Urine transferrin as an early endothelial dysfunction marker in type 2 diabetic patients without nephropathy: a case control study.

BACKGROUND: Albumin, along with other proteins, is abnormally eliminated via the urine during early stages of diabetic nephropathy. Moreover, endothelial dysfunction (ED) accompanying early diabetic nephropathy may develop even before microalbuminuria is detectable. Transferrin has a molecular weight comparable to albumin, whereas transferrinuria and microalbuminuria in a 24-h urine sample may comparably reflect early diabetic nephropathy. Whereas transferrin metabolism is related with ED during very early diabetic nephropathy has not been elucidated yet. This case-control study aimed to evaluate the relation between ED and urine transferrin, even before early diabetic nephropathy is present. METHODS: Patients were enrolled from two study sites in Mexico City: Ticomán General Hospital (healthy controls); and a Specialized Clinic for the Management of the Diabetic Patient (cases). All patients provided written informed consent. The primary endpoint was the correlation between urinary transferrin concentration and ED measured in type 2 diabetic patients without albuminuria. ED was evaluated by ultrasonographic validated measurements, which included carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and flow mediated dilation (FMD). Plasma biomarkers included glycated hemoglobin, creatinine, cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as urine albumin, transferrin and evidence of urinary tract infection. RESULTS: Sixty patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (t2DM; n = 30) or without t2DM (n = 30), both negative for microalbuminuria, were recruited. The group with t2DM were older, with higher values of HbA1c and higher ED. This group also showed significant differences in urine transferrin and urine/plasma transferrin ratio, as compared with healthy controls (14.4 vs. 18.7 mg/mL, p = 0.04, and 74.2 vs. 49.5; p = 0.01; respectively). Moreover, urine transferrin correlated with higher CIMT values (r = 0.37, p = 0.04), being particularly significant for t2DM population. CIMT also correlated with time from t2DM diagnosis (r = 0.48, p < 0.001) and HbA1c (r = 0.48; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Urine transferrin correlated with subclinical atherogenesis in patients with t2DM without renal failure, suggesting its potential to identify cardiovascular risk in patients at very early nephropathy stage without microalbuminuria.

High triglyceride to HDL-cholesterol ratio as a biochemical marker of severe outcomes in COVID-19 patients.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients with severe complications have shown comorbidities with cardiovascular-disease, hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus; clinical disorders that share the common metabolic alterations of insulin resistance and dyslipidaemia. A high triglyceride to high density lipoprotein cholesterol (Tg/HDL c) ratio has been associated with reduced insulin sensitivity, metabolic syndrome and adverse cardiovascular events. Our aim in this study was to determine the association between different components of the lipid profile and particularly the Tg/HDL c ratio with severe complications like the requirement of invasive mechanical ventilation in COVID-19 patients. METHODS: We collected demographic, clinical and biochemical data to conduct a cohort study in 43 adult patients with confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) at baseline and in the subsequent 15 days. Patients were subjected to a very similar treatment scheme with the JAK1/2 inhibitor ruxolitinib. Descriptive statistics, variable association and logistic regression were applied to identify predictors of disease severity among elements and calculations from the lipid profile. RESULTS: Patients were aged 57 ± 14 years; 55.8% were male from which 75% required hospitalization and 44.2% were female who 58% were hospitalized. The most common comorbidities were type 2 diabetes mellitus (58%) and hypertension (40%). Hospitalized and critical care patients showed lower HDL c blood levels and increased Tg/HDL c ratio than those with outpatient management and mild/asymptomatic COVID-19. Tg/HDL c ratio correlated with variables of disease severity such as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels (r = 0.356; p < 0.05); National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS 2) (r = 0.495; p < 0.01); quick sequential organ failure assessment (qSOFA) (r = 0.538; p < 0.001); increased need of oxygen support (r = 0.447; p < 0.01) and requirement of mechanical ventilation (r = 0.378; p < 0.05). Tg/HDL c ratio had a negative correlation with partial oxygen saturation/fraction of inspired oxygen (SaO 2/FiO2) ratio (r = -0.332;p < 0.05). Linear regression analysis showed that Tg/HDL c ratio can predict increases in inflammatory factors like LDH (p < 0.01); ferritin (p < 0.01) and D-dimer (p < 0.001). Logistic regression model indicated that ≥7.45 Tg/HDL c ratio predicts requirement of invasive mechanical ventilation (OR 11.815, CI 1.832-76.186, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The Tg/HDLc ratio can be used as an early biochemical marker of COVID-19 severe prognosis with requirement of invasive mechanical ventilation.

Infección nosocomial por Acinetobacter y su efecto en un hospital de segundo nivel / Nosocomial infection due to Acinetobacter and its effect on a second level hospital

Resumen OBJETIVOS: Determinar la frecuencia de infecciones nosocomiales por Acinetobacter baumannii e identificar las características que inciden en la probabilidad de ocurrencia de estas infecciones. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Estudio transversal analítico que incluyó todos los pacientes con reporte de cultivo positivo para Acinetobacter en el Hospital General Ticomán de enero de 2016 a diciembre de 2017. Se utilizó el programa SPSS y Graphpad Prism 0.7 para análisis estadístico con homogeneidad de x 2, análisis de supervivencia con estimado de Kaplan-Meier, OR y prueba de U de Mann-Whitney. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 80 pacientes, se formaron dos grupos: muertos (n = 40) y vivos (n = 40) con infección por Acinetobacter. La media de edad fue de 52 ± 16 años; 61.3% era de sexo masculino; la media de estancia hospitalaria fue de 28 ± 19 días; el foco infeccioso más frecuente fue el pulmonar (72%); 76% requirió apoyo mecánico ventilatorio, se realizó punto de corte con base en los días de ventilación < 7 días y > 7 días con lo que se obtuvo valor p = 0.0013. El análisis de supervivencia con Kaplan-Meier concluyó que la estancia en Medicina Interna aumenta la mortalidad (p = 0.012). CONCLUSIÓN: La supervivencia disminuye en pacientes con apoyo ventilatorio durante más de siete días y foco infeccioso pulmonar.

Abstract OBJECTIVES: To determine the frequency of nosocomial infections due to Acinetobacter baumannii and to identify the characteristics influencing the probability of these infections. MATERIAL AND METHOD: An analytical cross-sectional design was carried out, including all patients with a positive culture report for Acinetobacter in the General Hospital of Ticoman, Mexico City, from January 2016 to December 2017. SPSS and Graphpad Prism 0.7 software were used for statistical analysis with x 2 homogeneity, survival analysis with Kaplan-Meier estimate, OR and Mann Whitney U test. RESULTS: An analysis of 80 patients was performed, 2 groups were formed: dead (n = 40) and alive (n = 40) with Acinetobacter infection. Mean age was 52 ± 16 years, 61.3% were male; mean hospital stay was of 28 ± 19 days, the most frequent infectious focus was pulmonary (72%); 76% required mechanical ventilatory support, a cut-off was performed based on ventilation days < 7 days and > 7 days, obtaining p value = 0.0013. The survival analysis with Kaplan-Meier concluded that the stay in Internal Medicine increased mortality (p = 0.012). CONCLUSION: Survival decreases in patients with ventilatory support for > 7 days and pulmonary infectious focus.

El índice neutrófilo/linfocito como predictor de morbilidad y mortalidad en neumonía por influenza / The neutrophil/lymphocyte index as a predictor of morbidity and mortality in pneumonia due to influenza

Resumen: OBJETIVO: Demostrar si el índice neutrófilo/linfocito predice la mortalidad en pacientes con neumonía tipo influenza. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Estudio de casos y controles, observacional, analítico, transversal, retrospectivo y retrolectivo que incluyó pacientes con neumonía por influenza que padecieron neumonía aguda grave de 2009 a 2017. Se calculó APACHE II, SMART COP y el índice neutrófilo/linfocito (INL). Se determinó supervivencia mediante Kaplan y Meier, para la asociación entre INL y mortalidad, APACHE II, SMART COP y comorbilidades se usó χ2 y razón de momios (RM), así como correlación entre APACHE II, SMART COP e INL. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 69 pacientes. La RM entre el INL y la mortalidad fue de 0.174 (p = 0.533; IC95% 0.274 a 2.08). Hubo asociación significativa entre el INL y componentes del síndrome metabólico en pacientes vivos. No hubo diferencia en la supervivencia entre INL mayor o menor de 7. Correlación positiva entre APACHE II e INL de 0.4295 (p = 0.0002; IC95% 0.00 a 0.063). CONCLUSIONES: Existe asociación entre el INL y el síndrome metabólico en pacientes vivos, así como correlación positiva con APACHE II. No hay asociación entre el INL y mortalidad. El punto de corte del INL se desplazó cuatro puntos comparado con otras poblaciones.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate if neutrophil/lymphocyte index predicts mortality in patients with influenza-like pneumonia. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A case-control, observational, analytical, cross-sectional, retrospective and retrolective study with patients with influenza like pneumonia who developed severe acute pneumonia from 2009 to 2017. APACHE II, SMART COP and neutrophil lymphocyte index (INL) were calculated. Survival was determined by Kaplan and Meier, for the association between INL and mortality, APACHE II, SMART COP and comorbidities was used χ2 and odds ratio (OR), as well as correlation between APACHE II, SMART COP and INL. RESULTS: There were included 69 patients. OR between the INL and mortality was of 0.174 (p = 0.533, IC95% 0.274-2.08). There was significant association between INL and components of the metabolic syndrome in living patients. There was no difference in survival between INL greater or less than 7. Positive correlation between APACHE II and INL of 0.4295 (p = 0.0002, IC95% 0.00 to 0.063). CONCLUSIONS: There is an association between INL and metabolic syndrome in liv- ing patients, as well as a positive correlation with APACHE II. There is no association between INL and mortality. The cutoff point of the INL shifted 4 points compared to other populations.

Triglycerides and waist to height ratio are more accurate than visceral adiposity and body adiposity index to predict impaired fasting glucose.

AIMS: To evaluate the clinical accuracy of novel indices visceral adiposity index (VAI) and body adiposity index (BAI) to identify patients with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and compare with its individual components and other obesity indicators. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Mexican population. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, hip circumference, triglycerides (TG), High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), VAI, BAI, waist to hip ratio (WHR) and waist to height ratio (WHtR) were determined. We plotted a receiver operating characteristic curves to assess the abilities to discriminate subjects with IFG from those with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) of the measurements. A binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the strength of association with IFG. RESULTS: A total of 280 individuals were included, from which 144 (51.3%) have IFG; the mean age was 47.14 years and 164 (55.5%) were females. Compared with NGT subjects, the participants with IFG had significantly higher levels of BMI, WHtR, VAI, BAI and TG. The measurements with highest area under the curve were TG, (0.631, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.566-0.697) VAI (0.628, 95% CI 0.563-0.693) and WHtR (0.622, 95% CI 0.557-0.688) and in the adjusted binary logistic regression model, were found to be independently associated with IFG, Odds Ratio of 2.665, (95% CI 1.567-4.533) 2.567 (95% CI 1.527-4.317) and 2.171 (95% CI 1.102-4.276) respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our data provide evidence that TG, VAI and WHtR could be considered potential tools for the risk assessment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in this population.

Índice leuco-glucémico asociado con complicaciones en isquemia cerebral aterotrombótica / Leuco-glycemic index associated to complications in atherothrombotic cerebral ischemia

Resumen: OBJETIVO: Evaluar el índice leuco-glucémico (ILG) como marcador pronóstico de mortalidad y complicaciones en pacientes con enfermedad vascular cerebral de tipo isquémico aterotrombótico. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Estudio prospectivo efectuado en pacientes con enfermedad vascular de tipo isquémico aterotrombótico durante la fase aguda del infarto, que ingresaron entre enero y diciembre de 2017 al servicio de Medicina Interna del Hospital General Ticomán. Se recolectaron datos clínicos y de laboratorio, incluyendo glucemia y leucograma al ingreso, a partir de los cuales se calculó el ILG y se evaluó su valor pronóstico, así como su relación con las escalas de NIHSS y Rankin y con la mortalidad a 21 días. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 72 pacientes. Los pacientes con mayor número de complicaciones durante la hospitalización tuvieron valores superiores de ILG (p = 0.02). Se obtuvo un valor ≥ 900 como punto de corte; los pacientes con valores superiores tuvieron tres veces mayor probabilidad de complicaciones durante la hospitalización (razón de momios = 3.02; IC95%: 1.03 a 9.9; p = 0.04), por lo que el índice leuco-glucémico constituyó un predictor significativo. CONCLUSIONES: El índice leuco-glucémico se relacionó con mayor severidad de enfermedad vascular cerebral en las escalas de NIHSS y Rankin, además, se asoció con complicaciones intrahospitalarias.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The glycemia and the determination of serum leukocytes on admission have demonstrated prognostic importance in patients with ischemic cerebral vascular disease (CVD). The leuko-glycemic index (ILG) is recently studied as a prognostic marker, but knowledge about its value is lacking. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the leuko-glycemic index (ILG) as a prognostic marker of mortality and complications in patients with atherothrombotic ischemic stroke. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A prospective study was conducted on patients with atherothrombotic ischemic vascular disease during the acute phase of the infarction, who were admitted to the Internal Medicine Department of the Ticoman General Hospital from January to December 2017. Clinical and laboratory data were collected, including glycemia and leukogram at admission, from which the ILG was calculated and its prognostic value was evaluated, as well as its relationship with the NIHSS and Rankin scales and/or with the 21-day mortality. RESULTS: There were included 72 patients. Patients with a higher number of complications during hospitalization had higher ILG values (p = 0.02). A value ≥ 900 was obtained as a cut-off point; patients with higher values presented a three times higher probability of complications during hospitalization (odds ratio: 3.02, CI95%: 1.03 to 9.9, p = 0.04), so the ILG was a significant predictor. CONCLUSIONS: Leuko-glycemic index was associated with greater severity of cerebral vascular disease in the NIHSS and Rankin scales, and was associated with intrahospital complications.

Correlación entre el grosor de la grasa epicárdica y los marcadores bioquímicos de riesgo metabólico / Correlation between epicardial fat thickness and biochemical markers of metabolic risk

Introducción y objetivo: La grasa epicárdica se asocia a riesgo cardiovascular y aterosclerosis, y puede ser medida en forma fiable por ecocardiografía. Nuestro objetivo es evaluar si existe asociación entre el grosor de la grasa epicárdica (GGE) con marcadores bioquímicos de riesgo metabólico. Material y método: Evaluamos 211 pacientes en quienes se realizó la medición del GGE por ecocardiografía. También se les se realizó glucemia, perfil de lípidos y niveles séricos de ácido úrico. Los métodos estadísticos usados fueros odds ratio y coeficiente de correlación y determinación de Pearson. Resultados: No encontramos correlación entre GGE con glucemia (r=0,064), colesterol total (r=0,005), colesterol ligado a lipoproteínas de alta densidad (r=-0,038), ni triglicéridos (r=0,118). Sin embargo, encontramos una correlación significativa entre el GGE con la uricemia (r=0,415, p<0,00001). La odds ratio para presentar GGE>3mm en pacientes con hiperuricemia fue de 6,26 (IC 95%: 2,79-14, p<0,0001). Conclusión: La hiperuricemia se correlaciona significativamente con el GGE en nuestra población. La medición del GGE por ecocardiografía puede ser un método de utilidad para evaluar el riesgo cardiovascular

Introduction and objective: Epicardial fat has been associated with increased cardiovascular risk and the development of atherosclerosis. Transthoracic echocardiography provides a reliable measurement of epicardial fat thickness (EFT). The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between EFT and biochemical parameters of metabolic risk. Material and method: We assessed 211 patients who underwent echocardiography; EFT was measured by two cardiologists. In addition, patients’ glycaemia, lipid profile and serum uric acid were measured. Statistical analysis was performed with the Pearson coefficient test and Odds ratio. Results: A positive correlation between EFT with glycaemia (r=.064), total serum cholesterol (r=.0056), high density lipoproteins (r=-0.038), or with triglycerides (r=.118) was not observed. However, we did find a significant positive correlation between EFT and serum uric acid (r=.415, P<.00001). The odds ratio for EFT>3mm in patients with hyperuricemia was 6.26 (IC 95 2.79-14, P<.0001). Conclusion: Hyperuricemia is strongly associated with EFT in Mexican patients; EFT is a useful tool for global cardiovascular risk calculation

Correlation between epicardial fat thickness and biochemical markers of metabolic risk. / Correlación entre el grosor de la grasa epicárdica y los marcadores bioquímicos de riesgo metabólico.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Epicardial fat has been associated with increased cardiovascular risk and the development of atherosclerosis. Transthoracic echocardiography provides a reliable measurement of epicardial fat thickness (EFT). The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between EFT and biochemical parameters of metabolic risk. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We assessed 211 patients who underwent echocardiography; EFT was measured by two cardiologists. In addition, patients' glycaemia, lipid profile and serum uric acid were measured. Statistical analysis was performed with the Pearson coefficient test and Odds ratio. RESULTS: A positive correlation between EFT with glycaemia (r=.064), total serum cholesterol (r=.0056), high density lipoproteins (r=-.038), or with triglycerides (r=.118) was not observed. However, we did find a significant positive correlation between EFT and serum uric acid (r=.415, P<.00001). The odds ratio for EFT>3mm in patients with hyperuricemia was 6.26 (IC 95 2.79-14, P<.0001). CONCLUSION: Hyperuricemia is strongly associated with EFT in Mexican patients; EFT is a useful tool for global cardiovascular risk calculation.

Índice de Briones y delta de CO 2 como pronóstico en choque hipovolémico-traumático / Briones index and CO 2 delta as prognosis in hypovolemic traumatic shock / Indíce de Briones e delta de CO 2 como prognóstico no choque hipovolêmico-traumático

Resumen: Antecedentes: El choque hemorrágico conduce a la disminución del suministro de oxígeno, disminución de la perfusión tisular, hipoxia celular, daño celular, síndrome de disfunción multiorgánica y muerte. Está demostrado que existen diferentes escalas pronósticas y determinaciones bioquímicas que permiten identificar al paciente en riesgo. Objetivo: Establecer la correlación que existe entre el índice de Briones (IB), delta de CO2 (ΔCO2) y la disfunción orgánica en pacientes con choque hipovolémico traumático. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal, retrospectivo, comparativo y analítico; participaron 46 pacientes, se evaluaron variables demográficas, presión oncótica, IB, diferencia arteriovenosa de CO2, escalas pronósticas y seguimiento a 48 horas con puntos de desenlace: mortalidad y disfunción orgánica. Resultados: La distribución por género fue 41% mujeres y 59% hombres. La edad promedio: 38 ± 14.6 años. La clasificación del choque hipovolémico fue: clase I: 7%, clase II: 39%, clase III: 24%, clase IV: 30%; IB: 0.25 ± 0.07 mmHg, DB: -7.9 ± 5.2 mmol/L, lactato: 3.01 ± 2.2 mmol/L, ΔCO2: 6.98 ± 4.6 mmHg. La mortalidad a las 48 horas: 10.8%. Trauma score: 9 ± 3 puntos; SOFA: 6 ± 3 puntos. Lesión renal aguda (LRA): 41%. ΔCO2 > 6 mmHg mostró sensibilidad 0.91 y especificidad 0.54 como predictor de mortalidad, se identificó el mejor punto de corte > 10.5 mmHg (0.96 y 0.98 respectivamente, p < 0.001, intervalo de confianza IC 0.988-1.0; área bajo la curva ABC 0.998). Conclusiones: Este estudio demostró que ΔCO2 es un marcador con impacto en la mortalidad y escalas pronósticas de SOFA y trauma score. El IB puede emplearse como pronóstico en pacientes que desarrollarán LRA dentro de las primeras 48 horas de estancia en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI) con una adecuada significancia estadística.

Abstract: Background: Hemorrhagic shock leads to decrease in oxygen supply, decreased tissue perfusion, cellular hypoxia, cell damage, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and death. It is shown that there are different prognostic scales and biochemical determinations that identify the patient at risk. Aim: To establish the correlation between the Briones index, ΔCO2 and organ dysfunction in patients with traumatic hypovolemic shock. Material and methods: A transversal, retrospective, comparative and analytical study; from January 2015 to May 2016, involving 46 patients diagnosed with traumatic hypovolemic shock who were admitted to the intensive care unit of the General Hospital La Villa. We evaluated demographic variables, oncotic presion, Briones index, arteriovenous difference of CO2. We prognostic and monitoring 48 hours with descenlace points: mortality and organic dysfunction. Results: Of the 46 study participants represented gender: female 41%, men 59%. The average age: 38 ± 14.6 years. Hypovolemic shock classification based deficit represented: class I: 7%, class II: 39%, class III: 11 24%, class IV: 30%; IB: 0.25 ± 0.07 mmHg, DB: -7.9 ± 5.2 mmol/L, lactate: 3.01 ± 2.2 mmol/L, ΔCO2: 6.98 ± 4.6 mmHg. Mortality at 48 hours: was 10.8%. Trauma score 9 ± 3 points; SOFA: 6 ± 3 points. Acute kidney injury (AKI) occurred in 41%. ΔCO2 > 6 mmHg showed sensitivity 0.91 and specificity 0.54 as a predictor of mortality, the highest cutpoint 10.5 mmHg was identified with 0.96 and 0.98 respectively (p < 0.001, confidence interval IC 0.988-1.0; area under the curve AUC 0.998). Conclusions: This study showed that ΔCO2 is a marker with impact on mortality and prognostic scales and Trauma SOFA score. The IB can be used as a prognostic in patients who developed Acute kidney injury (AKI) within the first 48 hours of stay in the ICU with adequate statistical significance.

Resumo: Antecedentes: O choque hemorrágico conduz à uma diminuição do suprimento de oxigênio, diminuição da perfusão tecidual, hipóxia celular, danos às células, síndrome de disfunção de múltiplos órgãos e morte. Está demonstrado que há diferentes escalas de prognóstico e determinações bioquímicas que identificam o paciente em risco. Objetivo: Estabelecer a correlação entre o índice de Briones (IB), Delta do CO2(ΔCO2) e disfunção orgânica em pacientes com choque hipovolêmico traumático. Material e métodos: Estudo transversal, retrospectivo, comparativo e analítico; paticiparam 46 pacientes, foram avaliadas variáveis demográficas, pressão oncótica, IB, diferença artério-venosa de CO2, escalas de prognóstico e monitorização às 48 horas com os resultados: disfunção de múltiplos órgãos e mortalidade. Resultados: O gênero representou: sexo feminino (41%), sexo masculino (59%). Idade média: 38 ± 14.6 anos. A classificação do choque hipovolêmico foi: classe I: 7%, classe II: 39%, classe III: 24%, classe IV: 30%; IB: 0.25 ± 0.07 mmHg, DB: -7.9 ± 5.2 mmol/L, lactato: 3.01 ± 2.2 mmol/L, ΔCO2: 6.98 ± 4.6mmHg. A mortalidade às 48 horas: 10.8%. Trauma score: 9 + 3 pontos; SOFA: 6 ± 3 pontos. LRA: 41%. ΔCO2 > 6 mmHg mostrou sensibilidade 0.91 e especificidade 0.54 como preditor de mortalidade, se identificou uma coorte > 10.5 mmHg (0.96 e 0.98, respectivamente, p 0.001, intervalo de confiança IC 0.988-1.0; área sob a curva ABC 0.998). Conclusões: Este estudo demonstrou que ΔCO2 é um marcador com impacto na mortalidade e nas escalas de prognóstico SOFA e Trauma score. O IB pode ser usado como um prognóstico em pacientes que desenvolveram LRA nas primeiras 48 horas de internação na UTI com uma adequada significância estatística.

[Prevalence of abnormal glucose tolerance in hypertensive patients]. / Prevalencia de tolerancia a la glucosa anormal en pacientes hipertensos.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is commonly associated with hypertension; the standard oral glucose load is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The aim of this research is to show the prevalence of abnormal glucose tolerance in hypertensive patients with normal fasting glucose. METHODS: We enrolled 65 hypertensive non diabetic patients with fasting glucose < 100 mg/dL. In all of them a standard glucose load was performed. RESULTS: We found abnormal glucose tolerance in 32 patients (49.2 %), 29 individuals with impaired glucose tolerance, and three of them with a diabetic curve. We did not find any relation between abnormal glucose tolerance with blood pressure; however, we found a significant positive correlation between abnormal glucose tolerance and body mass index > 32.6 (R = 0.59, p < 0.005, OR 4.2). CONCLUSION: Our results shown that abnormal glucose tolerance is common in hypertensive non-diabetic patients, especially in those with increased body mass index, and that fasting glucose is not an accurate screening test for diabetes in those patients.

Introducción: la hipertensión arterial y la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 tienden a coexistir en el mismo paciente. La hiperglucemia postprandial de dos horas es un predictor de enfermedad cardiovascular. Nuestro objetivo fue investigar la prevalencia de tolerancia a la glucosa alterada en sujetos hipertensos con glucosa de ayuno normal. Métodos: se incluyeron 65 pacientes hipertensos no diabéticos y con glucosa plasmática de ayuno < 100 mg/dL, en quienes se realizó una prueba de tolerancia a la glucosa. Resultados: encontramos tolerancia a la glucosa alterada en 32 pacientes (49.2 %), 29 en rango de intolerancia a la glucosa y tres casos en rango de diabetes mellitus. No hallamos relación entre glucosa postprandial con cifras de presión arterial ni con la edad, pero sí una correlación significativa entre intolerancia a la glucosa e índice de masa corporal > 32.6 (R = 0.59, p < 0.005, RR 4.2). Conclusión: nuestros resultados muestran que los pacientes hipertensos no diabéticos suelen cursar con tolerancia a la glucosa alterada, particularmente aquellos con índice de masa corporal aumentado, y que la glucosa de ayuno no es suficiente como prueba de monitoreo para diabetes mellitus tipo 2 en ese tipo de pacientes.

Depression increases the risk for uncontrolled hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Because hypertension and depression share common pathways, it is possible that each disease has an impact on the natural history of the other. OBJECTIVE: To determinate whether depression influences blood pressure control in hypertensive patients. METHODS: Forty hypertensive patients undergoing antihypertensive treatment, excluding beta-blockers and central-acting agents, self-measured their blood pressure several times a day for three days using a validated, commercially available device. All patients also completed the Zung Self-rating Depression Scale survey for depression. Associations between the results of the blood pressure and depression tests were determined using the Spearman correlation coefficient; RR was also measured. RESULTS: Of the 40 patients, 23 were depressed, and 21 of these 23 had poor control of their blood pressure. The RR for uncontrolled hypertension in depressed patients was 15.5. A significant correlation between systolic (r=0.713) and diastolic (r=0.52) blood pressure values and depression was found. CONCLUSION: Depression is common in patients with uncontrolled hypertension and may interfere with blood pressure control. Screening for depression in hypertensive patients is a simple and cost-effective tool that may improve outcomes.

[Validation of diagnosis scales for differencing hemorrhagic from ischemic cerebral vascular disease]. / Escalas clínicas para diferenciar enfermedad vascular cerebral hemorrágica de isquémica.

BACKGROUND: differentiating hemorrhagic from ischemic cerebral vascular disease (CVD) is the starting point for the treatment. The aim was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of the scales that differentiate hemorrhagic from ischemic stroke. METHODS: we applied the scale of Siriraj Stroke Score (SSS) and Greek Stroke Score (GSS) to patients with stroke. The results were described as means and frequencies. For significant variables odds ratio was calculated. We calculated the validity of both scales compared to the head computed tomography. RESULTS: ninety one patients had ischemic stroke and 28 were hemorrhagic. The mean systolic blood pressure in ischemic stroke was 138.94 mmHg (SD ± 26.90) and hemorrhagic was 165.55 mmHg (SD ± 36.40) p = 0.0007. The atherogenic index (AT) in ischemic stroke was 4.52 (SD ± 1.52) and in hemorrhagic was 4.84 (SD ± 2.01) p = 0.87. The specificity of the SSS for hemorrhagic stroke is 85.5 % and 96.7 % for the GSS. CONCLUSIONS: the GSS has a high specificity for hemorrhagic stroke.

Association between the levels of circulating adhesion molecules and biopterins in type-2 diabetic normotensive patients adhesion molecules and biopterins.

UNLABELLED: Endothelial dysfunction is a common feature in type-2 diabetic patients and is associated with inflammation, increased levels of circulating soluble adhesion molecules and atherosclerosis. Insufficiency of tetrahydrobiopterin leads to uncoupling of the nitric oxide synthase enzyme an endothelial dysfunction. THE AIM OF THIS STUDY: was to evaluate if there is a relationship between the levels of circulating soluble adhesion molecules and the levels of biopterins in normotensive type-2 diabetic patients. METHODS: We studied 30 normotensive type-2 diabetic patients in whom VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and E-selectin were measured by ELISA. Additionally, Biopterins were measured by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. The levels of circulating adhesion molecules and biopterins were correlated using the Spearman correlation coefficient test. Statistical analysis was performed with ANOVA. RESULTS: We did not find any relationship between absolute values of biopterins and soluble adhesion molecules. However, we observed significant inverse correlations between the BH4/BH2 ratio and VCAM-1 (r= -0.65, p<0.001) with ICAM-1 (r= -0.69, p<0.001) and with E-selectin (r=-0.64 p<0.001), CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that systemic levels of adhesion molecules have an inverse association with the BH4/BH2 ratio in type 2 diabetic normotensive patients.

[Ankle-brachial index and albuminuria correlation in diabetic patients with normal blood pressure]. / Índice brazo-tobillo y albuminuria en pacientes diabéticos normotensos.

BACKGROUND: both, the ankle-brachial index < 0.9, and microalbuminuria are considered markers of endothelial dysfunction. Our objective was to evaluate if there is a correlation between the ankle-brachial index (ABI) and the degree of albuminuria in diabetic normotensive patients. METHODS: we included 32 diabetic normotensive patients and measured their ABI, and their 24-h urinary albumin excretion by nephelometry; the ABI and albuminuria were correlated with the Spearman correlation coefficient. RESULTS: we did not find overall correlation between the ABI and albuminuria (r = 0.21, 95 % CI = -0.14-0.52, p = 0.12); However, when we measured the correlation of an ABI < 0.9 with any degree of albuminuria, we found a significant correlation (r = -0.32 ± 0.11, 95 % CI = 0.027 to -0.6, p = 0.03); and when the correlation of ABI with albuminuria > 300 mg, we also found a significant correlation (r = -0.45 ± 0.11, 95 % CI = -0.015 to -0.76, p = 0.3). CONCLUSIONS: our results suggest that ABI < 0.9 is a useful marker to estimate microalbuminuria in diabetic normotensive patients.

Correlation between circulating adhesion molecules and resistin levels in hypertensive type-2 diabetic patients.

BACKGROUND: Endothelial dysfunction, a common feature among hypertensive and type-2 diabetic patients, has been associated with inflammation and increased concentrations of serum soluble adhesion molecules and resistin, a monocyte-macrophage- and adipocyte-derived cytokine. THE AIM OF THIS STUDY: To determine if there is a correlation between the serum concentrations of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, Eselectin and resistin in hypertensive type-2 diabetic patients. METHODS: Thirty hypertensive type-2 diabetic patients were enrolled in the study. Serum ICAM-1, VCAM-1, E-selectin and resistin concentrations were determined by ELISA and correlated with the Spearman correlation coefficient. RESULTS: The patients' serum resistin concentrations significantly correlated with VCAM-1 (r = 0.31, p= 0.05) concentrations but not with ICAM-1 (r = 0.29, p = >0.05) and E-selectin (r = 0.10, p = 0.24) concentrations. CONCLUSION: VCAM-1 and resistin may participate in the pathophysiology of vascular damage in hypertensive type-2 diabetic patients. Serum resistin concentrations may be a marker of endothelial dysfunction.

Correlation between the levels of circulating adhesion molecules and atherosclerosis in type-2 diabetic normotensive patients: circulating adhesion molecules and atherosclerosis.

UNLABELLED: Endothelial dysfunction is a common feature in type-2 diabetic patients and is associated with inflammation, increased levels of circulating soluble adhesion molecules and atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the levels of circulating soluble adhesion molecules and the degree of atherosclerosis in normotensive type-2 diabetic patients. RESULTS: We found significant correlations between ICAM-1 (r = 0.69, p < 0.001 95% IC 0.65 to 0.82) and VCAM-1 (r = 0.4, p < 0.03, 95% IC 0.65 to 0.82) levels and maximal carotid artery intimal-medial thickness, whereas no correlation was observed with E-selectin. METHODS: We studied 30 normotensive type-2 diabetic patients in whom VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and E-selectin were measured by ELISA. Additionally, the intimal-medial thickness of both the common and internal carotid arteries was measured (B-mode ultrasound). The levels of circulating adhesion molecules and maximal carotid artery intimal-medial thicknesses were correlated using the Spearman correlation coefficient test. Statistical analysis was performed with ANOVA. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 are markers associated, and correlated with the degree of atherosclerosis in normotensive type-2 diabetic patients.

Correlation between circulating adhesion molecule levels and albuminuria in type-2 diabetic hypertensive patients.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Endothelial dysfunction, a common feature among hypertensive and type-2 diabetic patients, is associated with inflammation, increased levels of circulating soluble adhesion molecules (SAM), and urinary albumin excretion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of circulating SAM levels in the development of albuminuria in hypertensive type-2 diabetic patients. METHODS: We studied 30 hypertensive type-2 diabetic patients and 30 non-diabetic normotensive subjects, and measured their VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and E-selectin levels by ELISA, and their 24-hour urinary albumin excretion by nephelometry; the levels of circulating adhesion molecules and albuminuria were correlated with the Spearman correlation coefficient. RESULTS: We found that the diabetic patients had significantly (p < 0.001) higher levels of circulating SAM than control subjects. When levels of circulating SAM were correlated with albuminuria, we found a significant correlation between VCAM-1 levels and 24-hour urinary albumin excretion (r = 0.4, p < 0.02). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that VCAM-1 may be a marker of nephropathy in hypertensive type-2 diabetic patients.

Efficacy of a fixed-dose combination of trandolapril-verapamil in obese hypertensive patients resistant to monotherapy.

This paper sought to determine if the fixed-dose combination of trandolapril and verapamil is effective in the treatment of hypertensive obese patients resistant to monotherapy. Thirty-six hypertensive obese patients uncontrolled by monotherapy were given the combination of trandolapril-verapamil (2/180 mg) for 12 weeks. Before and after taking the drug, they self-measured their blood pressure. Patients experienced a significant reduction of blood pressure (from 178 +/- 18/100 +/- 12 mm Hg to 135 +/- 14/76 +/- 7 mm Hg, p < 0.001). Eighty percent of patients reached therapeutic goals; one patient suffered from headaches and one had constipation. it was determined that the combination of trandolapril-verapamil is effective and safe for the management of hypertension in obese patients uncontrolled by monotherapy.

Efficacy of a fixed-dose combination of trandolapril-verapamil in patients with stage 2 hypertension inadequately controlled by monotherapy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: About 70% of hypertensive patients need more than one drug to control their blood pressure (BP). The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure recommends a two-drug combination as initial drug therapy for patients with stage 2 hypertension. The aim of this study was to determine if a fixed-dose combination of trandolapril-verapamil is effective and safe in the treatment of stage 2 (moderate to severe) hypertension in hypertensive Mexican patients not controlled by monotherapy. METHODS: Forty hypertensive patients with BP >160/100mm Hg despite >6 months of drug treatment were given the fixed-dose combination of trandolapril-verapamil (2mg/180mg) for 12 weeks. Before taking the drug, they measured their own blood pressure (self-measured BP [SMBP]) several times a day for 3 days using a validated Omrom HEM 713C BP measuring device. At the end of the 12-week treatment period, the patients performed a second series of SMBPs in the same way as before treatment. A washout period was not included because the patients did not have an adequate response to previous antihypertensive treatment. Antihypertensive control during the 3-day SMBP period was evaluated. RESULTS: Patients experienced a significant reduction in mean BP (from 180/100mm Hg to 135/78mm Hg; p < 0.001). Seventy-five percent of patients reached their therapeutic goals (BP <140/90mm Hg). The SMBP records showed that BP values were maintained throughout the entire 3 days. One patient experienced headache and one had constipation; no patients discontinued the treatment. CONCLUSION: A fixed-dose combination of trandolapril-verapamil seems to be an effective and safe option for the management of stage 2 hypertension in Mexican patients uncontrolled by monotherapy.