The Incidence and Determinants of Metabolic Syndrome Amongst a Group of Migrants to Qatar: A Prospective Longitudinal Observational Cohort Study 24-Months Post-Migration.

While there is some evidence that migration to Western countries increases metabolic syndrome (MetS) risk, there is a lack of data pertaining to migration to the Middle East. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between migration and MetS incidence following 24-months of residency in Qatar and identify possible MetS determinants. Migrants to Qatar employed at Hamad Medical Corporation (the national health service) aged 18-65 years were invited to participate. Baseline and follow-up screening for MetS included HbA1c, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, blood pressure, and waist circumference. MetS-free migrants were rescreened 24-months post-migration, and the World Health Organization STEPwise questionnaire was administered, assessing changes in lifestyle from baseline. Of 1095 migrants contacted, 472 consented to participate, 205 of whom had normal metabolic parameters at baseline; 160 completed follow-up screening. Most participants were males (74.6%, n = 153) and Asian (81.0%, n = 166/205), and two thirds (66.3%, n = 136/205) were nurses. The incidence of new-onset MetS was 17.0% (n = 27/160, 95%CI; 11.0-23.0%), with 81.0% (n = 129/160, 95%CI; 73.8-86.0%) having at least one MetS element 24-months post-residency in Qatar. Male gender was a risk factor for MetS (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 3, p = 0.116), as was consuming medication that could induce MetS (AOR = 6.3, p < 0.001). There is merit in further research targeting these groups.

A systematic review of pharmacist input to metabolic syndrome screening, management and prevention.

Background Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of factors that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and include: diabetes and prediabetes, abdominal obesity, elevated triglycerides, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high blood-pressure. However, the role of the pharmacist in the metabolic syndrome has not yet been fully explored. Aim of the review This systematic review aimed to critically appraise, synthesise, and present the available evidence on pharmacists' input to the screening, prevention and management of metabolic syndrome. Method The final protocol was based on the "Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P)". Studies published in English from January 2008 to March 2020 reporting any pharmacist activities in the screening, prevention or management of metabolic syndrome were included. Databases searched were Medline, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, Cochrane and Google Scholar. Studies were assessed for quality by two researchers, data extracted and findings synthesised using a narrative approach. Results Of the 39,430 titles reviewed, ten studies were included (four were randomised controlled trials). Most studies focused on pharmacist input to metabolic syndrome screening and management. Screening largely involved communicating metabolic parameters to physicians. Management of metabolic syndrome described pharmacists collaborating with members of the multidisciplinary team. A positive impact was reported in all studies, including achieving metabolic syndrome parameter goals, reverting to a non-metabolic syndrome status and, improved medication adherence. The populations studied were paediatrics with risk factors, adults with comorbidities and psychiatric patients. Integration of the pharmacist within the multidisciplinary team, an easy referral process and accessibility of service were potential facilitators. Inadequate funding was the key barrier. Conclusion The studies describing pharmacist input in metabolic syndrome provide limited evidence of positive outcomes from screening and management as part of collaborative practice. Further work is required to provide more robust evidence of effectiveness and cost-effectiveness while considering key barriers.

Assessment of Dapagliflozin Effectiveness as Add-on Therapy for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in a Qatari Population.

The effectiveness of dapagliflozin in the management of type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2-DM) is an essential issue for establishing a basis for prescribing dapagliflozin. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of dapagliflozin in combination with other hypoglycemic agents (OHAs) in reducing glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting blood glucose (FBG) at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. This retrospective observational study included all patients who visited the endocrine clinics at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and were treated with dapagliflozin. Demographics and laboratory data were obtained retrospectively from computerized patient medical profiles (eMR-viewer). The main outcome measures were the differences in HbA1c and FBG from baseline at different months. Eighty-one Qatari patients were found to have received dapagliflozin during the study period; 72% of them (n = 58) were males, with a mean age of 57.0 ± 9.0 years and a mean baseline HbA1c of 9.0 ± 1.4%. Administration of dapagliflozin as an add-on therapy was found to decrease HbA1c significantly by 0.8 percentage point after 6 months (P = 0.006) and by 1.5 percentage point after 12 months (P = 0.062). FBG was significantly reduced at 6 months and 9 months (P = 0.001 and P = 0.03, respectively). Dapagliflozin effectively reduced the HbA1c level and FBG when used in combination with other OHAs or insulin within 6 to 12 months.