Multiple facets in the control of acromegaly

Aims

The current article provides a brief overview of the criteria for defining disease control in acromegaly.

Methods

This was a retrospective, narrative review of previously published evidence chosen at the author’s discretion along with an illustrative case study from Latin America.

Findings and Conclusions

In the strictest sense, “cure” in acromegaly is defined as complete restoration of normal pulsatile growth hormone secretion, although this is rarely achieved. Rather than “cure”, as such, it is more appropriate to refer to disease control and remission, which is defined mainly in terms of specific biochemical targets (for growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1) that predict or correlate with symptoms, comorbidities and mortality. However, optimal management of acromegaly goes beyond biochemical control to include control of tumour growth (which may be independent of biochemical control) and comprehensive management of the symptoms and comorbidities typically associated with the disease, as these may not be adequately managed with acromegaly-specific therapy alone.

     

Relationship Between Fear of Falling and Outcomes of an Inpatient Geriatric Rehabilitation Population—Fear of the Fear of Falling

OBJECTIVES: To examine the effects of various risk factors on three functional outcomes during rehabilitation. SETTING: Geriatric inpatient rehabilitation unit. DESIGN: Observational longitudinal study. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred sixty‐one geriatric rehabilitation inpatients (men, women), mean age 82, who were capable of walking at baseline. MEASUREMENTS: Functional status was assessed weekly between admission and discharge and at a follow‐up 4 months later at home using the function component of the Short Form—Late Life Function and Disability Instrument, the Barthel Index, and Habitual Gait Speed. Various risk factors, such as falls‐related self‐efficacy (Falls Efficacy Scale–International), were measured. Associations between predictors and functional status at discharge and follow‐up were analyzed using linear regression models and bivariate plots. RESULTS: Fear of falling predicted functioning across all outcomes except for habitual gait speed at discharge and follow‐up. Visual comparison of functional trajectories between subgroups confirmed these findings, with different levels of fear of falling across time in linear plots. Thus, superior ability of this measure to discriminate between functional status at baseline across all outcomes and to discriminate between functional change especially with regard to the performance‐based outcome was demonstrated. CONCLUSION: Falls‐related self‐efficacy is the only parameter that significantly predicts rehabilitation outcome at discharge and follow‐up across all outcomes. Therefore, it should be routinely assessed in future studies in (geriatric) rehabilitation and considered to be an important treatment goal.     

Immunoregulatory effects of the flavonol quercetin in vitro and in vivo

Purpose  

Atherosclerosis is known to be an inflammatory disease. Dendritic cells (DCs) are essential for the regulation of the immune system. Up to 10% of the cells in atherosclerotic plaques are DCs. The cardiovascular protective effects of flavonoids (tea, wine) may be mediated by anti-inflammatory mechanisms that affect DC regulation. We aimed to characterize the impact of the flavonol quercetin on DC activity and differentiation in vitro and in vivo.     

Association of Filaggrin loss-of-function-mutations with atopic dermatitis and asthma in the Early Treatment of the Atopic Child (ETAC) population

Many candidate gene studies for atopic dermatitis (AD) and associated phenotypes have been conducted so far, but replication of significant results has been a major problem. Two loss of function polymorphisms FLG R501X- and 2282del4, in the Filaggrin ( FLG ) gene encoding for an epidermal barrier protein were recently identified. They were reported to be predisposing factors for AD and concomitant asthma. Several groups confirmed the initial results in independent populations. The aim of this study is to further investigate the importance of these FLG variants in the development of AD and subsequent asthma symptoms in pre-school children, we investigated children and parents of the Early Treatment of the Atopic Child (ETAC)-trial. We genotyped 496 children and 488 parents of the ETAC population for the two FLG variants, evaluating an association by family based analysis (transmission disequilibrium test). We found a highly significant association of the FLG null variants R501X- and 2282del4 with AD (combined genotype p < 0.0001) and asthma (combined genotype p < 0.0001). The replication and its statistical significance underlines the importance of the FLG polymorphisms and the importance of the skin barrier function in the development of AD and subsequent asthma.     

Travelling with cystic fibrosis: Recommendations for patients and care team members

There are no European Guidelines on issues specifically related to travel for people with cystic fibrosis (CF). The contributors to these recommendations included 30 members of the ECORN-CF project. The document is endorsed by the European Cystic Fibrosis Society and sponsored by the Executive Agency of Health and Consumers of the European Union and the Christiane Herzog Foundation.The main goal of this paper is to provide patient-oriented advice that complements medical aspects by offering practical suggestions for all aspects involved in planning and taking a trip. The report consists of three main sections, preparation for travel, important considerations during travel and at the destination, and issues specific to immunocompromised travellers. People with CF should be encouraged to consult with their CF centre prior to travel to another country. The CF centre can advise on the necessary preparation for travel, the need for vaccinations, essential medications that should be brought on the trip and also provide information relating to CF care in the region and plan of action in case of an emergency.