Minimum Serum Research Articles

Ferric carboxymaltose with or without phosphate substitution in iron deficiency or iron deficiency anemia before elective surgery - The DeFICIT trial.

Iron deficiency anemia in the perioperative setting is treated predominantly with intravenous iron formulation, of which ferric carboxymaltose may induce hypophosphatemia by modulating fibroblast growth factor 23. In this single-center, prospective, randomized, double-blind trial, we consented 92 adult patients scheduled for elective major abdominal or thoracic surgery. These patients either had isolated iron deficiency (plasma ferritin <100ng/mL or transferrin saturation<20%) or iron deficiency anemia (hemoglobin (Hb) 100-130g/L with plasma ferritin <100ng/mL or transferrin saturation<20%). Preoperatively, participants received a single preoperative intravenous dose of ferric carboxymaltose and were then randomly assigned to receive either phosphate or placebo, administered orally three times a day for 30days corresponding to an 18mmol dose of daily phosphate supplementation in the intervention group. The primary endpoint was the minimum serum phosphate concentration during follow-up visits. The key secondary efficacy endpoint was mean perioperative hemoglobin concentration of postoperative days 0, 2 and 4, assessing the non-inferiority of additional phosphate supplementation. We randomly consented 46 patients in each group (mean±SD age 56±17years, 57% female). Minimal phosphate concentration was 0.49±0.21mmol/L in the treatment group and 0.42±0.17mmol/L in the placebo group (p=0.12, two-sided p-value). Average mean hemoglobin was 110±16g/L in the treatment and 113±13g/L in the placebo group (p=0.023, one-sided p-value for non-inferiority). Hypophosphatemia occurred in 32 patients (70%) of the treatment group and in 39 patients (85%) of the placebo group (odds ratio 0.15, 95% CI from 0.02 to 0.77, p=0.014). Secondary outcomes, such as rescue medication use, core muscle strength and MOCA test scores, did not differ between groups. Co-administration of oral phosphate supplementation to ferric carboxymaltose cannot prevent hypophosphatemia. However, hypophosphatemia occurs in fewer patients. Phosphate co-administration did not impede the treatment of iron deficiency anemia with ferric carboxymaltose.

Active Choice Nudge to Increase Screening for Primary Aldosteronism in At-Risk Patients.

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the most common cause of secondary hypertension, yet screening remains startlingly infrequent. We describe (1) PA screening practices in a large, diverse health system, (2) the development of a computable phenotype for PA screening, and (3) the design and pilot deployment of an electronic health record (EHR)-based active choice nudge to recommend PA screening. A multidisciplinary team developed a multipronged intervention to improve PA screening informed by guidelines, expertise, and multivariable analyses of factors associated with screening. The intervention included EHR-based tools to automatically identify screen-eligible patients, an active choice nudge recommending screening for these patients, and screening result interpretation. The intervention was piloted across 2 primary care practices for 7 months. Screening frequencies were compared with clinics not receiving the intervention. The baseline frequency of screening of eligible patients within 1 year was 1.4%. Higher mean systolic blood pressure (odds ratio [OR] 1.4; p < 0.001), more antihypertensive medications (OR 1.3; p = 0.002), lower minimum serum potassium (OR 2.0; p = 0.001), specialist care (OR 3.0; p < 0.001), and Black race (OR 1.5; p = 0.001) were associated with a higher likelihood of screening. The refined computable phenotype identified a subcohort with a higher frequency of positive screening (8.6% vs 4.1%; p = 0.03). In a pilot study of an active choice nudge, a greater proportion of eligible patients were screened in the intervention clinics (16.4%) than in the nonintervention clinics (1.8%; p < 0.001). PA screening rates are low. This pilot study suggests an EHR-based nudge leveraging a precise computable phenotype can dramatically increase appropriate PA screening.

Subcutaneous versus intravenous nivolumab for renal cell carcinoma

The evolving oncology treatment paradigm has created an unmet need for administration options that improve patient experiences and health care efficiencies. CheckMate 67T (NCT04810078) was a phase III, open-label, multicenter, noninferiority trial in which patients with advanced/metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma were randomized to subcutaneous nivolumab (1200 mg every 4 weeks; coformulated with recombinant human hyaluronidase PH20 20 000 units) or intravenous nivolumab (3 mg/kg every 2 weeks). The primary objective was to assess the noninferiority of subcutaneous versus intravenous nivolumab by coprimary endpoints determined from a population pharmacokinetics analysis [time-averaged serum concentration over the first 28 days (Cavgd28), and minimum steady-state serum concentration (Cminss); noninferiority threshold: lower boundary of 90% confidence interval (CI) of the geometric mean ratios (GMR) ≥0.8]. Objective response rate (ORR) was a key secondary endpoint powered for noninferiority [noninferiority threshold: lower boundary of 95% CI of relative risk of ORR (subcutaneous versus intravenous nivolumab) ≥0.60]. Overall, 495 patients were randomized. Relative exposure in the subcutaneous versus intravenous arm reported by the GMR of Cavgd28 and Cminss was 2.098 (90% CI 2.001-2.200) and 1.774 (90% CI 1.633-1.927), respectively. After 8 months of minimum follow-up, ORR was 24.2% with subcutaneous nivolumab (95% CI 19.0%-30.0%) versus 18.2% with intravenous nivolumab [95% CI 13.6%-23.6%; relative risk: 1.33 (95% CI 0.94-1.87)]. Coprimary endpoints and ORR met noninferiority thresholds. Additional efficacy and safety measures were similar. Subcutaneous nivolumab was noninferior to intravenous nivolumab based on pharmacokinetics and ORR. No new safety signals were observed.

Clinical characteristics of primary aldosteronism screened from Chinese patients with hypertension: The China primary aldosteronism prospective study.

We investigated the clinical characteristics of primary aldosteronism (PA) screened from patients with hypertension in China. The participants were hypertensive patients who were suspected of PA and registered in the China Primary Aldosteronism Prospective Study. Plasma aldosterone-to-renin ratio (ARR) was used as the screening test. In patients screened positive for PA, that is, an ARR exceeding the thresholds and plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC)>100 pg/mL, a confirmatory test was performed for diagnosis. Patients with PA underwent a CT scan and adrenal venous sampling for subtyping. Of the 1497 screened patients, 754 (50.4%) had an ARR exceeding the diagnostic threshold and 637 (84.5% of those eligible) were registered. These registered hypertensive patients with suspected PA had a mean (standard deviation) age of 52.6±12.1 years, and included 442 (58.6%) women. In multiple stepwise logistic regression, the significant odds ratios for the presence of diagnosed (n=490) versus suspected and non-diagnosed PA (n=147) were 4.54 (95% CI: 2.78-7.39) for a history of hypokalemia, 0.79 (95% CI: 0.64-0.98) for a 0.9mmol/l higher serum total cholesterol, and 2.25 (95% CI: 1.63-3.10) for a doubling of PAC in the supine or standing/sitting position. In multiple stepwise logistic regression, the significant odds ratios for the presence of unilateral (n=135) versus bilateral PA (n=53) were 3.04 (95% CI: 1.90-4.87) for a 0.4mmol/l lower minimum serum potassium concentration and 1.86 (95% CI: 1.20-2.86) for a 0.3mmol/l higher serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. PA might be a biochemical continuum in the adrenal hypersecretion of aldosterone as well as hypokalemia.

Pharmacokinetics of Tranexamic Acid (TXA) Delivered by Expeditious Routes in a Swine Model of Polytrauma and Hemorrhagic Shock

Objective Hemorrhage is the leading cause of preventable death in civilian trauma centers and on the battlefield. One of the emerging treatment options for hemorrhage in austere environments is tranexamic acid (TXA). However, the landscape is not amenable to the current delivery standard. This study compared the pharmacokinetics of TXA via a standard 10-minute intravenous infusion (IV infusion), intravenous rapid push over 10 s (IV push), and intramuscular injection (IM) in a swine polytrauma and hemorrhagic shock model (trauma group) compared to uninjured controls (control group). Methods Thirty swine were randomized to the trauma or control group. Following anesthesia, the trauma group experienced a simulated blast injury and 40% controlled hemorrhage. Subjects in both groups were then randomized to receive 1 g/10 mL TXA via IV infusion, IV push, or IM. Animals were monitored for four hours with serial blood sampling. Serum TXA concentrations were measured by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and analyzed. Results The time to maximum TXA concentration (Tmax) was not affected by trauma in IV infusion or IV push, but was affected in the IM administration with Tmax significantly slower than the control group (p = 0.016). The minimum effective serum concentration of TXA (Ceff, 10 µg/mL) was reached in less than one minute with IV infusion and instantaneously with IV push. Despite lower bioavailability, the time to reach Ceff (Teff) was achieved via IM administration in less than 10 min for both groups (6.4 min trauma vs. 2.1 min control). Conclusions In austere prehospital environments, an alternative to intravenous infusion of a life-saving medication is desired. Administration of TXA via all three methods reached the level needed to cause substantial inhibition of fibrinolysis within 10 min. The IV push method showed similar pharmacokinetics to IV infusion of TXA but can be delivered quickly without sacrificing an access site for 10 min.

Subcutaneous nivolumab (NIVO SC) vs intravenous nivolumab (NIVO IV) in patients with previously treated advanced or metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC): Pharmacokinetics (PK), efficacy, and safety results from CheckMate 67T.

LBA360 Background: NIVO IV has improved outcomes in multiple tumor types. Evolving treatment paradigms have created a need for administration options that address treatment burden and improve efficiencies of healthcare systems. SC delivery of antibodies for various cancer indications has proved safe and effective. CheckMate 67T (NCT04810078) is a multicenter, randomized, open-label, phase 3 study that evaluated PK and objective response rate (ORR) noninferiority of NIVO SC vs IV in patients (pts) with locally advanced or metastatic ccRCC. Methods: Enrolled pts had measurable disease that progressed during or after 1–2 prior systemic regimens, no prior immuno-oncology treatment, and a Karnofsky performance score ≥ 70. Pts were randomized 1:1 to receive NIVO SC 1200 mg + recombinant human hyaluronidase PH20 Q4W or NIVO IV 3 mg/kg Q2W until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, withdrawal of consent, completion of 2 years’ treatment, or death. The co-primary PK endpoints for noninferiority testing were time-averaged serum concentration over the first 28 days (Cavgd28) and minimum serum concentration at steady state (Cminss) determined by a population PK analysis. ORR by blinded independent central review (BICR) was a key powered secondary endpoint for noninferiority testing. Other secondary objectives included additional PK exposure measures, safety, efficacy, and immunogenicity. Results: A total of 495 pts were randomized to NIVO SC (n = 248) or NIVO IV (n = 247). The median age was 64/66 years in the SC/IV arms. Most pts were male. Average injection time with NIVO SC was &lt; 5 minutes. Noninferiority for the co-primary PK and key powered secondary ORR endpoints was met (see table). Incidence of NIVO SC local injection-site reactions was 8.1%; reactions were low grade and transient. Most deaths were due to disease progression; study drug toxicity led to 3/1 deaths with NIVO SC/IV. Conclusions: The co-primary PK and key powered secondary ORR endpoints were met, supporting the use of NIVO SC as a new option to improve healthcare efficiency. The safety profile for NIVO SC was consistent with NIVO IV. Clinical trial information: NCT04810078 .[Table: see text]

A Precision Assessment of a Point-of-Care Immunological Analyzer for Swift Progesterone Measurement and Guidance for Determining the Optimal Breeding Time in Bitches

The measurement of serum progesterone often varies due to different laboratory methodologies and individual canine characteristics. In this investigation, serum progesterone outcomes obtained from a commercial point-of-care immunological analyzer, designed for efficient serum progesterone assessment in bitches, were compared with results derived from chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay from reference laboratories in Thailand. Our thorough documentation encompassed various parameters: mean, standard deviation, 95% confidence interval, and minimum and maximum serum progesterone concentration values. Additionally, we meticulously recorded the Pearson’s correlation coefficient, Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient, and the bias correction factor. Interestingly, there was no significant difference (p &gt; 0.05) in the means obtained by the point-of-care immunological analyzer and chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. The Pearson’s correlation coefficient between the point-of-care immunological analyzer and chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay stood at 0.957, with Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient for point-of-care immunological analyzer recorded as 0.949. Furthermore, the bias correction factor was established at 0.991. This investigation followed established chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay guidelines, modified to incorporate the mean and 95% confidence interval as criteria for optimal breeding time using the point-of-care immunological analyzer. In conclusion, the commercial point-of-care immunological analyzer emerges as a valuable tool, aiding in precisely determining the optimal timing for natural mating or artificial insemination in bitches.

Comparison of Different Doses of ACTH Used in ACTH Stimulation Test to Determine the Subtypes of Primary Aldosteronism

To compare the diagnostic value of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test (AST) with different doses of ACTH combined with midnight administration of 1 mg dexamethasone for the determination of the subtypes of primary hyperaldosteronism (PA). This is a prospective observational study. Patients diagnosed with PA in the Department of Endocrinology, the First Medical Center of of Chinese PLA General Hospital from January 1, 2020 to September 30, 2022 underwent AST with different doses of ACTH. All patients received 1 mg dexamethasone at midnight for inhibition. Then, the patients were randomly assigned to 25-unit and 50-unit ACTH treatment groups by a ratio of 1:2. Subtype classification and diagnosis of aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) and idiopathic hyperaldosteronism (IHA) was made on the basis of adrenal venous blood samples and/or postoperative pathology and clinical follow-up findings. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves were plotted to examine the diagnostic efficacy and the difference of AST by varying doses of ACTH in distinguishing APA and IHA. A total of 82 patients, including 49 patients with APA (59.8%) and 33 patients with IHA (40.2%), were enrolled. There were 29 patients in the 25-unit ACTH group (35.4%) and 53 patients in the 50-unit ACTH group (64.6%). There were no significant differences in age, sex, blood pressure, minimum serum potassium, and biochemical parameters between the 25-unit and 50-unit groups. After ACTH stimulation, plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC), cortisol (F), and PAC/F at different points of time showed no statistical difference between the two groups (P>0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) of PAC in the 25-unit group was higher than that of PAC/F. The AUC of PAC reached the maximum at 90 minutes (0.948, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0870-1.000) and the optimal cutoff was 38.0 ng/dL, which had a sensitivity of 92.9% and a specificity of 86.7% for differentiating APA and IHA. Similar to the 25-unit group, the maximum AUC of PAC in the 50-unit group was greater than that of PAC/F. The AUC of PAC reached the maximum 90 minutes (0.930, 95% CI: 0.840-0.994) and the optimal cutoff was 39.6 ng/dL, which had a sensitivity of 91.2% and a specificity of 83.3%. The AUC of PAC at different points of time in the 25-unit ACTH group (0.862-0.948) was greater than that of 50-unit ACTH group (0.823-0.930), but the difference was not statistical significance. AST with 25-unit or 50-unit ACTH combined with small-dose dexamethasone can be used in PA subtype determination, ie, differentiation between APA and IHA. The optimal PAC cut-off values for 25-unit or 50-unit ACTH are similar, being 38.0 ng/dL and 39.6 ng/dL, respectively, and both cutoff values show higher sensitivity and specificity at 90 min. The AST with 25-unit ACTH has the smaller dose and the better safety. Therefore, it is recommended for the diagnosis of PA subtypes.

Effects of Vancomycin Subtherapeutic Concentration on Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Hemodialysis Patients with Low Serum Trough Concentrations.

Blood bactericidal activity and antimicrobial therapy are crucial against catheter-related infection in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). It is well-known that catheters colonized by biofilm-producing bacteria are a risk factor for bacteremia in HD-patients. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus bacteremia in HD-patients justify the use of vancomycin as empiric therapy. The recommended vancomycin target for therapeutic efficacy is a minimum serum concentration of 10µgmL-1 to avoid resistance. However, subtherapeutic concentrations of vancomycin have frequently occurred in HD-patients. Thus, we aim to investigate the effect of subtherapeutic vancomycin concentration on S. aureus growth, susceptibility to antimicrobials, resistance to whole blood activity, and biofilm formation. Seventeen S. aureus strains isolated from bacteremia in HD-patients and two reference strains were exposed to a vancomycin-gradient (0-10µgmL-1) for five consecutive days to mimic the dosing interval of vancomycin in HD-patients. After that, we observed the following: no effect on growth curve; decreased susceptibility to vancomycin and daptomycin; increased S. aureus survival to whole blood bactericidal action; and a strain-dependent biofilm production after drug exposure. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the subtherapeutic concentration of vancomycin decrease S. aureus susceptibility to vancomycin and daptomycin and increases its survival to whole blood bactericidal action.

The relationship between the rs6265 polymorphism of the BDNF gene and the level of serum neurotrophic factor in patients with Parkinson's disease

To evaluate the clinical features and the level of serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in groups of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) differentiated by the genotypes of BDNF polymorphism (rs6265). The level of serum BDNF in the biomarkers' multiplex panel of neurodegenerative diseases (HNDG3MAG-36K) was assessed in 134 PD patients. Allele discrimination was carried out by real-time PCR using TaqMan probes for the analysis of BDNF rs6265 polymorphism in groups of patients and controls (n=192) matched for sex, age and ethnicity. Comparing the distribution of rs6265 genotypes and alleles between groups of patients and controls no significant differences were found (p>0.05). Serum BDNF levels varied significantly by genotype (rs6265) among PD patients. Minimum mean serum BDNF level (320.1±164.6 pg/ml) was noted for individuals with the AA genotype, which significantly differs from the corresponding indicator among individuals with GA (2944.2±1590.6 pg/ml; p=0.0001) and GG genotypes (2949.4±1620.6 pg/ml; p=3.9×10-5). The concentration of BDNF significantly differed between patients with different forms of PD (p=0.0007) and increased as the stage of the disease progressed according to Hoehn and Yahr staging scale (p=1.0×10-6). The BDNF rs6265 polymorphism was not associated with the development of PD in the studied population. The variability of the mean serum BDNF level was established depending on the genotype of the BDNF polymorphism in PD patients and a number of clinical features.

Lower serum cholesterol levels as a risk factor for critical illness polyneuropathy: a matched case–control study

Critical illness polyneuropathy (CIP) is a frequent and underdiagnosed phenomenon among intensive care unit patients. The lipophilic nature of neuronal synapses may result in the association of low serum cholesterol levels with a higher rate of CIP development. We aimed to investigate this issue in critically ill patients. All cases diagnosed with CIP in our tertiary care hospital between 2013 and 2017 were 1:1 matched with controls without the condition by age, sex, and ICD diagnoses. The main risk factors examined were the differences in change between initial and minimum serum total cholesterol levels, and minimum serum total cholesterol levels between matched pairs. Other predictors were serum markers of acute inflammation. We included 67 cases and 67 controls (134 critically ill patients, 49% female, 46% medical). Serum total cholesterol levels decreased more profoundly in cases than controls (median: −74 (IQR −115 to −24) vs. −39 (IQR −82 to −4), median difference: −28, 95% CI [−51, −5]), mg/dl). Minimum serum total cholesterol levels were lower in the cases (median difference: −24, 95% CI [−39, −9], mg/dl). We found significant median differences across matched pairs in maximum serum C-reactive protein (8.9, 95% CI [4.6, 13.2], mg/dl), minimum albumin (−4.2, 95% CI [−6.7, −1.7], g/l), decrease in albumin (−3.9, 95% CI [−7.6, −0.2], g/l), and lowest cholinesterase levels (−0.72, 95% CI [−1.05, −0.39], U/l). Subsequently, more pronounced decreases in serum total cholesterol levels and lower minimum total cholesterol levels during critical care unit hospitalizations may be a risk factor for CIP.

Evaluation of the role of vitamin D in patients with psoriasis

Objectives: Investigate whether there is any association between the levels of vitamin D in the blood and the seriousness of psoriasis or its development. Methods: The study is characterized as observational, retrospective, composed of 40 patients with psoriasis who had serum vitamin D levels, who underwent clinical care at a dermatology outpatient clinic in Passo Fundo/RS, from August 2019 to June 2021. Results: Of the 40 interviewees, 60% were female and 40% male. Phototypes II and III prevailed. Regarding family health history, 50% had a history of the disease. Regarding the duration of psoriasis, the predominant group was between 1-10 years (57.5%). The most prevalent psoriasis subtype was vulgaris (62.5%). Regarding serum vitamin D results, the lowest index was 15.2 ng ̸ mL, the highest was 42.3 ng ̸ mL and the average was 25.99 ng ̸mL. In the predominant age group, between 20-40 years, the proportion of patients with vitamin D was less than 30 ng ̸mL is 83.33%. The lower the phototype, the greater the proportion of patients with suboptimal serum vitamin D. In the group of patients with disease duration &gt; 10 years, vitamin D levels were lower. There is no extreme difference in the effectiveness of treatments when analyzing the average, minimum and maximum serum levels of vitamin D. Conclusion: There was no relationship between serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) and the development of psoriasis or even control – worsening of the clinical picture of disease.

Frequency of Subclinical Hypothyroidsim Among Patients with end Stage Renal Disease on Hemodialysis Presenting to A Tertiary Care Hospital

Objective: Aim of this study was to determine the frequency of subclinical hypothyroidism among patients with end stage renal disease presenting to tertiary care hospital.&#x0D; Study Design: Cross sectional study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Department of Nephrology, Sharif Medical City Hospital, Lahore. Pakistan, from Mar 2020 toDec 2020.&#x0D; Methodology: A total of 200 cases studied. Informed consent was obtained from them. Data was noted in the proforma. Using aseptic techniques blood sample was taken for testing serum TSH and free T4 levels through radioimmunoassay. Results were collected by the researcher next day and were labeled and noted as subclinical hypothyroidism according to its clinical definition. Privacy of the data was maintained.&#x0D; Results: In 200 study cases age interval was 15-80 years with mean age of 46.22±19.67 years. The minimum Serum TSH level was 4.1 and maximum was 4.6 with mean serum TSH level was 4.31±0.16. The minimum Serum T4 levels was 0.5 and maximum was 2.1 with mean Serum T4 levels was 1.28±0.68. Duration of chronic kidney disease was 3-60 months with mean duration of 17.58±14.14 months. It was observed that there were 56.5% male patients while females were 43.5%. Subclinical Hypothyroidism was present in 9.5% patients with ESRD reporting to tertiary care hospital while it was absent in 90.5% patients. &#x0D; Conclusion: The frequency of subclinical hypothyroidism was found as 9.5% among patients with end stage renal disease presenting to tertiary care hospital.

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Hyperthyroidism: Age, Ethnic, and Gender Disparities

Objective: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) affects 2.6% of adults and 36% of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Several case reports and small case series suggested a hyperthyroidism-PAH association.&#x0D; Design: Retrospective chart review.&#x0D; Methods: We undertook a retrospective chart review (1982–2018) to assess PAH prevalence in a multi-ethnic convenience sample of hyperthyroid adults with multiple etiologies. We calculated associations of pulmonary artery maximum systolic pressure (PSAPmax) with subject age, and maximum serum triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), free T3, and T4, minimum serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and thyroid antibody titers, comparing PAH prevalence and the odds of being undiagnosed as to hyperthyroidism etiology by gender and ethnicity/race.&#x0D; Results: We found a high prevalence of PAH in hyperthyroid people, like that reported for people with COPD. We found no significant association between PSAPmax and any thyroid function test or thyroid antibody titer. As reported more recently in the general population, PSAPmax significantly correlated with age in hyperthyroid people. There was no significant disparity in the prevalence of PAH among White, non-Hispanic Black, and Latinx hyperthyroid people or between genders. The percentage of patients whose hyperthyroidism etiology was undiagnosed was high with significant disparity only between non-Hispanic Black and White people and between men and women. PAH was common in hyperthyroid subjects with any hyperthyroidism etiology.&#x0D; Conclusions: 2D-echocardiography should be performed in all hyperthyroid people because PAH is common, especially in older people because of their co-morbidities and poorer prognoses. Further research is needed regarding demographic disparities in being undiagnosed as to hyperthyroidism etiology.&#x0D; Principal Verdicts/Significance Statement: We reconfirmed the high PAH incidence in hyperthyroidism, previously reported, but profoundly under-recognized by physicians, to patients’ detriment. Further, we found that the shift in the general PAH population from younger to older individuals is mirrored in hyperthyroid people with PAH. This is concerning because older people have more co-morbidities and worse prognoses, necessitating early, effective intervention. PAH was present with diverse hyperthyroidism etiologies, suggesting that it is multicausal, resulting from autoimmunity, thyroid hormone excess, and goitrous upper airway obstruction and should be considered, regardless of etiology. Our observations that many subjects had no established hyperthyroidism etiology and that males and Blacks were likelier to be undiagnosed are concerning, warranting further study.

Association between hypoproteinaemia with massive proteinuria and small for gestational age in pre-eclampsia: a single-centre, retrospective cohort study using propensity score matching

ObjectiveTo investigate the association between hypoproteinaemia with massive proteinuria and the incidence of small for gestational age in pre-eclampsia.DesignRetrospective cohort study using propensity score matching.SettingNorthwest Women’s and Children’s Hospital in...

What is the right gentamicin dose for multiple trauma patients? A Monte Carlo simulation exploration study.

The appropriate dose of gentamicin is important to prevent and treat infections. The study aimed to determine the optimal dose of gentamicin to achieve the probability of pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK) targets for efficacy and safety in multiple trauma patients. PK parameters of gentamicin in multiple trauma patients were gathered to develop a one-compartment PK model for prediction. The Monte Carlo simulation method was performed. The 24-h area under the concentration time curve to the minimum inhibitory concentration ratio (AUC24h/MIC) ≥50 was defined for the infection prevention target. AUC24h/MIC ≥110 or the maximum serum concentration to MIC ratio ≥8-10 was for the treatment of serious Gram-negative infection target. The risk of nephrotoxicity was the minimum serum concentration ≥2 mg/L. The optimal dose of gentamicin was determined when the efficacy target was >90% and the risk of nephrotoxicity was lowest. The optimal gentamicin dose to prevent infection when the MIC was <1 mg/L was 6-7 mg/kg/day. A higher dose of gentamicin up to 10 mg/kg/day could not reach the target for treating serious Gram-negative infection when the expected MIC was ≥1 mg/L. The probability of nephrotoxicity was minimal at 0.2-4% with gentamicin doses of 5-10 mg/kg/day for 3 days. Once daily gentamicin doses of 6-7 mg/kg are recommended to prevent infections in patients with multiple trauma. Gentamicin monotherapy could not be recommended for serious infections. Further clinical studies are required to confirm our results.

Superoxide dismutase activity levels in parturients on intermittent preventive treatment with sulphadoxine pyrimethamine and their controls at current confinements

Malaria prevention in pregnancy especially in endemic areas has been greatly emphasized. This is especially so during the antenatal periods. Malaria prevention is important for reducing the problems of malaria in pregnancy. Early trimester miscarriages, preterm labours, anaemia in pregnancy, small for date babies and increased admissions into special care baby units are some of the problems encountered that are traceable to malaria infection. It is also noteworthy that some favourable antioxidants have been noted to help pregnant women enjoy and cope with their pregnancies. In that same way, it has also been noted that optimal levels of superoxide dismutase is equally necessary to help pregnant women enjoy uneventful pregnancies as well as stay free from some problems associated with malaria in pregnancy. Objectives: We have comparatively and objectively assessed the plasma Levels of superoxide dismutase in Parturients on Intermittent Preventive Treatment with Sulphadoxine Pyrimethamine and their Controls at Current Confinements. Method: This comparative study was conducted at the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Owerri, South East Nigeria. Owerri is widely known for its heavy malaria endemicity. Prior to participant recruitment, appropriate ethical clearance was applied for and obtained from the ethics committee of FMC Owerri. This enabled the commencement of the longitudinal recruitment of participants after due counseling and adequate informed consent involving both study groups. This bench-based research and cross-sectional descriptive study involved two hundred and ninety-six (296) consented participants. The participants were made to understand clearly the study protocol as well as satisfy the inclusion criteria for either the study (case) or control groups. Upon recruitment, participants were then followed up all throughout their entire antenatal course culminating in the delivery. The follow up enabled the collection of blood samples for the estimation of Superoxide Dimutase (SOD) plasma levels at delivery. The SOD levels were estimated using the Misra and Fridovich method, 1972. The ability of superoxide dismutase to inhibit the auto oxidation of adrenaline at pH 10.2 makes this reaction a basis for the SOD assay. Superoxide anion (O2) generated by the xanthine oxidase reaction is known to cause the oxidation of adrenaline to adrenochrome. The yield of adrenochrome produced per superoxide anion introduced increased with increasing pH and also with increasing concentration of adrenaline. These led to the proposal that auto oxidation of adrenaline proceeds by at least two distinct pathways, one of which is a free radical chain reaction involving superoxide radical and hence could be inhibited by SOD. Data analysis: Data computation and analysis were done using the computer Software Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20.0 (SPSS, Inc, 2007, Chicago). Important descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, range, percentages etc) were determined for continuous variables. P-value less than (&lt;0.05) at 95% confidence interval was considered statistically significant. Result: The mean serum level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the study group was 12.61 U/ml ± 3.105 while the minimum and maximum serum superoxide dismutase were 7 and 20 U/ml respectively. For their controls, the mean serum level of superoxide dismutase was 11.69 U/ml ± 2. 969. However, the minimum and maximum serum superoxide dismutase were 7 and 20 U/ml respectively. The difference was found to be statistically significant (p= 0.011) with odds ratio 1.12 (CI of 95% 1.024-1.193).

Monthly mini-dose rituximab for primary anti-PLA2R-positive membranous nephropathy: a personalized approach

BackgroundThe currently recommended dose of rituximab for primary membranous nephropathy is as high as that for lymphoma. However, the clinical manifestations of membranous nephropathy vary widely. Therefore, achieving individualized treatment is a topic that needs to be explored. This study assessed the efficacy of monthly mini-dose rituximab monotherapy in patients with primary membranous nephropathy.MethodsThis retrospective study included 32 patients with primary membranous nephropathy treated at Peking University Third Hospital between March 2019 and January 2023. All patients were anti-phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) antibody-positive and received rituximab 100 mg intravenously monthly for at least 3 months without other immunosuppressive therapy. Rituximab infusions were sustained until either remission of the nephrotic syndrome or a minimum serum anti-PLA2R titer ˂ 2 RU/mL was achieved.ResultsThe baseline parameters included: proteinuria, 8.5 ± 3.6 g/day; serum albumin, 24.8 ± 3.4 g/L; and anti-PLA2R antibody, 160 (20–2659) RU/mL. B-cell depletion was achieved in 87.5% patients after the first dose of rituximab 100 mg and in 100% after the second equivalent dose. The median follow-up was 24 months (range 18–38). Twenty-seven (84%) patients achieved remission, with 11 (34%) patients achieving complete remission by last follow-up. The relapse-free survival from the last infusion was 13.5 months (range 3–27). Patients were stratified into the low-titer (< 150 RU/mL, n = 17) and high-titer groups (≥ 150 RU/mL, n = 15) based on the anti-PLA2R titer. Sex, age, urinary proteins, serum albumin, and estimated glomerular filtration rate at baseline did not differ significantly between the two groups. At 18 months, compared to the low-titer group, the rituximab dose (960 ± 387 vs 694 ± 270 mg, p = 0.030) was higher, while serum albumin (37.0 ± 5.4 vs 41.3 ± 5.4 g/L, p = 0.033) and the complete remission rate (13% vs 53%, p = 0.000) were both lower in the high-titer group.ConclusionsMonthly rituximab 100 mg appeared as a potential effective regimen for treating anti-PLA2R-associated primary membranous nephropathy with a low anti-PLA2R titer. The lower the anti-PLA2R titer, the lower the rituximab dose required to achieve remission.Trial registrationA retrospective study, registered at ChiCTR (ChiCTR2200057381) on March 10, 2022.

Association between hypogammaglobulinaemia and severe infections during induction therapy in ANCA-associated vasculitis: from J-CANVAS study.

To investigate the association between decreased serum IgG levels caused by remission-induction immunosuppressive therapy of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV) and the development of severe infections. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients with new-onset or severe relapsing AAV enrolled in the J-CANVAS registry, which was established at 24 referral sites in Japan. The minimum serum IgG levels up to 24 weeks and the incidence of severe infection up to 48 weeks after treatment initiation were evaluated. After multiple imputations for all explanatory variables, we performed the multivariate analysis using a Fine-Gray model to assess the association between low IgG (the minimum IgG levels <500 mg/dl) and severe infections. In addition, the association was expressed as a restricted cubic spline (RCS) and analysed by treatment subgroups. Of 657 included patients (microscopic polyangiitis, 392; granulomatosis with polyangiitis, 139; eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis, 126), 111 (16.9%) developed severe infections. The minimum serum IgG levels were measured in 510 patients, of whom 77 (15.1%) had low IgG. After multiple imputations, the confounder-adjusted hazard ratio of low IgG for the incidence of severe infections was 1.75 (95% confidence interval: 1.03-3.00). The RCS revealed a U-shaped association between serum IgG levels and the incidence of severe infection with serum IgG 946 mg/dl as the lowest point. Subgroup analysis showed no obvious heterogeneity between treatment regimens. Regardless of treatment regimens, low IgG after remission-induction treatment was associated with the development of severe infections up to 48 weeks after treatment initiation.

Evidence That Increasing Serum 25(OH)D Concentrations to 30 ng/mL in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates Could Greatly Improve Health Outcomes.

Accumulating evidence supports the potential protective effects of vitamin D against chronic diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, autoimmune diseases, cancers, cardiovascular disease (ischaemic heart disease and stroke), type 2 diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, stroke, and infectious diseases such as acute respiratory tract diseases, COVID-19, influenza, and pneumonia, as well as adverse pregnancy outcomes. The respective evidence is based on ecological and observational studies, randomized controlled trials, mechanistic studies, and Mendelian randomization studies. However, randomized controlled trials on vitamin D supplementation have largely failed to show benefits, probably due to poor design and analysis. In this work, we aim to use the best available evidence on the potential beneficial effects of vitamin D to estimate the expected reduction in incidence and mortality rates of vitamin D-related diseases in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates if minimum serum 25(OH)D concentrations were to be raised to 30 ng/mL. Estimated reductions by 25% for myocardial infarction incidence, 35% for stroke incidence, 20 to 35% for cardiovascular disease mortality, and 35% for cancer mortality rates depicted a promising potential for raising serum 25(OH)D. Methods to increase serum 25(OH)D concentrations at the population level could include food fortification with vitamin D3, vitamin D supplementation, improved dietary vitamin D intake, and sensible sun exposure.