Presence of coronary artery disease in diabetic and non diabetic South Asian immigrants

Introduction South Asian Immigrants (SAIs) are the second fastest growing Asian immigrant population in the US, and at a higher risk of type 2 diabetes (diabetes) and coronary artery disease (CAD) than the general US population. Objectives: We sought to determine in SAIs the; 1) the prevalence of CAD risk factors in diabetics and non-diabetics; and b) the high possibility of CAD in diabetic SAIs. We also assessed the prevalence of sub-clinical CAD in both diabetics and non-diabetics SAIs using common carotid artery Intima-media thickness (CIMT) as a surrogate marker for atherosclerosis. Methods In a cross-sectional study design, 213 first generation SAIs were recruited and based on the history, and fasting glucose levels were divided into two subgroups; 35 diabetics and 178 non-diabetics. 12-hour fasting blood samples were collected for glucose and total cholesterol levels. Exercise Tolerance Test (ETT) was performed to determine the possibility of CAD. Results Both diabetics and non-diabetics SAIs in general, share a significant burden of CAD risk factors. The prevalence of hypertension (p = 0.003), total cholesterol ≥ 200 mg/dl (p < 0.0001) and family history of diabetes (p < 0.0001) was significantly was significantly higher in diabetics compared to non-diabetics. Of the 22/29 diabetic participants without known history of CAD, 45% had positive ETT (p < 0.001). Similarly, 63.1% of diabetics and 51.8 % of non-diabetics were positive for sub-clinical CAD using CIMT as a marker. Conclusion The susceptibility to diabetes amongst SAIs promotes an adverse CAD risk, as evident by this small study. Further research, including larger longitudinal prospective studies, is required to validate the current small study findings with investigation of the temporal association.

Fluoroscopy guided instillation therapy in chyluria using combination of povidone iodine with contrast agent: is a single instillation sufficient?

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a single instillation in a combination of povidone iodine with contrast agent under fluoroscopy guidance for the treatment of chyluria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From December 1999 to July 2006 a total of 40 patients with chyluria were treated by renal pelvic instillation therapy (RPIS). The sclerosing solution was prepared using povidone iodine with contrast agent diluted with sterile water in a ratio of 1:1:3. It was instilled on the side having chylous efflux using a bulb tip ureteric catheter. Unilateral instillation was done in 26 cases, 10 on the right side and 16 on left. Fourteen patients had bilateral chylous efflux and RPIS was performed on both sides in the same session. Fluoroscopy was used to evaluate the complete filling of the pelvic calyceal system. The sclerosing solution was kept in the system for 5 minutes and the ureteric catheter was then withdrawn. RESULTS: Immediate clearance was observed in 39 patients. Recurrence occurred in five patients. They were treated again using the same procedure with satisfactory results. The longest follow-up was five years and the shortest five months. CONCLUSION: RPIS of chyluria using a single instillation a combination of povidone iodine with contrast agent is safe and effective. Use of fluoroscopy helps to determine the exact amount of sclerosing solution required to completely fill the system and therefore overfilling is avoided. Moreover, the complications, which arise due to pyelointerstitial backflow, are prevented.