Novel Biomarkers for the diagnosis of diabetic nephropathy.

Diabetes mellitus and its complications are a known public health problem nowadays. Diabetic nephropathy is one of the main complications and the result of multiple mechanisms, including: activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, formation of advanced glycation end products and chronic inflammation that led to glomerular and tubulo-interstitial damage producing mesangial expansion and glomerulosclerosis, which finally results in chronic kidney disease. Early detection of diabetic nephropathy is essential for adequate intervention to stop, or at least slow down its progression. Multiple markers have been described, not only the classic ones such as serum creatinine, urea, and albuminuria, but at this point also novel biomarkers such as neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, tumor necrosis factor 1 receptor and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, among others. The aim of this article was to provide an update review of the role of biomarkers in the diagnosis of diabetic nephropathy.

Diffuse interstitial fibrosis assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance is associated with dispersion of ventricular repolarization in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is characterized by myocyte hypertrophy, disarray, fibrosis, and increased risk for ventricular arrhythmias. Increased QT dispersion has been reported in patients with HCM, but the underlying mechanisms have not been completely elucidated. In this study, we examined the relationship between diffuse interstitial fibrosis, replacement fibrosis, QTc dispersion and ventricular arrhythmias in patients with HCM. We hypothesized that fibrosis would slow impulse propagation and increase dispersion of ventricular repolarization, resulting in increased QTc dispersion on surface electrocardiogram (ECG) and ventricular arrhythmias. METHODS: ECG and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) image analyses were performed retrospectively in 112 patients with a clinical diagnosis of HCM. Replacement fibrosis was assessed by measuring late gadolinium (Gd) enhancement (LGE), using a semi-automated threshold technique. Diffuse interstitial fibrosis was assessed by measuring T1 relaxation times after Gd administration, using the Look-Locker sequence. QTc dispersion was measured digitally in the septal/anterior (V1-V4), inferior (II, III, and aVF), and lateral (I, aVL, V5, and V6) lead groups on surface ECG. RESULTS: All patients had evidence of asymmetric septal hypertrophy. LGE was evident in 70 (63%) patients; the median T1 relaxation time was 411±38 ms. An inverse correlation was observed between T1 relaxation time and QTc dispersion in leads V1-V4 (p<0.001). Patients with HCM who developed sustained ventricular tachycardia had slightly higher probability of increased QTc dispersion in leads V1-V4 (odds ratio, 1.011 [1.004-1.0178, p=0.003). We found no correlation between presence and percentage of LGE and QTc dispersion. CONCLUSION: Diffuse interstitial fibrosis is associated with increased dispersion of ventricular repolarization in leads, reflecting electrical activity in the hypertrophied septum. Interstitial fibrosis combined with ion channel/gap junction remodeling in the septum could lead to inhomogeneity of ventricular refractoriness, resulting in increased QTc dispersion in leads V1-V4.

Diferencia elevada de presión arterial interbraquial: Frecuencia y factores clínicos y demográficos / High difference of inter-arm blood pressure measurements: frequency and clinical and demographic factors

La diferencia elevada de presión arterial interbraquial (DEPAI) podría predecir eventos cardiovasculares adversos. Objetivos: Conocer la frecuencia de DEPAI y describir factores clínicos y demográficos relacionados. Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo transversal. Muestra aleatoria de 211 pacientes de un hospital público de Lima. Se tomó la presión arterial tres veces, de forma simultánea en ambos brazos, con dos tensiómetros automáticos OMROM HEM-705CP propiamente calibrados, estando el paciente en posición sentada, con un reposo previo de cinco minutos. Se recolectaron datos demográficos y clínicos. Se estableció la DEPAI sistólica (≥10 mm Hg y ≥ 20 mm Hg) y diastólica (≥ 10 mm Hg). Se consideró las tres tomas y sólo las dos últimas. Se empleó las pruebas de Chi Cuadrado o Exacta de Fisher y el coeficiente de correlación puntual biserial para variables cualitativas y cuantitativas, respectivamente. Resultados: La edad promedio fue 48,92 ± 16,75 años. El 67,3% fue de sexo femenino. 23,08% de los participantes fueron obesos; 19,23%, hipertensos y 13,42%, fumadores. Según los punto de corte y cantidad de medidas consideradas, las frecuencias de DEPAI sistólica fueron 40,38%, 30,29%, 15,88% y12,98%; y las de DEPAI diastólica 13% y 10,1%. Hubo correlación entre DEPAI y HTA e IMC (p<0,05). Conclusiones: La frecuencia de DEPAI en un hospital de Lima es similar a la encontrada en otros medios. Este estudio encontró una asociación estadística de DEPAI con el IMC y HTA, pero se necesitan más estudios con poblaciones más grandes para conocer la relación de esta variable con predictores conocidos de morbilidad y mortalidad. (AU)

High difference of inter-arm blood pressure (HDIABP) measurements could predict adverse cardiovascular events. Objectives: To determine the frequency of HDIABP and to describe clinical and demographic factors related to it. Methods: Cross sectional study. A random sample of 211 patients from a public hospital in Lima was taken. Blood pressure was measured three times, simultaneously in both arms with two automated sphygmomanometers OMROM HEM705CP properly calibrated, with the patient seated with at least 5 minutes of previous resting. Clinical and demographic data were collected. Systolic HDIABP was defined as ≥ 10 mmHg and ≥ 20 mmHg, and diastolic HDIABP as ≥ 10 mmHg. Chi square test and Fisher´s exact test were used, as well as the correlation coefficient for qualitative and quantitative data. Results: Mean age was 48.92 ± 16.75 years; 67.3% were females; 23.08% were obese; 19.23% had blood hypertension and 13.42% were smokers. The frequencies of systolic and diastolic HDIABP were 40.38%, 30.29%, 15.88%, 12.98% and 13%, 10.1%. There was correlation between HDIABP and body mass index (p<0.05). Conclusions: The frequency of HDIABP found is similar than that reported elsewhere. We found and association between HDIABP and body mass index, but more studies are needed to determine a true association between these two variables. (AU)

Hipotensión ortostática en el adulto mayor: Frecuencia y factores asociados / Orthostatic hypotension in the elder: Frequency and associated factors

No existen descripciones locales de hipotensión ortostática (HO). Los criterios diagnósticos no están uniformizados ni basados en evidencias. La presencia de hipotensión ortostática es un factor de riesgo independiente de mortalidadcardiovascular. Objetivos: Determinar la frecuencia de hipotensión ortostática en el adulto mayor, el tiempo en el que ocurre y describir sus características clínicas y demográficas. Material y métodos: Fueron incluidos 280 adultos mayores sin enfermedad aterosclerótica, metabólica o inmunológica clínicamente evidente. La presión arterial fue medida con un monitor ambulatorio OMRON serie HEM 705-CP con calibración vigente. Tras reposo de 5 minutos en decúbito dorsal, se determinó la presión arterial basal y luego de pararse se midió la presión en cada minuto durante 5 minutos. Se consignaron los síntomas asociados al cambio de postura.Resultados: Cuarenta y siete(16,79%) pacientes presentaron HO. La hipotensión ortostática fue sistólica en 74,7%, diastólica en 8,51% y sisto-diastólica en 17,02% de los casos. No se encontró asociación entre HO y edad, género, índice de masa corporal, ser hipertenso y recibir medicación antihipertensiva. La HO fue más frecuente en los que tenían PAS basal ≥180mmHg (p<0,001). En 61,7% la HO ocurrió en el primer minuto.Conclusiones: La hipotensión ortostática es una condición frecuente en el adulto mayor, es más frecuentecon PAS basal ≥ 180 mmHg y más del 80% ocurre en los primeros3 minutos

There is no local data on orthostatic hypotension (OH). The diagnostic criteria of OH are not standardized and are not based on good evidence. OH is an independent risk factor for cardio-vascular mortality. Objectives: To determine the frequency of OH in the elder, and to describe its clinical and demographic features. Methods: 280-elder patients without clinical evidence of atherosclerotic, metabolic or immunologic diseases were included. Blood pressure measurements were performed with an ambulatory monitor OMRON-HEM 705-CP recently callibrated. Baseline blood pressure was measured after resting the patient in the supine position for five minutes. Then, the blood pressure was measured every minute with the patient in the standing position. Symptoms associated with change in position were recorded. Results: 47 patients (16.79%) presented OH. OH was systolic in 74.7%; diastolic in 8.51%, and systo-diastolic in 17.02%. No association was found between age, gender, body mass index, blood hypertension and receiving medication for blood hypertension and OH. OH was more frequent in patients with baseline systolic pressure greater than or equal to 180mmHg (p<0.001). OH occurred in the first minute measurement in 61.7% of cases. Conclusions: OH is frequent among elder patients, it is more frequent among those with baseline blood pressures greater than or equal to 180 mmHg, and it happens in more than 80% of cases in the first 3 minute measurements.