dL) confirmed hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. In conclusion, biochemical profiles, bone age and an X-linked inheritance led to suspicion of NR0B1 mutations. Two nonsense mutations were detected in both kindreds, one previously unreported (c.1084A>T; p.Lys362*). Mutation identification allowed the timely institution of testosterone in patients at puberty and an appropriate genetic counselling for relatives.

IgG4-related Hashimoto's thyroiditis--a new variant of a well known disease.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) has been characterized for many years as a well-defined clinicopathologic entity, but is now considered a heterogeneous disease. IgG4-related HT is a new subtype characterized by thyroid inflammation rich in IgG4-positive plasma cells and marked fibrosis. It may be part of the systemic IgG4-related disease. We report a case of a 56-year-old Portuguese man who presented with a one-month history of progressive neck swelling and dysphagia. Laboratory testing revealed increased inflammatory parameters, subclinical hypothyroidism and very high levels of thyroid autoantibodies. Cervical ultrasound (US) demonstrated an enlarged and heterogeneous thyroid gland and two hypoechoic nodules. US-guided fine needle aspiration cytology was consistent with lymphocytic thyroiditis. The patient was submitted to total thyroidectomy and microscopic examination identified typical findings of HT, marked fibrosis limited within the thyroid capsule and lymphoplasmacytic infiltration, with >50 IgG4-positive plasma cells per high-power field and an IgG4/IgG ratio of >40%. After surgery, serum IgG4 concentration was high-normal. Symptoms relief and reduction in laboratory inflammatory parameters were noticed. Thyroid function is controlled with levothyroxine. To our knowledge we report the first case of IgG4-related HT in a non-Asian patient. We also perform a review of the literature regarding IgG4-related disease and IgG4-related HT. Our case highlights this new variant of the well known HT, and helps physicians in recognizing its main clinical features, allowing for proper diagnosis and treatment.

IgG4-related Hashimoto’s thyroiditis – A new variant of a well known disease / Tireoidite de Hashimoto associada a IgG4 – Uma nova variante de uma doença bem conhecida

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) has been characterized for many years as a well-defined clinicopathologic entity, but is now considered a heterogeneous disease. IgG4-related HT is a new subtype characterized by thyroid inflammation rich in IgG4-positive plasma cells and marked fibrosis. It may be part of the systemic IgG4-related disease. We report a case of a 56-year-old Portuguese man who presented with a one-month history of progressive neck swelling and dysphagia. Laboratory testing revealed increased inflammatory parameters, subclinical hypothyroidism and very high levels of thyroid autoantibodies. Cervical ultrasound (US) demonstrated an enlarged and heterogeneous thyroid gland and two hypoechoic nodules. US-guided fine needle aspiration cytology was consistent with lymphocytic thyroiditis. The patient was submitted to total thyroidectomy and microscopic examination identified typical findings of HT, marked fibrosis limited within the thyroid capsule and lymphoplasmacytic infiltration, with >50 IgG4-positive plasma cells per high-power field and an IgG4/IgG ratio of >40%. After surgery, serum IgG4 concentration was high-normal. Symptoms relief and reduction in laboratory inflammatory parameters were noticed. Thyroid function is controlled with levothyroxine. To our knowledge we report the first case of IgG4-related HT in a non-Asian patient. We also perform a review of the literature regarding IgG4-related disease and IgG4-related HT. Our case highlights this new variant of the well known HT, and helps physicians in recognizing its main clinical features, allowing for proper diagnosis and treatment.

A tireoidite de Hashimoto (TH) foi caracterizada durante muitos anos como uma entidade clinicopatológica bem definida, mas é atualmente considerada uma patologia heterogênea. A TH associada a IgG4 apresenta-se como um novo subtipo, sendo caracterizada por inflamação da tireoide com numerosos plasmócitos IgG4-positivos e fibrose extensa. É possível que pertença ao espectro da doença sistêmica associada a IgG4. Relatamos o caso de um homem português de 56 anos que se apresentou com aumento progressivo do volume cervical e disfagia, com um mês de evolução. A avaliação laboratorial revelou elevação dos parâmetros inflamatórios, hipotireoidismo subclínico e níveis muito elevados de autoanticorpos tireoidianos. Por ultrassonografia cervical demonstrou-se tireoide aumentada, heterogênea, com dois nódulos hipoecoicos. Foi realizada citologia aspirativa com agulha fina guiada por ultrassom, compatível com tireoidite linfocítica. O doente foi submetido à tireoidectomia total e o exame histológico revelou achados típicos de TH, extensa fibrose localizada dentro da cápsula tireoidiana e infiltrado linfoplasmocitário, com >50 plasmócitos IgG4-positivos por campo de grande ampliação e uma relação IgG4/IgG >40%. Após cirurgia, a concentração sérica de IgG4 encontrava-se no limite superior do normal. Ocorreu melhoria sintomática e redução dos parâmetros inflamatórios. A função tireoidiana foi controlada com levotiroxina. Relatamos o primeiro caso de TH associada a IgG4 num indivíduo não asiático. Além disso, realizamos uma revisão da literatura sobre doença associada a IgG4 e TH associada a IgG4. Este caso destaca uma nova variante da TH e permite aos médicos reconhecerem suas principais características clínicas, proporcionando diagnóstico e tratamento adequados.

Adrenocortical oncocytoma presenting as Cushing's syndrome: an additional report of a paediatric case.

Oncocytomas are tumours predominantly or exclusively composed of oncocytes, cells with granular and eosinophilic cytoplasm filled with mitochondria. Although they can occur in every organ, they are rare in adrenal glands, and in paediatric patients they are even rarer, with only three case reports previously published. We present a preschool child developing Cushing's syndrome due to an adrenocortical oncocytoma, which was confirmed immunohistochemically with antibodies to the mitochondrial electron complex 2. A 5.8-year-old girl presented with clinical features of Cushing's syndrome. ACTH-independent hypercortisolism was confirmed biochemically and a left adrenal mass was detected by imaging and removed by laparotomy. Histopathological analysis revealed a tumour composed of more than 95 % of oncocytes, confirmed immunohistochemically with antibodies to subunits A and B of the mitochondrial enzyme succinate dehydrogenase. Using the Lin-Weiss-Bisceglia score system and the reticulin algorithm, this tumour was categorized as a benign adrenocortical oncocytoma. The patient currently has 64 months of follow-up, without any evidence of relapse of symptoms. To our knowledge, we herein present the youngest patient developing an adrenocortical oncocytoma and the first manifestation of Cushing's syndrome due to this rare neoplasm in paediatric patients. We also emphasize the clinical usefulness of immunohistochemistry to the mitochondrial enzyme succinate dehydrogenase to confirm the oxyphilic nature of adrenocortical oncocytomas.

Malignant paraganglioma presenting with hemorrhagic stroke in a child.

Sympathetic paragangliomas are rare catecholamine-secreting tumors of extra-adrenal origin, and their diagnosis in children is even more infrequent. They usually manifest as hypertension, palpitations, headache, sweating, and pallor. Malignant paragangliomas are identified by the presence of metastasis. Hemorrhagic stroke in the pediatric population is a life-threatening condition with several etiologies. We report here the case of a 12-year-old boy with malignant sympathetic paraganglioma presenting with hemorrhagic stroke. Severe hypertension was found and the patient evolved into a coma. Brain computed tomography scan showed right thalamus hemorrhage with intraventricular extension. After clinical improvement, further investigation revealed elevated catecholamine and metanephrine levels, and 2 abdominal tumors were identified by computed tomography. Resection of both lesions was performed, and histologic findings were consistent with paraganglioma. Multiple metastatic involvement of bones and soft tissues appeared several years later. Genetic testing identified a mutation in succinate dehydrogenase subunit B gene, with paternal transmission. 131I-metaiodobenzylguanidine therapy was performed 3 times with no tumoral response. Our patient is alive, with adequate quality of life, 25 years after initial diagnosis. To our knowledge, this is the first pediatric case of paraganglioma presenting with hemorrhagic stroke. Intracerebral hemorrhage was probably caused by severe hypertension due to paraganglioma. Therefore, we expand the recognized clinical spectrum of the disease. Physicians evaluating children with hemorrhagic stroke, particularly if hypertension is a main symptom, should consider the possibility of catecholamine-secreting tumors. Metastatic disease is associated with succinate dehydrogenase subunit B mutations and, although some patients have poor prognosis, progression can be indolent.

Horner syndrome as a manifestation of thyroid carcinoma: a rare association.

An 82-year-old patient presented a progressively growing hard thyroid nodule, and left ptosis. Additionally, ophthalmologic evaluation revealed ipsilateral miosis, diagnostic findings of Horner syndrome. Computerized tomography revealed a 7.5-cm thyroid mass infiltrating the main neck vessels. Although clinical and imaging data were suggestive of poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma, fine-needle aspiration led to the diagnosis of papillary carcinoma. Paliative care was proposed to the patient due to the advanced stage of the neoplasm and to significant comorbidities. Horner syndrome is an infrequent manifestation of thyroid disorders and benign etiologies are more often implied. Malignant thyroid neoplasms represent a rare cause of Horner syndrome. However, an appropriate and prompt diagnosis is paramount for timely treatment of rare thyroid malignancies.

Horner syndrome as a manifestation of thyroid carcinoma: a rare association / Síndrome de Horner como manifestação clínica de carcinoma da tireoide: uma associação rara

An 82-year-old patient presented a progressively growing hard thyroid nodule, and left ptosis. Additionally, ophthalmologic evaluation revealed ipsilateral miosis, diagnostic findings of Horner syndrome. Computerized tomography revealed a 7.5-cm thyroid mass infiltrating the main neck vessels. Although clinical and imaging data were suggestive of poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma, fine-needle aspiration led to the diagnosis of papillary carcinoma. Paliative care was proposed to the patient due to the advanced stage of the neoplasm and to significant comorbidities. Horner syndrome is an infrequent manifestation of thyroid disorders and benign etiologies are more often implied. Malignant thyroid neoplasms represent a rare cause of Horner syndrome. However, an appropriate and prompt diagnosis is paramount for timely treatment of rare thyroid malignancies.

Paciente de 82 anos apresentando-se com nódulo tireoidiano de crescimento progressivo e ptose palpebral esquerda. O exame oftalmológico revelou ainda miose ipsilateral e achados diagnósticos de síndrome de Horner. A tomografia computadorizada mostrou massa tireoidiana de 7,5 cm infiltrando os grandes vasos do pescoço. Apesar dos dados clínicos e imagiológicos sugestivos de um carcinoma pouco diferenciado da tireoide, a citologia aspirativa foi diagnóstica de carcinoma papilar. Em função do estádio avançado da neoplasia e das comorbilidades significativas, foi proposta para terapêutica paliativa. A síndrome de Horner é uma manifestação clínica infrequente em tumores tireoidianos, estando as condições benignas maioritariamente implicadas. As neoplasias malignas da tireoide representam uma causa rara de síndrome de Horner. Contudo, um diagnóstico adequado e expedito é fundamental para o tratamento atempado nos raros casos de malignidade da tireoide.

Thyroid tuberculosis with abnormal thyroid function--case report and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: To report an extremely rare case of thyroid tuberculosis (TT) with abnormal thyroid function and to review the related literature. METHODS: We present the patient's history, clinical findings, laboratory test results, imaging examinations, cytological data, management, and follow-up. In addition, we perform a review of the previously published cases of TT and give special attention to those with hypothyroidism. RESULTS: A 45-year-old Indian man presented to the outpatient clinic with neck swelling and respiratory and constitutional symptoms. Cervical ultrasound revealed a thyroid nodule and a necrotic right cervical adenopathy. Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) was performed and purulent material was removed from thyroid and lymph node. In both specimens, the culture was positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, and a cytological examination revealed epithelioid cell granulomas and necrosis. Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex was also identified by sputum culture. Antibiotic testing revealed sensitivity to all first-line drugs. A diagnosis of disseminated tuberculosis with thyroid and cervical lymph node involvement was made. Thyroid function was consistent with subclinical hyperthyroidism that subsequently evolved to hypothyroidism, requiring thyroid hormone replacement, and reflected tuberculous thyroiditis. Anti-tuberculosis drugs were started with good therapeutic response. CONCLUSION: TT is a rare condition and its association with thyroid function abnormalities is even rarer. To our knowledge this is the third report of hypothyroidism related to TT and the first to identify a period of hyperthyroidism preceding hypothyroidism. Despite its rarity, TT should be considered in the differential diagnosis of neck mass. FNAC is a useful procedure and thyroid function should be monitored.

[Thyroid adenolipoma]. / Adenolipoma da tiróide.

Thyroid adenolipomas or thyrolipomas are rare benign neoplasms composed of mature adipose tissue and glandular elements. The most common clinical manifestation is a slowly enlarging neck mass. If thyroid fine-needle aspiration biopsy discloses a mixed population of adipocytes and follicular cells, the possibility of an adenolipoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis. Complete surgical excision is curative and the prognosis is favorable. We report a case of a 61 year-old female, with a recent diagnosis of multinodular goitre. The diagnosis of adenolipoma was only possible after surgery, performed because of a suspicious fine-needle aspiration biopsy. We also briefly discuss the pathogenesis, clinic and diagnosis of this entity.

A randomized double-blind study comparing the efficacy and safety of orlistat versus placebo in obese patients with mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is a chronic disease and a serious health problem that leads to increased prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia and gallbladder disease. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of orlistat for weight loss and improved lipid profile compared to placebo in obese patients with hypercholesterolemia, treated over a period of 6 months. METHODOLOGY: In a 6-month, multicenter (10 centers in Portugal), double-blind, parallel, placebo-controlled study, 166 patients, aged 18-65 years, body mass index (BMI) > or = 27 kg/m2, LDL cholesterol > 155 mg/dl, were randomized to a reduced calorie diet (600 kcal/day deficit) plus orlistat three times a day or placebo. Exclusion criteria included triglycerides > 400 mg/dl, severe cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled hypertension, type 1 or 2 diabetes under pharmacological treatment, and gastrointestinal or pancreatic disease. RESULTS: The mean difference in weight from baseline was 5.9% (5.6 kg) in the orlistat group vs. 2.3% (2.2 kg) in the placebo group. In the orlistat group 49% of patients achieved 5-10% weight loss and 8.8% achieved > 10%. The orlistat group showed a significant reduction in total and LDL cholesterol, with similar changes for HDL in both treatment groups. The frequency of gastrointestinal adverse events was slightly higher in the orlistat group than in the placebo group, leading to discontinuation in 7 patients. CONCLUSION: Treatment with orlistat plus a reduced calorie diet for 6 months achieved significant reductions in weight, BMI and lipid parameters.