精神分裂症患者发生代谢综合征危险因素研究

目的 探讨精神分裂症患者代谢综合征发生的危险因素,方法 以是否发生代谢综合征为标准,将84例单一服用氯氮平治疗的精神分裂症患者分为两组,其中代谢综合征组36例,非代谢综合征组48例.收集患者的一般资料,包括性别,年龄,吸烟史,教育程度,婚姻状况,服药剂量,服药时间,晨起空腹状态下测定患者的体重,身高,腰围,血压,空腹血糖,总胆固醇,甘油三酯,低密度脂蛋白,高密度脂蛋白,C-反应蛋白,IL-6,比较分析两组一般资料和所测定指标的差异.结果 代谢综合征组患者的吸烟率(P=0.006),腰围(P=0.001),空腹血糖(P＜0.001),甘油三酯(P=0.008),C-反应蛋白(P＜0.001)和白介素-6 (P＜0.001)水平明显高于非代谢综合征组,两组间差异具有统计学意义.以是否发生代谢综合征为因变量,建立Logistic回归模型,血糖(95％ CI,OR:5.5,27.03),收缩压(95％CI,OR:1.84,2.39),年龄(95％ CI,OR:1.17,1.37),腰围(95％ CI,OR:1.83,3.07),甘油三酯(95％ CI,OR:23.08,45.26),C-反应蛋白(95％ CI,OR:1.08,2.94)这6个变量进入回归方程.结论 发生代谢综合征的精神分裂症患者,具有更高的吸烟比率,腰围,空腹血糖,甘油三酯和C-反应蛋白水平,而空腹血糖,收缩压,年龄,腰围,甘油三酯和C-反应蛋白是代谢综合征发生的独立危险因素,可以作为预测指标,做到代谢综合征的早期预防和干预.     

Cardiovascular risk factors in restless legs syndrome

We conducted a population‐based cross‐sectional study to assess prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in subjects with and without restless legs syndrome (RLS). Adults attending their annual checkup completed the International RLS Study Group questionnaire and underwent an interview by a neurologist. Data from the annual checkup were compared between subjects with and without RLS. The prevalence of RLS was 6.7% (95% CI 5.45–7.95) among 1,537 responders. RLS subjects' blood tests showed significantly higher fasting blood glucose level (P = 0.029), higher prevalence of hypercholesterolemia (P = 0.029) and reduced renal function (P = 0.013), and increased prevalence of low hematocrit (P = 0.008). RLS subjects weighed more (P = 0.029), had a higher BMI (P = 0.033), larger hip circumference (P = 0.033), and were less fit (P = 0.010). To control for interactions among statistical predictors, we also employed multivariate logistic regression models adjusted for age, gender, smoking, BMI, hemoglobin, glucose, HDL/LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and creatinine. We found that female gender (OR 2.16; 95% CI 1.11–4.17), smoking (OR 1.82; 95% CI, 1.10–3.00), and HDL/LDL cholesterol (OR 0.18; 95% CI 0.034–0.90) were significantly associated with RLS compared with subjects without RLS. RLS was associated with cardiovascular risk factors. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society     

Concomitant irritable bowel syndrome is associated with failure of step‐down on‐demand proton pump inhibitor treatment in patients with gastro‐esophageal reflux disease

Background The predictors for treatment failure of on‐demand proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy in gastro‐esophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients are unclear. We studied the efficacy and predictors for treatment failure of step‐down on‐demand PPI therapy in patients with non‐erosive reflux disease (NERD) and those with low grade erosive esophagitis. Methods Consecutive symptomatic GERD patients who had positive esophageal pH studies and complete symptom resolution with initial treatment of esomeprazole were given step‐down on‐demand esomeprazole for 26 weeks. Patients with esophagitis of Los Angeles (LA) grade C or above and recent use of PPI were excluded. Treatment failure was defined as an inadequate relief of reflux symptoms using global symptom assessment. Potential predictors of treatment failure were determined using multivariate analysis. Key Results One hundred and sixty three NERD and 102 esophagitis patients were studied. The 26‐week probability of treatment failure was 36.2% (95% CI: 23.9–46.5%) in NERD group and 20.1% (95% CI: 10.9–28.3%) in esophagitis group, respectively (P = 0.021). Irritable bowel syndrome (adjusted HR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.5–3.8, P = 0.01), in addition to daily reflux symptom (adjusted hazard ratio: 2.7, 95% CI: 1.9–4.2, P = 0.001) and concomitant dyspepsia (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.1–2.8, P = 0.04), were independent predictors for treatment failure. Conclusions & Inferences Compared to patients with esophagitis, NERD patients have higher failure rate of on‐demand PPI therapy. Concomitant irritable bowel syndrome, in addition to daily reflux symptom and dyspepsia, is associated with the failure of on‐demand PPI in these patients.     

Duodenal ulcer disease,gastroduodenal motor function and reflux esophagitis – a cross‐sectional survey in a subset of Taiwanese patients

Background To investigate the association between the gastric emptying rate and the presence of erosive esophagitis in duodenal ulcer (DU) patients among a population with high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection. Methods Cross‐sectional survey was performed in a cohort of 60 male patients with either active or healed DU, with or without the presence of erosive esophagitis. Clinical and social‐demographic data, blood level of fasting gastrin, pepsinogen I & I/II ratio, and scintigraphic measurement of half emptying time (t_1/2) of the solid phase gastric emptying were evaluated. Key Results Patients with active DU and erosive esophagitis tended to have higher plasma level of fasting gastrin than those without erosive esophagitis (75.11 ± 13.74 vs 45.81 ± 5.06 pg mL^?1, P = 0.059). In the absence of H. pylori infection, patients with healed DU and erosive esophagitis had a trend to have longer half‐emptying time (t_1/2: 96.5 ± 6.4 vs 69.1 ± 11.3 min, P = 0.0572) than those without erosive esophagitis, and statistically significant longer after excluding those diagnosed with hiatal hernia (t_1/2: 100.8 ± 7.9 min vs 69.1 ± 11.3 min, P < 0.05) from the former group. Among the healed DU patients, those with negative H. pylori infection, hiatal hernia and overweight (body mass index ≥24) had significantly increased risk of severe esophagitis. Conclusions & Inferences Presence of erosive esophagitis in a subset of Taiwanese patients with healed DU and negative H. pylori status was associated with slower solid phase gastric emptying.     

Fasting Hyperglycemia and Long-term Outcome in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke Treated with Mechanical Thrombectomy

BackgroundLittle is known about the prognostic role of fasting glucose after mechanical thrombectomy (MT).AimsWe investigated whether fasting glucose on the next day after MT was associated with long-term outcome in acute ischemic stroke patients according to diabetes.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 181 consecutive patients with acute anterior circulation ischemic stroke who underwent MT in 2 comprehensive stroke centers in Poland. Glucose levels were evaluated on admission and on the next day after MT. Fasting hyperglycemia (FHG) was defined as the glucose level above 5.5 mmol/L. Unfavorable outcome was defined as modified Rankin scale (mRS) of 3-6 at day 90 from stroke onset.ResultsPatients with FHG had higher mRS at 3-month follow-up compared with those without FHG (3.71 ± 2.56 versus 1.87 ± 2.22, P < .001). In the subgroup analyses, FHG was associated with poor neurological outcome in the group without diabetes (3.74 ± 2.52 versus 1.81 ± 3.74, P < .001) but not with diabetes (3.64 ± 2.67 versus 2.30 ± 3.74, P= .11). Patients without diabetes who had FHG were older, had higher glucose on admission, higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation, cardioembolic stroke etiology and bleeding brain complications compared with the group with normal fasting glucose. After adjustment for potential confounders, fasting glucose (odds ratio [OR] 1.46; 95% CI 1.19-1.79, P < .001), age (OR 1.06; 95% CI 1.02-1.10, P = .001), successful reperfusion (OR 0.09; 95% CI 0.04-0.22, P < .001) and baseline NIHSS score (OR 1.18; 95% CI 1.08-1.29, P < .001) were predictors of mRS 3-6 at 3-month follow-up in the whole group. In the subgroup without diabetes, fasting glucose (OR 1.57; 95% CI 1.17-2.11, P = .002), age (OR 1.05; 95% CI 1.01-1.08, P = .008), successful reperfusion (OR 0.11; 95% CI 0.04-0.30, P < .001) and baseline NIHSS score (OR 1.14; 95% CI 1.04-1.26, P = .011) were independent predictors of unfavorable 3-month outcome.ConclusionsFasting glucose on the next day after MT in patients with acute ischemic stroke is an independent risk factor for worse 3-month outcome.     

Metabolic abnormalities in an early psychosis service: a retrospective, naturalistic cross-sectional study

Aim: There is an increasing recognition of the impact of weight gain on the development of metabolic abnormalities in young people receiving atypical antipsychotic drugs for first‐episode psychosis. This study examined the prevalence of such abnormalities in a specialist early‐intervention community mental health team. Methods: A retrospective case record audit of 85 patients 16–27 years old attending the Early Psychosis Service between October 2006 and June 2008, who had at least one metabolic measure defined as: weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, blood pressure, and fasting blood glucose and lipids. Metabolic syndrome identified by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria. Results: Fifty‐five percent of males and 42% of females were overweight or obese at a median treatment duration of 8 months. Duration of antipsychotic therapy was associated with higher BMI (r = 0.28, P < 0.01). More than 40% of the total sample had high waist circumference. Of the 64 subjects with complete metabolic data, eight (12.5%) met full IDF criteria for metabolic syndrome, and another 21 (32.8%) had either increased waist with one metabolic abnormality or normal waist and two metabolic abnormalities. Conclusion: Over a third of young patients being treated for their first episode of psychosis either had metabolic syndrome or showed metabolic abnormalities. Treatment duration related to higher BMI and greater prevalence of metabolic syndrome. Detection of metabolic complications after treatment instigation in patients with first‐episode psychosis will permit early intervention with lifestyle or drug interventions in those at risk of significant physical health morbidity.     

Heartburn during sleep: a clinical marker of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in morbidly obese patients

Abstract Gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and morbid obesity are entities with increasing prevalence. New clinical strategies are cornerstones for their management. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of heartburn during sleep (HDS) and whether this symptom predicts the presence of objective GORD parameters and increased heartburn perception in morbidly obese patients. Ninety‐one consecutive morbidly obese patients underwent clinical evaluation, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and oesophageal pH monitoring. HDS was characterized when patients replied positively to the question, ‘Does heartburn wake you from sleep?’. A General Score for Heartburn (GSH) ranging between 0 and 5 was assessed with the question ‘How bad is your heartburn?’. HDS was reported by 33 patients (36%). More patients with HDS had abnormal acid contact time or reflux oesophagitis than patients without HDS (94%vs 57%, P < 0.001). HDS had a positive predictive value of 94% (0.95 CI 82–98), sensitivity of 48% (0.95 CI 37–60%) and specificity of 93% (0.95 CI 77–98%) for detection of GORD. A higher proportion of patients with HDS perceived heartburn preceded by acid reflux in diurnal (39%vs 9%; P < 0.001) periods during pH‐metry. HDS patients showed higher GSH (2.4 ± 0.5 vs 1.7 ± 0.4; P < 0.0001) compared with patients who denied HDS but reported diurnal heartburn. HDS occurs in a significant minority of patients with morbid obesity and has high positive predictive value for GORD. Symptomatic reflux during the sleep seems to be a marker of increased heartburn perception in this population.     

Characteristics of gastro‐esophageal reflux episodes in Barrett’s esophagus,erosive esophagitis and healthy volunteers

Background Gastro‐esophageal reflux is considered a major culprit in the pathogenesis of Barrett’s esophagus (BE). Still, there is controversy on the role of weakly acidic and weakly alkaline reflux in BE. To compare characteristics of reflux episodes patients with BE, erosive esophagitis (EE), and healthy volunteers (HV). Methods One hundred consecutive patients with BE (75 short‐segment BE, 25 long‐segment BE), 50 with EE and 48 HV underwent multichannel intraluminal impedance‐pH off‐therapy. We quantified esophageal acid exposure, characteristics, and proximal extension of reflux episodes. Key Results Total and acid reflux episodes gradually increased from HV [28 (17.5–43) and 18 (8–31)] to EE [73.5 (54–96) and 52 (39–68)], short‐segment BE (SSBE) [83 (73.2–131) and 65 (43.3–95)] and long‐segment BE (LSBE) [105 (102–187) and 77 (75–107)]. Weakly acidic reflux episodes were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in LSBE [36 (27.5–50.5)] and SSBE [34 (18.5–41)] compared to EE [21.5 (15–37)] and HV [19 (14–25)]. No differences in terms of proportion of acid, weakly acidic and weakly alkaline reflux were found [HV (49%–49%–2%) vs EE (68%–32%–1%) vs SSBE (65%–34%–1%) vs LSBE (69%–30%–1%); P = ns]. In LSBE, a higher percentage of reflux episodes (P < 0.05) reached the proximal esophagus (59%) compared with SSBE (43%). Conclusions & Inferences Barrett esophagus patients have more severe reflux as shown by the number of acid and weakly acidic reflux episodes, re‐reflux episodes and proximal migration. Given that PPI change only the pH of the refluxate, the role of weakly acidic reflux in Barrett’s patients on acid suppressive therapy warrants further investigation.     

Prospective study of obesity,hypertension, high cholesterol,and risk of restless legs syndrome

Because previous cross‐sectional studies suggest an association between metabolic disorders and restless legs syndrome (RLS), we prospectively evaluated whether obesity, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertension were associated with increased risk of RLS. Our study consisted of 42,728 female participants from the Nurses' Health Study II and 12,812 male participants from the Health Professionals Follow‐up Study, free of RLS at baseline (2002 for men and 2005 for women), and free of diabetes and arthritis through follow‐up (2002‐2008 for men and 2005‐2009 for women). RLS symptoms were assessed using the International RLS Study Group's standardized questionnaire. We considered RLS symptoms a “case” if the symptoms occurred ≥5 times/month and met International RLS Study Group criteria. We found that obesity was associated with an increased risk RLS among both men and women (P difference for sex >0.5). The pooled multivariate‐adjusted odds ratio (OR) for RLS was 1.57 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.33‐1.85; P trend <0.0001) for body mass index >30 versus ≤23 kg/m² and 1.56 (95% CI: 1.29‐1.89; P trend = 0.0001) comparing two extreme waist circumference quintiles, adjusting for age, ethnicity, smoking, physical activity, use of antidepressant, and other covariates. A similar significant association was found for high cholesterol; the pooled adjusted OR for total serum cholesterol >240 versus <159 mg/dL was 1.33 (95% CI: 1.11‐1.60; P trend = 0.002). There was no significant association between hypertension and RLS risk (adjusted OR: 0.90; 95% CI: 0.79‐1.02). In this large, prospective study, we found that obesity and high cholesterol, but not high blood pressure, were significantly associated with an increased risk of developing RLS. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society     

Does acute psychological stress increase perception of oesophageal acid?

Abstract Gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) patients often report an increase in their reflux symptoms during stressful situations. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of acute psychological stress on oesophageal acid perception. In 15 healthy volunteers and 10 GORD patients with a positive symptom–reflux association an oesophageal acid perfusion test was performed, once with and once without the presence of an acute psychological stressor (IQ test). The order of the measurements was randomized. The time from onset of the acid infusion to first acid perception, discomfort and pain was noted. Blood pressure was measured to assess the effect of the stress task. In healthy volunteers, the time to first perception (control task: 617 ± 174 s vs stress task: 561 ± 162 s), discomfort (control task: 969 ± 158 s vs stress task: 940 ± 151 s) or pain (control task: 1393 ± 122 s vs stress task: 1366 ± 121 s) did not differ significantly between both measurements. In GORD patients, no significant differences between both measurements were found either in time to first perception (control task: 63 ± 26 s vs stress task: 43 ± 15 s), discomfort (control task: 153 ± 44 s vs stress task: 249 ± 62 s) or pain (control task: 558 ± 139 s vs stress task: 633 ± 118 s). Systolic blood pressure rose significantly during the stress task in both the healthy volunteers (6 ± 1 mmHg) and the GORD patients (9 ± 2 mmHg). Neither in the healthy volunteers nor in the GORD patients, the acute psychological stress induced by an IQ test increased oesophageal acid perception. The observed increase in systolic blood pressure shows that the experimental stressors were effective.     

Unfairness and the social gradient of metabolic syndrome in the Whitehall II Study

OBJECTIVES: Little work has investigated the relationship between unfairness and risk factors for heart disease. We examine the role of unfairness in predicting the metabolic syndrome and explaining the social gradient of the metabolic syndrome. METHODS: The design is a prospective study with an average follow-up of 5.8 years. Participants were 4128 males and 1715 females of 20 civil service departments in London (Whitehall II study). Sociodemographics, unfairness, employment grade, behavioral risk factors, and other psychosocial factors were measured at baseline (Phase 3, 1991-1993). Waist circumference, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, fasting glucose, and hypertension were used to define metabolic syndrome at follow-up (Phase 5, 1997-2000), according to the National Cholesterol Education Program/Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines. RESULTS: Unfairness is positively associated with waist circumference, hypertension, triglycerides, and fasting glucose and negatively associated with serum HDL cholesterol. High levels of unfairness are also associated with the metabolic syndrome [odds ratio (OR)=1.72, 95% CI=1.31-2.25], after adjustment for age and gender. After additional adjustment for employment grade, behavioral risk factors, and other psychosocial factors, the relationship between high unfairness and metabolic syndrome weakened but remained significant (OR=1.37, 95% CI=1.00-1.93). When adjusting for unfairness, the social gradient of metabolic syndrome was reduced by approximately 10%. CONCLUSION: Unfairness may be a risk factor for the metabolic syndrome and its components. Future research is needed to study the biological mechanisms linking unfairness and the metabolic syndrome.     

Factors influencing dyspepsia‐related consultation: differences between a rural and an urban population

Background Dyspepsia is a common, chronic condition but medical consultation rates for symptoms remain variable. We aimed to examine two populations with varied health‐care provision to determine predictive factors for dyspepsia‐related consultation. Methods A cross‐sectional, population‐based study in both an urban and a rural community within a single Asian country was conducted. Details on dyspepsia‐related consultation rates over a fixed period and independent factors influencing them were identified. Key Results A total of 4039/5370 (75.2%) adults from representative rural and urban areas in this country agreed to participate in the study. Although mean ages of respondents were similar (40.4 years), the demographics of both populations varied in terms of gender (62.7% female, rural vs 55.7% female, urban, P < 0.0001), marital status (75.4% rural vs 70.5% urban, P = 0.002), ethnicity, (79% Malay rural vs 45.3% Malays urban, P < 0.0001) and socio‐economic status (professional occupation 7.1% rural vs 47.3% urban, P < 0.0001). Dyspepsia‐related consultation rates were found to be higher among rural compared to urban adults (41.4%vs 28.7%, P < 0.0001). Over‐the‐counter medication consumption was higher among urban compared to rural dyspepsia sufferers (n = 157 vs n = 35, P < 0.0001). Following logistic regression, rural population (OR 3.14, 95% CI = 1.65–6.0), low quality of life (OR 1.90, 95% CI = 1.17–3.10), and self‐medication (OR 0.40, 95% CI = 0.25–0.62) were found to independently predict dyspepsia‐related consultation. Conclusions & Inferences Dyspepsia‐related consultation varied significantly between urban and rural communities. Factors within the rural population, self‐medication practices, and a low quality of life independently influenced dyspepsia‐related consultation.     

Predictors of acid suppression success in patients with chronic laryngitis

Background Up to 50% of the patients suspected of reflux laryngitis syndrome failed to respond to acid suppression therapy. However, predictors of acid suppression success have not been determined. Methods Consecutive patients with chronic laryngitis were enrolled prospectively. All the patients underwent laryngoscopy, esophagogastroduodenoscopy and 24‐h multichannel intraluminal impedance and pH (MII‐pH) monitoring before receiving rabeprazole 10 mg b.i.d. for 3 months. Patient was considered as a responder to acid suppression if the chief laryngeal complaint score during the last week since last interview had decreased by at least 50% after the start of therapy compared with baseline. Cox regression analysis was used to determine the independent predictors of acid suppression success. Key Results Of 92 patients (age 42.4 ± 14.3 years, 50 women), 42 (45.7%) responded to acid suppression after 3 months. Gastroesophageal reflux disease was defined in 22 patients, of whom 19 patients had pathological distal esophageal acid exposure and 5 were defined as erosive esophagitis. The time to response showed a significant hazard ratio for patients with increased distal esophageal acid exposure time (β: 0.93; HR: 2.55; 95% CI: 1.24–5.24; P = 0.011) and increased laryngopharyngeal bolus exposure time (BET; β: 0.96; HR: 2.61; 95% CI: 1.36–5.00; P = 0.004). The latter had the best Youden Index (0.34) and accuracy (68.5%). Conclusions & Inferences The success of acid suppression on chronic laryngitis could be predicted using reflux parameters detected by MII‐pH, among which increased laryngopharyngeal BET is the best.     

Plasma brain natriuretic peptide predicts death during hospitalization in acute ischaemic stroke and transient ischaemic attack patients with atrial fibrillation

Background and purpose: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most powerful predictor of early death in patients with acute ischaemic stroke. We investigated whether the plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) level on admission can serve as a biological marker of in‐hospital death in acute ischaemic stroke and transient ischaemic attack (TIA) patients with AF. Methods: We prospectively enrolled ischaemic stroke and TIA patients with AF within 24 h of onset and measured plasma BNP on admission. Patients were divided into two groups: the deceased group, who died during hospitalization, and the survival group. The factors associated with in‐hospital death were investigated by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 221 patients with AF were enrolled. Death occurred in 24 (10.9%) patients. The mean ± SD of the plasma BNP level of the deceased group was significantly higher than that of the survival group (714.1 ± 716.3 vs. 320.0 ± 380.7 pg/ml, P < 0.0001). The optimal cutoff level, sensitivity, and specificity of BNP levels to distinguish the deceased group from the survival group were 320 pg/ml, 79.2, and 69.0%, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that age per 10 years increase (OR, 3.56; 95% CI, 1.728–7.346, P = 0.0006), internal carotid artery occlusion (OR, 10.20; 95% CI, 2.525–41.177, P = 0.0011), NIHSS score of >17 (OR, 4.68; 95% CI, 1.137–19.286, P = 0.0325), and plasma BNP level of >320 pg/ml (OR, 4.74; 95% CI, 1.260–17.800, P = 0.0213) were independent factors associated with in‐hospital death. Conclusion: The plasma BNP level on admission can predict in‐hospital death in acute ischaemic stroke and TIA patients with AF.     

Metabolic markers or conditions preceding Parkinson's disease: A case‐control study

Several metabolic markers or conditions have been explored as possible risk or protective factors for Parkinson's disease (PD); however, results remain conflicting. We further investigated these associations using a case–control study design. We used the medical records–linkage system of the Rochester Epidemiology Project to identify 196 subjects who developed PD in Olmsted County, Minnesota, from 1976 through 1995. Each incident case was matched by age (±1 year) and sex to a general population control. We reviewed the complete medical records of cases and controls in the medical records–linkage system to abstract information about body mass index (BMI), cholesterol level, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus preceding the onset of PD (or the index year). There were no significant differences between cases and controls for the metabolic markers or conditions investigated. No significant associations were found using 2 cutoffs for BMI level (BMI ≥ 25 or BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) and 3 cutoffs for cholesterol levels (>200, >250, or >300 mg/dL). Neither a diagnosis of hypertension or the documented use of antihypertensive medications was significantly associated with the subsequent risk of PD (odds ratio [OR], 1.00; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.65–1.54; P = .99) nor was a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus or the use of glucose‐lowering medications (OR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.37–1.57; P = .47). Our study, based on historical information from a records‐linkage system, does not support an association between BMI, cholesterol level, hypertension, or diabetes mellitus with later development of PD. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society     

The nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, Ng-nitro-l-arginine-methyl-ester, attenuates the delay in gastric emptying induced by hyperglycaemia in healthy humans

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine whether the nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor, N^g‐nitro‐l ‐arginine‐methyl‐ester (l ‐NAME), reverses the effects of acute hyperglycaemia on gastric emptying and antropyloroduodenal (APD) motility. The study had a four‐way randomized crossover (hyperglycaemia vs euglycaemia; l ‐NAME vs placebo) design in a clinical laboratory setting. Seven healthy volunteers [four males; age 30.3 ± 3.8 years; body mass index (BMI) 23.6 ± 1.2 kg m^?2] were the study subjects. After positioning a transnasal manometry catheter across the pylorus, the blood glucose concentration was maintained at either 15 or 5 mmol L^?1 using a glucose/insulin clamp. An intravenous infusion of l ‐NAME (180 μg kg^?1 h^?1) or placebo (0.9% saline) was commenced (T = ?30 min) and continued for 150 min. At T = ?2 min, subjects ingested a drink containing 50 g of glucose made up to 300 mL with water. Gastric emptying was measured using 3D ultrasound, and APD motility using manometry. Hyperglycaemia slowed gastric emptying (P < 0.05), and this effect was abolished by l ‐NAME. l ‐NAME had no effect on gastric emptying during euglycaemia. Hyperglycaemia suppressed fasting antral motility [motility index: 3.9 ± 0.8 (hyperglycaemia) vs 6.5 ± 0.6 (euglycaemia); P < 0.01]; l ‐NAME suppressed postprandial antral motility [motility index: 3.6 ± 0.2 (l ‐NAME) vs 5.1 ± 0.2 (placebo); P < 0.001]. Postprandial basal pyloric pressure was higher during hyperglycaemia (P < 0.001), and lower after administration of l ‐NAME (P < 0.001). Slowing of gastric emptying induced by hyperglycaemia is mediated by NO, and may involve the modulation of tonic pyloric activity.     

Predictors for 5-year survival in a prospective cohort of elderly stroke patients

Whiting R, Shen Q, Hung WT, Cordato D, Chan DKY. Predictors for 5‐year survival in a prospective cohort of elderly stroke patients.
Acta Neurol Scand: 2011: 124: 309–316.
© 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Objectives – To examine predictors for 5‐year survival in elderly stroke patients. Materials and Methods – Prospective cohort study of 186 consecutive acute stroke patients aged ≥65 years admitted to Bankstown‐Lidcombe Hospital, Australia 03/2002 to 03/2003. All subjects were followed up in 2007/8, at 5 years post‐stroke, for outcome measures. Logistic regression analysis was performed to predict 5‐year survival using covariables, including functional status, age, stroke type and severity and vascular risk factors. Patients lost to follow‐up (n = 20) were excluded from the analyses. Results – One hundred patients (60%) were dead at study end. Predictors for survival in final logistic regression model were as follows: Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) on admission (OR 1.49, 95%CI 1.1–2.0, P = 0.01), preadmission functional independence measure (FIM) score (OR 1.04, 95%CI 1.0–1.1, P = 0.01), age (OR 0.93, 95%CI 0.87–0.98, P = 0.01) and atrial fibrillation (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.19–0.95, P = 0.04). For 5‐year survivors, mean Modified Rankin Scale was 3.1 ± 1.5, total FIM score 85 ± 32, mini‐mental state examination (MMSE) 22 ± 8 and Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scores 5.4 ± 3.4 and 5.2 ± 3.9, respectively. FIM cognition score was significantly lower at 5 years when compared to baseline (24 ± 8 vs 29 ± 8, P < 0.05) (all scores expressed as mean ± SD). In contrast, MMSE, HAD and total FIM scores were not significantly different at 5 years when compared to baseline. Conclusions – The study identified lower GCS on admission, lower preadmission FIM score, age and atrial fibrillation as negative predictors for 5‐year survival following stroke.     

Can an early weight management program (WMP) prevent olanzapine (OLZ)-induced disturbances in body weight,blood glucose and lipid metabolism? Twenty-four- and 48-week results from a 6-month randomized trial

Objectives. This study was designed to investigate whether a preventive weight management program (WMP) reduces weight gain during olanzapine (OLZ) treatment. Moreover, we examined the effects of intervention on metabolic parameters. Methods. Patients (N = 100) with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder (DSM-IV) who had commenced treatment with OLZ were recruited. Following a run-in period of 4 weeks, 74 patients who had gained at least 1.5 kg body weight were randomized to receive either 12 bi-weekly WMP sessions (prevention group (PG), n = 36), or usual care (control group (CG), n = 38). Anthropometric and metabolic parameters were assessed after the 24-week intervention phase and a 24-week follow-up. Results. Forty-two percent of 74 participants (PG: 36.1%, CG: 47.4%) finished the 24-week intervention phase while 34% of them (PG: 30.6%, CG: 36.8%) completed the 48-week study. There was no significant difference in weight gain between groups (PG: + 3.4 ± 4.2 kg vs. CG: + 4.5 ± 6.1 kg, P = 0.184) after 24 weeks. Nevertheless, PG showed a significantly smaller increase in waist circumference than CG (PG: + 4.6 ± 8.3 cm, CG: + 10.1 ± 7.3 cm, P = 0.019) after 48 weeks. Furthermore, PG showed a significantly smaller increase in fasting glucose (P = 0.031) and 2-h glucose after oral glucose load (P = 0.018) than CG. Conclusions. These results suggest that preventive WMP may reduce the risk of abdominal obesity and deterioration of glucose metabolism in OLZ-treated patients.     

Intervention to promote physical health in staff within mental health facilities and the impact on patients’ physical health

Background: Patients with severe mental illnesses have an increased physical morbidity and premature mortality on account of somatic diseases. Patients with mental illness are nursed and cared for by the staff, who may acts as role models for the patients. Aims: The study tested the efficacy of an intervention programme for improving physical health in staff working in long-term psychiatric treatment facilities. Furthermore, the paper measured the association between staff's changes in physical health and the patients’ changes in physical health. Methods: The study was a cluster randomized controlled 12-month intervention study, and the intervention was active awareness on physical health. Results: In the intervention group the staff reduced their waist circumference by 2.3 cm (95% CI: 0.3–4.4) when controlling for gender, age and cigarette consumption. In the control group, the staff changed their waist circumference by ? 2.1 cm (95% CI: ? 5.6–1.5). The staff in the intervention group experienced a significant reduction in diastolic blood pressure of ? 5.9 mmHg (95% CI: ? 9.5 to ? 2.3, p = 0.009). The study indicated an association between the staff average change in each facility and the individual patient's changes in health parameters (body mass index, total body fat and quality of life). Conclusion: The staff in the intervention group showed a significant reduction of waist circumference, while staff in the control group showed a non-significant increase. Furthermore, a significant reduction in the diastolic blood pressure was seen. Indications that staff acted as positive role models for the patients’ physical health were seen.