Impaired glucose metabolism increases risk of hepatic decompensation and death in patients with compensated hepatitis C virus-related cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND: Glucose metabolism abnormalities frequently coexist with liver cirrhosis; however, the impact of these on liver-related outcomes has not been fully investigated. AIMS: We examined the influence of glucose abnormalities on overall mortality and liver-related complications in cirrhotic patients. METHODS: A prospective cohort of 250 subjects with compensated hepatitis C virus-related cirrhosis and without known diabetes underwent an oral glucose tolerance test and were subsequently followed for a median 201 weeks. RESULTS: At baseline, 67 (27%) had type 2 diabetes. During follow-up, 28 deaths and 55 first events of decompensation occurred. After adjustment for potential confounding covariates, overall mortality/liver transplant (sHR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.04-4.6, P=0.04) and hepatic decompensation events (sHR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.05-3.3, P=0.03) were significantly higher in diabetic patients. Subjects with a HOMA-IR >5 showed higher rates of mortality (sHR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.03-4.8, P=0.04). The rates of hepatic decompensation were higher in patients with HOMA-IR >3 (sHR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.04-2.9, P=0.03). Overall, 2h-plasma glucose was the most robust predictor of overall mortality (sHR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.03-6, P=0.04) and decompensation (sHR: 2.7, 95% CI: 1.4-5.5, P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In compensated HCV-related cirrhotic patients, diabetes and marked insulin resistance are independently associated with poorer overall survival and increased risk of hepatic decompensation.

Seasonal distribution and evolving forms of multiple sclerosis patients diagnosed from April 2004 to November 2007.

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) was first reported in Cuba in 1965. The most frequent appearance is observed in the first six months of the year. OBJECTIVE: To determine the seasonal distribution and evolving forms of MS patients diagnosed with the disease between April 2004 and November 2007. METHOD: Twenty-one patients with suspected MS and 42 outbreaks were studied. Patients were classified according to Lublin and Revingold's criteria for clinical forms and according to McDonald. RESULTS: Most patients were classified in outbreak and remission and only two patients classified as primary-progressive multiple sclerosis. The higher number of outbreaks occurred in the first two quarters of the year. CONCLUSION: It is recommended to study further weather variables that may be related to the emergence of these outbreaks in our environment.

Seasonal distribution and evolving forms of multiple sclerosis patients diagnosed from April 2004 to November 2007 / Distribución estacional y formas evolutivas de esclerosis múltiple en pacientes diagnosticados entre Abril del 2004 y Noviembre del 2007

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) was first reported in Cuba in 1965. The most frequent appearance is observed in the first six months of the year. OBJECTIVE: To determine the seasonal distribution and evolving forms of MS patients diagnosed with the disease between April 2004 and November 2007. METHOD: Twenty-one patients with suspected MS and 42 outbreaks were studied. Patients were classified according to Lublin and Revingold's criteria for clinical forms and according to McDonald. RESULTS: Most patients were classified in outbreak and remission and only two patients classified as primary-progressive multiple sclerosis. The higher number of outbreaks occurred in the first two quarters of the year. CONCLUSION: It is recommended to study further weather variables that may be related to the emergence of these outbreaks in our environment.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La esclerosis múltiple (EM) fue reportada en Cuba por primera vez en 1965. Se ha venido observando la aparición más frecuente en los primeros seis meses del año. OBJETIVO: Determinar la distribución estacional y formas evolutivas de EM en pacientes con diagnóstico de esta enfermedad entre abril 2004 y noviembre 2007. MÉTODO: Se estudiaron 21 pacientes con sospecha de EM y un total de 42 brotes. Los pacientes fueron clasificados según los criterios de Lublin y Revingold para las formas evolutivas y según los criterios de McDonald. RESULTADOS: Solo dos pacientes clasificaron en la forma evolutiva progresiva primaria; los primeros dos trimestres del año fueron los de mayor número de brotes. CONCLUSIÓN: Se recomienda profundizar en las variables climatológicas que pudieran tener vínculo con la aparición de estos brotes en nuestro medio.