Measurement of Serum Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Triglyceride-Rich Remnant Cholesterol as Independent Predictors of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: Possibilities and Limitations.

The serum low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentration is the dominant clinical parameter to judge a patient's risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Recent evidence supports the theory that cholesterol in serum triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRLs) contributes significantly to the atherogenic risk, independent of LDL-C. Therefore, combined analysis of both targets and adequate treatment may improve prevention of CVD. The validity of TRL-C calculation is solely dependent on the accuracy of the LDL-C measurement. Direct measurement of serum LDL- C is more accurate than established estimation procedures based upon Friedewald, Martin-Hopkins, or Sampson equations. TRL-C can be easily calculated as total C minus high density lipoprotein C (HDL-C) minus LDL-C. Enhanced serum LDL-C or TRL-C concentrations require different therapeutic approaches to lower the atherogenic lipoprotein C. This review describes the different atherogenic lipoproteins and their possible analytical properties and limitations.

Lipidological competence centres and networks: Future perspectives to improve healthcare of patients with disorders of lipid metabolism.

BACKGROUND: Numerous healthcare studies have shown that more than 90% of all patients with dyslipidaemia are not treated adequately. OBJECTIVES: The "Deutsche Gesellschaft zur Bekämpfung von Fettstoffwechselstörungen und ihren Folgeerkrankungen (DGFF)" [German Society of Lipidology], a non-profit professional membership organization, has already made a series of efforts to improve the care of patients suffering from dyslipidaemia. A recent outcome is the nationwide implementation and certification of Lipidological Competence Centres and Networks (LCCNs). METHODS AND RESULTS: By involving numerous external medical cooperation partners and combining the detailed work of different in-house medical specialists, the Medical Care Centre Kempten-Allgäu was able to improve both the diagnosis and treatment of patients exhibiting disorders of lipid metabolism (DLM). This local lipidological network is so successful, that it may serve as a nationwide standard model for outpatient lipidological care. Detailed organizational structures for improved lipidological care which are suitable to provide a template for future guidelines for the certification of LCCNs have been developed by the Medical Care Centre Kempten-Allgäu. Stringent requirements of implementation with respect to medical staff, content and structure, staff training, patient education and public relations as well as to documentation, quality assurance and quality improvement must be fulfilled both by the lipidological competence centre (LCC) and the cooperation partners within the lipidological network (LN). Finally, members of the health care system (e.g. health policy and health insurances) should be involved in this attempt and convinced of financial support. CONCLUSION: The implementation and certification of national LCCNs supported by DGFF could contribute to a comprehensive improvement in the care of patients with dyslipidaemia, resulting in prevention of cardiovascular diseases and reduction of cardiovascular sequelae.

The impact of oral vitamin A derivatives on lipid metabolism - What recommendations can be derived for dealing with this issue in the daily dermatological practice?

Retinoids and vitamin A derivatives have been widely used topically and systemically in the treatment of hyper- and parakeratotic skin diseases, genodermatoses, severe acne, autoimmune diseases (i. e. lupus erythematosus) or cutaneous T-cell lymphoma for more than 30 years. In addition to the desired proliferation-inhibiting, differentiation-inducing and antiinflammatory or sebo-suppressive effects, vitamin A derivatives also affect lipid metabolism. This is shown primarily by an increase of transaminases, triglycerides or cholesterol levels which vary in intensity from patient to patient. The degree of impact on the different parameters of lipid metabolism depends on the nature of the vitamin A derivative on the one hand due to different receptor specific binding interactions (RAR/RXR), while on the other hand posttranslational processes also play a major role. This review paper gives a brief, concise overview of the vitamin A derivatives and possible effects on lipid metabolism that can be expected. Additionally it contains a recommendation for secure handling of abnormal laboratory values before, during and after oral therapy with vitamin A derivatives. The aim of this article is to provide practical help and confidence in dealing with vitamin A derivatives in daily clinical practice. The publication was created in cooperation with the Deutsche Dermatologische Gesellschaft (DDG) and Deutsche Gesellschaft zur Bekämpfung von Fettstoffwechselstörungen und ihren Folgeerkrankungen (DGFF [Lipid-Liga] e. V.).

MRI and MRCP findings of the pancreas in patients with diabetes mellitus: compared analysis with pancreatic exocrine function determined by fecal elastase 1.

GOALS: To review magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) findings in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), with pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, and with combined pancreatic exocrine insufficiency and DM. STUDY: MRI/MRCP findings of 82 consecutive patients with DM (n=28), pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (n=25), and combination of both (n=29) were evaluated and compared with MRI/MRCP findings of 21 healthy volunteers with normal pancreatic exocrine function. Pancreatic exocrine function was determined by fecal elastase 1. MRCP images were evaluated according to the Cambridge classification. MRI of the pancreas was assessed for pancreatic size, signal intensity ratio (SIR), and arterial/venous enhancement ratio (A/V). RESULTS: On MRI, significant difference was present in terms of mean values of pancreatic size (P<0.0001), A/V (P<0.02), and SIR (P<0.005) between the control group and groups of patients with DM, pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, and combined DM and pancreatic exocrine insufficiency. No significant difference was observed between groups of patients with DM and pancreatic exocrine function alone in terms of pancreatic size, A/V, and SIR. Chronic pancreatitis MRCP findings were present with increasing frequency in groups of DM, pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, and combination of both. CONCLUSIONS: MRI/MRCP findings suggesting chronic pancreatitis may exist in patients with DM comparable to patients with pancreatic exocrine insufficiency. The frequency and severity of MRI/MRCP findings increase when the patients have combined DM and pancreatic exocrine insufficiency.

Magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography findings compared with fecal elastase 1 measurement for the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis.

OBJECTIVES: To correlate magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of the pancreas with the pancreatic exocrine function determined by fecal elastase 1 concentration. METHODS: Magnetic resonance imaging and MRCP findings of 81 consecutive patients with clinically suspected chronic pancreatitis and 21 healthy volunteers were evaluated. All subjects underwent MRI/MRCP and fecal elastase 1 testing within 1 to 4 weeks' interval. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography images were evaluated according to Cambridge classification. Magnetic resonance imaging of the pancreas was assessed for pancreatic size, signal, and arterial enhancement. RESULTS: All volunteers had normal fecal elastase 1 levels (>200 microg/g) and normal MRI/MRCP findings. Thirty-one of 56 patients revealed MRI and/or MRCP findings despite normal fecal elastase 1 concentration. Four of 25 patients revealed normal MRI and MRCP findings despite low fecal elastase 1 concentration (<200 microg/g). Magnetic resonance imaging findings of size (P = 0.00001), arterial enhancement (P = 0.00001), and parenchymal signal (P = 0.001) were significantly different among the control group, patients with normal fecal elastase 1 levels, and patients with low fecal elastase 1 levels. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography findings (P = 0.00001), pancreatic size (P = 0.00001), arterial enhancement (P = 0.014), and parenchymal signal (P = 0.004) on MRI correlated with the fecal elastase 1 concentration. CONCLUSIONS: Magnetic resonance imaging/MRCP findings correlate with fecal elastase 1 concentration and may precede pancreatic exocrine insufficiency in the early stages of chronic pancreatitis.

Gallbladder sludge and acute pancreatitis induced by acute hepatitis A.

In this case report, a young woman with gallbladder sludge and acute pancreatitis due to acute hepatitis A (HAV) is presented. She was admitted to our hospital with abnormal hepatic enzymes. Five days prior to her admission, an initial abdominal ultrasound was performed at another hospital and revealed no abnormality, while her serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level was at the upper limit of normal (ULN) x 8. A second ultrasound was performed at our hospital and revealed a gallbladder wall thickness (9.3 mm), gallbladder sludge in the gallbladder lumen, pancreatic edema, ascites, and hepatomegaly while AST was at the ULN x 50. Magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography revealed imaging features of an acute stage of pancreatitis and gallbladder wall thickness with coexisting sludge in the gallbladder lumen. HAV infection was diagnosed by the detection of immunoglobulin M against HAV in the serum. The patient underwent two repeated abdominal ultrasound examinations on the 5th (AST was at the ULN x 3) and the 20th days (AST was at the normal) after her discharge, and both revealed normal findings. In our case, we observed reversible changes in the hepatobiliary and pancreatic system which was related to the severity of hepatic necro-inflammation. HAV-associated pancreatitis may be due to the formation of biliary sludge during the acute phase of the viral illness, but this association needs further investigation.

Prevalence and determinants of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency among older adults: results of a population-based study.

OBJECTIVE: The prevalence and main determinants of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency were investigated in a large population-based sample of older adults by measuring pancreatic elastase-1 in stool. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study comprised 914 participants aged 50 to 75 years recruited by their general practitioner during a general health examination. All participants and their physicians were asked to fill out a standardized questionnaire which contained information on socio-demographic and lifestyle factors as well as medical history. Native stool was examined for pancreatic elastase-1 with a commercially available ELISA (ScheBo Tech, Giessen, Germany). RESULTS: Overall, 524 women and 390 men aged 50 to 75 years (mean age 61.9 years) were included in the analysis. In total, 105 (11.5%) of the 914 subjects showed signs of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) with =200 microg elastase-1/g stool, and 47 (5.1%) subjects showed signs of a severe exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (SEPI, < 100 microg elastase-1/g stool). There was a clear increase in EPI with age. Patients taking angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors had a lower prevalence than subjects without this medication; these associations persisted after adjustment for covariates. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of EPI increases with age and seems to be tentatively higher in men than in women. However, smoking seems to be an independent risk factor for EPI and SEPI whereas ACE-inhibitor intake might be a protective factor. The latter finding may even point to new options in the treatment of chronic pancreatitis.

Impact of migration on Helicobacter pylori seroprevalence in the offspring of Turkish immigrants in Germany.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection rates differ markedly between distinct populations. Consistent with previous findings of high seroprevalences in less developed countries, Turkish people have been reported to constitute a high-risk population. H. pylori prevalence rates have tended to be lower in Turkish individuals living in Germany for more than one generation. We conducted a seroepidemiological study to determine the impact of ethnicity, environmental setting, and sociodemographic factors on H. pylori seropositivity. Three subgroups were recruited encompassing 675 Germans (402 males, 273 females), 260 Turkish people born and raised in Germany (145 males, 115 females) and 148 Turkish people living in Turkey (91 males, 57 females), Ages ranged from newborn to a maximum of 30 years in all subgroups. H. pylori immunoglobulin G serum antibodies were determined by a commercial ELISA. H. pylori age-adjusted overall seroprevalence clearly differed between Germans (13.1%) and Turkish subgroups, with prevalences of 30.4% (Turks in Germany) and 44.5% (Turks in Turkey) seropositive individuals (p<0.001). Infection occurred at a younger age in Turks independent of country. Besides age, ethnicity was the only independent and significant predictor of H. pylori seropositivity using multiple logistic regression analysis (odds ratio 2.5; 1.3-5.0 95% confidence interval CI). Place of residence and number of children tended to influence H. pylori seroprevalence but without achieving statistical significance. Our data suggest that high H. pylori seroprevalence in Turkish people depends on factors that are only insignificantly influenced by migration. The causal environmental factors within this cohort and/or sociocultural practices that perpetuate and encourage the spread of infection remain to be identified.

Juxtapapillary diverticulum: findings on CT and MRI.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of juxtapapillary diverticulum. CT and/or MRI examinations of 12 patients were evaluated. The size, location of the diverticula and imaging findings of associated pancreaticobiliary disease were assessed. On CT, oral contrast air level was the characteristic imaging feature. On MRI, T2-weighted images demonstrated the air fluid level with hyperintense fluid and signal void air level above. Associated imaging findings were dilated common bile duct (CBD), cholecystitis, cholecystolithiasis and chronic pancreatitis.

Juxtapapillary diverticulum: findings on MRI.

The purpose of our study was to describe the imaging findings of juxtapapillary diverticulum on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The MRI and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) examinations of 14 patients with juxtapapillary diverticula that were diagnosed on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) (N = 8) or endoscopy (N = 6) were retrospectively evaluated. T1-weighted spoiled gradient-echo, T2-weighted half Fourier single shot fast spin-echo (HASTE), and T2-weighted True FISP (fast imaging with steady state precession) images and thin-slice MRCP images were obtained on all patients. In five patients, diluted gadolinium DPTA (1/100) was used as an oral contrast. T2-weighted True FISP and HASTE images demonstrated air-fluid levels within all diverticula. Hyperintense oral contrast on T1-weighted spoiled gradient-echo images aided detection of the smaller diverticula. MRCP images obtained in the coronal plane best demonstrated the relationship of the diverticula to the papilla. MRI with the use of HASTE, True FISP, and oral contrast-enhanced T1-weighted sequences was able to depict juxtapapillary diverticula in our series.