Higher Risk Of Adverse Outcomes Research Articles

Endovascular Treatment for Basilar Artery Occlusion

Basilar artery occlusion (BAO) is a neurological emergency associated with a high risk for adverse outcomes. This review provides evidence on the therapeutic efficacy of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and endovascular therapy (EVT) in the treatment of BAO. Historically considered the primary intervention for acute ischemic stroke, IVT has been progressively combined with EVT, which has emerged from recent studies demonstrating clinical benefits, notably in patients presenting with severe stroke. Several randomised controlled trials have shown that EVT improves patient outcomes in select clinical contexts. Future research directions could address therapeutic treatment thresholds, combination strategies, and long-term outcomes.

Substance Use Disorder as Risk Factor for Intubation in Angioedema: A Nationwide Cohort Study.

Individuals with angioedema (AE) are at high risk for airway compromise and often require endotracheal intubation. Patient factors predisposing one to airway compromise are not well described. The objective of this study is to examine whether substance use disorder (SUD) in patients with AE is associated with need for airway intervention. This population-based retrospective cohort study compared AE patients with SUD versus propensity-matched control groups. Outcomes were hospitalization, intubation, and tracheotomy. Using the TriNetX National Database, this study included 28,931 patients with SUD and 117,509 patients without SUD who presented with AE. Among patients with AE, those with each subtype of SUD (alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, tobacco, and opioids) were found to have higher risk of severe AE compared to propensity-matched non-SUD cohorts. Rate of hospitalization after cohort matching ranged from 20.4% for tobacco use disorder to 30.4% for cocaine use disorder, all significantly higher than the 8.0% in a population without SUD. Each SUD subtype was associated with a higher rate of intubation compared with matched non-SUD groups, with cannabis use disorder having the highest relative risk (RR) of 3.67 (95% CI: 2.69-5.02). Tobacco (RR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.79-3.34) and alcohol (RR = 2.82, 95% CI: 1.73-4.58) use disorders were both associated with significantly higher risk of tracheotomy. These data suggest that patients with SUD, regardless of subtype, and after propensity matching for demographics and comorbidities are at higher risk for adverse outcomes when presenting with AE. This study highlights clinically relevant predictors of airway compromise. Level 3 Laryngoscope, 2024.

Comprehensive management of polypharmacy in older patients with diabetes

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a complex group of chronic metabolic conditions. The incidence of frailty, sarcopenia, geriatric syndrome, and multiple chronic conditions is high in older patients with diabetes, who often require multiple medications for optimal glucose control and treatment of associated chronic complications. Unfortunately, polypharmacy is associated with a high risk of adverse outcomes, such as hypoglycemia, drug-drug interactions, and an increased socioeconomic burden in older adults with diabetes.Current Concepts: Elderly patients with diabetes are at a high risk for polypharmacy and consequently, a high risk of adverse drug reactions. Polypharmacy is defined as the cumulative use of five or more medications. Comprehensive management and deprescribing are the most important approaches to reduce polypharmacy. Deprescription refers to reduction in or cessation of inappropriate medications.Discussion and Conclusion: Polypharmacy continues to increase the risk of morbidity and mortality among older adults with diabetes. A comprehensive polypharmacy management and deprescription plan is warranted for significant risk reduction in elderly patients with diabetes.

Beware stewardship in silos

With the WHO estimating that global medication errors cost approximately US$42 billion annually, it is perhaps not surprising that we hear a lot about medicines stewardship these days. Although the descriptions and goals of medicines stewardship vary, common themes are that it involves careful and responsible management, it is targeted at drug classes that are associated with a high risk of adverse outcomes and it aims to reduce variations in practice and improve patient outcomes.

Beware stewardship in silos

With the WHO estimating that global medication errors cost approximately US$42 billion annually, it is perhaps not surprising that we hear a lot about medicines stewardship these days. Although the descriptions and goals of medicines stewardship vary, common themes are that it involves careful and responsible management, it is targeted at drug classes that are associated with a high risk of adverse outcomes and it aims to reduce variations in practice and improve patient outcomes.

ГИСТАМИН КАК МАРКЕР КАРДИОРЕНАЛЬНОГО СИНДРОМА

Currently, the combination of chronic heart failure (CHF) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) is considered within the framework of the cardiorenal syndrome, which is associated with a high risk of adverse outcomes. The purpose of this work is to is determine the concentration of one of the most important biologically active substances – histamine and assess histamine level in patients with cardiovascular and renal pathology. The study included 498 patients: 315 patients of the main group suffering from cardiovascular diseases, some of them also having CKD; comparison group – 83 healthy patients. The levels of histamine in the blood plasma of patients were assessed by high-performance liquid chromatography combined with mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). Based on the results of the analysis, the following data were obtained: plasma levels of histamine in patients with cardiovascular diseases were lower than in healthy patients. The lowest concentration was observed in the group of patients with CHF. Also it was found, that histamine levels are significantly associated with the presence of CKD, while a correlation analysis of histamine levels and laboratory parameters revealed a direct correlation of moderate strength between histamine levels and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (r=0,421, p<0,000001). The results indicate the role of histamine in the pathogenesis of the cardiorenal syndrome, which requires further research in this direction.

Association of frailty with the use of health services in older adults. A secondary analysis of the Mexican Health and Aging Study

Association of frailty with the use of health services in older adults. A secondary analysis of the Mexican Health and Aging Study

Clinical characteristics and risk factors for ZF2001 fully vaccinated inpatients with COVID-19: A retrospective cohort study

ABSTRACT The ZF2001 vaccine has demonstrated high efficacy in preventing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the clinical characteristics of breakthrough infections in vaccinated individuals and the risk factors for adverse outcomes in COVID-19 patients remain unclear. We conducted a retrospective single-center cohort study at Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, including 210 fully vaccinated COVID-19 inpatients from December 5, 2022, to January 31, 2023. Data on clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, disease severity, treatment, and prognosis were collected and analyzed. Our findings revealed that COVID-19 inpatients still experienced common symptoms at the onset of illness, but most laboratory findings were within the normal range, except for white blood cell count (WBC), lymphocyte count, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels. Following standard treatment, 95.7% of patients were discharged from the hospital. We identified seven variables significantly associated with a higher risk of adverse outcomes, including age over 65, elevated WBC count, reduced lymphocyte count, higher levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), LDH, troponin, D-dimer, and procalcitonin. This study supports the substantial clinical benefits of the ZF2001 vaccine for COVID-19 patients. Additionally, age over 65, elevated WBC count, reduced lymphocyte count, and higher blood levels of BUN, LDH, D-dimer, and procalcitonin may be used as predictive factors for disease progression in fully vaccinated COVID-19 inpatients.

Revisiting the Association of ECOG Performance Status With Clinical Outcomes in Diverse Patients With Cancer.

The ECOG performance status (PS) scale was developed to support national clinical trials, but the degree to which ECOG PS predicts clinical outcomes in patient subgroups outside of clinical trials is relatively unknown. This study examined associations between ECOG PS and adverse outcomes in a diverse community oncology population. In this retrospective cohort study, demographic and clinical characteristics, including the most recent ECOG PS between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2019, were examined for patients receiving cancer treatment within Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC). Proportional hazard models were used to evaluate the effect of ECOG PS on adverse outcomes. A total of 21,730 patients were identified. Overall, most patients had an ECOG PS of 0 (42.5%) or 1 (42.5%). In multivariable analysis, an ECOG PS of 3 or 4 was associated with higher risk of 30-day emergency department visits (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 3.85; 95% CI, 3.47-4.26), 30-day hospitalizations (aHR, 4.70; 95% CI, 4.12-5.36), and 6-month mortality (aHR, 7.34; 95% CI, 6.64-8.11) compared with an ECOG PS of 0. Additionally, we found that upper gastrointestinal and stage IV cancers were associated with a higher risk of adverse outcomes compared with breast and stage I cancers, respectively. When adjusted for ECOG PS, African American race, Asian race, and female sex were associated with a lower risk of mortality than White race and male sex. An ECOG PS of 3 or 4 was more predictive of mortality in younger patients and those with breast cancer (P<.001). ECOG PS and upper gastrointestinal and stage IV cancers were independently associated with increased risk of emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and mortality, whereas African American and Asian race and female sex were associated with decreased risk of mortality. An ECOG PS of 3 or 4 was more predictive of an increased risk of mortality in younger patients and patients with breast cancer. These findings can enhance the use of ECOG PS for clinical decision-making and defining eligibility for clinical trials.

4-h mean lactate clearance as a good predictor of adverse outcome in acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema: a pilot study

Abstract Objectives This pilot study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the 4-h mean lactate clearance (LACclr) level as a predictive factor for in-hospital outcomes, 30-day mortality, and treatment success in patients with acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema (ACPE), a significant clinical form of acute heart failure (AHF). Methods A total of 44 patients diagnosed with acute pulmonary edema were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups based on lactate levels and negative outcomes, and lactate and LACclr levels and negative outcomes were analyzed using statistical tests such as Fisher’s exact test, Student’s t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Results The results indicated a statistically significant difference in the total hospitalization length of stay according to whether the patients had a negative outcome (intubation and in-hospital mortality) (p=0.033). Additionally, the area under the curve (AUC) value for 4-h mean LACclr was 0.795 in all patients, which was statistically significant in predicting 30-day mortality (p=0.033). The optimal cut-off value for the 4-h mean LACclr in predicting 30-day mortality was found to be 5.57 %, with 80 % sensitivity and 66.7 % specificity. The threshold to rule out 30-day mortality for all patients was 18.85 with 100 % sensitivity and 30.2 % specificity (AUC, 0.795 95 % CI [0.546–1.000], p=0.033). Conclusions These findings suggest that the 4-h LACclr level, calculated within 4 h of emergency department (ED) presentation, can be used as a predictive indicator for needing intubation, in-hospital mortality, and 30-day mortality and to identify patients at higher risk for adverse outcomes.

Building Geriatric Trauma Programs in Resource-Constrained Environments: Trauma Quality Improvement Program Guideline Implementation at Two Safety Net Hospitals in Southern California.

Background: To improve care of geriatric trauma patients, the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP) updated guidelines in 2021. Amid geriatrician shortages in Southern California, 2 Los Angeles County safety net hospitals were tasked with creating a strategy to meet geriatric trauma guidelines despite constrained resources. Methods: All trauma patients ≥ 60years admitted to a safety net hospital in Southern California were enrolled without exclusions (August 2022-April 2023). Primary outcome was frailty screening with documentation to identify older trauma patients at a high risk for adverse outcomes. Results: Needs assessment discovered no standardized process to identify high-risk geriatric patients, no geriatric care guidelines, and no inpatient geriatric consultation service. An action plan composed of a resident-led frailty screen resulted in identification of high-risk patients. Overall, 217 patients met criteria. Ninety-six patients (44%) successfully underwent frailty screening. Frailty screening compliance increased over the study, beginning at 37% capture in the first month and increasing to 81% in the final study month. After achieving nearly uniform frailty screening, a form was developed for the EMR for ease of documentation, data capture/tracking, and compliance monitoring. Discussion: In this study, creativity, collaboration, and resourcefulness allowed TQIP guideline implementation at 2 county hospitals. A systematic process is now in place to identify and triage high-risk geriatric trauma patients based on frailty screen to receive inpatient medicine consultation for medical comorbidity optimization. Continued interdisciplinary and interfacility collaboration will be crucial for continued delivery of the optimal care to older injured patients.

Quality of life when switching from a vitamin K antagonist to non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulation in frail older patients with atrial fibrillation

Abstract Background Many older patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are frail, putting them at high risk of adverse outcomes including mortality, hospitalization, functional decline, and dependency on others. In this special population, management strategies – such as anticoagulation for stroke prevention – need special consideration. To what extent the type of anticoagulation influences the quality of life (QoL) in frail patients with AF is unclear. Purpose To assess QoL in frail older patients with AF switching from a vitamin K antagonist (VKA) to a non-VKA oral anticoagulant (NOAC), as compared to patients continuing a VKA. Methods We used data from the FRAIL-AF trial that randomized frail older AF patients between continuing VKA treatment or switching to any NOAC. At baseline, after six months and twelve months of follow-up, QoL was assessed using the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire. For every timepoint, the mean EQ-5D-5L score was calculated with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI), missing data were imputed using ten-fold multiple imputation. Absolute differences in EQ-5D-5L score were calculated between patients switching to a NOAC and patients continuing with a VKA, with corresponding 95% CI. The distribution of the scores on each domain of the EQ-5D-5L was compared using a chi-square test. Results In total 661 patients continued VKA treatment, and 663 switched to a NOAC. The median age was 82.2 years (interquartile range (IQR) 78.7 – 86.5), 61.3% were male. Major bleeding or clinically relevant non-major bleeding occurred in 101 patients (17.8 per 100 person-years) switching to NOAC therapy, and 62 patients (10.5 events per 100 person-years) continuing with a VKA (hazard ratio 1.69, 95% confidence interval 1.23 – 2.32). Mortality occurred in 44 and 46 patients, respectively. In 25 patients data was missing. Table 1 shows the mean EQ-5D-5L scores at baseline, at 6 months follow-up and at 12 months follow-up. Scores were similar between patients switching to NOAC treatment or continuing with a VKA and did not change significantly during 12 months follow-up. Table 2 shows the distribution of the scores on all domains of the EQ-5D-5L, with no significant differences between groups. Conclusion Switching from a VKA to a NOAC in frail older patients with AF was associated with an increased risk of bleeding, yet without any effect on overall and different domains of QoL.

Comparative outcome of different treatment options for acetabulum fractures in elderly individuals—a retrospective analysis of 207 patients

Purpose Acetabular fractures are challenging injuries in the heterogeneous population of elderly patients. In patients able to partially bear weight, open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is indicated. In frail patients, ORIF combined with primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) allows early weight-bearing to preserve independence. This article systematically analyses a treatment algorithm that separates fractures into stable fractures treated conservatively and fractures needing surgical stabilization with osteosynthesis or osteosynthesis plus arthroplasty, dependent on patient characteristics but less on the fracture classification or energetic impact of the trauma. Methods Data on patients ≥50 years of age treated for acetabular fractures (2009–2019) were retrospectively analyzed. The primary outcome was loss of independence. In-hospital complications, length of stay, re-operations, the need for walking aids, and pain were analyzed as secondary outcomes. Results Out of 207 patients, 135 were male, average age was 70 years. Eighty-five patients were treated conservatively, 89 ORIF, and 33 ORIF plus arthroplasty in one operation. The initial morbidity of patients treated with the combined operation was higher than osteosynthesis alone, but the long-term outcome was favorable with less pain and fewer secondary interventions. Age and female gender were associated with the decision to treat the fracture with the combination of osteosynthesis and arthroplasty. Conclusions The results suggest that aged and potentially frail patients with acetabular fracture have better long-term outcome after ORIF combined with arthroplasty at the price of an initially higher risk of adverse outcomes. Females were more frequently treated with the combined operation independent of other risk factors

#60 Implementation of chronic kidney disease guidelines for sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor use in primary care: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background and Aims The cardiovascular and kidney benefits of sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are well established. The implementation of updated SGLT2 inhibitor guidelines and prescribing in the real-world CKD population remains largely unknown. Method We performed a cross-sectional study of adults with CKD registered with primary care practices in the Oxford-Royal College of General Practitioners Research and Surveillance Centre network on the 31st December 2022. We examined the extent to which SGLT2 inhibitor guidelines apply to and are then implemented in adults with CKD. We used a logistic regression model to identify independent factors associated with SGLT2 inhibitor prescribing. Results Of 6,670,829 adults we identified 516,491 (7·7%) with CKD, including 32·8% (n = 169,443) who had co-existing type 2 diabetes (T2D). 26·8% (n = 138,183) of the overall CKD population had a guideline directed indication for SGLT2 inhibitor treatment. A higher proportion of CKD patients with co-existing T2D were indicated for treatment, compared to those without T2D (62·8% [n = 106,468] vs. 9·1% [n = 31,715]). SGLT2 inhibitors were prescribed to 17·0% (n = 23,466) of those with an indication for treatment, and prescriptions were predominantly in those with co-existing T2D; 22·0% (n = 23,464) in those with T2D, and &amp;lt;0·1% (n = 2) in those without T2D. In adjusted multivariable analysis of people with CKD and T2D, females (OR 0·70, 95% CI 0·67-0·72, p &amp;lt; 0·001), individuals of Black ethnicity (OR 0·87, 95% CI 0·79-0·95, p &amp;lt; 0·001) and those of lower socio-economic status (OR 0·71, 95% CI 0·68-0·75, p &amp;lt; 0.001) were less likely to be prescribed an SGLT2 inhibitor. Those with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) &amp;lt;60 mL/min/1.73 m2 had a lower likelihood of receiving an SGLT2 inhibitor compared to those with an eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (eGFR 45-60 mL/min/1·73 m2 OR 0·65, 95% CI 0·62-0·68, p &amp;lt; 0·001, eGFR 30-45 mL/min/1·73 m2 OR 0·73, 95% CI 0·69-0·78, p &amp;lt; 0·001, eGFR 15-30 mL/min/1·73 m2 OR 0·52, 95% CI 0·46-0·60, p &amp;lt; 0·001, eGFR &amp;lt;15 mL/min/1·73 m2 OR 0·03, 95% CI 0·00-0·23, p = 0·004, respectively). Those with albuminuria (urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio 3-30 mg/mmol) were less likely to be prescribed an SGLT2 inhibitor, compared to those without albuminuria (OR 0·78, 95% CI 0·75-0·82, p &amp;lt; 0·001). Conclusion SGLT2 inhibitor guidelines in CKD have not yet been successfully implemented into clinical practice, most notably in those without co-existing T2D. Enhanced efforts to embed SGLT2 inhibitors equitably into routine care for people with CKD are urgently needed, particularly in those at highest risk of adverse outcomes and in the absence of T2D.

Association Between Congenital Heart Disease-Related Diagnosis Codes and Trauma Surgery Outcomes.

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is one the most common congenital anomalies, with a prevalence of 8-10 cases per 1000 live births in the United States. Congenital heart disease has been recognized as a risk factor for poor perioperative and postoperative outcomes in non-cardiac surgery. We aimed to determine if documentation of CHD-related diagnosis codes was associated with similar risks for trauma surgery. Data were acquired from the 2010-2019 American College of Surgeons' Trauma Quality Programs Participant Use Files. This study included trauma patients of all ages with one or more surgical procedures and at least one documented non-trauma (comorbidity) International Classification of Diseases code. Patients were stratified based on presence of CHD-related comorbidity codes vs any other comorbidity. Outcomes included mortality, hospital length of stay (LOS), discharge disposition, and in-hospital complications. Using 1:1 propensity score matching, we matched 215 cases with CHD-related comorbid diagnoses to non-CHD controls. Compared to patients with other comorbidities, patients with CHD-related comorbidites were less likely to be discharged home to self-care (odds ratio: 0.44, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.25, 078 P = .005) and tended to have prolonged hospital LOS (incidence rate ratio [IRR]: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.001, 1.13, P = .046). We present the first quantitative multicenter analysis correlating documentation of comorbid CHD-related diagnoses with higher risk of adverse outcomes after trauma surgery. These results support the need to routinely acknowledge and document CHD as comorbidity in trauma admissions that could lead to surgical intervention and for trauma centers to prepare for patients with a possible CHD comorbidity.

Machine learning evaluation of inequities and disparities associated with nurse sensitive indicator safety events.

To use machine learning to examine health equity and clinical outcomes in patients who experienced a nurse sensitive indicator (NSI) event, defined as a fall, a hospital-acquired pressure injury (HAPI) or a hospital-acquired infection (HAI). This was a retrospective observational study from a single academic hospital over six calendar years (2016-2021). Machine learning was used to examine patients with an NSI compared to those without. Inclusion criteria: all adult inpatient admissions (2016-2021). Three approaches were used to analyze the NSI group compared to the No-NSI group. In the univariate analysis, descriptive statistics, and absolute standardized differences (ASDs) were employed to compare the demographics and clinical variables of patients who experienced a NSI and those who did not experience any NSIs. For the multivariate analysis, a light grading boosting machine (LightGBM) model was utilized to comprehensively examine the relationships associated with the development of an NSI. Lastly, a simulation study was conducted to quantify the strength of associations obtained from the machine learning model. From 163,507 admissions, 4643 (2.8%) were associated with at least one NSI. The mean, standard deviation (SD) age was 59.5 (18.2) years, males comprised 82,397 (50.4%). Non-Hispanic White 84,760 (51.8%), non-Hispanic Black 8703 (5.3%), non-Hispanic Asian 23,368 (14.3%), non-Hispanic Other 14,284 (8.7%), and Hispanic 30,271 (18.5%). Race and ethnicity alone were not associated with occurrence of an NSI. The NSI group had a statistically significant longer length of stay (LOS), longer intensive care unit (ICU) LOS, and was more likely to have an emergency admission compared to the group without an NSI. The simulation study results demonstrated that likelihood of NSI was higher in patients admitted under the major diagnostic categories (MDC) associated with circulatory, digestive, kidney/urinary tract, nervous, and infectious and parasitic disease diagnoses. In this study, race/ethnicity was not associated with the risk of an NSI event. The risk of an NSI event was associated with emergency admission, longer LOS, longer ICU-LOS and certain MDCs (circulatory, digestive, kidney/urinary, nervous, infectious, and parasitic diagnoses). Machine learning methodologies provide a new mechanism to investigate NSI events through the lens of health equity/disparity. Understanding which patients are at higher risk for adverse outcomes can help hospitals improve nursing care and prevent NSI injury and harm.

Supra-normal and mildly reduced ejection fraction in women -An overlooked vulnerable subpopulation in heart failure

BackgroundRecently, patients with supra-normal left ventricular ejection fraction (snEF) are reported to have high risk of adverse outcomes, especially in women. We sought to evaluate sex-related differences in the association between LVEF and long-term outcomes in heart failure (HF) patients. MethodsThe multicenter WET-HF Registry enrolled all patients hospitalized for acute decompensated HF (ADHF). We analyzed 3943 patients (age 77 years; 40.1% female) registered from 2006 to 2017. According to LVEF the patients were divided into the 3 groups: HF with reduced EF (HFrEF), mildly reduced EF (HFmrEF) and preserved EF. The primary endpoint was defined as the composite of cardiac death and ADHF rehospitalization after discharge. ResultsIn HFmrEF, implementation of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) such as the combination of renin-angiotensin-system inhibitor (RASi) and β-blocker at discharge was significantly lower in women than men even after adjustment for covariates (p = 0.007). There were no such sex-related differences in HFrEF. Female sex was associated with higher incidence of the primary endpoint and ADHF rehospitalization after adjustment for covariates exclusively in HFmrEF. Restricted cubic spline analysis demonstrated a U-shaped relationship between LVEF and the hazard ratio of the primary endpoint showing higher event rate in HFmrEF and HFsnEF in women, but such relationship was not observed in men (p for interaction = 0.037). ConclusionsIn women, mrEF and snEF were associated with worse long-term outcomes. Additionally, sex-related differences in the GDMT implementation for HFmrEF highlight the need for further exploration, which might lead to creation of sex-specific guidelines to optimize HF management.

Insulin degludec in pregestational diabetes: evidence and perspectives

Pregestational diabetes is described when a woman with diabetes before the onset of pregnancy becomes pregnant and consequently she is vulnerable to higher risk for adverse outcomes in the embryo/foetus. Strict glycaemic control, with minimal glucose variability, starting from before conception and maintained throughout pregnancy decreases significantly adverse foetal and maternal outcomes; maternal hypoglycaemic episodes are the major barrier in achieving this goal. Insulin degludec is an ultralong-acting analogue, which has half-life of over 25 h and full duration of effect of more than 42 h, reaching a steady-state serum concentration after 2–3 days of its administration. It promotes flat, steady, peakless and predictable insulin concentrations, with minor intra-individual and inter-individual variability. It also exerts a low mitogenic/metabolic potency ratio. This review examines thoroughly all current evidence of the administration of insulin degludec in pregestational diabetes as well as its future role in this population.

Changes in Lipid Profiles with the Progression of Pregnancy in Black Women.

Background/Objectives: Lipid metabolism plays an important role in maternal health and fetal development. There is a gap in the knowledge of how lipid metabolism changes during pregnancy for Black women who are at a higher risk of adverse outcomes. We hypothesized that the comprehensive lipidome profiles would show variation across pregnancy indicative of requirements during gestation and fetal development. Methods: Black women were recruited at prenatal clinics. Plasma samples were collected at 8-18 weeks (T1), 22-29 weeks (T2), and 30-36 weeks (T3) of pregnancy. Samples from 64 women who had term births (≥37 weeks gestation) were subjected to "shotgun" Orbitrap mass spectrometry. Mixed-effects models were used to quantify systematic changes and dimensionality reduction models were used to visualize patterns and identify reliable lipid signatures. Results: Total lipids and major lipid classes showed significant increases with the progression of pregnancy. Phospholipids and glycerolipids exhibited a gradual increase from T1 to T2 to T3, while sphingolipids and total sterol lipids displayed a more pronounced increase from T2 to T3. Acylcarnitines, hydroxy acylcarnitines, and Lyso phospholipid levels significantly decreased from T1 to T3. A deviation was that non-esterified fatty acids decreased from T1 to T2 and increased again from T2 to T3, suggestive of a potential role for these lipids during the later stages of pregnancy. The fatty acids showing this trend included key fatty acids-non-esterified Linoleic acid, Arachidonic acid, Alpha-linolenic acid, Eicosapentaenoic acid, Docosapentaenoic acid, and Docosahexaenoic acid. Conclusions: Mapping lipid patterns and identifying lipid signatures would help develop intervention strategies to reduce perinatal health disparities among pregnant Black women.

The impact of innovative glucose-lowering drugs on the course and outcome of COVID-19 in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are at high risk of adverse outcomes in coronavirus infection (COVID-19). Despite the gradual resolution of the pandemic, new strains of the virus are emerging, characterized by high contagiousness, and the risk of infection becoming a seasonal disease is increasing. In this connection, the issue of identifying risk factors that aggravate the course of COVID-19 in patients with T2DM, including the role of initial hypoglycemic therapy, remains relevant.The review presents and systematizes up-to-date information (according to randomized clinical trials and meta-analyses) on the effect of outpatient and inpatient use of metformin and innovative hypoglycemic drugs (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors) on the course and outcome of COVID-19 in patients with T2DM. At the same time, the potential mechanisms of the pathogenetic effect of drugs on the course of COVID-19, positive and negative aspects of their administration are described.