Mean Serum Values Research Articles

Evaluation of estriol levels in women with preeclampsia in Nnewi, South-East Nigeria

Preeclampsia is a life-threatening pregnancy-induced disorder characterized by the presence of hypertension and proteinuria occurring after 20 weeks of gestation in a previously normotensive and aproteinuric woman. This study is aimed at investigating the maternal serum levels of estriol in pregnant women with preeclampsia. This is an analytical cross-sectional study including a total of 90 pregnant women aged 18-41years at 26-40 weeks of gestation, according to the last date of menstruation and ultrasonographic measurements. Forty five of these were preeclamptic while the other forty five were apparently healthy individuals. Preeclampsia was determined by proteinuria ≥30mg/dl or ≥1+ using a urine dipstick and sphygmomanometer blood pressure reading of ≥ 140/90 mmHg using ausculatory method. BMI was calculated from weight and height measurements of each participant. Estriol (E3) levels were determined utilizing the double-antibody sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent assay technique. Hypothesis testing was done using the student’s t-test for continuous variables, Chi-square test for categorical variables and Pearson’s correlation for the tests of association. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. The mean serum values of E3 were significantly lower in women with preeclampsia (124.18±22.40) compared with the apparently healthy control counterparts (141.41±20.68, p<0.001). A moderate negative correlation was observed between maternal serum estriol level and BMI in the preeclamptic group (r = -0.589; p<0.001). There existed a strong negative correlation between maternal serum estriol level and systolic (r = -0.738; p<0.001) as well as diastolic (r = -0.711; p<0.001) blood pressures in women with preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is associated with lower maternal serum levels of estriol which may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of the disorder.

Bone Turnover Markers and Wnt Signaling Modulators in Early Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. A Pre-specified Observational Study.

To explore serum levels of some bone turnover markers and the involvement of the Wnt signaling in CRPS-1. Query ID="Q1" Text="Please check and confirm whether the edit made to the article title is in order." We conducted an observational study on patients with early CRPS-1 recruited before any treatment. Clinical measures were assessed together with biochemical evaluation. Values of sclerostin, DKK1, CTX-I, and P1NP were compared with sex-age-matched healthy controls (HCs). We enrolled 34 patients diagnosed with CRPS-1 (mean age 59.3 ± 10.6years, Male/Female 10/24), median disease duration = 2weeks (IQR 1-5); median VAS score = 76 (IQR 68-80). Foot localization was slightly more frequent than hand localization (18/16). No statistically significant difference was found between CRPS-1 patients and HCs for CTX-I (0.3 ± 0.1ng/ml vs 0.3 ± 0.1, p = 0.140), while mean serum values of P1NP were significantly higher in CRPS-1 patients compared to HCs (70.0 ± 38.8ng/ml vs 50.1 ± 13.6, p = 0.005). Mean levels of sclerostin and DKK1 were lower in CRPS-1 patients vs HCs (sclerostin 28.4 ± 10.8pmol/l vs 34.1 ± 11.6, p = 0.004; DKK1 12.9 ± 10.8pmol/l vs 24.1 ± 11.9, p = 0.001). No statistically significant difference was found for all biochemical assessments in a subgroup of fracture-induced CRPS-1. No statistically significant differences were observed according to disease localization, disease duration, presence of hyperalgesia, allodynia, sudomotor alterations, and mild or moderate/severe swelling. No significant correlation emerged between sclerostin, DKK1 levels, baseline VAS score, or McGill Pain Questionnaire score. Bone involvement in early CRPS-1 does not seem to rely on increased osteoclast activity. Conversely, a serum marker of bone formation resulted increased. Both Sclerostin and DKK1 showed decreased values, probably suggesting a widespread osteocyte loss of function.Trial registration number: Eudract Number: 2014-001156-28.

The possible impact of COVID-19 pandemic on serum vitamin D levels on newborns in Greece

Background: Very few studies have evaluated the probable role of the period of 2019 coronovirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic on neonatal 25(OH)D levels. Vitamin D status in the fetus and newborn is largely determined by the vitamin D status of the mother. A recent study in Greece witnessed an unexpected rise in maternal 25(OH)D levels in pregnancy during the COVID-19 period. Consequently, it remains unclear whether neonatal 25(OH)D levels decreased due to reduced sun exposure in the COVID-19 period or followed their unexpected maternal findings. Methods: We studied neonatal 25(OH)D levels in cord blood specimens at birth in 246 neonates of Greek mothers with stratified random sampling, from September 2019 to January 2022. We divided our samples into the pre-COVID-19 period and the post-COVID-19 period. Chi-square test was used to find an association between neonatal 25(OH)D concentrations throughout the COVID-19 period. Quantitative results of 25(OH)D vitamin levels on newborns were transformed into qualitative variables assessing lack of 25(OH)D, adequacy, deficiency and severe deficiency and thus defined in that way. All other results of 25(OH)D levels are presented as means ± standard deviations (SD) or by frequencies and percentages. Results: The results in neonates exhibited a similar pattern to that of their mothers’. The mean serum values of 25(OH)D levels of the newborns were statistically significantly higher during the COVID-19 period compared to the pre-COVID-19 period. Conclusions: Although during the COVID-19 period lower maternal and therefore neonatal 25(OH)D levels were expected, these were higher and because of these findings, we can only make assumptions. Without a doubt, further investigation is required.

Correlation of Serum and Gingival Crevicular Fluid Levels of Caspase-3 and Milk Fat Globule-Epidermal Growth Factor 8 on Gingival Health.

This study aimed to estimate and correlate the serum and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of caspase-3 and milk fat globule-epidermal growth factor 8 (MFG-E8) in healthy, gingivitis and generalised chronic periodontitis subjects. A total of 24 subjects were selected and divided into three groups. After recording the periodontal parameters (plaque index (PI), modified gingival index (MGI), probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL)), the serum and GCF samples were collected and the levels of caspase-3 and MFG-E8 were estimated using enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA). The mean values of PI, MGI, PD and CALs were significantly higher in group III when compared to group II and group I. The mean value of serum and GCF caspase-3 increased with increasing disease severity, whereas the mean serum and GCF values of MFG-E8 decreased with increasing severity of disease. Spearman's correlation showed a strong positive correlation between the serum and GCF levels of caspase-3 and periodontal parameters, whereas serum and GCF levels of MFG-E8 showed a strong negative correlation with the periodontal parameters. The findings of this study are suggestive that the serum and GCF levels of caspase-3 and MFG-E8 could serve as a potential biomarker for the role of apoptosis in periodontal disease. However, further studies are required to explore the mechanism and understand the relationship between these apoptotic markers and periodontitis.

Biomonitoring of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from the Survey of the Health of Wisconsin (SHOW) 2014-2016 and comparison with the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a growing class of manufactured chemical compounds found in a variety of consumer products. PFAS are ubiquitous in the environment and were found in many humans sampled in the United States (U.S.). Yet, significant gaps in understanding statewide levels of exposure to PFAS remain. The goals of this study are to establish a baseline of exposure at the state level by measuring PFAS serum levels among a representative sample of Wisconsin residents and compare to United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The study sample included 605 adults (18+ years of age) selected from the 2014-2016 sample of the Survey of the Health of Wisconsin (SHOW).Thirty-eight PFAS serum concentrations were measured using high-pressure liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometric detection (HPLC-MS/MS) and geometric means were presented. Weighted geometric mean serum values of eight PFAS analytes from SHOW were compared to U.S. national levels from the NHANES 2015-2016 sample (PFOS, PFOA, PFNA, PFHxS, PFHpS, PFDA, PFUnDA), and the 2017-2018 sample for Me-PFOSA, PFHPS using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. PFOS, PFHxS, PFHpS, PFDA, PFNA, and PFOA were detected in over 96% of SHOW participants. In general, SHOW participants had lower serum levels across all PFAS when compared to NHANES. Serum levels increased with age and were higher among males and whites. Similar trends were seen in NHANES, except non-whites had higher PFAS levels at higher percentiles in NHANES. The present study conducts biomonitoring of 38 PFAS among representative sample of residents in the state of Wisconsin. Results suggest that while the majority of Wisconsin residents tested have detectable levels of PFAS in their blood serum, they may have a lower body burden of some PFAS compared to a nationally representative sample. Older adults, males, and whites may have a higher body burden of PFAS relative to other groups, both in Wisconsin and the wider United States.

Adiponectin levels in captive Owl Monkeys (Aotus sp.).

The mean serum value of adiponectin in captive Aotus sp. is 541.99 ng/mL ± 73.05. There is no influence of sex or age, but there is a moderate positive correlation between body weight and adiponectin levels in males.

Vascular health in subjects with rheumatoid arthritis: assessment of endothelial function indices and serum biomarkers of vascular damage.

The cardiovascular risk (CVD) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is 1.5-2 times higher than that in individuals of the same age and sex. To analyse the degree of endothelial dysfunction, the atherogenic immunoinflammatory serum background and the relationships among some vascular indices, cardiovascular comorbidities, and cognitive performance in subjects with RA. All consecutive patients with a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis admitted to the Rheumatology Ward of "Policlinico Paolo Giaccone" Hospital of Palermo were enrolled from July 2019 to September 2020. We evaluated our patients' cognitive functions by administering the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Reactive Hyperaemia Index (RHI) was evaluated for assessment of endothelial function. Serum levels of angiopoietin 2, osteopontin and pentraxin 3 were assessed by blood collection. Fifty-eight consecutive patients with RA and 40 control subjects were analysed. RA patients showed significantly lower mean RHI values, significantly higher mean Augmentation Index (AIX) values and significantly lower mean Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score values than the control group. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis also showed higher mean serum values of pentraxin 3 and angiopoietin 2 than healthy controls. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed a significant association between pentraxin 3 and angiopoietin 2 and the presence of RA. Angiopoietin 2 and pentraxin 3 could be considered surrogate biomarkers of endothelial activation and vascular disease, as they could play an essential role in the regulation of endothelial integrity and inflammation.

Zinc and Copper in Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia Patients on Different Iron Chelators in Basrah

Background: Disturbances induced by chelating agents in the essential metal ions, including zinc and copper, can adversely impact the health of patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT). Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different iron chelators on the levels of zinc and copper among patients with TDT. Materials and Methods: This case-control study involved 94 patients with TDT and 59 healthy controls, their ages ranged from 5 to 37 years. Patients with TDT were subdivided into two groups: 51 patients were on deferasirox and 43 were on deferoxamine. Blood samples were collected from all participants for complete blood counts and serum ferritin, iron, zinc, and copper levels, which were determined by spectrophotometry. Results: Serum iron, ferritin, and zinc levels were significantly higher among patients with TDT, while the Hb level was significantly lower than that in the healthy population (P < 0.05). Serum copper levels did not differ significantly between the groups. A high frequency of zinc deficiency was reported among patients with TDT on deferasirox (56.9%) and control group (47.5%), compared to 16.3% for patients with TDT on deferoxamine (P < 0.001). For serum copper, most of them had normal levels (81.4%–90.2%). Patients on deferoxamine had significantly higher serum zinc and copper levels than those on deferasirox and control group, although the mean serum values were within the normal range of values for the three groups (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Low serum zinc was reported in a considerable percentage of patients with TDT receiving deferasirox compared to those receiving deferoxamine, while serum copper was within normal range in the majority of patients with TDT.

Mortality Risk Assessment in Peripheral Arterial Disease-The Burden of Cardiovascular Risk Factors over the Years: A Single Center's Experience.

Atherosclerosis is the basis of the cardiovascular continuum in peripheral artery disease (PAD) patients. Limiting functional decline and increasing quality of life are the main objectives for these patients. We conducted a prospective cohort study on 101 patients with PAD admitted to a single center in Northeast Romania. We used an index score to evaluate the 10-year mortality risk assessment and based on the scores we divided the patients into two groups: a low and low-intermediate risk mortality group (49 cases, 48.5%) and a high-intermediate and high-risk mortality group (52 cases, 51.5%). We analyzed demographics, comorbidities, clinical and paraclinical parameters and we aimed to identify the parameters associated with an unfavorable prognosis. Patients in the high-intermediate and high-risk mortality group were associated more with cardiovascular risk factors. Hypertension (p = 0.046), dyslipidemia (p < 0.001), diabetes mellitus (p < 0.001), and tobacco use (p = 0.018) were statistically significant factors. Lipid profile (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, p = 0.005) and fasting blood glucose (p = 0.013) had higher mean serum values in the high-intermediate and high-risk mortality group, with a positive correlation between them and the ankle-brachial index value (p = 0.003). A multidisciplinary assessment and, especially, correction of associated cardiovascular risk factors prevent complications, and thus, improve the prognosis in the medium and long term.

The Benefits of Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 during Pregnancy in Favor of the Mother/Newborn Dyad.

When the first vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 emerged, pregnant women were excluded from clinical trials, so vaccine recommendations were initially adjourned, with late initiation for this populational category. The present study aims to quantify the serum and breastmilk values of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein antibodies in both the mother and her newborn after complete vaccination during pregnancy. Ninety-one vaccinated patients were included, some of whom presented COVID-19 infection during pregnancy. In the delivery room, venous blood was collected from the mother and umbilical cord blood from her offspring. All samples were processed using the ECLIA (electrochemiluminescence) method. Breastmilk was collected and tested during the third postnatal day. The highest maternal serum values were 19,523 U/mL (detection limit > 0.8 U/mL) and in breastmilk, 206.7 U/mL. Every single newborn had antibody values higher than 0, with a mean serum value (M = 5288.37, SD = 5661.49) significantly higher than 0, t(90) = 8.91, p < 0.001. Consequently, this study intents to emphasize the importance of vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy. This double kind of neonatal protection, attained by placental and breastmilk transfer, can be accomplished by encouraging vaccination, breastfeeding, bonding, and providing maternal empowerment to participate in her infant’s care.

The diagnostic utility of microRNA 222-3p, microRNA 21-5p, and microRNA 122-5p for HCV-related hepatocellular carcinoma and its relation to direct-acting antiviral therapy

Background and study aimsRecent reports have emphasized the increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) post direct-acting antiviral (DAAs) therapy in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients. Unfortunately, reliable diagnostic markers for HCC are still lacking. In this context, serum microRNAs have become promising diagnostic targets. Thus, the current study aims to elaborate the diagnostic utility of microRNA 122-5p, microRNA 21-5p, and microRNA 222-3p in the serum of Egyptian patients presenting with HCV infection and HCC post DAA therapy. Patients and methodsQiagen specific microRNA assays were utilized to assess the expression levels of the chosen microRNAs in the serum samples collected from 3 groups: (1) 50 patients with HCV-related HCC, (2) 50 patients with HCC post DAA therapy, and 20 healthy control. ResultsThe mean serum values of microRNA 21-5p and microRNA 122-5p were significantly lower in the HCC post DAA therapy group than in both the group with HCC without prior exposure to DAAs (P < 0.001) and control group (P 0.05 and 0.02, respectively). A significant upregulation was observed for both microRNA 21-5p and microRNA 122-5p in the HCV-related HCC group compared with the control group (P < 0.001 and = 0.011, respectively). On the other hand, the mean serum value of microRNA 222-3p was significantly raised in the HCC post DAA therapy group than in the control group (P = 0.007), whereas no statistically significant difference was observed between both groups with HCC and between the group with HCV-related HCC without prior exposure to DAAs and control group. ConclusionThis is the first study to introduce microRNA 21-5p, microRNA 122-5p and microRNA 222-3p as noninvasive biomarker candidates for HCC post DAA therapy. Their altered expression among treatment-naive HCC and HCC post DAA therapy might assume a different microRNA profiling in both HCC groups.

Serum 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D Levels and Association of Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphisms in Vitiligo.

BackgroundThe role of vitamin D deficiency and vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms has been established in many autoimmune diseases, including vitiligo, but the result is still controversial.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the serum vitamin D levels in vitiligo patients and to compare the association of VDR gene polymorphisms in vitiligo patients and healthy controls.MethodsWe collected the data of age, sex, serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25[OH]D) level, thyroid autoantibodies, disease duration, types of vitiligo, family history and the affected body surface area of vitiligo from 172 patients. And we analyzed the VDR gene polymorphisms in 130 vitiligo and 453 age-sex-matched control subjects.ResultsThe mean serum level of 25(OH)D in 172 vitiligo patients was 18.75 ± 0.60 ng/mL, which had no significant difference with a mean serum value of 25(OH)D in the Korean population. However, there were significant differences according to the duration of the disease and family history. Also, there were no significant differences in the genotypic and allelic distributions of 37 examined SNPs of VDR gene between vitiligo patients and healthy controls.ConclusionSerum level of 25(OH)D in vitiligo patients was not significantly different from the mean serum value of the Korean population. Also, there were no significant differences in the genotypic distributions of VDR gene between vitiligo patients and healthy controls.

Psoriasis is a systemic disease: A proposed approach for inflammation scale calculation

Background: Psoriasis is a skin disease affecting 2.3% of the Iraqi population and begins as a local disease with subsequent systemic comorbidities. Aim: The aim was to clarify whether psoriasis is a local or systemic disease. Materials and Methods: A total of 211 subjects with psoriasis and 163 sex- and age-matched controls were included in the study. Serum adiponectin, interleukin-6, interleukin-8, interleukin-10 (IL-10), interleukin-23 (IL-23), interleukin-18 (IL-18), paraoxonase, lipoprotein (a), osteopontin, chemerin, tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a), high-sensitivity C- reactive protein (hs-CRP), bilirubin, D-dimer, and creatinine were determined using commercial kits. Results: There was no significant difference in the mean age and BMI between psoriasis and the control groups. However, there was significantly higher mean serum values of IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-23, lipoprotein (a), chemerin, TNF-a, hs-CRP, osteopontin, D-dimer, troponin I, creatinine, bilirubin, and platelet counts in psoriatic patients than in the controls. Meanwhile, the serum mean values of adiponectin, paraoxonase, and cortisol were significantly lower in psoriasis subjects than in the controls. The mathematical model was proposed to clarify whether psoriasis is a systemic or local disease. The application of the model to our data of biomarkers indicated the presence of systemic inflammation in psoriasis. Conclusion: The present study finding suggests that psoriasis is a systemic disease rather than a local skin disease. However, there is a need for the application of the model in a large-scale study.

Bisphenol-A exposure and risk of breast and prostate cancer in the Spanish European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition study

BackgroundBisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine disruptor that it is present in numerous products of daily use. The aim of this study was to assess the potential association of serum BPA concentrations and the risk of incident breast and prostate cancer in a sub-cohort of the Spanish European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC).MethodsWe designed a case-cohort study within the EPIC-Spain cohort. Study population consisted on 4812 participants from 4 EPIC-Spain centers (547 breast cancer cases, 575 prostate cancer cases and 3690 sub-cohort participants). BPA exposure was assessed by means of chemical analyses of serum samples collected at recruitment. Borgan II weighted Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios.ResultsMedian follow-up time in our study was 16.9 years. BPA geometric mean serum values of cases and sub-cohort were 1.12 ng/ml vs 1.10 ng/ml respectively for breast cancer and 1.33 ng/ml vs 1.29 ng/ml respectively for prostate cancer. When categorizing BPA into tertiles, a 40% increase in risk of prostate cancer for tertile 1 (p = 0.022), 37% increase for tertile 2 (p = 0.034) and 31% increase for tertile 3 (p = 0.072) was observed with respect to values bellow the limit of detection. No significant association was observed between BPA levels and breast cancer risk.ConclusionsWe found a similar percentage of detection of BPA among cases and sub-cohort from our population, and no association with breast cancer risk was observed. However, we found a higher risk of prostate cancer for the increase in serum BPA levels. Further investigation is needed to understand the influence of BPA in prostate cancer risk.

Study of procalcitonin in neonatal sepsis with blood culture in suspected sepsis in North India

Background: Sepsis can occasionally be difficult to demonstrate, and its difference from non-infectious conditions in critically ill patients is often a challenge. Serum procalcitonin (PCT) assay is one of the biomarkers of sepsis. The aim of the study was to investigate the value of procalcitonin, in the early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at tertiary care hospital in New Delhi. It included all neonates with clinical signs of sepsis. The neonates were divided into two groups as sepsis, and healthy neonates. The PCT level was measured by using ELISA technique and compared between the two groups. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS windows version 20.0 software.Results: In this study total number of patients included 350, out of which 175 were clinically suspected sepsis cases and 175 were healthy controls. 68 (39%) neonates were show positive blood culture and 107 (61%) neonates were representing negative blood culture report in study group. The mean serum value of PCT was significantly (p&lt;0.001) higher in sepsis neonates. The serum PCT value was significantly increased in neonate’s sepsis with positive blood culture (p&lt;0.001) and negative blood culture (p&lt;0.001) as compared to healthy neonates.Conclusions: It is concluded from this study that the PCT assay was established to be a valuable biomarker of sepsis in this study. The assay might be performed and reported quickly and gave precious information before availability of culture results. This might assist in avoiding unnecessary antibiotic therapy.

Body mass index, serum rheumatoid factor and c-reactive protein among individuals with rheumatoid arthritis in Kano Metropolis

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is becoming a global health menace associated with joints swelling, pain, stiffness, and progressive loss of function of extremities etc. This study aimed at evaluating the Body Mass Index (BMI), Serum Rheumatoid Factor (RF) and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) among RA Patients in Kano Metropolis. Methods: A total of 111 participants comprising 74 Rheumatoid Arthritis patients and 37 apparently healthy controls were recruited for this study. Exactly 29 were males while 44 were females aged between 25 to 75 years. Using standard techniques, BMI was calculated using the weight and height taken from the participants. Blood samples were collected for serum RF and CRP and were analysed using Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay technique. Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21 was used for the analysis of data. Results: Our findings reveal that, females recorded higher percentage frequency of 45 (60.8%) while males recorded a lower percentage frequency of 29(39.2%) of RA patients with the ratio of 1.55:1, the higher percentage frequencies of 35(47.3%) was observed in overweight BMI patients of between 25- 29.9 kg m-2. The mean serum value of RF was significantly (p = 0.00) higher in case group (4.4 ±1.5 ng/ml) compared with the control group (2.0 ±1.5 ng/ml) and also the mean serum value of CRP was significantly (p = 0.00) higher in case group (13.0 ±5.0 mg/L) compared with the control group (5.5±5.0 mg/L). A significant positive correlation was established between serum RF and CRP (r = 0.48, p=0.00). Conclusion: Our findings show increased RF and CRP in RA case group. Quantitative evaluation of immunological parameter such as RF, CRP and BMI monitoring may aid in proper management of RA patients.

The Pattern of Dyslipidemia in Chronic Liver Disease Patients.

IntroductionPatients with chronic liver disease are expected to report derangements in serum lipid profiles. Lipid profile monitoring is not a part of the routine management of these patients in our hospital. Few recent studies show how lipid profile varies with the severity of disease and should be considered in the management planning of such patients. The objective of this study was to determine the pattern of dyslipidemia in chronic liver disease patients.Materials and methodsA cross-sectional study was conducted involving 171 patients of all genders aged between 18 years and 60 years presenting with chronic liver disease with disease severity graded on Child-Pugh class as A, B, and C. Lipid profile was acquired in all these patients and was compared across various subgroups. Individual serum lipid parameters were graded as normal, high, or very high. Each patient was required to provide written informed consent. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 (IBM Corp. Armonk, NY) was used to analyze data statistically, taking a p-value of ≤0.05 as significant.ResultsThe mean age of patients was 51.2±7.3 years. The male to female ratio came out to be 1.5:1, with 103 (60.2%) male and 68 (39.8%) female patients included in the study. The disease was classified as Child-Pugh A in 20 (11.7%) patients, Child-Pugh B in 67 (39.2%) patients, and Child-Pugh C in 84 (49.1%) patients. Forty-four (25.7%) patients were hypertensive while 62 (36.3%) were diabetic. The mean body mass index (BMI) of these patients was 25.9±2.4 kg/m2. Mean serum values among Child-Pugh A, Child-Pugh B, and Child-Pugh C of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) (113.15±14.08 vs. 95.58±14.25 vs. 53.46±5.90 mg/dl; p-value 0.001), high-density lipoproteins (HDL) (50.60±3.19 vs. 40.70±2.95 vs. 35.40±3.88 mg/dl; p-value 0.001), total cholesterol (174.20±17.33 vs. 164.00±17.82 vs. 128.64±24.73 mg/dl; p-value 0.001), and triglycerides (127.15±8.98 vs. 100.84±27.12 vs. 93.36±25.56 mg/dl; p-value 0.001) decreased significantly with increasing severity of disease. Nineteen (11.1%) patients had hyperlipidemia (serum values of two or more parameters above normal) while 152 (88.9%) patients had normal lipid profile. When stratified, no statistically significant difference was found in the frequency of hyperlipidemia across various subgroups based on the patient's gender, age, duration, and severity of the disease, BMI, or diabetic and hypertensive status.ConclusionsA substantial proportion of patients with chronic liver disease had hyperlipidemia which varied with the severity of disease on Child-Pugh classification. Routine monitoring of the lipid profile of such patients is necessary for timely identification and management of dyslipidemia to improve the outcome of such patients. It also suggests an important role of lipid profile in the risk stratification and treatment of chronic liver disease patients and warrants further studies in this regard.

Hypo-magnesium and Hyperlipidemia Responsible for Hypertensive Status of Pregnant Women in Pakistani Population

Background/ Aim: Pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) has been a leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide. It could be responsible for several complications like hemodilution, altered lipid metabolism and deficiencies of different minerals in body. Although the causes of Pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) remains indistinct. The aim of our present study was to evaluate the changes in magnesium serum levels and lipid profile in hypertensive and normotensive pregnant women.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: An analytical case control study comprising 60 individuals was designed. From which 30 normotensive pregnant women served as control group (A) and 30 pregnancy induced hypertensive women served as case group (B). Patients with pre-existing hypertension were excluded.&#x0D; Results: The independent t-test was used for comparison of various parameters between group A and B. Triacylglycerol (TAG) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were significantly high in PIH (B) as compare to normotensive group (A). Mean serum values of TG were measured as (195.73 ± 70.28 vs 156.27 ± 55.60 mg dL-1) and LDL-C vs control (87.33 ± 37.74 vs 69.45 ± 28.58 mg dL-1) in PIH and normotensive groups respectively. HDL-C in PIH vs Control (47.40±1.12 vs 54.43 ±1.27 mg dL-1) and Mg+2 PIH vs control (1.36±0.07 vs 1.94±0.35 mg dL-1) were measured respectively. High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and magnesium Mg+2 levels were significantly reduced in PIH.&#x0D; Conclusion: The lower serum magnesium levels and abnormal lipids profile may indicate their possible role as risk factors in the development of PIH in pregnant women. Hence initial diagnosis of hypomagnesemia in PIH cases may help in minimizing the complications and development of new cure strategies.

The Association of Serum Lipid Levels with Breast Cancer Risks Among Women with Breast Cancer at Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.

BackgroundBreast cancer is a malignant condition affecting about 2.1 million women worldwide. Cancer cells have increased the level of cholesterol and facilitate lipid biosynthesis and metabolism. Therefore, there is a need for assessment of serum lipid and its association with breast cancer risks.MethodsA comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among women with breast cancer (n=23), benign breast lump (n=68) and apparently healthy control (n=91) at Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, from January to May, 2020. A convenient sampling technique and an interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to collect data. Five milliliter of fasting blood sample was collected for lipid level analysis using enzymatic colorimetric method. Data entry and analysis were done using Epi Info version 7 and SPSS version 20. One way ANOVA and logistic regression were the tools used for analysis, and a p-value of <0.05 was considered as statistically significant.ResultsThe mean age of healthy control, benign and malignant breast cancer was 32.51±9.44, 33.34±10.664 and 37.65±14.345 years, respectively. The mean serum value of TG among controls, benign and malignant women was 168.67±41.616, 170.1±59.018 and 211.7±82.924 (p<0.001), respectively. The mean serum concentration of HDL-c was significantly different between the three groups (47.61±9.122, 44.69±14.479 and 38.26±7.442: p=0.004) among controls, benign and malignant, respectively. Low serum HDL-c level was significantly associated with age at parity (AOR=3.353; 95% CI=1.33, 8.436), the habit of drinking alcohol (AOR=2.125; 95% CI=1.065, 4.241) and BMI (AOR=3.555; 95% CI=1.13, 11.184). In addition, BMI (AOR: 4.54; 95% CI: 1.45, 14.21) was statistically associated with high LDL-c level.ConclusionThe overall prevalence of dyslipidemia was high in breast cancer patients. Age at first parity, alcohol consumption and BMI were significantly associated with low serum HDL-c level.

S1175 Clinical Response to Treatment for Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) in Patients With Cirrhosis

INTRODUCTION: The development of acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with increase in morbidity/mortality in patients with cirrhosis. Revised ICA criteria now classify AKI into three stages (1: Cr increase by 0.3 mg/dl or 50–100% increase from baseline; 2: Cr increase by 100-200%;3: Cr increase by > 200% or Cr > 4 mg/dl) with management based on stage and response to therapy. AIM: To characterize cirrhotic patients admitted with AKI and response to therapy based on ICA AKI stages. METHODS: Retrospective study of inpatients with cirrhosis at single center from 1/2015–05/2019 who received treatment for AKI. Treatment was administered at the discretion of the treating hepatologist and included volume expansion (VE; albumin, lactated ringer, normal saline), vasoconstrictors (VC; midodrine or norepinephrine), and octreotide. Progression and regression of AKI and incidence of liver transplant were analyzed. RESULTS: One hundred seventy-nine patients (97M, 82F, mean age 59) were reviewed (40% Caucasians, 35% Hispanics, 9% Asians, 3% Black). Main cirrhosis etiologies included alcohol (36%), HCV (19%), NASH (11%), cryptogenic (8%) and others. At presentation mean MAP was 69 mmHg and mean Na MELD 31. Mean serum values included Na 130 mEq/l, TB 9 mg/dl, creatinine 2.0 mg/dL, INR 2.0. 135/179 patients had AKI present at admission. 104 (58%) patients developed Stage 1, 43 (24%) developed Stage 2, 32 (18%) developed Stage 3 AKI. 69 patients received VE only, 110 patients received VC and VE (Table 1). In VC group, 37% remained in same stage AKI as at admission, 45% progressed to higher stage AKI, 18% regressed to lower AKI stage (Table 2). Peak stages of AKI were Stage 1 (18%), Stage 2 (16%), and Stage 3 (66%). In VE group, 39% developed regression of AKI, 39% had no change, 22% had progression. Peak stages of AKI were Stage 1 (38%), Stage 2 (23%), Stage 3 (39%). 34% received liver transplant, 49% died, 4% were LTFU, 13% alive. Patients who received VE for AKI had higher response to treatment (P < 0.05) compared to VC group. Patients with AKI stage 2 and stage 3 at admission had higher odds of remaining in same stage of AKI regardless of receiving vasoconstrictors (table 3). Patients with lower MAP at presentation had higher mortality rate (P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Development of AKI is associated with high rate of mortality and need for LT. Regression to lower stage of AKI noted in 20/179 (11%) of patients receiving vasoconstrictors. The lowest response rates to VC were seen in those with Stage 3 AKI.Table 1Table 2Table 3