Prevalence of dysglycaemic events among inpatients with diabetes mellitus: a Singaporean perspective

INTRODUCTION

As the effectiveness of intensive glycaemic control is unclear and recommended glycaemic targets are inconsistent, this study aimed to ascertain the prevalence of dysglycaemia among hospitalised patients with diabetes mellitus in an Asian population and evaluate the current standards of inpatient glycaemic control.

METHODS

A retrospective observational study was conducted at a secondary hospital. Point-of-care blood glucose (BG) values, demographic data, medical history, glycaemic therapy and clinical characteristics were recorded. Dysglycaemia prevalence was calculated as proportions of BG-monitored days with at least one reading exceeding the cut points of 8, 10 and 15 mmol/L for hyperglycaemia, and below the cut point of 4 mmol/L for hypoglycaemia.

RESULTS

Among the 288 patients recruited, hyperglycaemia was highly prevalent (90.3%, 81.3% and 47.6% for the respective cut points), while hypoglycaemia was the least prevalent (18.8%). Dysglycaemic patients were more likely than normoglycaemic patients to have poorer glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels (8.4% ± 2.6% vs. 7.3% ± 1.9%; p = 0.002 for BG > 10 mmol/L) and longer lengths of stay (10.1 ± 8.2 days vs. 6.8 ± 4.7 days; p = 0.007 for BG < 4 mmol/L). Hyperglycaemia was more prevalent in patients on more intensive treatment regimens, such as basal-bolus combination therapy and the use of both insulin and oral hypoglycaemic agents (100.0% and 96.0%, respectively; p < 0.001 for BG > 10 mmol/L).

CONCLUSION

Inpatient glycaemic control is suboptimal. Factors (e.g. type of treatment regimen, discipline and baseline HbA1c) associated with greater prevalence of dysglycaemia should be given due consideration in patient management.     

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis resembling Rasmussen’s encephalitis on magnetic resonance imaging

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a rare, slowly progressing but invariably fatal disease that is related to a prior measles virus infection and most commonly affects paediatric patients. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is the modality of choice for determining such changes in white matter. SSPE typically demonstrates bilateral but asymmetric periventricular and subcortical white matter involvement. We herein report a rare case of unilateral white matter involvement in a 13-year-old boy with SSPE that closely simulated Rasmussen’s encephalitis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of an atypical presentation on MR imaging in which SSPE was a rare cause of unilateral brain parenchymal involvement in a patient with intractable seizures.     

Magnetic resonance imaging of diabetic foot complications

This pictorial review aims to illustrate the various manifestations of the diabetic foot on magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. The utility of MR imaging and its imaging features in the diagnosis of pedal osteomyelitis are illustrated. There is often difficulty encountered in distinguishing osteomyelitis from neuroarthropathy, both clinically and on imaging. By providing an accurate diagnosis based on imaging, the radiologist plays a significant role in the management of patients with complications of diabetic foot.     

Association between urinary 8-OHdG and pulse wave velocity in hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

INTRODUCTION

Oxidative stress, assessed using 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), can be associated with arterial stiffness in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and/or hypertension (HT). We investigated the correlation between urinary 8-OHdG and pulse wave velocity (PWV) in hypertensive and non-hypertensive T2DM patients with fair glycaemic control to determine the clinical significance of HT as a comorbidity in the diabetic state.

METHODS

Clinical data, including traditional cardiovascular risk factors, diabetic complications, prescribed agents, urinary 8-OHdG level and brachial-ankle PWV, was collected from T2DM patients with and without HT.

RESULTS

There were 76 patients (45 men, 31 women; mean age 61 years; mean haemoglobin A1c level 6.5%) in the study cohort. T2DM patients with HT had significantly higher mean PWV than patients without HT (1,597 cm/s vs 1,442 cm/s; p < 0.05). Patients with HT showed no significant difference in 8-OHdG levels relative to those without HT (median 7.9 ng/mg creatinine vs 8.8 ng/mg creatinine; p > 0.05). Simple linear correlation and stepwise multiple linear regression analyses revealed that 8-OHdG levels correlated independently, significantly and positively with PWV among T2DM patients with HT (r = 0.33, p < 0.05; β = 0.23, p < 0.05). No significant correlation was observed between 8-OHdG levels and PWV among T2DM patients without HT.

CONCLUSION

In the hypertensive state, oxidative stress can be responsible for the development of arterial stiffness, even in patients with fairly well controlled T2DM. Oxidative stress management may be necessary for the prevention of cardiovascular disease in this population.     

The prevalence of albuminuria among diabetic patients in a primary care setting in Singapore

INTRODUCTION

Microalbuminuria is an early sign of kidney damage. The prevalence of microalbuminuria in Singapore has been reported to be 36.0%–48.5%. However, the prevalence of microalbuminuria reported in these studies was determined with one urine sample using a qualitative urine test. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of micro- and macroalbuminuria using a more stringent criterion of two positive quantitative urine albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR) tests.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who were followed up at a primary care clinic in Singapore. Patients were diagnosed to have albuminuria if they had two positive ACR tests within a seven-month period.

RESULTS

A total of 786 patients with T2DM met the study’s inclusion criteria. 55.7% were already on an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) and/or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). The prevalence rates of micro- and macroalbuminuria were 14.2% and 5.7%, respectively. Patients with albuminuria were more likely to have hypertension (odds ratio [OR] 3.47, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.55–7.80). Diabetics with poorer diabetic control (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.26–2.79), and higher systolic (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.14–2.49) and diastolic (OR 1.96, 95% CI, 1.20 to 3.22) blood pressures were more likely to have albuminuria.

CONCLUSION

In the present study, the prevalence of microalbuminuria is significantly lower than that previously reported in Singapore. The presence of hypertension, poor diabetic control and suboptimal blood pressure control are possible risk factors for albuminuria in patients with T2DM.     

Imaging features of an intraosseous arteriovenous malformation in the tibia

Primary intraosseous arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are rare and have only been occasionally reported. We herein report a histologically proven case of primary intraosseous AVM in the tibia, which mimicked a fibrous tumour on radiography. This presentation carries a risk of triggering acute large haemorrhage through unnecessary biopsy. In intraosseous AVM, the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging features typical of a soft tissue AVM are absent, making diagnosis difficult. In this report, peculiar MR features in the presence of a connecting vessel between the normal deep venous system of the lower extremity and the tumour provide a clue for the early diagnosis of primary intraosseous AVM.     

The research of myelinization of normal fetal brain with magnetic resonance imaging.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the growth and development of myelin of sheath fetal brain. METHODS: Forty-four cases of pregnant women were imaged with magnetic resonance (MR) at 0.35 T (tesla). The signal changes of the main structures of fetal brain were analysed. RESULTS: The signal intensity of cerebral (except basal ganglia) and cerebellar matter was hypo-signal on the T1WI (T1 weighted spin-echo image), iso-signal of the PDWI (Proton density weighted image) and hyper-signal on the T2WI (T2 weighted spin-echo image). As to the brain stem and basal ganglia, their signal intensities showed difference in different gestational weeks on T1WI. The intensities were of slight hypo-signal before and iso-signal after the 29th week. However, their signal intensities on PDWI and T2WI were the same as those of the cerebral and cerebellar matter. CONCLUSIONS: There was no myelinization of fetal cerebral (except basal ganglia) and cerebellar matter during pregnant period. The myelin sheath was formed in the brain stem and basal ganglia after 29 gestational weeks. The process of myelinization began from brain stem to basal ganglia.     

Myopia in young patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to evaluate the proportion of young patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) who have myopia, as well as the risk factors associated with myopia in this group.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, patients aged < 21 years with T1DM for ≥ 1 year underwent a comprehensive eye examination. Presence of parental myopia, and average hours of near-work and outdoor activity were estimated using a questionnaire. Annualised glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), defined as the mean of the last three HbA1c readings taken over the last year, was calculated. Multivariate analysis using genetic, environmental and diabetes-related factors was done to evaluate risk factors associated with myopia.

RESULTS

Of the 146 patients (mean age 12.5 ± 3.6 years) recruited, 66.4% were Chinese and 57.5% were female. Myopia (i.e. spherical equivalent [SE] of –0.50 D or worse) was present in 96 (65.8%) patients. The proportion of patients with myopia increased from 25.0% and 53.6% in those aged < 7.0 years and 7.0–9.9 years, respectively, to 59.2% and 78.4% in those aged 10.0–11.9 years and ≥ 12.0 years, respectively. Higher levels of SE were associated with lower parental myopia (p = 0.024) and higher annualised HbA1c (p = 0.011).

CONCLUSION

Compared to the background population, the proportion of myopia in young patients with T1DM was higher in those aged < 10 years but similar in the older age group. Myopia was associated with a history of parental myopia. Environmental risk factors and poor glycaemic control were not related to higher myopia risk.     

糖尿病合并腔隙性脑梗死磁共振成像影像学分析

目的评价糖尿病合并腔隙性脑梗死影像特点及糖尿病对腔隙性脑梗死发病的影响。方法糖尿病组54例,非糖尿病组35例,比较2组的影像学特征。结果糖尿病组在双侧大脑半球及脑干两部位发生腔隙性脑梗死均高于非糖尿病组（P〈0.05）,基底节区与双侧小脑半球差异无统计学意义。结论糖尿病组易发生腔隙性脑梗死,前组循环及后组循环微小动脉均受累。     

非酮症性高血糖伴偏侧舞蹈症的临床表现及影像学特征

目的探讨非酮症性高血糖伴偏侧舞蹈症的临床及MRI的表现,提高对该病的认识。材料与方法回顾性分析7例经临床证实的酮症偏侧舞蹈症患者临床及影像学资料,分析其临床表现及CT及MRI表现特征。结果 7例患者男2例,女5例,发病时均可见单侧或双侧不同程度舞蹈症状,发病时血糖16.1-24.8mmol/L,尿酮体均为阴性;颅脑CT可见发病肢体对侧基底节区豆状核及尾状核头部等或稍高密度灶,MRI显示相应部位呈短T1,稍短T2信号,FLAIR呈等低信号,SWI可见小片状低信号,经临床对症治疗后6例舞蹈症消失,1例明显改善。2例MRI复查显示1例基底节T1高信号消失,1例病灶形态减小,信号减弱。结论非酮症性高血糖偏侧舞蹈症有典型的临床及影像学表现,两者结合可明确诊断。     

麻痹型狂犬病影像学及病理学分析

目的探讨麻痹型狂犬病的早期诊断,进一步提高对麻痹型狂犬病的认识。方法总结我院于2004年收治1例麻痹型狂犬病患者的临床、影像学及病理学资料,并复习国内外文献进行综合分析。结果患者男,5岁,被幼犬咬伤当日、第三日及第六日注射狂犬疫苗3次,第11日开始出现发热、烦躁不安等症状。入院后给予大剂量激素治疗,病情仍迅速恶化,于入院后第六日死亡。患者头颅MRI提示基底节和脑干的对称性核团异常信号。脑组织尸检病理见血管炎症性改变,神经细胞空泡变性、坏死和Negri小体。最终确诊为狂犬病。结论头颅MRI对于早期诊断麻痹型狂犬病有一定价值。神经细胞内Negri小体是麻痹型狂犬病的特异性病理表现,确诊仍依赖于病理检查。     

颅内生殖细胞瘤的影像学表现

目的分析颅内生殖细胞瘤的临床表现及影像学特征。方法收集经手术和病理证实的、影像资料完整的颅内生殖细胞瘤患者38例的临床资料，并进行影像学分析。结果38例肿瘤中，病变位于鞍区11例（29％），松果体区13例（34％），基底节区14例（37％）。松果体区生殖细胞瘤为等T1，等或稍长T2信号，均匀、明显强化；丘脑和基底节区多表现为混杂T1和混杂长T2信号，斑片样、囊壁环形强化，或环形分隔样增强。结论颅内生殖细胞瘤病变多位于松果体区、鞍区或基底节区，结合影像学检查有助于其诊断。     

Insulin therapy refusal among type II diabetes mellitus patients in Kubang Pasu district,Kedah, Malaysia

INTRODUCTION

Diabetes mellitus is a rising non-communicable disease in Malaysia. Insulin therapy refusal is a challenge for healthcare providers, as it results in delayed insulin initiation. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of insulin therapy refusal and its associated factors.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted at seven public health clinics in Kubang Pasu district of Kedah, Malaysia, from March to October 2012. A newly developed and validated questionnaire was used and participants were selected via systematic random sampling. Only patients diagnosed with type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and under the public health clinic care in Kubang Pasu were included in the study. Multiple logistic regression was used to study the association between insulin therapy refusal and its associated factors.

RESULTS

There were 461 respondents and the response rate was 100%. Among these 461 patients with T2DM, 74.2% refused insulin therapy. The most common reason given for refusal was a lack of confidence in insulin injection (85.4%). Multiple logistic regression revealed that respondents who had secondary education were 55.0% less likely to refuse insulin therapy than those who had primary education or no formal education (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.25–0.82, p = 0.009). There was also a significant inverse association between glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) level and insulin therapy refusal (adjusted OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.76–1.00, p = 0.047).

CONCLUSION

Insulin therapy refusal is common in Kubang Pasu. Educational status and HbA1c level should be taken into consideration when counselling patients on insulin therapy initiation.     

Clinics in diagnostic imaging (154). Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

A 59-year-old man with a history of major depression was found by his wife to be unconscious and foaming at the mouth. On arrival at the emergency department, the patient was noted to be unresponsive. Computed tomography of the brain showed symmetrical ill-defined areas of hypoattenuation involving the medial aspects of both lentiform nuclei, while magnetic resonance images of the brain showed symmetrical increased signal in the bilateral globi pallidi on diffusion weighted, T2-weighted and fluid attenuated inversion recovery sequences. These findings were those of acute carbon monoxide poisoning. Despite aggressive treatment, the patient’s condition continued to deteriorate and he eventually passed away. The various imaging findings of carbon monoxide poisoning in the brain and the differential diagnoses are discussed.     

Effects of vitamin A,C and E,or omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on the level of paraoxonase and arylesterase activity in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats: an investigation of activities in plasma,and heart and liver homogenates

INTRODUCTION

This study was designed and conducted to evaluate the effects of vitamin A, C and E supplementation, and omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on the activity of paraoxonase and arylesterase in an experimental model of diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

A total of 64 male Sprague Dawley^® rats, each weighing 250 g, were randomly distributed into four groups: (a) normal control; (b) diabetic control; (c) diabetic with vitamin A, C and E supplementation; and (d) diabetic with omega-3 fatty acid supplementation. The animals were anaesthetised after four weeks of intervention, and paraoxonase and arylesterase activity in blood plasma, and liver and heart homogenates were measured.

RESULTS

Arylesterase activity in the heart and liver homogenates was significantly lower in the diabetic control group than in the normal control group (p < 0.01). Vitamin A, C and E supplementation, and omega-3 fatty acid supplementation significantly increased liver arylesterase activity (p < 0.05). No significant change was observed in paraoxonase activity and other investigated factors.

CONCLUSION

Vitamin A, C and E, or omega-3 fatty acid supplementation were found to increase liver arylesterase activity in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. These supplements may be potential agents for the treatment of diabetes mellitus complications.     

扩散加权成像在脑后部可逆性脑病综合征早期诊断中的应用

目的探讨扩散加权成像(DWI)对脑后部可逆性脑病综合征(PRES)的早期诊断及鉴别诊断的应用价值。方法回顾性分析12例PRES患者的临床及影像学资料,12例患者均行CT、MRI平扫及DWI检查,其中2例患者行MR增强检查。结果 MR及CT显示双侧顶枕叶9例、基底节区3例、额颞叶2例、小脑2例、丘脑1例、胼胝体1例及脑干1例多发斑片状异常信号或低密度影,主要位于双侧顶枕叶皮质及皮质下白质内。MR表现为稍长T1、稍长T2信号,FLAIR呈高信号,2例增强后病变未见强化,12例患者高b值DWI均呈等信号,相应ADC图呈高信号。所有患者接受治疗后复查MRI,病灶逐渐缩小、消失,临床症状好转。结论 DWI能明确PRES早期病变为血管源性水肿,DWI并结合常规MR对PRES的早期诊断、鉴别诊断及患者治疗后影像学评价有极高的价值。     

Clinics in diagnostic imaging (153). Severe hypoxic ischaemic brain injury.

A 58-year-old Indian woman presented with asystole after an episode of haemetemesis, with a patient downtime of 20 mins. After initial resuscitation efforts, computed tomography of the brain, obtained to evaluate neurological injury, demonstrated evidence of severe hypoxic ischaemic brain injury. The imaging features of hypoxic ischaemic brain injury and the potential pitfalls with regard to image interpretation are herein discussed.     

Hepatic tuberculosis: a rare cause of fluorodeoxyglucose hepatic superscan with background suppression on positron emission tomography

Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) hepatic superscan refers to the diffuse intense uptake of 18F-FDG in the liver on positron emission tomography (PET), with reduced physiological activity in the brain and heart. The common causes include lymphoma and metastasis. In this case report, we describe the imaging features of tuberculosis as a rare cause of FDG hepatic superscan. PET imaging may be the only clue to a diagnosis of hepatic tuberculosis, as other imaging modalities may demonstrate only nonspecific hepatomegaly. It is important to consider this entity in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with FDG hepatic superscan and proceed with liver biopsy for a definitive diagnosis.     

MRI各序列成像对弥漫性轴索损伤的诊断价值

目的比较MRI各成像序列对弥漫性轴索损伤（DAI）病灶的显示数,探讨更具优势的成像序列。方法收集宁夏医科大学附属医院2007年12月至2008年12月20例经临床诊断为DAI患者临床和MRI资料,分析MRI各成像序列对DAI病灶的显示数。结果共显示DAI病灶43个,病灶部位位于脑白质、皮髓交界、基底节、胼胝体、脑干区。DWI（弥散加权成像）序列对DAI病灶的检出率及信号强度明显高于T1WI（常规自旋回波）,T2WI（快速自旋回波）,T2FLAIR（流动衰减反转恢复）序列。结论 DWI序列可作为诊断并显示DAI病灶的首选序列。     

Central pontine myelinolysis: a rare presentation secondary to hyperglycaemia

Central pontine myelinolysis (CPM) is classically described as a demyelinating condition that results from the rapid correction of hyponatraemia. CPM has also been reported to arise from hyperglycaemia in association with concomitant acidosis, hypernatraemia and hyperosmolar syndrome. Herein, we report a rare presentation of CPM, which was purely secondary to hyperosmolar hyperglycaemia. The patient presented with ataxia and pseudobulbar affect, which evolved subacutely over a duration of two weeks. It is important to note that, in addition to acute changes in osmolality, a subacute shift secondary to hyperglycaemia may also lead to CPM.