Pancreatitis aguda por hipertrigliceridemia severa, caracterización en un hospital terciario / Acute pancreatitis due to severe hypertriglyceridemia, characterization in a tertiary hospital

La hipertrigliceridemia severa es una de las principales causas etiológicas de la pancreatitis aguda, donde la literatura internacional la posiciona como la tercera causa. Sus causas gatillantes, comorbilidades, severidad y evolución son importantes de conocer para evitar futuros episodios. En Chile, a nuestro entender, no tenemos literatura sobre esta asociación, por lo que presentamos datos de un hospital terciario, destacando 15 casos de pancreatitis aguda en 5 años de estudio, casi la mitad de ellos con antecedentes previos de hipertrigliceridemia, un porcentaje importante de los casos con cuadros graves y con complicaciones intrahospitalarias y que la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 fue la principal condición asociada a la hipertrigliceridemia severa.

Severe hypertriglyceridaemia is one of the main aetiological causes of acute pancreatitis, with international literature ranking it as the third leading cause. Its triggering causes, comorbidities, severity and evolution are important to know in order to avoid future episodes. In Chile, to our knowledge, we have no literature on this association, so we present data from a tertiary hospital, highlighting 15 cases of acute pancreatitis in 5 years of study, almost half of them with a previous history of hypertriglyceridaemia, a significant percentage of cases with severe symptoms and in-hospital complications, and that type 2 diabetes mellitus was the main condition associated with severe hypertriglyceridaemia.

Study of the relationship between vitamin D deficiency, sunlight incidence and skeletal/extra skeletaldiseases

It is estimated that more than 1 billion people worldwide have vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency. Vitamin D participates in bone mineralization, and is therefore important in osteoporosis, osteomalacia and rickets prevention. However, vitamin D deficiency could also be associated with several other pathologies. The present study aimed to investigate the relationships between vitamin D deficiency and vitamin D deficiency-related disorders in patients. In addition, this study aims to verify if countries with low solar incidence have higher extraskeletal disease death rates when compared to countries with high solar incidence. The vitamin D concentrations were obtained from the Heart Hospital database (Natal/Brazil). The relationship between solar incidenceand death rate for vitamin D deficiency-related disorders was verified. Death rate data were extracted from the 'World Life Expectancy' repository and data about solar incidence were obtained from NASA's Surface Meteorology and Solar Energy project. Thesedata were statistically processed with IBM SPSS v23.0 software and R programming language. Our results showed that patients with vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency showed significantly more bone diseases, thyroid diseases, hypercholesterolemy, hypertriglyceridemia, cancers, diabetes, hepatobiliary diseases, and urinary system diseases. Moreover, countries with high solar incidence have low cancer and multiple sclerosis death rates. This work suggests the participation of vitamin D and sunlight incidence inseveral diseases.

Factores de riesgo para la aparición de aterosclerosis en pacientes con artritis reumatoide / Risk factors for the development of atherosclerosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Introducción: la artritis reumatoide es una enfermedad sistémica, de etiología desconocida, caracterizada por provocar inflamación crónica, cursa con manifestaciones articulares, extrarticulares y comportamiento clínico variable. Objetivo: caracterizar los factores de riesgo para la aparición de aterosclerosis en pacientes con artritis reumatoide e identificar su relación con el tiempo de diagnóstico, actividad inflamatoria y tratamiento. Método: se realizó estudio descriptivo transversal, en pacientes con artritis reumatoide atendidos en el Centro de Reumatología del Hospital Docente Clínico Quirúrgico 10 de Octubre entre febrero 2016 y junio 2017. Resultados: la mayor frecuencia fue para el sexo femenino, el rango etario 45-54 años. Se observó placa ateromatosa en 37.2 por ciento y engrosamiento complejo íntima media en el 15.4 por ciento. Los factores de riesgo que mostraron asociación con la presencia de placa fueron: hipertrigliceridemia (p= 0.000), hipercolesterolemia (p= 0.000), Diabetes Mellitus (p= 0.027) y los niveles elevados de proteína C Reactiva (p= 0.003). Conclusiones: los factores de riesgo tradicionales que presentaron significación estadística fueron la hipercolesterolemia, hipertrigliceridemia y la Diabetes Mellitus. La presencia de más de un factor elevó la frecuencia de alteraciones en el eco doppler; existió asociación entre la elevación de los niveles de PCR y la presencia de alteraciones del eco doppler. Se constató en aquellos pacientes con alteraciones eco doppler carotídeo relación con el tiempo de evolución, actividad de la enfermedad y dosis acumulada de esteroides(AU)

Introduction: rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease, of unknown etiology, characterized by chronic inflammation; It presents with joint, extra-articular manifestations and variable clinical behavior. Objective: to characterize the risk factors for the appearance of atherosclerosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and to identify their relationship with the time of diagnosis, inflammatory activity and treatment. Method: a cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated at the Rheumatology Center of the Surgical Clinical Teaching Hospital 10 de Octubre in the period between February 2016 and June 2017. Results: the highest frequency was for the female sex, the age range 45-54 years. Atheromatous plaque was observed in 37.2 percent and intimal complex thickening in 15.4 percent. The risk factors that showed association with the presence of plaque were: hypertriglyceridemia (p= 0.000), hypercholesterolemia (p= 0.000), Diabetes Mellitus (p= 0.027) and high levels of C-reactive protein (p= 0.003) Conclusions: the traditional risk factors that presented statistical significance were hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia and Diabetes Mellitus. The presence of more than one traditional risk factor increased the frequency of alterations in Doppler echo; There was an association between the elevation of C-Reactive Protein levels and the presence of Doppler echo alterations. It was found in those patients with carotid echo Doppler alterations, relationship with the time of evolution, activity of the disease and cumulative dose of steroids(AU)

Estudio sobre la asociación de hipertrigliceridemia con los estados hipertensivos del embarazo / Study on the association of hypertriglyceridemia with hypertensive states of pregnancy

Resumen Antecedentes: La preeclampsia se presenta en el 8% de los embarazos y genera el 25% de las muertes perinatales. Aunque su etiología es multifactorial, algunas alteraciones metabólicas se asocian a la disfunción endotelial presente en la enfermedad, y su estudio podría identificar marcadores tempranos de daño. Objetivo: Determinar la relación existente entre concentración plasmática de triglicéridos en las pacientes embarazadas con enfermedad hipertensiva inducida por el embarazo. Método: Estudio prospectivo que incluyó 147 pacientes gestantes sanas y 120 mujeres con enfermedad hipertensiva inducida por el embarazo y se determinaron colesterol total, lipoproteínas de baja densidad (LDL), lipoproteínas de alta densidad (HDL), hemoglobina glucosilada (HbA1c), biometría hemática (BH), química sanguínea (QS), electrolitos séricos, nitritos séricos y pruebas de función hepática. Resultados: Se encontró una diferencia significativa en la concentración de triglicéridos entre las pacientes normotensas y con preeclampsia (261.22 ± 80.27 vs. 361.46 ± 135.17 mg/dl; p < 0.0008). Además, se observó una menor concentración sérica de nitritos en las pacientes con preeclampsia, que contribuye a explicar la vasoconstricción. Conclusiones: Se encontró una asociación entre la hipertrigliceridemia y la presencia de DM II con el desarrollo de la enfermedad hipertensiva inducida por el embarazo.

Abstract Background: Preeclampsia occurs in 8% of pregnancies and generates 25% of perinatal deaths. Although its etiology is multifactorial, some metabolic alterations are associated with the endothelial dysfunction present in the disease, and its study could identify early markers of damage. Objective: To determine the relationship between plasma concentration of triglycerides in pregnant patients with hypertensive disease induced by pregnancy. Methods: Prospective study that included 147 healthy pregnant women and 120 women with hypertensive disease induced by pregnancy. Total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, Hemoglobin A1c, triglycerides, BH, QS, serum electrolytes, serum nitrites and liver function tests were determined. Results: A significant difference was found in the concentration of triglycerides between normotensive and patients with preeclampsia (261.22 ± 80.27 vs. 361.46 ± 135.17 mg/dl, p < 0.0008). In addition, a lower serum concentration of nitrites was observed in patients with preeclampsia, which helps explain vasoconstriction. Conclusions: We found an association between hypertriglyceridemia and the presence of diabetes mellitus II with the development of hypertensive disease induced by pregnancy.

Sports Practices and Cardiovascular Risk in Teenagers / Práticas Esportivas e Risco Cardiovascular em Adolescentes

Abstract Background: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of deaths in the world, and many events could be prevented by healthy life habits. Objectives: To compare the occurrence of cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents enrolled at public schools in the city of Rio de Janeiro, including a renowned school for sport practices. Methods: Cross-sectional study, convenience sampling of 422 students enrolled at the Experimental Olympic Gymnasium (EOG) and at Figueiredo Pimentel School (FP). Using descriptive analyses, continuous variables were expressed as mean and standard deviation or median and interquartile ranges, and the Student's t-test or the chi-square test, respectively, was used for comparisons. The sports were classified according to the metabolic equivalent of task (MET) (below or above 5). Results: We included 274 students enrolled at the EOG and 148 at FP. Mean age was similar between schools -12.5 ± 1.6 years at FP and 12.6 ± 0.9 at the EOG; 65.5% of the students at FP and 43.8% of the students at the EOG were female (p < 0.01). Significant differences in the prevalence of hypertension (20% vs. 6.3%, p < 0.01) and borderline cholesterol levels (27.7% vs. 17.3%, p = 0.01) were found between FP and EOG students, respectively. Conclusion: High prevalence of hypertension, overweight/obesity and altered blood lipid profile was found in this group of adolescents. Regular sports training program combined with little influence of their eating habits outside school may contribute to a better metabolic profile and reduction in cardiovascular risk factors in students. Public health measures are also need.

Resumo Fundamento: As doenças cardiovasculares são a maior causa de mortes no mundo e muitos eventos poderiam ser evitados por meio de hábitos saudáveis de vida. Objetivos: Comparar a ocorrência de fatores de risco cardiovascular em adolescentes de escolas públicas do município do Rio de Janeiro, sendo uma delas, modelo em práticas esportivas. Métodos: Estudo transversal; amostra de conveniência de 422 escolares do Ginásio Experimental Olímpico (GEO) e da Escola Municipal Figueiredo Pimentel (FP). Foi realizada análise descritiva dos dados utilizando média e desvio-padrão (DP) ou mediana e intervalo interquartil para variáveis contínuas (testes t de Student e qui-quadrado para comparação, respectivamente). As modalidades esportivas foram classificadas de acordo com o equivalente metabólico (MET), se abaixo ou acima de 5. Resultados: duzentos e setenta e quatro alunos eram do GEO e 148 da FP. A média de idade era semelhante - 12,5 ± 1,6 na EMFP e 12,6 ± 0,9 no GEO; 65,5% dos alunos eram do sexo feminino na FP e 43,8% no GEO (p < 0,01). Da amostra geral, 40% apresentaram sobrepeso ou obesidade. Observaram-se diferenças entre a prevalência de hipertensão (20% vs. 6,3%; p < 0,01 nos alunos da FP e do GEO, respectivamente) e de níveis de colesterol total considerados limítrofes (27,7% vs. 17,3%; p = 0,01 na FP e no GEO, respectivamente). Conclusão: Hipertensão, sobrepeso/obesidade e lipidograma capilar alterado foram muito prevalentes nos adolescentes. Um programa de treinamento esportivo regular com menos interferência alimentar extraescola parece contribuir para um melhor perfil metabólico e menor risco cardiovascular entre estudantes. Ainda, medidas efetivas de saúde pública são necessárias.

Heparin and insulin in the management of hypertriglyceridemia-associated pancreatitis: case series and literature review

SUMMARY Severe hypertriglyceridemia accounts for up to 7% of all cases of acute pancreatitis. Heparin and insulin activate lipoprotein lipase (LPL), thereby reducing plasma triglyceride levels. However, the safety and efficacy of heparin and insulin in the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia-associated acute pancreatitis have not been well established yet. We successfully used heparin and insulin as first-line therapy in four consecutive patients with acute pancreatitis secondary to hypertriglyceridemia. In a literature search, we revised almost all reports published to date of patients managed successfully with this combination. Heparin and insulin appear to be a safe, effective, and inexpensive first-line therapy for hypertriglyceridemia-associated acute pancreatitis.

Effectiveness of intensive insulin therapy in the management of acute necrotizing pancreatitis induced by very severe hypertriglyceridemia

Hypertriglyceridemia may be responsible for up to 4% of acute pancreatitis. Complicated pancreatitis is a serious medical condition and might be fatal. Therefore, treating the underlying cause along with supportive measures is crucial to prevent further deterioration and possible death. There have been reports where Insulin has been the mainstay of treatment for reducing triglyceride levels in patients with pancreatitis, however, there are no well-established guidelines. We present a forty-year-old female patient diagnosed with acute necrotizing pancreatitis. CT abdomen revealed acute necrotic pancreatitis [Balthazar E] with extensive peri-pancreatic and peritoneal fluid collections. The patient was managed in the ICU for 28 days. She continued to receive gemfibrozil and insulin infusion, initiated according to the ICU's Protocol - Algorithm 1 targeting glucose values of 4.4 mmol/L to 10 mmol/L along with heparin infusion. She was successfully treated and recovered. She was discharged on antidiabetic and lipid lowering medications

Lipoprotein lipase gene-deficient mice with hypertriglyceridaemia associated with acute pancreatitis

ABSTRACT PURPOSE: To investigate the severity of pancreatitis in lipoprotein lipase (LPL)-deficient hypertriglyceridaemic (HTG) heterozygous mice and to establish an experimental animal model for HTG pancreatitis study. METHODS: LPL-deficient HTG heterozygous mice were rescued by somatic gene transfer and mated with wild-type mice. The plasma amylase, triglyceride, and pathologic changes in the pancreas of the LPL-deficient HTG heterozygous mice were compared with those of wild-type mice to assess the severity of pancreatitis. In addition, acute pancreatitis (AP) was induced by caerulein (50 µg/kg) for further assessment. RESULTS: The levels of plasma amylase and triglyceride were significantly higher in the LPL-deficient HTG heterozygous mice. According to the pancreatic histopathologic scores, the LPL-deficient HTG heterozygous mice showed more severe pathologic damage than the wild-type mice. CONCLUSIONS: Lipoprotein lipase deficient heterozygous mice developed severe caerulein-induced pancreatitis. In addition, their high triglyceride levels were stable. Therefore, LPL-deficient HTG heterozygous mice are a useful experimental model for studying HTG pancreatitis.

Hypertriglyceridemia: Is there a role for prophylactic apheresis? A case report / Hipertrigliceridemia: há um papel para a aferese profilática? Relato de um caso

Abstract Severe hypertriglyceridemia has been consistently associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and other complications, namely acute pancreatitis. We report a case of a 64 year-old woman with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and metabolic syndrome with triglyceride level of 3260 mg/dL. Plasma exchange was performed with simultaneous medical treatment to achieve a rapid and effective lowering of triglycerides in order to prevent clinical complications. After three plasmapheresis sessions a marked reduction in triglyceride and total cholesterol levels was observed. Several cases have shown the importance of plasmapheresis in the treatment of acute pancreatitis. We intend to demonstrate the applicability of this technique as primary prophylaxis in the presence of extremely high serum triglyceridemia levels.

Resumo A hipertrigliceridemia grave tem sido associada de forma consistente ao aumento do risco cardiovascular e a outras complicações, nomeadamente, pancreatite aguda. Descrevemos um caso de uma mulher de 64 anos, com miocardiopatia hipertrófica e síndrome metabólica com valor sérico de triglicerídeos de 3260 mg/dL. Foi efectuada plasmaferese e optimizado o tratamento médico para alcançar uma redução rápida e efectiva dos níveis dos triglicerídeos, prevenindo complicações clínicas. Após três sessões de plasmaferese, verificou-se uma redução marcada dos triglicerídeos e do colesterol total. Existem alguns casos descritos na literatura demonstrado a importância da plasmaferese no tratamento da pancreatite aguda em contexto de hipertrigliceridemia grave. Os autores pretendem com este caso demonstrar a aplicabilidade desta técnica em contexto de prevenção primária em doentes com níveis de triglicerídeos extremamente aumentados.

Abordagem das hipertrigliceridemias graves / Management to severe hypertriglyceridemia

Os níveis de triglicérides plasmáticos são biomarcadores das lipoproteínas ricas em triglicérides circulantes e de seus remanescentes. Formas leves a moderadas de hipertrigliceridemia podem ser secundárias a outras desordens metabólicas, fatores ambientais ou medicamentos, ou ainda poligênicas. Já as formas mais graves são, em geral, monogênicas e resultam de alterações em seis genes. Fatores não genéticos podem exacerbar as hipertrigliceridemias. As hipertrigliceridemias classificam-se quanto à gravidade em leves a moderadas (triglicérides > 200-499 mg/dL) e graves (acima de 500 mg/dL) ou muito graves (> 885 mg/dL, ou > 1000 mg/dL). Quando a hipertrigliceridemia se associa à elevação do LDL-colesterol e/ou à redução do HDL-colesterol, existe risco aumentado de eventos cardiovasculares. No entanto, nas formas graves de hipertrigliceridemia, a pancreatite e as dores abdominais recorrentes são as principais complicações. Estudos prospectivos observacionais, de randomização mendeliana e de intervenção terapêutica mostram não apenas a associação entre marcadores lipídicos e risco de doença cardiovascular, mas podem também evidenciar moléculas que sejam alvos terapêuticos no tratamento de dislipidemias e na redução do risco de eventos cardiovasculares. O tratamento das hipertrigliceridemias tem como objetivos a redução imediata do risco de pancreatite em pacientes com hipertrigliceridemias graves (> 1000 mg/dL) e redução do risco cardiovascular global nas formas leves a moderadas. Dieta restrita em gorduras e carboidratos simples, restrição de álcool, e o uso de fibratos isolados ou associados a ácidos graxos ômega-3 e ácido nicotínico são as principais opções terapêuticas. No entanto, as formas genéticas, que incluem as quilomicronemias familiares, são pouco responsivas à associação de fármacos, havendo necessidade de novas terapias para seu controle

Plasma concentrations of triglycerides are considered biomarkers of circulating triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and their remnants. Mild to moderate hypertriglyceridemia may be secondary to other metabolic disorders, environmental factors, drugs, or polygenic factors. On the other hand, severe forms of hypertriglyceridemia are generally monogenic and the result of six defective genes. Hypertriglyceridemia can be exacerbated by non-genetic factors. It can be classified, according to severity, as mild to moderate (triglycerides >200-499 mg/dL), severe (> 500 mg/dL) or very severe (> 885 mg/dL, or > 1000 mg/dL). When hypertriglyceridemia is associated with LDL-cholesterol elevation and/or a reduction in HDL-cholesterol, there is an increased risk of cardiovascular events. However, in severe forms of hypertriglyceridemia, pancreatitis and recurrent abdominal pain are the main complications. Prospective observational studies, Mendelian randomization studies and intervention studies have not only demonstrated the association between lipid markers and cardiovascular risk, but can also identify molecules as therapeutic targets in the treatment of dyslipidemias and reduction of pancreatitis and cardiovascular risk. Treatment of hypertriglyceridemia has two main objectives: to immediately reduce the risk of pancreatitis in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia (> 1000 mg/dL), and to reduce global cardiovascular risk in mild to moderate forms. A diet that is low in fat and simple carbohydrates, with alcohol intake, and the use of fibrates, either alone or combined with omega-3 fatty acids, and niacin are the best therapeutic options. However, severe genetic hypertriglyceridemia, including familial chylomicronemia, are less responsive to drug therapy, even in combination, and require new strategies for control of dyslipidemia

Control lipídico y eventos cardíacos durante un seguimiento de cinco años / Lipid control and cardiac events in a five-year follow-up study

INTRODUCCIÓN: el beneficio de un estricto control lipídico ha sido puesto en evidencia tanto en estudios de prevención primaria como secundaria. OBJETIVO: determinar si existe asociación entre el control lipídico y la ausencia de eventos coronarios adversos durante cinco años. MÉTODOS: se realizó un estudio observacional prospectivo con 424 pacientes atendidos en la consulta de Dislipidemias del Instituto de Cardiología y Cirugía Cardiovascular. A todos se les realizaron Lipidogramas y según la categoría de riesgo, se determinó si lograron un control o no de sus cifras lipídicas durante el seguimiento. Se calculó el Odds Ratio para la determinación de riesgo por regresión logística y para la supervivencia libre de eventos la prueba de Kaplan-Meier determinándose la diferencia entre grupos por el Test de Cox-Mantel. RESULTADOS: existió asociación entre el control lipídico y la ausencia de eventos coronarios durante el seguimiento (p = 0,02). La necesidad de revascularización miocárdica fue más frecuente en el grupo de pacientes no controlados (p = 0,03). No existió asociación entre cada uno de los valores de las variables lipídicas con el riesgo para eventos adversos. Solo el antecedente de cardiopatía isquémica mostró relación con la incidencia de eventos coronarios. CONCLUSIONES: aunque durante el seguimiento existió relación entre el control de las cifras lipídicas y ausencia de eventos coronarios no se observó asociación entre los valores de cada una de las lipoproteínas y la aparición de eventos coronarios adversos.

INTRODUCTION: The benefits of strict lipid control have become evident in primary and secondary prevention studies. OBJECTIVE: Determine whether there is an association between lipid control and the absence of adverse coronary events in a five-year period. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted with 424 patients cared for at the Dyslipidemia Service of the Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery Institute. All patients underwent lipidograms, and the risk category was used as a basis to determine whether they had managed to control their lipid levels during follow-up. Odds ratios were estimated to determine risk by logistic regression, whereas the Kaplan-Meier test was used for event-free survival. The difference between the groups was determined with the Cox-Mantel test. RESULTS: An association was found between lipid control and the absence of coronary events during follow-up (p = 0.02). The need for myocardial revascularization was more common in the non-control group (p = 0.03). No association was found between the values for each lipid variable and the risk for adverse events. A history of ischemic heart disease was the only factor that showed a relationship to the incidence of coronary events. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the fact that during follow-up there was a relationship between control of lipid levels and the absence of coronary events, no association was observed between the values for each lipoprotein and the occurrence of adverse coronary events.

Cintura Hipertrigliceridêmica em Pacientes Hipertensos / Hypertriglyceridemic Waist in Hypertensive Patients

Fundamentos: O uso de diferentes critérios para a determinação da cintura hipertrigliceridêmica (CHT) pode resultar em interpretações imprecisas, podendo comprometer o diagnóstico de pacientes com risco de desenvolver doenças cardiovasculares. Objetivo: Avaliar a concordância no diagnóstico da CHT utilizando diferentes pontos de corte para classificação da circunferência da cintura, em pacientes hipertensos. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal realizado com 120 pacientes, de 30 a 74 anos de idade, de ambos os sexos em atendimento ambulatorial. Realizou-se avaliação antropométrica (peso, altura e circunferência da cintura) e dos níveis séricos de triglicérides. A CHT foi definida pela presença simultânea da circunferência da cintura aumentada e hipertrigliceridemia. A concordância entre os diagnósticos de cintura hipertrigliceridêmica foi avaliada pelo índice Kappa. Resultados: A prevalência da CHT foi maior em adultos, para ambos os sexos pelos critérios do International Diabetes Federation (IDF) e Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS) (28%), já pelo National Cholesterol Education Program - Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III) foram identificados 22,7% de indivíduos. Identificou-se uma concordância quase perfeita (0,864) entre o diagnóstico da CHT pelos pontos de corte da IDF versus NCEP-ATP III, OMS versus NCEP-ATP III. Entre o IDF e OMS a concordância foi perfeita. Conclusão: A utilização dos pontos de corte da circunferência da cintura propostos pelo IDF e OMS, para caracterizar indivíduos com cintura hipertrigliceridêmica foi melhor do que a do NCEP-ATP III

Background: The adoption of different criteria to determine the occurrence of the hypertriglyceridemic waist (HTW) can result in inaccurate interpretations, compromising the diagnosis of patients at risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic agreement of HTW using different cut-off points for waist circumference in hypertensive patients. Methods: Cross-sectional study including 120 patients of both sexes, aged 30 to 74 years and receiving care on an outpatient basis. We assessed the participants' anthropometric data (weight, height, and waist circumference) and determined their serum triglycerides levels. The diagnosis of HTW was defined by concurrent increased waist circumference and hypertriglyceridemia. The agreement among the diagnoses of HTW was assessed with the kappa index. Results: In adults of both sexes, the HTW had a higher prevalence (28%) when determined by the criteria defined by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) than by those defined by the National Cholesterol Education Program - Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III, 22.7%). We identified an almost perfect agreement (0.864) between the diagnosis of HTW determined by the cut-off points of the IDF versus NCEP-ATP III and by the WHO versus NCEP-ATP III. The correlation was perfect between the diagnoses established by the IDF and WHO. Conclusion: The cut-off points for waist circumference proposed by the IDF and WHO was better than those by the NCEP-ATP III to characterize individuals with HTW

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in a Nonobese Korean Population

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an emerging problem in Asia, but little is known about the disease in the nonobese population. The aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence of NAFLD and the factors associated with it in a nonobese Korean population and to compare the clinical characteristics of nonobese and obese subjects with NAFLD. METHODS: This cross-sectional study used data from 2,058 subjects who participated in a medical checkup program. RESULTS: The prevalence of NAFLD was 12.4% (213/1,711) in the nonobese population. A higher body mass index (BMI), higher homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) values, higher alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, triglyceride concentrations 150 mg/dL, and hyperuricemia were independently associated with the presence of NAFLD in the nonobese subjects. Compared with the obese subjects with NAFLD, the nonobese subjects with NAFLD were composed of a higher proportion of females and had lower BMIs, smaller waist circumferences, lower HOMA-IR values, and fewer metabolic irregularities. CONCLUSIONS: Higher BMIs, HOMA-IR values, ALT levels, hypertriglyceridemia, and hyperuricemia were associated with NAFLD in the nonobese subjects. Clinicians should be particularly aware of the possibility of NAFLD in nonobese Asian people.

The Association between Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome and Metabolic Outcome in a General Population in Korea

Dry eye syndrome (DES) is recognized as a public health concern. One of the pathophysiologies in the development of DES is inflammation, and metabolic syndrome (MetS), which is highly prevalent in the general population, is a well-known chronic and systemic inflammatory condition. Despite the increasing interest regarding a relationship between DES and MetS, information is lacking on the association between DES and MetS and its individual components. We investigated the association between DES symptoms and MetS and its components among adults aged ≥ 19 years using population-based data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey V. A sample group of 15,294 adults (42.67% men and 57.33% women) completed household interviews in which they provided blood (for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, and glucose) and anthropometric measurements (including waist circumference, weight, and height) to define MetS. We also collected information regarding sociodemographic and behavioral risk factors. The survey results showed that 11.50% of men and 22.35% of women experienced DES and 5.30% of patients had both DES and diagnosis of MetS, including 204 men and 606 women. Thus, no significant difference was observed between DES and the diagnosis of MetS according to sex (P = 0.4008 in men; P = 0.0804 in women); however, a significant association was observed between DES and hypertriglyceridemia in women (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.01-1.29). Therefore, hypertriglyceridemia might be an important factor in the association between DES and MetS. Further longitudinal research is needed to evaluate this relationship.

Diagnostic accuracy of a noninvasive hepatic ultrasound score for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil) / Acurácia diagnóstica de um escore de ultrassonografia hepática não invasivo para doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica (DHGNA) no Estudo Longitudinal de Saúde do Adulto (ELSA-Brasil)

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Noninvasive strategies for evaluating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have been investigated over the last few decades. Our aim was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of a new hepatic ultrasound score for NAFLD in the ELSA-Brasil study. DESIGN AND SETTINGS: Diagnostic accuracy study conducted in the ELSA center, in the hospital of a public university. METHODS: Among the 15,105 participants of the ELSA study who were evaluated for NAFLD, 195 individuals were included in this sub-study. Hepatic ultrasound was performed (deep beam attenuation, hepatorenal index and anteroposterior diameter of the right hepatic lobe) and compared with the hepatic steatosis findings from 64-channel high-resolution computed tomography (CT). We also evaluated two clinical indices relating to NAFLD: the fatty liver index (FLI) and the hepatic steatosis index (HSI). RESULTS: Among the 195 participants, the NAFLD frequency was 34.4%. High body mass index, high waist circumference, diabetes and hypertriglyceridemia were associated with high hepatic attenuation and large anteroposterior diameter of the right hepatic lobe, but not with the hepatorenal index. The hepatic ultrasound score, based on hepatic attenuation and the anteroposterior diameter of the right hepatic lobe, presented the best performance for NAFLD screening at the cutoff point ≥ 1 point; sensitivity: 85.1%; specificity: 73.4%; accuracy: 79.3%; and area under the curve (AUC 0.85; 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.78-0.91)]. FLI and HSI presented lower performance (AUC 0.76; 95% CI: 0.69-0.83) than CT. CONCLUSION: The hepatic ultrasound score based on hepatic attenuation and the anteroposterior diameter of the right hepatic lobe has good reproducibility and accuracy for NAFLD screening. .

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: Estratégias não invasivas para avaliar doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica (DHGNA) têm sido investigadas nas últimas décadas. Nosso objetivo foi avaliar a acurácia diagnóstica de um novo escore de ultrassonografia hepática para DHGNA no estudo ELSA-Brasil. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo de acurácia diagnóstica realizado no centro ELSA, no hospital de uma universidade pública. MÉTODOS: Dos 15.105 participantes do estudo ELSA avaliados para DHGNA, 195 indivíduos foram incluídos neste estudo. Foi realizada ultrassonografia hepática (atenuação do feixe de profundidade, índice hepatorrenal e diâmetro anteroposterior do lobo direito do fígado) que foi comparada aos achados de esteatose hepática da tomografia computadorizada (TC) de alta resolução de 64 canais. Avaliamos também dois índices clínicos relacionados à DHGNA: o índice de gordura hepática (FLI) e o índice de esteatose hepática (HSI). RESULTADOS: Entre os 195 participantes, a frequência de DHGNA foi de 34,4%. Altos índices de massa corpórea, circunferência de cintura, diabetes e hipertrigliceridemia foram associados a aumento da atenuação hepática e do diâmetro anteroposterior do lobo hepático direito, mas não ao índice hepato-renal. A pontuação da ultrassonografia hepática, que incluiu atenuação hepática e diâmetro anteroposterior do lobo direito do fígado, apresentou o melhor desempenho para o rastreio DHGNA sob o ponto de corte ≥ 1 ponto (sensibilidade: 85.1%; especificidade: 73.4%; acurácia: 79.3%), e área sob a curva (AUC, 0,85, IC 95%: 0,78-0,91). FLI e HSI apresentaram menor desempenho (AUC 0,76; IC 95%: 0,69-0,83) comparados à TC. CONCLUSÃO: O escore de ultrassonografia hepática, que incluiu atenuação hepática e o diâmetro anteroposterior do lobo direito do fígado, possui boa reprodutibilidade e acurácia para o rastreio de DHGNA. .

Hypertriglyceridemia is a Major Factor Associated With Elevated Levels of Small Dense LDL Cholesterol in Patients With Metabolic Syndrome

BACKGROUND: We aimed to determine the major contributing component of metabolic syndrome (MetS) that results in an elevated small dense LDL cholesterol (sdLDL-C) concentration and sdLDL-C/LDL-C ratio. METHODS: Four hundred and forty-seven subjects (225 men; 222 women) with MetS were randomly selected from the Korean Metabolic Syndrome Research Initiatives-Seoul cohort study. Age- and sex-matched healthy controls (181 men; 179 women) were also randomly selected from the same cohort. RESULTS: A comparison of the median values of the sdLDL-C concentration between subgroups, divided according to whether subjects met or did not meet the criteria for each MetS component in patients with MetS, revealed a significant difference in the sdLDL-C concentration only between subgroups divided according to whether subjects met or did not meet the triglyceride (TG) criteria (P<0.05 for each gender). The TG level showed a good correlation with sdLDL-C concentration (correlation coefficients [r]=0.543 for men; 0.653 for women) and the sdLDL-C/LDL-C ratio (r=0.789 for men; 0.745 for women). Multiple linear regression analyses conducted for the MetS group concordantly identified TG as one of the most significant contributors to sdLDL-C concentration (beta=0.1747+/-0.0105, P<0.0001) and the sdLDL-C/LDL-C ratio (beta=6.9518+/-0.3011, P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Among five MetS components, only the abnormal TG level was a differentiating factor for sdLDL-C concentration and sdLDL-C/LDL-C ratio. These results were reproducible in both genders, with or without MetS.

Obesidad pediátrica y factores de riesgo cardiometabólicos asociados / Pediatric obesity and associated cardiometabolic risk factors

INTRODUCCIÓN: la obesidad está asociada a eventos cardiovasculares fundamentalmente en adultos, sin embargo, los factores de riesgo cardiometabólicos, a menudo, están presentes desde la infancia y la adolescencia. OBJETIVO: determinar la frecuencia de factores de riesgo cardiometabólicos en niños y adolescentes obesos. MÉTODOS: se presenta un estudio observacional, prospectivo en 202 niños y adolescentes obesos procedentes de consultas de Endocrinología de los hospitales pediátricos de La Habana, remitidos a consulta de referencia del Hospital Pediátrico Centro Habana, durante el periodo enero-2010 a enero-2012. Al total de pacientes se les realizó una encuesta de antecedentes, factores de riesgo y mediciones físicas (peso, talla, circunferencia de cintura y tensión arterial). Se determinaron niveles séricos de colesterol, triglicéridos, colesterol transportado por lipoproteínas de alta densidad, glucemia e insulina en ayunas. Se determinó microalbuminuria como marcador de daño vascular. Se identificaron los factores de riesgo cardiometabólicos, y se correlacionaron con la microalbuminuria. Se empleó el programa estadístico SPSS 13.0 para su análisis. RESULTADOS: se encontró que los niveles bajos de colesterol transportado por lipoproteínas de alta densidad, el síndrome metabólico, la resistencia insulínica, la hipertrigliceridemia, la hipertensión arterial y la hipercolesterolemia fueron los factores de riesgo cardiometabólicos más frecuentemente asociados a la obesidad. El factor de riesgo asociado de manera significativa a la microalbuminuria fue la hipertensión arterial. CONCLUSIONES: los factores de riesgo cardiometabólicos asociados a la obesidad pueden ser identificados en edades tempranas de la vida.

INTRODUCTION: obesity is associated to cardiovascular events, mainly in adults, but cardiometabolic risk factors are often present since childhood and adolescence. OBJECTIVE: to determine the frequency of cardiometabolic risk factors in obese children and adolescents. METHODS: prospective and observational study of 202 obese children and adolescents seen at the endocrinology services of the pediatric hospitals in La Habana province, who had been referred to the reference consultation located in Centro Habana pediatric hospital in the period of January 2010 through January 2012. Data about their obesity history, risk factors and physical measurements (weight, height, waist circumference and blood pressure) were collected from all these patients. Their serum cholesterol, triglycerides and high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels as well as fasting plasma glucose and insulin concentrations were all estimated in addition to microalbuminuria as vascular damage marker. Identified cardiometabolic risk factors correlated with microalbuminuria. The statistical SPSS 13.0 software was used for this analysis. RESULTS: it was found that low levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol, the metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, hypertriglyceridemia, blood hypertension and hypercholesterolemia were the most frequently associated cardiometabolic risk factors to obesity. Blood hypertension was the most significant factor associated to microalbuminuria. CONCLUSIONS: the cardiometabolic risk factor related to obesity may be identified at younger ages.