Adiponectin and risk of new-onset diabetes mellitus after kidney transplantation

BACKGROUND: New-onset diabetes mellitus after transplantation (NODAT) is a severe complication of kidney transplantation (KTx) with negative effects upon patient and graft survival. Several risk factors for NODAT have been described; however, the search for an early predictive marker is ongoing. It has recently been demonstrated that high concentrations of adiponectin (APN), which is an adipocyte-derived peptide with antiinflammatory and insulin-sensitizing properties, protect against future development of type 2 diabetes in healthy individuals. The purpose of this report was to study pretransplant insulin resistance and analyze pretransplant serum leptin and APN levels as independent risk factors for the development of NODAT. METHODS: A total of 68 KTx patients were studied [mean age, 48 +/- 11 years; 70% males; body mass index (BMI), 25 +/- 3 kg/m]; 31 KTx patients with NODAT and 37 KTx patients without NODAT (non-NODAT) with similar age, sex, BMI, immunosuppression, and posttransplant time were studied. All patients received prednisone and calcineurin inhibitors (75% tacrolimus and 25% cyclosporine A), and 76% of patients received mycophenolate mofetil. Family history of diabetes mellitus was recorded. Pretransplant homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index was calculated from fasting plasma glucose and insulin. Pretransplant serum leptin and APN levels were determined by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: NODAT patients showed higher pretransplant plasma insulin concentrations [NODAT, 13.4 (11-22.7) microIU/mL; non-NODAT, 10.05 (7.45-18.4) microIU/mL; P=0.049], HOMA-IR index [NODAT, 4.18 (2.49-5.75); non-NODAT, 2.63 (1.52-4.68); P=0.043], and lower pretransplant serum APN concentration [NODAT, 8.78 (7.2-11.38) microg/mL; non-NODAT, 11.4 (8.56-15.27) microg/mL, P=0.012]. Inverse correlations between APN and BMI (r=-0.33; P=0.014) and APN and HOMA-IR index (r=-0.39; P=0.002) and between APN and NODAT (r=-0.31; P=0.011) were observed. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed the patients with lower pretransplant APN concentrations to be those at greater risk of developing NODAT [Odds Ratio=0.832 (0.71-0.96); P=0.01]. CONCLUSION: Pretransplant serum APN concentration is an independent predictive factor for NODAT development in kidney-transplanted patients.     

Rapid Reversal of Parenteral-Nutrition-Associated Cirrhosis Following Isolated Intestinal Transplantation

Introduction  Liver disease and the development of hepatic fibrosis are complications associated with total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Patients developing cirrhosis and portal hypertension in the setting of intestinal failure have a high mortality and may require combined liver and intestinal transplantation which carries much higher morbidity and mortality than isolated intestinal transplantation. Discussion  Recently, regression of hepatic fibrosis in patients with TPN liver disease has been described following intestinal transplantation. To date, there has been no demonstration of the reversal of established cirrhosis due to long-term TPN injury. Herein, we describe a patient with intestinal failure who developed cirrhosis from long-standing TPN injury and underwent isolated intestinal transplantation. He had no overt clinical stigmata of portal hypertension and had preserved liver function. Serial liver biopsies were reviewed and assessed with standard histology and quantitation of fibrosis using image analysis. Dramatic regression of fibrosis and reversal of cirrhosis were observed 17 months posttransplantation. Image analysis demonstrated a 14% total decrease in the percentage area of fibrosis. Conclusions  Cirrhosis related to TPN may be rapidly reversible after isolated intestinal transplantation. Such patients may be able to undergo isolated intestinal transplantation if they do not have hepatic synthetic compromise or clinical stigmata of portal hypertension.     

Análisis y minimización del riesgo de rotura de stock aplicado a la gestión en farmacia hospitalaria

ObjectiveTo determine how many dispensary drugs should be in the safety stock in a tertiary hospital in accordance with the risk level and the number of days that the hospital is able to withstand a stockout.MethodsWe statistically analysed the infliximab order recorded over a period of 120 days. This drug is relevant for this study as it is costly and is immediately supplied to the clinic. Using the data records for purchasing and dispensing in our department, we created a table to compare the level of risk assumed with the number of units in stock and the number of days that the safety stock should last. In addition, we calculated how much stock there should be in accordance with different heuristic rules used by pharmacy departments.ResultsIn the period being studied, the daily order was 11.4 ± 14.8 units of infliximab. Using the methodology proposed, we discovered that there should be 79 units in the safety stock. Other hospital rules determine values of 47 and 119 units.ConclusionsThe method proposed allows us to discover the risk level that is assumed when selecting the safety stock. Therefore, we are able to design a safety stock policy consistent with the risk level adopted. Under certain assumptions the safety stock quota provided by this method could be reduced. Lastly, there is a notable difference between the safety stock values suggested by different rules, as it has been shown in this article.     

Practical guidelines for dose individualization of anticancer targeted drugs

For drugs such as anticancer agents every effort should be made to minimize inter-patient variability in drug exposure in order to maximize the benefit while maintaining an acceptable risk level of serious adverse effects. Anticancer drugs generally have a preferential route of elimination, either in urine or in bile and feces. In consequence, dose individualization to renal and liver function permits excessive toxicity to be avoided and expected therapeutic benefit to be achieved. However, less is known about the most appropriate starting doses of antineoplastic agents in these individuals. In this review, we discuss trials that have specifically assessed new targeted agents dosing strategies (mainly monoclonal antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors) in the setting of overt biochemical renal and liver dysfunction and we proportionate recommendations and practical guidelines for dose individualization.     

Salud,deporte y vulnerabilidad socioeconómica en una comunidad urbana

ObjectiveTo analyse the association between perceived and diagnosed health, sport practice, and the belonging to a vulnerable socioeconomic group.DesignObservational study. Questionnaire.SettingCasablanca neighbourhood. Primary Health Care Area in the city of Zaragoza (Spain).Participants1032 residents aged over 15 years.Main measurementsa) Perceived health using the Health Perception Questionnaire of Davis and Ware; b) diagnosed morbidity; c) sport practice using the Healthy Lifestyles questionnaire-94 of Herrero, Musitu and Gracia, and d) socioeconomic vulnerability based on the occupational, educational and economic conditions of the family unit.ResultsSocioeconomic vulnerability had a statistically significant association with diagnosed health, self-perceived health, and sport practice. Vulnerability and exercise showed a higher influence over self-perceived health than over diagnosed health. In the analysis stratified by gender, the association could only be observed in men.ConclusionsThe impact of health social factors is modulated by gender. Social stratification and lifestyles, such as sport practice, are predictors of self-perceived health and, thus, of the relationship between the population and the use of health services.     

Internet como fuente de información sobre salud en pacientes de atención primaria y su influencia en la relación médico-paciente

ObjectiveTo describe the use of the Internet by primary care patients to seek health related information, understand how they are influenced by this information, and evaluate its impact on the doctor-patient relationship.DesignCross sectional study, through self-administered survey.SettingOne urban health center in Madrid.ParticipantsA total of 323 questionnaires were collected from patients between 14 and 75 years old who attended a physician's office for any reason, excluding illiterate patients and those with neurological or psychiatric problems preventing them from completing the survey.MeasurementsInternet usage, ability of the internet to clarify doubts regarding health issues, patient lifestyle changes, socio-demographic variables, and physician's receptivity to the use of internet by patients.Results61% (CI 95%: 56%-67%) of patients used the Internet as a source of health information: Internet queries were able to address health doubts in 92.4% of users, 53.5% reported that the Internet changed their thinking about their health in at least one instance, 30% made behavioral changes (of which 60.1% discussed these changes with their physician), 44.3% had more questions at the physician's office, and 80.8% believe that the doctor would be willing to talk about the information found on the internet.ConclusionsUsing the Internet to find information about health is very common, with positive influence on physician-patient relationship. This may be useful for achieving behavioral changes in patients and can be used as a tool in medical practice.