Pre-existing Hypertension Research Articles

Clinico-epidemiological profile of non-survivors of COVID-19 during the last two waves in a tertiary care hospital of North India: A retrospective descriptive study

Background: SARS-CoV-causing COVID-19 resulted in mortality, and the clinic-epidemiological profile at the time of admission of patients who died later could provide an insight into pathophysiological consequences due to infection. Method: Retrospective observational study of 64 RTPCR-confirmed COVID-19 non-survivors was conducted from April - June 2021 and January February 2022. Data were analyzed, and a P value<0.05 was taken as significant. Results: 60.94% and 39.06 % were males and females, and 26.57% & 73.43 % of patients had moderate and severe disease, respectively. Fever, cough, and dyspnea were the most common presenting symptoms. 78.12% and 21.88% had pre-existing (diabetes and hypertension were most common) and no co-morbidities, respectively. 65.62 & 17.19 % of patients had bilateral and unilateral ground glass opacities, respectively. Thrombocytopenia, lymphopenia, neutrophilia, elevated monocytes, and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) of 7.52 were hematological findings. D dimer was elevated. ABG showed low PaO2 and SPO2 %. ALT and AST were elevated. Tachycardia was also present. Compared to the first wave, no significant association of gender with severity was found. However, the percentage of male patients was higher. The association of the duration of stay and co-morbidity with disease severity was significant in both the first and subsequent waves of COVID-19. Conclusion: Co-morbidity, disease severity, and radiological lung opacities play a role in the outcome of COVID-19. The associated findings are hematological, renal, liver, cardiovascular, and arterial blood gas derangements.

The crucial role of the nephrologist in the management of pregnancy in women with adult autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a genetic kidney disease characterized by gradual kidney enlargement and progressive renal function loss. Pregnancy is a significant risk factor for adverse maternal and fetal outcomes in chronic kidney disease (CKD), regardless of the nephropathy. Women with ADPKD often face concerns about worsening their renal condition and passing the disease on to their offspring. Recent studies show better outcomes due to improved pregnancy surveillance and prior counseling. Risk factors for poor fetal and maternal outcomes include advanced maternal age, pre-existing hypertension, urinary infections, proteinuria, and renal failure. Collaboration between nephrologists and gynecologists is essential for addressing clinically significant concerns in pregnant women with ADPKD. Nephrologists should play an active role in assisting and supporting pregnant ADPKD patients as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Evaluation of hematological and biochemical factors of hypertension during the induction chemotherapy for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Background: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a prevalent childhood cancer, accounting for approximately 25% of all pediatric cancer cases. The incidence of hypertension in ALL patients is significantly higher compared to the general pediatric population, emphasizing the need for a better understanding and management of this condition. The aim of the study was to evaluate hematological and biochemical factors of hypertension during the induction of chemotherapy for childhood ALL. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at BSMMU from July 2017 to June 2018. The study included 93 newly diagnosed cases of ALL in children aged 1 to 17.9 years, excluding those below 1 year and above 18 years, known cases of hypertension, patients with pre-existing hypertension before chemotherapy, and old or relapse cases of ALL. Results: The study found that 17.2% of the study population experienced renal derangement during the induction remission phase, while the majority (82.8%) did not. The presence of renal derangement was not significantly associated with hypertension. However, patients who developed tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) had a higher percentage (12.5%) of hypertension compared to the non-hypertensive group (1.3%). Febrile neutropenia, convulsion, and coagulopathy were also observed in patients who developed hypertension more frequently. The median time to detect hypertension during induction chemotherapy was on day 8, with a mean duration of 13.6 days. Conclusions: In this study, hypertension is observed in 17.2% of patients during induction chemotherapy for ALL with higher frequency in the second week and associations with tumor lysis syndrome, febrile neutropenia, convulsion, and coagulopathy.

Prevalence of hypertension among travelers and stability of blood pressure control during travel: a cross-sectional descriptive study and prospective cohort study

BackgroundHypertension is a common and important risk factor for cardiovascular disease which is the leading cause of death among the general population and travelers. Data on hypertension among travelers are very limited due to the scarcity of research reports in this specific population. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of hypertension among adult travelers and the stability of blood pressure control during international trips using a mobile automated blood pressure device.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted at the Thai travel clinic, Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Bangkok, Thailand. All adult travelers completed a questionnaire which included demographic data, medical history, medication use, trip characteristics and hypertension awareness and knowledge. Standard two time blood pressure measurements were performed at the clinic to detect possible undiagnosed hypertension. Travelers with pre-existing hypertension were also invited to monitor their blood pressure level before and during their trip for a total of 14 days by using an automated blood pressure device and reporting the readings back to the study team.ResultDuring July and October 2022, a total of 1,359 adult travelers visited the Thai Travel Clinic before their international trip. The overall prevalence of hypertension was 28.8%, including those with pre-existing hypertension (6.7%) and those with newly diagnosed hypertension (22.2%). Travelers with newly diagnosed hypertension were significantly younger than travelers with pre-existing hypertension (38.5 years vs. 55.6 years, p < 0.001). Eleven travelers agreed to monitor their blood pressure, Most (90.9%, 10/11) had stable blood pressure control during their trip. One participant had > 10 mmHg higher blood pressure during the trip, however this was not clinically significant. All participants remained well, and acute symptoms secondary to hypertension were not reported.ConclusionUp to 28.8% of adult travelers seen in pre-travel consultations had hypertension. Most of them were unaware of their blood pressure condition. Vital signs including blood pressure should be evaluated in all pre-travel visits in order to prevent undiagnosed severe hypertension that might lead to hypertensive crisis.

Increased blood pressure after nonsevere COVID-19.

Various sequelae have been described after nonsevere coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but knowledge on postacute effects on blood pressure is limited. This is a cross-sectional analysis of blood pressure profiles in individuals after nonsevere COVID-19 compared with matched population-based individuals without prior COVID-19. Data were derived from the ongoing and prospective Hamburg City Health Study, a population-based study in Hamburg, Germany, and its associated COVID-19 program, which included individuals at least 4 months after COVID-19. Matching was performed by age, sex, education, and preexisting hypertension in a 1 : 4 ratio. Four hundred and thirty-two individuals after COVID-19 (mean age 56.1 years) were matched to 1728 controls without prior COVID-19 (56.2 years). About 92.8% of COVID-19 courses were mild or moderate, only 7.2% were hospitalized, and no individual had been treated on an intensive care unit. Even after adjustment for relevant competing risk factors, DBP [+4.7 mmHg, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 3.97-5.7, P < 0.001] was significantly higher in individuals after COVID-19. For SBP, a trend towards increased values was observed (+1.4 mmHg, 95% CI -0.4 to 3.2, P = 0.120). Hypertensive blood pressures at least 130/80 mmHg (according to the ACC/AHA guideline) and at least 140/90 mmHg (ESC/ESH guideline) occurred significantly more often in individuals after COVID-19 than matched controls (odds ratio 2.0, 95% CI 1.5-2.7, P < 0.001 and odds ratio 1.6, 95% CI 1.3-2.0, P < 0.001, respectively), mainly driven by changes in DBP. Blood pressure is higher in individuals after nonsevere COVID-19 compared with uninfected individuals suggesting a significant hypertensive sequela.

The presence of polycystic ovary syndrome increases the risk of maternal but not neonatal complications in women with type 2 diabetes in pregnancy.

Our aims were, in the setting of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in pregnancy, to investigate the association of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with perinatal outcomes and to examine whether treatment with metformin had a differential effect in those with and without PCOS. We performed a retrospective cohort study using the metformin in women with type 2 diabetes in pregnancy (MiTy) trial data. We examined differences in maternal and neonatal outcomes among MiTy participants with and without PCOS using linear and logistic regression to adjust for potential confounders. We additionally examined the relative difference in the effect of metformin treatment on pregnancy outcomes among MiTy participants with PCOS versus those without PCOS. Among women with T2DM in pregnancy, PCOS was significantly associated with higher excess gestational weight gain (unadjusted 12.0 vs. 11.4kg, adjusted mean difference 2.1kg [0.3, 3.9], p=0.021) and higher total insulin dose at 34-36weeks (unadjusted 172 vs. 124 units per day, adjusted mean difference 44 units [15, 73], p=0.004), but no difference was seen in neonatal outcomes. Unlike the non-PCOS subgroup, metformin treatment versus placebo in the PCOS subgroup was associated with an increase in extremely large-for-gestational-age infants (28.6 vs. 14.0%, p=0.008 for interaction) and an increase in worsened pre-existing maternal hypertension (16.7 vs. 4.5%, p=0.046 for interaction). Clinicians should be alerted to the potential for high insulin requirements and excess weight gain in pregnant patients with T2DM and comorbid PCOS. Moreover, metformin may not be as beneficial in this population as previously understood.

Association between stillbirth and severe maternal morbidity

Severe maternal morbidity has been increasing in the past few decades. Few studies have examined the risk of severe maternal morbidity among individuals with stillbirths vs individuals with live-birth deliveries. This study aimed to examine the prevalence and risk of severe maternal morbidity among individuals with stillbirths vs individuals with live-birth deliveries during delivery hospitalization as a primary outcome and during the postpartum period as a secondary outcome. This was a retrospective cohort study using birth and fetal death certificate data linked to hospital discharge records from California (2008-2018), Michigan (2008-2020), Missouri (2008-2014), Pennsylvania (2008-2014), and South Carolina (2008-2020). Relative risk regression analysis was used to examine the crude and adjusted relative risks of severe maternal morbidity along with 95% confidence intervals among individuals with stillbirths vs individuals with live-birth deliveries, adjusting for birth year, state of residence, maternal sociodemographic characteristics, and the obstetric comorbidity index. Of the 8,694,912 deliveries, 35,012 (0.40%) were stillbirths. Compared with individuals with live-birth deliveries, those with stillbirths were more likely to be non-Hispanic Black (10.8% vs 20.5%); have Medicaid (46.5% vs 52.0%); have pregnancy complications, including preexisting diabetes mellitus (1.1% vs 4.3%), preexisting hypertension (2.3% vs 6.2%), and preeclampsia (4.4% vs 8.4%); have multiple pregnancies (1.6% vs 6.2%); and reside in South Carolina (7.4% vs 11.6%). During delivery hospitalization, the prevalence rates of severe maternal morbidity were 791 cases per 10,000 deliveries for stillbirths and 154 cases per 10,000 deliveries for live-birth deliveries, whereas the prevalence rates for nontransfusion severe maternal morbidity were 502 cases per 10,000 deliveries for stillbirths and 68 cases per 10,000 deliveries for live-birth deliveries. The crude relative risk for severe maternal morbidity was 5.1 (95% confidence interval, 4.9-5.3), whereas the adjusted relative risk was 1.6 (95% confidence interval, 1.5-1.8). For nontransfusion severe maternal morbidity among stillbirths vs live-birth deliveries, the crude relative risk was 7.4 (95% confidence interval, 7.0-7.7), whereas the adjusted relative risk was 2.0 (95% confidence interval, 1.8-2.3). This risk was not only elevated among individuals with stillbirth during the delivery hospitalization but also through 1 year after delivery (severe maternal morbidity adjusted relative risk, 1.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-1.4; nontransfusion severe maternal morbidity adjusted relative risk, 1.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-1.3). Stillbirth was found to be an important contributor to severe maternal morbidity.

Abstract P419: First-Trimester Maternal Hemodynamics In Patients With Or Without Chronic Hypertension Using USCOM (ultrasound Cardiac Output Monitor), A Non-invasive And Quantitative Method.

Objective: We aim to investigate maternal hemodynamics at 10-14 weeks of gestation among patients with and without chronic hypertension, utilizing USCOM®, a non-invasive cardiac output monitor. Methods: A prospective pilot study was conducted for women with singleton pregnancies. Independent T, Mann-Whitney U, and Chi-square tests&amp;nbsp;were used to analyze cardiovascular parameters via Doppler waveform. Results: Thirteen pregnant women with preexisting hypertension and no other medical comorbidities were selected, and 26 controls were matched based on maternal age, ethnicity, and BMI in a ratio of 1:2. Six patients with chronic hypertension were on anti-hypertensive medications. Tables 1 and 2 present each respective group's basic demographic and hemodynamic characteristics. Conclusion: Despite no differences in BP, our study revealed significant hemodynamic changes in chronic hypertensive patients in the first trimester. Chronic hypertensive patients might have pre-existing pathological cardiovascular adaptation in early pregnancy, potentially compromising perinatal outcomes.

Abstract P413: Association Between Supine Hypertension And Autonomic Impairment In Patients With Autonomic Failure

Autonomic failure is characterized by an inability to regulate blood pressure (BP). The dominant clinical manifestation of these patients is orthostatic hypotension (OH). However, at least half of them also have supine hypertension, which can arise de novo or due to worsening of preexisting essential hypertension. We hypothesized that, regardless of the cause of hypertension, the loss of baroreflex buffering capacity in these patients contributes to the severity of their hypertension. Thus, we tested whether supine hypertension reflects the severity of autonomic impairment (i.e., reduced BP buffering capacity) in a retrospective cohort of 307 patients (66±1 yr, 183 males, BMI 26.1±0.3) with a diagnosis of neurogenic OH due to multiple system atrophy (MSA, n=95) or peripheral autonomic failure (pAF, n=212). Autonomic impairment was assessed by standard autonomic testing (posture test, Valsalva maneuver [VM], and sinus arrhythmia [SA] ratio) performed off pressor and antihypertensive medications. The association between supine systolic BP (SBP; median [interquartile range, IQR], 146 [130-168] mmHg) and autonomic testing was assessed using multiple regression analyses. After adjusting for age, sex, BMI, and type of autonomic failure (MSA vs. pAF), we found that supine SBP was positively related to age (β=0.33; P=0.034), the severity of OH (the drop in SBP on standing; β= -0.48, P&lt;0.001), and indices of severity of autonomic impairment, including the lack of adequate compensatory increase in heart rate in the setting of OH (ΔHR/ΔSBP, β=-15.43, P=0.044), and lack of recovery of SBP during late phase 2 of the Valsalva maneuver (β=-0.31; P&lt;0.001; model R 2 =0.55, P&lt;0.001). VM and SA ratios were not related to supine hypertension. In conclusion, we postulate that the magnitude of supine hypertension correlates with the severity of autonomic impairment and that both OH and supine hypertension reflect the inability of autonomic failure to regulate blood pressure.

Abstract P139: Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy In The Hypertensive Male Rat Has Associated Effects On Cardiovascular Health

Transgender females ( TGF ) are born biologically male, but identify as female. TGFs undergo Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy ( GAHT ) to match their physical and sex characteristics with their perceived gender. Several studies indicate that GAHT is associated with increased cardiovascular ( CV ) risk. Previously, we reported that GAHT, 17β-Estradiol ( E2 ) supplementation with androgen suppression, in the normotensive male Sprague Dawley ( SD ) rat is associated with loss of lean mass and increased markers of CV risk. Yet, the effect of GAHT in the presence of preexisting hypertension and renal injury is unknown. Thus, this study tested the hypothesis that GAHT in the male spontaneous hypertensive rat ( SHR ) is associated with increased CV and renal risk. Methods: Male SHRs were randomly assigned to 2 groups: Control (n=4) and E2 [5 mg/day, pellet sc, replaced every 3 weeks, n=6]. E2 was initiated at 19 weeks of age at a dose to suppress endogenous testosterone coupled to elevated E2. Results: ( Table ) At 49 weeks of age (equivalent to a 40 year old man), body weight and total lean mass (EchoMRI) were significantly decreased in E2 SHR; as previously observed in E2 SD. Yet, total fat mass (EchoMRI) was significantly decreased in E2 SHR; moreover, 24 hour urinary proteinuria and cystatin C (ELISA) were also significantly decreased. Hypertension and renal injury are androgen-dependent in male SHR. Thus, despite the increase in E2 in the male SHR, androgen suppression induced by GAHT was renoprotective. Further studies will determine relevance of the SHR as a model of GAHT and explore long-term effects of E2.

Trends in adverse pregnancy outcomes among women with systemic sclerosis in the United States

ObjectivesWe sought to examine temporal trends in adverse pregnancy outcomes among SSc pregnancies in a large nationwide sample. MethodsWe used the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2000 – 2017 to derive national estimates of delivery-associated hospitalizations in the United States among patients with SSc. Each SSc delivery was matched to 100 non-SSc deliveries by age, delivery year, and race. We evaluated adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) including maternal and fetal death, cesarean delivery, hospital length of stay, preterm delivery, intrauterine growth restriction, and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. We used multivariable regression models with an interaction term between SSc and year and adjusting for race, advanced maternal age, diabetes mellitus, and pre-existing hypertension to evaluate temporal trends in APOs among SSc and non-SSc deliveries. ResultsFrom 2000 to 2017, there were 3740 delivery-associated hospitalizations for women with SSc. SSc was associated with an increased risk of all APOs compared to non-SSc deliveries. Fetal death declined in SSc deliveries from 49.0 per 1000 delivery-related admissions in 2000 – 2005 to 16.2 per 1000 in 2012 – 2017. There was a significant difference in trends for fetal death between SSc and non-SSc deliveries (p = 0.043), but the trends for other APOs did not differ between the two groups. ConclusionsIn this large nationwide sample, the risk of fetal death among women with SSc markedly improved over the past 18 years. The risk for other APOs remained high in SSc deliveries compared to non-SSc deliveries, and further studies are needed to determine what strategies can improve these outcomes.

Racial Disparity in Anthracycline-induced Cardiotoxicity in Breast Cancer Patients.

Breast cancer has become the most common cancer in the US and worldwide. While advances in early detection and treatment have resulted in a 40% reduction in breast cancer mortality, this reduction has not been achieved uniformly among racial groups. A large percentage of non-metastatic breast cancer mortality is related to the cardiovascular effects of breast cancer therapies. These effects appear to be more prevalent among patients from historically marginalized racial/ethnic backgrounds, such as African American and Hispanic individuals. Anthracyclines, particularly doxorubicin and daunorubicin, are the first-line treatments for breast cancer patients. However, their use is limited by their dose-dependent and cumulative cardiotoxicity, manifested by cardiomyopathy, ischemic heart disease, arrhythmias, hypertension, thromboembolic disorders, and heart failure. Cardiotoxicity risk factors, such as genetic predisposition and preexisting obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and heart diseases, are more prevalent in racial/ethnic minorities and undoubtedly contribute to the risk. Yet, beyond these risk factors, racial/ethnic minorities also face unique challenges that contribute to disparities in the emerging field of cardio-oncology, including socioeconomic factors, food insecurity, and the inability to access healthcare providers, among others. The current review will address genetic, clinical, and social determinants that potentially contribute to this disparity.

Fatty acids and pregnancy-induced hypertension: a Mendelian randomization study

BackgroundIt is well known that pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) contributes significantly to the mortality rates of both mothers and babies during pregnancy. The relationship between fatty acids (FAs) and PIH remains debatable, with the causality between the two yet to be definitively established.MethodsTwo-sample univariable and multivariable Mendelian Randomization (MR) analyses were executed, based on pooled data from Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS), to investigate any causal impact of FAs on PIH. A suite of methods was employed to assess causality, including inverse variance weighting (IVW), weighted median, MR Egger, simple mode, and weighted mode. Subsequently, the data underwent a sensitivity analysis (using Leave-One-Out analysis), a heterogeneity test (with MR-PRESSO and Cochran’s Q test), as well as a multiple validity test (using MR-Egger regression). In multivariable analyses, fatty acids were first grouped to observe the effect of individual FAs on PIH. Subsequently, factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and body mass index (BMI) were incorporated into a multivariable examination of the impact of each FA on PIH. During this process, the IVW, weighted median, MR-Lasso, and MR-Egger methods were employed.ResultsA systematic investigation was conducted into the causal impact of each FA on PIH. The findings indicated that Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFA), Omega3, the ratio of Omega6 to Omega3, and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) have a causal relationship with PIH. Increases in PUFA, Omega3, and DHA could potentially reduce the risk of PIH, while an increase in the Omega6/Omega3 ratio could heighten the risk. The impacts of other FAs (including Total Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated Fatty Acids (MUFA), Saturated Fatty Acids (SFA), and Omega 6) on PIH were not substantiated by the MR analysis. In the univariate leave-one-out analysis, rs174564 was identified in PUFA, Omega3, and DHA as having a significant role. The tests with MR-Egger and MR-PRESSO found that the results were not influenced by pleiotropy and heterogeneity. After adjusting for BMI, Diabetes Mellitus, and pre-existing hypertension in the multivariable analysis, the results mirrored those obtained univariable.ConclusionThe research implies that elevated levels of circulating PUFA, DHA, and Omega3 may serve as a protective mechanism against PIH, while higher Omega6/Omega3 ratios could potentially increase the risk of PIH. These findings may inform clinical strategies for PIH prevention.

A Comparison of Pregnancy and Neonatal Outcomes in Women with the Hyperandrogenic Disorders Polycystic Ovary syndrome and Cushing’s Syndrome

Research Question: How does the risk for adverse obstetric outcomes differ among women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and women with Cushing’s syndrome (CUS)? Design: A retrospective population-based study utilizing data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project—Nationwide Inpatient Sample (HCUP-NIS), 2004-2014. 14, 881 deliveries to women with PCOS and 134 deliveries to women with CUS were identified. Associations between PCOS, CUS, pregnancy, delivery, and neonatal outcomes were analyzed with multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: At baseline, CUS was associated with a higher risk of chronic hypertension (P&lt;0.001), pregestational diabetes mellitus (P=0.01), thyroid disease (P=0.004), and higher rates of smoking during pregnancy (P=0.02) whereas PCOS was associated with higher rates of obesity (P=0.01). In terms of obstetric outcomes, PCOS increased the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (P=0.002, adjusted[a] OR 2.73; 95% CI 1.46 to 5.12), and cesarean section (P&lt;0.001, aOR 2.63; 95% CI 1.81-3.83) in comparison to CUS. CUS increased the prevalence of operative vaginal delivery (P&lt;0.001, aOR 0.10; 95% CI 0.06-0.14), and transfusion (P=0.002, aOR 0.25; 95% CI 0.11-0.59) in comparison to deliveries to women with PCOS. No significant differences were found in terms of pregnancy-induced hypertension (P=0.78), gestational hypertension (P=0.86), preeclampsia (P=0.25), preeclampsia or eclampsia superimposed on pre-existing hypertension (P=0.13). Conclusion: PCOS increases the risk of gestational diabetes and cesarean section relative to CUS, whereas CUS increases the prevalence of operative vaginal delivery and blood transfusions.

Incidence of cardiovascular and bleeding events and reasons for discontinuation in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia treated with ibrutinib-A retrospective analysis on consecutive patients from a well-defined region.

Ibrutinib treatment is associated with cardiovascular side effects, in particular atrial fibrillation (AF) and hypertension, as well as increased risk of bleeding. Here, we aimed at describing the incidence of these events during long-term follow-up in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia treated outside clinical trials as well as identifying clinical factors predictive of developing AF. Additionally, other reasons for treatment withdrawal were analyzed. The study was retrospective, data were collected from medical records. A total of 134 patients were identified. Median follow-up was 32 months (range 3-103) and median duration of ibrutinib treatment was 26 months (range 1-103). Of 110 patients with no prior history of AF, 24.5% were diagnosed during treatment. Newly diagnosed or worsening of pre-existing hypertension occurred in 15.7%. Sixty-six % of the patients experienced bleeding events, of which 7.5% grade 3-4. Treatment discontinuation and dose reduction occurred in 68% and 47% of the patients, respectively, mostly due to toxicity. The incidence of AF was high and at a median follow-up of 2.5 years, two-thirds of the patients discontinued treatment mostly due to bleeding and infections. Treatment-related toxicity of any grade should be regarded as a concern of prolonged ibrutinib therapy.

LEARN algorithm: a novel option for predicting non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

There is an unmet need for accurate non-invasive methods to diagnose non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Since impedance-based measurements of body composition are simple, repeatable and have a strong association with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) severity, we aimed to develop a novel and fully automatic machine learning algorithm, consisting of a deep neural network based on impedance-based measurements of body composition to identify NASH [the bioeLectrical impEdance Analysis foR Nash (LEARN) algorithm]. A total of 1,259 consecutive subjects with suspected NAFLD were screened from six medical centers across China, of which 766 patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD were included in final analysis. These patients were randomly subdivided into the training and validation groups, in a ratio of 4:1. The LEARN algorithm was developed in the training group to identify NASH, and subsequently, tested in the validation group. The LEARN algorithm utilizing impedance-based measurements of body composition along with age, sex, pre-existing hypertension and diabetes, was able to predict the likelihood of having NASH. This algorithm showed good discriminatory ability for identifying NASH in both the training and validation groups [area under the receiver operating characteristics (AUROC): 0.81, 95% CI: 0.77-0.84 and AUROC: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.73-0.87, respectively]. This algorithm also performed better than serum cytokeratin-18 neoepitope M30 (CK-18 M30) level or other non-invasive NASH scores (including HAIR, ION, NICE) for identifying NASH (P value <0.001). Additionally, the LEARN algorithm performed well in identifying NASH in different patient subgroups, as well as in subjects with partial missing body composition data. The LEARN algorithm, utilizing simple easily obtained measures, provides a fully automated, simple, non-invasive method for identifying NASH.

Nephrectomy for kidney tumor increases the risk of de novo arterial hypertension.

Kidney is an essential regulator of arterial blood pressure (BP) via the renin-angiotensin system. The impact of kidney surgery on BP is unclear. To evaluate the consequences of kidney surgery for renal tumor on BP. In a multicenter prospective study, we evaluated 200 patients who underwent nephrectomy for renal tumor between 2018 and 2020 at 7 departments of the UROCCR network. All patients had localized cancer without pre-existing hypertension. BP was measured the week before nephrectomy, one month and six months after nephrectomy, according to the recommendations for home blood pressure measurement. Plasmatic renin was measured one week before surgery and 6 months after surgery. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of de novo hypertension (HTN). The secondary endpoint was a clinically significant increase in BP at six months defined by an increase in systolic and / or diastolic ABP ≥10 mmHg or if medical anti-hypertensive treatment was required RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: BP and renin measurements were available for 182 (91%) and 136 (68%) patients, respectively. We excluded from the analysis 18 patients who had undeclared HTN detected on preoperative measurements. At six months, 31 (19.2%) patients had de novo HTN and 43 (26.3%) patients had a significant increase in their BP. The type of surgery was not associated with an increased risk of HTN (21.7% PN vs 15.7% RN; p=0.59). There was no difference between plasmatic renin levels before and after surgery (18.5 vs. 16, p=0.46). In multivariable analysis, age (O.R 1.07; CI-95 1.02-1.12; p=0.03) and BMI (O.R. 1.14; CI-95 1.03-1.26; p=0.01) were the only predictors of de novo HTN. Surgical treatment of renal tumors is associated with significant changes in BP. These changes are not impacted by the type of surgery (PN vs RN). In this study we evaluated blood pressure changes after surgery for renal tumors. We found that 19% of the patients developed de novo hypertension 6 months after surgery. We feel that patients who are scheduled to undergo kidney cancer surgery should be informed of these findings and have their blood pressure closely monitored after the operation.

Temporal Trends in Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational Diabetes in Pregnancy: Impact of Rural Residence, Ethnicity, and Material Deprivation

ObjectiveOur aim in this study was to implement a newly validated algorithm to identify pregnant women with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and to identify temporal trends in rates over the last decade. We also compared obstetric and neonatal outcomes of pregnancies with and without diabetes mellitus (DM). MethodsAmong women with live births between 2005 and 2018 in Alberta, we calculated yearly rates of T1DM, T2DM, and GDM, overall, and stratified by ethnicity, urban or rural residence, material deprivation score, and maternal age. ResultsBetween 2005 and 2018, GDM rates increased from 42.3 to 101.8 per 1,000 deliveries (p<0.0001), T2DM rates increased from 2.6 to 6.4 per 1,000 deliveries (p<0.0001), whereas T1DM remained constant at 3.0 per 1,000 deliveries each year (p=0.4301). Higher GDM and T2DM rates were observed among Chinese and South Asian women, respectively, and among women who were materially deprived and living in urban areas. Women with T2DM were older and had the highest rates of pre-existing hypertension (16%). In contrast, women with T1DM were younger and had the highest rates of gestational hypertension (12%), pre-eclampsia (12%), and cesarean section deliveries (62%). Children of women with T1DM had the highest rates of large for gestational age (46%), neonatal hypoglycemia (41.1%), respiratory distress syndrome (7.7%), and jaundice (29.3%). ConclusionsDiabetes-in-pregnancy rates have more than doubled over the last decade, driven primarily by increases in GDM and T2DM. These trends may have significant implications for the future health of mothers and children in Alberta.

Assessment of Risk Factor Progression Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Diagnosed Cases of Hypertension and Diabetes Under the Field Practice Area of Urban Primary Health Centre, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand.

Hypertension and diabetes were the two pertinent comorbidities of non-communicable disease which was most deadly affected during the COVID-19 pandemic, globally. Therefore, the present study was carried out to assess the progression of risk factors in patients with hypertension and diabetes, and behavioural risk factors during the COVID-19 pandemic. A community-based longitudinal study was carried out for a period of one year in patients with pre-existing hypertension and diabetes in the field practise area of urban primary health centres (UPHC) in Rishikesh. The sample size is estimated to be 274, Only 100 study participants could be enrolled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A convenience sampling method was used. Data were analysed using SPSS Version 23(IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Mean ± SD was calculated for continuous variables.The Chi-square test and the Fischer exact test were employed as appropriate to examine the association. To compare the means, the paired "T-test" was utilised. Mean age of 100 study participants was 56 years± 11SD. A significant difference (p=0.03)in random blood sugar and diastolic blood pressure was observed before and during the pandemic Proportion of tobacco users and alcoholics was 33% and 22%, respectively. The progression of hypertension and diabetes was reported to be significantamong the participants with unhealthy diets and unhealthy lifestyles. COVID-19 pandemic poses an increase in risk factors like the adoption of unhealthy and sedentary lifestyles, tobacco, and alcohol consumption. All these factors were significantly (p=0.02) associated with the progression of diabetes and hypertension.

Early Pregnancy Systolic Blood Pressure Patterns Predict Early- and Later-Onset Preeclampsia and Gestational Hypertension Among Ostensibly Low-to-Moderate Risk Groups.

Background Clinical risk factors, a single blood pressure (BP) measurement, current biomarkers, and biophysical parameters can effectively identify risk of early-onset preeclampsia but have limited ability to predict later-onset preeclampsia and gestational hypertension. Clinical BP patterns hold promise to improve early risk stratification for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Methods and Results After excluding preexisting hypertension, heart, kidney, or liver disease, or prior preeclampsia, the retrospective cohort (n=249 892) all had systolic BP <140 mm Hg and diastolic BP <90 mm Hg or a single BP elevation ≤20 weeks' gestation, prenatal care at <14 weeks' gestation, and a still or live birth delivery at Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals (2009-2019). The sample was randomly split into development (N=174 925; 70%) and validation (n=74 967; 30%) data sets. Predictive performance of multinomial logistic regression models for early-onset (<34 weeks) preeclampsia, later-onset (≥34 weeks) preeclampsia, and gestational hypertension was evaluated in the validation data set. There were 1008 (0.4%), 10 766 (4.3%), and 11 514 (4.6%) patients with early-onset preeclampsia, later-onset preeclampsia, and gestation hypertension, respectively. Models with 6 systolic BP trajectory groups (0-20 weeks' gestation) plus standard clinical risk factors performed substantially better than risk factors alone to predict early- and later-onset preeclampsia and gestational hypertension, with C-statistics (95% CIs) of 0.747 (0.720-0.775), 0.730 (0.722-0.739), and 0.768 (0.761-0.776) versus 0.688 (0.659-0.717), 0.695 (0.686-0.704) and 0.692 (0.683-0.701), respectively, with excellent calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow P=0.99, 0.99, and 0.74, respectively). Conclusions Early pregnancy BP patterns up to 20 weeks' gestation plus clinical, social, and behavioral factors more accurately discriminate hypertensive disorders of pregnancy risk among low-to-moderate risk pregnancies. Early pregnancy BP trajectories improve risk stratification to reveal higher-risk individuals hidden within ostensibly low-to-moderate risk groups and lower-risk individuals considered at higher risk by US Preventive Services Task Force criteria.