Health-related quality of life and metabolic control in immigrant and Italian children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes and in their parents.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if the diabetes-specific health-related quality of life (D-HRQOL) of young people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and their parents is influenced by migrant status. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty-five patients (12.4 ± 3.55 years, males 53.6%) with T1D and their parents (102 mothers, 37 fathers) were enrolled and categorized into: group A (both foreign parents) and group B (both native Italian parents). The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ 3.0 Diabetes Module (PedsQL™ 3.0 DM) was used to evaluate the D-HRQOL. Data on diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at T1D onset, insulin therapy, and glycosylate hemoglobin (HbA1c) were also collected. RESULTS: Group A (n = 40), compared to group B (n = 85), had higher frequency of DKA at T1D onset (P < .001) and a lower use of sensor augmented insulin pump (P = .015). HbA1c values were higher in group A than in group B (P < .001). Patients' "Diabetes symptoms" (P = .004), "Treatment barriers" (P = .001), and "Worry" (P = .009) scales scores were lower in group A than in group B. Mothers of group A had lower scores in "Diabetes symptoms" (P = .030), "Treatment barriers" (P < .001), "Treatment adherence" (P = .018), "Communication" (P = .009) scales, and total score (P = .011) compared to the group B ones. High PedsQL™ 3.0 DM was significantly associated with being Italian, being prepubertal, and having lower HbA1c mean levels. CONCLUSIONS: Being a migrant confers disadvantages in terms of D-HRQOL and metabolic control in children and adolescents with T1D. Specific educational interventions should be considered in the clinical care of patients with migration background, to improve D-HRQOL and health status.

[Hypertension and cancer†: a close relationship to remember!] / Hypertension artérielle et cancer†: une relation étroite à ne pas oublier†.

Hypertension is a common clinical problem in patients with cancer. This is explained by its high prevalence in the general population, by the improvement in life expectancy in oncology patients thanks to the progress of anti-cancer therapies, but also by cancer therapy, which is sometimes burdened with cardiovascular toxicity. Early detection of hypertension and proper management are crucial to ensure the continuation of oncology treatment and to protect patients from the consequences of hypertension. Renin-angiotensin system blockers and calcium channel blockers are the first-line treatments.

L'hypertension artérielle (HTA) est un problème clinique fréquent chez les patients atteints d'un cancer. Cela s'explique par sa prévalence déjà élevée dans la population générale, par l'amélioration de l'espérance de vie des patients oncologiques grâce aux progrès des thérapies anticancéreuses, mais également par l'utilisation de traitements oncologiques qui sont parfois grevés d'une cardiotoxicité. Un dépistage précoce de l'HTA et une prise en charge adéquate sont alors capitaux afin d'assurer la pérennité des soins oncologiques et protéger les patients des conséquences de l'HTA. Les bloqueurs du système rénine angiotensine et les anticalciques représentent les traitements de première ligne.

[The internal medicine articles that struck us the most in 2019]. / L'année 2019 mise en perspective par les internistes hospitaliers.

2019 has continued to bring important progress in all areas of internal medicine, impacting our daily practice. From new indications for SGLT2 inhibitors and rivaroxaban, to antibiotic duration for Gram negative bacteriemia, passing by the delay for cardioversion of recent-onset atrial fibrillation or for beginning sacubitril/valsartan after stabilization of a cardiac failure, internal medicine journals are full of novelties. Every year, the chief residents of the CHUV internal medicine ward meet up to share their readings: here is their selection of eleven articles, chosen, summarized and commented for you.

L'année 2019 a vu d'importants progrès dans tous les domaines de la médecine interne, avec un impact important sur notre pratique quotidienne hospitalière. Des nouvelles indications pour les inhibiteurs du SLGT2 et le rivaroxaban, à la durée du traitement des bactériémies à Gram négatif en passant par le délai pour la cardioversion d'une fibrillation auriculaire inaugurale ou celui pour introduire du sacubitril/valsartan après stabilisation d'une insuffisance cardiaque, les nouveautés abondent dans la littérature. Chaque année, les chefs de clinique du Service de médecine interne du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV) se réunissent pour partager leurs lectures: voici une sélection de onze articles choisis, revus et commentés pour vous.

Idiopathic nodular glomerulosclerosis: a case report.

Idiopathic nodular glomerulosclerosis (ING) is a rare condition characterized by poor renal prognosis. The pathophysiology remains incompletely understood. Histologically, it closely resembles diabetic nephropathy. The development of this disease seems to be influenced by factors such as metabolic syndrome, particularly hypertension and glucose intolerance, along with active smoking. We report a case of ING in an obese 71-year-old male patient who had a long history of untreated hypertension and smoking. The patient underwent conservative treatment involving the administration of an angiotensin-2 receptor antagonist and dapagliflozin, resulting in favorable disease progression. Additional therapeutic measures, such as discontinuation of smoking and efforts toward weight loss, are strongly advised. Furthermore, regular screening for diabetes in the follow-up is crucial, as it can play a pathophysiological role in the disease and may manifest at a later stage, as observed in our clinical case.

Magnesium matters: unveiling hidden risks in kidney transplant patients through total and ionized magnesium profiling.

Background: In kidney transplant (KT) patients, magnesium (Mg2+) deficiency is widespread. It is often encountered early after KT, may persist longer, and is frequently promoted by calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) and tubular leakage. Studies demonstrated an association between post-KT hypomagnesemia and allograft dysfunction. The concentration of the active form, the ionized Mg2+ (iMg2+), is not measured clinically, and total Mg2+ (tMg2+) and iMg2+ correlations are conflicting. We assess the cross-sectional prevalence of hypomagnesemia in KT patients. The correlation of demographic and anthropometric parameters was also studied. Methods: A prospective, single-center analysis of KT patients was conducted at the University Hospital of Bern, Switzerland (March 2023-August 2023). Blood samples were collected at least twice for the majority of patients. tMg2+ has been quantified from a plasma sample at the Clinical Chemistry Department of the University Hospital of Bern. The PRIME® ES analyzer (Nova Biomedical, USA) provided results for iMg2+. The following co-variables were considered: age, comorbidities, kidney disease, KT history, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and treatment (including Mg2+ supplementation and immunosuppression). Results: A total of 208 measurements in 104 patients were performed [once in 9/104 patients (8.7%), twice in 86/104 (82.7%), and three times in 9/104 (8.7%)]. Compared to that in healthy volunteers (51 measurements in 51 participants), mean iMg2+ was significantly lower in KT patients {KT: 0.46 mmol/L [interquartile range (IQR): 0.40-0.50], volunteers: 0.57 mmol/L (IQR 0.54-0.61), p < 0.01}. Overall, iMg2+ and tMg2+ showed strong category agreement (r2 = 0.93, p < 0.01). In linear regression, low iMg2+ correlated with CNI exposure. For 110/208 measurements (52.9%), a reduced iMg2+ (cutoff: 0.42 mmol/L) was shown. In 58/208 (27.9%), both values were reduced, and 52/208 (25%) had isolated reduced iMg2+. In principal component analysis, patients with isolated low iMg2+ clustered with patients with low iMg2+ and tMg2+. Conclusion: iMg2+ and tMg2+ were strongly correlated. A substantial proportion of patients show isolated low iMg2+. Currently, it is unclear if these patients suffer from Mg2+ deficiency.

Impact of suboptimal donor to suboptimal recipient kidney transplant on delayed graft function and outcome.

Introduction: The demographics of donor and recipient candidates for kidney transplantation (KT) have substantially changed. Recipients tend to be older and polymorbid and KT to suboptimal recipients is associated with delayed graft function (DGF), prolonged hospitalization, inferior long-term allograft function, and poorer patient survival. In parallel, donors are also older, suffer from several comorbidities, and donations coming from circulatory death (DCD) predominate, which in turn leads to early and late complications. However, it is unclear how donor and recipient risk factors interact. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we assess the impact of a KT from suboptimal donors to suboptimal recipients. We focused on: 1) DGF; 2) hospital stay and number of dialysis days after KT and 3) allograft function at 12 months. Results and discussion: Among the 369 KT included, the overall DGF rate was 25% (n = 92) and median time from reperfusion to DGF resolution was 7.8 days (IQR: 3.0-13.8 days). Overall, patients received four dialysis sessions (IQR: 2-8). The combination of pre-KT anuria (<200 ml/24 h, 32%) and DCD procurement (14%) was significantly associated with DGF, length of hospital stay, and severe perioperative complications, predominantly in recipients 50 years and older.

Tacrolimus monitoring in hair samples of kidney transplant recipients.

Background: Calcineurin inhibitors, including tacrolimus, remain a cornerstone of immunosuppressive therapy after kidney transplantation. However, the therapeutic window is narrow, and nephrotoxic side effects occur with overdose, while the risk of alloimmunization and graft rejection increases with underdose. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) allows quantification of tacrolimus in biological samples from patients. This study investigates the feasibility of quantifying tacrolimus in scalp hair from kidney transplant (KT) recipients and correlates hair tacrolimus concentrations with tacrolimus dosage and blood trough levels. The aim was to provide proof-of-principle for hair tacrolimus drug monitoring in KT recipients. Method: Single-center prospective study between September 9, 2021 and December 4, 2021, including KT recipients under tacrolimus. Minors, patients with active skin or hair diseases, and patients with scalp hair shorter than 4 cm were excluded from participation. Scalp hair was collected from the posterior vertex of patients, cut into segments, and analyzed for tacrolimus by LC-MS/MS. Patients filled out a questionnaire on hair treatments and washing habits. In parallel, tacrolimus trough levels were measured in whole blood and correlated with hair tacrolimus concentrations. Results: In total, 39 consenting KT recipients were included, and hair samples were collected at 53 visits. Tacrolimus was detected in 98% of hair samples from patients exposed to the drug. Tacrolimus hair levels and whole blood trough levels were correlated with a beta coefficient of 0.42 (95% CI: -0.22-1.1, p = n.s.). Age and dark hair affected hair tacrolimus measurements, while different tacrolimus formulations (immediate release vs. extended release), hair washes, and permanent coloring did not. Longitudinal measurements in a subgroup of patients indicate that long-term measurement of hair tacrolimus levels is feasible. Conclusion: Measuring tacrolimus in hair is a potentially reliable method to monitor drug exposure in KT patients. Rapid wash-in effects and consistent concentrations over time indicate that tacrolimus is incorporated into the hair matrix, allowing temporal resolution in the analysis of recent exposure and exposure history. This method provides a simple and low-risk alternative to regular blood sampling, sparing patients from frequent hospital visits through the self-collection of hair samples.

Clinical and biological determinants of P-wave duration: cross-sectional data from the population-based CoLaus|PsyCoLaus study.

OBJECTIVES: P-wave duration (PWD) is associated with the development of atrial arrhythmias, cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. With this study, we aimed to assess the distribution and determinants of PWD in the general population. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study using data collected between 2014 and 2016. SETTING: In the population-based cohort CoLaus|PsyCoLaus, Lausanne, Switzerland, we used 12-lead ECGs to measure PWD. Potential demographic, clinical and biological determinants of PWD were collected by questionnaire, anthropometry, blood pressure measurement and biological assays. PARTICIPANTS: Data from 3459 participants (55% women, 62±10 years, 93% Caucasian) were included. Participants were excluded if they presented with (1) no sinus rhythm or paced rhythm on the study ECG or Wolff-Parkinson-White ECG pattern; (2) missing or non-interpretable ECG; and (3) missing phenotypic data. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE: Determine (1) the PWD distribution and (2) the demographic, clinical and biological determinants of PWD in a large population-based cohort. RESULTS: Median and IQR of PWD was 112 (102-120) ms . In the multivariable analyses, PWD was significantly associated with age (p<0.001) and height (p<0.001), with an adjusted regression coefficient (95% CI) of 0.29 ms/years (0.23 to 0.36) and 0.32 ms/cm (0.28 to 0.37), respectively. PWD, given thereafter in ms with adjusted mean±SE, was significantly (p<0.05) associated with (a) gender (woman 110.0±0.4; man 112.1±0.4), (b) body mass index (normal 110.1±0.4; overweight 110.9±0.4; obese 113.0±0.5), (c) abdominal obesity (no 110.5±0.3; yes 111.7±0.4) and (d) hypertension (no 110.4±0.3; yes 111.7±0.4). CONCLUSION: PWD is positively associated with age, height, male gender, obesity markers and hypertension. Clinical interpretation of PWD should take these factors into consideration.

Clinical determinants of the PR interval duration in Swiss middle-aged adults: The CoLaus/PsyCoLaus study.

BACKGROUND: Prolonged PR interval (PRi) is associated with adverse outcomes. However, PRi determinants are poorly known. We aimed to identify the clinical determinants of the PRi duration in the general population. HYPOTHESIS: Some clinical data are associated with prolonged PRi. METHODS: Cross-sectional study conducted between 2014 and 2017. Electrocardiogram-derived PRi duration was categorized into normal or prolonged (>200 ms). Determinants were identified using stepwise logistic regression, and results were expressed as multivariable-adjusted odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval). A further analysis was performed adjusting for antiarrhythmic drugs, P-wave contribution to PRi duration, electrolytes (kalemia, calcemia, and magnesemia), and history of cardiovascular disease. RESULTS: Overall, 3655 participants with measurable PRi duration were included (55.6% females; mean age 62 ± 10 years), and 330 (9.0%) had prolonged PRi. Stepwise logistic regression identified male sex (OR 1.41 [1.02-1.97]); aging (65-74 years: OR 2.29 [1.61-3.24], and ≥ 75 years: OR 4.21 [2.81-6.31]); increased height (per 5 cm, OR 1.15 [1.06-1.25]); hypertension (OR 1.37 [1.06-1.77]); and hs troponin T (OR 1.67 [1.15-2.43]) as significantly and positively associated, and high resting heart rate (≥70 beats/min, OR 0.43 [0.29-0.62]) as negatively associated with prolonged PRi. After further adjustment, male sex, aging and increased height remained positively, and high resting heart rate negatively associated with prolonged PRi. Hypertension and hs troponin T were no longer associated. CONCLUSION: In a sample of the Swiss middle-aged population, male sex, aging and increased height significantly increased the likelihood of a prolonged PRi duration, whereas a high resting heart rate decreased it.