A Prospective 1-Year Follow-Up of Glycemic Status and C-Peptide Levels of COVID-19 Survivors with Dysglycemia in Acute COVID-19 Infection.

Background: We evaluated changes in glycemic status, over 1 year, of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) survivors with dysglycemia in acute COVID-19. Methods: COVID-19 survivors who had dysglycemia (defined by glycosylated hemoglobin [HbA1c] 5.7% to 6.4% or random glucose ≥10.0 mmol/L) in acute COVID-19 were recruited from a major COVID-19 treatment center from September to October 2020. Matched non-COVID controls were recruited from community. The 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were performed at baseline (6 weeks after acute COVID-19) and 1 year after acute COVID-19, with HbA1c, insulin and C-peptide measurements. Progression in glycemic status was defined by progression from normoglycemia to prediabetes/diabetes, or prediabetes to diabetes. Results: Fifty-two COVID-19 survivors were recruited. Compared with non-COVID controls, they had higher C-peptide (P< 0.001) and trend towards higher homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (P=0.065). Forty-three COVID-19 survivors attended 1-year reassessment. HbA1c increased from 5.5%±0.3% to 5.7%±0.2% (P<0.001), with increases in glucose on OGTT at fasting (P=0.089), 30-minute (P=0.126), 1-hour (P=0.014), and 2-hour (P=0.165). At baseline, 19 subjects had normoglycemia, 23 had prediabetes, and one had diabetes. Over 1 year, 10 subjects (23.8%; of 42 non-diabetes subjects at baseline) had progression in glycemic status. C-peptide levels remained unchanged (P=0.835). Matsuda index decreased (P=0.007) and there was a trend of body mass index increase from 24.4±2.7 kg/m2 to 25.6±5.2 (P=0.083). Subjects with progression in glycemic status had more severe COVID-19 illness than non-progressors (P=0.030). Reassessment was not performed in the control group. Conclusion: Subjects who had dysglycemia in acute COVID-19 were characterized by insulin resistance. Over 1 year, a quarter had progression in glycemic status, especially those with more severe COVID-19. Importantly, there was no significant deterioration in insulin secretory capacity.

Serum thrombospondin-2 level changes with liver stiffness improvement in patients with type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: Baseline circulating thrombospondin-2 (TSP2) level was identified as a potential novel hepatic fibrosis biomarker that associates with development and progression of hepatic fibrosis in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes. Here, we investigated whether circulating TSP2 levels changed with improvement in liver stiffness (LS), which reflects liver fibrosis on transient elastography. DESIGN: Serum TSP2 levels were measured in participants from a randomized, open-label intervention study, at baseline and after 24-weeks treatment of either dapagliflozin 10 mg (N = 30) or sitagliptin 100 mg daily (N = 30). Vibration-controlled transient elastography was performed to evaluate the severity of hepatic fibrosis and steatosis using LS and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP), respectively. PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENTS: Among all 60 participants with similar clinical characteristics at baseline (mean HbA1c 8.9%, CAP 289 dB/m and LS 5.8 kPa), despite similar HbA1c lowering, treatment with dapagliflozin, but not sitagliptin, led to significant improvements in body weight (BW) (p = .012), CAP (p = .015) and LS (p = .011) after 24 weeks. RESULTS: Serum TSP2 level decreased significantly from baseline in dapagliflozin-treated participants (p = .035), whereas no significant change was observed with sitagliptin. In correlation analysis, change in serum TSP2 levels only positively correlated with change in LS (r = .487, p = .006), but not with changes in BW, CAP or HbA1c after dapagliflozin treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Serum TSP2 level decreased with LS after dapagliflozin treatment, and was independent of improvements in BW, glycemic control and hepatic steatosis, further supporting the potential of serum TSP2 level as a novel hepatic fibrosis biomarker in type 2 diabetes.

Clinical characteristics, densitometric parameters and outcomes of patients with atypical femoral fractures related to bisphosphonate treatment for osteoporosis.

PURPOSE: We described the clinical and densitometric characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients who developed atypical femoral fractures (AFF) while on bisphosphonate for osteoporosis. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study including all adults aged ≥50 years who developed AFF while on bisphosphonates between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2020, and subsequently managed in the Osteoporosis Centre at Queen Mary Hospital in Hong Kong. A control group of patients who developed fragility hip fractures while on bisphosphonates in the same period was included for comparison. We compared the clinical and densitometric characteristics between the two groups, and described the clinical outcomes for the AFF group. RESULTS: In total, 75 patients were included (AFF: n = 35; fragility hip fracture: n = 40). All were related to oral bisphosphonates. The AFF group was characterised by a longer duration of bisphosphonate use (median of 5 years), higher bone mineral density (BMD) and more acute neck-shaft angle (all p < 0.05). Following AFF, 8 patients (22.9%) did not receive any subsequent bone-active agents: due to refusal to use an injectable, or BMD out of osteoporotic range. Most of those who received bone-active agents were given teriparatide, followed by raloxifene, and achieved stable BMD. However, subsequent fragility risk remained high. Nonetheless, AFF did not confer excess morbidity and mortality. CONCLUSION: AFF was characterised by usually long duration of bisphosphonate use, higher BMD and more acute neck-shaft angle. AFF did not confer significant impairment in mobility or mortality. Nonetheless, further research work is necessary to optimise bone health among patients who develop AFF.

Oral emergency contraception with levonorgestrel plus piroxicam: a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Levonorgestrel, a standard drug for emergency contraception (EC), is not effective if administered post-ovulation. A cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor could contribute synergistic effects. We investigated whether a single 40 mg oral dose of piroxicam as co-treatment with levonorgestrel improved emergency contraceptive efficacy. METHODS: This was a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial carried out in a major community sexual and reproductive health service in Hong Kong. Women who required levonorgestrel EC within 72 h of unprotected sexual intercourse were recruited and block-randomised in a 1:1 ratio to receive a single supervised dose of levonorgestrel 1·5 mg plus either piroxicam 40 mg or placebo orally. Group assignment was concealed in opaque envelopes and masked to the women, clinicians, and investigators. At follow-up 1-2 weeks after the next expected period, the pregnancy status was noted by history or pregnancy test. The primary efficacy outcome was the proportion of pregnancies prevented out of those expected based on an established model. All women randomised to receive the study drug and who completed the follow-up were analysed. The trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03614494. FINDINGS: 860 women (430 in each group) were recruited between Aug 20, 2018, and Aug 30, 2022. One (0·2%) of 418 efficacy-eligible women in the piroxicam group were pregnant, compared with seven (1·7%) of 418 in the placebo group (odds ratio 0·20 [95% CI 0·02-0·91]; p=0·036). Levonorgestrel plus piroxicam prevented 94·7% of expected pregnancies compared with 63·4% for levonorgestrel plus placebo. We noted no significant difference between the two groups in the proportion of women with advancement or delay of their next period, or in the adverse event profile. INTERPRETATION: Oral piroxicam 40 mg co-administered with levonorgestrel improved efficacy of EC in our study. Piroxicam co-administration could be considered clinically where levonorgestrel EC is the option of choice. FUNDING: None.

A prospective follow-up of thyroid volume and thyroiditis features on ultrasonography among survivors of predominantly mild to moderate COVID-19.

Background: We previously showed that higher SARS-CoV-2 viral load correlated with smaller thyroid volumes among COVID-19 survivors at 2 months after acute COVID-19. Our current follow-up study evaluated the evolution of thyroid volumes and thyroiditis features within the same group of patients 6 months later. Methods: Adult COVID-19 survivors who underwent thyroid ultrasonography 2 months after infection (USG1) were recruited for follow-up USG 6 months later (USG2). The primary outcome was the change in thyroid volume. We also reassessed thyroiditis features on USG, thyroid function and anti-thyroid antibodies. Results: Fifty-four patients were recruited (mean age 48.1 years; 63% men). The mean thyroid volume increased from USG1 to USG2 (11.9 ± 4.8 to 14.5 ± 6.2 mL, p < 0.001). Thirty-two patients (59.3%) had significant increase in thyroid volume by ≥15%, and they had a median increase of +33.3% (IQR: +20.0% to +45.0%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that only higher baseline SARS-CoV-2 viral load independently correlated with significant thyroid volume increase on USG2 (p = 0.022). Among the seven patients with thyroiditis features on USG1, six (85.7%) had the features resolved on USG2. None had new thyroiditis features on USG2. All abnormal thyroid function during acute COVID-19 resolved upon USG1 and USG2. Conclusion: Most COVID-19 survivors had an increase in thyroid volume from early convalescent phase to later convalescent phase. This increase correlated with high initial SARS-CoV-2 viral load. Together with the resolution of thyroiditis features, these may suggest a transient direct atrophic effect of SARS-CoV-2 on the thyroid gland with subsequent recovery of thyroid volume and thyroiditis features.

Circulating AFABP, FGF21, and PEDF Levels as Prognostic Biomarkers of Sight-threatening Diabetic Retinopathy.

CONTEXT: Adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (AFABP), fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), and pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) are 3 diabetes-related biomarkers whose circulating levels had been shown to associate with nephropathy progression in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes. OBJECTIVE: Here, we evaluated and compared their prospective associations with the development of sight-threatening DR (STDR), another important diabetic microvascular complication. METHODS: Baseline serum AFABP, PEDF, and FGF21 levels were measured in 4760 Chinese individuals with type 2 diabetes and without STDR at baseline. The associations of these biomarkers with incident STDR were analyzed using Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: Among these 4760 participants (mean diabetes duration of 11 years and ≥ 50% with nonproliferative DR at baseline), 172 participants developed STDR over a median follow-up of 8.8 years. Participants with incident STDR had comparable baseline serum FGF21 levels but significantly higher baseline serum AFABP and PEDF levels (both P < .001) than those without. However, in multivariable Cox regression analysis, only serum AFABP remained independently associated with incident STDR (hazard ratio 1.28; 95% CI, 1.05-1.55; P = .013). The addition of serum AFABP to a clinical model of conventional STDR risk factors including diabetes duration, glycemic control, albuminuria, and baseline DR status significantly improved the c statistics (P < .001), net reclassification index (P = .0027), and integrated discrimination index (P = .033) in predicting incident STDR among participants without DR or with mild DR at baseline. CONCLUSION: Among the 3 diabetes-related biomarkers, serum AFABP level appeared to be a more clinically useful biomarker for predicting incident STDR in type 2 diabetes.

Circulating thrombospondin-2 level for identifying individuals with rapidly declining kidney function trajectory in type 2 diabetes: a prospective study of the Hong Kong West Diabetes Registry.

BACKGROUND: Thrombospondin-2 (TSP2) is a matricellular protein with tissue expression induced by hyperglycaemia. TSP2 has been implicated in non-diabetic renal injury in preclinical studies and high circulating levels were associated with worse kidney function in cross-sectional clinical studies. Therefore, we investigated the prospective associations of circulating TSP2 level with kidney function decline and the trajectories of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Baseline serum TSP2 level was measured in 5471 patients with type 2 diabetes to evaluate its association with incident eGFR decline, defined as ≥ 40% sustained eGFR decline, using multivariable Cox regression analysis. Among participants with relatively preserved kidney function (Baseline eGFR ≥ 60 ml/min/1.73m2), joint latent class modelling was employed to identify three different eGFR trajectories. Their associations with baseline serum TSP2 was evaluated using multinomial logistic regression analysis. The predictive performance of serum TSP2 level was examined using time-dependent c-statistics and calibration statistics. RESULTS: Over a median follow-up of 8.8 years, 1083 patients (19.8%) developed eGFR decline. Baseline serum TSP2 level was independently associated with incident eGFR decline (HR 1.21, 95%CI 1.07-1.37, P = 0.002). With internal validation, incorporating serum TSP2 to a model of clinical risk factors including albuminuria led to significant improvement in c-statistics from 83.9 to 84.4 (P < 0.001). Among patients with eGFR ≥ 60 ml/min/1.73m2, baseline serum TSP2 level was independently associated with a rapidly declining eGFR trajectory (HR 1.63, 95%CI 1.26-2.10, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Serum TSP2 level was independently associated with incident eGFR decline, particularly a rapidly declining trajectory, in type 2 diabetes.

A prospective follow-up on thyroid function, thyroid autoimmunity and long COVID among 250 COVID-19 survivors.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the evolution of thyroid function and autoimmunity among COVID-19 survivors over 6 months in relation to interferon beta-1b treatment and long COVID. METHODS: We included COVID-19 survivors managed in a major COVID-19 centre between July 2020 and May 2021 who were reassessed three and/or six months after acute COVID-19. Thyroid function tests (TFTs) and anti-thyroid antibody titres were measured at acute COVID-19, 3-month and 6-month. RESULTS: 250 COVID-19 survivors were included (mean age 52.7 years, 50.4% men). Persistent thyroid function abnormalities were more likely in those with abnormal TFTs in acute COVID-19 (P < 0.001). Among 51 patients with abnormal TFTs in acute COVID-19, 82.4% resolved upon follow-up. Of 199 patients with normal TFTs in acute COVID-19, only 4.5% had incident abnormal TFTs, more likely in interferon-treated patients (P = 0.044) and none clinically overt. Among 129 patients with complete 6-month follow-up for anti-thyroid antibody titres, there was no significant change overall, except for modest increase in anti-thyroid antibody titres among the 84 interferon-treated patients (P < 0.05 at both 3 months and 6 months). Long COVID occurred in 19.5% and 10.4% at 3 and 6 months respectively, where TFTs and anti-thyroid antibody titres were not predictive of its occurrence. CONCLUSION: Over 6 months, most abnormal TFTs in acute COVID-19 resolved, with no significant incident thyroid dysfunction. SARS-CoV-2 infection did not lead to change in thyroid autoimmunity, while interferon treatment was associated with modest increase in anti-thyroid antibody titres. Thyroid function and anti-thyroid antibodies did not play a significant role in long COVID.

A Population-Based Study of SGLT2 Inhibitor-Associated Postoperative Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Operations are a major precipitating factor for sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i)-associated diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). This study aimed to investigate the risks of SGLT2i-associated postoperative DKA. METHODS: We analysed a population-based cohort of patients with type 2 diabetes who underwent operations during 2015-2020. Patients with SGLT2i prescriptions within 6 months before operations were assigned to the SGLT2i group, while others were assigned to the control group. Inverse probability treatment weighting with propensity scores was used to balance the baseline covariates. Postoperative DKA was defined as DKA within 30 days postoperatively. RESULTS: Overall, 147,115 subjects were included (3,419 SGLT2i users; 143,696 controls). Preoperative SGLT2i exposure was associated with increased risks of postoperative DKA (incidence = 6.40/1,000 person-years; incidence rate ratio [IRR] 6.33, 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.57-7.18; p < 0.001). Risk factors of SGLT2i-associated postoperative DKA included emergency operation (IRR 24.56, 95% CI 7.42-81.24; p < 0.001), preoperative HbA1c ≥8% (IRR 3.10, 95% CI 1.31-7.33; p = 0.010) and insulin use (IRR 2.88, 95% CI 1.27-6.51; p = 0.011). SGLT2i users who developed postoperative DKA had worse outcomes (invasive mechanical ventilation, dialysis, infections/sepsis, intensive care, and length of hospitalization; p < 0.05) than those who did not, although SGLT2i users who developed postoperative DKA had better outcomes than non-SGLT2i users who developed postoperative DKA (p < 0.05). The risk of postoperative DKA decreased following the implementation of an automatic electronic health record pop-up alert on perioperative precaution regarding SGLT2i (from IRR 4.06 [95% CI 3.41-4.83] to 2.97 [95% CI 2.41-3.65]; p for interaction = 0.020). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative SGLT2i use was associated with increased risks of postoperative DKA in patients with type 2 diabetes. Clinicians could optimize patients' outcomes by appropriate prescription of SGLT2i, while watching out for high-risk features. Implementing automatic electronic health record pop-up alerts may reduce the risk of SGLT2i-associated postoperative DKA.

Effect of Inactivated and mRNA COVID-19 Vaccination on Thyroid Function Among Patients Treated for Hyperthyroidism.

CONTEXT: Reports of thyroid dysfunction following COVID-19 vaccination included cases of relapse of Graves' disease and worsening of pre-existing Graves' disease. Little is known about the thyroid-specific outcomes among patients treated for hyperthyroidism who have received COVID-19 vaccination. OBJECTIVE: Among patients treated for hyperthyroidism, we evaluated factors associated with not receiving the COVID-19 vaccination and whether COVID-19 vaccination was associated with thyroid function instability. METHODS: We included consecutive patients treated for hyperthyroidism attending the thyroid clinic at a teaching hospital between January and September 2021. They were categorized into vaccinated and unvaccinated groups. The index date was the date of first-dose vaccination for the vaccinated group, and the first date of attendance in the inclusion period for the unvaccinated group. They were followed up until March 2022 or occurrence of thyroid function instability (worsening of thyroid function/increase in antithyroid drug dosage), whichever was earlier. RESULTS: A total of 910 patients were included (mean age 51.6 years; 82.1% female). Of these, 86.2% had Graves disease and 67.3% were vaccinated (67.3% BNT162b2; 30.6% CoronaVac; 2.1% heterologous). Abnormal thyroid function and cardiovascular comorbidities were independently associated with unvaccinated status. Upon median follow-up of 5.3 months, thyroid function instability occurred in 15.9% of patients. COVID-19 vaccination did not increase risks of thyroid function instability (hazard ratio 0.78, 95% CI 0.56-1.09, P = .151); this was consistent in Graves disease, both types of vaccines, and regardless of whether baseline thyroid function was normal. Twenty-seven patients overtly thyrotoxic at the time of vaccination received COVID-19 vaccines without triggering a thyroid storm or difficulty in subsequent thyroid function control. CONCLUSION: Among patients treated for hyperthyroidism, abnormal thyroid function was a factor predicting unvaccinated status. Our results should encourage patients treated for hyperthyroidism to receive COVID-19 vaccination to protect themselves from adverse outcomes and potential long-term sequelae of COVID-19.

Comparing the B and T cell-mediated immune responses in patients with type 2 diabetes receiving mRNA or inactivated COVID-19 vaccines.

Acquiring protective immunity through vaccination is essential, especially for patients with type 2 diabetes who are vulnerable for adverse clinical outcomes during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with immune dysfunction. Here, we evaluated the impact of T2D on the immunological responses induced by mRNA (BNT162b2) and inactivated (CoronaVac) vaccines, the two most commonly used COVID-19 vaccines. The study consisted of two parts. In Part 1, the sera titres of IgG antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) alpha receptor binding domain (RBD), their neutralizing capacity, and antigen-specific CD4+T and CD8+T cell responses at 3-6 months after vaccination were compared between BNT162b2 (n=60) and CoronaVac (n=50) vaccinees with or without T2D. Part 2 was a time-course study investigating the initial B and T cell responses induced by BNT162b2 among vaccinees (n=16) with or without T2D. Our data showed that T2D impaired both cellular and humoral immune responses induced by CoronaVac. For BNT162b2, T2D patients displayed a reduction in CD4+T-helper 1 (Th1) differentiation following their first dose. However, this initial defect was rectified by the second dose of BNT162b2, resulting in comparable levels of memory CD4+ and CD8+T cells, anti-RBD IgG, and neutralizing antibodies with healthy individuals at 3-6 months after vaccination. Hence, T2D influences the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines depending on their platform. Our findings provide a potential mechanism for the susceptibility of developing adverse outcomes observed in COVID-19 patients with T2D and received either CoronaVac or just one dose of BNT162b2.

Evaluation of Fracture Risk Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation Receiving Different Oral Anticoagulants.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with type 2 diabetes are at higher risk for fracture risk because of attenuated bone turnover and impaired bone microarchitecture. The comparative effect of warfarin over non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) on incident fractures among patients with type 2 diabetes comorbid with atrial fibrillation (AF) remains to be elucidated. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: This was a retrospective, propensity score-weighted, population-based cohort study of adults with type 2 diabetes and AF who were started on warfarin or NOAC between 2005 and 2019 identified from an electronic database of the Hong Kong Hospital Authority. The primary outcome was a composite of major osteoporotic fractures (hip, clinical vertebral, proximal humerus, and wrist). Hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated using Cox proportional hazards regression models. RESULTS: A total of 15,770 patients with type 2 diabetes comorbid with AF were included (9,288 on NOAC, 6,482 on warfarin). During a median follow-up of 20 months, 551 patients (3.5%) sustained major osteoporotic fractures (201 [2.2%] in the NOAC group, 350 [5.4%] in the warfarin group). The adjusted cumulative incidence was lower among NOAC users than warfarin users (HR 0.80; 95% CI 0.64, 0.99; P = 0.044). Subgroup analyses showed consistent protective effects against major osteoporotic fractures among NOAC users across sex, age, HbA1c, duration of diabetes, and history of severe hypoglycemia compared with warfarin users. CONCLUSIONS: NOAC use was associated with a lower risk of major osteoporotic fractures than warfarin use among patients with type 2 diabetes comorbid with AF. NOAC may be the preferred anticoagulant from the perspective of bone health.

Effect of COVID-19 Vaccines on Thyroid Function and Autoimmunity and Effect of Thyroid Autoimmunity on Antibody Response.

CONTEXT: There are concerns for COVID-19 vaccination in triggering thyroid autoimmunity and causing thyroid dysfunction. Also, data on the effect of preexisting thyroid autoimmunity on the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccination are limited. OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the effect of COVID-19 vaccination on thyroid function and antibodies, and the influence of preexisting thyroid autoimmunity on neutralizing antibody (NAb) responses. METHODS: Adults without a history of COVID-19/thyroid disorders who received the COVID-19 vaccination during June to August 2021 were recruited. All received 2 doses of vaccines. Thyrotropin (TSH), free thyroxine (fT4), free 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (fT3), antithyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO), and antithyroglobulin (anti-Tg) antibodies were measured at baseline and 8 weeks post vaccination. NAb against SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain was measured. RESULTS: A total of 215 individuals were included (129 [60%] BNT162b2; 86 [40%] CoronaVac recipients): mean age 49.6 years, 37.2% men, and 12.1% anti-TPO/Tg positive at baseline. After vaccination, TSH did not change (P = .225), but fT4 slightly increased (from 12.0 ±â€…1.1 to 12.2 ±â€…1.2 pmol/L [from 0.93 ±â€…0.09 to 0.95 ±â€…0.09 ng/dL], P < .001) and fT3 slightly decreased (from 4.1 ±â€…0.4 to 4.0 ±â€…0.4 pmol/L [from 2.67 ±â€…0.26 to 2.60 ±â€…0.26 pg/mL], P < .001). Only 3 patients (1.4%) had abnormal thyroid function post vaccination, none clinically overt. Anti-TPO and anti-Tg titers increased modestly after vaccination (P < .001), without statistically significant changes in anti-TPO/Tg positivity. Changes in thyroid function and antithyroid antibodies were consistent between BNT162b2 and CoronaVac recipients, except for greater anti-TPO titer increase post BNT162b2 (P < .001). NAb responses were similar between individuals with and without preexisting thyroid autoimmunity (P = .855). CONCLUSION: COVID-19 vaccination was associated with a modest increase in antithyroid antibody titers. Anti-TPO increase was greater among BNT162b2 recipients. However, there was no clinically significant thyroid dysfunction post vaccination. NAb responses were not influenced by preexisting thyroid autoimmunity. Our results provide important reassurance for people to receive the COVID-19 vaccination.

Comparison of Serum Ketone Levels and Cardiometabolic Efficacy of Dapagliflozin versus Sitagliptin among Insulin-Treated Chinese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Insulin-treated patients with long duration of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are at increased risk of ketoacidosis related to sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i). The extent of circulating ketone elevation in these patients remains unknown. We conducted this study to compare the serum ketone response between dapagliflozin, an SGLT2i, and sitagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor, among insulin-treated T2DM patients. METHODS: This was a randomized, open-label, active comparator-controlled study involving 60 insulin-treated T2DM patients. Participants were randomized 1:1 for 24-week of dapagliflozin 10 mg daily or sitagliptin 100 mg daily. Serum ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) levels were measured at baseline, 12 and 24 weeks after intervention. Comprehensive cardiometabolic assessments were performed with measurements of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC), vibration-controlled transient elastography and echocardiography. RESULTS: Among these 60 insulin-treated participants (mean age 58.8 years, diabetes duration 18.2 years, glycosylated hemoglobin 8.87%), as compared with sitagliptin, serum BHB levels increased significantly after 24 weeks of dapagliflozin (P=0.045), with a median of 27% increase from baseline. Change in serum BHB levels correlated significantly with change in free fatty acid levels. Despite similar glucose lowering, dapagliflozin led to significant improvements in body weight (P=0.006), waist circumference (P=0.028), HDL-C (P=0.041), CEC (P=0.045), controlled attenuation parameter (P=0.007), and liver stiffness (P=0.022). Average E/e', an echocardiographic index of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, was also significantly lower at 24 weeks in participants treated with dapagliflozin (P=0.037). CONCLUSION: Among insulin-treated T2DM patients with long diabetes duration, compared to sitagliptin, dapagliflozin modestly increased ketone levels and was associated with cardiometabolic benefits.

A prospective study of the impact of glycaemic status on clinical outcomes and anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody responses among patients with predominantly non-severe COVID-19.

AIMS: We carried out this prospective study of predominantly non-severe COVID-19 patients, to evaluate the influence of glycaemic status on clinical outcomes and neutralising antibody (Nab) responses, potentially relevant to the COVID-19 vaccination programme. METHODS: We included consecutive adults admitted to Queen Mary Hospital for COVID-19 from July 2020-May 2021. Glycaemic status was defined by admission HbA1c. Clinical deterioration was defined by radiological progression/new oxygen requirement/intensive care requirement/death. COVID-19 survivors had Nab measurements at 1-month, 2-month, 3-month and 6-month post-discharge. RESULTS: Among 605 patients (96.9% non-severe COVID-19; 325 normoglycaemia, 185 prediabetes, 95 diabetes), 74 (12.2%) had clinical deterioration, more likely with worse glycaemic status and higher HbA1c (p < 0.001). Older age (p < 0.001), higher viral loads (p < 0.001), higher C-reactive protein (CRP) (p < 0.001) and symptomatic presentation (p = 0.008), but not glycaemic status/HbA1c, independently predicted clinical deterioration. Older age (p = 0.001), higher CRP (p = 0.038), elevated lactate dehydrogenase (p = 0.046) and interferon treatment (p = 0.001), but not glycaemic status/HbA1c, independently predicted Nab titres. Rate of Nab titre decline was comparable across glycaemic status. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 patients with worse glycaemic status were more likely to deteriorate clinically, mediated through the association of worse glycaemic status with older age, more severe inflammation and higher viral loads. Importantly, Nab responses did not differ across glycaemic status.

Sequential algorithm to stratify liver fibrosis risk in overweight/obese metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease.

Background: Non-diabetic overweight/obese metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) represents the largest subgroup with heterogeneous liver fibrosis risk. Metabolic dysfunction promotes liver fibrosis. Here, we investigated whether incorporating additional metabolic risk factors into clinical evaluation improved liver fibrosis risk stratification among individuals with non-diabetic overweight/obese MAFLD. Materials and methods: Comprehensive metabolic evaluation including 75-gram oral glucose tolerance test was performed in over 1000 participants from the New Hong Kong Cardiovascular Risk Factor Prevalence Study (HK-NCRISPS), a contemporary population-based study of HK Chinese. Hepatic steatosis and fibrosis were evaluated based on controlled attenuation parameter and liver stiffness (LS) measured using vibration-controlled transient elastography, respectively. Clinically significant liver fibrosis was defined as LS ≥8.0 kPa. Our findings were validated in an independent pooled cohort comprising individuals with obesity and/or polycystic ovarian syndrome. Results: Of the 1020 recruited community-dwelling individuals, 312 (30.6%) had non-diabetic overweight/obese MAFLD. Among them, 6.4% had LS ≥8.0 kPa. In multivariable stepwise logistic regression analysis, abnormal serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (OR 7.95, p<0.001) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) ≥2.5 (OR 5.01, p=0.008) were independently associated with LS ≥8.0 kPa, in a model also consisting of other metabolic risk factors including central adiposity, hypertension, dyslipidaemia and prediabetes. A sequential screening algorithm using abnormal AST, followed by elevated HOMA-IR, was developed to identify individuals with LS ≥8.0 kPa, and externally validated with satisfactory sensitivity (>80%) and negative predictive value (>90%). Conclusion: A sequential algorithm incorporating AST and HOMA-IR levels improves fibrosis risk stratification among non-diabetic overweight/obese MAFLD individuals.

PM20D1 is a circulating biomarker closely associated with obesity, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Peptidase M20 domain containing 1 (PM20D1), a secreted enzyme catalysing condensation of fatty acids and amino acids into the bioactive lipids N-acyl amino acids (NAAA), induces uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1)-independent adaptive thermogenesis in brown/beige adipocytes in mice. This study aimed to explore the associations of the circulating levels of PM20D1 and major NAAA with obesity-related metabolic complications in humans. DESIGN AND METHODS: Serum concentrations of PM20D1 and NAAA (C18:1-Leu and C18:1-Phe) in 256 Chinese subjects, including 78 lean and 178 overweight/obese individuals with or without diabetes, were measured with immunoassays and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, respectively. The impact of sulfonylurea and rosiglitazone on their circulating levels was examined in 62 patients with type 2 diabetes. RESULTS: Serum PM20D1 level was significantly elevated in overweight/obese individuals and was closely associated with circulating levels of C18:1-Leu and C18:1-Phe. Furthermore, serum PM20D1, C18:1-Leu and C18:1-Phe concentrations correlated positively with several parameters of adiposity as well as fasting and 2 h postprandial glucose, HbA1c, fasting insulin and HOMA-IR independent of BMI and age. Moreover, a significant elevation in PM20D1, C18:1-Leu and C18:1-Phe concentrations corresponding with increases in the number of components of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) was observed. Treatment with sulfonylurea significantly decreased circulating PM20D1, C18:1-Leu and C18:1-Phe in patients with type 2 diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: Increased serum levels of PM20D1 and its catalytic products NAAA are closely associated with obesity-related glucose dysregulation, insulin resistance and MetS and can be potentially used as clinical biomarkers for diagnosing and monitoring these disorders.

The Impact of Interferon Beta-1b Therapy on Thyroid Function and Autoimmunity Among COVID-19 Survivors.

Background: Some studies have indicated that interferon (IFN) may be valuable in COVID-19. We aimed to evaluate the impact of short-term IFN on incident thyroid dysfunction and autoimmunity among COVID-19 survivors. Methods: We included consecutive adults without known thyroid disorder admitted to Queen Mary Hospital for COVID-19 from July 2020 to January 2021 who had thyroid function tests (TFTs) and anti-thyroid antibodies measured both on admission and at three months. Results: 226 patients were included (median age 55.0 years; 49.6% men): 135 were IFN-treated. There tended to be more abnormal TFTs upon reassessment in IFN-treated patients (8.1% vs 2.2%, p=0.080). 179 patients (65.4% IFN-treated) had a complete reassessment of anti-thyroid antibodies. There were significant increases in titres of both anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (anti-TPO: baseline 29.21 units [IQR: 14.97 - 67.14] vs reassessment 34.30 units [IQR: 18.82 - 94.65], p<0.001) and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (anti-Tg: baseline 8.23 units [IQR: 5.40 - 18.44] vs reassessment 9.14 units [IQR: 6.83 - 17.17], p=0.001) in the IFN-treated group but not IFN-naïve group. IFN treatment (standardised beta 0.245, p=0.001) was independently associated with changes in anti-TPO titre. Of the 143 patients negative for anti-TPO at baseline, 8 became anti-TPO positive upon reassessment (seven IFN-treated; one IFN-naïve). Incident anti-TPO positivity was more likely to be associated with abnormal TFTs upon reassessment (phi 0.188, p=0.025). Conclusion: IFN for COVID-19 was associated with modest increases in anti-thyroid antibody titres, and a trend of more incident anti-TPO positivity and abnormal TFTs during convalescence. Our findings suggest that clinicians monitor the thyroid function and anti-thyroid antibodies among IFN-treated COVID-19 survivors, and call for further follow-up studies regarding the clinical significance of these changes.

Higher SARS-CoV-2 viral loads correlated with smaller thyroid volumes on ultrasound among male COVID-19 survivors.

PURPOSE: Thyroid dysfunction, including thyroiditis, is well recognized in COVID-19 patients. We evaluated thyroid ultrasonographic features among COVID-19 survivors, which are less well known. METHODS: Adult COVID-19 survivors without known thyroid disorders who attended dedicated COVID-19 clinic underwent thyroid ultrasonography and assessment of thyroid function and autoimmunity. Adults admitted for acute non-thyroidal surgical problems and negative for COVID-19 were recruited as control. SARS-CoV-2 viral load (VL) was presented as the inverse of cycle threshold values from the real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction of the respiratory specimen on admission. RESULTS: In total, 79 COVID-19 patients and 44 non-COVID-19 controls were included. All abnormal thyroid function tests during acute COVID-19 recovered upon follow-up. Thyroid ultrasonography was performed at a median of 67 days after acute COVID-19. The median thyroid volume was 9.73 mL (IQR: 7.87-13.70). In multivariable linear regression, SARS-CoV-2 VL on presentation (standardized beta -0.206, p = 0.042) inversely correlated with thyroid volume, in addition to body mass index at the time of ultrasonography (p < 0.001). Sex-specific analysis revealed similar results among men but not women. Eleven COVID-19 patients (13.9%) had ultrasonographic changes suggestive of thyroiditis, comparable to non-COVID-19 patients (p = 0.375). None of these 11 patients had isolated low thyroid-stimulating hormone levels suggestive of thyroiditis at initial admission or the time of ultrasonography. CONCLUSIONS: Higher SARS-CoV-2 VL on presentation were associated with smaller thyroid volumes, especially in men. Further research is suggested to investigate this possible direct viral effect of SARS-CoV-2 on the thyroid gland. There was no increased rate of ultrasonographic features suggestive of thyroiditis in COVID-19 survivors.