Higher Rates Of Diabetes Mellitus Research Articles

Statin treatment in stroke patient with low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels below 70 mg/dL

Background and purposeThe effectiveness of hyperlipidemia treatment in strokes secondary prevention has been established. However, whether pretreatment with statins could confer protective effects when a patient's baseline low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level is <70 mg/dL remains uncertain. Additionally, the ability of statin treatment to reduce poststroke complications, mortality, and recurrence in this patient group is unclear. Methods and resultsIn this retrospective observational study, we enrolled patients who had experienced an ischemic stroke with LDL-C levels <70 mg/dL. We analyzed the association of statin use with baseline characteristics, stroke severity, in-hospital complications, mortality rates, stroke recurrence rate, and mortality rate. Patients who used and patients who did not use statins were similar in terms of age and sex. Patients using statins had higher rates of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, prior stroke, and coronary artery disease but a lower incidence of atrial fibrillation. Stroke severity was less pronounced in those using statins. We also evaluated the relationship between in-hospital statin use and complications. We noted that in-hospital statin use was associated with lower rates of infection, hemorrhagic transformation, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, and mortality, as well as higher rates of positive functional outcomes. The 1-year recurrence rate was similar in both groups. ConclusionsStatin use is associated with milder strokes and improved poststroke outcomes, even in patients with well-controlled LDL levels. Neurologists may consider prescribing statins for patients with ischemic stroke who do not overt hyperlipidemia. Further research into potential underlying mechanisms is warranted.

Factors influencing the early neurological deterioration in intracranial branch atheromatous diseases

AbstractBackgroundIntracranial branch atheromatous disease (BAD)‐type cerebral infarction is often associated with a progressive worsening of neurological symptoms in the acute phase.AimTo investigate the factors influencing the occurrence of early neurological deterioration (END) in patients with BAD.MethodsWe included and evaluated 198 consecutive patients (150 patients with lenticulostriate artery [LSA‐BAD] and 48 patients with paramedian pontine artery [PPA‐BAD]) with onset within 24 h and with a modified Rankin scale score of ≤1 before admission for END retrospectively out of 235 patients with BAD‐type cerebral infarction admitted to our hospital from January 2019 to March 2023.ResultsEND was observed in 26 (17%) and 15 (31%) patients with LSA‐BAD and PPA‐BAD, respectively. Patients in the END group with LSA‐BAD had significantly higher rates of diabetes mellitus and blood glucose (BG) levels on admission and lower rates of initial clopidogrel loading therapy than those in the non‐END group. Patients in the END group with PPA‐BAD had significantly higher BG levels on admission than those in the non‐END group. In LSA‐BAD multivariate analysis, the BG level on admission and initial clopidogrel loading were identified as factors influencing END (BG level [per 10 mg/dL], odds ratio [OR] 1.084, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.008–1.166; initial clopidogrel loading, OR 0.302, 95% CI 0.101–0.901).ConclusionsHigher BG levels at stroke onset were associated with END in patients with LSA‐BAD and PPA‐BAD. Additionally, initial clopidogrel loading therapy suppressed END in patients with LSA‐BAD.

FIB-4 liver fibrosis index correlates with aortic valve sclerosis in non-alcoholic population.

Hepatic fibrosis, a progressive scarring of liver tissue, is commonly caused by non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. The Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index is a non-invasive tool used to assess liver fibrosis in patients with NAFLD. Aortic valve sclerosis (AVS), a degenerative disorder characterized by thickening and calcification of valve leaflets, is prevalent in the elderly and associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Recent studies have suggested that AVS may also be linked to other systemic diseases such as liver fibrosis. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the FIB-4 index and AVS in a non-alcoholic population, with the hypothesis that the FIB-4 index could serve as a potential marker for AVS. A total of 92 patients were included in this study. AVS was detected using transthoracic echocardiography, and patients were divided into groups according to the presence of AVS. The FIB-4 index was calculated for all patients and compared between the groups. A total of 17 (18.4%) patients were diagnosed AVS. Patients with AVS had higher rates of diabetes mellitus, older age, hypertension, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor use, higher systolic blood pressure (BP) and diastolic BP in the office, coronary artery disease prevalence, left atrial volume index (LAVI), left ventricular mass index (LVMI), and late diastolic peak flow velocity (A) compared to those without AVS. Moreover, AVS patients had significantly higher creatinine levels and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate. Remarkably, the FIB-4 index was significantly higher in patients with AVS. In univariate and multivariate analyses, higher systolic BP in the office (OR, 1.044; 95% CI 1.002-1.080, p=.024) and higher FIB-4 index (1.46±.6 vs. .91±.46, p<.001) were independently associated with AVS. Our findings suggest that the FIB-4 index is associated with AVS in non-alcoholic individuals. Our results highlight the potential utility of the FIB-4 index as a non-invasive tool for identifying individuals at an increased risk of developing AVS.

How Did the COVID-19 Pandemic Affect Maternal and Neonatal Health?

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the proportional growth of the fetus, maternal health, and neonatal outcomes. Study Design The study group (Group 1) included pregnant women with a history of COVID-19. Pregnant women who were hospitalized during the same period without COVID-19 were the control group (Group 2). Maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared between the groups. Results A total of 230 pregnant women and their infants were assessed. Group 1 (n = 74) had significantly higher rates of diabetes mellitus and hypertension than Group 2 (n = 156; p = 0.015 and 0.014, respectively). Premature birth and cesarean section rates were also significantly higher in Group 1 than in Group 2 (p = 0.001 and 0.040, respectively). While the rate of iatrogenic preterm birth was significantly higher in Group 1, the rate of spontaneous preterm birth was significantly higher in Group 2 (p = 0.049). Infants born to COVID-19-positive mothers had lower median gestational age, birth weight, and Apgar scores (p &lt; 0.01). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of the results of cord blood gas analysis (p &gt; 0.05). The rate of admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and need for mechanical ventilation was significantly higher in infants of COVID-19-positive mothers (p &lt; 0.05 for both). The length of stay in the NICU was also significantly longer for the infants of COVID-19-positive mothers (p &lt; 0.05). Birth weights decreased due to increased cases of iatrogenic preterm births (p &lt; 0.05). However, ponderal indices (PIs) of newborns of pregnant COVID-19 mothers did not differ at birth (p &gt; 0.05). Conclusion COVID-19 is associated with low Apgar scores, increased risk of premature birth complications, and maternal comorbidities, with no effect on the PI and proportionate growth of the infant at birth. Key Points

Sex and age differences in clinical presentation and head-up tilt test results in patients with vasovagal syncope

Abstract Background Previous evidence indicates important sex- and age-specific characteristics of vasovagal syncope (VVS), which may be relevant to diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Purpose To investigate differences in presentation, symptoms, and head-up tilt test (HUTT) response in patients with VVS based on biological sex and age groups. Methods This study analyzed data from the HUTT registry at a tertiary syncope unit between 2017 and 2022, including adults aged 18 years or older who were diagnosed with VVS. The diagnosis was based on clinical criteria, and conformed with the latest syncope guidelines. Clinical features and head-up tilt test results were recorded and analyzed to understand the sex and age-specific characteristics of VVS. HUTT was performed using an electrically-controlled tilt table, with continuous hemodynamic monitoring, according to the Italian protocol. The type of response to HUTT was decided according to the Vasovagal Syncope International Study (VASIS) criteria, and HUTT was only considered positive if syncope occurred during the test. Results Among 1,914 eligible patients, 49% were female, and the mean age was 46.43 ± 17.77. Male participants were significantly older (44 vs 49 years of age, P&amp;lt;0.001), and had higher rates of diabetes mellitus (10% vs 7%) and hypertension (25% vs 19%), while female patients had a higher prevalence of anemia (24% vs 11%). There was a non-significant trend for more emergency department visits among males (7% vs 5%). Females were more likely to experience prodromal symptoms such as nausea and abdominal discomfort, typical cutaneous symptoms, and less typical prodromes like aura. Compared to males, female patients were also more likely to report specific triggers, which helps establish the diagnosis of VVS and makes avoidance of triggers possible. On the other hand, females were more likely to experience seizure-like movements, and experienced more post-syncopal symptoms. The head-up tilt test results were not significantly different based on sex (Figure 1). Younger patients were more likely to experience specific triggers and manifest prodromal symptoms, compared to older individuals, which highlights the challenges for diagnosis of VVS in older age. In contrast, younger patients with VVS were more likely to present with seizure-like movements and abnormal gaze during the VVS episode. There was a non-significant trend for higher rates of urinary incontinence during VVS among older patients. Older patients were less likely to have a cardioinhibitory response during HUTT, which confirms findings from previous studies (Figure 2). Conclusion The present study highlights the differences in the clinical presentation of VVS based on sex and age, providing valuable information for diagnosis and management of this condition. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanisms behind these differences and to develop tailored treatment plans for VVS.

Temporal trends in severe obesity for patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarctions in patient cohorts stratified by age and gender

Abstract Background The prevalence of obesity and severe obesity has increased in the general population of modern societies during the last decades with growing implications on health systems. Aim of the present study was to analyse prevalence rates of severe obesity (body mass index (BMI)≥40 kg/m²) in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarctions (STEMI) between 2006 and 2022 and its association to age, other cardiovascular risk factors and in-hospital- and long-term-outcome rates. Methods All patients admitted with STEMI between 2006 and March 2022 to a large German PCI center entered analysis. Patients were assigned to the study group with severe obesity (BMI≥40 kg/m²), a control group with obesity grade 2 (BMI 35-39.9 kg/m²) and a second control group (BMI &amp;lt;35 kg/m²). Results From a total of 11740 patient included, 269 patients (2.3%) presented with severe obesity with a mean weight of 128.9±18 kg, while 589 patients (5.0%) had obesity grade 2. Patients with severe obesity were on average 6.4 years younger compared to patients with a BMI&amp;lt;35 kg/m²: 57.7±11.5 yrs. vs. 64.1±13.1, p&amp;lt;0.01. Rates of severe obesity were higher in women in most age strata, especially in patients&amp;lt;45 yrs. of age: women 9.3%, men 3.0%, p&amp;lt;0.01. Over time, the proportion of severe obesity increased from 1.9% in 2006-2013 to 2.9% in 2014-2022, p&amp;lt;0.01. This increase was more pronounced in women 2.5 % to 3.9% (p=0.02) compared to men: 1.7% to 2.5% (p&amp;lt;0.01) and most prominent in the young (&amp;lt;45 yrs.): 2.3% to 6.2%, p&amp;lt;0.01. The increase over time could be confirmed in multivariate model for younger men and women, while it failed to reach statistical significance in patients ≥ 55 years of age (table). While there was no association between severe obesity and hyperlipidemia (LDL-cholesterol 120.9±44 mg/dl vs. 121.5±57 mg/dl in controls, p=0.91), it was associated with higher rates of diabetes mellitus (45.5% vs. 18.8%, p&amp;lt;0.01). Patients with severe obesity showed similar rates of multivessel disease (61.6% vs. 63.5%, p=0.51) and successful primary percutaneous coronary interventions (TIMI 2/3 post PCI: 96.2% vs. 95.1%, p=0.44). In a multivariate analysis of outcome severe obesity was associated with similar in-hospital-mortality-rates (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.6-1.6, p=0.94), however in long term follow-up a trend for a higher 1-year-mortality (OR 1.49, 95% CI 0.98-2.2, p=0.065) and a significantly higher 5-year-mortality (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.17-1.82, p&amp;lt;0.01) could be observed. Conclusions These results from a large registry study reveal that during the last 16 years rates of severe obesity increased by more than 50% in STEMI-patients. The increase was most prominent in the young and in women, were rates more than doubled. At the same time, severe obesity was associated with a young age during the index event and a worse long-term-outcome.Changes in obesity 2014-22 vs. 2006-13

Safety and feasibility of destination care for bariatric surgery: a single institution retrospective study.

Increasing emphasis on value-based healthcare has prompted both employers and healthcare organizations to develop innovative strategies to supply high quality care to patients. One such strategy is through the bundled care payment model (BCPM). Through this model, our institution partnered with employers from across the country to provide quality care for their members. Patients traveling greater than 2h driving time from the bariatric center were considered "destination" patients. To properly care for our destination patients, our institution created a "destination bariatric program." We sought to investigate comparative outcomes for the first 100 patients who completed the program. We hypothesized that there would be no difference in patient outcomes or complications between destination and local patient groups undergoing sleeve gastrectomy (SG) or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). A retrospective cohort analysis of patients undergoing bariatric surgery at a MBSAQIP-accredited bariatric surgery center between May 2019 and October 2021 was conducted. Patients were divided into destination or local patient groups based on participation in the established destination surgery program. Patient demographics, perioperative clinical outcomes, and complications were compared and statistically analyzed using two-sample t-tests, Chi-square tests, Fisher's exact tests, and univariate logistic regressions. This study identified 296 patients, which consisted of destination (n = 110) and local (n = 186) patient cohorts. Patients in the destination group had higher rates of diabetes mellitus (29.1% vs 24.2%, p = 0.029), but otherwise cohorts had similar basic demographics and comorbidities. Outcomes revealed no statistically significant associations between patient cohort (destination versus local) and ED admission (p = 0.305), hospital readmission (p = 0.893), surgical reintervention (p = 0.974), endoscopic-reintervention (p = 0.714), and patient complications in the postoperative period (30days). Participation in destination care programs for bariatric surgery was found to be both safe and feasible. These destination programs represent an opportunity to provide a broader patient population access to complex surgical care.

Perinatal depression before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City

Quarantining and isolation during previous pandemics have been associated with higher levels of depression symptomatology. Studies in other countries found elevated rates of anxiety and/or depression among pregnant people during the COVID-19 pandemic compared with prepandemic rates. New York City was the initial epicenter of the pandemic in the United States, and the effects of the pandemic on perinatal depression in this population are not well known. This study aimed to evaluate the rates of perinatal depression before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a single-center retrospective cohort study of patients screened for perinatal depression with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale at 2 private academic practices in New York City. This screen is done in these practices at the time of the glucose challenge test and at the postpartum visit. Patients aged ≥18 years who completed a screen at a postpartum visit and/or glucose challenge test from February 1, 2019 to July 31, 2019 and from February 1, 2020 to July 31, 2020 were identified, and the 2019 and 2020 groups were compared. The primary outcome was a positive screen, defined as ≥13 and ≥15 for postnatal and prenatal screens, respectively. Secondary outcomes included monthly changes in rates of positive screens and factors associated with perinatal depression. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square, or Fisher exact test, and univariate and multivariate analyses with P<.05 defined as significant. A total of 1366 records met the inclusion criteria; 75% of the prepandemic (2019) records were included, as opposed to 65% of pandemic (2020) records due to a lower screen completion rate in the pandemic cohort. The 2020 cohort had a higher proportion of Hispanic patients (P=.003) and higher rates of diabetes mellitus (P=.007), preterm labor (P=.03), and current or former drug use (P<.001). The 2019 cohort had higher rates of hypertension (P=.002) and breastfeeding (P=.03); 4.6% of the 2020 cohort had a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection. There was no difference in perinatal depression between the 2019 and 2020 cohorts (2.8% vs 2.6%; P>.99). This finding persisted after adjusting for baseline differences (adjusted odds ratio, 0.89; 95% confidence interval, 0.38-1.86; P=.76). There were no differences in rates of positive Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale by month. Several risk factors were associated with a positive screen, including being unmarried (P<.001), pulmonary disease (P=.02), depression (P<.001), anxiety (P=.01), bipolar disorder (P=.009), and use of anxiolytics (P=.04). There were no differences in the rates of perinatal depression between the periods before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The rate of perinatal depression in this cohort was below the reported averages in the literature. Fewer women were screened for perinatal depression in 2020, which likely underestimated the prevalence of depression in our cohort. These findings highlight potential gaps in care in a pandemic setting.

Effect of Obesity on Clinical Characteristics of Primary Aldosteronism Patients at Diagnosis and Postsurgical Response.

Patients with obesity have an overactivated renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) that is associated with essential hypertension. However, the influence of obesity in primary aldosteronism (PA) is unknown. We analyzed the effect of obesity on the characteristics of PA, and the association between obesity and RAAS components. A retrospective study was conducted of the Spanish PA Registry (SPAIN-ALDO Registry), which included patients with PA seen at 20 tertiary centers between 2018 and 2022. Differences between patients with and without obesity were analyzed. A total of 415 patients were included; 189 (45.5%) with obesity. Median age was 55 years (range, 47.3-65.2 years) and 240 (58.4%) were male. Compared to those without obesity, patients with obesity had higher rates of diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, obstructive apnea syndrome, left ventricular hypertrophy, prior cardiovascular events, higher means of systolic blood pressure, and required more antihypertensive drugs. Patients with PA and obesity also had higher values of serum glucose, glycated hemoglobin A1c, creatinine, uric acid, and triglycerides, and lower levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Levels of blood aldosterone (PAC) and renin were similar between patients with and without obesity. Body mass index was not correlated with PAC nor renin. The rates of adrenal lesions on imaging studies, as well as the rates of unilateral disease assessed by adrenal vein sampling or I-6β-iodomethyl-19-norcholesterol scintigraphy, were similar between groups. Obesity in PA patients involves a worse cardiometabolic profile, and need for more antihypertensive drugs but similar PAC and renin levels, and rates of adrenal lesions and lateral disease than patients without obesity. However, obesity implicates a lower rate of hypertension cure after adrenalectomy.

Prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus among Patients with Tuberculosis and Its Associated Factors in Sana'a, Yemen, 2021.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of tuberculosis' (TB) ending barriers. TB patients with DM are at a higher risk than non-diabetes patients to develop complication, relapse and die. In Yemen, information on TB-DM comorbidity is lacking. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of diabetes among TB patients at the National Tuberculosis Center (NTC) in Sana'a. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted. All TB patients aged >15 years who attended the NTC from July to November 2021 were screened for DM. Socio-demographic and behavioral information were collected through face-to-face interviews using questionnaires. A total of 331 TB patients were enrolled, 53% were males, 58% aged <40 years, and 74% were newly diagnosed with TB. Overall, DM prevalence was 18%. Higher rates of DM were found among TB patients that were male (OR = 3.0; 95% CI; 1.4-6.7), ≥50 years of age (OR = 10.8; 95% CI; 4.3-27.3), and those with a family history of diabetes (OR = 3.4; 95% CI; 1.6-6.9). Almost one fifth of TB patients had DM. The early detection of DM through immediate screening after a TB diagnosis and periodically during the course of treatment is crucial for TB patients' optimal care. Dual diagnostics for reducing the dual burden of TB-DM comorbidity is recommended.

Sex disparity in stroke outcomes in a multicenter prospective stroke registry in Viet Nam.

Although men have a higher rate of stroke than women, it is not clear whether women have a worse outcome after adjusting for confounders such as vascular risk factors, age, stroke severity, and reperfusion therapy. We evaluated sex differences on 90-day functional outcomes after stroke in a multicenter study in Vietnam. We recruited patients presenting with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke at 10 stroke centers in Vietnam for a period of 1 month from August 1, 2022, to August 31, 2022. We reviewed the patient's clinical demographics, time from symptom onset to hospital admission, stroke classification, stroke subtype, stroke severity, characteristics of reperfusion therapy, and 90-day clinical outcome. We compared functional outcomes and predisposing factors at day 90 between men and women after an ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. Poor outcome was defined as mRS 3-6. There were 2,300 stroke patients included. Men accounted for 61.3% (1,410) of participants. Compared with men, women were older (67.7±13.9 vs. 63.7±13.3, P<0.001), had a higher rate of diabetes mellitus (21.1% vs.15.3%, P<0.001), a lower rate of smoking (1.0 % vs. 23.6%, P<0.001), and a lower BMI (21.4 ± 2.70 vs. 22.0 ± 2.72, P<0.001). There was a higher rate of ICH in men (21.3% vs.15.6%, P=0.001), whereas the rate of subarachnoid hemorrhage was higher in women (6.2% vs.3.0%, P<0.001). For ischemic stroke, door-to-needle time (36.9±17.6 vs. 47.8±35.2 minutes, P=0.04) and door-to-recanalization time (113.6±51.1 vs.134.2±48.2, p=0.03) were shorter in women.There was no difference in 90-day functional outcomes between sexes. Factors associated with poor outcomes included age ≥ 50 years (adjusted OR, aOR 1.75; 95% CI, 1.16 to 2.66), history of stroke (aOR 1.50; 95% CI, 1.15 to 1.96), large artery atherosclerosis (aOR 5.19; 95% CI, 3.90 to 6.90), and cardioembolism (aOR 3.21; 95% CI, 1.68 to 6.16). Factors associated with mortality in patients with acute ischemic stroke included a history of coronary artery disease (aOR 3.04; 95% CI, 1.03 to 8.92), large artery atherosclerosis (aOR 3.37; 95% CI, 2.11 to 5.37), and cardioembolism (aOR 3.15; 95%CI, 1.20 to 8.27). There were no sex differences in the clinical outcome of stroke and ischemic stroke in this prospective cohort of hospitalized Vietnamese patients.

INCREASED SERUM SCLEROSTIN LEVEL IS A RISK FACTOR FOR PERIPHERAL ARTERY OCCLUSIVE DISEASE IN PATIENTS WITH HYPERTENSION

Objective: Sclerostin is associated with endothelial inflammation and vascular calcification and therefore contributes to atherosclerosis disease. Hypertension is one of risk factors of peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD), is associated with increased mortality in patients with hypertension. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between serum sclerostin level and PAOD in patients with hypertension. Design and method: Fasting blood samples and baseline characteristics were obtained from 92 hypertensive patients. ABI values were measured using an automated oscillometric device. Patients with ABIs of &lt;0.9 were categorized into the low ABI group. The serum sclerostin and dickkopf-1 (DKK1) concentrations were determined using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Results: In total, 14 patients with hypertension (15.2%) were in the low ABI group. When compared to those in the normal ABI group, the low ABI group had high rates of diabetes mellitus (P = 0.044) as well as the high serum C-reactive protein levels (P = 0.001) and sclerostin levels (P &lt; 0.001), but the serum DKK1 level did not find this association (P = 0.639). The multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that serum levels of sclerostin (odds ratio [OR]: 1.052, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.018–1.088, P = 0.002) was independently associated with PAD in patients with hypertension. Conclusions: Serum levels of sclerostin, but not DKK1, were associated with PAOD in patients with hypertension.

Characteristics of Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis in the Elderly.

To compare characteristics of patients ≥65 years presenting with idiopathic subglottic stenosis (iSGS) to patients diagnosed at <65 years. We hypothesize that the groups have similar comorbidities and disease courses. Medical records of patients treated for iSGS at a tertiary care institution from January 2005-September 2022. Patient demographics, time from symptom onset to diagnosis, medical history and comorbidities, and treatment modalities/intervals were recorded and analyzed. Characteristics of patients ≥65 and <65 years at presentation were compared using Chi-square analysis for non-numeric values and the Mann-Whitney U-test for numeric values. One hundred seven patients with iSGS were identified and 16 (15%) were aged ≥65 years (mean age 72.6, 15 female) at presentation. These patients were compared to 91 patients aged <65 years (mean age = 47.6, 90 female). Patients ≥65 years had higher rates of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (p = 0.004) and tobacco use (p = 0.004). There were no significant differences in body mass index, gastroesophageal reflux disease, hormone replacement therapy, time from symptom onset to presentation, or length of operative treatment intervals. Patients ≥65 years with iSGS have higher rates of tobacco use, suggesting that alterations in wound healing may play a role in the development of iSGS in this age group. Although rates of T2DM were higher in the elderly group, clinical significance may be limited given the overall higher rate of diabetes mellitus in the elderly population. 4 Laryngoscope, 133:3075-3079, 2023.

Comorbidities and Malignancy among NAFLD Patients Compared to the General Population, A Nation-Based Study.

(1) Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common liver disease. Aims: We aimed to investigate the frequency of comorbidities and malignancies among NAFLD patients compared to the general population. (2) Methods: A retrospective study included adult patients with a NAFLD diagnosis. A control group was matched for age and gender. Demographics, comorbidities, malignancies, and mortality were collected and compared. (3) Results: 211,955 NAFLD patients were analyzed in comparison to 452,012 matched general population controls. Significantly higher rates of diabetes mellitus (23.2% vs. 13.3%), obesity (58.8% vs. 27.8%), hypertension (57.2% vs. 39.9%), chronic ischemic heart disease (24.7% vs. 17.3%), and CVA (3.2% vs. 2.8%) were found among NAFLD patients. Patients with NAFLD had significantly higher rates of the following malignancies: prostate cancer (1.6% vs. 1.2%), breast cancer (2.6% vs. 1.9%), colorectal cancer (1.8% vs. 1.4%), uterine cancer (0.4 vs. 0.2%), kidney cancer (0.8% vs. 0.5%), but a lower rate of lung cancer (0.9% vs. 1.2%) and stomach cancer (0.3% vs. 0.4%). The all-cause mortality rate among NAFLD patients was significantly lower in comparison to the general population (10.8% vs. 14.7%, p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: Higher rates of comorbidities and malignancies among NAFLD patients were observed, but a lower rate of all-cause mortality was found.

The Association of Male Pattern Baldness in Men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Aim: To evaluate the association between male pattern baldness (MPB) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).&#x0D; Methodology: Cohort study, data collected by co-authors. All extracted data were input to Excel sheets and further imported into STATA version 14. The study’s results were reported in the form of descriptive statistics.&#x0D; Results: This study found no significant associations between MPB and BPH. Nonetheless, the study demonstrated that patients with increased baldness severity have higher rates of diabetes mellitus (DM) and obesity.&#x0D; Conclusion: There is no association between MPB and BPH.

Aging of persons with schizophrenia: analysis of a national dataset.

The number of older adults suffering from schizophrenia is increasing. Despite this, less than 1% of published studies about schizophrenia focus on those older than 65 years. Research indicates these individuals may age differently from the general population due to lifestyle, medication factors, and effects of the disease itself. We aimed to analyze whether schizophrenia was associated with a younger age at first assessment for social care as a proxy measure for accelerated aging. We analyzed the effect of schizophrenia diagnosis, demographics, mood, comorbidities, falls, cognition, and substance use on age at first assessment for social care using linear regression. We used data from 168,780 interRAI Home Care and Long-Term Care Facility (HC; LTCF) assessments completed from July 2013 to June 2020. When corrected for confounding factors, schizophrenia contributed to age at first assessment being 5.5 years younger (p = 0.0001 Cohen's D = 1.0) than in people free from schizophrenia. Its effect on age at first assessment was second only to smoking. People suffering from schizophrenia also required a higher level of care (long-term care facility rather than home care). People suffering from schizophrenia had significantly higher rates of diabetes mellitus and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease but otherwise had lower rates of comorbidity than people free from schizophrenia who required care. Aging with schizophrenia is associated with needing increased social care at a younger age. This has implications for social spending and developing policies to decrease frailty in this population.

Baseline Characteristics and Clinical Presentation of Biopsy-Proven Giant Cell Arteritis in White Compared with Black Patients.

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most prevalent systemic vasculitis in the elderly and can lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated. Most earlier studies have evaluated GCA in primarily white populations, and GCA was traditionally thought to occur at nearly negligible frequency in black populations. Our previous study showed that GCA may occur at similar rates in white and black patients, but little is known about the presentation of GCA in black patients. The purpose of this study is to examine baseline presentation of biopsy-proven GCA (BP-GCA) in a tertiary care center-based population with a sizeable proportion of black patients. Retrospective study from a single academic institution of a previously described cohort of BP-GCA. Presenting symptoms, laboratory findings, and GCA Calculator Risk score were compared in black and white patients with BP-GCA. Among 85 patients with biopsy-proven GCA, 71 (84%) were white and 12 (14%) were black. White patients had higher rates of elevated platelet count (34% vs 0%, P = 0.04), whereas black patients had higher rates of diabetes mellitus (67% vs 12%, P < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in age, gender, biopsy classification (active vs healed arteritis), cranial symptoms, visual symptoms/ophthalmic findings, rates of abnormal erythrocyte sedimentation rate or C-reactive protein, unintentional weight loss, polymyalgia rheumatica, or GCA risk calculator score. Presenting features of GCA were similar between white and black patients in our cohort, except for rates of abnormal platelet level and diabetes. Physicians should feel comfortable relying on the usual clinical features for the diagnosis of GCA independent of race.

Multifocal early gastric neoplasms of three or more lesions versus single lesion without recurrence: A comparative study.

329 Background: As indication for endoscopic resection for gastric neoplasms have been expanded, patients receiving multiple times of endoscopic resection for metachronous or synchronous lesions have been increasing. We aimed to compare clinicopathologic characteristics of patient with gastric neoplasm in a single location and multifocal lesions of three or more. Methods: From January 2006 to December 2021, 255 patients underwent endoscopic resection for three or more of multifocal lesions at tertiary medical institution were reviewed retrospectively and 8667 patient showed no recurrence after endoscopic resection for single lesion. The clinicopathologic characteristics of index gastric lesions were compared. Results: The male ratio was higher in multifocal lesions group than single lesion group (83.9% vs. 68.4%, P &lt; 0.001). Diabetes mellitus was significantly more in multifocal lesions group than single lesion group (20.4% vs. 18.4%, P = 0.046), however hypertension, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and hepatitis showed no significant difference between the two groups. Smoking rate was significantly higher in the multifocal lesions group (current smoker 31.0% vs. 25.4%, and ex-smoker 24.7% vs. 24.8%, P = 0.028). In rapid urease test for Helicobacter pylori infection, the multifocal group showed significantly higher positives (54.9% vs. 40.8%, P &lt; 0.001). Tumor depth, lymphovascular invasion, and perineural invasion showed no significant differences. Conclusions: Patients with multifocal early gastric neoplasms showed higher male ratio, higher rate of diabetes mellitus, and smoking rate compared with single lesion group. In addition, Helicobacter pylori infection was also significantly higher in patients with multifocal gastric neoplasm.

Long-term outcomes of intermediate coronary stenosis in patients undergoing hemodialysis after deferred revascularization based on fractional flow reserve.

This study aimed to assess the long-term outcomes of patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) after deferred revascularization based on fractional flow reserve (FFR). FFR is a practical technique for assessing the functional severity of intermediate coronary stenosis. Prior research has revealed a satisfactory outcome in patients after the deferral of percutaneous coronary intervention for coronary lesions based on FFR measurement. However, little research has been conducted focusing on patients undergoing HD. The retrospective study comprised 225 consecutive patients with FFR assessment and deferred revascularization between January 2016 and December 2019. Based on a deferral cutoff FFR value of >0.80, we assessed the differences in all-cause death, major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), and target vessel failure (TVF) between the HD (n = 69) and non-HD groups (n = 156) during a mean ± standard deviation routine follow-up of 32.2 ± 13.4 months. Although the HD group had significantly higher rates of diabetes mellitus than the non-HD group (53.6% vs. 37.2%, p = 0.021), there were no significant differences in sex, left ventricular ejection fraction, or other risk factors between the groups, nor with respect to stenosis diameter or mean FFR. The HD group had a significantly higher incidence of TVF than the non-HD group (34.8% vs. 14.1%, p < 0.001), as well as a significantly higher risk of all-cause death and MACEs. The study revealed that deferred revascularization in coronary lesions with an FFR value of >0.80 in patients undergoing HD was associated with poor outcomes. Therefore, it is important to carefully monitor patients with intermediate coronary stenosis undergoing HD.

Comparison of mucormycosis infection between patients with and without a history of COVID-19 infection: a retrospective cohort study.

BackgroundMucormycosis infection is a complication seen in some coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. This study compares the characteristics of mucormycosis infection between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients.MethodsThis retrospective cohort comprised 87 patients with mucormycosis divided into two groups. The first included 44 patients who had COVID-19 recently before hospitalization due to mucormycosis at Namazi Hospital, Shiraz, Iran, between February 2019 and August 2021. The second group included all 43 patients hospitalized at the same hospital due to mucormycosis between 2010 and 2019 (pre-pandemic).ResultsMucormycosis patients with a history of recent COVID-19 infection had a higher rate of diabetes mellitus, fewer malignancies and higher blood glucose, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein levels (p<0.05). Glucocorticoid use was common (77%) in the COVID-19 group.ConclusionsIn the pre-COVID-19 era, mucormycosis mainly affected immunodeficient patients like those receiving chemotherapy due to malignancy but now seems to affect COVID-19 patients with uncontrolled blood glucose and glucocorticoids use. Special care must be taken in prescribing glucocorticoids and controlling the blood glucose levels of COVID-19 patients.