Identification and Stratification of Diabetic Kidney Disease Using Serum Cystatin C and Serum Creatinine Based Estimating Equations in Type 2 Diabetes: A Comparative Analysis.

Background: Cystatin C is a low molecular weight protein produced by all nucleated human cells, with a stable production rate. Its levels are not influenced by inflammation, infections, hepatic or renal diseases, or by dietary or constitutional factors. We compared serum cystatin C and serum creatinine based predicting equations to estimate glomerular filteration rate (GFR) in type 2 diabetes mellitus, using the staging of chronic kidney disease (CKD) defined by the National Kidney Foundation. We also explored the relationship of urine albumin, GFR, serum creatinine and cystatin C concentrations. Methods: : A cross-sectional study was performed at a tertiary care hospital in New Delhi. Consecutive patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus above the age of 35 years were enrolled. Fasting and 2-hour-postprandial blood glucose, fasting lipid profile, lipoprotein(a), haemoglobin, microalbuminuria, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), liver and renal function tests were assessed. Serum levels of Cystatin C were measured using immune-turbidometric method (Dade Behring analyzer BN2). Estimated GFR (eGFR) was calculated using Cockcroft-Gault formula, Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) and Chronic Kidney Disease-Epidemiology (CKD-EPI) Cys C formula. The three sets of eGFR were compared using repeated measure ANOVA. Linear regression analysis was performed to find the factor that affects the albumin excretion rate (AER) and e-GFR levels using all three equations. Results: We assessed 172 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Mean age of the patients was 61.4 ± 9.6 years with mean duration of diabetes of 11.40 ± 7.5 years. Approximately 70% of patients had hypertension. A family history of diabetes was present in 53.4% of subjects and a history of CAD in first degree relatives in 20.9%. The prevalence of coronary artery disease was 17.4%. Albumin excretion correlated with e-GFR estimated using each of the three equations. The best correlation was seen with the CKD-EPI equation derived e-GFR. The CKD-EPI equation also identified the maximum number of patients in the normo-albuminuria group as having CKD. Albuminuria correlated with blood urea levels (p = 0.014) and serum cystatin C levels (p < 0.005). Conclusion: The new cystatin C based Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology equation identifies more patients in early CKD and also patients with normo-albuminuric CKD compared to the creatinine based Cockcroft-Gault equation or the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formulae.

Operative start times and complications after liver transplantation.

The recent national focus on patient safety has led to a re-examination of the risks and benefits of nighttime surgery. In liver transplantation, the hypothetical risks of nighttime operation must be weighed against either the well-established risks of prolonging cold ischemia or the potential risks of strategies to manipulate operative start times. A retrospective review was conducted of 578 liver transplants performed at a single institution between 1995 and 2008 to determine whether the incidence of postoperative complications correlated with operative start times. We hypothesized that no correlation would be observed between complication rates and operative start times. No consistent trends in relative risk of postoperative wound, vascular, biliary, or other complications were observed when eight 3-h time strata were compared. When two 12-h time strata (night, 3 p.m.-3 a.m., and day, 3 a.m.-3 p.m.) were compared, complications were not significantly different, but nighttime operations were longer in duration, and were associated a twofold greater risk of early death compared to daytime operations (adjusted OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.16-7.00, p = 0.023), though long-term survival did not differ significantly between the subgroups. This observation warrants further evaluation and underscores the need to explore and identify institution-specific practices that ensure safe operations regardless of time of day.

Reversal of hepatorenal syndrome type 1 with terlipressin plus albumin vs. placebo plus albumin in a pooled analysis of the OT-0401 and REVERSE randomised clinical studies.

BACKGROUND: The goal of hepatorenal syndrome type 1 (HRS-1) treatment is to improve renal function. Terlipressin, a synthetic vasopressin analogue, is a systemic vasoconstrictor used for the treatment of HRS-1, where it is available. AIM: To compare the efficacy of terlipressin plus albumin vs. placebo plus albumin in patients with HRS-1. METHODS: Pooled patient-level data from two large phase 3, randomised, placebo-controlled studies were analysed for HRS reversal [serum creatinine (SCr) value ≤133 µmol/L], 90-day survival, need for renal replacement therapy and predictors of HRS reversal. Patients received intravenous terlipressin 1-2 mg every 6 hours plus albumin or placebo plus albumin up to 14 days. RESULTS: The pooled analysis comprised 308 patients (terlipressin: n = 153; placebo: n = 155). HRS reversal was significantly more frequent with terlipressin vs. placebo (27% vs. 14%; P = 0.004). Terlipressin was associated with a more significant improvement in renal function from baseline until end of treatment, with a mean between-group difference in SCr concentration of -53.0 µmol/L (P < 0.0001). Lower SCr, lower mean arterial pressure and lower total bilirubin and absence of known precipitating factors for HRS were independent predictors of HRS reversal and longer survival in terlipressin-treated patients. CONCLUSIONS: Terlipressin plus albumin resulted in a significantly higher rate of HRS reversal vs. albumin alone in patients with HRS-1. Terlipressin treatment is associated with improved renal function. (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: OT-0401, NCT00089570; REVERSE, NCT01143246).

Infectivity of hepatic allografts with antibodies to hepatitis B virus.

BACKGROUND: Since suitable recipients for hepatic allografts from donors with antibodies to hepatitis B virus (HBV) have not been determined, a review of our 7-year experience with donors positive for hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs), hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc), or both was undertaken. METHODS: Recipients of hepatic allografts from donors with antibodies to HBV were identified by a retrospective review of procurement records and screened for HBV infection. RESULTS: From January 1, 1990, to January 1, 1997, 2578 liver transplants were performed and 140 (5.4%) recipients received an allograft from a donor with antibodies to HBV. Twenty-five of 48 recipients of a hepatic allograft from a donor positive only for anti-HBs were screened and none developed HBV infection. Twenty-five of 41 naive recipients of a hepatic allograft from an anti-HBc positive donor were screened and 18/25 (72%) developed HBV infection. Four of these 18 naive recipients with HBV infection received an allograft from a donor positive for both anti-HBc and anti-HBs. Seven of 13 anti-HBs-positive recipients of an allograft from an anti-HBc-positive donor were screened and none developed HBV infection. Fifteen of 16 recipients positive only for anti-HBc who received a hepatic allograft from an anti-HBc-positive donor were screened and 2/15 (13%) developed HBV infection. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatic allografts from donors positive only for anti-HBs do not transmit HBV infection. Hepatic allografts from anti-HBc-positive donors frequently transmit HBV infection to naive recipients regardless of the donor anti-HBs status, and antiviral prophylaxis may be indicated. Anti-HBs-positive recipients appear resistant to HBV infection after orthotopic liver transplantation with an allograft from an anti-HBc-positive donor. Recipients positive only for anti-HBc infrequently develop HBV infection when transplanted with an allograft from an anti-HBc-positive donor; however, HBV prophylaxis may be justified.

Risk stratification for malignant arrhythmic events in patients with an acute myocardial infarction: role of an open infarct-related artery and the signal-averaged ECG.

BACKGROUND: There is increasing evidence that an open infarct-related artery results in increased electrical stability of the heart and that this effect is at least in part responsible for the favorable outcome of these patients. In the thrombolytic era the optimal strategy for risk stratification remains controversial. This study examined the predictors of serious arrhythmic events during the first year after myocardial infarction. METHODS: A total of 222 patients with acute myocardial infarction, 41.4% of whom were treated with thrombolysis, were studied. At hospital discharge, signal-averaged electrocardiography was performed on 196 subjects and Holter monitoring on 200. One hundred and ninety-seven patients underwent coronary angiography. Left ventricular ejection fraction was determined in 201 subjects. RESULTS: An open infarct-related artery was documented in 106 patients. The incidence of late potentials was 34% (66 patients). Twenty-four patients (10.8%) had an arrhythmic event during follow-up (sudden death in seven, sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmias in 15, unexplained syncope in two). Signal-averaged electrocardiography had a sensitivity of 94% and a specificity of 72% for prediction of arrhythmic events. An occluded infarct-related artery was 78% sensitive and 58% specific, a left ventricular ejection fraction below 40% had a sensitivity of 71% and specificity of 80%, and Holter monitoring was only 38% sensitive and 92% specific. A combination of late potentials plus an occluded infarct-related artery was 68% sensitive and 84% specific. Positive predictive value was low for all variables examined, but could be improved by the combination of several risk factors. The highest positive predictive value was provided by the combination of an abnormal signal-averaged ECG and complex ventricular arrhythmias on ambulatory ECG. On multivariate analysis, in rank order, presence of late potentials, ejection fraction below 40%, high-grade ventricular ectopic activity and an occluded infarct-related artery were predictive of arrhythmic events. CONCLUSION: Among patients surviving an acute myocardial infarction, the occurrence of malignant arrhythmic events can be reliably predicted by the combination of an abnormal signal-averaged ECG, left ventricular dysfunction, complex ventricular arrhythmias on Holter monitoring and an occluded infarct-related artery at the time of hospital discharge.

[Formulation, preparation and evaluation of shortening, laminated and cut biscuits, for diabetic patients]. / Formulación, elaboración y evaluación de galletas de masa corta, laminadas y cortadas, para diabéticos.

Laminated and cut cookies formulated with natural and/or artificial sweeteners as substitutes of sucrose, are presented as a new alternative of choice for persons on a restricted diet. According to data in the literature, market availability and technological and economic limitations involved in the use of pure sweeteners, four mixtures were selected for the formulation of the cookies, instead of sucrose. Their composition and relative sweetness were as follows: (table; see text) After the statistical analysis of results, formulations presenting significantly superior quality characteristics were selected. As observed, all alternatives subjected to evaluation were grade 1. A study of acceptability by diabetic patients was carried out with these products through a ranking test, in order to determine which were the formulations preferred. This revealed a significant preference for the cookies containing saccharin-sorbitol = 0.35:99.65, at a 1% level of significance. Their nutritional and caloric values, as well as the chemical composition of the selected formulations were then determined. The results showed a 10.9% decrease in caloric contribution.

Calidad de imagen y reducción de dosis en angiotomografía computarizada de arterias coronarias usando protocolo de baja energía / Coronary artery CT image quality and dose reduction using low energy protocol

The objective of this study was to quantify the radiation dose reduction without impairing image quality, using 100 and 120 kiloVolts acquisition protocols. We analyzed 37 non-obese patients in a private hospital in Santiago, Chile, of which 20 were obtained with a protocol of 120 kiloVolts and the remaining 17 with low energy protocol. The quality of the image was evaluated quantitatively and qualitatively. The average image quality score for the 120 and 100 kiloVolts groups was 3.25 ± 0.8 and 3.41 ± 0.7 respectively, demonstrating an improvement in the image quality, although at a non-significant value (p= 0.58). In the images obtained with the 100 kiloVolts protocol, a reduction of 41.99% in the radiation dose was demonstrated in addition to a significant increase of the intensity of the signal and the noise. It was possible to demonstrate a decrease of the radiation dose without detriment in the diagnostic image quality in coronary angiography using computed tomography.

El objetivo de este estudio fue cuantificar la disminución de la dosis de radiación sin perjudicar la calidad de imagen, utilizando protocolos de adquisición de 100 y 120 kilovolts. Se analizaron 37 pacientes no obesos en un hospital privado de Santiago de Chile, de los cuales 20 fueron obtenidos con un protocolo de 120 kilovolts y los 17 restantes con protocolo de baja energía. Se evaluó la calidad de imagen cuantitativa y cualitativamente. El promedio de puntuación de la calidad de imagen para los grupos de 120 y 100 kilovolts fue de 3,25 ± 0,8 y 3,41 ± 0,7 respectivamente, demostrando una mejora en la calidad de imagen, aunque en un valor no significativo (p= 0,58). En las imágenes obtenidas con el protocolo de 100 kilovolts, se demostró una reducción en la dosis de radiación de un 41,99% además de un aumento significativo de la intensidad de la señal y del ruido. Se logró demostrar una disminución de la dosis de radiación sin perjuicio en la calidad de imagen diagnóstica en angiografía coronaria por tomografía computarizada.

Análisis de variables epidemiológicas, clínicas e histopatológicas del cáncer de piel en el Hospital Regional de Arica, Chile (2007-2011) / Analysis of epidemiological, clinical and histopathological variables of skin cancer in the Regional Hospital of Arica, Chile (2007-2011)

Introducción: el cáncer cutáneo es un problema de salud pública. Múltiples factores influyen en el desarrollo de esta neoplasia. El nortede Chile y particularmente Arica, tienen condiciones diferentes al restodel país, presentan mayores niveles de radiación solar, elevada foto exposición y un importante número de población amerindia. Objetivo: Determinar las tasas de incidencia de Carcinoma Basocelular (CBC),Carcinoma Espinocelular CEC y Melanoma Maligno (MM) en la población beneficiaria del Hospital Regional de Arica entre 2007 y 2011 ycaracterizar los tumores utilizando variables clínicas e histopatológicas. Metodología: Se analizaron 22.787 informes histopatológicos de biopsiasen el Hospital Regional de Arica, durante los años 2007 - 2011.Se obtuvieron 288 informes compatibles con cáncer de piel. Se analizaronlas variables de sexo, edad, raza, localización anatómica y tipo histológico. El análisis estadístico se realizó mediante test de Fisher considerando un valor de p menor a 0,05 significativo. Resultados: Se obtuvieron 183 pacientes (64%) con CBC, 93 (32%) con CEC y 12 (4%)de MM. Las tasas de incidencia en total presentaron fluctuaciones,con un patrón decreciente, en CBC (44,03/ 100.000 en 2007, a 13.68/100.000 en 2011) y CEC (16,08/100.000 en 2007 a 8,92/ 100.000 en2011). La localización más frecuente fue cabeza y cuello, 154 pacientespara CBC (84%) y 44 con CEC (47%). En cuanto MM la ubicación más frecuente fue tronco en varones y extremidades superiores e inferiores,en mujeres...

Introduction: skin cancer is a public health problem. Multiplefactors contribute to its appearance. Northern Chile, particularly Arica, has different conditions to the rest of the countryand showed higher levels of solar radiation, a higher sunexposure and a significant number of Amerindian population. Objetive: Determine the incidence rates of Basal Cell Carcinoma( BCC), Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and Malignantmelanoma (MM ) in the target population of Arica RegionalHospital, between 2007 and 2011 and characterize the skintumors according to the clinical and histopathological variables. Methodology: 22,787 histopathological reports from the Regional Hospital of Arica, during 2007-2011 were analyzed.288 reports compatible with skin cancer (BCC, SCC and MM)were obtained. For each tumor the variables of sex, age, race,anatomical location and histological type were analyzed. The statistical analysis was performed by the test of Fisher. Results:183 patients, 64% BCC, 32 % SCC and 4% MM wereobtained. Incidence rates of all skin cancer showed fluctuations with decreasing pattern in BCC (ranging from 44.03 /100,000 in 2007, to 13.68 / 100,000 in 2011) and SCC (rangingfrom 16.08 / 100,000 the year 2007 to 8.92 / 100,000 in2011). The most frequent location was head and neck, 154for BCC (84%) and 44 with SCC (47%). The most frequent location of MM was trunk in males and upper and lower limbsin females...

Trastornos ansiosos y desórdenes temporomandibulares en funcionarios de un centro de salud familiar en la comuna de Concepción, Chile / Temporomandibular and anxiety disorders in workers of a family health center in the area of Concepción, Chile

Los trastornos temporomandibulares (TTMs) involucran los músculos de la masticación, articulación temporomandibular (ATM) y otras estructuras asociadas a la cavidad oral y representan un conjunto de disfunciones de la articulación, a la cual se le asocia una naturaleza multifactorial, condición que puede llegar a tener de un 50 a 93 por ciento de prevalencia en la población y cuya etiología es asociada a estrés y/o estados psicológicos alterados. Se efectuó un estudio descriptivo observacional de corte transversal con el objetivo de determinar la prevalencia de Trastornos Ansiosos y TTM, en funcionarios del Centro de Salud Familiar (CESFAM) Tucapel, sector Barrio Norte, en la comuna de Concepción. De los 97 funcionarios, 79 aceptaron voluntariamente a participar del estudio y todos trabajan directamente con pacientes en un sector con numerosos problemas socioeconómicos y laborales. Se aplicó una encuesta orientada a la pesquisa tanto de patologías psicológicas, como signos y síntomas de TTM, además de un examen extra e intraoral complementario. En los encuestados se encontró trastornos ansiosos y estados asociados a burnout en un 81 y 27,8 por ciento respectivamente, además había TTM en un 98.7 por ciento de origen multifactorial, pero presente en todos los individuos encuestados y examinados con trastornos ansiosos y estados asociados a burnout.

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) involve the muscles of mastication, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and other structures associated with the oral cavity and represent a multifactorial nature of disorders associated to this joint, condition that is in the range of 50 to 93 percent of prevalence in the population and whose etiology is associated with stress and / or altered psychological states. The present study is a descriptive cross-sectional observational in order to determine the prevalence of anxiety disorders and TMD in workers of the Tucapel Family Health Center (CESFAM), Barrio Norte, in Concepción’s commune. Of the 97 staff, 79 agreed to take part voluntarily of the study, all of these people also work directly with patients at a sector with numerous socioeconomic and employment problems. A survey aimed toward the inquiry of psychological, TMD (signs and symptoms) and extra-intra oral complementary examination, was conducted. Anxiety disorders and burnout associated conditions were found (81 and 27.8 percent respectively), multifactorial TMD was also reported (98.7 percent) but present in all individuals with anxiety disorders and conditions associated to burnout.

Overnight dexamethasone pre-treatment improves the performance of the lysine-vasopressin test in the diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: There is no endocrine test which is completely reliable for the confirmation of Cushing's syndrome and in separation of the various aetiologies. We have tested the hypothesis that overnight dexamethasone pre-treatment should result in a better performance of the lysine-vasopressin (LVP) test in the diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome. STUDY DESIGN AND PATIENTS: We studied 61 subjects, including 25 pituitary-dependent and 9 pituitary independent Cushing's (7 adrenal tumour and 2 ectopic ACTH syndromes), 18 euadrenal controls, 4 depressed subjects, and 5 cushingoid patients. The subjects received 1 mg of dexamethasone orally at 2300 h and the following morning they were given 10 IU of lysine-vasopressin im. MEASUREMENTS: Plasma cortisol (RIA) was measured at times -15, 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90 and 120 minutes. RESULTS: The dexamethasone-modified LVP (Dx/LVP) test resulted in four patterns of cortisol response. The dexa sensitive pattern (positive suppression and negative response to LVP) was found in euadrenal subjects; the dexa insensitive pattern (negative suppression and positive response to LVP) was seen in Cushing's disease; a non-responsive pattern (negative suppression and negative response to LVP) was observed only in pituitary independent Cushing's; and an indeterminate pattern (positive suppression and positive response to LVP) was equivocal, being observed in 2 control subjects, 1 patient with Cushing's disease and 1 depressed patient. In separating control subjects from Cushing's syndromes the Dx/LVP test had 88.9% sensitivity, 100% specificity and 96.2% diagnostic accuracy; when the test was used to segregate Cushing's disease from control subjects we found 96.0% sensitivity, 100% specificity and 97.7% diagnostic accuracy. The performance variables for the Dx/LVP test in separating pituitary dependent from pituitary independent Cushing's were uniformly 100%. Depressed and cushingoid subjects did not differ from control subjects in their cortisol patterns during the test. Successful removal of the pituitary microadenoma in Cushing's disease was invariably followed by a reversal of the abnormal cortisol pattern (dexa insensitive) during the test to a dexa sensitive pattern indistinguishable from that of control subjects. CONCLUSION: These results confirm our hypothesis and suggest that an improved performance of any corticotroph stimulus (oCRH, LVP, AVP or desmopressin) in the diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome should result from pre-treatment with dexamethasone.

[Cushing's syndrome: review of a national caseload]. / Síndrome de Cushing: una revisión a propósito de una casuística nacional.

Cushing's syndrome occurs rarely; in analyzing 50 cases studied at our institution we discuss the following aspects: syndromatic diagnosis, etiologic differentiation into the 3 categories of the syndrome, and therapeutic strategies for each variety. We postulate that non-endocrinologists should be responsible for the syndromatic diagnosis, easily done by using 2 simple tools: the measurement of basal free urinary cortisol and the performance of an overnight suppression of the adrenal axis with 1 mg of dexamethasone (Nugent's test). In contrast, the etiologic diagnosis and the therapeutic interventions should be strictly restricted to highly specialized institutions having well seasoned endocrinologists, a reliable endocrine laboratory, easy access to computed tomographies of the brain and abdomen as well as to nuclear resonance imaging of the brain. The usefulness of our in-house devised vasopressin challenge following overnight dexamethasone suppression for the etiologic diagnosis is highlighted. Neurosurgical expertise in the transsphenoidal approach to the pituitary gland as well surgeons well experienced in adrenal surgery are a must to offer a reasonable chance of success to patients with the syndrome. Forty one (82%) of the series were female patients, 78% were pituitary-dependent and 22% pituitary-independent Cushings. Six out of 8 (75%) of the adrenal tumors were carcinomas. Only 3 patients (6%) qualified as ectopic ACTH syndromes. The easiest variety to diagnose and treat was the adrenal adenoma (2 cases); adrenal carcinomas were always incurable. The ectopic ACTH syndrome was amenable to successful medical treatment with ketoconazole or surgical resolution with complete resection of the offending tumor (1 of 3 cases) or bilateral adrenalectomy (2 of 3 cases) Pituitary-dependent Cushings are quite tricky to diagnose and difficult to treat. Transsphenoidal resection of the offending microadenoma was successful in only 43.5% (10/23) of cases and we experienced 3 recurrences of the syndrome even after 8 years of successful removal of the pituitary adenoma. The remainder had to be cured by bilateral adrenalectomy. Seven out of 39 patients with Cushing's disease (18%) ultimately died for a variety of reasons; six out of 6 patients (100%) with adrenal carcinoma died of dissemination; two out of 2 adrenal adenomas cured and 1 out of the 3 ectopic ACTH syndromes died of dissemination of a malignant thymic carcinoma. We conclude that Cushing's syndrome is a serious, underdiagnosed disorder, which should be suspected and diagnosed by the non specialized physician and then referred to a specialized center for expert etiologic diagnosis and surgical therapy.

[Hungry bone syndrome: clinical experience in its diagnosis and treatment]. / Síndrome de "huesos hambrientos": experiencia clínica en su diagnóstico y tratamiento.

Hungry bone syndrome is a unusual complication of the postoperative period of primary hyperparathyroidism. This syndrome is characterized by hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia and hypomagnesemia, due to an excessive bone remineralization. We report the clinical features, laboratory and therapy in four females (aged 39 to 73 years old) with a long standing hyperparathyroidism, elevated alkaline phosphatases and decreased bone mineralization in two. The mean size of the adenoma was 2.9 +/- 1.1 cm. Hypocalcemia appeared between days 1 and 6 of the postoperative period. All were treated with calcium, calcitriol and magnesium at different timing and dosages. The mean hospitalization period was 19.8 +/- 2.1 days. As reported previously, low bone mineralization and a large adenoma are risk factors for the syndrome. Serial monitoring of serum calcium and magnesium and an early supplementation of these minerals could prevent hypocalcemia and decrease the hospitalization time.

[Partial remission of hypercortisolism in Cushing disease after pituitary apoplexy. A case report]. / Remisión parcial del hipercortisolismo en una enfermedad de Cushing posterior a una apoplejía hipofisiaria. Caso clínico.

ACTH secreting macroadenomas and pituitary apoplexy are unusual in Cushing disease. In the few cases reported in the literature, they have been found in long term hypercortisolism. We communicate a 43 yr old woman with a 4 year evolution Cushing syndrome, who developed sudden cephalea and oftalmoplejia. A Computed Tomography of the pituitary fossa disclosed a macroadenoma with intracapsular hemorrhage and suprasellar expansion. In the functional tests, serum cortisol was suppressed with dexamethasone in a dose of 1 and 8 mg and responded to the desmopressin stimulus. Nevertheless, cortisol levels were lower than those observed in Cushing syndrome of similar magnitude. The tumor was resected by transphenoidal surgery and immunohistochemistry to ACTH was positive. In this case, the laboratory results suggest a partial remission of the hypercortisolism after pituitary apoplexy.

[Improvement of insulin sensitivity associated with the prolonged use of Acipimox in ++a morbid obese patient]. / Mejoría de la insulinosensibilidad asociada al uso prolongado de Acipimox en un obeso mórbido.

Insulin sensitivity was estimated in a morbidity obese, insulin-resistant, glucose-intolerant patient before and after 4 weeks of treatment with Acipimox (250 mg t.i.d), an orally-administered, long-acting antilypolitic drug. The ensuing fall in circulating levels of fasting free fatty acids was associated with a clear amelioration of insulin resistance, as assessed by a minimal model analysis of a frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test as well as by an oral glucose tolerance test. Similarly, this treatment brought about a reappearance of GH response to oral stimulation with clonidine. The evidence showing Acipimox-induced amelioration of insulin resistance in this patient without diet, exercise or weight loss should encourage exploring the potential utility of this drug in this type of patients.

[Effect of a 17 beta estradiol gel preparation on hormone levels in menopausal women]. / Efecto de un preparado en forma de gel de 17 beta estradiol sobre diferentes parámetros hormonales en mujeres menopáusicas.

Different delivery forms of supplemental estrogens may differ in their hormonal effects. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a daily dose of 2.5 g of 17 beta estradiol transdermal gel, given during four weeks, on hormone levels of six postmenopausal women. At the fourth week we observed a significant increase in estradiol and a decrease in FSH levels. Estrone levels also increased but the estradiol/estrone ratio was maintained in values over 1. No changes in SHBG or IGF1 levels were observed. Two patients that used the gel in the abdominal skin achieved lower estradiol levels (below 60 pg/ml). We conclude that the gel increased serum estradiol levels over 60 pg/ml in four of six women, that there is a big individual variability and the application zone could influence the serum estradiol levels achieved.

[Cushing with transition from pituitary to adrenal origin. Study with SPECT scintigraphy of the adrenal cortex with norcholesterol-I 131 in a case]. / Transición de Cushing de causa hipofisiaria a suprarrenal. Estudio con cintigrafía SPECT de corteza suprarrenal con I131 norcolesterol en un caso.

The case of a 49 yr old alcoholic women with clinical and laboratory findings that suggested a Cushing syndrome is presented. The functional tests showed cortisol suppression greater than 50% of the basal value with 8 mg of dexamethasone and no response in the combined dexamethasone/desmopressin test. Pituitary Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) was negative, Abdominal Computed Axial Tomography suggested hyperplastic adrenal glands; adrenal nodules were not found in the NMR. Pituitary or hipothalamic Cushing with secondary autonomous micronodular adrenal hyperplasia was suspected. Norcholesterol-I131 SPECT scintigraphy under dexamethasone suppression demonstrated a functional adrenal hyperplasia which was hystologically confirmed.

[The effect of fluoxetine on insulin resistance in non diabetic obese patients]. / Efecto de fluoxetina sobre la insulino resistencia en pacientes obesos no diabéticos.

Fluoxetine, a serotonin re-uptake inhibitor with antidepressive and appetite reduction effects, could improve insulin sensitivity. The aim of this work was to assess this effect of fluoxetine in obese subjects. We studied 12 subjects with a body mass index over 30, with a normal oral glucose tolerance test and not subjected to dietary restrictions. Insulin sensitivity using Bergman's minimal model, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and insulin like growth factor binding protein 1 (BP 1) were evaluated before and after three weeks of treatment with 60 mg OD of fluoxetine. During treatment, subjects lost a mean of 1.9 kg. When compared with basal values, insulin sensitivity index (S1) improved significantly at the end of treatment (1.71 +/- 0.44 and 2.72 +/- 0.63 respectively), SHBG increased (28.9 +/- 5.1 and 18.2 +/- 3.4 nM/ml respectively) and BP 1 did not change (2.8 +/- 0.9 and 1.5 +/- 0.3 ng/ml respectively). The changes in insulin sensitivity did not correlate with weight changes (r = 0.4 NS). Weight or insulin sensitivity changes did not correlate with initial degree of insulin resistance. We conclude that the improvement in insulin sensitivity elicited by Fluoxetine is not related to weight changes and may be useful in the treatment of insulin resistant obese subjects.

Undetected hepatocellular carcinoma: clinical features and outcome after liver transplantation.

The aim of the study was to define the clinical characteristics and outcome of patients found to have an undetected hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at liver transplantation. Patients who underwent liver transplantation and were found to have a hepatoma with a prior workup showing normal alpha-fetoprotein levels and no corresponding lesion on radiological evaluation were defined as having an undetected HCC. Detailed information was collected, and the last abdominal computed tomographic (CT) scan before transplantation was performed was retrospectively reviewed. Thirty-nine patients had a tumor that met the criteria for an undetected hepatoma. The most common causes for pretransplantation liver disease were hepatitis C virus (HCV) (49%) and alcohol use (28%). Tumor size was 2 cm or less in 85% of the patients, vascular invasion was detected in 31% of the patients, and tumor, node, metastasis (TNM) classification was stage I or II in 77% of the patients. Review of the last CT scan before transplantation showed that the lesion was evident in retrospect in only 15% of the patients. Thirty-two patients (82%) remained alive at the time of the study with a mean follow-up of 30 months. Metastatic HCC was detected in 1 patient 7 months after transplantation. There were no other tumor recurrences. Survival analysis showed no significant differences when tumor size, stage, presence of vascular invasion, or causes of pretransplantation liver disease were compared. Undetected HCCs represent a significant percentage of total hepatomas in patients undergoing liver transplantation. Most patients have small, early-stage tumors, but tumors greater than 2 cm or of advanced stage are also frequently found in this population. Overall and tumor-free survival appear to be favorable.