The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in patients with gout: a multicenter study

It has been suggested that hyperuricemia and possibly gout are associated with the metabolic syndrome, but there have been no direct studies. This study was undertaken to obtain the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in patients with gout and to compare it with those from the general population studies. This was a 4-institutional case-historical control study composed of 168 patients with gout. We assessed the prevalence of metabolic syndrome according to the ATP III criteria and compared the prevalence with that of the historical controls. To elucidate the factors in gout that were associated with metabolic syndrome, a multivariate analysis was done. The age-adjusted prevalence of metabolic syndrome in gout patients was 43.6%, which was significantly higher than that of the Korean control population (5.2%) from the previous studies. Patients with gout had more components of metabolic syndrome than did the controls. Body mass index (BMI, OR = 1.357 (95%CI 1.111-1.657)) and high density lipoprotein (HDL, OR = 0.774 (95%CI 0.705-0.850)) were the variables most significantly associated with the occurrence of metabolic syndrome in gout, but alcohol consumption did not show such associations. Gout is associated with the metabolic syndrome, and furthermore, obesity and dyslipidemia were the factors most associated with the syndrome in these patients.     

Perceived difficult temperament, hostile maternal child-rearing attitudes and insulin resistance syndrome precursors among children: a 3-year follow-up study

BACKGROUND: We prospectively examined the relationship between latent constructs of perceived difficult temperament and hostile maternal child-rearing attitudes on the one hand, and the cluster of multiple cardiovascular risk factors comprising the insulin resistance syndrome (IRS) on the other. METHODS: A 3-year follow-up study of 451 randomly selected healthy children was used. The temperament of the children and maternal child-rearing attitudes were self-rated by the mothers. The physiological parameters measured were serum insulin, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides, systolic blood pressure, body-mass index and subscapular skinfold thickness. We analyzed the data using structural equation models that involved specific paths allowing separation, and tests of both unique and common (latent) aspects of measured variables. RESULTS: Among boys we found a cross-lagged effect between the latent constructs of perceived difficult temperament and IRS, as well as 1 specific effect from hostile maternal child-rearing attitudes to HDL-C. Among girls there were 6 specific effects from specific measures of perceived temperamental difficultness or hostile maternal child-rearing attitudes that influenced the IRS or its components. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that temperament and maternal child-rearing attitudes may contribute to the early development of the IRS in a gender-specific way among children, thereby potentially increasing the risk of coronary heart disease later in life.     

Age-related contribution of Lp(a) with coronary artery calcification in patients with acute coronary syndrome: a potential role of metabolic disorder in calcified plaque

Lp(a) and coronary artery calcification (CAC) have recently been reported as predictors of plaque instability, but this is surrounded by much controversy. We investigated the influence of Lp(a) and CAC compared other acute coronary syndrome (ACS) risk factors. 698 patients diagnosed with at least minimal coronary artery obstructive disease from a coronary angiography were randomly selected using SPSS. Lp(a), other lipid profiles and past histories were checked, and CAC semi quantitatively graded on stored fluoroscopic images. The prevalence of CAC was significantly higher in the ACS than the non-ACS group (38.0% vs. 29.9%, p=0.026). The serum level of Lp(a) (26.89 +/- 30.64 vs. 20.85 +/- 21.63, p < 0.01) and prevalence of positive Lp(a) (> 35 mg/dl) was higher in the ACS group (24% vs. 15.7%, p < 0.01). The risk of ACS was higher in the patients with both CAC and elevated an Lp(a) than in those with only one (OR: 2.16, p=0.009, 95% CI; 1.213 - 3.843 vs. OR: 1.79, p < 0.001, 95% CI; 1.300 - 2.456). The risk of ACS was increased 1.451 times (p=0.040, 95% CI; 1.071- 2.071) in patients with CAC and 1.648 times (p=0.014, 95% CI; 1.107- 2.455) in patients with a Lp(a) > 35 mg/dl. In the younger patients (< 60 years), the Lp(a), but not the CAC, was an independent risk factor for ACS (OR=2.248, p=0.005, 95% CI; 1.281-3.943). In the older patients (> 60 years), CAC, but not the Lp(a), was an independent risk factor (OR=1.775, p=0.021, 95% CI; 1.090 - 2.890). Both the Lp(a) and CAC were risk factors for ACS, and they had a synergistic effect on its development. In the younger Lp(a), and the older CAC, was the more potent risk factor for ACS, respectively.     

A questionnaire on treatment satisfaction and disease specific knowledge among patients with acute coronary syndrome. II: Insights for patient education and quality improvement

Objective

Secondary prevention for coronary heart disease is achieved by pharmaceutical control of risk factors and patients’ own self management behaviour. To comply with longterm treatment patients need sufficient knowledge of their condition and should be satisfied with acute care. Therefore a questionnaire measuring both issues was constructed.

Methods and results

Latent class analysis applied in a sample of over 2000 patients suffering from acute coronary syndrome revealed 4 configurative patterns of knowledge and 5 distinct patterns of (dis-)satisfaction. Nearly 50% of all patients displayed insufficient knowledge upon discharge. Deficits clustered around misinformation on necessary lifestyle changes versus dysfunctional strategies for future emergency situations. Satisfaction and disease specific knowledge were interrelated in complex patterns.

Conclusions

Disease specific knowledge and satisfaction with treatment proved to be psychometrically valid indicators of the quality of the treatment process that might also have an impact on outcome.

Practice implications

A validated questionnaire is ready for routine administration after discharge of patients with acute coronary syndrome from acute hospital care. Patient education efforts and quality improvement in treatment centres might be effectively monitored using this questionnaire.     

Predictors for treatment outcomes among patients with drug-susceptible tuberculosis in the Netherlands: a retrospective cohort study

ObjectivesWe evaluated treatment outcomes and predictors for poor treatment outcomes for tuberculosis (TB) among native- and foreign-born patients with drug-susceptible TB (DSTB) in the Netherlands.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included adult patients with DSTB treated from 2005 to 2015 from a nationwide exhaustive registry. Predictors for unsuccessful treatment outcomes (default and failure) and TB-associated mortality were analysed using multivariate logistic regression.ResultsAmong 5674 identified cases, the cumulative incidence of unsuccessful treatment and mortality were 2.6% (n/N = 146/5674) and 2.0% (112/5674), respectively. Although most patients were foreign-born (71%; 4042/5674), no significant differences in these outcomes were observed between native- and foreign-born patients (p > 0.05). Significant predictors for unsuccessful treatment were aged 18–24 years (odds ratio (OR), 2.04; 95% CI 1.34–3.10), homelessness (OR, 2.56; 95% CI 1.16–5.63), prisoner status (OR, 5.39; 95% CI 2.90–10.05) and diabetes (OR, 2.02; 95% CI 1.03–3.97). Furthermore, predictors for mortality were aged 74–84 years (OR, 5.58; 95% CI 3.10–10.03) or ≥85 years (OR, 9.35, 95% CI 4.31–20.30), combined pulmonary and extra-pulmonary TB (OR, 4.97; 95% CI 1.42–17.41), central nervous system (OR, 120, 95% CI 34.43–418.54) or miliary TB (OR, 10.73, 95% CI 2.50–46.02), drug addiction (OR, 3.56; 95% CI 1.34–9.47) and renal insufficiency/dialysis (OR, 3.23; 95% CI 1.17–8.96).ConclusionsNative- and foreign-born patients exhibited similar TB treatment outcomes. To further reduce disease transmission and inhibit drug resistance, special attention should be given to high-risk patients.     

Safety and impact on cardiovascular events of long-term multifactorial treatment in patients with metabolic syndrome and abnormal liver function tests: a post hoc analysis of the randomised ATTEMPT study

Introduction

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome (MetS), is common and accounts for 80% of cases of elevated liver function tests (LFTs). We assessed the long-term effects of multifactorial intervention on LFTs and their association with cardiovascular disease (CVD) events in patients with MetS without diabetes mellitus or CVD.

Material and methods

This prospective, randomized, open label study included 1,123 patients (aged 45-65 years). Patients received intensive lifestyle intervention and pharmacotherapy: atorvastatin in all patients (low density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C] targets of<100 mg/dl [group A] or<130 mg/dl [group B]), inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone axis for hypertension, metformin for dysglycaemia and orlistat for obesity.

Results

Among participants, 326 had modestly elevated LFTs and ultrasonographic (US) evidence of NAFLD (165 patients in group A2 and 161 patients in group B2). The NAFLD resolved during the 42-month treatment period in 86% of patients in group A2 and in 74% of patients in group B2 (p<0.001). In both groups nearly 90% of patients attained lipid goals. Mean LDL-C and TG levels were higher in group B2 than in group A2 (p<0.001). There were no CVD events in group A2 whereas 5 non-fatal events occurred in group B2 (log-rank-p = 0.024). There were no major side-effects.

Conclusions

Attaining multiple treatment targets is safe and beneficial in primary prevention patients with MetS and NAFLD. Lipid levels and LFTs normalized, US findings associated with NAFLD resolved and no CVD events occurred in patients with LDL-C levels<100 mg/dl (group A2). Resolution of NAFLD might have contributed to the prevention of CVD events.     

Outcomes in patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome randomly assigned to invasive versus conservative treatment strategies: A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE:

The goal of the present study was to compare the prognoses of patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes who were treated with invasive or conservative treatment strategies.

METHODS:

We performed a meta-analysis of studies of patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes to assess the benefits of an invasive strategy vs. a conservative strategy for short- and long-term survival. We searched PubMed for studies published from 1990 to November 2012 that investigated the effects of an invasive vs. conservative strategy in patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes. The following search terms were used: “non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction”, “unstable angina”, “acute coronary syndromes”, “invasive strategy”, and “conservative strategy”. The primary endpoints were all-cause mortality at 30 days and 1 year.

RESULTS:

Seven published studies were included in the present meta-analysis. The pooled analyses show that an invasive strategy decreased the risk of death (risk ratio [0.839] [95% confidence interval {0.648-1.086}; I², 86.46%] compared to a conservative strategy over a 30-day-period. Furthermore, invasive treatment also decreased patient mortality (risk ratio [0.276] [95% confidence interval {0.259-0.294}; I², 94.58%]) compared to a conservative strategy for one year.

CONCLUSION:

In non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes, an invasive strategy is comparable to a conservative strategy for decreasing short- and long-term mortality rates.     

Increased risk of asthma attacks and emergency visits among asthma patients with allergic rhinitis: a subgroup analysis of the improving asthma control trial

BACKGROUND: Inadequately controlled allergic rhinitis (AR) in asthmatic patients can contribute towards increased asthma exacerbations and poorer symptom control, which may increase medical resource use. We assessed asthma-related medical resource use and attacks in asthmatic patients who did and did not have concomitant AR and were adding montelukast or salmeterol to baseline treatment with inhaled fluticasone. METHODS: A post hoc resource use analysis of a 52-week, double-blind multicentre clinical trial (Investigation of Montelukast as a Partner Agent for Complementary Therapy) [corrected] including 1490 adults with chronic asthma, aged 15-72 years, with FEV(1) 50-90% of predicted and > or =12% increase in FEV(1) after salbutamol administration, treated with either montelukast 10 mg daily or salmeterol 50 microg twice daily in addition to fluticasone 200 microg, was undertaken. Asthma-related medical resource use included medical visits (defined as either an unscheduled visit [to a general practitioner, a specialist or a non-medical provider] or a specialist visit), emergency room visits and hospitalizations during follow-up. Asthma attacks were defined as the worsening of asthma requiring unscheduled visit, emergency visit, hospitalization or oral/intravenous/intramuscular corticosteroids. RESULTS: A self-reported history of concomitant AR was identified in 60% of the patients (n=893). Univariate analysis suggests that significantly more patients with concomitant AR experienced emergency room visits (3.6% vs. 1.7%, P=0.029) and asthma attacks (21.3% vs. 17.1%, P=0.046). Multivariate analysis adjusting for treatment group, age and baseline asthma severity confirmed these results since the presence of concomitant AR in patients with asthma increases the likelihood of emergency room visit (odds ratio (OR)=2.35, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.12-4.80) and asthma attack (OR=1.35, 95% CI=1.03-1.77). Patients with asthma alone compared with patients with both conditions did not differ in terms of unscheduled or specialist visits and hospitalizations. CONCLUSIONS: Presence of self-reported concomitant AR in patients with asthma resulted in a higher rate of asthma attacks and more emergency room visits compared with asthma patients without concomitant AR.     

The effect of statins versus untreated dyslipidaemia on renal function in patients with coronary heart disease. A subgroup analysis of the Greek atorvastatin and coronary heart disease evaluation (GREACE) study

BACKGROUND: Little is known about statins in the prevention of dyslipidaemia induced renal function decline. The secondary coronary heart disease (CHD) prevention GREACE study suggested that dose titration with atorvastatin (10-80 mg/day, mean dose 24 mg/day) achieves the national cholesterol educational programme treatment goals and significantly reduces morbidity and mortality, compared with usual care. AIMS: To report the effect of statin on renal function compared with untreated dyslipidaemia in both treatment groups. METHODS/RESULTS: All patients had plasma creatinine values within the reference range < 115 micro mol/litre (13 mg/litre). The on study creatinine clearance (CrCl), as estimated (for up to 48 months) by the Cockroft-Gault formula, was compared within and between treatment groups using analysis of variance to assess differences over time. Patients from both groups not treated with statins (704) showed a 5.2% decrease in CrCl (p < 0.0001). Usual care patients on various statins (97) had a 4.9% increase in CrCl (p = 0.003). Structured care patients on atorvastatin (783) had a 12% increase in CrCl (p < 0.0001). This effect was more prominent in the lower two quartiles of baseline CrCl and with higher atorvastatin doses. After adjustment for 25 predictors of all CHD related events, multivariate analysis revealed a hazards ratio of 0.84 (confidence interval 0.73 to 0.95; p = 0.003) with every 5% increase in CrCl. CONCLUSIONS: In untreated dyslipidaemic patients with CHD and normal renal function at baseline, CrCl declines over a period of three years. Statin treatment prevents this decline and significantly improves renal function, potentially offsetting an additional factor associated with CHD risk.     

Comparative analysis of lipid profiles among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus,hypertension and concurrent type 2 diabetes,and hypertension: a view of metabolic syndrome

Type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension are independent risk factors for atherosclerotic lesions that are partly linked with dyslipidaemia. This risk is additive when diabetes and hypertension occur concurrently. In order to determine if concurrent type 2 diabetes and hypertension results in putative increases in dyslipidaemia in a Nigerian population, we compared the plasma lipid levels, atherogenic index and prevalence of dyslipidaemia among age and sex-matched indigenous Nigerians with type 2 diabetes, hypertension and concurrent diabetes and hypertension. Age and sex-matched healthy Nigerians that are free of diabetes and hypertension served as controls. The patients as a whole were more likely to have dyslipidaemia than controls (p < 0.05). High-density lipoprotein cholesterol was similar among patients and controls. Mean total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride levels, atherogenic index and prevalence of dyslipidaemia did not differ significantly among patients with hypertension, diabetes, and concurrent hypertension and diabetes (p = 0.99 for each parameter). It is concluded that concurrent hypertension and type 2 diabetes does not result in a more severe dyslipidaemia than when either of the two conditions occurs in isolation. We attribute this to the common pathogenic link between hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidaemia in metabolic syndrome. Evidence, albeit indirect, of this syndrome among native Africans is, therefore, provided.     

Structural and functional profiles of the gut microbial community in polycystic ovary syndrome with insulin resistance (IR-PCOS): a pilot study

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine and metabolic disorder that affects 9–21% of reproductive-aged women. Affected women frequently display obesity, insulin resistance, and inflammation. Altered gut microbial community has been reported in PCOS and obese PCOS patients. However, the profile of the gut microbial community in insulin resistant PCOS (IR-PCOS) patients still remains unknown. In this study, next-generation sequencing based on the 16S rRNA gene was used to compare the gut microbial composition of women with IR-PCOS (n = 9, PCOS with insulin resistance), NIR-PCOS (n = 8, PCOS alone) and healthy controls (n = 8, HC). We assessed that the composition of the gut microbial communities in NIR-PCOS and IR-PCOS patients were significantly altered. The family Bacteroidaceae was prolific in the NIR-PCOS group and reached its highest level in the IR-PCOS group, while the Prevotellaceae dramatically decreased in PCOS patients, especially in the IR-PCOS group. Subsequent correlation analysis revealed that the increased clinical parameter levels, including insulin resistance, sex-hormones and inflammation, were positively associated with the abundance of Bacteroidaceae, but negatively associated with that of Prevotellaceae. In addition, IR-PCOS patients also displayed a significant difference in their amounts of Ruminococcaceae and Lachnospiraceae when compared to the NIR-PCOS group. Moreover, the functional prediction from PICRUSt revealed that 73 pathways are significantly changed in the gut microbial communities of PCOS patients. Specifically, 21 metabolism-associated pathways, including the steroid hormone biosynthesis and lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis pathways, are obviously changed in IR-PCOS when compared to NIR-PCOS and HC groups. Taking this into consideration, our present study suggests that the dysbiosis of gut microbial communities occurred most notably in IR-PCOS patients, and the difference in gut dysbiosis profile between the IR-PCOS and NIR-PCOS should be considered in clinical treatment for PCOS patients and future drugs development.     

Therapeutic effect of ARBs on insulin resistance and liver injury in patients with NAFLD and chronic hepatitis C: a pilot study

Fatty liver is one of the local morphological manifestations of metabolic syndrome and is frequently associated with insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is also common in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Hyperinsulinemia is an independent risk factor for hypertension and cardiovascular mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), telmisartan and olmesartan, for patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and chronic hepatitis C (CH-C). We analyzed the incidence of obesity, insulin resistance, and other disorders in patients with NAFLD (Group A), CH-C (Group B), or other liver diseases (Group C). We evaluated whether the ARBs, telmisartan and olmesartan, improved insulin resistance and liver injury by measuring the homeostasis model assessment ratio of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT). The incidence of obesity (BMI >/=25 kg/m2) was significantly higher in Group A than in Groups B and C. The incidence of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR >/=2.5) in Groups A and B was significantly higher than in Group C. Regular doses of telmisartan and olmesartan significantly improved HOMA-IR and ALT levels not only in NAFLD patients but also in patients with CH-C. The effects tended to be more notable with telmisartan. In conclusion, telmisartan and olmesartan improved insulin sensitivity and may possibly be used as liver protecting agents in CH-C as well as NAFLD patients.     

Follow-up study of two sisters with type A syndrome of severe insulin resistance gives a new insight into PCOS pathogenesis in relation to puberty and pregnancy outcome: a case report

We report two sisters with profound insulin resistance associated with a novel heterozygous missense mutation in exon 19 (His1130Arg) of the insulin receptor gene. The eldest was seen after puberty at age 15 and she presented a severe form of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with biological hyperandrogenism (HA) mimicking a virilizing tumour. However, she has been able to ovulate under clomiphene citrate (CC) and to achieve two uneventful pregnancies. The patient had no glucose tolerance abnormality during pregnancies. The outcome of pregnancy was good except for a low birthweight. The youngest sister was seen earlier in life (at age 11) before puberty. First, she developed polycystic ovaries (PCO), seen under ultrasound scan, and later also developed full PCOS. This second finding gave us the opportunity to observe that PCO developed before and at the beginning of puberty despite low LH levels. We postulate that the development of PCO was the consequence of an LH-independent intra-ovarian HA likely induced by the severe hyperinsulinism in the context of genetic abnormalities.