Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation in the risk stratification of contrast induced acute kidney injury in hospital inpatients.

BACKGROUND: Several organizations recommend using estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in kidney function monitoring, preferably calculated with Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) formula. The role of this formula is not clear in the risk stratification of contrast induced acute kidney injury (CIAKI) in nonsteady state patients. AIM: Comparative evaluation of the MDRD eGFR in risk stratification of CIAKI. METHOD: GFR was measured twice (pre- and post-examination) by Tc-99m-DTPA, along with serum levels of urea nitrogen and creatinine in 32 patients (mean age+/-SD; 60.1+/-13.2 years) needing hospital care for various reasons and underwent to x-ray examination with contrast media (mean; 90.2+/-16.8 ml). eGFR was calculated by the dedicated formula. Agreement between measured GFR (mGFR) and MDRD eGFR was assessed and patients were scored and stratified for CIAKI by using first mGFR, then eGFR and results were compared. RESULTS: A moderate correlation was obtained between mGFR and eGFR (r=0.47, p < 0.001) and the difference was not significant. However, Bland & Altman analysis revealed large limits of agreement between mGFR and eGFR (-80.3 to 55.2) with a mean difference of -12.5 ml/min/1.73m2. In ROC analysis, when mGFR values were classified as normal (>60ml/min/1.73m2) and decreased (<60ml/min/1.73m2), AUC was 0.80 (95%CI; 0.62-0.92) for eGFR, with a sensitivity of 29% and specificity of 100%. Furthermore, the risk group categorization, using eGFR instead of mGFR was resulted in a group change for four patients (13%); from moderate to low risk group. CONCLUSION: It seems that MDRD eGFR differs from mGFR. In nonsteady state patients CIAKI classification using eGFR should be considered with caution.

Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation in the risk stratification of contrast induced acute kidney injury in hospital in patients

Antecedentes: Varios organismos recomiendan el uso de la tasa de filtrado glomerular estimada (TFGe) en la monitorización de la función renal, calculada preferentemente con la fórmula de Modificación de la Dieta en la Enfermedad Renal (MDRD). El papel de esta fórmula no está claro en la estratificación del riesgo de la lesión renal aguda inducida por contraste en pacientes no estables. Objetivo: Evaluación comparativa de la TFGe de la MDRD en la estratificación del riesgo de lesión renal aguda inducida por contraste. Método: La tasa de filtrado glomerular (TFG) se midió dos veces (pre- y posexamen) mediante Tc-99m-DTPA, junto con los niveles de nitrógeno ureico en suero y creatinina en 32 pacientes (edad media ± DE; 60,1 ± 13,2 años) que precisaban de cuidados hospitalarios por diversas razones y que se sometieron a rayos-x mediante contraste (mediana; 90,2 ± 16,8 ml). La TFGe se calculó mediante la fórmula correspondiente. Se evaluó la concordancia entre la TFG medida (TFGm) y la TFGe de la MDRD, asignando a los pacientes un baremo de estratificación para la lesión renal aguda inducida por contraste, usando primero la TFGm y posteriormente TFGe, comparando los resultados. Resultados: Se obtuvo una correlación moderada entre la TFGm y la TFGe (r =0,47, p <0,001), con una diferencia no significativa. Sin embargo, el análisis de Bland& Altman reveló grandes límites de concordancia entre la TFGm y la TFGe (-80,3 a 55,2), con una diferencia media de -12,5 ml/min/1,73 m2. En el análisis por método ROC, cuando los valores de la TFGm se catalogaron como normales(>60 ml/min/1,73 m2) y disminuidos (< 60 ml/min/1,73 m2), el área bajo la curva fue 0.80 (CI 95%; 0,62-0,92) para TFGe, con una sensibilidad del (..) (AU)

Background: Several organizations recommend using estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in kidney function monitoring, preferably calculated with Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) formula. The role of this formula is not clear in the risk stratification of contrast induced acute kidney injury (CIAKI) in non steady state patients. Aim Comparative evaluation of the MDRD eGFR in risk stratification of CIAKI. Method: GFR was measured twice (pre and post-examination) by Tc-99m-DTPA, along with serum levels of urea nitrogen and creatinine in 32 patients (mean age ± SD; 60.1 ± 13.2 years) needing hospital care for various reasons and underwent to x-ray examination with contrast media (mean; 90.2 ± 16.8 ml). eGFR was calculated by the dedicated formula. Agreement between measured GFR(mGFR) and MDRD eGFR was assessed and patients were scored and stratified for CIAKI by using first mGFR, then eGFR and results were compared. Results: A moderate correlation was obtained between mGFR and eGFR (r = 0.47, p <0.001)and the difference was not significant. However, Bland&Altman analysis revealed large limits of agreement between mGFR and eGFR (-80.3 to 55.2) with a mean difference of -12.5 ml/min/1.73m2. In ROC analysis, when mGFR values were classified as normal (>60 ml/min/1.73m2)and decreased (<60ml/min/1.73m2), AUC was 0.80 (95%CI;0.62-0.92) for eGFR, with a sensitivity of 29% and specificity of 100%. Furthermore, the risk group categorization, using eGFR instead of mGFR was resulted in a group change for four patients (13%); from moderate to low risk group. Conclusion: It seems that MDRD eGFR differs from mGFR. In non steadystate patients CIAKI classification using eGFR should be considered with caution (AU)

Correlation between birth weight, leptin, zinc and copper levels in maternal and cord blood.

Leptin and zinc are involved in the regulation of appetite. Copper is a trace element regulating the functions of several cuproenzymes that are essential for life. To evaluate the relationship between zinc and copper status and the leptin system in humans, we examined whether leptin concentrations in the mother and the newborn correlate with the weight of mother, placenta and newborn. A total of 88 pregnant women at 38-42 weeks' gestation were studied. All infants were categorized as small for gestational age (SGA) (n = 16), average for gestational age (AGA) (n = 59) or large for gestational age (LGA) (n = 13). Leptin, zinc, and copper levels were measured in maternal and cord serum at birth. Maternal BMI and placental weight of the LGA groups were significantly higher than those of the SGA and AGA groups. Cord and maternal leptin levels of the SGA groups were significantly lower than those of the AGA and LGA groups. Maternal serum leptin levels were positively correlated with BMI and maternal zinc levels in all groups. Cord serum leptin levels of all groups were positively correlated with birth weight and placental weight. Birth weight was negatively correlated with maternal and cord copper level of all groups. Umbilical leptin concentrations of SGA newborns correlated with leptin concentrations of their mothers. In all pregnancies, birth weight increases in association with increase in cord leptin level. Our results suggest that maternal zinc but not copper level has an effect on maternal serum leptin levels. The increase in copper level in both maternal and cord blood may contribute to restriction in fetal growth.

Correlation between birth weight, leptin, zinc andcopper levels in maternal and cord blood

Leptin and zinc are involved in the regulation of appetite. Copper is a trace elementregulating the functions of several cuproenzymes that are essential for life. Toevaluate the relationship between zinc and copper status and the leptin system inhumans, we examined whether leptin concentrations in the mother and the newborncorrelate with the weight of mother, placenta and newborn. A total of 88 pregnantwomen at 38-42 weeks’ gestation were studied. All infants were categorized as smallfor gestational age (SGA) (n=16), average for gestational age (AGA) (n=59) or largefor gestational age (LGA) (n=13). Leptin, zinc, and copper levels were measured inmaternal and cord serum at birth. Maternal BMI and placental weight of the LGAgroups were significantly higher than those of the SGA and AGA groups. Cord andmaternal leptin levels of the SGA groups were significantly lower than those of theAGA and LGA groups. Maternal serum leptin levels were positively correlated withBMI and maternal zinc levels in all groups. Cord serum leptin levels of all groupswere positively correlated with birth weight and placental weight. Birth weight wasnegatively correlated with maternal and cord copper level of all groups. Umbilicalleptin concentrations of SGA newborns correlated with leptin concentrations of theirmothers. In all pregnancies, birth weight increases in association with increase in cordleptin level. Our results suggest that maternal zinc but not copper level has an effecton maternal serum leptin levels. The increase in copper level in both maternal andcord blood may contribute to restriction in fetal growth (AU)

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Correlation between birth weight, leptin, zinc and copper levels in maternal and cord blood

Leptin and zinc are involved in the regulation of appetite. Copper is a trace elementregulating the functions of several cuproenzymes that are essential for life. Toevaluate the relationship between zinc and copper status and the leptin system inhumans, we examined whether leptin concentrations in the mother and the newborncorrelate with the weight of mother, placenta and newborn. A total of 88 pregnantwomen at 38-42 weeks’ gestation were studied. All infants were categorized as smallfor gestational age (SGA) (n=16), average for gestational age (AGA) (n=59) or largefor gestational age (LGA) (n=13). Leptin, zinc, and copper levels were measured inmaternal and cord serum at birth. Maternal BMI and placental weight of the LGAgroups were significantly higher than those of the SGA and AGA groups. Cord andmaternal leptin levels of the SGA groups were significantly lower than those of theAGA and LGA groups. Maternal serum leptin levels were positively correlated withBMI and maternal zinc levels in all groups. Cord serum leptin levels of all groupswere positively correlated with birth weight and placental weight. Birth weight wasnegatively correlated with maternal and cord copper level of all groups. Umbilicalleptin concentrations of SGA newborns correlated with leptin concentrations of theirmothers. In all pregnancies, birth weight increases in association with increase in cordleptin level. Our results suggest that maternal zinc but not copper level has an effecton maternal serum leptin levels. The increase in copper level in both maternal andcord blood may contribute to restriction in fetal growth (AU)

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Assessment of mandibular bone mineral density in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVES: To assess mandibular bone mineral density in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus using panoramic radiographs. METHODS: Nineteen patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and 17 control subjects participated in the study. Bone mineral density measurements were performed on the panoramic radiographs with the help of a five-step copper stepwedge phantom, attached to each film cassette, which was calibrated before hand by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The analysis was performed on digitized images by dedicated software (Scion Image). The accuracy of the measurement technique was also evaluated by cross-calibration with a DXA phantom. RESULTS: Mean mandibular bone mineral density (g cm(-2)) was 1.53+/-0.27 in women and 1.52+/-0.29 in men with type 2 diabetes. In age and gender matched control subjects the values were 1.56+/-0.28 and 1.46+/-0.23 in women and in men, respectively. No statistically significant difference was observed between groups in mandibular bone mineral density. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that bone mineral density of the mandible does not seem to be affected in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. We also observed that a panoramic radiograph could serve for accurate mandibular bone density determination, when calibrated well with the DXA method.

Beta-human chorionic gonadotropin and prolactin assays in cervicovaginal secretions as a predictor of preterm delivery.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and to compare the predictive value of cervicovaginal beta-hCG and prolactin levels in spontaneous preterm delivery. METHODS: The preterm labor group and normal pregnancy group consisted of 17 and 43 patients between 24 and 36 weeks' gestation, respectively. A single cervicovaginal beta-hCG and prolactin measurement were made in both groups. RESULTS: Cervicovaginal beta-hCG and prolactin levels were significantly higher in the preterm group when compared with those of the term delivery group (P=0.031, P=0.026, respectively). The optimal cut-off value for beta-hCG (27.1 mIU/ml) gave a sensitivity level of 87.5% (47.4-97.9; 95% C.I.) at a specificity of 65.4% (50.9-78.0; 95% C.I.) with positive and negative predictive values of 28% and 97%, respectively. The optimal cut-off value for prolactin (1.8 ng/ml) gave a sensitivity level of 50% (16.0-84.0; 95% C.I.) at a specificity of 96% (86.8-99.4; 95% C.I.) with positive and negative predictive values of 67% and 93%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Cervicovaginal beta-hCG measurement in patients with preterm labor may be used as a predictive test. Cervicovaginal prolactin is not a sensitive test compared with the beta-hCG test.

Carpal tunnel syndrome leads to significant bone loss in metacarpal bones.

The present study was designed to determine bone density modifications at the forearm and metacarpal bones in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at the one-third distal end and for the total of the radius-ulna, together with the third and fourth metacarpal bones, in 48 clinically and electrophysiologically diagnosed (18 unilateral and 15 bilateral) affected extremities in 33 premenopausal women (mean age 38.9 +/- 6.5 years) with CTS. BMD values for non-affected extremities were used as controls for comparison with affected extremities. Bone mass was decreased approximately 7% in the forearm region (P < 0.02) and 18% in metacarpal bones (P < 0.01) of the thenar atrophy associated group compared with controls. A significant correlation was observed between disease duration (mean duration 3.2 +/- 2.7 years) and the decrease in metacarpal bone density (r = 0.43; P = 0.004). This is the first clinical report of quantified bone loss in affected extremities in patients with CTS, and the results suggest the need for further studies to assess the clinical significance and morbidity of this pathology, especially in patients with thenar atrophy.

Relationship between bone mineral density and insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether there is a relationship between bone mineral density (BMD) and insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The study consisted of 28 amenorrheic women with PCOS and 11 amenorrheic women without PCOS. Fifteen healthy women with normal ovulatory function, matched for age and body mass index (BMI), served as controls. BMD was measured at the lumbar spine and left femoral neck with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Blood samples were obtained to measure serum levels of insulin, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), total and free testosterone, androstenedione and estradiol by radioimmunassay. Insulin resistance was estimated by the in sulin tolerance test (ITT), and K(ITT) was taken as the insulin sensitivity index. In the PCOS group, K(ITT) was significantly lower and insulin levels were higher than in either of the control groups (P < 0.001). BMD in the PCOS group was lower than in the healthy group and higher than in the amenorrheic control group (P < 0.05). In the PCOS group, there were positive correlations of BMD of the lumbar spine with insulin (r = 0.42: P < 0.05) and negative correlations of BMD with K(ITT) (r = -0.58; P < 0.001) and SHBG (r = -0.38; P < 0.05). The inverse association of BMD and K(ITT) was independent of BMI, insulin, SHBG, androstenedione, and free testosterone. In conclusion, insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia in women with PCOS may be a relative protective factor against bone mineral loss.

Subclinical cardiotoxicity following adjuvant dose-escalated FEC, high-dose chemotherapy, or CMF in breast cancer.

We compared adjuvant chemotherapy-related myocardial damage by antimyosin scintigraphy in patients who received either nine cycles of FEC (fluorouracil, epirubicin and cyclophosphamide) where the doses of epirubicin and cyclophosphamide were escalated according to the leucocyte nadir (group I, n = 14), three cycles of FEC followed by high-dose chemotherapy with alkylating agents (CTCb) given with the support of peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (group II, n = 14), or six cycles of standard intravenous CMF (cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and fluorouracil; group III, n = 8). The cardiac uptake of In-111-antimyosin-Fab (R11D10) antibody was measured and the heart-to-lung ratio (HLR) calculated 8-36 months after the last dose of chemotherapy. Cardiac antimyosin antibody uptake was considerably higher among patients treated with nine cycles of dose-escalated FEC than among those who were treated with three cycles of FEC and high-dose CTCb (HLR, median 1.98; range 1.36-2.24 vs median 1.51; range 1.20-1.82; P < 0.001), or those treated with CMF (median 1.44; range 1.15-1.68; P < 0.001). The difference between groups II and III was not significant (P > 0.1). A linear association was found between the cumulative dose of epirubicin and the cardiac antimyosin uptake (P < 0.001). We conclude that subclinical cardiac damage caused by three cycles of conventional-dose FEC followed by one cycle of high-dose CTCb chemotherapy is small as compared with the damage caused by dose-escalated FEC.

Comparison of body composition analysis methods in clinical routine.

BACKGROUND: Skinfold thickness (SFT) and bioelectrical impedance (BIA) are readily available and commonly used techniques in patient monitoring for body composition analysis (BCA) in clinical practise. Another one, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) method became popular in body composition analysis (BCA) in recent years. Its results have been reported to be quite accurate and precise, in comparison with in vivo or in vitro multiple component reference methods. The aim of the present study was to assess the degree of agreement between SFT and DEXA, and BIA and DEXA methods, in obese and nonobese patients. METHODS: Body fat mass (FM) was measured in 16 nonobese (mean body mass index; BMI = 22.2 +/- 2.2 kg/m(2)) and in 21 obese (BMI = 34.5 +/- 6.1 kg/m(2)) women with DEXA, SFT, and BIA in the same morning. RESULTS: Mean (+/- SD) FM (kg) was 16.3 +/- 5.5, 15.0 +/- 5.1, 14.7 +/- 4.9 in nonobese subjects and 38.8 +/- 10.1, 36.3 +/- 10.0, 37.1 +/- 12.0 in obese patients, by DEXA, SFT and BIA, respectively. Comparison of the DEXA-BIA and DEXA-STF methods showed high correlation in regression line analysis in nonobese subjects as, r(2) = 0.93 and 0.89, respectively. Regression coefficients were 0.84 and 0.75 in obese patients. However, reanalysis of the data by the Bland and Altman method revealed an obvious lack of agreement between the DEXA-BIA and DEXA-SFT methods in obese patients. In addition, FM was underestimated by BIA and SFT as compared to DEXA in both of the study groups. Besides, better precision was obtained by DEXA method among the others. CONCLUSION: The SFT or BIA method would be preferred to monitor BCA in non-obese subjects in clinical routine. However, DEXA should be considered as the method of choice in obese patient monitoring, since reproducibility gains special importance, other than the accuracy in the context.

Immunologic and biochemical factors in hyperemesis gravidarum with or without hyperthyroxinemia.

OBJECTIVE: This study was set up to investigate the relationship between immune process and high levels of human chorionic gonadotropin-beta (betahCG) in hyperemesis patients with or without hyperthyroxinemia. METHODS: betahCG, immune parameters and thyroid related hormones were assayed in hyperemesis patients and in controls. RESULTS: Mean serum betahCG, fT4 and TSH levels were significantly higher in hyperemesis patients than in controls (p<0. 01, p<0.01, p<0.05, respectively). Further, immune parameters regarding IgG, IgM, C3, C4 and lymphocyte count were significantly higher in patients than in controls (p<0.05, p<0.01, p<0.01, p<0.05, p<0.01, respectively). In hyperemesis patients with hyperthyroxinemia, mean serum betahCG, IgG and IgM were significantly higher than in hyperemesis women without hyperthyroxinemia (p<0.001, p<0.05, p<0.05, respectively). BetahCG was positively correlated with fT4 (r = 0.45, p<0.05), with lymphocyte count (r = 0.47, p<0.01), with IgM (r = 0.38, p<0.05) and with C3 (r = 0.40, p<0.05) in hyperemesis patients. A negative correlation between betahCG and TSH (r = -0.43, p<0.05) was noted in the hyperemesis group. Free T4 showed a positive association to IgM (r = 0.49, p<0.01), to IgG (r = 0.40, p<0.05), to lymphocyte count (r = 0.45, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Immunologic activity in pregnancy may have an effect or role on the stimulatory mechanism of betahCG in hyperemesis patients with or without hyperthyroxinemia.

Effect of antiepileptic drugs on bone mineral density in children between ages 6 and 12 years.

We assessed the effects of sodium valproate and carbamazepine monotherapy on bone mineral density (BMD) in children. BMD at the lumbar vertebrae (L1-L4) and radius-ulna was measured by the dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) method in 19 children (9 girls, 10 boys) with uncomplicated epilepsy and in 57 healthy children (28 girls, 29 boys), between the ages of 6 and 12 years. The study patients had been receiving either sodium valproate (n = 13) or carbamazepine (n = 6) monotherapy for more than 6 months. There were no significant differences between the control and study patients in age, height, weight, physical activity, or of serum concentrations of calcium, phosphate, and transaminases (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase). However, the serum alkaline phosphatase concentration was greater in the patient group as compared with the control group. BMD values were lower in girl patients (L1-L4; 0.497 +/- 0.08 vs 0.566 +/- 0.07 g/cm2, p < 0.05), but not in boys (0.534 +/- 0.06 vs 0.530 +/- 0.08 g/cm2). While BMD reduction was 8% in valproate therapy (midregion of radius-ulna; 0.287 +/- 0.03 vs 0.312 +/- 0.04 g/cm2, p < 0.04), it was reduced only 4.5% in the carbamazepine-treated group (0.298 +/- 0.01 vs 0.312 +/- 0.04 g/cm2, statistically not significant), although the mean durations of monotherapy with valproate (1.8 +/- 0.7 years) and carbamazepine (1.7 +/- 0.8 years) were similar. Thus decreased bone mineralization was observed in children with epilepsy, treated with sodium valproate even though treatment was for a rather short time.

Cervicovaginal washing prolactin assay in prediction of preterm delivery.

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to determine the utility of cervicovaginal washing prolactin assay in prediction of preterm birth in women without rupture of membranes. METHODS: Sixty-six women with normal singleton pregnancy were submitted to cervicovaginal washing and serum prolactin assays. The latency period to delivery and gestational age at admission and at delivery were also recorded. According to uterine contractions and obstetrical history regarding the previous preterm delivery, the pregnant women were divided into 4 groups: 18 symptomatic (group 1) and 15 asymptomatic (group 2) pregnancies who had previously had preterm delivery, and 18 symptomatic (group 3) and 15 asymptomatic (group 4) pregnancies without a history of prior preterm delivery were enrolled in the study. RESULTS: The cervicovaginal washing prolactin concentrations were significantly higher in groups 1 and 3 than in group 4 (P < 0.0083). With respect to the latency period to delivery and the birth weeks, groups 2 and 4 were significantly higher than groups 1 and 3 (F < 0.0001). In the evaluation of the whole group, a significant negative correlation was observed both between cervicovaginal washing prolactin concentrations and the lapsed times to delivery, and the gestational ages at delivery. The finding of a cervicovaginal washing prolactin value exceeding 50 ng/ml in the 12 days preceding preterm delivery had sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of 65%, 95%, 86%, and 81%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A cervicovaginal washing prolactin value more than 50 ng/ml precedes preterm delivery within 12 days at > 29 weeks. The easy application, the good feasibility, the success in identifying pregnancies at risk for preterm labor, and the cost effectiveness suggests cervicovaginal washing prolactin assay as a biochemical marker for preterm delivery.

Hyperthyroidism in hyperemesis gravidarum.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the hormonal and hematologic parameters of 24 patients with hyperemesis gravidarum without evidence of thyroid disease compared with matched controls. METHODS: Twenty-four pregnant women with hyperemesis and 20 control subjects were included in this study. A prospective comparison of hormonal milieu of hCG and thyroid function was performed. RESULTS: Mean serum hCG, fT3, and fT4 levels of patients were significantly higher than those of controls (P < 0.007), while there was no statistically significant difference in terms of TSH. Serum hCG correlated negatively with TSH and positively with fT3 and fT4 in the patient group (r = 0.66, r = 0.70, r = 0.85; P < 0.05, respectively), while there was no relationship between hCG and thyroid functions in controls (r < 0.25). The lymphocyte count of patients was significantly higher than that of controls (P < 0.007), while there were no statistically significant differences in the overall white blood count and the granulocyte count (P > 0.007). The lymphocyte count correlated positively with serum hCG, fT4 and fT3, and negatively with TSH in the patient group (r = 0.73, r = 0.72, r = 0.64 and r = -0.63; P < 0.05, respectively), while there was no relationship between lymphocyte count and serum hCG, fT4, fT3 and TSH in controls (r < 0.25). CONCLUSIONS: Maternal immune recognition of the conceptus and immune response, hypothetically, may be related to the high level of hCG and/or fT4. Patients who have hyperthyroidism in early pregnancy should be assessed for transient hyperthyroidism as it relates to hyperemesis gravidarum.