HIV Care in Asian and Pacific Islanders in Kansas.

A complex cultural dynamic within the Asian and Pacific Islander (APIs) population contributes to barriers in HIV care. This qualitative narrative study investigated how awareness, resource accessibility, and cultural taboo impact HIV care in APIs in Kansas. Eleven HIV-infected API patients were interviewed. Two evaluators independently completed a qualitative themes analysis. Important themes impacting HIV care included lack of awareness, sex as a taboo topic, and misconceptions about HIV infection. These factors create a closed community regarding HIV prevention and care. Clinicians must be aware of these barriers and provide specific culturally sensitive information and care to this population.

HbA1c in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Potential Marker of Inflammation.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that is associated with increased inflammation, insulin resistance, and elevated risk of metabolic complications. hs-CRP is the most reliable marker of inflammation in PCOS patients. When hs-CRP is elevated, it can indicate increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The purpose of the study was to determine if a certain value of HbA1c in PCOS patients should alert clinicians to increased inflammation (as defined by hs-CRP >2 mg/l), thus potentially be indicative of increased risk of cardiovascular disease. METHODS: A cohort study was conducted on female patients between the ages of 20 to 45 years who fulfilled the National Institute of Health criteria for PCOS. De-identified data of 46 patients with PCOS were obtained. All clinical tests were conducted after a 12 hr overnight fast. hs-CRP was measured by latex-enhanced immunonephelometry. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the association between hs-CRP and HbA1c. RESULTS: When various HbA1c levels were considered, a cutoff of 5.3% correctly classified patients with hs-CRP >2 mg/l at 80.4%. Sensitivity was 83.3% and specificity was 75%. CONCLUSION: An HbA1c cut off of 5.3% may be appropriate to initiate efforts for early detection of increased inflammation as a potential sign of risk for cardiovascular disease.