Short and mid-term SARS-CoV-2 antibody response after inactivated COVID-19 vaccine in hemodialysis and kidney transplant patients.

The efficacy of the inactivated severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccine has not been fully elucidated across the whole spectrum of patients on kidney replacement therapy. We aimed to characterize the long-term antibody response of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine administered in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) and hemodialysis (HD) patients. We performed this prospective observational study in 50 HD, 64 KTR, and 41 healthy control groups (HG) given two doses of CoronaVac. We measured anti-Spike antibodies after 28 days of every vaccine dose, 3rd and 6th months after the first dose, and compared them between cohorts. After two doses, an anti-spike immunoglobulin G of ≥50 AU/ml was present in HD, KTR, and HG as 44%, 7.2%, and 58.5%, respectively (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the proportion of antibody titers peaked at 86.5%, 23%, and 97.6% (p < 0.001) at the 3rd month and decreased significantly at the 6th month in most HD and HG participants, whereas this effect was not observed in KTRs from basal until the 6th month (p < 0.001). During the follow-up, the incidence of coronavirus disease 2019 disease was higher (p < 0.003) in KTRs compared to the other groups, but there was no requirement for an intensive care unit and no death was recorded. We found a negative correlation between antibody seroconversion and age (p < 0.016). The antibody response following inactivated vaccine in dialysis patients is almost comparable to controls for 6 months. In contrast, kidney transplant patients have a poor response. These findings reinforce the need to discuss the vaccination strategy in immunocompromised patients, including the third dose with homologous or heterologous vaccines.

Association of mortality and endothelial dysfunction with serum ADMA level in COVID-19 patients.

Objectives: To investigate the role of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) level in predicting intensive care and mortality in patients affected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods: This retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted at Sakarya University Training and Research Hospital (Sakarya, Turkey) between April and August of 2020. We enrolled patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 via real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and admitted to the intensive care (Severe COVID-19; S-COVID) or non intensive care (Moderate COVID-19; M-COVID). We then analyzed the relationship of the ADMA level with various parameters between S-COVID and M-COVID groups. Results: This study included 87 patients, comprising 43 females and 44 males, with a mean age of 61 and 71.50 years, respectively. The male/female distribution was 22/25 (46.8%/53.2%) in the M-COVID group and 22/18 (55%/45%) in the S-COVID group. The hospitalization time, white blood cell count, neutrophil count, lymphocyte-to-albumin ratio, international normalization ratio, D-dimer, troponin, ferritin, lactate dehydrogenase, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, fibrinogen, lactate, ADMA, and mortality rate were significantly higher (p < 0.05). In contrast, lymphocyte, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, calcium, and albumin values were lower (p < 0.05) in the S-COVID group than in the M-COVID group. While the mortality rate was 55% in S-COVID patients, no mortality was detected in M-COVID patients (p < 0.05). Moreover, ADMA level was 6618 ± 3000 (6400) in S-COVID patients and 5365 ± 3571 (3130) in M-COVID patients, indicating a statistically significant difference (p = 0.012). Conclusion: The asymmetric dimethylarginine level increases in severe outcomes; hence, it can potentially predict severity in patients with COVID-19.

THE PREVALENCE OF CANCER AND ITS RELATION TO DISEASE ACTIVITY IN PATIENTS WITH ACROMEGALY: TWO CENTERS' EXPERIENCE.

OBJECTIVE: Acromegaly is characterized by increased serum concentrations of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). Although animal studies have demonstrated a relationship between these hormones and cancer risk, the results of human studies evaluating cancer prevalence in acromegaly are inconsistent. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of malignant neoplasms in patients with acromegaly. METHODS: Cancer risk was evaluated in a cohort of 280 patients (male/female: 120/160; mean age: 50.93 ± 12.07 years) with acromegaly. Patients were categorized into 2 groups according to the presence or absence of cancer. Standard incidence ratios were calculated as compared to the general population. RESULTS: From 280 patients, cancer was diagnosed in 19 (6.8%) patients; 9 (47%) of them had thyroid cancer, which was the most common cancer type. Standard incidence ratios of all cancers were 0.8 (95% CI, 0.5-1.1) and 1.0 (95% CI, 0.8-1.3) in men and women, respectively. Compared to patients without cancer, the current age was higher in patients with cancer (59 [49-65] to 51 [42-59], P = .027). In contrast, the age at diagnosis was similar in both groups. Not only was the time to diagnosis and disease duration similar in both groups but also the basal and current GH and IGF-1 levels. The prevalence of active disease was also similar between the groups (32% to 23%, P = .394). CONCLUSION: Our findings were not consistent with the studies suggesting that patients with acromegaly encounter an increased cancer risk. Furthermore, there were similar basal and current GH and IGF-1 levels in patients with acromegaly, both with and without cancer.

Can prognostic nutritional index and systemic immune-inflammatory index predict disease severity in COVID-19?

BACKGROUND: Prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII) are inflammation-based novel markers that predict the prognosis in various patient populations. We have investigated the relationship between the disease severity in COVID-19, and the PNI and SII scores in the present study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional retrospective study included 118 hospitalised patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19. The patients were divided into two groups as those who were hospitalised at the intensive care unit (ICU) and those who had been internalised at the clinic (non-ICU). RESULTS: Of the 118 patients, 50.8% were male. The mean age was 57.7 ± 17.5 years in non-ICU patients and 70.3 ± 11.7 years in ICU patients and the difference was statistically significant (P < .001). The lymphocyte count and the albumin levels were significantly lower in ICU patients (P < .001, P < .001, respectively). The PNI score was significantly lower in ICU patients compared with non-ICU patients (P < .001). The SII score was found to be significantly higher in ICU patients compared with non-ICU patients (P < .001). The value of PNI and SII scores in prediction of the disease severity in COVID-19 was evaluated with the ROC analysis (PNI: AUC = 0.796, 95%CI: 0.715-0.877, P < .001; SII: AUC =0.689, 95% CI: 0.559-0.819, P=.004). When the cut-off value was taken as ≤36.7 for the PNI score, it was found to have 73.4% sensitivity and 70.8% specificity for predicting of the disease severity and ICU admission probability was 4.4 times higher. When the cut-off value was taken as ≥813.6 for SII score, it was found to have 70.8% sensitivity and 66.0% specificity for predicting of the disease severity and ICU admission probability was six times higher. CONCLUSION: The PNI and the SII scores are independent predictors of the prognosis and the disease severity in COVID-19 patients who require hospitalisation at the ICU.

The effects of salt consumption habits on iodine status and thyroid functions during pregnancy

Background/aim: Iodine is the basic substrate for thyroid hormone synthesis and is vital for the general population and especially pregnant women. Iodine deficiency may cause severe health problems for a foetus. This study aimed to determine the relationship, if any, between iodine level and thyroid function tests, and to determine the relationship between consumption of salt types and its effects on thyroid function tests in the first trimester of pregnancy. Materials and methods: Three hundred and six pregnant women in the first trimester of pregnancy, who had known no thyroid disease history and had not received iodine supportive therapy, were included in the study. All patients were questioned for their preferred table salt or rock salt in daily use and urine iodine concentrations (UICs) were analysed in spot urine. The results were evaluated statistically according to salt usage preferences. Results: The median age of patients in the study was 27.8 (± 5.4). In terms of salt consumption habits, 235 (76.8%) of patients reported using table salt, and 71 (23.2%) reported using rock salt. Iodine deficiency was found in 75.81% (n = 232) of all cases according to urinalysis. Median UICs of table salt group were significantly higher than rock salt group (123.7 µg/L and 70.9 µg/L respectively, P < 0.001). Conclusion: Although large-scale salt iodination began long time ago, iodine deficiency is still a serious health problem among pregnant women. According to this study, use of rock salt is associated with low urinary iodine concentration in pregnant women and TSH values within the reference limits are not a good indicator for determining the iodine level.

The effect of Thyroid Autoimmunity on Dyslipidemia in patients with Euthyroid Hashimoto Thyroiditis.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: The relationship between thyroid disorders and dyslipidemia has now been clearly demonstrated, but the relationship between thyroid autoimmunity and dyslipidemia in euthyroid patients is still controversial. Our aim in this study was to determine whether there is a risk of dyslipidemia in our patients with euthyroid hashimoto thyroiditis. METHODS: Fifty-five autoantibody positive hashimoto patients and 55 antibody negative control groups who came to Sakarya University Medicine Faculty Endocrinology Outpatient Clinics between January 2018 and November 2019 were included in our case control study. The groups were similar in terms of age, cardiovascular risk factors and BMI. Both groups were compared according to the lipid profile results. RESULTS: All type of lipids; including LDL (p = 0.008), HDL (p = 0.041), triglyceride (p = 0.045) and total cholesterol (p = 0.002), were higher in the patient group, and these differences were statistically significant. Anti-TPO and Anti-TG antibody titers and lipid levels were evaluated by separate correlation analysis. There was a significant positive correlation between Anti-TPO and LDL (r = 0.331, p <0.001), triglyceride (r = 0.267, p = 0.005) and total cholesterol (r = 0.316, p = 0.001), however no significant correlation was observed between Anti-TPO and HDL. Similarly, there was a significant positive correlation between Anti-TG and LDL (r = 0.318, p = 0.001), triglyceride (r = 0.218, p = 0.022), and total cholesterol (r = 0.301, p = 0.001), but HDL correlation relationship was not detected. CONCLUSION: The relationship between thyroid autoimmunity and dyslipidemia has been demonstrated in our study even in the euthyroid phase. Whether antibody positive patients should be followed more closely for dyslipidemia and cardiovascular events is still controversial. This question will be answered with larger randomized controlled trials.

The effect of short-term intensive insulin therapy in newly-diagnosed Type-2 diabetic patients.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to determine the effect of short-term intensive insulin therapy (SIIT) on long-term glycemic control in newly-diagnosed Type-2 diabetes mellitus (nT2DM) patients. METHODS: In this retrospectively study conducted at Sakarya University Medical Faculty Training and Research Hospital Outpatient Clinic between 2016 and 2019, 65 nT2DM patients were enrolled soon after their SIIT was initiated and were followed for at least a year. Intensive insulin treatment was discontinued after three or 12 months in a total of 65 (23-73-year-old) patients who had been newly diagnosed with T2DM. Intensive insulin therapy was discontinued when glycemic control and the target Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) level had been attained, after which oral anti-diabetic drug (OAD), long-term insulin, and diet therapies were pursued. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in mean HbA1c from 11.25±1.96% to 6.67±1.07%. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) was found to be an independent predictor of whether intensive insulin therapy could be discontinued after three months in a model that included FPG, HbA1c, and body mass index measured at baseline. Patients with FPG>13.8 mmol/L were 7.6 times more likely to require intensive insulin therapy beyond three months. There were significant decreases in HbA1c and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol concentration, but no change in C-peptide between baseline and 3 months of therapy. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that in nT2DM patients, intensive insulin therapy could be effective on long-term glycemic control and high FPG prior to three months of SIIT may predict poor long-term glycemic control.

MYELOLIPOMA COEXISTENCE WITH GLUCOCORTICOID AND ANDROGEN SECRETING ADRENOCORTICAL CARCINOMA: SLOW AND BENIGN CLINICAL COURSE.

We present a case of androgen and glucocorticoid secreting adrenocortical carcinoma with concomitant myelolipoma. A giant adrenal tumor which was initially nonfunctional was reassessed four years later due to the patient's refusal to treat. The patient was a 48-year-old woman with hypertension and acne lesions on the face. Laboratory findings were consistent with glucocorticoid and androgen hypersecretion. Computed tomography revealed a heterogeneously contrasting mass of 145x118x100 mm with lobular contour and soft tissue areas. The patient underwent left laparoscopic transperitoneal adrenalectomy with three port technique. There were no complications in the perioperative period. The resected specimen weighed 850 grams. Pathological findings showed a combination of myelolipoma-adrenal cortical cancer. In the postoperative period, hypertension improved and the hormone panel was normalized. Postoperative computed tomography and PET-CT showed no residual mass and metastasis. Although imaging is compatible with benign masses such as myelolipoma, coexistence of ACC-myelolipoma should be kept in mind and functional evaluation should be performed.

The role and importance of auxiliary tests in differential diagnosis in patients with mildly high basal 17-OH-progesterone levels in the evaluation of hirsutism

Background/aim: In the differential diagnosis of hirsutism, early follicular basal 17-OH-progesterone levels sometimes overlap with the diagnosis of late onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia (LOCAH) and other causes of hyperandrogenism. This study aims to investigate the role of some common tests and clinical findings in differential diagnosis in such cases. Materials and methods: One hundred seventy-five female patients with hirsutism and mildly high initial 17-OH-progesterone levels (2-10 ng/mL) were included in the study. The cases were divided into three groups according to their diagnosis: LOCAH (n = 16, mean age = 26.1 ± 6.9), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (n = 122, mean age = 23.9 ± 5.1), and intracranial hypertension (IH) (n = 37, mean age = 25.2 ± 7.3). Clinical signs and symptoms, such as menstrual irregularity and hirsutism score, and hormone levels including total testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), were compared between the groups. Results: There was no difference between the groups with PCOS, LOCAH, and IH for total testosterone level results (P = 0.461). The DHEAS level was higher in the PCOS group than in the LOCAH group (449.6 ± 151.14 vs. 360.31 ± 152.40, P = 0.044). While there was no difference between the PCOS and LOCAH groups in terms of menstrual irregularity (P = 0.316), the hirsutism score for IH was significantly lower than those of PCOS and LOCAH (9.2 vs. 12.2 and 11.1, respectively; P < 0.001). Basal 17-OH-progesterone levels were higher in the LOCAH group than in the other groups (P = 0.016). Conclusion: While DHEAS level was lower in LOCAH than in PCOS, it was not different from that in IH. While the severity of hirsutism was higher in LOCAH than in IH, it was not different from that in PCOS. Menstrual irregularity was similar between PCOS and LOCAH. According to these results, although the auxiliary tests and clinical findings for the diagnosis of LOCAH contribute to the clinical interpretation, they are not superior to the 17-OH-progesterone level for diagnosis.

Hemogram parameters in the patients with subacute thyroiditis.

BACKGROUND &OBJECTIVE: Subacute Granulomatous Thyroiditis (De Quervain's Thyroiditis) is an acute painful inflammatory disease of the thyroid. We aimed to investigate easily accessible and cheap hemogram based parameters of Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Platelet to Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR), and Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) in the follow up of inflammatory thyroid disease. METHODS: Patients admitted to Sakarya University Education and Research Hospital Endocrinology and Metabolism Outpatient Clinic and diagnosed as Subacute Granulomatous Thyroiditis between May 2017 and November 2018 were included in the study. Hemogram, thyroid function tests and acute phase values of these patients were recorded and compared with the values after treatment and disease recovery. On the sixth month, thyroid function tests were repeated and the rate of permanent hypothyroidism was screened. The relationships between initial hemogram parameters and acute phase reactants were evaluated. RESULTS: Total 71 patients were included in our study. 60 (84.5%) were female and 11 (15.5%) were male. The F/M ratio was found to be 6/1. Mean age was 43 ± 9.95 years. Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) Curve Analysis was performed and values for Area Under the Curve (AUC) for NLR and PLR, respectively, were 0.739 (95% CI 0.657-0.820 p<0.0001) and 0.772 (95% CI 0.694-0.850 p<0.0001), which are significant and associated with disease activity. However, the AUC for MPV parameter was: 0.578 (95% CI 0.484-0.672 P: 0.10) and was not significant. The cut off values defined as 2.4 (80% sensitivity and 51% specificity) for NLR and 146.84 (83% sensitivity and 54% specificity) for PLR for the acute phase of the disease. In the Correlation Analysis, NLR and PLR values were significantly correlated with ESR and CRP parameters, which are the most commonly used acute phase reactants. CONCLUSION: According to the present study, we believe that the NLR and PLR parameters will be of benefit in the follow-up the disease, accurately demonstrate the inflammatory load in the acute phase of the disease, and correlate with the common acute phase reactants.

The effects of single high-dose or daily low-dosage oral colecalciferol treatment on vitamin D levels and muscle strength in postmenopausal women.

INTRODUCTION: Vitamin D deficiency is a common health problem. Vitamin D supplements are used to improve vitamin D status; however, there are contradictory data related to what doses to give and how often they should be given. Many studies have investigated the effects of vitamin D supplementation on muscle strength, but the results remain controversial. We aimed to compare the effects and safety of single high-dose with daily low-dose oral colecalciferol on 25(OH)D levels and muscle strength in postmenopausal women with vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency. METHODS AND DESIGN: Sixty healthy postmenopausal women who had serum vitamin D levels < 20 ng/mL (50 nmol/L) were enrolled in the study. Group 1 (n = 32) was given daily oral dosages of 800 IU vitamin D3, and group 2 (n = 28) was given a single oral dose of 300,000 IU vitamin D3. Serum vitamin D levels and muscle strengths were measured at the beginning, 4th, and 12th week. Muscle strength tests were performed at 60° using a Biodex system 3 isokinetic dynamometer. RESULTS: Pretreatment vitamin D levels did not differ between the two groups (10.2 ± 4.4 ng/mL (25,4 ± 10,9 nmol/L); 9.7 ± 4.4 ng/mL (24,2 ± 10,9 nmol/L), p > 0.05). A significant increase in vitamin D levels was observed in both groups at 4 and 12 weeks after vitamin D3 treatment. The increase in the single-dose group was significantly higher than the daily low-dosage group at the 4th week (35.9 ± 9.6 ng/mL (89,6 ± 23,9 nmol/L), 16.9 ± 5.8 ng/mL (42,1 ± 14,4 nmol/L), p = 0.01). The increase in the single-dose group was significantly higher than in the daily low dosage group at the 12th week (23.4 ± 4.7 ng/mL (58,4 ± 11,7 nmol/L), 19.8 ± 7.2 ng/mL (49,4 ± 17,9 nmol/L), p = 0.049). The quadriceps muscle strength score increased significantly in the daily group at the 4th week (p = 0.038). The hamstring muscle strength score increased significantly in the daily group at the 12th week (p = 0.037). CONCLUSION: Although daily administration routes are more effective in improving muscle strength, a single administration is more effective in increasing vitamin D levels. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN14226530 (04.07.2018), Name of the registry: ISRCTN registry, The study was retrospectively registered.

Association of ADAMTS4 and ADAMTS9 levels with cardiovascular risk in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.

PURPOSE: Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) has been associated with increased incidence of morbidity and mortality of the cardiovascular system. The pathogenetic mechanisms underlying this association are still not completely clear. A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin-like motifs (ADAMTS) play a critical role in atherosclerosis. This study aimed to investigate the levels of ADAMTS4 and ADAMTS9 and relationship between these proteoglycanases and cardiometabolic abnormalities in PHPT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case-control study was performed in a training and research hospital. Fifty-six patients with PHPT and 61 healthy volunteers were recruited. The Framingham score was used to calculate cardiovascular risk (CVR). Serum ADAMTS levels were determined by a human enzyme-linked immunoassay in all subjects. RESULTS: The ADAMTS9 concentration was significantly higher in patients with PHPT than in the control group (p < 0.05); however, there were no significant differences in ADAMTS4 levels between the groups (p > 0.05). In ROC curve analysis, PHPT can be predicted by the use of ADAMTS9 at a cut-off value of 30.7 pg/mL (69% sensitivity, 65% specificity). CVR score was significantly increased in the PHPT than controls (p < 0.05). ADAMTS4 and ADAMTS9 levels had positive correlations with CVR score (r = 0.322, p = 0.017; r = 0.275, p = 0.044 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of the present study, cardiovascular risk is increased in PHPT and associated with ADAMTS4 and ADAMTS9. Further efforts are needed to establish the function of ADAMTS proteases in both PHPT and atherosclerosis.

SERUM LEVELS OF FIBROBLAST GROWTH FACTOR-23, OSTEOPROTEGERIN, AND RECEPTOR ACTIVATOR OF NUCLEAR FACTOR KAPPA B LIGAND IN PATIENTS WITH PROLACTINOMA.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study to was to evaluate the effect of fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23), osteoprotegerin (OPG), receptor activator nuclear κB ligand (RANKL), and vitamin D hormones on bone loss in patients with hyperprolactinemia due to pituitary prolactinoma. METHODS: We recruited 46 premenopausal female patients with prolactinoma and age and sex-matched healthy controls (Group 3, n = 20) for this cross-sectional study. Prolactinoma patients were divided into 2 groups as patients newly diagnosed (Group 1, n = 26) and those under cabergoline treatment (Group 2, n = 20). Anthropometric and metabolic variables; hormonal profiles; and osteocalcin, deoxypyridinoline (DOP), and bone mineral density measurements were performed for all participants. FGF-23, OPG, and RANKL levels were analyzed in all groups. RESULTS: FGF-23, OPG, calcium, phosphorus, and parathormone levels were similar between all groups despite significantly higher levels in the control group in terms of vitamin D and RANKL levels than in patients. Bone loss was found more in Group 2, particularly observed in Z scores of femur and spinal bone (P<.05). Correlation analysis revealed a negative correlation between FGF-23 and femur neck T score (r = -0.0433, P = .05) in patients with active prolactinoma. A positive correlation was also observed between parameters of DOP and OPG (r = 0.673, P = .02). In patients with remission there were a negative correlation between prolactin and luteinizing hormone (r = -600, P = .08). Additionally, a negative correlation was found between osteocalcin and osteoprotegerin in patients in remission (r = -0.73, P = .01). CONCLUSION: Our data indicated that FGF-23 and OPG levels do not play a critical role on the development of bone decrease in patients with hyperprolactinemia. However, further prospective studies in larger numbers of participants should be designed to clarify this issue. ABBREVIATIONS: BFP = body fat percentage BMD = bone mineral density BMI = body mass index CV = coefficient of variation DOP = deoxypyridinoline ELISA = enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay FGF-23 = fibroblast growth factor-23 HOMA-IR = homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance OPG = osteoprotegerin RANKL = receptor activator nuclear κB ligand.

Normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism is associated with complications similar to those of hypercalcemic hyperparathyroidism.

Normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism (NC-PHPT) is a variant of hyperparathyroidism, characterized by normal serum calcium levels, high parathyroid hormone (PTH) and normal 25-OH vitamin D status. The present study aimed to compare complications related to hyperparathyroidism in patients with NC-PHPT and hypercalcemic PHPT (HC-PHPT). We retrospectively evaluated the records of 307 PHPT patients between January 2010 and March 2013. We excluded patients with impaired renal function and liver failure. All patients underwent a biochemical and hormonal examination including serum glucose, albumin, total calcium, phosphorus, creatinine, lipoproteins, PTH and 25-OH vitamin D. Nephrolithiasis and bone mineral density were documented based on a review of the medical records. The study population consisted of 36 (12 %) males and 271 (88 %) females with a mean age of 53.3 ± 9.5 years (29-70 years). Twenty-three of the patients were diagnosed with NC-PHPT (group 1) and 284 were diagnosed with HC-PHPT (group 2). There were no significant differences in terms of age, gender, prevalence of hypertension, low bone mineral density and kidney stones between the groups. The mean thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2. Our study found that patients with NC-PHPT have similar several complications as patients with HC-PHPT. NC-PHPT patients have higher TSH levels despite being within the normal range, and higher LDL-C levels than patients with HC-PHPT. However, this relationship needs to be clarified in future studies with larger cohorts.

Prevalence of monoclonal B lymphocytosis in first-degree relatives of chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: Monoclonal B lymphocytosis (MBL) is considered to be a precursor state for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). This study was planned to evaluate the MBL prevalence in first-degree relatives of CLL patients in Turkey, which is considered to be an ethnic and geographic bridge between the Eastern and Western worlds. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 136 volunteers [median age: 40 (17-77) years; male/female: 60/76] from 61 families were included. Flow cytometry analysis by 4-colour staining was used for MBL diagnosis. RESULTS: MBL was demonstrated in 17 cases (12.5%). A total of 14 cases (10.3%) were classified as CLL-like MBL, while 3 (2.2%) exhibited a non-CLL-like phenotype. The prevalence of MBL was 12.72% in subjects aged less than 40 years, 12.28% in subjects between 40 and 60 years, and 40% in subjects over 60 years, without statistical significance (p>0.05). A total of 115 cases were evaluated for intermarriage, which was observed in 19 cases (16.5%). The prevalence of MBL did not differ based on intermarriage status (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The current report is the first MBL prevalence study in a Eurasian population that demonstrates a similar distribution pattern of MBL in Anatolian CLL kindreds. Further efforts should be made to refine our understanding of the natural history and clinical outcomes of MBL.

Hypomagnesemia may be associated with symptomatic disease in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.

AIM: Magnesium (Mg) homeostasis is closely related to calcium (Ca) metabolism. Hypercalcemia inhibits the reabsorption of Mg from the kidneys, leading to hypomagnesemia. Therefore, patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) are predisposed to hypomagnesemia. However, there are few studies on the clinical significance of hypomagnesemia in PHPT. The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the association of hypomagnesemia with the clinical outcomes of PHPT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective evaluation was made of the data of 538 consecutive patients (478 females, 60 males) diagnosed with PHPT in our center. RESULTS: The mean age of the study population was 56.5 ± 11.66 years. The mean serum Mg level was 2 ± 0.26 mg/dl. Asymptomatic disease was present in 241 (44%) patients. Symptomatic patients with osteoporosis, Ca level ≥11.2 mg/dl, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 had lower levels of Mg (p < 0.05). Hypomagnesemia was detected in 129 of 538 patients (23.9%). The patients with hypomagnesemia had a higher rate of symptomatic disease (80% vs. 48%, p < 0.0001). The serum parathormone (PTH) level was found to be higher in patients with hypomagnesemia and the lumbar and femur T-scores and serum vitamin D levels were lower (p < 0.05). Patients with hypomagnesemia had higher rates of kidney stones (34% vs. 21%, p = 0.003) and osteoporosis (74% vs. 32%, p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that hypomagnesemia had a significant effect on the development of symptomatic disease (OR:6.88, CI 95%: 5.20-11.27, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The current study results demonstrate that hypomagnesemia may be associated with a higher risk of osteoporosis and kidney stones in PHPT patients. Routine evaluation of serum Mg may predict the clinical outcomes of PHPT.

Acoustic Voice Analysis in Subclinical Hyperthyroidism.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of subclinical hyperthyroidism on voice quality using acoustic analysis. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional comparative study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Ankara Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Research and Education Hospital, Ankara, Turkey, from January to June 2020. METHODOLOGY: A total of 115 participants, with 60 patients with subclinical hyperthyroidism and 55 healthy volunteers, were evaluated and compared. Healthy volunteers with similar age and gender distributions were also evaluated and compared. Acoustic variables including average fundamental frequency (F0), relative average perturbation (RAP), jitter, shimmer, noise-to-harmonic ratio (NHR), and voice turbulence index (VTI) were measured and recorded. RESULTS: In the patient group, acoustic voice analysis results were obtained for F0 224.97%, jitter 0.85%, RAP 0.51%, shimmer 3.16%, NHR 0.12 dB, and VTI 0.047, respectively. In the control group, these respective values were 219.60%; 0.74%; 0.46%; 3.11%; 0.12 dB; and 0.045, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Subclinical hyperthyroidism does not cause a significant change in voice quality. KEY WORDS: Acoustic analysis, Subclinical hyperthyroidism, Voice, Frequency.

Glycemic responses to whole grain sourdough bread versus refined white bread in patients with gestational diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Nutritional therapy remains a key tool for prevention and management of gestational diabetes (GDM). Carbohydrate type and absorption rate rather than the carbohydrate amount have more impact on postprandial glucose (PPG) levels in GDM. The effect of refined white bread and whole grain sourdough bread on glycemic indexes were compared in GDM patients. METHODS: A total of 43 patients with GDM and 38 healthy pregnant women were included. A similar breakfast menu was given to both groups of patients at two different times in consecutive weeks; however, different types of bread with the same weight were used for both breakfasts; 1) white wheat (WW) bread, 2) sourdough whole grain wheat (SWGW) bread. Blood glucose, insulin and C­peptide levels were compared before and after breakfast. RESULTS: Fasting glucose, insulin and c­peptide levels were similar between groups (p > 0.05). While the second hour glucose levels were similar between the groups, the first hour results of glucose, insulin and C­peptide levels were lower in the SWGW group (p < 0.05). In the control patients, first hour glucose, insulin and C­peptide levels were also lower in the SWGW group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The WW bread, which is more preferred in daily life routine, causes 45.5% more insulin secretion and 9.6% more first hour postprandial blood glucose compared to SWGW bread both in GDM patients and healthy pregnant women. According to the results of this study, we recommend that sourdough whole grain bread should be preferred in order to increase the success in the management of GDM.

Can Fetuin-A Deficiency Predict the Severity of COVID-19 Disease in Kidney Transplant Recipients?

BACKGROUND: This study aims to investigate whether fetuin A deficiency predicts the prognosis of COVID-19 disease in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). METHOD: The study was conducted on 35 hospitalized KTRs with COVID-19 pneumonia between November 2020 and June 2021. Serums were collected for fetuin-A measurement at admission and after six months of follow-up. The demographic and laboratory data of the patients were recorded and analyzed with the appropriate statistical method. RESULTS: A total of 35 KTRs, 23 of which (65.7%) were men, were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 51.6 ± 14.0 years. Seventeen (48.6%) patients had severe disease criteria and required intensive care (ICU) support. Biopsy-proven acute rejection developed in 6 (17.1%) patients in the follow-up. At admission, the median fetuin-A value was 173.5 mcg/mL (143.5-199.25) in the moderate disease group and 126.0 mcg/mL (89.4-165.5) in the severe patient group (p = 0.005). While the Median fetuin-A value at the time of diagnosis was 173.5 mcg/mL (143.5-199.25), and in the 6th month was 208 mcg/mL [184-229] (p<0.001). By ROC analysis, the effect of serum fetuin-A level in predicting the severity of COVID-19 disease was significant (AUC: 0.771, p = 0.006, 95% CI: 0.615-0.927). When serum fetuin-A cut-off value was taken as 138 mcg/mL to determine disease severity, it was shown to have 83.3% sensitivity and 64.7% specificity. CONCLUSIONS: Serum fetuin-A level can predict disease severity in kidney transplant recipients in the presence of active COVID-19 disease.

Evaluation of voice quality in primary hyperparathyroidism patients undergoing minimally invasive parathyroid surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Voice quality disorders remain a problem with classical surgical method which is expected to decrease with new minimally invasive methods. We aimed to examine whether there is an impairment in voice quality among our patients who have undergone open minimally invasive parathyroid surgery. METHODS: Forty-seven primer hyperparathyroidism patients included in the study. Their video laryngoscopic evaluations and voice analyses were done in pre-operative and post-operative 6th month, and changes in the voice quality were examined. RESULTS: Eighty-five (85.1%) of patients were female, with a mean age of 51.5 ± 9.4. According to the voice analysis in the preoperative-postoperative 6th months, F0 (%): 210.616-211.443, Jitt (%): 0.699-0.735, RAP (%): 0.420-0.444, Shim (%): 2.535-2.736, NHR (dB): 0.119-0.123, and VTI: 0.044-0.045, respectively. No significant differences were observed in any of the acoustic parameters between the pre- and post-operative periods. CONCLUSION: No deterioration in voice quality was observed in patients undergoing novel minimally invasive surgical technique. In this respect we think that this new method will be much more advantageous in terms of preserving the voice quality in eligible patients.

OBJECTIVO: Los trastornos de la calidad de la voz siguen siendo un problema con el método quirúrgico clásico y se espera que disminuyan con los nuevos métodos mínimamente invasivos. Nuestro objetivo fue examinar si existe un deterioro en la calidad de la voz entre nuestros pacientes que se han sometido a una cirugía abierta de paratiroides mínimamente invasiva. MÉTODOS: Se incluyeron en el estudio 47 pacientes con hiperparatiroidismo primario. Sus evaluaciones videolaringoscópicas y análisis de voz se realizaron en el sexto mes preoperatorio y posoperatorio, y se examinaron los cambios en la calidad de la voz. RESULTADOS: Ochenta y cinco (85,1%) de los pacientes eran mujeres, con una edad media de 51,5 ± 9,4. Según el análisis de voz en el sexto mes preoperatorio-posoperatorio, F0 (%): 210.616-211.443, Jitt (%): 0.699-0.735, RAP (%): 0.420-0.444, Shim (%): 2.535-2.736, NHR (dB): 0,119-0,123 y VTI: 0,044-0,045 respectivamente. No se observaron diferencias significativas en ninguno de los parámetros acústicos entre el pre y postoperatorio. CONCLUSIÓN: No se observó deterioro en la calidad de la voz en pacientes sometidos a una técnica quirúrgica mínimamente invasiva novedosa. Teniendo en cuenta que este método brindará la oportunidad de preservar la calidad de la voz en pacientes elegibles.