A 53-Year-Old Woman with Axillary Lymphadenopathy.

AbstractMorning Report is a time-honored tradition where physicians-in-training present cases to their colleagues and clinical experts to collaboratively examine an interesting patient presentation. The Morning Report section seeks to carry on this tradition by presenting a patient's chief concern and story, inviting the reader to develop a differential diagnosis and discover the diagnosis alongside the authors of the case. This report examines the story of a 53-year-old woman with a history of breast cancer who presented with abnormal axillary lymph nodes detected on surveillance imaging. Using history, physical examination, and diagnostic workup, an illness script for her presentation emerges. A differential diagnosis is developed and refined until a final diagnosis is confirmed.

La asociación del déficit de vitamina B12 y metformina / The association of vitamin B12 deficiency and metformin

La metformina es el agente antidiabético oral más utilizado para el tratamiento de la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) y se ha descrito la asociación de su uso con el déficit de vitamina B12. Se realizó una revisión narrativa de estudios para conocer la evidencia de dicha asociación, y las recomendaciones para su pesquisa, prevención y tratamiento. La prevalencia informada del déficit de vitamina B12 en los pacientes tratados con metformina osciló entre el 5,8% y el 52% en las diferentes series. Los pacientes de mayor edad, aquellos que reciben metformina a altas dosis y por más tiempo, y los que no consumen alimentos de origen animal, son quienes presentan mayor riesgo de padecer este déficit. Se recomienda la determinación de vitamina B12 cada año en pacientes con DM2 tratados con metformina y la eventual reposición en caso de déficit. Si bien existe consenso sobre el tratamiento del déficit, aún falta evidencia que permita realizar la recomendación sobre el tratamiento preventivo.

Metformin is the most widely used oral antidiabetic agent for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and the association of the use of this drug with vitamin B12 deficiency has been described. A review of studies was carried out to find out the evidence of this association and the recommendations for its detection, prevention and treatment. The reported prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency in patients treated with metformin ranged from 5.8% to 52% in the different series. Older patients, those who received metformin at high doses and for a longer time, and those who do not consume food of animal origin, are those who are at greater risk of suffering from this deficit. The determination of vitamin B12 every 1 year is recommended in patients with T2D treated with metformin, and the eventual replacement in case of deficiency. Although there is consensus on the treatment of the deficit, there is still a lack of evidence to make recommendations on a preventive treatment

La asociación del déficit de vitamina B12 y metformina / The association of vitamin B12 deficiency and metformin

Resumen La metformina es el agente antidiabético oral más utilizado para el tratamiento de la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) y se ha descrito la asociación de su uso con el déficit de vitamina B12. Se realizó una revisión narrativa de estudios para conocer la evidencia de dicha asociación, y las recomendaciones para su pesquisa, prevención y tratamiento. La prevalencia informada del déficit de vitamina B12 en los pacientes tratados con metformina osciló entre el 5,8% y el 52% en las diferentes series. Los pacientes de mayor edad, aquellos que reciben metformina a altas dosis y por más tiempo, y los que no consumen alimentos de origen animal, son quienes presentan mayor riesgo de padecer este déficit. Se recomienda la determinación de vitamina B12 cada año en pacientes con DM2 tratados con metformina y la eventual reposición en caso de déficit. Si bien existe consenso sobre el tratamiento del déficit, aún falta evidencia que permita realizar la recomendación sobre el tratamiento preventivo.

Abstract Metformin is the most widely used oral antidiabetic agent for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and the association of the use of this drug with vitamin B12 deficiency has been described. A review of studies was carried out to find out the evidence of this association and the recommendations for its detection, prevention and treatment. The reported prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency in patients treated with metformin ranged from 5.8% to 52% in the different series. Older patients, those who received metformin at high doses and for a longer time, and those who do not consume food of animal origin, are those who are at greater risk of suffering from this deficit. The determination of vitamin B12 every 1 year is recommended in patients with T2D treated with metformin, and the eventual replacement in case of deficiency. Although there is consensus on the treatment of the deficit, there is still a lack of evidence to make recommendations on a preventive treatment.

Estudio de factores de riesgo para el desarrollo de pie diabético: Campaña 1N / A study of risk factors in the development of diabetic foot: 1N Campaign

Introducción: el examen del pie es fundamental en pacientes con diabetes mellitus (DM). La correcta evaluación del pie en el paciente que concurre a control diabetológico es clave para establecer factores de riesgo para el desarrollo de úlceras, detectar lesiones, tomar medidas preventivas, realizar una derivación temprana y educar en cuidados del pie. Objetivos: en este estudio se examinaron los pies de personas con DM durante la Campaña de Concientización y Prevención del Pie Diabético el 1º de noviembre de 2019 con el fin de evaluar la presencia de síntomas y signos relacionados con neuropatía, enfermedad vascular periférica, y prevalencia de los mismos, y conocer el riesgo. Materiales y métodos: se analizaron 165 pacientes en cuatro centros: Sanatorio Güemes (Servicio de Diabetes y Endocrinología), PREDIGMA (Centro de Medicina Preventiva, Posadas, Misiones), Hospital Central de San Isidro, Nexo Centro Médico (Ciudad de Junín) y Hospital Municipal de General Viamonte (Provincia de Buenos Aires). Resultados: se encontró que el 43,6% presentaba algún síntoma en miembros inferiores y hasta el 57% alteración en las pruebas de tamizaje de neuropatía diabética o enfermedad arterial periférica, con mayor prevalencia a mayor tiempo de evolución de la DM. Los signos más frecuentemente hallados en el examen físico fueron: piel seca (71,5%), distrofia ungueal (60,6%) o alteración de la almohadilla plantar (52,1%). Las comorbilidades más frecuentes fueron: hipertensión (74,5%) y dislipemia (73,3%). La mediana de hemoglobina glicosilada fue de 7,40% (6,70-8,10), mayor en personas con antecedentes de retinopatía (7,8%; p<0,01) y en pacientes que refirieron tener calambres (7,85 a 7,30; p=0,03) o ardor (8,0 vs 7,3; p<0,01). El porcentaje de pacientes con pie de alto riesgo por antecedentes, inspección o tamizaje de neuropatía o enfermedad vascular representó desde el 40% en aquellos con DM de menos de cinco años de evolución hasta el 86% en quienes tenían más de 20 años. Conclusiones: el elevado porcentaje de pacientes con pie de riesgo identificado en este estudio sugiere que, además del correcto examen físico, se requiere la toma de conductas por parte del médico tratante, como la indicación de plantillas o calzado adecuado, así como una fluida derivación al técnico en ortesis, traumatólogo o fisiatra.

Introduction: foot examination is essential in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). The correct evaluation of the foot in the patient who attends diabetes control is key to establish risk factors for the development of ulcers, detect injuries, take preventive measures, make an early referral and educate in foot care. Objectives: in this study, the feet of people with DM were examined during the Diabetic Foot Awareness and Prevention Campaign on November 1, 2019 in order to assess the presence of symptoms and signs related to neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease, prevalence of the same and know the risk. Materials and methods: 165 patients were analyzed in four centers: Sanatorio Güemes (Diabetes and Endocrinology Service), PREDIGMA (Preventive Medicine Center, Posadas, Misiones), Central Hospital of San Isidro, Nexo Medical Center (Junín City) and Hospital Municipal of General Viamonte (Province of Buenos Aires). Results: it was found that 43.6% had some symptoms in the lower limbs and up to 57% had an alteration in the screening tests for diabetic neuropathy or peripheral arterial disease, with a higher prevalence the longer the evolution of DM. The most frequent signs found in the physical examination were: dry skin (71.5%), nail dystrophy (60.6%) or alteration of the foot pad (52.1%). The lost frequent comorbidities were: hypertension (74.5%) and dyslipidemia (73.3%). The median glycated hemoglobin was 7.40% (6.70-8.10), higher in people with a history of retinopathy (7.8%; p <0.01) and in patients who reported having cramps (7, 85 to 7.30; p = 0.03) or burning (8.0 vs 7.3; p <0.01). The percentage of patients with high-risk foot due to antecedents, inspection or screening for neuropathy or vascular disease represented from 40% in those with DM of less than five years of evolution to 86% in those who were older than 20 years. Conclusions: this high percentage of patients with foot at risk identified in this study suggests that, in addition to the correct physical examination, the attending physician requires the taking of behaviors, such as the indication of appropriate footwear or insoles, as well as a fluid referral to the orthotic technician, orthopedic surgeon, or physiatrist.

Liraglutide hospital discharge trial: A randomized controlled trial comparing the safety and efficacy of liraglutide versus insulin glargine for the management of patients with type 2 diabetes after hospital discharge.

AIM: To compare a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist with basal insulin at hospital discharge in patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes in a randomized clinical trial. METHODS: A total of 273 patients with glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) 7%-10% (53-86 mol/mol) were randomized to liraglutide (n = 136) or insulin glargine (n = 137) at hospital discharge. The primary endpoint was difference in HbA1c at 12 and 26 weeks. Secondary endpoints included hypoglycaemia, changes in body weight, and achievement of HbA1c <7% (53 mmol/mol) without hypoglycaemia or weight gain. RESULTS: The between-group difference in HbA1c at 12 weeks and 26 weeks was -0.28% (95% CI -0.64, 0.09), and at 26 weeks it was -0.55%, (95% CI -1.01, -0.09) in favour of liraglutide. Liraglutide treatment resulted in a lower frequency of hypoglycaemia <3.9 mmol/L (13% vs 23%; P = 0.04), but there was no difference in the rate of clinically significant hypoglycaemia <3.0 mmol/L. Compared to insulin glargine, liraglutide treatment was associated with greater weight loss at 26 weeks (-4.7 ± 7.7 kg vs -0.6 ± 11.5 kg; P < 0.001), and the proportion of patients with HbA1c <7% (53 mmol/mol) without hypoglycaemia was 48% versus 33% (P = 0.05) at 12 weeks and 45% versus 33% (P = 0.14) at 26 weeks in liraglutide versus insulin glargine. The proportion of patients with HbA1c <7% (53 mmol/mol) without hypoglycaemia and no weight gain was higher with liraglutide at 12 (41% vs 24%, P = 0.005) and 26 weeks (39% vs 22%; P = 0.014). The incidence of gastrointestinal adverse events was higher with liraglutide than with insulin glargine (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Compared to insulin glargine, treatment with liraglutide at hospital discharge resulted in better glycaemic control and greater weight loss, but increased gastrointestinal adverse events.

Resultados preliminares de un estudio de evaluación de factores de riesgo cardiovascular en estudiantes de la Universidad de Buenos Aires / Preliminary results of an evaluation study of cardiovascular risk factors in students of Buenos Aires Univesity

Introducción: el síndrome metabólico (SM) aumenta el riesgo de enfermedad cardiovascular. Esta asociación varía según la edad, factores étnicos, económicos y ambientales. El SM no se evaluó en jóvenes de la población argentina. Objetivos: evaluar los componentes del SM en estudiantes de la Universidad de Buenos Aires. Materiales y métodos: se evaluaron 1.550 estudiantes, de 18 a 40 años, en un estudio transversal epidemiológico durante un período de 12 meses. Criterios de exclusión: embarazo, consumo de alcohol o drogas. Se analizaron peso, talla, presión arterial y circunferencia de la cintura (CC). Se midieron los niveles en sangre de glucosa, LDL-C, triglicéridos (TG) y HDL-C. Se calcularon el índice de masa corporal y TG/HDL-C. El SM se definió según los criterios del ATP III. Consideramos alto LDL-C si era >130 mg/dL y TG elevados cuando eran >150 mg/dL. Resultados: la media de edad fue de 25±4,8 años, el 60,2% fue mujer. Prevalencia de factores de riesgo: obesidad 6,6%, sobrepeso 21,9%, glucemia anormal 0,4%, alto LDL-C 12,8%, alto TG 9,2%, bajo HDL-C 9,2%, hipertensión 3,6%, alto TG/HDL 5%, aumento de CC 6,6%, SM 2,5%. Conclusiones: encontramos baja prevalencia de SM en jóvenes estudiantes universitarios

Introduction: metabolic syndrome (MS) increased risk of cardiovascular disease. This association varies by age, race, ethnic, economic and environmental factors. MS in young people has not been evaluated on argentinian population. Objectives: to evaluate the components of the metabolic syndrome in students of the University of Buenos Aires. Materials and methods: a sample of 1.550 students from 18 to 40 years were evaluated on an epidemiological cross-sectional study in a 12 months period. Exclusion criteria: pregnancy, alcohol intake or drugs that affect hepatic parameters. Weight, height, blood pressure and waist circumference (WC) were evaluated. Blood levels of glucose, LDL-C, triglycerides (TG) and HDL-C were measured. Body mass index and TG/HDL-C were calculated. MS was defined according to ATP III criteria. We considered high LDL-C >130 mg/dL and high TG >150mg/dl. Results: mean age was 25±4.8 years, 60.2% were females. Prevalence of risk factors: obesity 6.6%, overweight 21.9%, abnormal glucose 0.4%, high LDL-C 12.8%, high TG 9.2%, low HDL-C 9.2%, hypertension 3.6%, high TG/HDL 5%, increased WC 6.6%, MS 2.5%, Conclusions: we found low prevalence off MS on this young student population

Alteraciones lipídicas en adolescentes de peso adecuado / Alterações lipídicas em adolescentes de peso adequado / Lipidic alterations in adolescents of adequate weight

Introducción. Las concentraciones de c-LDL (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) y de c-HDL (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) se utilizan generalmente para determinar el riesgo aterogénico. Los diferentes estudios, tanto en adultos como en niños, demuestran el valor pronóstico superior de la apolipoproteina B, colesterol no HDL e índices específicos de las lipoproteínas (triglicéridos/c-HDL, c-LDL/c-HDL, colesterol total/c-HDL). Objetivo. Determinar el perfil lipídico, las lipoproteínas y los perfiles de apolipoproteínas y su asociación con los indicadores antropométricos en la población joven. Materiales y métodos. Fueron evaluados 429 niñas y 514 varones, entre 11 y 14 años. Se determinaron las medidas antropométricas, la presión arterial, el índice de masa corporal (IMC) y la relación entre cintura y talla. Fueron analizados: glucemia, colesterol total, c-LDL, triglicéridos y apolipoproteína B. Se calcularon las relaciones entre triglicéridos y c-HDL y el colesterol no HDL. Resultados. Los varones tuvieron mayor peso, mayor IMC, mayor circunferencia de cintura, mayor presión arterial sistólica y diastólica, en comparación a las niñas. Observamos una correlación positiva entre la circunferencia de cintura y el IMC con el colesterol total y con distintos índices de lipoproteínas en varones; sin embargo, en las niñas únicamente la circunferencia de cintura se asoció con los índices de lipoproteínas. Solo el 70% de los adolescentes tuvieron un perfil lipídico dentro de los parámetros de normalidad, así como el c-LDL y los niveles de colesterol no HDL. El c-HDL se encontró disminuido en un 35% de los varones y en un 45% de las mujeres, anormalidad más frecuentemente hallada. Conclusiones. Demostramos que existe una alta prevalencia de niveles no deseables de lípidos y de lipoproteínas en adolescentes con peso adecuado. Este estudio enfatiza la necesidad de un reconocimiento y de una intervención precoz de la dislipemia en la población pediátrica para prevenir la enfermedad cardiovascular en la etapa adulta.

Lipidic alterations in adolescents of adequate weight Background. Serum concentration of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) are usually used to determine atherogenic risk. Different studies in adults as well as in children have shown the superior prognostic value of apolipoprotein B, non HDL- cholesterol and specific ratios of lipoprotein variables, such as triglycerides/ HDL-c, LDL-c/ HDL-c and cholesterol/HDL-c. Aims. Determine lipid, lipoprotein and apolipoprotein profiles and its association with anthropometric indicators in a young population. Materials and methods. Four hundred twenty nine girls and 514 boys, between 11 and 14 years old were evaluated. Anthropometric measures, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI) and waist/height ratio were determined. Blood glucose, total cholesterol, LDL-c, triglycerides, apolipoprotein B were analyzed. Triglycerides/HDL-c ratio and non HDL-c were calculated. Results. Males had higher weight, BMI, waist circumference and blood pressure, both systolic and diastolic than girls. We observed positive correlations between waist circumference and BMI with total cholesterol and different lipoprotein ratios in males, however in female only waist circumference was associated with lipoprotein ratios. Only seventy percent of the adolescents presented normal lipid profile as well as LDL and non HDL-c levels. HDL-c was decreased in 35% of males and 45% of females, being the most frequent abnormality found. Conclusions. We showed a high prevalence of undesirable lipid and lipoprotein levels in normal weight adolescents. This study emphasizes the need for early recognition and intervention for hyperlipidemia in pediatric populations to prevent cardiovascular disease in adults.

Alterações lipídicas em adolescentes de peso adequado Introdução. As concentrações séricas de colesterol de lipoproteínas de baixa densidade (LDL-c) e colesterol de lipoproteínas de alta densidade (HDL-c) são geralmente utilizadas para determinar o risco aterogênico. Estudos diferentes tanto em adultos como em crianças mostraram o valor prognóstico superior da apolipoproteína B, colesterol não HDL e relações específicas de variáveis de lipoproteínas, tais como triglicerídeos/HDL-c, LDL-c/HDL-c e colesterol/HDL-c. Objetivos. Determine os perfis lipídicos, lipoproteicos e apolipoproteicos e sua associação com indicadores antropométricos em uma população jovem. Materiais e métodos. Foram avaliados 429 meninas e 514 meninos, entre 11 e 14 anos de idade. Foram determinadas medidas antropométricas, pressão sanguínea, índice de massa corporal (IMC) e relação cintura/altura. Foram analisados: glicemia, colesterol total, LDL-c, triglicerídeos, apolipoproteína B. Foram calculadas taxas de triglicerídeos/HDL-c e colesterol não HDL. Resultados. Os meninos tiveram maior peso, maior IMC, maior circunferência da cintura, maior pressão arterial sistólica e diastólica em comparação com as meninas. Observou-se uma correlação positiva entre a circunferência da cintura e o IMC com colesterol total e lipoproteínas com taxas diferentes em meninos; no entanto, só as meninas a circunferência da cintura foi associado com níveis de lipoproteínas. Apenas 70% dos adolescentes tiveram um perfil lipídico dentro dos parâmetros de normalidade e o LDL-c e os níveis de colesterol não HDL. O HDL-c diminuiu em 35% dos homens e 45% das mulheres, sendo a anormalidade mais freqüente encontrada. Conclusões. Mostramos uma alta prevalência de níveis indesejáveis de lipídios e lipoproteínas em adolescentes com peso normal. Este estudo enfatiza a necessidade de reconhecimento precoce e intervenção para hiperlipidemia em populações pediátricas para prevenir doenças cardiovasculares em adultos.

Diagnóstico de esteatosis hepática por métodos clínicos, bioquímicos y por imágenes / Diagnosis of hepatic steatosis using clinical, biochemical and imaging methods

La enfermedad hepática grasa no alcohólica comprende un espectro de afecciones hepáticas que va desde la simple esteatosis a la esteatohepatitis, fibrosis y hasta cirrosis. Su prevalencia aumenta con la edad, la obesidad y está fuertemente asociada con la presencia de síndrome metabólico y aumento de la mortalidad cardiovascular y por enfermedades malignas. Se produce por una acumulación de triglicéridos en los hepatocitos relacionada con insulinorresistencia hepática y muscular. Su presencia se asocia con aumento de transaminasa glutámico-oxaloacética o glutamico-pirúvica, aunque esta última puede no estar elevada en la enfermedad avanzada. Existen 5 índices utilizados para el diagnóstico de esteatosis hepática: SteatoTest, fatty liver index, NAFLD liver fat score, lipid acumulation product y hepatic steatosis index, mientras que para esteatohepatitis contamos con el NASH test, NASH diagnostics, NASH score y HAIR (Hypertention, increased ALT and IR o Insulin resistence). En estadios de fibrosis el índice transaminasa glutamicooxáloacetica-glutamicopiruvica aumenta, así como la ferritina en sangre y el valor del NAFLD fibrosis score, siendo de alta especificidad para el diagnóstico. La ecografía abdominal tiene una gran disponibilidad, pero su sensibilidad diagnóstica es menor cuando existen grados leves de infiltración grasa hepática. La tomografía computada tiene una especificidad del 100% cuando el contenido graso es mayor al 30% pero la radiación emitida no permite un uso frecuente. La resonancia magnética con espectroscopia constituye el método de elección para la detección y cuantificación de contenido de grasa hepática. La biopsia hepática es un método invasivo que permite una clasificación pronóstica adecuada de la enfermedad, pero por sus complicaciones solo debe realizarse en pacientes seleccionados: aquellos con riesgo elevado de esteatohepatitis o riesgo de fibrosis por laboratorio o clínica, o con otras enfermedades hepáticas coexistentes. La identificación temprana de enfermedad hepática grasa no alcohólica permite la implementación de medidas tempranas para disminuir la morbimortalidad asociada a esta condición.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) includes a spectrum of liver diseases ranging from steatosis to steatohepatitis, fibrosis and cirrhosis. Its prevalence increases with age and with obesity, and is strongly associated with the presence of metabolic syndrome and increased cardiovascular and malignant diseases. It is caused by an accumulation of triglycerides in liver hepatocytes and muscles, and related to insulin resistance. Its presence is associated with the increase of alanine aminotransferase (alt), although it may not be elevated in advanced disease. There are 5 indexes used for the diagnosis of hepatic steatosis: SteatoTest, fatty liver index, NAFLD liver fat score, lipid accumulation product and hepatic steatosis index, whereas for esteatohepatitis the NASH test, NASH diagnostics, as well as the non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) score and HAIR (hypertension, ALT, and insulin resistance). In stages of fibrosis AST-ALT index increases as well as ferritin in blood and the NAFLD fibrosis score, which has a high specificity for diagnosis. Abdominal ultrasound is widely available, but its diagnostic sensitivity is lower when there are mild degrees of hepatic fatty infiltration. Computed tomography has a specificity of 100% when fat content is greater than 30%, but the radiation emitted prevents frequent use. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy is the method of choice for the detection and quantification of liver fat content. Liver biopsy is an invasive method that enables appropriate prognostic classification of the disease, but has some complications, and should only be performed in selected individuals: high risk of steatohepatitis or fibrosis risk of laboratory or clinical or other co-existing liver disease. Early identification of NAFLD allows early measures to be implemented in order to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with this condition.

Relative bioavailability between two teriparatide formulations in healthy volunteers.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the pharmacokinetics, relative bioavailability (RB), immunogenicity, and safety after a single dose of test or reference formulation of teriparatide in healthy human volunteers in order to demonstrate whether both products are similar. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We compared pharmacokinetic parameters, immunogenicity, and safety after a single dose of two formulations (Osteofortil® and Forteo®) of teriparatide in a randomizedsequence, open-label, two-period crossover study in 24 healthy volunteers. The washout period between formulations was 7 days. Blood samples were collected at baseline and 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 120, 150 minutes, and 3 and 4 hours after administration. Teriparatide concentrations were determined using ELISA. Adverse events were monitored. RESULTS: Geometric mean (90% CI) Cmax for test and reference formulations were 165.86 (153.35 - 212.13) and 175.37 (164.04 - 221.04) pg/mL, the AUC0-t was 14,932 (5,275 - 15,752) and 14,153 (1,861 - 16,875) pg×min/mL, and the AUC0-∞ was 16,147 (15,047 - 18,799) and 15,467 (14,473 - 18,126) pg×min/mL, respectively. The test/reference ratios (90% CI) for Cmax, AUC0-t, and AUC0-∞ were 94.58% (85.29 - 104.87), 105.5% (97.77 - 113.84), and 104.4% (96.97 - 112.39), respectively No subject reported adverse events. CONCLUSION: Test formulation met pharmacokinetic criteria for bioequivalence.

Diabetes and Quality of Life: Initial Approach to Depression, Physical Activity, and Sexual Dysfunction.

The different aspects that contribute to quality of life in patients with diabetes mellitus, such as mood, are of great importance for the treatment of this disease. These aspects not only influence the well-being of patients but also influence treatment adherence, therefore affecting the course of the disease. A panel of experts from Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay performed a review of the main aspects affecting quality of life in patients with diabetes: physical activity, mood disorders, and sexual activity. The consensus of the panel was that physical activity is important in the treatment of patients with diabetes because it reduces morbidity, mortality, and disease complications, and it should be performed on a regular basis, bearing in mind the patient's characteristics. Increased physical activity is associated with better glycemic control, and in individuals with glucose intolerance, it delays progression toward diabetes. In patients with diabetes, there is a high prevalence of depression, which can influence treatment adherence. Therefore, early detection of depression is essential to improve the course of diabetes. Regarding sexual activity, erectile dysfunction may be a significant sign in the case of suspected diabetes and the early diagnosis of vasculopathy in patients with diabetes. In conclusion, greater emphasis should be placed on improving patient knowledge, early detection, and multidisciplinary approaches to deal with the aspects of diabetes that affect patients' quality of life.

Left ventricular filling pressure in male patients with type 2 diabetes and normal versus low total testosterone levels.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure is a common complication of diabetes characterized by an elevation in left ventricular filling pressures (LVF) that often develops in the absence of clinical symptoms. Diastolic dysfunction in the setting of low total testosterone (LTT) occurs through changes in the regulation of peripheral hemodynamics. LTT is highly prevalent among individuals with type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study was to compare LVF in male diabetic patients with no structural heart disease and normal serum testosterone levels vs. those with LTT. METHODS: Type 2 diabetic patients were assessed using tissue Doppler imaging to evaluate LVF and other conventional parameters of diastolic function. The E/e' ratio was used to estimate LVF through the ratio of peak passive trans-mitral left ventricular inflow velocity to the peak passive inflow velocity at the lateral mitral annulus. Patients were assigned to one of two groups based upon their total testosterone levels. Group A consisted of low (< 3.5 ng/mL) testosterone levels and group B consisted of normal (> 3.5 ng/mL) testosterone levels. RESULTS: A total of 148 male patients were included: group A--47 (32%) patients; group B--101 (68%) patients, respectively. Mean age was 58 ± 5.8 years and mean time of diabetes evolution was 7 ± 3.1 years. There were no significant differences between the groups regarding age, duration of diabetes evolution, hypertension, weight, heart rate, body mass index, and echocardiographic parameters. The E/e' ratio for group A was 8.05 ± 1.9 vs. 6.1 ± 1.7 for group B (p < 0.0001). The E/A ratio was 0.94 ± 0.10 vs. 1.19 ± 0.12 (p = 0.01), deceleration time 242 ± 7.4 ms vs. 205 ± 9 ms (p = 0.026) and systolic pulmonary artery pressure 27 ± ± 2.2 mm Hg vs. 22 ± 1.7 mm Hg (p = 0.11). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with type 2 diabetes and LTT have a higher E/e' ratio demonstrating a pre-clinical increase in LVF when compared to similar patients with normal testosterone levels. This finding is independent of time of diabetes evolution, hypertension and other echocardiographic parameters.

Low testosterone concentration and atherosclerotic disease markers in male patients with type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Low total T is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerotic complications. However, the magnitude of this association in middle-aged patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) has not been determined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study evaluated atherosclerotic disease markers in T2D patients with normal and low plasma total T. A total of 115 male patients, aged younger than 70 years, without a history of cardiovascular events, and with normal [≥ 3.5 ng/mL (≥ 12.1 nmol/L), n = 79] or low [< 3.5 ng/mL (≤ 12.1 nmol/L), n = 36] total T underwent the measurement of highly sensitive C-reactive protein, carotid artery carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), and atherosclerotic plaque by high-resolution B-mode ultrasound and to asses endothelial function by brachial artery flow-mediated dilation. RESULTS: Carotid IMT was negatively correlated with total T concentration (r = -0.39, P < .0001). Compared with subjects with normal T, a higher proportion of patients with low total T had carotid IMT of 0.1 cm or greater [80% vs 39%, odds ratio (OR) 6.41; 95% CI 2.5-16.4, P < .0001], atherosclerotic plaques (68.5% vs 44.8%, OR 2.60, 95% CI 1.12-6.03, P < .0001); endothelial dysfunction (80.5% vs 42.3%, OR 5.77, 95% CI 2.77-14.77, P < .003), and higher highly sensitive C-reactive protein levels (2.74 ± 5.82 vs 0.89 ± 0.88 mg/L, P < .0001). Similar results were found when free T was considered. Multiple logistic regression analyses adjusted for age, diabetes mellitus duration, hemoglobin A1c, lipids, treatment effect, and body mass index reported that a low total T level was independently associated with greater IMT [OR 8.43 (95% CI 2.5-25.8)] and endothelial dysfunction [OR 5.21 (95% CI 1.73-15.66)] but not with the presence of atherosclerotic plaques (OR 1.77, 95% CI 0.66-4.74). CONCLUSIONS: Low T is associated with more advanced atherosclerotic disease markers in middle-aged patients with T2D.