Clinical features of individuals with laboratory values suggestive of advanced liver fibrosis when first treated for alcohol use disorder.

BACKGROUND: Effective screening for alcohol-associated liver disease is relevant in the context of chronic, excessive alcohol consumption. Patients with alcohol-associated liver disease are often not diagnosed until their liver disease is decompensated. We analyzed the prevalence and associations of Fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4) values suggestive of advanced liver fibrosis in patients referred for their first treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD). METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional, multicenter study of noncirrhotic individuals referred for their first AUD treatment between March 2013 and April 2021. We obtained sociodemographic data, substance use characteristics, and blood samples at admission. We considered a FIB-4 value ≥2.67 suggestive of advanced liver fibrosis and used logistic regression analyses to identify features associated with this value. RESULTS: We included 604 patients (67% male), with a median age at admission of 48 years [IQR: 41-56 years]. The median duration of regular alcohol consumption was 21 years [IQR: 18-30 years] and the median alcohol consumption was 105 standard drink units (SDU)/week [IQR: 63-160 SDU/week]. A FIB-4 value ≥ 2.67 was present in 19.3% of cases. These patients reported more frequent binge drinking (75.4% vs. 66%, p = 0.05) than those with FIB-4 values below 2.67. In multivariate analysis, a history of binge drinking (OR 1.9, 95% CI, 1.05-3.47), anemia (OR 2.95, 95% CI, 1.42-6.11), leukopenia (OR 7.46, 95% CI, 2.07-26.8), and total serum bilirubin >1 mg/dL (OR 6.46, 95% CI, 3.57-11.7) were independently associated with FIB-4 values ≥2.67. CONCLUSIONS: One in five patients admitted to treatment for AUD without evidence of decompensated liver disease have FIB-4 values suggestive of advanced liver fibrosis. The presence of a binge drinking history, anemia, leukopenia, and elevated bilirubin levels is associated with high FIB-4 values.

Associations of hypomagnesemia in patients seeking a first treatment of alcohol use disorder.

INTRODUCTION: Hypomagnesemia (hypoMg) has not yet been extensively studied in alcohol use disorder (AUD) . We hypothesize that chronic, excessive alcohol consumption favors oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory alterations that may be exacerbated by hypoMg. The objective of this study was to analyze the prevalence and associations of hypoMg in AUD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study in patients admitted for a first treatment of AUD in six tertiary centers between 2013 and 2020. Socio-demographic, alcohol use characteristics, and blood parameters were ascertained at admission. RESULTS: 753 patients (71% men) were eligible; age at admission was 48 years [IQR, 41-56 years]. Prevalence of hypoMg was 11.2%, higher than that observed for hypocalcemia (9.3%), hyponatremia (5.6%), and hypokalemia (2.8%). HypoMg was associated with older age, longer duration of AUD, anemia, higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, glucose levels, advanced liver fibrosis (FIB-4 ≥3.25) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/min. In multivariate analysis, advanced liver fibrosis (OR, 8.91; 95% CI, 3.3-23.9) and eGFR < 60 mL (OR, 5.2; 95% CI, 1.0-26.2) were the only factors associated with hypoMg. CONCLUSIONS: Mg deficiency in AUD is associated with liver damage and glomerular dysfunction suggesting that both comorbidities should be assessed in the course of serum hypoMg.

Effectiveness of multifactorial interventions in primary health care settings for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease: A systematic review of systematic reviews.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of multifactorial interventions carried out in the community setting to decrease cardiovascular risk in healthy patients. METHODS: Systematic review of the MEDLINE (via PubMed), Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases from January 1980 to January 2014. Identified for inclusion were systematic reviews of clinical trials that included multifactorial interventions carried out in primary care or community settings, targeting more than one cardiovascular risk factor, and implementing more than one type of intervention. The methodological quality of the included articles was evaluated using the AMSTAR tool. RESULTS: Eight systematic reviews were selected, including 219 studies. All of these reviews provided information about the effectiveness of multifactorial interventions in reducing mortality and morbidity due to cardiovascular diseases. Four reviews reported moderate effectiveness and four showed limited effectiveness. CONCLUSION: Multifactorial community interventions improve cardiovascular risk factors and have a small but potentially important effect on mortality. These interventions seem to be more effective in the at-risk population and when they are carried out at a high level of intensity.

Prevalencia de insuficiencia renal oculta y variables asociadas en una población de pacientes con diabetes tipo 2 / Prevalence of occult chronic kidney disease and associated variables in a population of patients with type 2 diabetes

Fundamento y objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de insuficiencia renal crónica (IRC) oculta y las variables clínicas asociadas en pacientes con diabetes mellitus de tipo 2 (DM2). Pacientes y método: Estudio observacional, analítico y transversal en pacientes con DM2 ambulatorios de atención primaria. De la historia clínica electrónica se registraron datos demográficos y antropométricos, antecedentes patológicos y medidas de riesgo cardiovascular y de función renal. Se determinó la prevalencia de IRC oculta, definida en pacientes con valores de creatinina (Cr) plasmática normales (Cr ≤1,4mg/dl en las mujeres y Cr ≤1,5mg/dl en los varones), y la estimación del filtrado glomerular (eFG) reducida (<60ml/min/1,73m2). La eFG se determinó mediante la fórmula Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD). Resultados: La muestra estuvo formada por 3.197 pacientes, con una media (DE) de edad de 67,7 años (11,7); el 53,9% eran varones. La prevalencia de IRC según los valores de la MDRD fue del 16,6% (n=532), de los que el 60,3% (n=321) fue IRC oculta. El 6,6% (n=211) de los sujetos presentó IRC con valores de Cr elevados. El análisis multivariante mostró una asociación del sexo femenino con la IRC oculta (odds ratio: 2,7; intervalo de confianza del 95%: 1,83–3,99). La IRC se asoció a la edad, a la presión arterial superior a 150/100mmHg, a la dislipidemia y a los antecedentes de cardiopatía isquémica, insuficiencia cardíaca y arteriopatía periférica. Conclusión: La prevalencia de IRC según la fórmula MDRD fue del 16,6%, del que el 60,3% presentaba IRC oculta. El sexo femenino se asoció directamente a la presencia de IRC oculta (AU)

Background and objective: To determine the prevalence of occult chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the associated clinical variables in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM-2). Patients and method: Observational, laboratory and cross-sectional study of patients with DM-2 from primary care settings. Demographic and anthropometric data, previous illnesses and measures of cardiovascular risk and kidney function were collected from electronic medical records. We determined the prevalence of occult CKD defined as patients with normal values of plasma creatinine (Cr) and reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFr) (<60ml/min/1,73m2). The GFr was determined by the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation. Results: The sample consisted of 3,197 patients, the mean age was 67.7 years (SD=11.7) and 53.9% were men. The prevalence of CKD according to the MDMR values was 16.6% (n=532), of which 60.3% (n=321) corresponded to occult CKD. 6.6% (n=211) of the participants had CKD with high Cr values. Multivariate analysis showed an association of occult CKD with female sex (OR=2.7; CI 95%=1,83–3,99). Occult CKD was associated with age, blood pressure higher than 150/100mm/Hg and with a history of ischemic heart disease, heart failure, peripheral arterial disease and dyslipemia. Conclusions: The prevalence of CKD is 16.6%, of which 60.3% (n=321) corresponds to occult CKD. Female sex is associated with the presence of occult CKD (AU)

To what extent does the crown-implant ratio affect the survival and complications of implant-supported reconstructions? A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the occurrence of biological and technical complications with respect to the crown-implant (C/I) ratio of implant-supported reconstructions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Electronic (MEDLINE) and hand searches were conducted for longitudinal prospective studies with a follow-up period of at least 4 years. One reviewer performed screening and data abstraction. The following complications were evaluated: implant survival, peri-implant crestal bone loss, implant fracture, and technical complications related to implant components and suprastructure. RESULTS: The search provided 41 articles and abstracts, seven of which were selected for full-text analysis. Only two articles were finally included. A qualitative data analysis revealed that the survival rate of implant-supported reconstructions with a C/I ratio of more than 2 was 94.1%. In addition, peri-implant crestal bone loss seemed not to be influenced by the C/I ratio of the implant rehabilitation, except in one study, which noted greater crestal bone loss with lower (<1) compared with higher (>2) C/I ratios. Technical complications related to implant components and suprastructure according to different C/I ratios were not found in any of the studies. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the diversity among studies with respect to data collection and study design, the current literature shows that the C/I ratios of implant-supported reconstructions do not influence peri-implant crestal bone loss.

A 10-year prospective study of ITI dental implants placed in the posterior region. I: Clinical and radiographic results.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the long-term fixture success rate, crestal bone loss and peri-implant soft tissue parameters around ITI dental implants placed in the posterior region of partially edentulous patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 192 ITI dental implants were consecutively placed in premolars and molars of 83 partially edentulous patients admitted for treatment at Geneva Dental School. All implants were restored by means of ceramic-to-metal fused fixed partial dentures and single crowns. Patients were followed as part of a prospective longitudinal study focusing on implant success. Surgical, radiographic and clinical variables were collected at the 1-year recall after implant placement and at the most recent clinical evaluation. RESULTS: The mean observation time was 6 years (range 5-10 years). Four implants failed, yielding a 10-year cumulative survival rate of 97.9%. The mean annual crestal bone loss was -0.04+/-0.2 mm. Hollow-cylinder implants displayed more crestal bone loss (-0.13+/-0.24 mm) than hollow-screw implants (-0.02+/-0.19 mm; P=0.032). Clinical parameters such as age, gender, implant length and bone quality did not affect crestal bone levels. Increase in recession depth (P=0.025) and attachment level (P=0.011) were significantly associated with crestal bone loss. CONCLUSIONS: ITI dental implants placed in the posterior jaw demonstrate excellent long-term clinical success. Hollow-cylinder implants seem to display a higher risk for crestal bone loss. Recession depth and attachment levels appear to be good clinical indicators of peri-implant bone loss.

A 10-year prospective study of ITI dental implants placed in the posterior region. II: Influence of the crown-to-implant ratio and different prosthetic treatment modalities on crestal bone loss.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of the crown-to-implant ratio (C/I) ratio and different implant prosthetic treatment modalities on crestal bone loss around dental implants placed in the posterior region. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 192 ITI dental implants were consecutively placed in premolars and molars of 83 partially edentulous patients. All implants were restored by means of ceramic-to-metal fused fixed partial dentures or a single crown. Patients were followed as part of a prospective longitudinal study focusing on implant success. Surgical, radiographic and clinical variables were collected at the 1-year recall after implant placement and at the most recent clinical evaluation. Radiographic parameters were evaluated on periapical radiographs taken with a standardized long-cone paralleling technique. Implant restorations were divided into three groups according to their respective clinical C/I ratios: (a) 0-0.99, (b) 1-1.99 and (c) >or=2. RESULTS: The mean clinical C/I ratio was 1.77+/-0.56 mm. A total of 51 implants (26.5%) showed a clinical C/I ratio equal to or greater than 2. In this group, three implants failed, giving a cumulative survival rate of 94.1%. Crestal bone loss was -0.34+/-0.27 mm in group a, -0.03+/-0.15 mm in group b and -0.02+/-0.26 mm in group c. Differences among groups were statistically significant (P=0.009). Mode of retention, splinting or presence of cantilever extensions did not have an effect on crestal bone loss around ITI dental implants. CONCLUSIONS: Implant restorations with C/I ratios between 2 and 3 may be successfully used in the posterior areas of the jaw.