Impact of Anaemia on HbA1c Interpretation Among Normogylcaemic Individuals With Diabetes Mellitus: A Clinical Laboratory Observational Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Over the past decades, glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) has been a gold standard for monitoring diabetes control over a long period, relative to blood glucose level (BGL) which measures short-term results. It is speculated that anaemia and factors that induce haemolysis may cause falsely elevated HbA1c leading to 'false positive' interpretations. This study aimed to investigate how anaemia impacts HbA1c. METHODS: This was a pathology-based observational pilot study using archived data of diabetic subjects monitored with both BGL and HbA1c in regional New South Wales (NSW), Australia. A total of 28,487 cases of blood glucose results were pooled and those with HbA1c and anaemia results were evaluated for correlation with the BGL results. Data collection was limited to de-identified information from the laboratory information system, hence details on the ethnicity and medical history were unavailable. Descriptive frequencies and Pearson correlations were performed. RESULTS: In the pooled data, 53.36% of individuals were females, and 50.54% had BGL ≥5.6 mmol/L. In the pilot dataset, the majority (64.86%) were males, 18.92% with BGL ≤5.6 mmol/L and 67.57% had HbA1c (≥6.5%). In the entire dataset, BGL was moderately and positively correlated with HbA1c (r = 0.6), whereas in the subset of individuals with normo-BGL and anaemia, the correlation was negative (r = -0.2). DISCUSSION: This pilot investigation observed a pertinent issue, which is a negative correlation between glycaemia and HbA1c in patients with anaemia. HbA1c was falsely increased despite normal blood glucose levels in individuals with anaemia. This advances the speculation that anaemia falsely increases HbA1c. Therefore, caution is necessary while interpreting HbA1c results for patients with anaemia, and new methods for interpretation are required.

Cost-effectiveness of community diabetes screening: Application of Akaike information criterion in rural communities of Nigeria.

Background: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is increasing globally, and this requires several approaches to screening. There are reports of alternative indices for prediction of DM, besides fasting blood glucose (FBG) level. This study, investigated the ability of combination of biochemical and anthropometric parameters and orodental disease indicators (ODIs) to generate models for DM prediction, using Akaike information criterion (AIC) to substantiate health economics of diabetes screening. Methods: Four hundred and thirty-three subjects were enrolled in the study in Ndokwa communities, Delta State, Nigeria, and their glycaemic status was determined, using the CardioChek analyser® and previous data from the Prediabetes and Cardiovascular Complications Study were also used. The cost of screening for diabetes (NGN 300 = $0.72) in a not-for-profit organization/hospital was used as basis to calculate the health economics of number of individuals with DM in 1,000 participants. Data on the subjects' anthropometric, biochemical and ODI parameters were used to generate different models, using R statistical software (version 4.0.0). The different models were evaluated for their AIC values. Lowest AIC was considered as best model. Microsoft Excel software (version 2020) was used in preliminary analysis. Result: The cost of identifying <2 new subjects with hyperglycemia, in 1,000 people was ≥NGN 300,000 ($ 716). A total of 4,125 models were generated. AIC modeling indicates FBG test as the best model (AIC = 4), and the least being combination of random blood sugar + waist circumference + hip circumference (AIC ≈ 34). Models containing ODI parameters had AIC values >34, hence considered as not recommendable. Conclusion: The cost of general screening for diabetes in rural communities may appear high and burdensome in terms of health economics. However, the use of prediction models involving AIC is of value in terms of cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness to the healthcare consumers, which favors health economics.

Reference intervals for venous blood gas measurement in adults.

OBJECTIVES: Venous blood gas (VBG) analysis is becoming a popular alternative to arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis due to reduced risk of complications at phlebotomy and ease of draw. In lack of published data, this study aimed to establish reference intervals (RI) for correct interpretation of VBG results. METHODS: One hundred and 51 adult volunteers (101 females, 50 males, 18-70 years) were enrolled after completion of a health questionnaire. Venous blood was drawn into safePICO syringes and analysed on ABL827 blood gas analyser (Radiometer Pacific Pty. Ltd.). A non-parametric approach was used to directly establish the VBG RI which was compared to a calculated VBG RI based on a meta-analysis of differences between ABG and VBG. RESULTS: After exclusions, 134 results were used to derive VBG RI: pH 7.30-7.43, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) 38-58 mmHg, partial pressure of oxygen (pO2) 19-65 mmHg, bicarbonate (HCO3-) 22-30 mmol/L, sodium 135-143 mmol/L, potassium 3.6-4.5 mmol/L, chloride 101-110 mmol/L, ionised calcium 1.14-1.29 mmol/L, lactate 0.4-2.2 mmol/L, base excess (BE) -1.9-4.5 mmol/L, saturated oxygen (sO2) 23-93%, carboxyhaemoglobin 0.4-1.4% and methaemoglobin 0.3-0.9%. The meta-analysis revealed differences between ABG and VBG for pH, HCO3-, pCO2 and pO2 of 0.032, -1.0 mmol/L, -4.2 and 39.9 mmHg, respectively. Using this data along with established ABG RI, calculated VBG RI of pH 7.32-7.42, HCO3- 23 - 27 mmol/L, pCO2 36-49 mmHg (female), pCO2 39-52 mmHg (male) and pO2 43-68 mmHg were formulated and compared to the VBG RI of this study. CONCLUSIONS: An adult reference interval has been established to assist interpretation of VBG results.

Does a hospital diabetes inpatient service reduce blood glucose and HbA1c levels? A prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes education is believed to bring about sustained benefits in diabetes mellitus (DM) patient outcomes. These benefits have not been widely studied in an inpatient hospital setting, and as such the aim was to determine whether a hospital diabetes in-service, and specifically diabetes education, results in reduced blood glucose and HbA1c levels after hospital discharge. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A cohort review was performed at a large teaching hospital, in Canberra, Australia. Sixty seven patients comprising 35 males and 32 females who were referred upon discharge to the Diabetes Services as having a history of uncontrolled DM from February 1st, 2015 until January 31st, 2016 were evaluated. The retrospective discharge blood glucose level (BGL) was compared to prospective BGL 3 months after hospital discharge. HbA1c was prospectively taken before and 3 months after Diabetes Service education. A between subjects t-Test was used to compare patients' glucose and HbA1c averages. RESULTS: The average discharge BGL result was 13.3 mmol/L, compared to the post-discharge result of 11.2 mmol/L, indicating a significant decrease (p = < 0.01). The average pre-HbA1c result was 10.45%, and decreased to the post-HbA1c result of 8.96%, which was significant (p = <0.05). CONCLUSION: This study is the first to measure the direct glucose adherence benefits associated DM education within Australia and provides evidence on the effectiveness of a Diabetes Service in reducing patient BGLs. Utilisation of Diabetes Services to control glycaemia encourages ongoing efforts and translates to reduced micro and macro cardiovascular risk factors associated with DM.

Diet and lifestyle habits: Association with cardiovascular disease indices in a Nigerian sub-population.

BACKGROUND: There is inadequate evidence regarding the pattern of unhealthy lifestyle behaviours in Nigeria hence the aim of this study was to assess the pattern of lifestyle-related habits that predispose to risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) indices in a Nigerian population. METHODS: A population-based cross-sectional study was carried out on 422 apparently healthy males and females ≥18 years old. The World Health Organisation (WHO) STEPwise questionnaire was used to collect information on tobacco use or smoking habits, alcohol consumption and dietary habits. Logistic regression analysis was employed. RESULTS: 22.8% and 30.2% of participants indicated that someone smoked in their home and/or in closed areas at workplace, respectively, in the past 30 days. 225/422 admitted to taking alcohol including 72% within the past 12 months. 52.8% of the participants consumed <5 servings of fruits and/or vegetables each day. Results further showed that participants with <5 servings of fruits and/or vegetables (OR: 1.06, CI: 1.01-1.13, p = 0.028) and high level of alcohol consumption (OR: 1.85, CI: 1.18-2.88, p = 0.007) were more likely to have hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: The relatively high prevalence of alcohol consumption and apparent unhealthy diet are of huge concern given the increasing prevalence of CVD indices in the population.

Adherence to blood pressure and glucose recommendations in chronic kidney disease hospital inpatients: Clinical inertia and patient adherence.

AIMS: To determine the extent to which targets for blood pressure (BP) (<140.90 mmHg) and random blood glucose level (BGL) (<7.7 mmol/L) control in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are achieved; and the extent clinical inertia affects BP and glucose control in CKD and diabetes mellitus (DM). METHODS: Data was collected from the 1st January 2015 until 31st December 2015 on key patient pathology, admission reason, final discharge diagnosis, and information concerning clinical guideline adherence. RESULTS: Eighty-seven (n = 87) CKD patients were included. The average hospital BP for all CKD patients was 134.3/73.4 mmHg, adhering to recommendations of <140/90 mmHg. The average CKD patient pre-admission BP was 134.8/72.2 mmHg compared to the discharge BP of 129.8/72.2 mmHg. At admission, 63.3% and 93.1% of patients adhered to systolic and diastolic BP recommendations, which significantly (p = < .05) increased at discharge to a systolic and diastolic BP adherence of 83.9% and 98.8%, respectively. The average random hospital BGL was 7.7 mmol/L, indicating good control, whereas the pre-hospital HbA1c average was 7.58%, indicating poor control (>7.0% >53 mmol/mol). There were 21 cases of clinical inertia, affecting 18 out of 87 patients (20.7%), with significant adverse hospital discharge differences (p = <.05) between clinical inertia and non- clinical inertia patient systolic BP (144.2 vs. 132.8 mmHg), deranged BGL (66.7% vs. 35.3%), and reduction in kidney function (83.3% vs. 30.9%). CONCLUSION: Adherence appears to be related to inpatient clinical inertia and outpatient patient health literacy and empowerment.

Blood glucose and pressure controls in diabetic kidney disease: Narrative review of adherence, barriers and evidence of achievement.

AIMS: To review the epidemiology and the clinical evidence regarding achieving blood pressure (BP) and blood glucose control in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and diabetes mellitus (DM), with emphasis on adherence and barriers within the context of Australian clinical guidelines. This article then considers Australian services aimed at BP, DM, and CKD, guideline adherence and control. METHODS: Evidence from PubMed-listed articles published between 1994 and 2016 is considered, including original research, focusing on randomised controlled trials and prospective studies, review articles, meta- analyses, expert and professional bodies' guidelines as well as our experience. RESULTS: There have been no Australian studies that consider adherence to BP control in DM and CKD patients. This is a major limitation in preventing DM and renal disease progression. It is possible that Australian clinicians are not adhering to DM, hypertension (HT), and glucose recommendations, thus resulting in reduced patient outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: It is hoped that future studies ascertain the extent to which the required BP and glucose control in patients is achieved, and the potential barriers to adherence. The significance of this is immense since the impact of failure to control blood glucose levels and BP leads to renal damage.

Services aimed at achieving desirable clinical outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease and diabetes mellitus: A narrative review.

There is a large number of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), diabetes mellitus (DM), and hypertension (HT) but whether the targets on blood pressure (BP) control in patients with DM and/or CKD are met is not clear. This narrative review therefore investigated evidence on services aimed at achieving desirable clinical results in patients with CKD and DM, and HT in Australia. Literature pertaining to pathology diagnosis and management of these patients as well as the complexities in management were considered. This involved evidence from PubMed-listed articles published between 1993 and 2016 including original research studies, focusing on randomised controlled trials and prospective studies where possible, systematic and other review articles, meta- analyses, expert consensus documents and specialist society guidelines, such as those from the National Heart Foundation of Australia, American Diabetes Association, the Department of Health, The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia, and The Australasian College of Emergency Medicine. Based on the literature reviewed, it is yet unknown as to how effective programs, such as diabetes inpatient services, endocrine out-patient services, and cardiac rehabilitation services, are at achieving guideline recommendations. It is also not clear how or whether clinicians are encumbered by complexities in their efforts of adhering to DM, HT, and glucose control recommendations, and the potential reasons for clinical inertia. Future studies are needed to ascertain the extent to which required BP and glucose control in patients is achieved, and whether clinical inertia is a barrier.

Prevalence of hyperglycemia and risk factors for orodental disease in Nigeria: Implications of opportunistic screening.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with complications and orodental disease. Whether screening for DM during orodental health visits is a potential option is yet to be established in Nigeria. This study aims at assessing the prevalence of hyperglycemia in orodental disease as a clinical scenario to capitalize for opportunistic screening. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was undertaken in Catholic Hospital Abbi for Ndokwa communities and dental clinic of Eku Baptist Government Hospital, all in Nigeria. However, 474 individuals (433 community-based and 41 dental clinic-based) including 10 orodental cases were screened for hyperglycemia and waist-hip circumference indices. Blood lipid profiles were also performed. Based on fasting blood glucose levels, participants were grouped into non-diabetic (n = 172), prediabetic (n = 168), and diabetic (n = 78). A World Health Organization questionnaire on oral health was used to collect information on orodental disease risk factors. Data were analyzed with IBM SPSS 22 statistical package. RESULTS: In the community-based cohort, the prevalence of hyperglycemia was 56.8%, including 38.8% prediabetes and 18.0% undiagnosed DM (UDM). In the dental-based group, 63.4% were hyperglycemic including 53.7% prediabetes and 9.7% UDM. There was significant difference (P < 0.05) in the ages of the participants in relation to glycemic status, with 17-29 years having the highest prevalence of UDM. However, 42.5% of the community-based clients had indication(s) of orodental disease. CONCLUSION: This is probably the first study to highlight higher prevalence of hyperglycemia from screening at a dental setting compared to general clinic. Opportunistic screening of DM in dental settings may be an option to consider during clients' orodental health visits.

Outpatient cardiac rehabilitation: Effects on patient improvement outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if the Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program had positive effects on the patient medically as well as effects on pathological risk factors, functional capacity, and mental health; and the extent to which targets for blood pressure (BP) control in patients with hypertension (HT) and diabetes mellitus (DM) are achieved. METHODOLOGY: CR participant data was collected from 1st June 2014 until 31st December 2015 (19 months), which included: demographics, medical history, social history, medications, lipid profiles and anthropometric measurements. Additional data was collected on The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) factors, and on the participants 6min walk test (6MWT). Study participants were eligible to participate in the study if they attended 10 or more CR program sessions out of 12 at the Calvary Public Hospital Canberra. RESULTS: Seventy nine (79) participants participated in the study. Significant reductions in BP (n=79) (p=<0.05), blood LDL cholesterol levels (n=26) (p=<0.05), and improvements in participants PHQ-9 scores (n=79) (p=<0.001), and their 6MWT (n=78) (p=<0.001) were noted. Participants were also able to better manage their medication (p=<0.05). Importantly, results indicated that significant improvements (p=<0.05) were made in DM patients (n=18) diastolic BP, physical ability and depression and anxiety. CONCLUSION: A CR program can reduce risk factors associated with CVD, and improves mental health and physical fitness of participants. RESULTS: Indicated that the CR program reduces DM patient risk factors through improved physical fitness and reductions in depression and anxiety, leading to reduced risk of future cardiovascular and renal disease.

Prediabetes and cardiovascular complications screening in Nigeria: A family case presentation.

Metabolic disorders are on the increase globally, and the need for screening remains imperative. This case report is of a 48-year-old man who was screened as dyslipidaemic and on metabolic syndrome prevention, precipitating screening of family relatives. The extended family members (N=11) were invited for screening, of which 4 were hyperglycaemic, 3 had hypercholesterolaemia; and the HDL levels of 6 participants were abnormal. All family members had normal plasma triglyceride levels, and 4 people had high blood pressure. There was an indication that 55% members of a family had up to two metabolic disorders or risk factors including dyslipidaemia that may predispose them to CVD; as well as family history of periodontitis in the family. This pilot study plans to follow-up its association with dyslipidaemia as well as with prediabetes. The feasibility of using simple and affordable screening test for diabetes in oral health clinics and vice versa, including review of observations of technical importance relevant to pathology logistics will be investigated.

Cardiovascular disease risk factors in a Nigerian population with impaired fasting blood glucose level and diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and there are reports of increasing prevalence of prediabetes in Nigeria. This study therefore characterised CVDs risk factors in subjects with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and diabetes. METHODS: Data from 4 population-based cross-sectional studies on 2447 apparently healthy individuals from 18 - 89 years were analysed. Anthropometric, blood pressure and biochemical parameters were collected and classified. Individuals with IFG (prediabetes) and diabetes were merged each for positive cases of dyslipidaemia, high blood pressure (HBP) or obesity. Optimal Discriminant and Hierarchical Optimal Classification Tree Analysis (HO-CTA) were employed. RESULTS: Overall prevalence of IFG and diabetes were 5.8% (CI: 4.9 - 6.7%) and 3.1% (CI: 2.4 - 3.8%), respectively. IFG co-morbidity with dyslipidaemia (5.0%; CI: 4.1 - 5.8%) was the highest followed by overweight/obese (3.1%; CI: 2.5 - 3.8%) and HBP (1.8%; CI: 1.3 - 2.4%). The predicted age of IFG or diabetes and their co-morbidity with other CVD risk factors were between 40 - 45 years. Elevated blood level of total cholesterol was the most predictive co-morbid risk factor among IFG and diabetes subjects. Hypertriglyceridaemia was an important risk factor among IFG-normocholesterolaemic-overweight/obese individuals. CONCLUSION: The higher prevalence of co-morbidity of CVD risk factors with IFG than in diabetes plus the similar age of co-morbidity between IFG and diabetes highlights the need for risk assessment models for prediabetes and education of individuals at risk about factors that mitigate development of diabetes and CVDs.

Co-morbidity of Diabetes Mellitus and Orodental Diseases in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Although several epidemiological studies have reported an association between diabetes mellitus (DM) and orodental health. However, the occurrence of the co-morbidity of both diseases has been more of suspicion than evidence-based. DM is a serious public health concern globally, and in Nigeria. Studies have separately documented the prevalence of DM and orodental diseases, but data lack to adequately rationalise co-morbidity of both diseases. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to report evidence of co-morbidity of DM and orodental diseases in Nigeria. METHOD: Data published between December, 1970 and June, 2015 were used in writing the review. These data were collated from electronic literature archives and databases. RESULT: This review suggests evidence of the association of DM and orodental diseases. It revealed that both diseases are densely distributed in South-East, South-South and South-West geopolitical zones of Nigeria, and sparsely spread across other regions of the country. CONCLUSION: Co-morbidity of both diseases holds promise that will favour public health practice, especially in Nigeria. It is hoped that the association may lead to the establishment of a cost-effective DM screening protocol in Nigeria. Again, screening of DM in dentistries and vice versa may be possible through the relationship of both diseases. It is recommended that the driving force of the co-morbidity be investigated.

Hemorheological parameters better classify metabolic syndrome than novel cardiovascular risk factors and peripheral vascular disease marker.

The present study compares the association of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) with hemorheological parameters, oxidative stress, inflammation and peripheral arterial disease markers. 100 participants were recruited and participants were divided into three groups on the basis of absence or presence of MetS and its components. Odds ratio for correctly predicting MetS was highest for erythrocyte aggregation followed by erythrocyte deformability. ROC curve analysis demonstrated that all the hemorheological components significantly classified MetS participants. Area Under Curve was higher for the hemorheological parameters (erythrocyte aggregation and erythrocyte deformability) than for the oxidative stress, inflammation and peripheral arterial disease markers. The possibilities of the hemorheological components to be identified as better cardiovascular risk markers due to their strong association with MetS cannot be precluded from the present findings.

Maximum accuracy obesity indices for screening metabolic syndrome in Nigeria: A consolidated analysis of four cross-sectional studies.

BACKGROUND: In sub-Saharan Africa, there is no precise use of metabolic syndrome (MetS) definitions and risk factors screening indices in many clinical and public health services. Methods proposed and used in Western populations are adopted without validation within the local settings. The aim of the study is to assess obesity indices and cut-off values that maximise screening of MetS and risk factors in the Nigerian population. METHOD: A consolidated analysis of 2809 samples from four population-based cross-sectional study of apparently healthy persons≥18 years was carried out. Optimal waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) cut points for diagnosing MetS and risk factors were determined using Optimal Data Analysis (ODA) model. The stability of the predictions of the models was also assessed. RESULTS: Overall mean values of BMI, WC and WHtR were 24.8±6.0kgm(-2), 84.0±11.3cm and 0.52±0.1 respectively. Optimal WC cut-off for discriminating MetS and diabetes was 83cm in females and 85cm in males, and 82cm in females and 89cm in males, respectively. WC was stable in discriminating diabetes than did WHtR and BMI, while WHtR showed better stability in predicting MetS than WC and BMI. CONCLUSION: The study shows that the optimal WC that maximises classification accuracy of MetS differs from that currently used for sub-Saharan ethnicity. The proposed global WHtR of 0.50 may misclassify MetS, diabetes and hypertension. Finally, the WC is a better predictor of diabetes, while WHtR is a better predictor of MetS in this sample population.

Mechanical insufflation-exsufflation: Practice patterns among respiratory therapists in Ontario.

BACKGROUND: The mechanical insufflator-exsufflator (MIE) is effective in assisting cough and in helping to avoid unplanned hospitalizations, tracheostomy and long-term ventilation in patients with neuromuscular disease or spinal cord injury. Despite this, the availability and usage of the device in Canada is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To investigate practice patterns and availability of the MIE in Ontario hospitals. METHODS: A cross-sectional, self-administered mail survey was sent to a random sample of 400 respiratory therapists practicing in 96 Ontario hospitals. RESULTS: A total of 114 (28%) completed surveys were returned from 62 (65%) hospitals. Twenty (32%) hospitals had a MIE. The respiratory therapist was the predominant health care provider using the MIE. The device was most commonly used in the intensive care unit, and medical/surgical units in patients with neuromuscular diseases or spinal cord injuries. Optimal pressure spans of 35 cmH2O to 40 cmH2O were used by 54% of respondents. Fourteen of the 20 hospitals with an MIE had policies or guidelines in place, and four of these hospitals had established staff competencies. Measurements of peak cough flow, maximal inspiratory/expiratory pressure and vital capacity were reported to be infrequently performed. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated that the MIE device is not widely available in Ontario hospitals and there are variations in how the devices are applied, possibly resulting in suboptimal therapy. A comprehensive educational program about MIE devices that incorporates best practices and a practical component is recommended for current providers as well as for inclusion in student curricula.

HISTORIQUE: L'insufflateur-exsufflateur mécanique (IEM) est efficace pour soulager la toux et éviter des hospitalisations non planifiées, des trachéotomies et une ventilation prolongée chez des patients ayant une maladie neuromusculaire ou un traumatisme médullaire. Pourtant, on ne sait pas quel est l'accès à l'IEM et quelle en est l'utilisation au Canada. OBJECTIF: Examiner les modes de pratique et l'accès à l'IEM dans les hôpitaux ontariens. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Un sondage transversal autoadministré a été posté à un échantillon aléatoire de 400 inhalothérapeutes qui exerçaient dans 96 hôpitaux ontariens. RÉSULTATS: Au total, 62 hôpitaux (65 %) ont remis 114 sondages remplis (28 %). Vingt hôpitaux (32 %) avaient un IEM. L'inhalothérapeute était le principal dispensateur de soins à l'utiliser. L'appareil était surtout utilisé à l'unité de soins intensifs, et aux unités médicales et chirurgicales auprès de patients ayant une maladie neuromusculaire ou un traumatisme médullaire. De plus, 54 % des répondants utilisaient des intervalles de pression optimaux de 35 cm d'eau à 40 cm d'eau. Quatorze des 20 hôpitaux ayant un IEM s'étaient dotés de politiques ou de lignes directrices, et quatre avaient établi des compétences pour le personnel. Le débit de toux de pointe, la pression inspiratoire ou expiratoire maximale et la capacité vitale étaient peu mesurés. CONCLUSIONS: La présente étude démontre que l'accès à l'IEM n'est pas généralisé dans les hôpitaux ontariens et que l'utilisation de cet appareil varie, ce qui s'associe peut-être à un traitement sous-optimal. Il est recommandé de préparer un programme de formation complet sur les IEM, qui allierait les pratiques exemplaires et un volet pratique, qui serait offert aux dispensateurs en exercice et qui serait intégré au cursus d'étude.

Association of abnormal erythrocyte morphology with oxidative stress and inflammation in metabolic syndrome.

In carrying out their role of free radical scavenging, erythrocytes become damaged due to oxidation of membrane lipids and proteins. Such damage may change the morphology of the erythrocytes. The present study aims to demonstrate change in erythrocyte morphology in MetS and associate the changes with increased oxidative stress and inflammation that were shown in our recent study. One hundred participants were recruited from a rural town of Australia. Whole blood viscosity, erythrocyte aggregation, erythrocyte deformability, lipid profile and blood sugar level, oxidative stress markers (erythrocyte reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, urinary isoprostanes) and inflammatory markers (high sensitivity C-reactive protein) were measured. Erythrocyte morphological study was performed by scanning electron microscopy. Recruited participants were classified into MetS and non-MetS following the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III definition. Data were analyzed by IBM SPSS 20 software. The mean percentages of biconcave cells were decreased whereas acanthocytes, stomatocytes and echinocytes were increased in MetS group compared to healthy controls. Morphologically abnormal erythrocytes were significantly correlated with oxidative stress and chronic inflammation markers. Free radicals generated in increased concentration in MetS seem to damage erythrocyte changing its morphology which possibly could affect other hemorheological parameters.