Hypercalcemia and acute renal insufficiency following use of a veterinary supplement / Hipercalcemia e insuficiência renal aguda após uso de suplemento veterinário

Abstract A previously healthy 24 yo male presented with a two-month history of epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and malaise. He reported abuse of different substances, including an injectable veterinary vitamin compound, which contains high doses of vitamin A, D and E, and an oily vehicle that induces local edema and enhances muscle volume. Serum creatinine was 3.1 mg/dL, alanine transaminase 160 mg/dL, aspartate transaminase 11 mg/dL, total testosterone 23 ng/dL, 25-OH-vitamin D >150 ng/mL (toxicity >100), 1,25-OH-vitamin D 80 pg/mL, vitamin A 0.7 mg/dL, parathormone <3 pg/mL, total calcium 13.6 mg/dL, 24-hour urinary calcium 635 mg/24h (RV 42-353). A urinary tract ultrasound demonstrated signs of parenchymal nephropathy. The diagnosis was hypercalcemia and acute renal failure secondary to vitamin D intoxication. He was initially treated with intravenous hydration, furosemide and prednisone. On the fifth day of hospitalization a dose of pamidronate disodium was added. The patient evolved with serum calcium and renal function normalization. Thirty days later he presented normal clinical and laboratory tests, except 25-OH-vitamin D that was persistently increased (107 ng/mL), as it may take several months to normalize. This case report is a warning of the risks related to the use of veterinary substances for aesthetics purposes.

Resumo Um paciente de 24 anos do sexo masculino, previamente hígido, apresentou-se com uma história de dois meses de dor epigástrica, náuseas, vômitos, fadiga e mal-estar. Ele relatava abuso de diferentes substâncias, incluindo um composto vitamínico veterinário injetável contendo altas doses de vitamina A, D e E, e um veículo oleoso que induz edema local com aumento de volume muscular. A creatinina sérica estava 3,1 mg/dL, alanina transaminase 160 mg/dL, aspartato transaminase 11 mg/dL, testosterona total 23 ng/dL, 25-OH-vitamina D > 150 ng/mL (toxicidade > 100), 1,25-OH-vitamina D 80 pg/mL, vitamina A 0,7 mg/dL, paratormônio < 3 pg/mL, cálcio total 13,6 mg/dL, cálcio urinário de 24h 635 mg/24h (VR 42-353). Uma ultrassonografia do trato urinário demonstrou sinais de nefropatia parenquimatosa. O diagnóstico foi hipercalcemia e insuficiência renal aguda secundária a intoxicação por vitamina D. Ele foi tratado inicialmente com hidratação intravenosa, furosemida e prednisona. No quinto dia de hospitalização uma dose de pamidronato dissódico foi adicionada. O paciente evoluiu com normalização do cálcio sérico e da função renal. Trinta dias depois ele apresentou testes clínicos e laboratoriais normais, exceto a 25-OH-vitamina D que estava persistentemente elevada (107 ng/mL), já que ela pode demorar vários meses para normalizar. Este relato de caso é um alerta aos riscos relacionados ao uso de substâncias veterinárias para fins estéticos.

Prognostic significance of insulin-like growth factor-I serum levels in acute decompensation of cirrhosis.

CONTEXT: IGF-I serum levels are suppressed in cirrhosis, but its prognostic significance is unknown. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prognostic value of IGF-I in patients admitted for acute decompensation of cirrhosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cohort study that included 103 patients. IGF-I was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Ninety-day mortality was 26.2% and it was independently associated with MELD, age and IGF-I. The Kaplan-Meier survival probability at 90 days was 94.3% in patients with IGF-I ≥13 ng/mL and 63.2% for patients with IGF-I <13 ng/mL (p = .001). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: IGF-I levels are independently associated with mortality in acute decompensation of cirrhosis.

Hypercalcemia and acute renal insufficiency following use of a veterinary supplement.

A previously healthy 24 yo male presented with a two-month history of epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and malaise. He reported abuse of different substances, including an injectable veterinary vitamin compound, which contains high doses of vitamin A, D and E, and an oily vehicle that induces local edema and enhances muscle volume. Serum creatinine was 3.1 mg/dL, alanine transaminase 160 mg/dL, aspartate transaminase 11 mg/dL, total testosterone 23 ng/dL, 25-OH-vitamin D >150 ng/mL (toxicity >100), 1,25-OH-vitamin D 80 pg/mL, vitamin A 0.7 mg/dL, parathormone <3 pg/mL, total calcium 13.6 mg/dL, 24-hour urinary calcium 635 mg/24h (RV 42-353). A urinary tract ultrasound demonstrated signs of parenchymal nephropathy. The diagnosis was hypercalcemia and acute renal failure secondary to vitamin D intoxication. He was initially treated with intravenous hydration, furosemide and prednisone. On the fifth day of hospitalization a dose of pamidronate disodium was added. The patient evolved with serum calcium and renal function normalization. Thirty days later he presented normal clinical and laboratory tests, except 25-OH-vitamin D that was persistently increased (107 ng/mL), as it may take several months to normalize. This case report is a warning of the risks related to the use of veterinary substances for aesthetics purposes.

Circulating insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 as prognostic biomarker in liver cirrhosis.

AIM: To investigate the prognostic significance of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) in patients with cirrhosis. METHODS: Prospective study that included two cohorts: outpatients with stable cirrhosis (n = 138) and patients hospitalized for acute decompensation (n = 189). Development of complications, mortality or liver transplantation was assessed by periodical phone calls and during outpatient visits. The cohort of stable cirrhosis also underwent clinical and laboratory evaluation yearly (2013 and 2014) in predefined study visits. In patients with stable cirrhosis, IGFBP-3 levels were measured at baseline (2012) and at second re-evaluation (2014). In hospitalized subjects, IGFBP-3 levels were measured in serum samples collected in the first and in the third day after admission and stored at -80 °C. IGFBP-3 levels were measured by immunochemiluminescence. RESULTS: IGFBP-3 levels were lower in hospitalized patients as compared to outpatients (0.94 mcg/mL vs 1.69 mcg/mL, P < 0.001) and increased after liver transplantation (3.81 mcg/mL vs 1.33 mcg/mL, P = 0.008). During the follow-up of the stable cohort, 17 patients died and 11 received liver transplantation. Bivariate analysis showed that death or transplant was associated with lower IGFBP-3 levels (1.44 mcg/mL vs 1.74 mcg/mL, P = 0.027). The Kaplan-Meier transplant-free survival probability was 88.6% in patients with IGFBP-3 ≥ 1.67 mcg/mL and 72.1% for those with IGFBP3 < 1.67 mcg/mL (P = 0.015). In the hospitalized cohort, 30-d mortality was 24.3% and was independently associated with creatinine, INR, SpO2/FiO2 ratio and IGFBP-3 levels in the logistic regression. The 90-d transplant-free survival probability was 80.4% in patients with IGFBP-3 ≥ 0.86 mcg/mL and 56.1% for those with IGFBP3 < 0.86 mcg/mL (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Lower IGFBP-3 levels were associated with worse outcomes in patients with cirrhosis, and might represent a promising prognostic tool that can be incorporated in clinical practice.

Clinical and laboratory characteristics of patients with thyroid diseases with and without alanine aminotransferase levels above the upper tertile – Cross-sectional analytical study

Objective Thyroid disease affects 6.6% of the general population. The liver is fundamental in metabolizing thyroid hormones, and hepatocytes are often affected in thyroid disease. We aimed to compare clinical and laboratory parameters among thyroid disease patients with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels above vs. below the upper tertile. Subjects and methods A retrospective cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in the endocrinology clinic at Polydoro Ernani de São Thiago University Hospital. Patients with thyroid disease between August 2012 and January 2014 were included in the study. Clinical and laboratory parameters were collected from medical records. Results One hundred patients were included, of which 14.0% were male, with a mean age of 49.1 ± 14.4 years. ALT levels ranged from 9 to 90 U/L, and the ALT upper tertile was defined as 0,64 times the upper normal limit (xUNL). Patients with ALT levels above the upper tertile exhibited a higher proportion of systemic arterial hypertension (SAH), a higher mean abdominal circumference and a higher frequency of elevated TSH levels than did patients with ALT levels below the upper tertile. In multivariate analysis, ALT ≥ 0.64 (xUNL) was independently associated with abdominal circumference (odds ratio [OR] = 0.087, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0012-0167, P = 0.022). ALT (xUNL) correlated positively with total cholesterol (r = 0.213, P = 0.042). Conclusions In patients with thyroid diseases, it was observed that those with ALT above the upper tertile are associated with abdominal circumference and ALT levels correlate with total cholesterol.

Clinical and laboratory characteristics of patients with thyroid diseases with and without alanine aminotransferase levels above the upper tertile - Cross-sectional analytical study.

Objective Thyroid disease affects 6.6% of the general population. The liver is fundamental in metabolizing thyroid hormones, and hepatocytes are often affected in thyroid disease. We aimed to compare clinical and laboratory parameters among thyroid disease patients with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels above vs. below the upper tertile. Subjects and methods A retrospective cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in the endocrinology clinic at Polydoro Ernani de São Thiago University Hospital. Patients with thyroid disease between August 2012 and January 2014 were included in the study. Clinical and laboratory parameters were collected from medical records. Results One hundred patients were included, of which 14.0% were male, with a mean age of 49.1 ± 14.4 years. ALT levels ranged from 9 to 90 U/L, and the ALT upper tertile was defined as 0,64 times the upper normal limit (xUNL). Patients with ALT levels above the upper tertile exhibited a higher proportion of systemic arterial hypertension (SAH), a higher mean abdominal circumference and a higher frequency of elevated TSH levels than did patients with ALT levels below the upper tertile. In multivariate analysis, ALT ≥ 0.64 (xUNL) was independently associated with abdominal circumference (odds ratio [OR] = 0.087, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0012-0167, P = 0.022). ALT (xUNL) correlated positively with total cholesterol (r = 0.213, P = 0.042). Conclusions In patients with thyroid diseases, it was observed that those with ALT above the upper tertile are associated with abdominal circumference and ALT levels correlate with total cholesterol.

Escores de neuropatia periférica em diabéticos / Peripheral neuropathy scores in diabetic

OBJETIVO: Diabetes mellitus é uma doença crônica prevalente, associada a inúmeras complicações. A neuropatia periférica diabética é a mais comum, acometendo 50% dos diabéticos, mas muitas vezes não é diagnosticada. Por cursar com insensibilidade distal e alterações arquiteturais dos pés, predispõe a úlceras, podendo culminar no pé diabético com risco de amputação. O diabetes mellitus é responsável por 70% das amputações de membros, que poderiam ser prevenidas com o diagnóstico precoce da neuropatia periférica diabética. Sugere-se avaliar o grau de neuropatia em diabéticos por meio de escores, visando homogeneizar o diagnóstico, quantificar a prevalência e promover medidas preventivas. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se entrevista, exame físico e coleta de dados de diabéticos atendidos ambulatorialmente, para pontuação e qualificação no Escore de Sintomas Neuropáticos e no Escore de Comprometimento Neuropático, validados na língua portuguesa para avaliar neuropatia periférica diabética, além de análise das características clínicas e epidemiológicas associadas. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 116 pacientes, constatando-se neuropatia periférica diabética em 31,9%. Houve correlação significativa de neuropatia periférica diabética coma idade dos pacientes, mas não com as demais variáveis clínicas e laboratoriais. Os pacientes avaliados apresentaram médias de idade de 55±15 anos e tempo de diabetes de 14,8±10,9 anos, sendo predominantemente caucasianos, mulheres e portadores de diabetes mellitus tipo 2. Eram hipertensos 67,2% e 42,2%, obesos. CONCLUSÃO: A prevalência encontrada corrobora a literatura, embora poucos estudos tenham utilizado critérios similares para diagnosticar neuropatia periférica diabética. Empregando os escores padronizados, de baixo custo e fácil aplicação possibilitamos o diagnóstico precoce e embasado dessa entidade, sendo possível, com isso, reduzir a prevalência de graves complicações do pé diabético e disseminar informações a respeito.

OBJECTIVE: Diabetes mellitus is a prevalent chronic disease, associated with numerous complications. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is the most common, affecting 50% of diabetics, although is often not diagnosed. Presenting with distal numbness and architectural alterations of the feet, it predisposes ulcers and may culminate in diabetic foot at risk for amputation. Diabetes mellitus is responsible for 70% of limb amputations, which could be prevented with early diagnosis of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. This study aims to evaluate the degree of neuropathy in diabetics through validated scores, in order to standardize the diagnosis, quantify the prevalence and promote preventive actions. METHODS: We performed an interview, physical examination and data collection of diabetic outpatients, for rating in the Neuropathy Symptom Score and the Neuropathy Disability Score, validated in Portuguese, to assess diabetic peripheral neuropathy, in addition to analysis of clinical and epidemiological associated characteristics. RESULTS: We included 116 patients and diabetic peripheral neuropathy was found in 31.9%. There was significant correlation diabetic peripheral neuropathy with age, but not with other clinical and laboratory variables. The mean age was 55±15 years, diabetes duration was 14.8±10.9 years and patients were predominantly Caucasian, women and had type 2 diabetes mellitus. Of the patients, 67.2 % were hypertensive and 42.2% obese. CONCLUSION: The prevalence found is supported by previous data, although few studies have used similar criteria to diagnose diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Employing the standard scores, of low cost and easy implementation, we enable early and accurate diagnosis of this condition, allowing to reduce the prevalence of severe diabetic foot complications and spread information about it.

Helicobacter pylori eradication in functional dyspepsia: HEROES trial.

BACKGROUND: Eradication of Helicobacter pylori in patients with functional dyspepsia continues to be a matter of debate. We studied eradication effects on symptoms and quality of life of primary care patients. METHODS: Helicobacter pylori -positive adult patients with functional dyspepsia meeting the Rome III International Consensus criteria were randomly assigned to receive omeprazole, amoxicillin trihydrate, and clarithromycin, or omeprazole plus placebo for 10 days. Endoscopy and H pylori tests were performed at screening and at 12 months. Outcome measures were at least 50% symptomatic improvement at 12 months using a validated disease-specific questionnaire (primary end point), patient global assessment of symptoms, and quality of life. RESULTS: We randomly assigned 404 patients (78.7% were women; mean age, 46.1 years); 201 were assigned to be treated with antibiotics (antibiotics group) and 203 to a control group. A total of 389 patients (96.3%) completed the study. The proportion of patients who achieved the primary outcome was 49.0% (94 of 192) in the antibiotics group and 36.5% (72 of 197) in the control group (P = .01; number needed to treat, 8). In the patient global assessment of symptoms, 78.1% in the antibiotics group (157 of 201) answered that they were better symptomatically, and 67.5% in the control group (137 of 203) said that they were better (P = .02). The antibiotics group had a significantly larger increase in their mean (SD) Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey physical component summary scores than the control group did (4.15 [8.5] vs 2.2 [8.1]; P = .02). CONCLUSION: Helicobacter pylori eradication provided significant benefits to primary care patients with functional dyspepsia. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00404534.