Metabolic Syndrome and Related Inflammation, Prevalence, and Predictive Value of C-Reactive Protein in South Asian Youths.

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is widely prevalent in the South Asian (SA) population. The syndrome leads to a high risk of premature atherosclerosis and diabetes. Obesity, specifically abdominal obesity, is a central pathological mechanism of disease in this population. Ethnic-specific modified measurements of waist circumference (WC) have been proposed for the diagnosis in various populations, including those of SA phenotype. We studied the prevalence of MetS and subclinical inflammation in young physically fit students in a major urban city of Pakistan. Specifically, we addressed the new lower WC measurement and its relationship with MetS and inflammation. C-reactive protein (CRP) was measured as a marker for subclinical inflammation. Methods: A total of 509 respondents (mean age 19.86 years) filled out self-administered questionnaires for data collection. Measurements were made by trained nurses using standardized equipment and fasting blood samples were drawn for chemical analysis. Data were verified, tabulated, and statistically analyzed. Results: MetS was identified in 6% of this cohort and 16% had subclinical information as measured by CRP. Higher CRP levels were noted with higher WC and independently identified subjects with MetS. CRP levels of ≥2.2 mg/dL predicted presence of MetS. Conclusions: MetS is widely prevalent in young, otherwise physically fit, individuals. High proportion of this young cohort had evidence of subclinical inflammation as measured by CRP. Increasing WC showed significant correlation with higher CRP levels, level of 2.2 mg/dL independently identified MetS in this cohort.

Trichobezoer: An Unusual Presentation with Congestive Heart Failure.

Description Trichobezoars are impactions of hair that accumulate in the gastrointestinal track and are most often located in the stomach. They are often associated with psychiatric illnesses like trichotillomania and trichophagia, which usually occurs in young and adolescent females. Gastric trichobezoars (GT) are the most common variety of bezoar found in the stomach. The most common complications that arise alongside GT include gastric erosion, ulceration or perforation of the small intestine. Gastric outlet obstruction, obstructive jaundice, pancreatitis and death have been reported, though these complications are rare. We report a 40-year-old female who presented to the hospital with dyspnea on exertion and ankle swellings. She also reported abdominal distension, a 40 pound weight loss, nausea and vomiting. Her examination was remarkable for sinus tachycardia, displaced apex beat and a split second sound. She was suspected of congestive heart failure. Upper endoscopy revealed a large trichobezoar in the antrum and the body of the stomach. She was found to be markedly anemic and in hypothyroid state. She underwent surgical removal of the GT subsequent to stabilization of heart failure. She later admitted to psychiatry a history of hair pulling and swallowing under stressful conditions.