Risk Factors Associated With Non-Respondence to Methotrexate in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Oral methotrexate (MTX) is the first-line therapy for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, not all RA patients respond to MTX. In this study, we will determine the risk factors associated with MTX failure. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted in tertiary care hospital in Pakistan. Data of 612 patients who were diagnosed with RA from June 2019 to January 2021 were retrieved from the medical record room. After inclusion, patients were divided into two groups; respondent and non-respondent. Their characteristics and demographics were compared. RESULTS: Out of the total 612 patients, 112 (18.3%) were labelled as non-respondent to MTX. Non-respondents had a higher predominance of females (86.6% vs. 60.2%; p-value: 0.001), participants with body mass index (BMI) >25 kg/m2 (54.4% vs. 22.4%; p-value: <0.00001), smokers (34.8% vs. 18.2%; p-value: 0.0001), participants with diabetes (47.3% vs. 23.4%; p-value: <0.0001) and rheumatoid factor positivity (91.0% vs. 64.8%; p-value: <0.0001). CONCLUSION: Female gender, higher BMI, smoking, higher disease activity, and diabetes were associated with MTX failure. These easily available parameters can help predict the disease process and outcome of treatment. It is important to screen patients who are at risk of MTX failure, so a contingent treatment plan can be devised, in case patients do not respond to MTX.

Spindle Cell Carcinoma (Sarcomatoid) of Colon Presenting as Weight Loss.

Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the colon is an extremely rare tumor. To date, less than 50 cases have been reported in the literature. It is rapidly growing, with a high recurrence rate, and has a very poor prognosis. Herein we present a 34-year-old male with a two-month history of weight loss, abdominal distention, and chronic history of constipation. Endoscopy was done and revealed undifferentiated adenocarcinoma of the transverse colon. On histopathology, the tumor was composed of sarcomatous and carcinomatous components. On immunohistochemistry, strong immunoreactivity for cytokeratin was found and the spindle cell component was largely vimentin positive.

Incidence of Hyperuricemia in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction - A Case-Control Study.

Introduction Various researches have stated the correlation between serum uric acid (sUA) and cardiovascular disease (CVD); however, no local studies are available. In this study, we will determine the prevalence of hyperuricemia in patients with acute myocardial infarction and compare with the control group. Methods This case-control study was conducted from March to November 2019 in the tertiary care hospital in Pakistan. In all, 119 patients with acute myocardial infarction were enrolled in this study, and 119 controls were identified from the outpatient department. Their sUA levels were measured within 24 hours of acute myocardial infarction. Results The mean sUA levels were significantly higher in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in comparison to the control group (6.17 ± 2.12 vs. 5.51 ± 1.89, p-value; 0.01). Overall, there were more patients with hyperuricemia in the case group compared to the control group (47.89% vs. 33.6%, p-value = 0.04) Conclusion In this study, after adjustment of other known factors, hyperuricemia is associated with AMI. Efforts should be made to include screening for hyperuricemia in patients with a high risk of myocardial infarction.

Impact of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitor versus Angiotensin Receptor Blocker on Incidence of New-Onset Diabetes Mellitus in Asians

PURPOSE: Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) and angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) are associated with a decreased incidence of new-onset diabetes mellitus (NODM). The aim of this study was to compare the protective effect of ACEI versus ARBs on NODM in an Asian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We investigated a total of 2817 patients who did not have diabetes mellitus from January 2004 to September 2009. To adjust for potential confounders, a propensity score matched (PSM) analysis was performed using a logistic regression model. The primary end-point was the cumulative incidence of NODM, which was defined as having a fasting blood glucose > or =126 mg/dL or HbA1c > or =6.5%. Multivariable cox-regression analysis was performed to determine the impact of ACEI versus ARB on the incidence of NODM. RESULTS: Mean follow-up duration was 1839+/-1019 days in all groups before baseline adjustment and 1864+/-1034 days in the PSM group. After PSM (C-statistics=0.731), a total 1024 patients (ACEI group, n=512 and ARB group, n=512) were enrolled for analysis and baseline characteristics were well balanced. After PSM, the cumulative incidence of NODM at 3 years was lower in the ACEI group than the ARB group (2.1% vs. 5.0%, p=0.012). In multivariate analysis, ACEI vs. ARB was an independent predictor of the lower incidence for NODM (odd ratio 0.37, confidence interval 0.17-0.79, p=0.010). CONCLUSION: In the present study, compared with ARB, chronic ACEI administration appeared to be associated with a lower incidence of NODM in a series of Asian cardiovascular patients.