Neurocognitive long-term impact of two-field conventional radiotherapy in adult patients with operated pituitary adenomas.

PURPOSE: To assess the long-term impact of postoperative two-field-conventional radiotherapy (RT) on neurocognitive functions of adult patients with operated pituitary adenomas (PA). METHODS: We selected 124 adult patients with operated PA-56 of whom had also received RT-recorded their main clinical data and performed a neuropsychological assessment in all of them that included 15 standardized tests, and a cerebral SPECT in eight patients. Comparative analyses were carried out on major clinical and neurocognitive domains between irradiated and not irradiated patients, and on cerebral SPECT source. RESULTS: Compared with non-irradiated patients, irradiated patients performed significantly worse on Barcelona's story recall test (P < 0.001) and arithmetic problems (P < 0.03) and on five categories of the Wisconsin card sorting test, especially on perseverative answers and errors (P < 0.001) without differences in other examined functional domains. RT was the only factor associated with worse results in these tests regardless other clinical and treatment-related variables. Kaplan-Meier analysis suggested that the probability of achieving poorer results with time was related to RT total dose and field-size, type of PA and age at the time of RT. Four of the five SPECTS performed in irradiated patients revealed a similar altered perfusion in the left temporal lobe cortical region. CONCLUSIONS: In adult patients with operated PA, RT was independently associated with an impairment on verbal memory and executive function, when compared to non-irradiated patients. Our data suggest that diagnosis of acromegaly or Cushing's disease, and age at the time of RT were able to modulate this long-term radio-induced neurocognitive sequelae.

Management of dyslipidemia in the metabolic syndrome: recommendations of the Spanish HDL-Forum.

In order to characterize the metabolic syndrome it becomes necessary to establish a number of diagnostic criteria. Because of its impact on cardiovascular morbidity/mortality, considerable attention has been focussed on the dyslipidemia accompanying the metabolic syndrome. The aim of this review is to highlight the fundamental aspects of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and the treatment of the metabolic syndrome dyslipidemia with recommendations to clinicians. The clinical expression of the metabolic syndrome dyslipidemia is characterized by hypertriglyceridemia and low levels of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C). In addition, metabolic syndrome dyslipidemia is associated with high levels of apolipoprotein (apo) B-100-rich particles of a particularly atherogenic phenotype (small dense low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol [LDL-C]. High levels of triglyceride-rich particles (very low-density lipoprotein) are also evident both at baseline and in overload situations (postprandial hyperlipidemia). Overall, the 'quantitative' dyslipidemia characterized by hypertriglyceridemia and low levels of HDL-C and the 'qualitative' dyslipidemia characterized by high levels of apo B-100- and triglyceride-rich particles, together with insulin resistance, constitute an atherogenic triad in patients with the metabolic syndrome. The therapeutic management of the metabolic syndrome, regardless of the control of the bodyweight, BP, hyperglycemia or overt diabetes mellitus, aims at maintaining optimum plasma lipid levels. Therapeutic goals are similar to those for high-risk situations because of the coexistence of multiple risk factors. The primary goal in treatment should be achieving an LDL-C level of <100 mg/dL (or <70 mg/dL in cases with established ischemic heart disease or risk equivalents). A further goal is increasing the HDL-C level to >or=40 mg/dL in men or 50 mg/dL in women. A non-HDL-C goal of 130 mg/dL should also be aimed at in cases of hypertriglyceridemia. Lifestyle interventions, such as maintaining an adequate diet, and a physical activity program, constitute an essential part of management. Nevertheless, when pharmacologic therapy becomes necessary, fibrates and HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) are the most effective drugs in controlling the metabolic syndrome hyperlipidemia, and are thus the drugs of first choice. Fibrates are effective in lowering triglycerides and increasing HDL-C levels, the two most frequent abnormalities associated with the metabolic syndrome, and statins are effective in lowering LDL-C levels, even though hypercholesterolemia occurs less frequently. In addition, the combination of fibrates and statins is highly effective in controlling abnormalities of the lipid profile in patients with the metabolic syndrome.

[Glycemic changes during menstrual cycles in women with type 1 diabetes]. / Cambios glucémicos durante el ciclo menstrual en mujeres con diabetes mellitus tipo 1.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To determine frequency of women with type 1 diabetes showing menstrual cyclic changes in glycemia, analyze their clinical characteristics, and assess the pattern of glycemic changes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analyzed glucose meter readings along 168 menstrual cycles of 26 women with type 1 diabetes. We evaluated mean glucose, mean glucose standard deviation, mean fasting glucose, percentage of glucose readings>7.8 mmol/L and<3.1 mmol/L, and mean insulin dose in 4 periods for each cycle. A woman was identified as having cyclic changes when mean glucose rose from early follicular to late luteal in two-thirds of her menstrual cycles. RESULTS: A percentage of 65.4 of the women had cyclic changes. Characteristics of women with and without cyclic changes, including self-perception of glycemic changes, were similar with exception of age at diabetes diagnosis (22.5 [7.5] vs. 14.4 [9.5] years; P=.039). In women with cyclic changes mean percentage of glucose readings>7.8 mmol/L rose from early follicular (52.2 [16.3] %) to early and late luteal (58.4 [16.0] %, P=.0269; 61.0 [16.9] %, P=.000). CONCLUSION: Almost two-thirds of women with type 1 diabetes experience a menstrual cycle phenomenon, attributable to an increase in hyperglycemic excursions during the luteal phase. Enabling women to evaluate their weekly mean glucose from their meter and exploring the causes of hyperglycemic excursions during luteal phase should ensure more accuracy when giving instructions for diabetes management in women with premenstrual hyperglycemia.

HbA1c and Gestational Weight Gain Are Factors that Influence Neonatal Outcome in Mothers with Gestational Diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Maternal glucose and weight gain are related to neonatal outcome in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The aim of this study was to explore the influence of average third-trimester HbA1c and excess gestational weight gain on GDM neonatal complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This observational study included 2037 Spanish singleton pregnant women with GDM followed in our Diabetes and Pregnancy Unit. The maternal HbA1c level was measured monthly from GDM diagnosis to delivery. Women were compared by average HbA1c level and weight gain categorized into ≤ or > the current Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommendations for body mass index. The differential effects of these factors on large-for-gestational-age birth weight and a composite of neonatal complications were assessed. RESULTS: Women with an average third-trimester HbA1c ≥5.0% (n = 1319) gave birth to 7.3% versus 3.8% (p = 0.005) of large-for-gestational-age neonates and 22.0% versus 16.0% (p = 0.006) of neonates with complications. Women with excess gestational weight gain (n = 299) delivered 12.5% versus 5.2% (p < 0.001) of large-for-gestational-age neonates and 24.7% versus 19.0% (p = 0.022) of neonates with complications. In an adjusted multiple logistic regression analysis among mothers exposed to the respective risk factors, ∼47% and 52% of large-for-gestational-age neonates and 32% and 37% of neonatal complications were potentially preventable by attaining an average third-trimester HbA1c level <5.0% and optimizing gestational weight gain. CONCLUSIONS: Average third-trimester HbA1c level ≥5% and gestational weight gain above the IOM recommendation are relevant risk factors for neonatal complications in mothers with gestational diabetes.

Impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance in women with prior gestational diabetes are associated with a different cardiovascular profile.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of cardiovascular risk factors to impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and to impaired fasting glucose (IFG) in women with prior gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We studied 838 women with prior GDM. Postpartum glucose tolerance status was classified as normal, IFG, IGT, IFG plus IGT, and diabetes according to the World Health Organization criteria. Postpartum BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, triglyceride, cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol were assessed. RESULTS: BMI and blood pressure were significantly higher in women with IFG than in women with normal glucose status. BMI and waist circumference were significantly higher in women with IFG plus IGT than in women with normal glucose status. No differences were observed between women with IGT and normal glucose status. The prevalence of hypertension and obesity was significantly increased in IFG compared with normal glucose status. The prevalence of obesity and abnormal lipids was significantly increased in IFG plus IGT compared with normal glucose status. IGT showed no increased prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Traditional cardiovascular risk factors have a stronger association with isolated IFG than with isolated IGT in women with prior GDM.

[Insulin pumps]. / Bombas de insulina.

Treatment with insulin in form of continued subcutaneous infusions is intended to mimic the normal pancreatic function. Insulin pumps are currently a reality and they allow for an improvement of glycemic oscillations and contribute to decrease HbA1c and to improve patient's quality of life. Infusion systems are quite advanced and the challenge at present are glycemia sensors. There are several trials under way which are trying to establish if it is possible for sensors to work with a closed-loop system. In the meantime, patients will continue to perform (and interpret) glycemic controls. The role of physicians must be to advice patients about diabetes and the management of pumps so that they are able to minimize hypoglycemias and optimize glycemic controls.

[Obesity associated risk using Edmonton staging in bariatric surgery]. / Riesgo asociado a obesidad según estadiaje de Edmonton en cirugía bariátrica.

UNLABELLED: With a prevalence of Morbid Obesity of 1,2% of the Spanish population, the current criteria for Bariatric Surgery do not classify patients taking into consideration co-morbidities or functional status. We need new staging systems useful in predicting mortality and able to support prioritizing treatments. AIM: Applying Edmonton staging system to patients awaiting Bariatric Surgery. METHOD: Data collected from 81 patients from 2011- 2013 after pre-surgery protocol. Weight, height, waist, BMI, biochemical parameters and blood pressure are registered. Also taken down are hepatic, renal, osteoarticular diseases, sleep-apnea syndrome and/or gastro-oesophageal reflux, if present. Edmonton staging of ten variables is applied to each patient. RESULTS: 81 patients: 67% women, average age 47y, 18% below 30y. Average BMI of 47, 90% of patients have a BMI >40. 34% of patients show sleep-apnea syndrome and 25% gastro-oesophageal reflux. 9% of the patients have a BMI >45, diabetes mellitus and sleep-apnea syndrome. Applying the Edmonton Staging, nine patients (11%) are in the highest risk range (stage 3), 70% are in the high-risk range (stage 2) and 15 patients (18%) are included in the low-risk range. No patient was found to be in stage 0 without obesity risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: The Edmonton staging system provides us with information on presence or extent of co-morbidities that guide decision making in individuals. The mortality- predictive ability of Edmonton proposal could help to assist in determining the urgency of Bariatric Surgery and establish better criteria to prioritize these group of patients.

Con una prevalencia de obesidad mórbida del 1,2% en población española, los criterios de indicación para Cirugía Bariátrica (CB) no consideran comorbilidades ni estado funcional. Es necesaria una aproximación diagnóstica capaz de predecir mortalidad y sustentar criterios de priorización terapéutica. Objetivo: Aplicar la propuesta Edmonton como sistema de estadiaje clínico para la clasificación de pacientes en lista de espera de CB. Método: Se recogen datos de 81 pacientes (2011 ­ 2013), tras protocolo prequirúrgico. Se registra peso, talla, IMC, cintura, determinaciones bioquímicas, TA, presencia de enfermedad hepática, renal, osteoarticular, síndrome apnea-hipopnea del sueño (SAHS) y reflujo gastroesofágico. Se aplica a cada persona la propuesta de estadiaje de Edmonton, con 10 variables. Resultados: 67% mujeres. Edad media: 47 años, 18% con edad inferior a 30 años. IMC medio: 47 (37-67), 90% IMC > de 40. El 34% de los pacientes presentan SHAS y el 25% enfermedad por reflujo. Un 9% asocia IMC > 45, disglucosis- diabetes mellitus y SAHS. Aplicando el modelo de Edmonton, nueve pacientes (11%) se sitúan en el rango de mayor riesgo (estadío 3), 70% en rango de riesgo elevado (estadío 2), y 15 pacientes (18%), están incluidos en la condición de bajo riesgo. Ningún paciente se situaba en estadio 0, sin factores de riesgo asociados a obesidad. Conclusiones: El estadiaje de Edmonton nos aporta información sobre la presencia y extensión de co-mobilidades, que apoye la toma de decisiones terapéuticas. La capacidad predictiva de mortalidad de la propuesta de Edmonton podría ser útil para establecer criterios de priorización quirúrgica.

Use of insulin lispro during pregnancy in women with pregestational diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and efficacy of insulin analogues versus human insulin in pregnant women with pregestational diabetes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We collected data on pregnant women with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who were attended at the Diabetes and Pregnancy Unit between January 1998 and April 2008 (N=351). Two hundred and forty one patients were treated with regular insulin and NPH and 110 were treated with different combinations of insulins including an insulin analogue (most of them with NPH and lispro). RESULTS: There was no significant difference in terms of congenital malformation rate between groups (3.3% and 3.6%). The group on insulin analogue had slightly higher mean HbA1c during the first trimester than the group on human insulin (6.6 [1.0]% vs 6.9 [1.1]%; P=0,022) and needed smaller insulin doses during whole pregnancy. Severe hypoglycaemia was significantly less frequent among women treated with a rapid insulin analogue (2.3 vs 10.0%; P=0,025). Neonatal hypoglycaemia was significantly more frequent in the group treated with a rapid insulin analogue (34.9 vs 23.6%; P=0.043) due to the concomitant use of an insulin pump. Other obstetric and neonatal variables were not different between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that insulin analogues are safe during pregnancy in women with pregestational diabetes mellitus. Overall, glycaemic control, maternal and foetal outcome were similar to those with human insulin. The main advantage with respect to human insulin was to importantly reduce maternal severe hypoglycaemia.

Solitary hemorrhagic cerebellar metastasis from occult papillary thyroid microcarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Cerebellar metastasis (CM) from papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is exceptional with only 12 reported cases and usually carries a very poor prognosis. In the two previously reported patients in whom CM was detected before PTC, other distant or local metastases were already present by the time of PTC diagnosis. We report a patient found to have papillary thyroid microcarcinoma after surgical resection and histopathological study of a large solitary hemorrhagic CM, who showed no evidence of other metastatic sites and survived 7 years after initial diagnosis. SUMMARY: A 65-year-old female patient with a history of surgical resection of a 7-cm cerebellar mass diagnosed with PTC metastasis, and adjuvant treatment with cranial external radiotherapy, was referred to us. The neck ultrasonography showed a solitary 4-mm right thyroid nodule. Histopathology after total thyroidectomy revealed a 2-mm papillary thyroid microcarcinoma, sclerosing variant, with capsule infiltration but no regional lymph node invasion. Although she received a total dose of 500 mCi of 131-I after surgery and the last two whole-body scans were normal, serum thyroglobulin levels progressively increased. The patient refused any further test or treatment other than basal blood sampling and suppressive therapy with levothyroxine and remained stable for 4 years until she started to complain about deviation of her walk. A computed tomography scan showed a regrowth of the metastasis. She suffered a sudden worsening of her neurological status because of a big intratumoral hemorrhage that required decompressive craniectomy and hematoma evacuation surviving 3 years more after this episode. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a solitary CM from an occult PTC, and also the first that developed an acute cerebellar hemorrhage years after cranial surgery, however, exhibiting the longest reported survival. This case highlights the importance of not only an appropriate initial treatment of the CM and primary PTC in these patients, but also a close follow-up, to avoid further complications and improve their prognosis.

Riesgo asociado a obesidad según estadiaje de Edmonton en cirugía bariátrica / Obesity associated risk using Edmonton staging in bariatric surgery

Con una prevalencia de obesidad mórbida del 1,2% en población española, los criterios de indicación para Cirugía Bariátrica (CB) no consideran comorbilidades ni estado funcional. Es necesaria una aproximación diagnóstica capaz de predecir mortalidad y sustentar criterios de priorización terapéutica. Objetivo: Aplicar la propuesta Edmonton como sistema de estadiaje clínico para la clasificación de pacientes en lista de espera de CB. Método: Se recogen datos de 81 pacientes (2011-2013), tras protocolo prequirúrgico. Se registra peso, talla, IMC, cintura, determinaciones bioquímicas, TA, presencia de enfermedad hepática, renal, osteoarticular, síndrome apnea-hipopnea del sueño (SAHS) y reflujo gastroesofágico. Se aplica a cada persona la propuesta de estadiaje de Edmonton, con 10 variables. Resultados: 67% mujeres. Edad media: 47 años, 18% con edad inferior a 30 años. IMC medio: 47 (37-67), 90% IMC > de 40. El 34% de los pacientes presentan SHAS y el 25% enfermedad por reflujo. Un 9% asocia IMC > 45, disglucosis-diabetes mellitus y SAHS. Aplicando el modelo de Edmonton, nueve pacientes (11%) se sitúan en el rango de mayor riesgo (estadío 3), 70% en rango de riesgo elevado (estadío 2), y 15 pacientes (18%), están incluidos en la condición de bajo riesgo. Ningún paciente se situaba en estadio 0, sin factores de riesgo asociados a obesidad. Conclusiones: El estadiaje de Edmonton nos aporta información sobre la presencia y extensión de co-mobilidades, que apoye la toma de decisiones terapéuticas. La capacidad predictiva de mortalidad de la propuesta de Edmonton podría ser útil para establecer criterios de priorización quirúrgica (AU)

With a prevalence of Morbid Obesity of 1,2% of the Spanish population, the current criteria for Bariatric Surgery do not classify patients taking into consideration co-morbidities or functional status. We need new staging systems useful in predicting mortality and able to support prioritizing treatments. Aim: Applying Edmonton staging system to patients awaiting Bariatric Surgery. Method: Data collected from 81 patients from 2011- 2013 after pre-surgery protocol. Weight, height, waist, BMI, biochemical parameters and blood pressure are registered. Also taken down are hepatic, renal, osteoarticular diseases, sleep-apnea syndrome and/or gastro-oesophageal reflux, if present. Edmonton staging of ten variables is applied to each patient. Results: 81 patients: 67% women, average age 47y, 18% below 30y. Average BMI of 47, 90% of patients have a BMI >40. 34% of patients show sleep-apnea syndrome and 25% gastro-oesophageal reflux. 9% of the patients have a BMI >45, diabetes mellitus and sleep-apnea syndrome. Applying the Edmonton Staging, nine patients (11%) are in the highest risk range (stage 3), 70% are in the high-risk range (stage 2) and 15 patients (18%) are included in the low-risk range. No patient was found to be in stage 0 without obesity risk factors. Conclusions: The Edmonton staging system provides us with information on presence or extent of co-morbidities that guide decision making in individuals. The mortality- predictive ability of Edmonton proposal could help to assist in determining the urgency of Bariatric Surgery and establish better criteria to prioritize these group of patients (AU)

Identification of eight new mutations in the GCK gene by DHPLC screening in a Spanish population.

Maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY) is a genetically heterogeneous disorder characterized by autosomal dominant inheritance, altered function of pancreatic beta cells and early onset diabetes mellitus, usually before 25 years old. The prevalence of specific mutations of MODY genes differs considerably among different countries. In this study we analyzed 53 index cases from unrelated MODY families who are potential carriers of mutations in GCK gene. In addition, 122 relatives were also studied. We have identified eight new mutations in the GCK gene. One of them is a non-frameshift deletion involving Lysine 143. This amino acid is part of the conserved stretch of basic residues (KHKKL) which spans from residue 140 to 144. The non-frameshift deletion might implicate the affinity of GCK for GCKRP, and potentially the abnormal nuclear localization of GCK. Additional studies should be performed to confirm this possibility.

Lipoprotein ratios: Physiological significance and clinical usefulness in cardiovascular prevention.

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentration has been the prime index of cardiovascular disease risk and the main target for therapy. However, several lipoprotein ratios or "atherogenic indices" have been defined in an attempt to optimize the predictive capacity of the lipid profile. In this review, we summarize their pathophysiological aspects, and highlight the rationale for using these lipoprotein ratios as cardiovascular risk factors in clinical practice, specifying their cut-off risk levels and a target for lipid-lowering therapy. Total/high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and LDL/HDL cholesterol ratios are risk indicators with greater predictive value than isolated parameters used independently, particularly LDL. Future recommendations regarding the diagnosis and treatment of dyslipidemia, including instruments for calculating cardiovascular risk or action guidelines, should include the lipoprotein ratios with greater predictive power which, in view of the evidence-based results, are none other than those which include HDL cholesterol.

Obstetric and perinatal complications in HIV-infected women. Analysis of a cohort of 167 pregnancies between 1997 and 2003.

BACKGROUND: The unquestionable benefit of antiretroviral therapy in reducing the rate of mother-to-child transmission can be lessened by potential maternal or neonatal toxicity. OBJECTIVE: To analyze obstetric and perinatal complications in a cohort of HIV-infected pregnant women and their relationship with maternal antiretroviral therapy. POPULATION: One hundred and sixty-seven HIV-infected pregnant women who delivered at Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain between January 1997 and December 2003. METHODS: Data on the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of HIV-infected patients, previous and current antiretroviral therapy, gestational diabetes mellitus, length of pregnancy, mode of delivery, and weight of the newborn were collected. Pregnancy outcomes were compared with those of all the pregnant women attended at our hospital. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Gestational diabetes mellitus, premature delivery, and low birth weight. RESULTS: Gestational diabetes mellitus was diagnosed in 8.9% of patients. All the cases of gestational diabetes were in the combined antiretroviral therapy group, and the majority were receiving triple antiretroviral therapy with a protease inhibitor. The risk of developing this pathology was greater among women receiving antiretroviral therapy prior to pregnancy. The premature delivery rate was 29% and the low birth weight rate was 28%. CONCLUSION: Gestational diabetes mellitus is more common in HIV-infected women than in the general population and is related to combined antiretroviral therapy, especially the use of protease inhibitors, which suggests the need for close follow-up during pregnancy in HIV-infected patients. Nevertheless, the adverse perinatal consequences observed were more related to maternal factors than to antiretroviral therapy.

Cambios glucémicos durante el ciclo menstrual en mujeres con diabetes mellitus tipo 1 / Glycemic changes during menstrual cycles in women with type 1 diabetes

Fundamento y objetivo: Determinar la frecuencia de mujeres con diabetes tipo 1 que experimentan cambios glucémicos durante el ciclo menstrual, analizar sus características clínicas, y evaluar el patrón de los cambios glucémicos. Pacientes y métodos: Analizamos las lecturas de los glucómetros a lo largo de 168 ciclos menstruales en 26 mujeres con diabetes tipo 1. Evaluamos la glucemia media, la desviación estándar media, la glucemia media basal, el porcentaje de lecturas > 7,8 mmol/l y < 3,1 mmol/l, y la dosis de insulina media en 4 períodos de cada ciclo. Se consideró que una mujer tenía cambios cíclicos cuando la glucemia media se elevó entre la fase folicular temprana y la fase lútea tardía en dos tercios de sus ciclos menstruales. Resultados: El 65,4% de las mujeres experimentaron cambios cíclicos. Las características de las mujeres con y sin cambios cíclicos, incluyendo la autopercepción de cambios glucémicos, fueron similares, exceptuando la edad de diagnóstico de la diabetes (22,5 [7,5] frente a 14,4 [9,5] años; p = 0,039). En mujeres con cambios cíclicos el porcentaje medio de los valores de glucosa > 7,8 mmol/l se elevó entre la fase folicular temprana (52,2 [16,3] %) y la fase lútea temprana y tardía (58,4 [16,0] %, p = 0,0269; 61,0 [16,9] %, p = 0,000). Conclusión: Casi dos tercios de las mujeres con diabetes tipo 1 experimentan fenómenos del ciclo menstrual atribuibles a un incremento de las excursiones hiperglucémicas durante la fase lútea. Posibilitar que las mujeres evalúen su glucemia media semanal a partir de las lecturas de los glucómetros, y explorar las causas de las excursiones hiperglucémicas durante la fase lútea podría garantizar una mayor precisión al impartir instrucciones para la gestión de la diabetes en mujeres con hiperglucemia premenstrual (AU)

Background and objective: To determine frequency of women with type 1 diabetes showing menstrual cyclic changes in glycemia, analyze their clinical characteristics, and assess the pattern of glycemic changes. Patients and methods: We analyzed glucose meter readings along 168 menstrual cycles of 26 women with type 1 diabetes. We evaluated mean glucose, mean glucose standard deviation, mean fasting glucose, percentage of glucose readings > 7.8 mmol/L and < 3.1 mmol/L, and mean insulin dose in 4 periods for each cycle. A woman was identified as having cyclic changes when mean glucose rose from early follicular to late luteal in two-thirds of her menstrual cycles. Results: A percentage of 65.4 of the women had cyclic changes. Characteristics of women with and without cyclic changes, including self-perception of glycemic changes, were similar with exception of age at diabetes diagnosis (22.5 [7.5] vs. 14.4 [9.5] years; P = .039). In women with cyclic changes mean percentage of glucose readings > 7.8 mmol/L rose from early follicular (52.2 [16.3] %) to early and late luteal (58.4 [16.0] %, P = .0269; 61.0 [16.9] %, P = .000). Conclusion: Almost two-thirds of women with type 1 diabetes experience a menstrual cycle phenomenon, attributable to an increase in hyperglycemic excursions during the luteal phase. Enabling women to evaluate their weekly mean glucose from their meter and exploring the causes of hyperglycemic excursions during luteal phase should ensure more accuracy when giving instructions for diabetes management in women with premenstrual hyperglycemia (AU)

Experiencia en el uso de insulina lispro durante el embarazo en mujeres con diabetes mellitus pregestacional / Use of insulin lispro during pregnancy in women with pregestational diabetes mellitus

Fundamento y objetivo: Evaluar la seguridad y eficacia de los análogos de insulina en comparación con insulina humana en mujeres embarazadas con diabetes pregestacional. Pacientes y métodos: Se recogieron datos de las embarazadas con diabetes tipo 1 o 2 que fueron atendidas en la Unidad de Diabetes y Embarazo entre enero de 1998 y abril de 2008 (n=351). Doscientas cuarenta y una pacientes fueron tratadas con insulina regular y NPH, y 110 fueron tratadas con diferentes combinaciones de insulinas incluyendo un análogo de insulina (la mayoría con NPH y lispro). Resultados:No hubo diferencias en cuanto a malformaciones congénitas entre ambos grupos (3,3 y 3,6%). El grupo con análogo de insulina tuvo una HbA1c ligeramente más alta que el grupo con insulina humana durante el primer trimestre (6,9 [1,1]% vs 6,6 [1,0]%; p=0,022) y necesitó menor dosis de insulina durante todo el embarazo. La hipoglucemia grave fue significativamente menos frecuente entre las mujeres tratadas con un análogo de insulina rápida (2,3 vs 10,0%; p=0,025). La hipoglucemia neonatal fue significativamente más frecuente en dicho grupo (34,9 vs 23,6%; p=0,043) en relación con el uso concomitante de bomba de insulina. Otras variables obstétricas y neonatales no fueron diferentes entre ambos grupos (AU)

Background and objective: To assess the safety and efficacy of insulin analogues versus human insulin in pregnant women with pregestational diabetes. Patients and methods: We collected data on pregnant women with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who were attended at the Diabetes and Pregnancy Unit between January 1998 and April 2008 (N=351). Two hundred and forty one patients were treated with regular insulin and NPH and 110 were treated with different combinations of insulins including an insulin analogue (most of them with NPH and lispro). Results:There was no significant difference in terms of congenital malformation rate between groups (3.3% and 3.6%). The group on insulin analogue had slightly higher mean HbA1c during the first trimester than the group on human insulin (6.6 [1.0]% vs 6.9 [1.1]%; P=0,022) and needed smaller insulin doses during whole pregnancy. Severe hypoglycaemia was significantly less frequent among women treated with a rapid insulin analogue (2.3 vs 10.0%; P=0,025). Neonatal hypoglycaemia was significantly more frequent in the group treated with a rapid insulin analogue (34.9 vs 23.6%; P=0.043) due to the concomitant use of an insulin pump. Other obstetric and neonatal variables were not different between the two groups. Conclusion: Our study shows that insulin analogues are safe during pregnancy in women with pregestational diabetes mellitus. Overall, glycaemic control, maternal and foetal outcome were similar to those with human insulin. The main advantage with respect to human insulin was to importantly reduce maternal severe hypoglycaemia (AU)

Bombas de insulina / Insulin pumps

El objetivo del tratamiento con infusión subcutánea continua de insulina es imitar, tanto como sea posible, la función pancreática normal. Las bombas de insulina son actualmente una realidad. Permiten una mejoría en las oscilaciones glucémicas y el descenso de la hemoglobina glucosilada, al tiempo que se mejora la calidad de vida del paciente. Los sistemas de infusión están bastante avanzados y la barrera para estrechar el cerco son los sensores continuos de glucemia. Se está progresando rápidamente y hay en marcha varios ensayos de sensores que tratan de establecer si son lo suficientemente reales para soportar un sistema de asa cerrada. Por ahora, los pacientes continuarán realizando controles de glucemia e interpretándolos. El papel de los médicos debe ser educar a los pacientes acerca de su diabetes y en el manejo de las bombas para que sean capaces de evitar las hipoglucemias y optimizar su control glucémico (AU)