Effectiveness of Twitter Threads to Improve Medical Student Electrocardiogram (ECG) Reading-Skills. The TwittUVa-ECG Non-Randomized Pre-Post Study.

Introduction: social media is increasingly used in medical education, but its real educational effectiveness is unclear. In this study we assess the effectiveness of Twitter threads (TTS) in improving electrocardiogram (ECG) basic reading skills (ECGBRS). Materials and Methods: Seven TTS describing ECGBRS were published from October 28, 2021, to November 24, 2021. Tests were used to assess medical students ECGBRS pre and post intervention. All third and sixth-year medical students were invited to participate. Sixty-three students were enrolled (33 third year and 30 sixth year). Nine (14.3%) participants dropped out. Results: Sixth year medical students had higher ECGBRS at baseline. The number of correct items increased after the Twitter intervention; median correct pre-test items were 20 out of 56, (interquartile range (IQR) 14-23), and median post-test were 29 out of 56, (IQR 21-36) (p < 0.001). The improvement in sixth year students was greater than for third year students; 10 more correct items (IQR 4-14) vs. 7 (IQR 1-14) items (p = 0.045). The more TTS followed, the greater the improvement in ECGBRS (p = 0.004). The QRS axis calculation was the ECG reading skill with the lowest scores. Most medical students were definitely (35%) or very probably (46%) interested in repeating another on-line learning experience and found the TTS extremely (39%) or very (46%) interesting. Conclusions: The use of specifically designed TTS was associated with improvement in medical students' interpretation of ECGs. The effectiveness of the threads was higher in the final years of medical school when basic skills had already been acquired. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40670-023-01885-x.

Resumen ejecutivo de las guías de práctica clínica en la osteoporosis posmenopáusica, glucocorticoidea y del varón (actualización 2022). Sociedad Española de Investigación Ósea y del Metabolismo Mineral (SEIOMM) / Executive summary clinical practice guideline of postmenopausal, glucocortcioid-induced and male osteoporosis (2022 update). Spanish Society for Bone and Mineral Metabolism Investigation (SEIOMM)

Esta versión actualizada de las guías de osteoporosis de la Sociedad Española de Investigación en Osteoporosis y Metabolismo Mineral (SEIOMM) incorpora la información más relevante publicada en los últimos 7años, desde las guías de 2015, con estudios de imagen, como la valoración de la fractura vertebral y el análisis del índice trabecular óseo. Además, los avances terapéuticos incluyen los nuevos fármacos anabólicos, los estudios comparativos de la eficacia de los fármacos y la terapia secuencial y combinada. Por ello se actualizan también las recomendaciones de los tratamientos (AU)

This updated version of the Spanish Society for Research in Osteoporosis and Mineral Metabolism (SEIOMM) osteoporosis guides incorporate the most relevant information published in the last 7years, since the 2015 guides, with imaging studies, such as vertebral fracture assessment and bone trabecular score analysis. In addition, therapeutic advances include new anabolic agents, comparative studies of drug efficacy, and sequential and combined therapy. Therefore, therapeutic algorithms are also updated (AU)

Executive summary clinical practice guideline of postmenopausal, glucocortcioid-induced and male osteoporosis (2022 update). Spanish Society for Bone and Mineral Metabolism Investigation (SEIOMM).

This updated version of the Spanish Society for Research in Osteoporosis and Mineral Metabolism (SEIOMM) osteoporosis guides incorporate the most relevant information published in the last 7 years, since the 2015 guides, with imaging studies, such as vertebral fracture assessment and bone trabecular score analysis. In addition, therapeutic advances include new anabolic agents, comparative studies of drug efficacy, and sequential and combined therapy. Therefore, therapeutic algorithms are also updated.

Resumen ejecutivo de las Guías de práctica clínica en la osteoporosis postmenopáusica, glucocorticoidea y del varón (actualización 2022) / Executive summary clinical practice guideline of postmenopausal, glucocorticoid-induced, and male osteoporosis (2022 update)

Esta versión actualizada de la Guía de osteoporosis de la SEIOMM (Sociedad Española de Investigación en Osteoporosis y Metabolismo Mineral) incorpora la información más relevante publicada en los últimos 7 años, desde la Guía de 2015, con estudios de imagen, como la valoración de la fractura vertebral y el análisis del índice trabecular óseo. Además, los avances terapéuticos incluyen los nuevos fármacos anabólicos, los estudios comparativos de la eficacia de los fármacos y la terapia secuencial y combinada. Por ello se actualizan también las recomendaciones de los tratamientos. (AU)

Guías de práctica clínica en la osteoporosis postmenopáusica, glucocorticoidea y del varón (actualización 2022). Sociedad Española de Investigación Ósea y del Metabolismo Mineral (SEIOMM) / Clinical practice guidelines in postmenopausal, glucocorticoid and male osteoporosis (update 2022). Spanish Society for Bone and Mineral Metabolism Research (SEIOMM)

Esta actualización de las Guías incorpora la información más relevante aparecida durante los 7 años trascurridos desde la publicación de la versión anterior, especialmente en cuanto a procedimientos diagnósticos y opciones terapéuticas. Entre los primeros, merece la pena destacar la incorporación del TBS y la detección de fracturas vertebrales por densitometría. Entre los tratamientos, se consideran los nuevos fármacos anabólicos, los estudios comparativos de eficacia en osteoporosis grave, las pautas de actuación tras la suspensión de los antirresortivos y otros esquemas de tratamiento secuencial y combinado. Teniendo en cuenta todo ello, se actualizan los esquemas de tratamiento recomendados. (AU)

Patrón de intoxicaciones pediátricas en Urgencias. Evolución tras 20 años / Pattern of pediatric poisoning in the ER. Evolution after 20 years

Objetivo. Describir y comparar los datos de las intoxicaciones pediátricas, por fármacos y no medicamentosas, enla urgencia pediátrica en 2 cohortes de 2 décadas distintas.Material y métodos. En este estudio descriptivo retrospectivo, de 2 cohortes de pacientes que acudieron a Urgencias en el año 1997 y en el año 2015. Se compararon lascaracterísticas epidemiológicas, clínicas, la adecuación deltratamiento a las guías de los pacientes menores de 14 añosque acudieron a las Urgencias Pediátricas de nuestro hospital.Resultados. En nuestra serie ha habido un aumento delas intoxicaciones por medicamentos, de un 40% en 1997 a un53% en 2015. Por el contrario, se ha encontrado un descensorelativo de las consultas por tóxicos no medicamentosos 60%vs 47%. La distribución por sexo, con predominio femeninoen las intoxicaciones farmacológicas, y masculino en las nofarmacológicas. Las características clínicas no han variado,predominando al clínica digestiva y neurológica. Los tóxicosimplicados han variado con relación a las indicaciones encada período de tiempo, desapareciendo las intoxicacionespor aspirina en la última década. El tratamiento en Urgenciasse ha adecuado a los estándares de calidad que publican lassociedades científicas, abandonando tratamientos que se handemostrado de baja eficacia, como el jarabe de ipecacuanay los lavados gástricos. Los ingresos en nuestra serie handisminuido de un 25% vs 3%, contribuyendo entre otrascausas el desarrollo y especialización de las Unidades deUrgencias Pediátricas.Conclusiones. A pesar de que ciertos datos indican unamejora de la asistencia, sigue habiendo muchos puntos demejora para que la morbimortalidad de las intoxicaciones en pediatría disminuya (AU)

Objective. To describe and compare data on pediatricpoisonings, drug and non-drug, in the pediatric emergencydepartment in 2 cohorts from 2 different decades.Material and methods. This is a retrospective descriptive study of 2 cohorts of patients attending the emergencydepartment in 1997 and 2015. We compared the epidemiological and clinical characteristics and the adequacy of treatmentaccording to the guidelines of patients under 14 years of age,who were attended at the pediatric emergency departmentof our hospital.Results. In our series there has been an increase in drugpoisonings, from 40% in 1997 to 53% in 2015. In contrast,there was a relative decrease in consultations for non-drugintoxications, 60% vs 47%. The distribution by sex, with afemale predominance in pharmacological poisonings, and amale predominance in non-pharmacological poisonings. The clinical characteristics did not vary, with a predominance ofdigestive and neurological symptoms. The toxins involvedhave varied in relation to the indications in each period oftime, the aspirin poisonings disappearing in the last decade.Treatment in the emergency Department has been adaptedto the quality standards published by scientific societies,treatments that have been shown to be of low efficacy hasbeen abandoned, such as syrup of ipecac and gastric lavage.Admissions in our series have decreased by 25% vs 3%,contributed among other causes by the development andspecialisation of paediatric emergency units.Conclusions. Despite certain data indicating an improvement in care, there are still many points of improvementfor the morbidity and mortality of poisoning in pediatrics to decrease. (AU)

Multidisciplinary expert consensus on secondary fracture prevention in Spain.

The study aimed to achieve expert consensus to optimize secondary fracture prevention in Spain. Relevant gaps in current patient management were identified. However, some aspects were considered difficult to apply. Future efforts should focus on those items with greatest divergences between importance and feasibility. PURPOSE: To establish a Spanish multidisciplinary expert consensus on secondary fracture prevention. METHODS: A two-round Delphi consensus was conducted, guided by a Scientific Committee. The 43-item study questionnaire was designed from a literature review and a subsequent multidisciplinary expert group (n = 12) discussion. The first-round questionnaire, using a 7-point Likert scale, assessed the experts' opinion of the current situation, their wish for items to happen, and their prognosis that items would be implemented within 5 years. Items for which consensus was not achieved were included in the second round. Consensus was defined as ≥ 75% agreement or ≥ 75% disagreement. A total of 102 experts from 14 scientific societies were invited to participate. RESULTS: A total of 75 (response rate 73.5%) and 69 (92.0%) experts answered the first and second Delphi rounds, respectively. Participants mean age was 51.8 years [standard deviation (SD): 10.1 years]; being 24.0% rheumatologists, 21.3% primary care physicians, 14.7% geriatricians, 8.0% internal medicine specialists, 8.0% rehabilitation physicians, and 8.0% gynecologists. Consensus was achieved for 79.1% of items (wish, 100%; prognosis, 58.1%). Effective secondary prevention strategies identified as requiring improvement included: clinical report standardization, effective hospital primary care communication (telephone/mail and case managers), health-related quality of life (HRQoL) questionnaires use, and treatment compliance monitoring (prognosis agreement 33.3%, 47.8%, 18.8%, and 55.1%, respectively). CONCLUSION: A consensus was reached by health professionals in their wish to implement strategies to optimize secondary fracture prevention; however, they considered some difficult to apply. Efforts should focus on those items with currently low application and those with greatest divergence between wish and prognosis.

Perfil de los pacientes que acuden al médico internista para valoración de osteoporosis: registro OSTEOMED / Profile of patients who visit medical internists for an osteoporosis assessment: The OSTEOMED registry

Antecedentes y objetivo La osteoporosis se considera un trastorno generalizado del esqueleto en el que existe una alteración de la resistencia ósea que predispone a la persona a un mayor riesgo de fractura. Este estudio transversal pretende recoger y presentar las principales características clínicas de los pacientes que acuden a la consulta de los médicos internistas en España. Conocer estas características podría facilitar la puesta en marcha de planes de actuación para mejorar la atención de estos pacientes de manera más eficaz y eficiente. Material y métodos A través del análisis del registro OSTEOMED (Osteoporosis en Medicina Interna), este trabajo presenta las principales características clínicas de los pacientes con osteoporosis que acudieron a las consultas de Medicina Interna en 23 centros hospitalarios españoles entre 2012 y 2017. Se han analizado los motivos de consulta, los valores densitométricos, la presencia de comorbilidades, el tratamiento prescrito y otros factores relacionados con el estilo de vida. Resultados En total se evaluó a 2.024 pacientes con osteoporosis (89,87% mujeres, 10,13% hombres). La edad media de los pacientes fue de 64,1 ±12,1 años (mujeres, 64,7 ±11,5 años; hombres, 61,2 ±14,2 años). No hubo diferencia entre sexos en la historia de caídas recientes (9,1-6,7%), mientras que sí se apreció en la ingesta diaria de calcio de lácteos (553,8 ±332,6mg en mujeres vs. 450,2 ±303,3mg en hombres; p <0,001) y en causas secundarias de osteoporosis (13% de hombres vs. 6,5% de mujeres; p <0,001). En la muestra se observaron un total de 404 fracturas (20%) (AU)

Background and objectives Osteoporosis is considered a generalised skeletal disorder in which there is impaired bone resistance, which predisposes the individual to a greater risk of fracture. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to collect and present data on the main clinical characteristics of patients who consult medical internists in Spain. Understanding these characteristics can help in implementing action plans to improve these patients’ care more effectively and efficiently. Material and methods Through an analysis of the Osteoporosis in Internal Medicine (OSTEOMED) registry, this study presents the main clinical characteristics of patients with osteoporosis who attended internal medicine consultations in 23 Spanish hospital centres between 2012 and 2017. We analysed the reasons for the consultations, the densitometric values, the presence of comorbidities, the prescribed treatment and other lifestyle-related factors. Results In total, 2024 patients with osteoporosis were assessed (89.87% women, 10.13% men). The patients’ mean age was 64.1±12.1 years (women, 64.7±11.5 years; men, 61.2±14.2 years). There was no significant difference between the sexes in their history of recent falls (9.1% and 6.7%); however, there were significant differences in the daily intake of calcium from milk products (553.8±332.6mg for women vs. 450.2±303.3mg for men; P<.001) and in the secondary causes of osteoporosis (13% of men vs. 6.5% of women; P<.001). In the sample, there were 404 fractures (20%), with a notable number of confirmed vertebral fractures (17.2%, 35.6% in men vs. 15.2% in women; P<.001) (AU)

Parathyroid Hormone Polymorphism RS6254 is Associated with the Development and Severity of Osteoporosis in Asymptomatic but not Normocalcemic Hyperthyroidism.

Although normocalcemic and asymptomatic hyperparathyroidism (HPT) are becoming more common, they remain only partially understood. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) polymorphisms have been associated with disease severity in classical HPT. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical effect of PTH polymorphism (rs6254) in normocalcemic and asymptomatic HPT. A prospective study of 61 consecutive patients with normocalcemic or asymptomatic HPT was carried out. Secondary causes of HPT were ruled out. All patients were followed for≥1 year. Calcium and phosphorus metabolism parameters were assessed at least twice during the follow-up period to classify as normocalcemic or asymptomatic HPT. Bone mineral density (BMD) and the rs6254 polymorphism genotype were also assessed. Genotype rs6254GG was observed in 23 patients (37.7%) whereas GA and AA genotypes were presented in 29 (47.5%) and 9 (14.8%) patients, respectively. Age, sex and genotype distributions were comparable in both groups. In asymptomatic but not normocalcemic HPT patients, the GG genotype was associated with a significantly higher level of intact PTH [200.2 (SD 76.5) vs. 113.3 (SD 25.9) pg/ml; p<0.01], and significantly lower Z-score densitometry at the femoral neck, proximal femur, and lumbar spine. Both remained significant after adjusting for major confounding factors by multiple linear regression. The present study supports the independent pathogenic effect of rs6254GA polymorphism on the development and severity of BMD complications in patients with asymptomatic but not normocalcemic HPT. Further studies are needed to confirm this finding and to assess the effect of other polymorphisms in normocalcemic and asymptomatic HPT.

Response of osteocalcin and insulin resistance after a hypocaloric diet in obese patients.

OBJECTIVE: Osteocalcin is a hormone with a complex cross-talk between adipose tissue and the skeleton. The aim of the present study was to explore the change of osteocalcin, insulin resistance, and adipocytokines after hypocaloric diet in obese patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A population of 178 obese patients was analyzed. At basal time and 2 months after the dietary intervention, weight, fat mass, body mass index, basal glucose, insulin, insulin resistance (HOMA), total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, leptin, adiponectin, IL-6, TNF alpha and osteocalcin levels were measured. RESULTS: After dietary treatment, BMI, weight, fat mass, waist circumference, waist to hip ratio, systolic pressure, glucose, HOMA, triglycerides, total cholesterol, leptin and LDL cholesterol decreased significantly. Osteocalcin levels have a significant decrease after weight loss (Osteocalcin (ng/ml); 9.76 ± 5.3 vs 9.31 ± 4.1: p < 0.05). In correlation analysis, a negative association was detected among osteocalcin and age, BMI, fat mass, glucose, C reactive protein, interleukin-6. In the linear regression with age-, sex-, BMI, fat mass- and insulin- adjusted, only C reactive protein concentrations are related with osteocalcin levels -0.21 (CI 95%: -0.40 -0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Osteocalcin decreased after a weight loss treatment. Moreover, osteocalcin levels, before and after treatment, were related in a negative way with CRP fat mass, body mass index, age and glucose levels.

Ankle-brachial index, risk of clinical fractures, mortality and low bone mass in nursing home residents.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether the ankle-brachial index is related to functional impairment, clinical fractures and mortality in nursing home residents, and whether this effect is associated or not with low bone mass. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective, observational, non-interventional cohort study in non-dependent nursing home residents. The following determinations were made: BUN, creatinine, cholesterol, triglycerides, calcium, phosphorous 25-hydroxyvitamin D, parathyroid hormone and cystatin C in blood and microalbuminuria in urine. Bone mass was determined by measuring the peripheral densitometry of the calcaneus. The Katz Index of independence, the Tinetti Balance and Gait evaluation and functional tests were administered. The ankle-brachial index was measured and patients divided into three groups (ankle-brachial index > 1.40, 1.40-0.90, and < 0.90). Clinical fractures and general and vascular mortality were measured for 20 months. RESULTS: Seventy-two patients were included. There was an inverse relationship between age and the ankle-brachial index (p = 0.022) but no association with bone mass, biochemical tests, clinical fractures and the degree of independence. There was increased mortality in patients with increased or reduced ABI. CONCLUSIONS: An altered ankle-brachial index is a marker of vascular mortality in elderly nursing home residents.

In-hospital mortality due to infectious disease in an Internal Medicine Department. Epidemiology and risk factors.

OBJECTIVE: Hospital mortality is a leading indicator of quality of healthcare and a valuable tool for planning and management. Infectious diseases represent a substantial part of the activity of internal medicine.Our aim was to describe the characteristics of in-hospital mortality due to infectious diseases and associated risk factors in our environment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective case-control study was designed. We reviewed deaths during 2012 from an Internal Medicine Department. 187 cases (infectious disease related mortality) and 224 controls were found. Clinical and demographic information was obtained from medical records. Comorbidity was evaluated with Charlson index (CI). Data were analyzed using SPSS 15.0 (p-value < 0.05). RESULTS: During 2012, of the 3193 discharge, 187 were exitus due to infectious disease (5.8%). Mean age was 85.7 ± 7.6, higher in women (88 ± 7 vs 83 ± 7.4, p < 0.001), and 55% were aged over 85 years. The CI mean was 4.2 ± 3, higher in younger than 85 years (5.3 ± 3.4 vs 3.6 ± 2.6, p < 0.001). Most frequent causes of death were respiratory sepsis (29%), severe pneumonia (23.5%) and urinary sepsis (16.6%) and risk factors were living in Nursing Home (55.6% vs 34%, p < 0.001), being dependent (73.8% vs. 44.6%, p < 0.001), dementia (59.4% vs 27.2%, p < 0.001) and cerebrovascular disease (25.7% vs 17.4%, p = 0.041). CONCLUSIONS: Dementia, cerebrovascular disease, living in Nursing Home and being dependent were risk factors for infectious disease in-hospital mortality in our study, but not comorbidity, age or length of stay. Our series, although limited by retrospective design, is the first qualitative study of in-hospital mortality due to infectious disease in an Internal Medicine Service in our environment. Most frequent cause of death in our setting was respiratory etiology.

Treatment of osteoporosis and hip fractures in a Spanish health area.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this longitudinal retrospective ecological study was to evaluate the consumption of anti-osteoporotic medications and the evolution of pertrochanteric and femoral neck (FN), subtrochanteric and diaphyseal hip fractures between 2005 and 2010. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were obtained from our Hospital Admissions Service (absolute number of fractures) and the Technical Directorate of Pharmacy (defined daily dose and absolute number of containers consumed of bisphosphonates (BP), raloxifene and strontium ranelate). RESULTS: The overall incidence density of FN in 2005-2010 was 124.8 new cases per 100,000 persons per year. BP consumption increased between 2005 and 2010 to a peak of 70,452 containers consumed in 2010, while consumption of raloxifene declined. The number of subtrochanteric and diaphyseal fractures remained stable, but FN reached a peak in 2008 (N = 350) and fell thereafter (N = 284 in 2010). The percentage reduction in the number of FN in the period studied (2009: -14% and 2010: -11% compared to 2005) corresponds temporally with the increased consumption of BP (2009: +76% and 2010: +84% compared to 2005). CONCLUSIONS: We found an inverse temporal association between the annual consumption of BP and the annual number of FN during 2005-2010. This is probably related to the cumulative effect of BP, although, given the limitations of the study design, other studies are needed to confirm our data.

Epidemiology, risk factors and comorbidity for urinary tract infections caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing enterobacteria.

AIM: Urinary tract infection (UTI) caused by resistant bacteria is becoming more prevalent. We investigate characteristics and associated risk factors for UTIs resulting from extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing enterobacteria. METHODS: Retrospective study of urinary tract isolates of ESBL-producing enterobacteria in adults (2009 and 2010). We included 400 patients and 103 controls (UTI caused by non-ESBL Escherichia coli). Clinical and demographic information was obtained from medical records. Comorbidity was evaluated using Charlson Index (CI). Strains were identified using VITEK 2 system. RESULTS: A total of 400 isolates were obtained (93%E. coli and 7%Klebsiella spp). In 2009, 6% of cultures were ESBL-producing E. coli and 7% in 2010. 37% of patients were men and 81% were aged ≥60years. CI was 2.3±1.8 (high comorbidity: 42.8%). 41.5% of strains were susceptible to amoxicillin-clavulanate, 85.8% to fosfomycin and 15.5% to ciprofloxacin. The total number of ESBL E. coli positive urine cultures during hospital admission was 97 and, compared with 103 controls, risk factors for UTI caused by ESBL- E. coli strains in hospitalised patients were nursing home residence (p<0.001), diabetes (p=0.032), recurrent UTI (p=0.032) and high comorbidity (p=0.002). In addition, these infections were associated with more symptoms (p<0.001) and longer admission (p=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Urinary tract infection caused by ESBL are a serious problem and identifying risk factors facilitates early detection and improved prognosis. Male sex, hospitalisation, institutionalisation, diabetes, recurrent UTI and comorbidity were risk factors and were associated with more symptoms and longer hospital stay.

[Telmisartan effect's on remodelling bone markers in hypertensive patients]. / Efecto de telmisartan sobre marcadores del remodelado óseo en pacientes hipertensos.

INTRODUCTION: The telmisartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) with a few own characteristics that it allows us to obtain a few additional benefits. It displays the ability to act as a partial agonist of PPARgamma. On the other hand, PPAR gamma intervenes in the control of bone remodelling though with not concordant results. The objective of this study to value the effect of telmisartan on bone markers in hypertensive patients. SUBJECTS: A sample of 31 hypertensive patients with hypertension were included. The dose of telmisartan was of 80 mg/24 h and the period of follow-up was 12 weeks. The control group included 32 hypertensive patients treated before with IECA (enalapril-20 mg/24 h - or quinapril - 40 mg/24 hours). The following parameters were determined P1NP, ß-CTX, 25OHD and PTH , osteocalcin, insulin and adiponectin. RESULTS: The patients treated with Telmisartan shown a significantly decrease in systolic blood pressure (156 ± 19 mmHg vs 133 ± 15 mmHg, p = 0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (92 ± 9 mmHg vs 82 ± 6 mmHg, p = 0.01) . Changes were not observed in other parameter, PTHi (48 ± 22 pg/ml vs 45 ± 22 pg/ml, p > 0.05) and 25-vitamin D (21 ± 10 ng/ml vs 25 ± 8 ng/ml, p > 0.05), CTX (0.195 ± 0.12 ng/ml vs 0.221 ± 0.13 ng/ml, p > 0.05), PINP (39 ± 20 ng/ml vs 40 ± 19 ng/ml, p > 0.05), osteocalcin (11 ± 9 ng/ml vs 11 ± 5 ng/ml, p > 0.05), glucose, adiponectin, insulin and HOMA. When the patients divided in two groups depending on the levels of vitamin D (insufficient and not insufficient), with a cut of 20 ng/ml, there was changes on bone markers but a decrease of the glucose was observed in patients with levels of vitamin D over 20 ng/ml (135 ± 53 mg/dl vs 119 ± 39 mg/dl, p = 0.01). The patients treated with IECAS decreases the systolic blood pressure but the diastolic blood pressure values of arterial systolic does not show changes. CONCLUSIONS: Telmisartan has a neutral effect to level of the bone markers of bone remodelling.

Serum visfatin concentrations are related to dietary intake in obese patients.

BACKGROUND: Changes in dietary intake such as underfeeding, overfeeding, as well as exercise have important effects on adipose tissue metabolism. We conducted a cross-sectional study of associations between nutrient intake and serum visfatin concentrations in a group of obese patients. SUBJECTS: A population of 231 obese subjects was analyzed in a cross-sectional study. Biochemical analysis (basal glucose, C-reactive protein, insulin, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, blood and insulin resistance), anthropometric evaluation (weight and bioimpedance) and assessment of dietary intake were carried out. RESULTS: The mean age was 41.8 ± 14.2 years, and the mean body mass index was 35.4 ± 5.3 among the 63 male (27.3%) and 168 female (72.7%) patients. Patients were divided into 3 groups by visfatin tertile values: group 1, <16.06 ng/ml; group 2, between 16.06 and 60.55 ng/ml; group 3, >60.55 ng/ml. Patients in group 3 had lower intakes of energy, carbohydrates, total fat, monounsaturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, saturated fat, total cholesterol and proteins than group 1. Patients in group 2 had lower intakes of energy, total fat, monounsaturated fat, saturated fat, total cholesterol and proteins than group 1. In the adjusted multivariate analysis, only monounsaturated fat intake remained as an independent predictor of visfatin levels. Visfatin concentration decreased by -3.69 ng/ml (95% CI -0.43 to -7.01) for each gram of monounsaturated fat intake. CONCLUSION: Monounsaturated fatty acid consumption was found to be modestly inversely associated with visfatin levels in a group of obese patients.

Effects of olmesartan vs irbesartan on metabolic parameters and visfatin in hypertensive obese women.

BACKGROUND: Angiotensin II regulates the production of adipokines. The objective was to study the effect of treatment with irbesartan versus olmesartan in obese hypertensive women. SUBJECTS: A sample of 34 obese hypertensive women was analyzed in a prospective way with a randomized trial. Patients were randomized to irbesartan (300 mg/day) or olmesartan (40 mg/day) for 3 months. Weight, body mass index, blood pressure, basal glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, HOMA and visfatin were determined at basal time and after 3 months of treatment. RESULTS: Thirty four patients gave informed consent and were enrolled in the study. A significative decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressures was reached without changes in weight. Patients treated with olmesartan had a significative decrease of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, insulin, HOMA and visfatin levels. Decrease in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol was similar with both angiotensin receptor blockers. Decrease in insulin (2.28 +/- 2.77 vs 0.66 +/- 4.4 mUI/L: p < 0.05), HOMA (0.69 +/- 1.1 vs 0.48 +/- 1.6 units: p < 0.05) and visfatin (5.16 +/- 13 vs 1.85 +/- 9.1 ng/ml: p < 0.05) levels was higher in olmesartan than irbesartan group. CONCLUSION: The administration of olmesartan improved blood pressure, insulin, HOMA, visfatin and lipid profile in hypertensive obese women. Irbesartan improved blood pressure and lipid levels.

Relation of phase angle tertiles with blood adipocytokines levels, insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk factors in obese women patients.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have evaluated the relation between phase angle (PA) and metabolic syndrome. As long as we know, there are not studies of association between phase angle and adipocytokines. The aim of our study was to evaluate the association of adipocytokines levels and classical cardiovascular risk factors with tertiles of phase angle in obese women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was designed to establish whether phase angle from 228 adult female patients with obesity are related with adipocitokynes and cardiovascular risk factors. These patients were studied in a Nutrition Clinic Unit after signed informed consent. All patients with a 2 weeks weight-stabilization period before recruitment were enrolled. Weight, blood pressure, basal glucose, C-reactive protein (CRP), insulin, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides blood and adypocitokines (leptin, adiponectin, resistin Interleukin-6 and TNF-alpha) levels were measured. The phase angle alpha was determined by bioimpedance with the equation [PA degrees =(Xc/R)x(180 degrees/pi)]. RESULTS: Two hundred and twenty-eight females gave informed consent and were enrolled in the study. The mean age was 38.2 +/- 14.7 years and the mean BMI 35.27 +/- 6.5. Patients were divided by tertiles of phase angle. Fat mass was higher in first tertile than third tertile (43.6 +/- 12.6 vs 40.9 +/- 15 kg: p<0.05). HOMA (2.4 +/- 1.6 vs 1.46 +/- 1.6: p<0.05), insulin (14.4 +/- 8.5 vs 11.3 +/- 9.4 mUI/L: p<0.05) and glucose (102.1 +/- 20 vs 90 +/- 19.5 mg/dl: p<0.05) levels were higher in first tertile than second and third tertiles. Leptin (167.3 +/- 98 vs 104.5 +/- 80 ng/ml: p<0.05) and IL-6 (3.84 +/- 5.7 vs 1.8 +/- 2.9 pg/ml: p<0.05) levels were higher in first phase angle tertile than third tertile phase angle. CONCLUSION: Obese women with a low PA tertile have high fat mass with a secondary high level of glucose, HOMA, IL-6 and leptin. Perhaps, a low tertile of phase angle could be a new subrogate cardiovascular risk factor to categorize the obese patients.

Effects of telmisartan vs olmesartan on metabolic parameters, insulin resistance and adipocytokines in hypertensive obese patients.

BACKGROUND: Angiotensin II regulates the production of adipokines. The objective was to study the effect of treatment with telmisartan versus olmesartan in hypertensive obese and overweight patients. SUBJECTS: A sample of 65 overweight and obese patients with mild to moderate hypertension was analyzed in a prospective way with a randomized trial. Patients were randomized to telmisartan (80 mg/day) or olmesartan (40 mg/day) for 3 months. Weight, body mass index, blood pressure, basal glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, HOMA, QUICKI, leptin and adiponectin were determined at basal time and after 3 months of treatment. RESULTS: Sixty five patients gave informed consent and were enrolled in the study. Patients treated with telmisartan had a significative decrease of glucose 10.53 mg/dl (CI 95%: 2.6-18.5), insulin 2.51 mUI/L (CI 95%: 2.07-7.17) and HOMA 1.08 (CI 95%: 0.39-2.55). Patients treated with olmesartan had a significative decrease of total cholesterol 20.2 mg/dl (CI 95%: 5.8-34.9) and LDL cholesterol 22.6 mg/dl (CI 95%: 9.7-35.6). Only leptin levels have a significant decrease in telmisartan group 7.39 ng/ml (CI 95%: 1.47-13.31). CONCLUSION: Telmisartan improved blood pressure, glucose, insulin, HOMA and leptin in hypertensive diabetic patients. Olmesartan improved blood pressure and lipid levels.