Initial Blood Levels Research Articles

Possibilities of achieving target levels of arterial pressure and atherogenic lipids in patients with arterial hypertension with obesity at the outpatient stage (results of a 12-week follow-up)

The aim: To study the possibility of achieving target levels of blood pressure (BP) and atherogenic lipids’ levels in patients with arterial hypertension with abdominal obesity (AO) using combined antihypertensive and lipid‑lowering therapy against the background of recommendations for lifestyle correction at the outpatient stage.
 Materials and methods. The study involved 54 patients with AH of 2 and 3 degrees with AO of I — II degrees, who were examined in the polyclinic of the GI «L. T. Malaya Therapy National Institute of the NAMS of Ukraine». The investigated group included 30 (56 %) men and 24 (44 %) women, aged 47 to 59 years (the mean age — (50.6 ± 5.2) years). All patients underwent general clinical laboratory and instrumental examinations. After the initial examination, all patients were prescribed a three‑component fixed combination (FC) of antihypertensive drugs: an angiotensin‑converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE inhibitor) perindopril, a thiazide‑like diuretic (TPD) indapamide and a long‑acting dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker (CCB) amlodipine in optimal daily doses, considering blood pressure levels. Atorvastatin was administered as a lipid‑lowering drug in a daily dose, defined depending on the initial blood levels of low‑density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL cholesterol). Achievement of the target levels of blood pressure and LDL‑cholesterol was assessed after 6 and 12 weeks of the study. Doses of antihypertensive drugs and atorvastatin were adjusted during the study.
 Results. It has been established that 6 weeks of treatment of AH patients with AO in outpatient settings with the use of three‑component fixed combination of antihypertensive drugs (ACE inhibitors, TPD and CCBs of the dihydropyridine series) and statins’ lipid‑lowering therapy against the background of recommendations for lifestyle correction, resulted in the achievement of the target “office” BP levels of in only 57 % of patients and target levels of LDL‑cholesterol in only 32 %. Insufficient efficacy of antihypertensive therapy in the examined patients was associated with a greater severity of obesity, increased heart rate (HR) and a higher incidence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), while the low efficacy of statin therapy was primarily associated with the low therapy compliance. The addition of nebivolol, cardioselective beta‑adrenoblocker (BAB) with a vasodilatory effect, to the fixed combination of ACE inhibitors, TPD and BCC significantly increased the effectiveness of antihypertensive therapy. At the same time, intensification of statin therapy did not result in the significant increase of the frequency of achieving target levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood.
 Conclusions. The standard three‑component fixed combination of antihypertensive drugs in combination with medium‑dose statin therapy and recommendations for the normalization of lifestyle was not enough effective in a significant part of AH patients with AO at the outpatient stage, which indicates the need for timely correction of drug therapy and implementation of healthy lifestyle.

Analysis of the impact of various risk factors on short-term and long-term outcomes in patients with COVID-19 on maintenance hemodialysis

Patients receiving renal replacement therapy (RRT) in the form of maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) belong to a group of particularly high risk of infection and the course of COVID-19. The new coronavirus infection also has a great impact on long-term outcomes.Materials and methods: A retrospective observational study included 510 patients on MHD, hospitalized from April 1, 2020 to April 01, 2021. The outcome of hospitalization was chosen as the primary endpoint of the study: discharge or 28day mortality. Death within 6 months after discharge and the development of complications related to COVID-19 during this period were considered as secondary endpoints. Data collection was carried out by analyzing electronic and archival medical records. Quantitative variables: age, duration of hospitalization, days in the intensive care unit, laboratory blood parameters: the level of D-Dimer, Glucose, Interleukin-6, Procalcitonin, Lymphocytes and Platelets, CRP, CPK, CPK-MB, LDH, Fibrinogen, Ferritin. Qualitative indicators: gender, ventilator, ARDS, the presence of diabetes, the presence of obesity, the presence of complications: cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, septic, macrothrombotic, stage of pneumonia. To identify statistically significant predictors of the risk of an event, the odds ratio (OR) method was used.Results: average age 57.8±14 years, men – 59.5%, average bed day 17.6±10.6 days. In concomitant diseases, diabetes mellitus was indicated in 24% of patients, obesity was registered in 4.3% of patients. Hospital mortality (28-day) in the total cohort of follow-up was 16.05%, in total with out-ofhospital mortality of 22%. Mortality in intensive care reached 62.7%, on ventilator more than 86%, with ARDS 94.3%. No statistical significance was revealed by gender and the presence of diabetes mellitus (DM) in concomitant diseases. When comparing short-term outcomes, the age groups over 65 differed statistically. The following laboratory blood parameters showed a significant difference (P<0.001): D-Dimer, Glucose, IL-6 lymphocytes, Leukocytes, Neutrophils, Platelets, LDH, Ferritin. The following odds ratios (OR) were obtained: ARDS (OR 143.78; 95% CI 33.4-616.2; p=0.0001), on ventilator (OR 57.96; 95% CI 23.1-144.5; p=0.0001), the presence of septic complications (OR 26.4; 95% CI 13.8-50; p=0.0001), the course of the disease is defined as severe (OR 25; 95% CI 12.9-48.2; p=0.0001), the course of the disease is defined as complicated (OR 11.6; 95% CI 6.8-19.7; p=0.0001), the presence of gastrointestinal complications (OR 6.5; 95% CI 2.28-18.4; p=0.0007), the presence of obesity (OR 2.57; 95% CI 1.0-6.5; p=0.039). Mortality of patients receiving two main treatment regimens T-1 and T-2 did not differ (15.8% vs 15.7%). Significant differences (p=0.0001) appeared when compared with the T-0 and T-4 schemes, in which mortality was recorded at 8.8% and 85.7%, respectively. When comparing long-term outcomes, the analysis did not reveal statistical significance by gender. The statistical difference was noted by age. Among laboratory indicators, the PCT level was higher in survivors with complications. A significant difference among all survivors and deceased (P<0.001) was shown by: D-Dimer, blood glucose level, IL-6, CRP. The highest OR was calculated for the following indicators: the presence of gastrointestinal complications (OR 7.7; 95% CI 1.0-57.7; p=0.03), the initial LDH blood level of 622 units /l (OR 4.7; 95% CI 1.63-13.63; p=0.0086), the course of the disease defined as complicated (OR 4.05; 95% 1.97-8.33; p=0.003), the course of the disease is defined as severe (OR 2.4; 95% CI 1.17-5.0; p=0.03).Conclusions: gastrointestinal complications had the greatest impact on unfavorable short-term and long-term outcomes in patients on programmed hemodialysis. In relation to such laboratory markers as Ferritin, CRH, LDH, threshold values of a significant increase in the chances characteristic of dialysis patients were obtained. During the first year of the epidemic, therapy remained largely supportive and aimed at preventing complications, the main isolated treatment regimens showed no significant differences in the impact on the outcomes of COVID-19.

Predicting the effectiveness of methotrexate therapy based on basal expression of the AMP-activated protein kinase gene in the blood of patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Objective: to search for an association between basal expression of the AMP-activated protein kinase (adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, AMPK) gene in the blood of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and disease activity, as well as joint destruction before and after 24 months of methotrexate (MT) therapy.Patients and methods. The study included 40 patients with RA who met the 1987 ACR classification criteria, with a disease duration of not more than 2 years, with a mean age of 47.5±15.5 years. All patients received 15 mg/week of MT. The number of swollen joints (SJC) out of 44, the number of tender joints (TSC) out of 53, the duration of morning stiffness (in minutes) and RA activity were assessed using the DAS28 index. The concentration of CRP and IgM rheumatoid factor (RF), antibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptide (ACCP) were assessed. To evaluate the radiological progression of RA, the Sharp method modified by van der Heijde was used. Gene expression in peripheral blood cells was determined by reverse transcriptase reaction and real-time polymerase chain reaction.Results and discussion. During MT therapy, there was a decrease in disease activity by DAS28 index, CRP level, duration of morning stiffness, SJC and TJC. After 2 years, there were no statistically significant changes in the number of erosions, while the number of joints with narrowing of the joint space increased by the end of the study (p=0.004). Treatment with MT resulted in a decrease in AMPK expression. At the same time, patients who achieved remission had the highest level of AMPK before therapy, as did seronegative patients compared to seropositive ones. Based on the ROC analysis, the threshold value of AMPK gene expression was determined, which makes it possible to predict a high probability of a positive effect of MT therapy.Conclusion. AMPK gene expression is associated with disease activity. Its high initial blood level in RA patients is associated with greater efficiency of MT and, possibly, plays a protective role. With an AMPK gene expression index greater than 3.83, the probability of a positive response to MT is high.

Indications and outcomes of the percutaneous nephrostomy at Urology-Andrology Teaching Hospital of CNHU-HKM in Cotonou

Background: The percutaneous nephrostomy constitutes a backup remedy allowing the derivation of urine and thus cancelling the emergency, while waiting for adequate etiological treatment. The objective of this study was to determine indications and outcomes of the percutaneous nephrostomy at Urology-Andrology Teaching Hospital of the National Centre Academic Hospital Hubert KOUTOUKOU MAGA (CNHU-HKM) of Cotonou. Methods: It was a retrospective study carried out from January 1st, 2016 to May 30, 2020. Results: The placement of nephrostomy tubes has been indicated in 15.26% of urine derivations for the obstruction of the upper urinary tract. The average age of patients was 54.85 years with extremes of 28 and 70 years. The two sexes are interested in the same proportion, 10 cases for each. The average consultation time is 31.4 days with the extremes of 5 and 90 days. The obstruction was bilateral in 19 cases on 20. The gynaecological cancers were majority with 9 cases follow-up of those of the colon (4 cases), of the bladder (3 cases) and of the prostate (3 cases). The drainage was unilateral in 18 cases out of 20. The mean blood creatinine rate is 145.52 mg/l with extremes of 10 and 436 mg/l. Blood creatinine rate was pathological in 19 of our patients; it has been ameliorated among patients having an elevated initial creatinine blood level but without reaching normal values in 18 out of 19 patients. The lowest rates of creatinine blood level have been reached after 10.33 days with extremes of 2 and 23 days. After the percutaneous nephrostomy, the surgical abstention has been decided in 13 cases, the dialysis had been done in 5 cases, the reimplantation + installation of the probe double J in 1 case and the chemotherapy in 1 case. The main reason of death of the patients having undergone the nephrostomy was the ionic disorders (13 cases out of 18) mainly the hyperkalemia and the hyponatremia followed of anemia (3 cases out of 18) and of the uremic coma (2 cases out of 18). The middle duration of hospitalization after the drainage was of 16.85 days, with extremes of 1 and 50 days. The death occurred at 18 out of 20 patients and the middle period of survival was 31.25 days with extremes of 1 to 60 days. Conclusion: The percutaneous nephrostomy remains the beneficial alternative for the derivation of the upper urinary tract instead of the double J installation. Popularization of percutaneous nephrostomy would reduce the morbidity and mortality linked to complications of obstructive syndrome of the upper urinary tract; hence the need for awareness for early urological consultation

355 Assessing the Prognostic Value of Lactate Levels in the Presence of Ethanol Among Emergency Department Patients

Presence of ethanol (EtOH) may alter the relationship between clinically measured lactate concentrations and mortality. This study will assess how the prognostic value of serum lactate concentrations changes based on the presence of EtOH. We performed a retrospective cohort study including all patients, age > 17 years, presenting from January 2012 through December 2018, to an urban, academic emergency department (ED). Patients without ED lactate measurements were excluded. Data were electronically abstracted from the medical record, including demographics, initial lactate level, blood and urine EtOH levels, administration of antibiotics, inclusion in trauma registry, vasopressor administration and 28-day in-hospital mortality. We manually abstracted data from 1000 randomly selected cohort patients to test reliability of the automated abstraction process. The primary outcome was 28-day in-hospital mortality. Initial ED lactate levels were re-grouped using 1.0 mmol/L unit intervals: 0.0-0.9, 1.0-1.9, 2.0-2.9, 3.0-3.9, 4.0-4.9, 5.0-5.9, 6.0-6.9, 7.0-7.9, and >8.0 mmol/L. EtOH levels were grouped as Present (any EtOH present), Absent (EtOH level measured and not detected), and Missing (not ordered). Available urine EtOH levels were utilized if blood EtOH was absent. Using logistic regression and a priori selected mortality risk factors, we created a baseline model to predict 28-day in-hospital mortality for the entire cohort. Among patients with ED lactate measured, we calculated marginal probabilities for mortality, beyond the baseline model, for each lactate interval, using 95% confidence intervals to assess differences. Over seven years, 441,613 adult patient encounters occurred, and 40,956 (9.27%) patients had lactate measured: 4,219 (10.30%) EtOH Present, 11,181 (27.30%) Absent, and 25,556 (62.40%) Missing patients. Overall, 2374 (5.8%, 95% CI 5.6-6.0%) had 28-day in-hospital mortality and this varied by EtOH group: 201 (4.8%, 4.1-5.5%) Present, 916 (8.2%, 7.7-8.7%) Absent, and 1257 (4.9%, 4.7-5.2%) Missing patients. In EtOH Present patients, 3511 (83.2%, 82.1-84.3%) had initial lactate >2.0 mmol/L compared to 4975 (44.5%, 43.6-45.4%) of Absent patients. In logistic regression, after controlling for other predictors of mortality, lactate intervals predicted a higher marginal probability of mortality in the EtOH Absent group compared with Present, until lactate exceeded 6.0 mmol/L: 1.0-1.9 (1.77% (95% CI: 1.42-2.12%) vs 0.27% (0-0.54%)); 2.0-2.9 (2.42% (1.89-2.96%) vs 0.43% (0.16-0.70%)); 3.0-3.9 (1.72% (1.19-2.26%) vs 0.67% (0.29-1.05%)); 4.0-4.9 (2.95% (2.00-3.91%) vs 1.08% (0.41-1.75%)); 5.0-5.9 (3.12% (1.89-4.36%) vs 1.02% (0.30-1.74%)); 6.0-6.9 (3.41% (1.79-5.03%) vs 1.51% (0.32-2.70%)). EtOH may diminish the relationship between initial lactate levels and 28-day in-hospital mortality, decreasing lactate’s prognostic utility in the ED. Clinicians using lactate to risk stratify patients should use caution in the presence of EtOH.

Micronutrients Dietary Supplementation Advices for Celiac Patients on Long-Term Gluten-Free Diet with Good Compliance: A Review.

Background and objective: Often micronutrient deficiencies cannot be detected when patient is already following a long-term gluten-free diet with good compliance (LTGFDWGC). The aim of this narrative review is to evaluate the most recent literature that considers blood micronutrient deficiencies in LTGFDWGC subjects, in order to prepare dietary supplementation advice (DSA). Materials and methods: A research strategy was planned on PubMed by defining the following keywords: celiac disease, vitamin B12, iron, folic acid, and vitamin D. Results: This review included 73 studies. The few studies on micronutrient circulating levels in long-term gluten-free diet (LTGFD) patients over 2 years with good compliance demonstrated that deficiency was detected in up to: 30% of subjects for vitamin B12 (DSA: 1000 mcg/day until level is normal, then 500 mcg), 40% for iron (325 mg/day), 20% for folic acid (1 mg/day for 3 months, followed by 400–800 mcg/day), 25% for vitamin D (1000 UI/day or more-based serum level or 50,000 UI/week if level is <20 ng/mL), 40% for zinc (25–40 mg/day), 3.6% of children for calcium (1000–1500 mg/day), 20% for magnesium (200–300 mg/day); no data is available in adults for magnesium. Conclusions: If integration with diet is not enough, starting with supplements may be the correct way, after evaluating the initial blood level to determine the right dosage of supplementation.

A higher level of ketonaemia does not predict oral rehydration failure in vomiting paediatric patients and routine measurement is unnecessary.

This study determined if blood levels of beta-hydroxybutyrate were associated with the rate of failure in oral rehydration in paediatric patients with vomiting. This was a prospective observational study that was carried out from December 1, 2015 to November 30, 2016 in the Rio Hortega University Hospital, Valladolid, Spain. The study cohort were patients up to 14years old who attended the emergency department with three or more vomiting episodes in the last four hours and glycaemia higher than 45mg/dL. Blood was measured for beta-hydroxybutyrate levels prior to the administration of oral rehydration solution for 90minutes. Two or more vomiting episodes during this period were considered failed oral rehydration. We analysed 248 patients, with a median age of four years and 7.5months and 233 (94%) of the parents took part. The median number of vomiting episodes in the previous four hours was five and oral rehydration was successful in 183 (78.5%) patients. The multivariate analysis showed that the initial beta-hydroxybutyrate blood level was not associated with the failure of oral rehydration. Blood levels of beta-hydroxybutyrate had no predictive value for oral rehydration failure in young patients with vomiting and this routine measurement is unnecessary.

Impact of Conversion From Advagraf to Twice-Daily Generic Tacrolimus in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Single-Center Study

BackgroundThe conversion of twice-daily (Prograf) to once-daily tacrolimus (Advagraf) as well as from Prograf to a generic tacrolimus preparation was proved to be safe in kidney transplant patients. There are no published studies comparing the clinical outcomes of patients who were receiving Advagraf and were switched to generic preparations of tacrolimus. ObjectivesTo evaluate the impact, safety profile, side effects, and renal graft function after the conversion of Advagraf to a generic preparation of tacrolimus. Population and MethodsThis prospective study was conducted over a 9-month period. The conversion to twice-daily generic tacrolimus was performed on a 1 mg:1 mg basis, total daily dose. We included 123 kidney transplant recipients (55% male). The mean (± SD) age was 49.9 ± 12 years. There were 100 (81%) Caucasian patients; the mean (± SD) time from transplantation to conversion was 4.6 ± 4.4 years. ResultsA significant increase in blood levels (18%; P = .000) was reported. There was a necessary tacrolimus dose reduction of 17% (P = .000) and ≥3 blood trough levels to adjust the initial tacrolimus blood levels. The mean serum creatinine remained stable before conversion, at months 1 and 6 (1.40, 1.43, and 1.46 mg/dL, respectively). Significant adverse effects were reported in 9% of our patients. There were no episodes of acute rejection or graft loss during the study. ConclusionsThe conversion proved to be safe. A drug reduction was necessary to ensure stable renal function and good tolerability.

Effect Of Different Methods Of Surgical Treatment On Quality Of Life Of Patients With Acute Thrombosis Associated With Varicose Veins Of Lower Limbs

A comprehensive quality of life analysis was carried out in 138 patients with superficial vein thrombosis associated with varicose veins of lower limbs estimating the short- and medium-term results of surgical treatment on the basis of “CIVIQ- 2” Interviewer. Patients were divided into 2 groups: control and basic. The treatment tactics of these groups differed: in the basic group the indication of different doses of anticoagulation drugs (therapeutic or prophylactic) was based on the initial D-dimer blood levels and during operation all areas of great and small saphenous vein remained unaffected by abnormal reflux. The results showed that thrombotic postoperative complications occurred during the proposed treatment tactics statistically significantly less, no pathological reflux was found in any the remained unaffected areas of great or small saphenous vein within a year after operation and, which is the most important, statistically significant more pronounced improvement of patients’ quality of life was provided. It enables to recommend the proposed treatment strategy as the method of choice in patients with superficial vein thrombosis associated with varicose veins.

Relationship of Blood Levels of Inflammatory and Destructive Biomarkers in Coronary Atherosclerosis with Long-Term Results of Surgical Revascularization

The relationships between blood levels of inflammatory and destructive biomarkers (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, soluble CD40 ligand, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, endothelial adhesion molecules, matrix metalloproteinase 3 and 9 and their tissue inhibitor type 1) were studied in men with coronary atherosclerosis before and 5 years after coronary artery bypass surgery. In men with unfavorable course of coronary atherosclerosis in the delayed period, the initial blood levels of C-reactive protein and TNF-α by 1.7 and 3.0 times surpassed those in patients with favorable course of the disease. Associations were revealed between elevated blood content of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (p=0.01, odds ratio of 1.33) and IL-8 (p=0.02, odds ratio of 1.02) and deaths in the delayed period; IL-6 (p=0.01, odds ratio of 1.02) and cases of myocardial infarction; C-reactive protein (p=0.02, odds ratio of 1.24) and unfavorable course of the delayed period in general (death, myocardial infarction, worsening of angina pectoris functional class).

Blood glucose levels in the first 24 hours of admission is not a risk factor for mortality in critical care patients

Glycemic alterations are known as a risk condition of death in several diseases, such as ischemic cardiovascular and neurological disorders. The fact that its tight control under narrow normality levels decreases mortality and morbidity have led to further studies seeking to confirm the results and expand them to other disease areas. To determine whether glycemic changes by themselves are a mortality risk factor in a sample of patients within an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), among which predominates traumatic-surgical patients. Demographic and analytical characteristics were revised, as well as common monitoring variables in an ICU, among a sample of 2,554 patients from admissions between 1st January 2004 and 31 December 2008. Data were obtained from a database which endorsed records compiled with the monitoring ICU patients program "Carevue". They were processed with dynamics sheets included in the Excel software with the following variables: initial glycemia, mean glycemia during the first 24 hours and number of determinations performed. We used the mean value in the admission day of the remaining analytical and monitoring variables and the number of test performed on this first day. The sample was stratified in two groups for the statistical analysis: a) General Sample (MG) and b) sample excluding patients admitted after a programmed surgery (EQP). In both cases the effect of initial and averaged glycemia was checked. Group b was divided in two, according to the number of determinations b1) a single blood glucose determination group (EQP1) and b2) a multiple determination group (EQPM). From this group of non-programmed surgical patients the study was repeated in those patients who stayed at the ICU 3 or more days (EQP3D). Chi-square and Mantel-Haenzel test for the ODD ratio determination were performed for qualitative variables; quantitative variables were examined with the Mann-Whitney test. At each analysis level, logistic regression was performed using mortality as the dependent variable, including those variables with p-values < 0.05 which represented more than 60% of the data. An initially saturated model with backward till the final equation was used. A p-value of 0.05 (i.e. p < 0.05) was set as the significant threshold for all statistical analysis. They were performed with SPSS and GSTAT 2 statistical software. A total of 2,165 of the 2,554 admitted patients during the study period were included (96.5%). Exclusion criteria were absence of plasma glucose determinations. In the bivariate analysis, first and mean glucose blood levels showed significant differences in mortality rates in absolute figures and also when data were classified stratified in three levels (< 60 mg/dl; 60-110 mg/dl or > 110 mg/dl) or in two (normal values 60 to 110 mg/dl and unusual figures < 60 mg/dl or > 110 mg/dl). These significant differences were lost when a logistic model was applied. From the remaining variables, renal function and NEMS showed to be mortality risks factors in this sample. Hyperglycemia is a predominant phenomenon in critically ill patients. Hypoglycemia is less frequent and is associated with higher mortality rates. Initial glucose blood level, by itself, was not a mortality risk factor in the multivariate study and at none of the studied levels. Average glycemia did not add any prediction power. The changes in glucose blood levels seemed to be an adaptation process, which determined by itself a risk for the patient's discharge, at least in the first 24 hours period after ICU admission.

Transcutaneus Photophoresis of Metal Ions Using Emitters of Band Spectrum of Chemical Elements

Local exposure to light with hollow cathode lamp radiating band spectrum typical of manganese, copper, potassium, sodium, calcium, and magnesium enhances migration of these elements from the solution applied to the skin to the blood in rats. This effect is most pronounced at low initial blood level of manganese. Its serum concentration increased 17-fold after application of manganese salts and exposure to hollow cathode lamp radiating manganese spectrum.

Association of Platelet and Leukocyte Counts with Delayed Cerebral Ischemia in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Background and Purpose: A proinflammatory prothrombotic state may increase the risk of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). We studied the relationship of levels of leukocytes, platelets, C-reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) with the development of DCI and with clinical outcome in patients with aneurysmal SAH. Methods: In 125 patients admitted within 72 h after aneurysmal SAH, we dichotomized initial blood levels at their median values and investigated the prediction of DCI with Cox proportional hazard analysis and of poor clinical outcome with logistic regression analysis. We also analyzed concentrations before and after onset of DCI with the paired-samples t test and compared changes with those in patients without DCI. Results: During the development of DCI (unrelated to treatment), patients had a larger increase in counts of platelets (difference 49 × 10⁹/l; 95% CI: 2–98) and leukocytes (difference 2.6 × 10⁹/l; 95% CI: 0.4–5.0) than patients without DCI during the same period. CRP increased during DCI and decreased in patients without DCI (difference 14 mg/l; 95% CI: –29 to 58). ESR increased slightly in both groups (difference 3 mm/h; 95% CI: –15 to 20). None of the determinants at baseline predicted the development of DCI. An increased risk of poor outcome predicted by a high initial leukocyte count (OR 2.5; 95% CI: 1.1–5.7) decreased after adjustment for clinical variables (OR 2.1; 95% CI: 0.8–5.5). Conclusion: Counts of platelets and leukocytes disproportionally increase during the occurrence of DCI after aneurysmal SAH. Drugs with anti-thrombotic or anti-inflammatory properties should be studied for prevention and treatment of DCI.

Risque de survenue d’une intoxication par le plomb lors du suivi d’enfants à risque dont la plombémie de primodépistage est inférieure à 100 μg/L

Background Follow-up is recommended for children initially screened with a lead blood level below the threshold for lead poisoning of 10 μg/dL when they have one or more risk factors. At first, the frequency of a follow-up lead blood test was calculated in children at risk for lead poisoning. In second time, we calculated the rate of occurrence and independent factors for lead poisoning in the follow-up group. Methods Since 1992, the Greater Paris lead poisoning monitoring system (SSSIILF) has been systematically recording data on lead levels in blood tests conducted for screening and follow-up in Greater Paris. Children initially screened before the age of seven whose blood lead level was inferior to 10 μg/dL and who had one or more risk factors were selected. The association between qualitative variables and a follow-up lead blood test was compared using the Chi 2 test. For children given follow-up, the association between qualitative variables and occurrence of lead poisoning was compared using the Chi 2 test; independent factors for lead poisoning were estimated by logistic regression. Results A follow-up lead blood test was more frequent and the difference was statistically significant, for children with one or more of the following risk factors identified at the time of screening: home address in Seine Saint-Denis or central Paris, screened in mother/child healthcare centers (PMI) or through a private physician, a blood lead level 5 μg/dL on initial screening, young age (< 24 months) at the time of screening and some others known risk factors. The rate of occurrence of lead poisoning during follow-up was 25.9% for children screened between 1992 to 1994 and decrease to 5.1% for children screened in 2004 to 2005 ( p < 0.001) and was lower in central Paris and Seine Saint-Denis than in other districts in Greater Paris ( p < 0.01). The rate of occurrence during follow-up, independent of known risk factors for lead poisoning ( p < 0.01), was higher for children screened before the age of two ( p < 0.01) and for children whose mothers were from Sub-Saharan Africa ( p < 0.01). Conclusion It is essential to follow up children at risk with an initial lead blood level below 10 μg/dL, especially those initially screened before the age of 24 months. Local action on home environment could also be needed when the initial blood lead level is 5 μg/dL and more than one risk factor has been identified.

Cyclosporine monitoring in the early post-transplant period in pediatric liver transplant recipients

Monitoring of CsA blood levels two h post-dose (C2) has shown a higher correlation to drug exposure than monitoring of trough levels (C0) at least in adults, but initial doses and target blood levels of CsA have yet to be established in pediatric transplant patients. The objectives of the study were to describe the pharmacokinetics of CsA administered by NGT in the first days after transplantation and the dose of Sandimmun Neoral required to achieve minimum therapeutic range blood levels. This study included 20 pediatric liver transplant recipients (mean age of 3.2 yr) treated with CsA administered by NGT from day one post-transplant until they were able to ingest oral medication. The study was continued until one yr of post-transplant follow-up. Eight h pharmacokinetic profiles were performed on days one, three, and five post-transplant to determine the minimum dose required to achieve the therapeutic range. All children received an initial dose of 15 mg/kg/day of CsA by NGT. Mean CsA doses administered on days one, three, and five were 16.8, 29.5, and 36.5 mg/kg/day, respectively. Mean C0 levels of 119, 310, and 337 ng/mL and mean C2 levels of 213, 753, and 888 ng/mL were obtained. No correlation was found between C0 and C2 levels and the AUC(0-8 h). Intravenous administration of CsA was required in 55% of patients. The biopsy-confirmed acute rejection rate was 45%, with graft and patient survival rates of 95 and 100%, respectively. Poor absorption of CsA in small children requires a considerable increase in dose. CsA exposure cannot be estimated by single C0 or C2 determinations in the early post-transplant period.

Massive Strontium Ferrite Ingestion without Acute Toxicity

Ingestion of strontium ferrite is previously unreported. We document absorption of strontium without acute toxicity. A 22 year-old schizophrenic man was brought to hospital after he was witnessed to pulverize and ingest flexible adhesive magnets, which later were identified as strontium ferrite. Other than auditory hallucinations his vital signs, physical examination, ECG and routine laboratories were unremarkable. Abdominal radiographs revealed diffuse radiopaque material. He was treated with whole bowel irrigation with polyethylene glycol electrolyte lavage solution (PEG-ELS) until radiographically cleared. His initial blood and urine strontium levels were 2900 microg/l and 15,000 microg/l, respectively (reference range for urine: <240 microg/l, occupational threshold 800 microg/l). A repeat urine level one week later was 370 microg/l. His hospital course was complicated by bacteraemia secondary to a thrombophlebitis at the site of the intravenous catheter, and the patient was treated with intravenous and oral antibiotics. He remained otherwise asymptomatic and was discharged to a psychiatric unit approximately 3 weeks later. Although clearly absorbed, strontium ferrite does not appear to produce acute toxicity. Delayed, and or chronic toxicity cannot be excluded based on this report.

Conversion to Everolimus in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Safe and Simple Procedure

To date there is a substantial experience with rapamycin conversion in stable renal transplant recipients with respect to the procedure of conversion, initial doses, and target blood levels as well as adverse events, but in the case of Everolimus there is almost no experience with conversion and calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) withdrawal. We describe an initial experience among 32 renal transplant recipients who were converted to Everolimus with complete suspension of CNI in two Spanish transplant centers. Our results emphasised the procedure for conversion, the target levels, the adverse events, and the initial efficacy, over the first month after conversion. Our conclusions were that conversion from CNI to Everolimus was a simple, safe procedure with a predictable profile of adverse events, which were, in general, of mild intensity. There was a good correlation between initial dose and blood level. Initial doses of about 3 mg/d combined with rapid reduction in CNI exposure seemed to be adequate. The target range levels between 5 and 10 ng/mL seemed to be sufficient for complete CNI elimination, especially in patients also receiving antiproliferative drugs (such as mycophenolate mofetil or azathioprine) in whom levels near the lower end of the range might be adequate.

Higher Initial Tacrolimus Blood Levels and Concentration-Dose Ratios in Kidney Transplant Recipients Who Develop Diabetes Mellitus

Posttransplantation diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is a common complication of kidney transplantation, associated with poorer graft and patient outcomes. Tacrolimus is a strong immunosuppressive drug associated with low acute rejection rates, but a higher risk for PTDM. High trough levels of tacrolimus during the first month after transplantation have been found to be a significant risk factor for the development of PTDM. The aim of this single-center study was to identify the risk factors for the development of PTDM among kidney transplant recipients under tacrolimus therapy. We examined 73 cadaveric kidney transplant recipients receiving tacrolimus between 1994 and 2003. Age, donor and recipient gender, dialysis method, body mass index (BMI), first year weight gain, mismatches, incidence of acute rejection and delayed graft function, hepatitis C serology, first year cumulative steroid dose, first tacrolimus blood level, first tacrolimus blood level <15 ng/mL, and corresponding tacrolimus daily doses and concentration/dose ratios (CDR) were also collected. PTDM was defined as at least 2 fasting blood glucose values ≥126 mg/dL, according to the World Health Organization criteria. Incidence of first year PTDM was 27.4%. Patients with PTDM showed significantly higher age, BMI, first tacrolimus blood level, first tacrolimus CDR, and CDR with tacrolimus blood level <15 ng/mL as well as less 1-year weight gain. After logistic regression, age (relative risk [RR] 1.060, confidence interval [CI] 95%, 1.001–1.122; P = .043) and first tacrolimus blood level (RR 1.154; CI 95%, 1.038–1.283; P = .008) remain significant risk factors for developing PTDM. Older age and initial tacrolimus blood levels were the main risk factors for PTDM among our group of patients. Kidney transplant recipients who develop PTDM maintain a high CDR of tacrolimus.

Plasma Concentration of Soluble Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 and Oncoming Cardiovascular Risk in Patients With Unstable Angina Pectoris and Non–ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

In patients who had unstable angina pectoris and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, initial blood levels of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 were found not to be higher than those in asymptomatic patients who had coronary artery disease. Although troponin T and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were found to have prognostic value, blood levels of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 were not predictive of an increased risk of major cardiac events during 6-month follow-up.

High Initial Blood Levels of Tacrolimus in Overweight Renal Transplant Recipients

For the purpose of both efficacy and safety, exposure to tacrolimus and other immunosuppressive drugs must be monitored, since initial levels influence the development of acute rejection episodes, nephrotoxicity, and posttransplantation diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for developing high initial tacrolimus blood levels. We analyzed clinical and biochemical parameters of 85 renal transplant recipients receiving tacrolimus-based immunosuppressive therapy by stratifying into subgroups of patients who displayed first tacrolimus concentrations higher and lower than 15 ng/mL. Patients with a first level of tacrolimus higher than 15 ng/mL were older (52 ± 13 vs 40 ± 12 years, P < .05) and had a larger body mass index (27 ± 4 vs 23 ± 3 kg/m 2, P < .05) than patients with lower levels, despite receiving a lower weight-adjusted cumulative steroid dose (8.2 ± 2.2 vs 9.3 ± 2.5 mg/kg, P < .05). Upon logistic regression, age (RR 1.047, 95% CI 1.007 to 1.08, P = .021) and body mass index (RR 1.176, 95% CI 1.009 to 1.371, P = .036) remained significant risk factors for high initial blood levels of tacrolimus. As these subgroups of patients are most prone to develop posttransplantation glycemic disorders, attention must be paid to avoid high tacrolimus blood levels by diminishing initial tacrolimus doses or estimating them from ideal body weight.