Systemic lupus erythematosus risk factors for coronary artery calcifications.

OBJECTIVE: Premature atherosclerosis in patients with SLE is partially explained by traditional risk factors; therefore, we aimed to identify lupus-related risk factors for coronary artery calcifications. METHODS: An inception cohort of 139 lupus patients (93% females) was screened for coronary artery calcifications using Multidetector CT, after 5.1 years of follow-up. Clinical and immunological variables and cardiovascular risk factors were assessed longitudinally. Also, 100 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects were studied. Correlates for calcifications were analysed in lupus patients, including levels of lipids and inflammatory molecules in samples obtained at enrolment, mid-term follow-up and at screening. RESULTS: At enrolment, lupus patients were 27.2 (9.1) years of age and with a disease duration of 5.4 (3.8) months. Calcifications were detected in 7.2% of patients and 1% of controls [unadjusted odds ratio (OR) 7.7, 95% CI 1.05, 336.3, P = 0.02]. In lupus, calcifications were detected since the age of 23 years and from 3 years of diagnosis. Patients with calcifications were older, post-menopausal, and had higher levels of serum apolipoprotein B and Framingham risk scores (P < 0.05). Lupus-related factors identified included age at diagnosis, IgG aCLs, cumulative lupus activity, length of moderate/severe activity and cumulative dose of prednisone and CYC (P < 0.05). Use of anti-malarials was protective (P = 0.006). Logistic regression analysis showed as predictors of calcification: disease duration (OR 15.1, 95% CI 2.6, 87.2), age at enrolment (OR 8.5, 95% CI 1.7, 43.0) and SLEDAI 2000 update (SLEDAI-2K) mean area under the curve (OR 12.3, 95% CI 2.5, 61.8). Longitudinal analyses of lipids and inflammatory molecules did not differ between patients. CONCLUSIONS: Disease activity is a potentially modifiable risk factor for coronary artery calcifications in SLE. Therefore, management of traditional risk factors plus tight control of lupus activity, including the use of anti-malarials, is recommended.

[Prevalence of VHB and VHC serological markers among blood donors in the capital state of Veracruz, Mexico]. / Prevalencia de marcadores serológicos de VHB y VHC en donadores de sangre de la ciudad de Veracruz.

BACKGROUND: Chronic liver disease has a high mortality among the Mexican population. However epidemiological data on hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) infection in the southeast areas of the country is limited. Our objective was to report the prevalence of blood markers of HBV and HCV among blood donors from the capital city of Veracruz, Mexico. METHODS: Between January and December 2005 we analyzed the results of the screening tests used to detect serological markers of HBV and HCV infection (HBsAg and anti-HCV). We included demographic data of blood donors from the State Center for Blood Transfusion of the capital city of Veracruz. RESULTS: We reviewed 8,650 blood donor reports and found a prevalence of 0.057% and 1.1% for AgsHB and anti-HCV respectively. Only 2.97% of all individuals with a positive test had been previously screened for hepatic viruses. CONCLUSIONS: Results from our study indicate that the central and southeast regions of the state of Veracruz have a high anti-HCV prevalence among blood donors when compared with results from other states in Mexico. Further studies should evaluate risk factors in regions with high HCV seropositivity.

Prevalencia de marcadores serológicos de VHB y VHC en donadores de sangre de la ciudad de Veracruz / Prevalence of VHB and VHC serological markers among blood donors in the capital state of Veracruz, Mexico

Antecedentes: A pesar del impacto de las enfermedades hepáticas en la morbilidad y mortalidad de la población mexicana, existe poca información epidemiológica sobre la infección por virus de la hepatitis B (VHB) y C (VHC) en el sureste de la República mexicana. El objetivo de nuestra investigación fue determinar la prevalencia de marcadores serológicos de VHB y VHC en donadores de sangre del centro y sur de Veracruz. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo en el Centro Estatal de la Transfusión Sanguínea de la ciudad de Veracruz, recabando resultados de los marcadores serológicos para VHB y VHC (AgsHb y antiVHC) e información demográfica de los individuos considerados aptos para realizar una donación. Resultados: Se revisaron 8650 registros de individuos, se encontró una seroprevalencia de 0.057 y 1.1% para AgsHB y antiVHC, respectivamente, con variaciones en los diferentes municipios estudiados. Únicamente 2.97% de los individuos seropositivos se había realizado escrutinio previo para la detección de virus hepatotropos. Conclusiones: Los datos indican que la región centro-sureste de Veracruz presenta elevada seroprevalencia antiVHC en donadores de sangre. Se deberá realizar estudios posteriores para determinar los factores de riesgo que la expliquen.

BACKGROUND: Chronic liver disease has a high mortality among the Mexican population. However epidemiological data on hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) infection in the southeast areas of the country is limited. Our objective was to report the prevalence of blood markers of HBV and HCV among blood donors from the capital city of Veracruz, Mexico. METHODS: Between January and December 2005 we analyzed the results of the screening tests used to detect serological markers of HBV and HCV infection (HBsAg and anti-HCV). We included demographic data of blood donors from the State Center for Blood Transfusion of the capital city of Veracruz. RESULTS: We reviewed 8,650 blood donor reports and found a prevalence of 0.057% and 1.1% for AgsHB and anti-HCV respectively. Only 2.97% of all individuals with a positive test had been previously screened for hepatic viruses. CONCLUSIONS: Results from our study indicate that the central and southeast regions of the state of Veracruz have a high anti-HCV prevalence among blood donors when compared with results from other states in Mexico. Further studies should evaluate risk factors in regions with high HCV seropositivity.