Treatment Of Modifiable Risk Factors Research Articles

Unexplained Residual Risk In Type 2 Diabetes: How Big Is The Problem?

What is new? Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality in type 2 diabetes (T2D) individuals. Of the major risk factors for CVD, less than 10% of T2D people meet the American Diabetes Association/American Heart Association recommended goals of therapy. The present review examines how much of the absolute cardiovascular (CV) risk in type 2 diabetes patients can be explained by major CV intervention trials. Multiple long-term cardiovascular (CV) intervention trials have examined the effect of specific target-directed therapies on the MACE endpoint. Only one prospective study, STENO-2, has employed a multifactorial intervention comparing intensified versus conventional treatment of modifiable risk factors in T2D patients, and demonstrated a 20% absolute CV risk reduction. If the absolute CV risk reduction in these trials is added to that in the only prospective multifactorial intervention trial (STENO-2), the unexplained CV risk is 44.1%. What are the clinical implications? Potential explanations for the unaccounted-for reduction in absolute CV risk in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients are discussed. failure to take into account synergistic interactions between major cardiovascular risk factors is responsible for the unexplained CV risk in T2D patients. Simultaneous treatment of all major CV risk factors to recommended AHA/ADA guideline goals is required to achieve the maximum reduction in CV risk.

A practical guide for assessing and managing cardiovascular risk during androgen-deprivation therapy in patients with prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy among men worldwide, and androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) is a mainstay of treatment. There are observational data demonstrating an increased risk of cardiovascular events in patients who receive ADT, particularly those who have an elevated baseline cardiovascular risk. Because, for most patients with prostate cancer, death is predominantly from noncancer-related causes, cardiovascular disease and its risk factors should be optimized during cancer treatment. This review provides an overview of the landscape of ADT treatment and serves as a guide for appropriate cardiovascular screening and risk-mitigation strategies. The authors emphasize the importance of shared communication between the multidisciplinary cancer team and primary care to improve baseline cardiovascular screening and treatment of modifiable risk factors within this higher risk population.

Vascular Risk Factors and Their Influence on Migraine Phenotype in Older Adults

This comprehensive review examines the impact of vascular risk factors on the phenotypic expression of migraine in the elderly population. Migraine, particularly migraine with aura, has been established as a risk factor for ischemic lesions of the brain, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases. The association between migraine and specific vascular events, such as stroke, myocardial infarction, and angina pectoris, underscores the need for a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between migraine and cardiovascular diseases. The challenges in differentiating migraine from vascular insults, especially in the elderly population, highlight the need for improved diagnostic and treatment strategies to address the complexities of managing migraine in this demographic. Patient education and treatment of modifiable risk factors may decrease future vascular events, emphasizing the importance of addressing vascular risk factors in migraine management. The potential impact of prevention and treatment of unfavorable arterial hemodynamics on neurocognitive outcomes underscores the broader implications of addressing vascular risk factors in migraine management. The clinical and public health relevance of understanding the modifiability of vascular risk factors in elderly migraine patients extends to addressing challenges in cancer survivorship, radiological emergency response, and rational person behavior, emphasizing the diverse applications of addressing vascular risk factors in healthcare and public health. Ultimately, the clinical and public health relevance of understanding the impact of vascular risk factors on the phenotypic expression of elderly migraine underscores the need for continued research and clinical vigilance in addressing the complex interplay between migraine and vascular risk factors in the elderly population.

ADHERENCE TO INTERVENTIONS AT A FALL CLINIC: PRELIMINARY DESCRIPTIVE DATA FROM A SINGLE ACADEMIC INSTITUTION

Abstract Background Falls and fall-related injuries are major public health concerns. Approximately 50 billion dollars are spent on annual medical costs related to falls. Fall prevention is a priority for promoting active and healthy aging in older adults. Fall prevention clinics enable focused evaluation, identification, and treatment of modifiable risk factors, specifically for falls; however, their effectiveness is dependent upon patient adherence to preventive interventions. Methods We analyzed patients aged > 65 years who visited our fall clinic between February 2021 and February 2023. We took an interdisciplinary approach to improve adherence to recommendations, including follow-up phone calls by a dedicated nurse to confirm adherence, nurse-directed interventions such as Tai Chi sessions, and home environment assessments by a social worker. Results 48 patients were included in this analysis, with a mean age of 84 (65-99), and 85% were female. Fall-specific risk factors identified included impairment of strength, gait, or balance (96%); use of fall-risk-increasing medications (54%); problems with feet affecting gait (40%); visual impairment (29%); and postural hypotension (6%). The adherence rates for our interventions were 48% for physical therapy referrals, 28% for podiatry referrals, 36% for ophthalmology referrals, 47% for other referrals, 75% for vitamin D prescriptions, and 50% for assistive device prescriptions. Conclusions There is room for improvement in adherence to referrals. A larger sample size and longer follow-up period are required to investigate factors related to non-adherence. The delivery of both verbal and written recommendations, the identification of each patient’s barriers, and same-day referrals may help improve adherence.

Common mental health disorders in adults with inflammatory skin conditions: nationwide population-based matched cohort studies in the UK

BackgroundPsoriasis and atopic eczema are common inflammatory skin diseases. Existing research has identified increased risks of common mental disorders (anxiety, depression) in people with eczema and psoriasis; however, explanations for the associations remain unclear. We aimed to establish the risk factors for mental illness in those with eczema or psoriasis and identify the population groups most at risk.MethodsWe used routinely collected data from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) GOLD. Adults registered with a general practice in CPRD (1997–2019) were eligible for inclusion. Individuals with eczema/psoriasis were matched (age, sex, practice) to up to five adults without eczema/psoriasis. We used Cox regression to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for hazards of anxiety or depression in people with eczema/psoriasis compared to people without. We adjusted for known confounders (deprivation, asthma [eczema], psoriatic arthritis [psoriasis], Charlson comorbidity index, calendar period) and potential mediators (harmful alcohol use, body mass index [BMI], smoking status, and, in eczema only, sleep quality [insomnia diagnoses, specific sleep problem medications] and high-dose oral glucocorticoids).ResultsWe identified two cohorts with and without eczema (1,032,782, matched to 4,990,125 without), and with and without psoriasis (366,884, matched to 1,834,330 without). Sleep quality was imbalanced in the eczema cohorts, twice as many people with eczema had evidence of poor sleep at baseline than those without eczema, including over 20% of those with severe eczema. After adjusting for potential confounders and mediators, eczema and psoriasis were associated with anxiety (adjusted HR [95% CI]: eczema 1.14 [1.13–1.16], psoriasis 1.17 [1.15–1.19]) and depression (adjusted HR [95% CI]: eczema 1.11 [1.1–1.12], psoriasis 1.21 [1.19–1.22]). However, we found evidence that these increased hazards are unlikely to be constant over time and were especially high 1-year after study entry.ConclusionsAtopic eczema and psoriasis are associated with increased incidence of anxiety and depression in adults. These associations may be mediated through known modifiable risk factors, especially sleep quality in people with eczema. Our findings highlight potential opportunities for the prevention of anxiety and depression in people with eczema/psoriasis through treatment of modifiable risk factors and enhanced eczema/psoriasis management.

Secondary prevention after intracerebral haemorrhage.

Intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) has high mortality in the acute phase and poor functional outcome in the majority of survivors. ICH recurrence is a major determinant of long-term prognosis and is the most feared complication of antithrombotic treatment. On the other hand, ICH patients are at high risk of future ischaemic vascular events. This narrative review provides a critical analysis of the current knowledge on the topic. We performed a Pubmed search with the following terms 'intracerebral haemorrhage', 'stroke', 'outcome', 'secondary prevention', 'anticoagulation' and 'atrial fibrillation', including only English written studies with no time restrictions. Blood pressure management is the cornerstone of secondary ICH prevention, regardless of ICH location or underlying cerebral small vessel disease. Resumption of antiplatelet and anticoagulation therapy is often challenging, with limited evidence from randomized trials. Clinical and imaging predictors can inform the stratification of ICH recurrence risk and might identify patients at very high probability of future haemorrhagic events. This narrative review provides a summary of the main diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies available for secondary prevention in ICH survivors. Appropriate recognition and treatment of modifiable risk factors for ICH recurrence might improve outcomes in ICH survivors. Ongoing randomized trials might provide novel insights and improve long-term management.

Global Initiative for Asthma Strategy 2021: Executive Summary and Rationale for Key Changes.

The Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) Strategy Report provides clinicians with an annually updated evidence-based strategy for asthma management and prevention, which can be adapted for local circumstances (e.g., medication availability). This article summarizes key recommendations from GINA 2021, and the evidence underpinning recent changes. GINA recommends that asthma in adults and adolescents should not be treated solely with short-acting β2 -agonist (SABA), because of the risks of SABA-only treatment and SABA overuse, and evidence for benefit of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). Large trials show that as-needed combination ICS-formoterol reduces severe exacerbations by ≥60% in mild asthma compared with SABA alone, with similar exacerbation, symptom, lung function, and inflammatory outcomes as daily ICS plus as-needed SABA. Key changes in GINA 2021 include division of the treatment figure for adults and adolescents into two tracks. Track 1 (preferred) has low-dose ICS-formoterol as the reliever at all steps: as needed only in Steps 1-2 (mild asthma), and with daily maintenance ICS-formoterol (maintenance-and-reliever therapy, "MART") in Steps 3-5. Track 2 (alternative) has as-needed SABA across all steps, plus regular ICS (Step 2) or ICS-long-acting β2 -agonist (Steps 3-5). For adults with moderate-to-severe asthma, GINA makes additional recommendations in Step 5 for add-on long-acting muscarinic antagonists and azithromycin, with add-on biologic therapies for severe asthma. For children 6-11 years, new treatment options are added at Steps 3-4. Across all age groups and levels of severity, regular personalized assessment, treatment of modifiable risk factors, self-management education, skills training, appropriate medication adjustment, and review remain essential to optimize asthma outcomes.

Prevalence and associated factors of urinary incontinence among adult women in primary care

Purpose: The current study aimed to prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) and related factors in adult women admitted to the family medicine outpatient clinic. 
 Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional prospective study was conducted in a family health centre between October 2020 and March 2021. Randomly selected 268 adult women were included in the study. The demographic, obstetric, gynecological characteristics and medical history of the participants were obtained with a questionnaire. Urinary incontinence symptoms was assessed using Turkish Version of the International Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ-SF)
 Results: The prevalence of UI in study population was 17.5% and according to age grup it was 4.1% at 18-29
 years, 10.3% at 30-39 years, 12.0% at 40-49 years, 33.3% at 50-59 years, 46.7% at 60-69 years and 81.8% at ≥70 years old, respectively. Participants with urinary incontinence had higher median age, body mass index (BMI), menopause vintage, and gravida than continent participants. Low education level, drug usage, constipation, menapause (were independently associated with urinary incontinence. 
 Conclusion: UI is still a common health problem among adult women. We recommend physicians to be questioned about UI symptoms, especially in women over 50 years of age. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effect of the treatment of modifiable risk factors on UI incidence among adult women

Global Initiative for Asthma Strategy 2021: Executive Summary and Rationale for Key Changes

The Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) Strategy Report provides clinicians with an annually updated evidence-based strategy for asthma management and prevention, which can be adapted for local circumstances (e.g., medication availability). This article summarizes key recommendations from GINA 2021, and the evidence underpinning recent changes. GINA recommends that asthma in adults and adolescents should not be treated solely with short-acting β2-agonist (SABA), because of the risks of SABA-only treatment and SABA overuse, and evidence for benefit of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). Large trials show that as-needed combination ICS-formoterol reduces severe exacerbations by ≥60% in mild asthma compared with SABA alone, with similar exacerbation, symptom, lung function, and inflammatory outcomes as daily ICS plus as-needed SABA. Key changes in GINA 2021 include division of the treatment figure for adults and adolescents into two tracks. Track 1 (preferred) has low-dose ICS-formoterol as the reliever at all steps: as needed only in Steps 1-2 (mild asthma), and with daily maintenance ICS-formoterol (maintenance-and-reliever therapy, "MART") in Steps 3-5. Track 2 (alternative) has as-needed SABA across all steps, plus regular ICS (Step 2) or ICS-long-acting β2-agonist (Steps 3-5). For adults with moderate-to-severe asthma, GINA makes additional recommendations in Step 5 for add-on long-acting muscarinic antagonists and azithromycin, with add-on biologic therapies for severe asthma. For children 6-11 years, new treatment options are added at Steps 3-4. Across all age groups and levels of severity, regular personalized assessment, treatment of modifiable risk factors, self-management education, skills training, appropriate medication adjustment, and review remain essential to optimize asthma outcomes.

Global Initiative for Asthma Strategy 2021. Executive Summary and Rationale for Key Changes

The Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) Strategy Report provides clinicians with an annually updated evidence-based strategy for asthma management and prevention, which can be adapted for local circumstances (e.g., medication availability). This article summarizes key recommendations from GINA 2021, and the evidence underpinning recent changes.GINA recommends that asthma in adults and adolescents should not be treated solely with short-acting β2-agonist (SABA), because of the risks of SABA-only treatment and SABA overuse, and evidence for benefit of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). Large trials show that as-needed combination ICS–formoterol reduces severe exacerbations by ≥60% in mild asthma compared with SABA alone, with similar exacerbation, symptom, lung function, and inflammatory outcomes as daily ICS plus as-needed SABA.Key changes in GINA 2021 include division of the treatment figure for adults and adolescents into two tracks. Track 1 (preferred) has low-dose ICS–formoterol as the reliever at all steps: as needed only in Steps 1–2 (mild asthma), and with daily maintenance ICS–formoterol (maintenance-and-reliever therapy, “MART”) in Steps 3–5. Track 2 (alternative) has as-needed SABA across all steps, plus regular ICS (Step 2) or ICS–long-acting β2-agonist (Steps 3–5). For adults with moderate-to-severe asthma, GINA makes additional recommendations in Step 5 for add-on long-acting muscarinic antagonists and azithromycin, with add-on biologic therapies for severe asthma. For children 6–11 years, new treatment options are added at Steps 3–4.Across all age groups and levels of severity, regular personalized assessment, treatment of modifiable risk factors, self-management education, skills training, appropriate medication adjustment, and review remain essential to optimize asthma outcomes.

Global Initiative for Asthma Strategy 2021: executive summary and rationale for key changes.

The GINA Strategy Report provides clinicians with an annually updated evidence-based strategy for asthma management and prevention. This article summarizes key recommendations from GINA 2021, and the evidence underpinning the new changes. https://bit.ly/3FZblIS

Global Initiative for Asthma Strategy 2021: Executive Summary and Rationale for Key Changes

The Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) Strategy Report provides clinicians with an annually updated evidence-based strategy for asthma management and prevention, which can be adapted for local circumstances (e.g., medication availability). This article summarizes key recommendations from GINA 2021, and the evidence underpinning recent changes.GINA recommends that asthma in adults and adolescents should not be treated solely with short-acting β2-agonist (SABA), because of the risks of SABA-only treatment and SABA overuse, and evidence for benefit of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). Large trials show that as-needed combination ICS–formoterol reduces severe exacerbations by ⩾60% in mild asthma compared with SABA alone, with similar exacerbation, symptom, lung function, and inflammatory outcomes as daily ICS plus as-needed SABA.Key changes in GINA 2021 include division of the treatment figure for adults and adolescents into two tracks. Track 1 (preferred) has low-dose ICS–formoterol as the reliever at all steps: as needed only in Steps 1–2 (mild asthma), and with daily maintenance ICS–formoterol (maintenance-and-reliever therapy, “MART”) in Steps 3–5. Track 2 (alternative) has as-needed SABA across all steps, plus regular ICS (Step 2) or ICS–long-acting β2-agonist (Steps 3–5). For adults with moderate-to-severe asthma, GINA makes additional recommendations in Step 5 for add-on long-acting muscarinic antagonists and azithromycin, with add-on biologic therapies for severe asthma. For children 6–11 years, new treatment options are added at Steps 3–4.Across all age groups and levels of severity, regular personalized assessment, treatment of modifiable risk factors, self-management education, skills training, appropriate medication adjustment, and review remain essential to optimize asthma outcomes.

P474 Postoperative infectious complications in patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: experience of a tertiary center

Abstract Background Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) are at increased risk of postoperative infectious complications (PIC). There are few studies and conflicting data regarding the risk factors involved in these patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of infectious complications and postoperative mortality in patients with IBD who underwent intestinal surgery, as well as describe the characteristics of our population and identify possible risk factors. Methods Retrospective study on patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn’s disease (CD) and Ulcerative Colitis (UC)) treated in “Virgen de las Nieves” University Hospital between January 2019 and December 2020. Patients who underwent small bowel or colorectal surgery were included. Information regarding demographic and clinical data, procedures, treatments and surgical outcomes were collected. Clinical outcomes documented were postoperative infectious complications and in-hospital mortality. Descriptive inferential were carried out. Results 36 patients were included (47.2% male, median age 44.9 years). All the characteristics of our sample are detailed in Figures 1 and 2. Regarding surgical outcomes, 7 patients developed PIC (6 surgical site infection (SSI) and 1 multiple infections including pneumonia, candidemia and SSI). The features of these patients are detailed in Figures 3 and 4. Conclusion Postoperative infectious complications after intestinal surgery are an important cause of morbi-mortality in CD and UC patients. Identifying risk factors early, could help reduce the incidence of these complications. Seven patients (19,4%) in our sample developed PIC, mostly SSI. All of them diagnosed of CD, which explains the greater need of surgery in them compared to patients with UC. These patients had more severe disease: penetrating pattern (B3 according to Montreal Classification) and ileocolonic location (L3). Most patients were receiving immunosuppressive treatments by the time of surgery, especially biological treatments. The median time of evolution of the disease was high, describing a profile of disease more advanced. Our efforts should be determined to early prevention and treatment of modifiable risk factors during the perioperative period. In order to achieve this aim, further research is needed, with prospective, multicenter and wider population studies, trying to control any confusion factors. Finally, we would like to highlight the need of studies analyzing UC population, as most of them focus on patients with CD.

Narrative review of blood management in the cancer patient undergoing surgery

: Improvements in cancer screening programmes and diagnostics have meant that many cancers are now identified early in the disease process and therefore surgery can offer a potential cure. The incidence of cancer continues to increase worldwide and as does the need and capability for surgery. All surgery comes with a risk of blood loss and transfusion. Patient blood management (PBM) is now recognised as a multi-disciplinary team approach and has evolved over the last decade. Using a phased framework of pre-, intra- and post-operative pillars it aims to facilitate early identification and treatment of modifiable risk factors for peri-operative blood loss and thus reduce unnecessary blood transfusion. Anaemia is more prevalent in patients with underlying cancer, so the effects of significant peri-operative blood loss can be more profound and leads to increases in morbidity and mortality. Pre-operative anaemia is an independent risk factor for requiring a blood transfusion. Anaemia can arise from a number of causes; primary pathology, adjuvant chemotherapy and malnutrition are particularly prominent in a cancer setting. Pre-operative treatments include the use of blood, erythrocyte stimulating agent and intravenous iron therapy. Whilst allogenic blood transfusion might always remain a necessity where pre-operative anaemia is extreme or where there is catastrophic intra-operative blood loss, attention to early identification and intervention can modify blood usage. Intra-operative strategies for reducing transfusion in surgery may include advanced technologies such as cell salvage. Post-operatively adherence to transfusion threshold guidance can further reduce transfusion requirements.

Treatment of modifiable risk factors for foot ulceration in persons with diabetes: a systematic review.

Prevention of diabetic foot ulcers is important. Preventative treatment mostly targets and aims to improve modifiable risk factors of foot ulceration. While effectiveness of interventions in ulcer prevention has been systematically reviewed, their effectiveness in improving modifiable risk factors is unknown. The available medical scientific literature in PubMed, Excerpta Medica Database, and the Cochrane database was searched for original research studies on six interventions to treat modifiable risk factors for diabetic foot ulceration (ie, education for patients; education for professionals; self-management; pre-ulcer treatment; orthotic interventions; and foot- and mobility-related exercises). We assessed interventions for eight outcomes (ie, patients' knowledge; treatment adherence; professionals' knowledge; pre-ulcers; mechanical stress; neuropathy symptoms; foot/ankle joint mobility; and foot function). Both controlled and noncontrolled studies were selected. Data from controlled studies were assessed for methodological quality by two independent reviewers and extracted and presented in evidence and risk of bias tables. We included 72 publications (26 with a controlled study design and 46 noncontrolled). We found that structured education may improve foot self-care behaviour of patients, yearly foot examinations, and foot disease knowledge of health care professionals. Callus removal reduces peak plantar pressure. Custom-made therapeutic footwear can be effective in reducing plantar pressure and may reduce callus. Foot- and mobility-related exercises may improve neuropathy symptoms and foot and ankle joint range of motion, while they do not seem to reduce peak plantar pressure; evidence for their effect on foot strength is conflicting. Structured education for patients and health care professionals, callus removal, custom-made therapeutic footwear, and foot- and mobility-related exercises may be beneficial for improving modifiable risk factors for foot ulceration. However, we generally found low quality of evidence for interventions targeting modifiable risk factors for ulceration in persons with diabetes, with frequently inconsistent or limited results available per intervention and outcome.

Prevalence and Associated Factors for Arterial Hypertension in Adults Following Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Background: Survivors of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are 2 to 4 times more likely to develop cardiovascular diseases, accounting for 2-11% of mortality among long-term survivors. Early diagnosis and treatment of modifiable risk factors, such as arterial hypertension, are imperative in this group of patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence and associated factors for arterial hypertension following HSCT in a Colombian population. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in 220 consecutive adult HSCT recipients who underwent transplantation between 2009 and 2017 at a third level referral center in Colombia. Blood pressure data, from two different measures, were collected at 7 time points: day of mobilization for autologous HSCT (auto-HSCT) and day 0 before infusion for allogeneic HSCT (allo-HSCT), day 7, and months 1, 3, 6 and 12 post-HSCT. Arterial hypertension was defined as a systolic blood pressure 140mmHg and/or a diastolic blood pressure 90 mmHg. Patients with history of arterial hypertension were excluded. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze patient's demographic data. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess the association between clinical characteristics and arterial hypertension. Results: One hundred and seventy-one patients were included, with a median age of 45 years (range 18-71). Eighty-nine patients (52.1%) were male. One hundred and fifteen patients (67.3%) underwent auto-HSCT and 56 (32.7%) allo-HSCT. The most common indication for HSCT were lymphomas (39.8%), followed by leukemia (28.6%) and multiple myeloma (23.4%). Thirty-six patients (21.1%) developed arterial hypertension by the end of the first year of follow-up. Prevalence of hypertension at each time point was 2.3% on day 7 post-HSCT, 4.7%, 5.3%, 5.5% and 8.1% at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months respectively. Allo-HSCT (P<0.001), diagnosis of leukemia (P<0.001) or lymphoma (P<0.05), therapy with calcineurin inhibitors (P=0.004), prophylactic treatment for GvHD with mycophenolate (P<0.05) and acute GvHD (P<0.001) were significantly associated with the development of arterial hypertension. After performing multivariate regression analysis to identify arterial hypertension associated factors, patients with allo-HSCT were found to be 3 times more likely to develop arterial hypertension than patients with auto-HSCT (95% CI 1.85-8.60, P=0.000). Conclusions: Screening for arterial hypertension is warranted in HSCT survivors since it is a modifiable cardiovascular risk factor. Similar to previously reported findings, we found an association between post-HSCT arterial hypertension and allo-HSCT, use of calcineurin inhibitors and mycophenolate, and development of acute GvHD. Patients undergoing allo-HSCT are at increased risk of developing hypertension. Disclosures Sandoval-Sus: Seattle Genetics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

[Prevention of cognitive decline and dementia by treatment of risk factors].

In Germany, approximately 1.6 million people are currently suffering from dementia. The prevalence of the disease is expected to double by 2060. To date there is no treatment that can prevent the onset of dementia. For this reason, the development of prevention strategies for cognitive decline and dementia is crucial. Presentation of studies on dementia prevention by treatment of arterial hypertension. Overview of current multidomain interventional studies on dementia prevention. Narrative review. Whereas in three previous randomized controlled trials on antihypertensive treatment areduction of dementia risk could not be found, the recent SPRINT-MIND study demonstrated areduced risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and in the trend for dementia by intensified hypotensive treatment. Multidomain interventional studies suggest preventive effects, particularly in specific risk groups and also highlight the challenge of adherence to lifestyle modifications. The treatment of modifiable risk factors can have a preventive effects on cognitive decline and dementia. More research is needed to identify subgroups with the greatest likelihood of benefits.

Comorbidities as Risk Factors for Acute and Recurrent Erysipelas

BACKGROUND:Erysipelas is a common infectious skin disease. A typical feature of erysipelas, especially on the lower limbs, is the tendency to reoccur and the study aimed to define the comorbidities associated with it.AIM:We aimed to investigate systemic and local comorbidities in patients diagnosed with erysipelas on the lower limbs.MATERIAL AND METHODS:We conducted a retrospectively-prospective, population-based cohort study which included all patients diagnosed with erysipelas on the lower limbs, during two years. Patients were divided into two groups: patients with first episode and patients with recurrent erysipelas. These two groups were compared, with particular emphasis on systemic and local comorbidities.RESULTS:The study included 313 patients, of which 187 with the first episode of erysipelas and 126 with a recurrent. Regarding the analyzed systemic risk factors, the recurrent erysipelas was significantly associated with obesity (p < 0.0001), insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (p = 0.0015), history of malignant disease (p = 0.02) and tonsillectomy (p = 0.000001). For a p-value < 0.0001, significantly more frequent finding of peripheral arterial occlusive disease, chronic oedema/lymphoedema, fungal infections of the affected leg and chronic ulcer was confirmed in recurrent erysipelas. Neuropathy had 23% of the recurrent cases and 8.6% in patients without recurrence, and the difference was found to be significant for p = 0.0003. The only dissection of the lymph nodes was found more frequently in recurrent erysipelas (p = 0.017), but no associations with other analysed local surgery on the affected leg. Patients with recurrent erysipelas had ipsilateral coexisting dermatitis p = 0.00003 significantly more frequent. Minor trauma often preceded the first episode of erysipelas p = 0.005.CONCLUSION:Identification and treatment of modifiable risk factors are expected to reduce the risk of a subsequent episode of erysipelas on the lower limbs.

Evaluation of Medication Adherence among Elderly Patients at the time of stroke Onset in Southeast Rajasthan

Introduction: Stroke is the second most common cause of death worldwide after ischemic heart disease. Socioeconomic burden of stroke can be reduced by proper treatment of modifiable risk factors and maintaining adherence to treatment. The aim of this study is to identify factors associated with non-adherence to treatment of modifiable risk factors in elderly stroke patients. Methods: Prospective observational study with 100 acute ischemic stroke patients admitted in Neurology department, Government Medical College Kota between June to September 2018. Risk factors for stroke and reasons for non-adherence to anti-hypertensives, anti-diabetics and antiplatelet agents were studied in detail. Results: Various modifiable risk factors for stroke present in study subjects were smoking (35%), alcoholism (16%), hypertension (82%) and diabetes mellitus (23%). Past history of stroke was present in 14% cases. Total 59 patients were non-adherent to treatment. Reasons for non-adherence include poor knowledge (47%), superstitious belief (32%), intentional withdrawal (25%), due to miscommunication (12%), pill burden (7%), side effects (3%), pill size (1%) and poor family care(1%). Conclusions: Understanding of various factors associated with medication intake and creating awareness among patient could help in medication adherence.

Cardiovascular risk factors in children on dialysis: an update.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a life-limiting comorbidity in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). In childhood, imaging studies have demonstrated early phenotypic characteristics including increases in left ventricular mass, carotid artery intima-media thickness, and pulse wave velocity, which occur even in young children with early stages of CKD. Vascular calcifications are the signature of an advanced phenotype and are mainly found in adolescents and young adults treated with dialysis. Association studies have provided valuable information regarding the significance of a multitude of risk factors in promoting CVD in children with CKD by using intermediate endpoints of measurements of surrogate parameters of CVD. Dialysis aggravates pre-existing risk factors and accelerates the progression of CVD with additional dialysis-related risk factors. Coronary artery calcifications in children and young adults with CKD accumulate in a time-dependent manner on dialysis. Identification of risk factors has led to improved understanding of principal mechanisms of CKD-induced damage to the cardiovascular system. Treatment strategies include assessment and monitoring of individual risk factor load, optimization of treatment of modifiable risk factors, and intensified hemodialysis if early transplantation is not possible.