Prevention is better than cure: identifying and dealing with the key features involved in the prevention of gestational diabetes - A bird's eye view.

Gestational diabetes (GDM) is considered to be the most common metabolic problem of pregnancy, which, if not recognized and treated on time, can lead to devastating effects on both the mother's health and the health of the fetus and the newborns. Many studies have revealed that the children born of GDM mothers or grandmothers have higher chances of developing diabetes type I or type II later in their life. Early identification of risk factors can help prevent the appearance of severe GDM and its complications witnessed both in the child and the mother. Obesity is one of the major risk factors that should not be ignored, and obese females should first undergo weight reduction plans in case of planned pregnancies. Other risk factors include a family history of DM arterial hypertension, significant weight gain during pregnancy, short sleep duration, women's exposure to stressful environments, changes in alpha and beta microbiota, and air pollution. Proper care should be provided to females of reproductive age both before and during pregnancy to avoid complications. Awareness programs for healthy lifestyles and diets, oral hygiene maintenance guides, and regular health check-ups can all be considered as a key to a healthy society. Expanding the analysis of gut microbiota in individuals at a heightened risk of GDM can hold particular value, especially during the preconception phase. The alterations in gut microbiota can serve as crucial factors in enhancing lifestyle modifications prior to conception. Further studies are required in this direction to decrease the prevalence of GDM, and efficient measures should be implemented before the consequences appear.

Relationship between preterm birth and post-partum periodontal maternal status: a hospital-based Romanian study.

PURPOSE: This cross-sectional case-control study of post-partum women aimed to estimate whether maternal periodontitis was a predictive contributor to preterm birth and to identify other risk factors associated with preterm birth in our target population. METHODS: The case group included women who delivered preterm (74 cases) and the control group included women who had a normal term delivery (120 controls). Medical records, a 16-item questionnaire, and a full-mouth periodontal examination were used to collect information about socio-demographic characteristics, general health problems, birth-related information, behavioral factors and periodontal status. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the strength of the relationship between predictors and the categorical outcome variable, preterm birth. RESULTS: The bivariate analysis revealed the significant associations between preterm birth and socio-demographic factors (educational level, p = 0.003), antepartum smoking habit (p = 0.001) and birth weight lower than 2500 g (p < 0.001). The multivariate analysis highlighted that the presence of post-partum maternal periodontitis and its severity remained independent risk factors of preterm birth in the presence of antepartum smoking habit and route of delivery [adjusted OR 2.26, 95% CI (1.06; 4.82), respectively, OR 3.46, 95% CI (1.08; 11.15)]. CONCLUSION: Post-partum maternal periodontal disease and its severity might, in part, be considered as contributor to preterm deliveries before 37 weeks of gestation.

May inflammatory markers be used for monitoring the continuous positive airway pressure effect in patients with obstructive sleep apnea and arrhythmias?

INTRODUCTION: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is defined by recurrent episodes of significant reduction or absence of the oro-nasal airflow during sleep, in the presence of thorax and abdominal movements and snoring. The pathophysiological consequences of intermittent hypoxia determined by OSAS are represented by systemic inflammation, the release of free oxygen radicals and activation of the sympathetic nervous system. Cardiac arrhythmias are a frequent comorbidity in patients with OSAS. HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesized that the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy has an effect on inflammatory markers (erythrocyte sedimentation rate, fibrinogen, and red cell distribution width) in patients with OSAS and cardiac arrhythmias. EVALUATION OF THE HYPOTHESIS: We tested this hypothesis on 52 patients diagnosed with OSAS and cardiac arrhythmias, divided into two groups: group A (patients who received CPAP therapy and pharmacological therapy) and group B (only pharmacological therapy). The patients were evaluated at enrollment (T0), at 3 and 6 months. We did not find a statistically significant difference of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and fibrinogen levels between the two groups. Regarding the red cell distribution width (RDW), the CPAP treatment seems to have improved the RDW values in patients who received this treatment. Also, in patients from group A, a significant decrease in the average heart rate was noticed after 3 months. CONSEQUENCES: Fibrinogen and ESR cannot be used for monitoring the CPAP therapy in patients with OSAS and arrhythmias. Instead, the beneficial effect of CPAP in patients with OSAS and cardiac arrhythmias can be monitored with the help of the RDW, which could also be used for evaluating the cardiovascular risk in patients with OSAS and arrhythmias.

Cerebrolysin and early neurorehabilitation in patients with acute ischemic stroke: a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study.

Background - Stroke represents one of the most important causes of permanent physical or mental disability. A number of recent advances in recovery have reinforced the idea that pharmacological intervention combined with a specific rehabilitation therapy can reduce disability after stroke. Objective - The aim of this trial was to demonstrate the hypothesis that the association of pharmacological treatment with Cerebrolysin to early physical therapy can significantly stimulate the endogenous processes underlying the recovery after an ischemic stroke. Methods and Results - It was a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study. 60 patients were randomized either to 30 ml/ day Cerebrolysin or to Placebo for 10 consecutive days, starting in the first 24-48 hours after stroke. The pharmacological treatment was paired with early physical rehabilitation. The robust nonparametric evaluation of the National Institute for Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) demonstrated a large superiority of Cerebrolysin relative to placebo on day 10 with a MW=0.79 (95% CI, 0.65-0.94), respectively on day 30 with MW=0.75 (95% CI, 0.60-0.89). Similar results were found with modified Ranking Scale (mRS) and Barthel Index (BI). Cerebrolysin was safe and well tolerated. Conclusions - Cerebrolysin had a beneficial effect on global neurological status and disability. The beneficial results of this study can be easily applied in the current clinical practice. Abbreviations: BI = Barthel Index; CB = Changes from Baseline; CI = Confidence interval; ICH = International Conference on Harmonization; ITT = intention-to-treat; LB = Lower Bound of Confidence Interval; mRS = modified Rankin Scale; MW = Mann-Whitney; NIHSS = National Institute for Health Stroke Scale; P = P-value; R = Valid Number Reference Group (Placebo); SD = standard deviation; T = Valid Number Test Group (Cerebrolysin); UB = Upper Bound of Confidence Interval.

Expectations and perspectives of ovarian cancer patients about cancer management in Romania. The international NOGGO-ENGOT trial: EXPRESSION III.

We have investigated a relational model of expectations and preferences among ovarian cancer patients centred on physician-patient communication, treatment approach, and the need for information. Consecutive patients anonymously filled in the EXPRESSION III questionnaire between 2009 and 2012. Following descriptive statistics, structural equation modelling was used to analyse the relationships between physician's evaluation by the patient (PEP), result of therapy (RT), need for changes in treatment (NCT) and patient's desire to be informed (PD). From a total of 108 patients, 53 (49.1%) knew their disease stage, 103 (95.4%) underwent surgery, 91 (84.3%) had chemotherapy and 51 (46.3%) relapsed. The final model demonstrated a good fit of data with fit indices >0.90. There was a significant positive effect of PEP on RT and a significant negative effect of PEP on NCT, with the final model explaining 84% of the NCT variance. Physicians represent the main point of contact, not only as a source of information about the disease and various treatment options, but also in the coping processes. As patients benefit from completeness of medical consultations, their awareness of the treatment outcome increases, while a negative perception of the physician leads to a desire to make changes in therapy.

P235Relation between myocardial deformation by three-dimensional speckle tracking analysis , control of the hypertension and functional capacity in patients with systemic hypertension.

The purpose of this study was to investigate left ventricular (LV) function in hypertensive patients by 3-dimensional (3D) speckle tracking imaging, and determine the relation between the LV mechanics and functional capacity in this population. This cross-sectional study included 20 treated subjects with well-controlled arterial hypertension (group B) and 20 treated participants with uncontrolled hypertension (group A), adjusted by gender and age. All the subjects underwent 24-hour blood pressure monitoring, complete 2-dimensional and 3D examination, and exercise testing. Patients had similar 3D LV ejection fraction. LV mass was higher in group of uncontrolled hypertension (154.71 ± 49.7 g/m2 versus 147.12±44.8 g/m2 p < 0.01), as well as E/E'ratio (11.4 versus 8.9, p =0.02). 3D global longitudinal and circumferential strain and strain rate were significantly decreased in patients with inadequately controlled hypertension (LS 16.25% versus -19.24%, p=0.007, L-SR -0.97/sec versus -1.48/sec, p=0.04, CS -17.89%versus -21.76%, p=0.04, respectively), while the difference of radial strain and strain rate did not reach statistical significance. Group A of patients had also a significantly lower functional capacity (mean duration of test 13,3 min. versus 17,4 min, nr. of METS 9.4 versus 13.7). Duration of exercise was independently associated with LV mass , mean BP at daytime , E/E' ratio and 3D global longitudinal strain (ß = 0.34, p = 0.02) in the whole hypertensive population in our study. In conclusion, LV longitudinal strain and functional capacity are significantly impaired in the patients with uncontrolled hypertension in comparison with the well-controlled hypertensive patients and are independently associated.

Involvement of vasoactive substances in hemodynamics disturbances in cirrhosis.

Cirrhosis is a pathological entity characterized by the association of hepatocyte necrosis, fibrosis and regenerative nodules; hemodynamic and neurohormonal metabolic factors intervening in its development mechanisms, resulting in hepatic stellate cell activation and transformation and development of liver fibrosis. Cytokines are key modulators of liver cell fibroblast transformation. Prostaglandins play an important role in the control of vascular tone and in thrombosis; Angiotensin II stimulates fibroblast proliferation by AT-1 receptors. Thrombin influences cellular remodeling in the liver and cardiovascular cirrhotic patients. Oxidative stress is involved in the development of liver cirrhosis by primary and secondary biological irreversible effects. Complex etiology involving vasoactive substances, oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of liver cirrhosis, require further studies to elucidate the mechanisms involved in hemodynamic disturbances associated with this disorder.

Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy.

Cardiomyopathy is a chronic disease of the myocardium characterized by an abnormal dilatation and thinning of the left ventricular (LV), associated with the contractile dysfunction of the muscle and loss of pump capacity, resulting in the occurrence of arrhythmias and myocardial infarction. It has many causes and can occur in the liver pathology inclusively.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy reduces the predicted coronary heart disease risk and the vascular age in obese subjects.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is associated with high prevalence of coronary heart disease (CHD) and long term increased cardiovascular morbi-mortality. There are no data regarding the effect of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) on long-term CHD - risk. It is known that "a man is as old as his arteries" and this concept is illustrated by Framingham coronary risk score, which can predict vascular age. PURPOSE: To assess the 10-year CHD risk in patients with obesity, preoperatively, and 6 and 12 months after LSG. METHODS: 47 consecutive obese subjects (44.7% males, mean age 39.8 years) scheduled for LSG were prospectively studied before and 6 and 12 months after surgery. The 10 years CHD risk and corresponding vascular age were calculated using Framingham risk score. RESULTS: The body mass index (BMI) decreased from 44.6 ± 10.6 kg m2 preoperatively to 32.2 ± 6.9 kg m2 and to 29.4 ± 5.4 kg m2 at 6 and 12 months follow-up (both p 0.05). Mean excessive weight loss (EWL) was 67.3 ± 23.7% and 78.3 ± 23.4% at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. At 6 and 12 months after LSG, there was a marked improvment of lipid profile(decrease of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides and increase of HDL-cholesterol) and a significant decrease in prevalence of diabetes mellitus, systemic hypertension and smoking. The 10-year CHD risk reduced from 10.1% preoperatively to 3.5% and to 2.2% at 6 and 12 months after surgery (both p 0.05). Patients' mean vascular age was 65.6 years preoperatively and decreased to 45.8 years 6 month spostoperatively (p 0.05) and to 40.7 years one year after LSG (p 0.05 vs. 6 months postoperatively, p=NS vs.chronological age). CONCLUSIONS: In obese subjects, CHD risk is significantly reduced early, beginning with 6 months after LSG and is diminished with 80% one year postoperatively. Despite the fact that not all patients had achieved the ideal weight yet,mean vascular age is similar to their chronological age one year after surgery.

Multi-organ resections for colorectal cancer: analysis of potential factors with role in the occurrence of postoperative complications and deaths.

AIM: Multi-organ resection for colorectal malignancy is a topic of interest nowadays as it raises the issue of benefits versus increased morbidity. This study aims to identify factors that may influence the development of postoperative complications and death following multivisceral resection. METHODS: The study included 107 patients hospitalized in the Surgical Clinic III of Cluj-Napoca, who underwent multivisceral resections for colorectal cancer pathology. This is a retrospective study covering the period between 2006 and 2010. This study compares the morbidity and mortality following multi-organ resections for locally advanced colorectal cancer, with results in patients with uncomplicated colorectal resections. The study also highlights the impact that certain factors have on the development of postoperative complications. RESULTS: This study shows a higher incidence of death and postoperative complications in the case of multiorgan resections. The differences were found to be statistically significant as follows: postoperative complications: 26% after multiorgan resection and 14% after uncomplicated resection respectively (p = 0.001); postoperative death: 11% after multi-organ resection and 3% after uncomplicated resection respectively (p < 0.001). The factors that have influenced in a negative way the postoperative evolution of the patients were: diabetes, personal history of malignant disease, associated heart disease, major abdominal surgery prior enrolling, the number of resected organs and increased intraoperative blood loss (over 500 ml). CONCLUSION: In cases of locally advanced colorectal neoplasm, multiorgan resection should become the standard indication, as it offers patients their only chance of survival, comparable to that obtained in less advanced stages of the disease. This indication is underlined by the high resecability rate (R0) accomplished in our service. Preoperative compensation of the associated pathologies, the surgery performed by experienced teams, as well as providing an adequate intensive care are required to reduce the postoperative risks.

Calcific aortic valve disease and aortic atherosclerosis--two faces of the same disease?

Calcific (degenerative) aortic valve disease is the most common etiology of acquired aortic valve stenosis. Historically, it was seen as a degenerative, "senile-like" process, resulting from aging--"wearing and tearing"--of the aortic valve. However, several lines of evidence suggest that calcific valve disease is not simply due to age-related degeneration but, rather, it is an active disease process with identifiable initiating factors, clinical and genetic risk factors, and cellular and molecular pathways that mediate disease progression. Histopathologically, the early lesions of aortic valve sclerosis resemble arterial atherosclerotic plaques. Furthermore, atherosclerotic risk factors and clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease are independently associated with aortic sclerosis suggesting that it represents an atherosclerosis-like process involving the aortic valve. Until now, the only established treatment for symptomatic aortic valve stenosis has been valve replacement. Newer therapies that may modify or reduce the likelihood of developing aortic valve disease are highly desirable and are currently under investigation. In this article we tried to review the available data on calcific aortic valve disease, starting from histological and pathogenic aspects and finishing with therapeutic implications, in order to characterize its relationship with the atherosclerotic process.

Medical nephrectomy: the use of metallic salts for treatment of end stage massive proteinuria and renal hypertension.

The first two cases outlined above with intractable massive proteinuria and uremia, were followed and treated with standard medical therapy and dialysis. After a period of study and demonstration of clinical deterioration both patients were given solutions containing sodium mercaptomerin. Within days there was a decline in urine protein excretion and a variable increase in serum protein concentration. The patients demonstrated an increase in blood pressure, which made hemodialysis treatment possible. No deleterious effects from the mercury salts were noted. These observations suggest that in selected cases nephrotoxic agents may be of value in decreasing massive proteinuria, and improving protein homeostasis in uremic patients. The ideal agent should be non-toxic to other organs and produce selective renal ablation (15). Although mercury is not the ideal agent, in these cases it did not produce observable side effects. This new method, applicable to dialysis patients with massive proteinuria, and of help in the control of uncontrollable hypertension in uremia, is an interesting new approach for our therapeutic armamentarium.

Pancreatic disease in uremia and parathyroid hormone excess.

To assess the coexistence of pancreatic alterations and elevation of parathyroid hormone (PTH) as contributors to morbidity, a study correlating evidence of histological pancreatitis with elevated PTH has been undertaken. A retrospective autopsy study of pancreatic histology in 21 patients who died during maintenance hemodialysis (MD) (group I) compared their level of serum PTH with a group of patients who died without historical or clinical evidence of renal insufficiency (group II). Each patient in this group had creatinine clearance of less than 5 ml/min and had been treated with hemodialysis from 4 to 120 months preceding death. There was a difference in the incidence of histological and PTH levels between groups I and II. A total of 15 out of 21 (71.4%) of group I patients had severe pancreatic disease. By contrast, none of the group II control patients had marked pancreatic disease (p less than 0.01). Also a statistically different demarcation was present between groups I and II on the basis of PTH levels. Group I patients with pancreatic disease (n = 5) had a higher PTH level (567 +/- 76 pg/ml) than those (n = 6) without diseased pancreata (218 +/- 6.5 pg/ml). These data infer that a possible correlation between measured iPTH excess and histological alterations in pancreas may exist.

An outbreak of Salmonella enteritis and septicemia in a population of uremic patients. A review of four cases, including infection of an arteriovenous fistula.

An outbreak of enteritis and septicemia caused by Salmonella enteritidis occurred in a population of uremic patients treated in a nephrology unit. In one of the patients, an arteriovenous fistula was infected by this organism. The source of the outbreak was traced to the refrigerator and sink in the unit. This degree of morbidity and mortality far exceeds that previously reported in infections with nontyphoid Salmonella sp and is presumbly related to the decreased immune response seen in uremia.

Metabolic changes in diabetic uremic patients on hemodialysis.

By studying the metabolic values of a nondiabetic and diabetic uremic population we demonstrated the following: 1. Insulin is higher in diabetic than nondiabetic uremic patients. A slight arteriovenous difference across the dialyzer membrane suggests that insulin is dialyzable in small amounts in man. 2. C-peptides are highest in nondiabetics, lower in maturity onset diabetics, and lowest in juvenile diabetics. 3. Growth hormone is higher in diabetics than nondiabetics, decreased in both groups during hemodialysis, and returns to pre-dialysis levels 2 hrs after the completion of dialysis treatment. 4. Plasma triglycerides are elevated in both popualtions during the fasting state anddrop during hemodialysis, rising slowly towards the end of hemodialysis. 5. The majority of diabetics on hemodialysis have low renin levels and do not respond to volume reduction. In the high renin diabetics and high and low renin nondiabetics the plasma renin levels rise in response to volume reduction during hemodialysis. Renin is not dialyzable in man. 6. Thyroid function tests show that diabetic and nondiabetic patients have measurements in the low normal range. Our results reveal significant information concerning metabolic changes which take place in diabetic and nondiabetic uremic patients on hemodialysis and helps to characterize these populations. This report may have implications in better understanding the nature of the problems encountered in these populations and in their management (Table III).