Mismatch between ADA and AGS recommendations for glycated hemoglobin targets for older adults

In recent years, modified glycemic targets have been defined for older adults with diabetes mellitus. In a sample of elderly patients, we have identified several inconsistencies between the real life applicability of glycated hemoglobin goals recommended by the American Diabetes Association and the American Geriatrics Society.     

Effect of cervical length on second trimester pregnancy termination

AIM: To evaluate the value of sonographic measurement of cervical length as a predictor of abortion or delivery within 24 h by misoprostol in second trimester termination of pregnancy (TOP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and sixty-three women underwent TOP between 14 and 26 weeks of pregnancy due to various indications. The primary outcome was abortion within 24 h. Cervical length was measured before transvaginal administration of misoprostol. The effects of cervical length, total misoprostol dose, parity, and gestational age at diagnosis on successful TOP were evaluated. Results: One hundred and sixty-three women were eligible who met the inclusion criteria. TOP occurred in 80.5% of patients within 24 h. Parous women had shorter prolonged induction to expulsion period over 24 h (14.1% vs 28.6%, P = 0.061). Total misoprostol dose and history of abortion were parameters that affected induction to delivery period (P = 0.002 and P = 0.041). Using an optimum cutoff of 36 mm, 58.2% sensitivity and 68.2% specificity were obtained. In addition, positive and negative predictive values were 85.36% and 33.3%, respectively. Pregnant women whose preinduction cervical length was shorter than 36 mm had a shorter induction time and needed a lower total misoprostol dose to achieve TOP than women with a cervical length longer than 36 mm (P = 0.027 and P = 0.011, respectively). Conclusion: Transvaginal measurement of cervical length before administration of prostaglandin analogue was not correlated with successful TOP within 24 h. It cannot be used as a predictor in light of our findings.     

Rituximab for post-transplant recurrences of FSGS

Abstract:  A 14-yr-old boy whose primary kidney disease was FSGS developed severe recurrence of proteinuria immediately after a second living-related kidney transplant. Despite pre- and post-operative PP and immunosuppressive treatment consisting of steroids, CycA, daclizumab, and MMF, daily protein excretion and serum creatinine increased. We therefore administered rituximab on the fourth day of transplantation. He received four weekly doses of rituximab (375 mg/m²/dose), which resulted in a rapid clearing of circulating CD19-positive B cells, and remission of proteinuria was achieved six wk after the first rituximab treatment. Graft function was excellent six months after transplantation with proteinuria of 8 mg/m²/h. We conclude that rituximab may be an effective treatment for post-transplant recurrence of FSGS.     

A reappraisal of pediatric abdominal surface anatomy

Surface anatomy is fundamental to clinical and surgical practices. As the surface anatomy varies with age, the purpose of this study is to provide age-standardized surface markings for the abdomen in children. A total of 155 abdominal computed tomography scans of healthy children aged 0–18 years were categorized into six groups, and the surface anatomy of the major vascular structures, solid viscera, and anatomical planes in the abdomen was analyzed. The vertebral levels of the celiac trunk, superior mesenteric artery, and hepatic portal vein formation were higher in the youngest age group, whereas the levels of the inferior mesenteric artery, formation of the inferior vena cava, and renal arteries did not differ with age. The right kidney lay between T12 and L3 and the left at T11-L3; however, both kidneys were in lower positions in younger children. The spleen was most commonly located between the 8th and 11th ribs except in toddlers. In all age groups, the hepatic portal vein formation was within the transpyloric plane and the aortic bifurcation was above the supracristal plane. In vivo reassessment of the surface anatomy enables the substantial variability of surface landmarks to be highlighted. This study demonstrates that taking account of age-related variations will increase the accuracy and therefore the clinical relevance of surface anatomy.     

The frequency of Achilles and plantar calcaneal spurs in gout patients

Background/aim Gout may cause various radiographic abnormalities such as cartilage loss, spurs, sclerosis, and periostal new bone formation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the frequency of Achilles and plantar spurs and related factors in gout patients.Matherial and methodsWe performed a retrospective review of gout patients, treated at Hacettepe University hospitals between 2014 and 2019. We identified patients from the hospital records using the ICD-10 code (M10). Demographic and clinical features, comorbidities, and foot radiographies were collected. The radiographies were evaluated by a rheumatologist (U.K.) who was experienced in musculoskeletal radiography. Factors predicting the spurs were analyzed by logistic regression analysis.Results181 patients who had lateral foot radiograph were included in this study. Eighty-one (44.7%) patients had score ≥ 2 Achilles spur, 81 (44.7%) patients had score ≥ 2 plantar spur, and 22 (12.1%) patients had no spur. Age, disease duration, duration between the gout diagnosis and appearing spur, the presence of metabolic comorbidities and hypertension were higher in both Achilles and plantar spurs than no spur group. Forty (22.1%) patients had score ≥ 2 both Achilles and plantar spur. In this group, the mean age was older and the proportion of metabolic comorbidities was higher than the groups of Achilles and plantar spur with a score 0 or 1. Predictor of the development of large or moderate-severe calcaneal spur was the existence of metabolic comorbidity [OR (95% CI): 3.49 (1.11–11.0) and p = 0.033].ConclusionThe presence of metabolic comorbidities increases the frequency of calcaneal spurs in gout patients. This condition can be explained by the impaired microvascular structure and increased hypoxia resulting in calcification on the tendon and ligament insertion sites.     

Long-term proton pump inhibitor use is a risk factor for mortality in patients hospitalized for COVID-19

Background and aimThe aim of this study is to evaluate whether the long-term (≥4 weeks) use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) is a risk factor for intubation requirement and mortality in patients hospitalized for COVID-19.Materials and methods In this multicentric retrospective study, a total of 382 adult patients (≥18 years of age) with confirmed COVID-19 who were hospitalized for treatment were enrolled. The patients were divided into two groups according to the periods during which they used PPIs: the first group included patients who were not on PPI treatment, and the second group included those who have used PPIs for more than 4 weeksResultsThe study participants were grouped according to their PPI usage history over the last 6 months. In total, 291 patients did not use any type of PPI over the last 6 months, and 91 patients used PPIs for more than 4 weeks. Older age (HR: 1.047, 95% CI: 1.026–1.068), current smoking (HR: 2.590, 95% CI: 1.334–5.025), and PPI therapy for more than 4 weeks (HR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.06–2.41) were found to be independent risk factors for mortalityConclusionThe results obtained in this study show that using PPIs for more than 4 weeks is associated with negative outcomes for patients with COVID-19. Patients receiving PPI therapy should be evaluated more carefully if they are hospitalized for COVID-19 treatment.