Importance of the Hemoglobin Glycation Index for Risk of Cardiovascular and Microvascular Complications and Mortality in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes.

BACKGRUOUND: This study investigated the prognostic importance of the hemoglobin glycation index (HGI) for macrovascular and microvascular outcomes, mortality, and hypoglycemia occurrence in a type 2 diabetes cohort and compared it to glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). METHODS: Baseline and mean first-year HGI and HbA1c, and the variability thereof, were assessed in 687 individuals with type 2 diabetes (median follow-up, 10.6 years). Multivariable Cox regression was conducted to evaluate the associations of HGI and HbA1c parameters with macrovascular (total and major cardiovascular events) and microvascular outcomes (microalbuminuria, advanced renal failure, retinopathy, and peripheral neuropathy), mortality (all-cause and cardiovascular), and moderate/severe hypoglycemia occurrence. RESULTS: During follow-up, there were 215 total cardiovascular events (176 major) and 269 all-cause deaths (131 cardiovascular). Microalbuminuria developed in 126 patients, renal failure in 104, retinopathy in 161, and neuropathy in 177. There were 90 hypoglycemia episodes. Both HGI and HbA1c predicted all adverse outcomes, except microalbuminuria and hypoglycemia. Their adjusted risks were roughly equivalent for all outcomes. For example, the adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), estimated for 1 standard deviation increments, of mean first-year HGI were 1.23 (1.05 to 1.44), 1.20 (1.03 to 1.38), 1.36 (1.11 to 1.67), 1.28 (1.09 to 1.67), and 1.29 (1.09 to 1.54), respectively, for cardiovascular events, all-cause mortality, renal failure, retinopathy, and neuropathy; whereas the respective HRs (95% CIs) of mean HbA1c were 1.31 (1.12 to 1.53), 1.28 (1.11 to 1.48), 1.36 (1.11 to 1.67), 1.33 (1.14 to 1.55), and 1.29 (1.09 to 1.53). CONCLUSION: HGI was no better than HbA1c as a predictor of adverse outcomes in individuals with type 2 diabetes, and its clinical use cannot be currently advised.

Hipoglicemia grave e fatores de risco em pessoas com diabetes em unidade de internação: estudo caso controle / Severe hypoglycemia in people with diabetes in an inpatient unit: a case-control study

A hipoglicemia é uma das principais complicações frente ao manejo inadequado do diabetes, com destaque para a hipoglicemia grave que configura-se como um problema relevante para a manutenção da qualidade de vida dos indivíduos. Os objetivos do presente estudo foram caracterizar os episódios de hipoglicemia grave em pacientes com diabetes em unidades de internação clínica; analisar a associação entre os fatores de risco e os episódios de hipoglicemia grave de pacientes com diabetes em unidade de internação; estimar o tempo de sobrevida até o episódio hipoglicêmico grave. A metodologia empregada para esse estudo considerou casos episódios hipoglicêmicos graves, definidos por valores glicêmicos abaixo de 50 mg/dL. Foram considerados controles os episódios hipoglicêmicos não graves definidos por valores glicêmicos entre 51 a 70mg/dl. Considerou-se como fatores associados à hipoglicemia grave variáveis propostas pela revisão integrativa de literatura realizada para a construção dessa pesquisa. Ainda, também foi analisado o diagnóstico de enfermagem risco de glicemia instável da nomenclatura NANDA-I e sua pertinência quanto aos fatores de risco associados à ocorrência de episódios de hipoglicemia grave. A coleta de dados desenvolveu-se através de análise documental retrospectiva. Foram observados 47 episódios de hipoglicemia grave e 60 episódios de hipoglicemia não grave, respectivamente caso e controle. Os fatores de risco para hipoglicemia grave com evidências na literatura e que foram validados neste estudo caso- controle foram: escolaridade; terapia insulínica; uso de insulinas associadas; modificação recente da dose; insuficiência renal; outras comorbidades; episódio hipoglicêmico anterior e habilidade deficiente para o autocuidado. Identificou-se que o tempo de sobrevida até o episódio hipoglicêmico configura-se em uma curva descendente.A média de tempo que uma pessoa sobrevive até o desfecho de hipoglicemia grave mostrou que o paciente que tem diabetes e está internado tem chances progressivamente maiores de desenvolver episódio de hipoglicemia grave logo nos primeiros dias de internação. Frente aos resultados obtidos, sugere-se que novos estudos sejam realizados com o objetivo descrever aprofundadamente os mecanismos de associação destas variáveis com o episódio hipoglicêmico grave. A identificação da magnituddos fatores de risco para hipoglicemia grave, apresentada através do estudo caso-controle, fornece bases para a construção de instrumentos padronizados de avaliação adequada de pacientes com diabetes em unidades de internação.

Hypoglycemia is one of the main complications in the face of inadequate management of diabetes, where severe hypoglycemia is a relevant problem in terms of maintaining the quality of life of individuals. The objectives of the study were to characterize episodes of severe hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes in clinical inpatient units; to analyze the association between risk factors and episodes of severe hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes in the inpatient unit; estimate the survival time until the severe hypoglycemic episode. The methodology used for this study considered cases of severe hypoglycemic episodes, defined by glycemic values below 50 mg / dL. Non-severe hypoglycemic episodes were defined as controls defined by glycemic values between 51 to 70mg / dl. Factors associated with severe hypoglycemia were considered as variables proposed by the integrative literature review carried out for the construction of this research. Still, the Nursing Diagnosis Risk of Unstable Glycemia of the NANDA-I Nomenclature and its relevance regarding the risk factors associated with the occurrence of episodes of severe hypoglycemia were also analyzed. Data collection was developed through retrospective document analysis. 47 episodes of severe hypoglycemia and 60 episodes of non-severe hypoglycemia were analyzed, case and control, respectively. The risk factors for severe hypoglycemia with evidence in the literature that were validated in this case-control study were: education; insulin therapy; use of associated insulins; recent dose modification; renal insufficiency; other comorbidities; previous hypoglycemic episode and deficient ability for self-care. It was identified that the survival time until the hypoglycemic episode is configured in a descending curve. The average time that a person survives until the outcome of severe hypoglycemia showed that the patient who has diabetes and is hospitalized has a progressively greater chance of developing an episode of severe hypoglycemia in the first days of hospitalization. In view of the results obtained, it is suggested that further studies be carried out in order to describe in depth the mechanisms of association of these variables with the severe hypoglycemic episode. The identification of the magnitude of risk factors for severhypoglycemia, presented through the case-control study, provides the basis for the construction of standardized instruments for adequate assessment of patients with diabetes in inpatient units.

La hipoglucemia es una de las principales complicaciones ante el manejo inadecuado de la diabetes, donde la hipoglucemia severa es un problema relevante en cuanto al mantenimiento de la calidad de vida de los individuos. Los objetivos del estudio fueron caracterizar episodios de hipoglucemia severa en pacientes con diabetes en unidades de internación clínica; analizar la asociación entre factores de riesgo y episodios de hipoglucemia severa en pacientes con diabetes en la unidad de internación; Estime el tiempo de supervivencia hasta el episodio de hipoglucemia grave. La metodología utilizada para este estudio consideró casos de episodios hipoglucémicos graves, definidos por valores glucémicos inferiores a 50 mg / dL. Se consideraron controles los episodios hipoglucémicos no graves definidos como valores glucémicos entre 51 y 70 mg / dl. Los factores asociados a la hipoglucemia severa fueron considerados como variables propuestas por la revisión integradora de la literatura realizada para la construcción de esta investigación. Aún así, también se analizó el Diagnóstico de Enfermería Riesgo de Glucemia Inestable de la Nomenclatura NANDA-I y su relevancia con respecto a los factores de riesgo asociados a la ocurrencia de episodios de hipoglucemia severa. La recolección de datos se desarrolló a través del análisis retrospectivo de documentos. Se analizaron 47 episodios de hipoglucemia severa y 60 episodios de hipoglucemia no severa, caso y control, respectivamente. Los factores de riesgo de hipoglucemia severa con evidencia en la literatura que fueron validados en este estudio de casos y controles fueron: educación; terapia con insulina; uso de insulinas asociadas; modificación reciente de la dosis; insuficiencia renal; otras comorbilidades; episodio hipoglucémico previo y capacidad deficiente para el autocuidado. Se identificó que el tiempo de supervivencia hasta el episodio hipoglucémico se configura en una curva descendente. El tiempo promedio que una persona sobrevive hasta el resultado de una hipoglucemia severa mostró que el paciente que tiene diabetes y está hospitalizado tiene una probabilidad progresivamente mayor de desarrollar un episodio de hipoglucemia severa en los primeros días de hospitalización. A la vista de los resultados obtenidos, se sugiere realizar más estudios con el fin de describir en profundidad los mecanismos de asociación de estas variables con el episodio de hipoglucemia grave. La identificación de la magnitud de los factores de riesgo de hipoglucemia severa, presentada a través del estudio de casos y controles, proporciona la base para la construcción de instrumentos estandarizados para la evaluación adecuada de pacientes con diabetes en unidades de internación.

Impact of Glycemic Variability and Hypoglycemia on the Mortality and Length of Hospital Stay among Elderly Patients in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Glycemic variability (GV) is an alternative diabetes-related parameter that has been associated with mortality and longer hospitalization periods. There is no ideal method for calculating GV. In this study, we used standard deviation and coefficient of variation due to their suitability for this sample and ease of use in daily clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the association between GV, hypoglycemia, and the 90-day mortality and length of hospital stay (LOS) among non-critically ill hospitalized elderly patients. METHODS: The medical records of 2,237 elderly patients admitted to the Zilda Arns Elderly Hospital over a 2.5-year period were reviewed. Hypoglycemia was defined as a glucose level <70 mg/dL (hypoglycemia alert value) and represented by the proportion of days in which the patient presented with this condition relative to the LOS. The Charlson comorbidity index was used to evaluate prognosis. Data were analyzed using multiple linear and logistic multivariate regression analyses. RESULTS: Adjusted analysis of 687 patients (305 men [44.4%] and 382 women [55.6%], mean age of 77.86±9.25 years) revealed that GV was associated with a longer LOS (p=0.048). Mortality was associated with hypoglycemia (p=0.005) and mean patient-day blood glucose level (p=0.036). Variables such as age (p<0.001), Charlson score (p<0.001), enteral diet (p<0.001), and corticosteroid use (p=0.007) were also independently associated with 90-day mortality. CONCLUSION: Increased GV during hospitalization is independently associated with a longer LOS and hypoglycemia in non-critically ill elderly patients, while the mean patient-day blood glucose is associated with increased mortality.

Asociación entre hipoglucemia y morbi-mortalidad en pacientes hospitalizados con diabetes tipo 2 / Association between hypoglycemia and morbi-mortality in hospitalized patients with Type 2 Diabetes mellitus

El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la frecuencia de la hipoglucemia y su asociación con la morbi-mortalidad en pacientes adultos con diabetes tipo 2 internados ​​en la sala de Clínica Médica del Hospital de Clínicas. En este estudio observacional analítico se incluyeron entre 2013-2014, en forma consecutiva 150 pacientes conocidos diabéticos con una edad media de 61,2 ± 12,1 años, mujeres (56,7%), y tiempo promedio de diagnóstico de diabetes (8,1 ± 8 años); 50 pacientes (33%) ingresaron por infecciones, 47 por eventos cardiovasculares (31,3%) y el resto por causas varias; concentración media de HbA1c fue 9,5±3%. Se encontraron episodios de hipoglucemia (glucosa <70 mg/dl) en 32 pacientes (21%).En comparación con los pacientes sin hipoglucemia, los pacientes con hipoglucemia tuvieron un BMI significativamente menor (p= 0,02)de 23,5±5 vs 28,29±5,2,albúmina sérica 2,65 ± 0,59 vs 3,04 ± 0,6 g/Dl (p= 0,002), hemoglobina: 9,8 ± 2,3 vs 11,05 ± 2,7 g/Dl (p= 0,02) y significativamente mayor (p= 0,03)duración de la diabetes (11,7 ± 9,2 vs 6,93 ± 8,9 años, mayor estancia hospitalaria (21,65 ± 15 vs 10,48 ± 7,15 días) (p= 0,0001) y mayor mortalidad (12,5% ​​vs 2,5%; p= 0,03; OR= 5,61), más complicaciones (78,1% vs 39,8% (p= 0,001;OR= 1,99) y mayor ingreso a UCI (12,5% vs 6,8%; p= 0,02; OR= 1,94). Los resultados indican que la hipoglucemia hospitalaria es un marcador de enfermedad general y se asocia con mal resultado clínico y aumento de la morbi-mortalidad de los pacientes con diabetes tipo 2.

The objective of the study was to determine the frequency of hypoglycemia and its association with clinical outcome and mortality in adult patients withtype 2 diabetes admittedinto medical wards at the medical clinic ward of the Hospital de Clínicas in Asunción Paraguay. In this observational analytical study 150 patients with known history of diabetes wereconsecutively admittedin the 2013-2014 period;mean age was 61.2 ± 12.1years, female (56.7%), average duration of diabetes (8.1±8 years), 50 (33,3%) patients were admitted due to infections and 47 (31,3%) due to cardiovascular events and the rest to various causes.The average HbA1c was 9.5±3% andhypoglycemia (glucose<70 mg/dl) was reported in 32 patients (21%).When compared to patients without hypoglycemia, patients with hypoglycemic events hadlower BMI 23.52 ± 5 vs 28.29 ± 5,2 (p= 0.02), serum albumin 2.65 ± 0.59 vs 3.04 ± 0.6 g/dL (p= 0.002), hemoglobin: 9.8 ± 2.3 vs 11.05 ± 2.7 g/dL (p= 0.02) and longer duration of diabetes 11.7 ± 9.2 vs 6.93 ± 8.9 years(p=0.03). During the hospital stay, those with hypoglycemia had a longer stay 21.65 ± 15 vs 10.48 ± 7.15 days (p= 0.0001) and higher mortality rate 12.5% vs 2.5 % (odds ratio (OR): 5.61, p=0.03), higher complication rate 78.1 % vs 39.8 % (OR: 1.99,p= 0.001) and more likely to be admitted to ICU (12.5% vs 6.8 %, OR: 1.94 p= 0.02) as compared to patients without hypoglycemia.Our results indicate that inpatients hypoglycemia is a marker of general illness and isassociated with poor clinical outcome, increased morbi-mortality as compared to patients without hypoglycemia.

Intracerebroventricular metformin decreases body weight but has pro-oxidant effects and decreases survival.

Metformin (Met), which is an insulin-sensitizer, decreases insulin resistance and fasting insulin levels. The precise molecular target of Met is unknown; however, several reports have shown an inhibitory effect on mitochondrial complex I of the electron transport chain (ETC), which is a related site for reactive oxygen species production. In addition to peripheral effects, Met is capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier, thus regulating the central mechanism involved in appetite control. The present study explores the effects of intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) infusion of Met on ROS production on brain, insulin sensitivity and metabolic and oxidative stress outcomes in CF1 mice. Metformin (Met 50 and 100 µg) was injected i.c.v. in mice daily for 7 days; the brain mitochondrial H2O2 production, food intake, body weight and fat pads were evaluated. The basal production of H2O2 of isolated mitochondria from the hippocampus and hypothalamus was significantly increased by Met (100 µg). There was increased peripheral sensitivity to insulin (Met 100 µg) and glucose tolerance tests (Met 50 and 100 µg). Moreover, Met decreased food intake, body weight, body temperature, fat pads and survival rates. Additionally, Met (1, 4 or 10 mM) decreased mitochondrial viability and increased the production of H2O2 in neuronal cell cultures. In summary, our data indicate that a high dose of Met injected directly into the brain has remarkable neurotoxic effects, as evidenced by hypothermia, hypoglycemia, disrupted mitochondrial ETC flux and decreased survival rate.

Malnutrition may worsen the prognosis of critically ill children with hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia are associated with higher mortality, longer length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and fewer ventilator-free days in critically ill children while taking into account the clinical severity and nutrition status. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective observational cohort study was conducted on 221 children admitted to the ICU. Blood glucose levels were analyzed in the first 72 hours. Potential exposure variables for adverse prognosis included hyperglycemia (blood glucose >150 mg/dL), hypoglycemia (blood glucose ≤60 mg/dL), age <1 year, sex, nutrition status, the revised Pediatric Index of Mortality (PIM 2), and the Pediatric Logistic Organ Dysfunction (PELOD). RESULTS: Of the patients, 47.1% were malnourished. Controlling for nutrition status, both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia increased the risk of mortality in the malnourished patients compared with the well-nourished ones. Adjusting for clinical severity, the odds ratio of mortality was higher in malnourished patients with hyperglycemia (odds ratio [OR], 3.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14-13.94; P = .03), whereas no significant associations were detected in the well-nourished patients. After controlling for nutrition status, hypoglycemia was associated with longer length of ICU stay (OR, 6.5; 95% CI, 1.30-32.57; P < .01) and fewer ventilator-free days (OR, 4.11; 95% CI, 1.26-13.40; P < .01) only in the malnourished group of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the well nourished, malnourished patients with hyperglycemia are at a greater risk of mortality, independent of clinical severity. Hypoglycemia was shown to be associated with mortality, longer length of ICU stay, and fewer ventilator-free days only in malnourished patients.

Tight glucose control versus intermediate glucose control: a quasi-experimental study.

Intensive insulin treatment is associated with an increased risk of hypoglycaemia. The purpose of this study was to evaluate two different strategies: tight glucose control (TGC) versus intermediate glucose control (IGC). In this quasi-experimental study, 130 critically ill patients were assigned to receive either the TGC protocol (n=65), according to which blood glucose levels were maintained between 4.4 and 6.1 mmol/l, or the IGC protocol (n=65), according to which blood glucose levels were maintained between 4.4 and 8.0 mmol/l. A total of 52 subjects (40%) were diabetic and 63 (49%) were septic. In the IGC group, glucose levels were stabilised in the target range for a longer period of time when compared to the TGC group (63 vs. 41%, P < 0.001). The median capillary blood glucose level was 6.7 mmol/l in the TGC group (6.2 to 7.2) and 7.9 mmol/l (7.0 to 8.5) in the IGC group (P < 0.001). The incidence of hypoglyacemia less than 2.2 mmol/l was 21.5% in the TGC group and 1.5% in the IGC group (P < 0.001), and the incidence of hypoglycaemia less than 3.3 mmol/l was 67.7 and 26.2% (P < 0.001) in the two groups, respectively. Diabetes (odds ratio 2.88, CI 1.22 to 6.84) and the TGC protocol (odds ratio 7.39, CI 3.15 to 1735) were identified as independent risk factors for hypoglycaemia less than 3.3 mmol/l. Mechanical ventilation (odds ratio 4.33, CI 1.16 to 16.13), medical illness (odds ratio 2.88, CI 1.20 to 6.99) and hypoglycaemia (< 3.3 mmol/l) (odds ratio 299, CI 1.21 to 7.41) were independent factors associated with mortality. TGC is difficult to accomplish in routine intensive care unit settings and is associated with a significant increase in the incidence of hypoglycaemia. Hypoglycaemia < 3.3 mmol/l is an independent risk factor for in-hospital mortality.

Endogenous hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia: diagnostic strategies, predictive features of malignancy and long-term survival.

Diagnostic strategies, malignancy predictors and long-term survival were retrospectively evaluated in patients with hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia (64 insulinomas). Lower median glycemia was 30 (range 20-53) mg/dl [1.6 (1.1-2.9) mmol/l] with concurrent insulin of 48 (13.2-217) microU/ml and 15 (2-46) microU/ml measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA) and immunofluorimetric assay (IFMA), respectively. All patients with insulinomas had a positive prolonged fast within 48 h. Sensitivity of localization methods was: ultrasonography (US) 23%, computed tomography (CT) 28%, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 65%, endoscopic US 75%, arteriography 38%, portal venous sampling 67%, selective arterial calcium stimulation 67%, intraoperative US 94% and palpation 92%. Nine patients (14%) had malignant insulinomas. Age at diagnosis (mean+/-SD, 53.8+/-19 vs 39.4+/-16.3 yr; p=0.03), insulin (1372+/-730 vs 785+/-659% (percentage of the method's diagnostic cut-off; 6 and 3 microU/ml for RIA and IFMA, respectively; p=0.007) and C-peptide levels (9.8+/-2.9 vs 3.9+/-2.8 ng/ml (3.2+/-0.9 vs 1.3+/-0.9 nmol/l; p=0.006), and tumor size (6.2+/-4.1 vs 1.5+/-0.6 cm; p=0.0002) were increased in malignant insulinomas. C-peptide level above 6.1 ng/ml (2.0 nmol/l) had a 100% sensitivity and 96% specificity, and tumor size above 2.6 cm yielded a sensitivity of 88% and specificity of 100% in predicting malignancy. Survival of patients with malignant insulinomas was significantly impaired (16 vs 100% at 5 yr; p=0.0000001). The diagnosis of insulinoma can be made within 48 h of fasting. The association between intraoperative US and palpation evidenced the tumor in 95% of the patients. C-peptide and tumor size were reliable malignancy predictors.

Long-term mortality in the United States cohort of pituitary-derived growth hormone recipients.

OBJECTIVE: Patients who received pituitary-derived growth hormone (GH) are at excess risk of mortality from Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. We investigated whether they were at increased risk of death from other conditions, particularly preventable conditions. STUDY DESIGN: A cohort (N=6107) from known US pituitary-derived GH recipients (treated 1963-1985) was studied. Deaths were identified by reports from physicians and parents and the National Death Index. Rates were compared with the expected rates for the US population standardized for race, age, and sex. RESULTS: There were 433 deaths versus 114 expected (relative risk [RR], 3.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.4-4.2; P<.0001) from 1963 through 1996. Risk was increased in subjects with GH deficiency caused by any tumor (RR, 10.4; 95% CI, 9.1-12.0; P<.0001). Surprisingly, subjects with hypoglycemia treated within the first 6 months of life were at extremely high risk (RR, 18.3; 95% CI, 9.2-32.8; P<.0001), as were all subjects with adrenal insufficiency (RR, 7.1; 95% CI, 6.2-8.2; P<.0001). A quarter of all deaths were sudden and unexpected. Of the 26 cases of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, four cases have died since 2000. CONCLUSIONS: The death rate in pituitary-derived GH recipients was almost four times the expected rate. Replacing pituitary-derived GH with recombinant GH has eliminated only the risk of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Hypoglycemia and adrenal insufficiency accounted for far more mortality than Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. The large number of potentially preventable deaths in patients with adrenal insufficiency and hypoglycemia underscores the importance of early intervention when infection occurs in patients with adrenal insufficiency, and aggressive treatment of panhypopituitarism.

Mortalidad por trastornos metabólicos agudos en personas con diabetes de ciudad de la habana en el período 1994-1995 / Mortality from acute metabolic disorders in persons with diabetes in Havana City from 1994 to 1995

Se revisaron los certificados de defunción de los pacientes diabéticos fallecidos en Ciudad de La Habana, durante 1994 y 1995, que obran en poder de la Dirección Nacional de Estadísticas del Ministerio de Salud Pública, para conocer los fallecidos por trastorno metabólico agudo, principalmente la cetoacidosis y evaluar la calidad de la atención médica. Se detectaron 91 fallecidos por este tipo de complicación, de ellos: 39, por cetoacidosis; 35, por hipoglicemia y 17, por coma hiperosmolar. Se comparó con el año 1993 y se observó disminución del número de fallecidos en todos los trastornos metabólicos. Se detectaron 13 pacientes fallecidos por cetoacidosis que al ser verificados en el área, se comprobó una elaboración inadecuada del certificado de defunción por parte del médico de atención primaria. En general, los hospitales con mayor número de fallecidos fueron ®Carlos J. Finlay¼ (23 porciento), ®Miguel Enriquez¼ (19,2 porciento), ®Joaquín Albarrán¼ y ®Salvador Allende¼ (11,6 porciento). Entre los hallazgos necrópsicos en los fallecidos por cetoacidosis (20 casos), las complicaciones más frecuentes fueron nefropatía diabética, 25 porciento; sepsis, 25 porciento y bronconeumonía, 20 porciento. Entre las deficiencias más frecuentemente detectadas por cetoacidosis se encontraron la no utilización del esquema de microdosis de insulina simple y dificultades en la determinación de la hemogasometría y de cuerpos cetónicos en orina. Se concluyó que es necesario continuar incrementando la educación diabetológica del personal relacionado con la atención al diabético, así como mejorar la disponibilidad de la hemogasometría y reactivo de Imbert y amoníaco (o mejor tiras reactivas para cetonuria) e insistir en lograr el llenado correcto del certificado de defunción por el personal médico (AU)

Mortalidad por trastornos metabólicos agudos en personas con diabetes de ciudad de la habana en el período 1994-1995 / Mortality from acute metabolic disorders in persons with diabetes in Havana City from 1994 to 1995

Se revisaron los certificados de defunción de los pacientes diabéticos fallecidos en Ciudad de La Habana, durante 1994 y 1995, que obran en poder de la Dirección Nacional de Estadísticas del Ministerio de Salud Pública, para conocer los fallecidos por trastorno metabólico agudo, principalmente la cetoacidosis y evaluar la calidad de la atención médica. Se detectaron 91 fallecidos por este tipo de complicación, de ellos: 39, por cetoacidosis; 35, por hipoglicemia y 17, por coma hiperosmolar. Se comparó con el año 1993 y se observó disminución del número de fallecidos en todos los trastornos metabólicos. Se detectaron 13 pacientes fallecidos por cetoacidosis que al ser verificados en el área, se comprobó una elaboración inadecuada del certificado de defunción por parte del médico de atención primaria. En general, los hospitales con mayor número de fallecidos fueron ®Carlos J. Finlay¼ (23 porciento), ®Miguel Enriquez¼ (19,2 porciento), ®Joaquín Albarrán¼ y ®Salvador Allende¼ (11,6 porciento). Entre los hallazgos necrópsicos en los fallecidos por cetoacidosis (20 casos), las complicaciones más frecuentes fueron nefropatía diabética, 25 porciento; sepsis, 25 porciento y bronconeumonía, 20 porciento. Entre las deficiencias más frecuentemente detectadas por cetoacidosis se encontraron la no utilización del esquema de microdosis de insulina simple y dificultades en la determinación de la hemogasometría y de cuerpos cetónicos en orina. Se concluyó que es necesario continuar incrementando la educación diabetológica del personal relacionado con la atención al diabético, así como mejorar la disponibilidad de la hemogasometría y reactivo de Imbert y amoníaco (o mejor tiras reactivas para cetonuria) e insistir en lograr el llenado correcto del certificado de defunción por el personal médico

Mortality causes of the moustached tamarin (Saguinus mystax) in captivity.

From January 1987 to November 1990, 125 adult Saguinus mystax died at the CRCP. Enteritis/colitis (26%), hypoglycemia/cachexia (19%), and parasitic enteritis (13%) were the most common causes of death. Less common were purulent peritonitis (9%), lobular pneumonia (8%), and hemorrhagic gastroenterocolitis (6%). These results confirm the high frequency of gastroenteric lesions reported in Callitrichidae in captivity.

Control de la Hipoglicemia neonatal con minibolos de glucosa

Se efectuaron determinaciones de glicemia mediante el uso de tiras reactivas de haemoglucotest 20-800 (lakeside), en 120 recien nacidos de la Sala de recuperación del servicio de Neonatología del Hospital "Dr. Enrique Garcés". Las determinaciones se hicieron a los 5, 10, 15, 30, 60 minutos y a las 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 y 48 horas de vida. Se confirmó, en el laboratorio central, los valores de hipoglicemia, en aquellos casos que por las tiras reactivas se tenían valores entre 20-40 mg por ciento. De los 120 neonatos estudiados, se confirmó hipoglicemia en 24 (20 por ciento). De éstos, 19 fueron asintomáticos y 5 sintomáticos. El rango de los valores de glicemia en estos 24 recién nacidos fue de 23-35 mg por ciento. diez y nueve de los 24 pacientes fueron diagnosticados como hipoglicemicos en las primeras 4 horas de vida. Como antecedentes obstétrico de importancia se identificó únicamente un caso de preeclampsia grave; por el contrario, fueron frecuentes las alteraciones neonatales destacando la policitemia en 4 casos, asfixia inicial moderada en 2 casos, hipocalcemia en 4 casos.