Skeletal muscle strength in young Asian Indian females after vitamin D and calcium supplementation: a double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial

CONTEXT

Randomized control trials (RCT) of the effect of vitamin D/calcium supplementation on skeletal muscle strength have not shown promising effect in the elderly.

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to assess the effect of vitamin D and/or calcium on muscle strength in young adults with vitamin D deficiency.

DESIGN AND SETTING

We conducted a RCT using a factorial design at a tertiary-care center from September 2010 to April 2011.

SUBJECTS

A total of 173 healthy females with mean age, body mass index, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] of 21.7 ± 4.4 yr, 20.8 ± 2.96 kg/m(2), and 9.3 ± 3.37 ng/ml, respectively, were block randomized to 1) double placebo, 2) calcium/placebo, 3) cholecalciferol/placebo, and 4) cholecalciferol/calcium for 6 months. Cholecalciferol was given at 60,000 IU/wk for 8 wk followed by 60,000 IU/fortnight. Elemental calcium was given in doses of 500 mg twice per day for 6 months.

METHODS

Assessment included hand grip (primary outcome) and pinch grip strength, distance walked in 6 min, dyspnea score, quality of life by Short Form (36) Health Survey (SP-36), serum 25(OH)D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, and intact PTH.

RESULTS

The serum 25(OH)D increased significantly to 29.9 ± 8.35 and 27.0 ± 9.54 ng/ml in two groups on cholecalciferol. The mean hand grip strength (19.4 ± 3.92, 21.1 ± 3.31, 20.6 ± 3.92, and 20.1 ± 4.00 kg) and its increase from baseline (0.3 ± 2.25, 0.3 ± 2.64, -0.3 ± 2.41, and 0.6 ± 2.30 kg) were comparable in four groups at 6 months. Quality of life, urinary calcium/creatinine ratio, and adverse effects were also comparable in groups.

CONCLUSION

Oral cholecalciferol/calcium supplementation in the dose/schedule used is effective and safe in increasing and maintaining serum 25(OH)D. However, this does not lead to improved skeletal muscle strength in young females.

Ureaplasma serovars & their antimicrobial susceptibility in patients of infertility & genital tract infections

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

Ureaplasmas have been implicated in a variety of clinical conditions. However, only certain serovars of ureaplasmas are disease associated. Only a few classes of antimicrobial agents are available for the treatment of mycoplasmal infections in humans. Increase of resistance of genital mycoplasmas to antimicrobials has been reported worldwide. The aim of the present study was to determine the occurrence of Ureaplasma serovars in patients with infertility and genital tract infections with polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based serotyping. The antimicrobial susceptibilities of Ureaplasma spp. and Mycoplasma hominis were also assessed to determine the most suitable treatment strategy.

METHODS

Sexually active adults (n=147) with symptoms of genital tract infections and 115 infertile women were enrolled. Endocervical swabs from women and urethral swabs from men were subjected to culture and multiplex PCR for detection of genital mycoplasmas. Serotyping of Ureaplasma was done by PCR and antimicrobial susceptibility to doxycycline, azithromycin, josamycin and ofloxacin was done by microbroth dilution method.

RESULTS

Ureaplasma was detected in 25.8 per cent patients with genital tract infections and 20.8 per cent in infertile women. Serovar 3/14 was the most frequent isolate followed by serovar 1 and serovar 6. The majority of Ureaplasma isolates were susceptible to doxycycline (91%) and josamycin (86%) followed by ofloxacin (77%) and azithromycin (71%). All the isolates of M. hominis were uniformly susceptible to doxycycline, josamycin and ofloxacin.

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS

The predominance of Ureaplasma serovar 3/14 suggests their possible pathogenic role in genital tract infections and infertility. For empirical treatment, doxycycline could be the drug of choice for genital mycoplasmas.

Effect of addition of short course of prednisolone to gluten-free diet on mucosal epithelial cell regeneration and apoptosis in celiac disease: a pilot randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Identification of adjuvant treatment is necessary for rapid and effective treatment in patients with celiac disease. In a pilot randomized controlled trial, the effect of prednisolone on enterocyte apoptosis and regeneration in celiac disease was investigated.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty-three treatment-naïve patients with celiac disease were randomized to either gluten-free diet (GFD, n = 17) or GFD + prednisolone (1 mg/kg for 4 weeks, n = 16). Duodenal biopsies were taken at baseline and at 4 and 8 weeks posttreatment. Six patients with functional dyspepsia were recruited as controls. All these biopsies were stained for markers of intrinsic apoptotic pathway (AIF, H2AX, p53), common apoptotic pathway (CC3, M30), apoptotic inhibitors (XIAP, Bcl2), and epithelial proliferation (Ki-67). Apoptotic (AI) and proliferation indices (PI) were compared.

RESULTS

At baseline duodenal biopsies, the end apoptotic products H2AX and M30 were significantly increased. In comparison with those treated with GFD alone, after 4 weeks of GFD + prednisolone treatment, some markers of both intrinsic and common apoptotic pathways showed rapid decline. After prednisolone withdrawal, there was overexpression of H2AX, CC3, and p53 in the latter group. In comparison with those treated with only GFD, patients treated with prednisolone showed suppression of mucosal PI, which started rising again after withdrawal of prednisolone.

CONCLUSIONS

Apoptosis takes place in mucosal epithelium in celiac disease. Addition of short course of prednisolone suppresses apoptosis rapidly. However, it also suppresses epithelial regeneration; hence, if used, it should be withdrawn after an initial short course.

Risk factors for gallbladder cancer: a case-control study

Risk factors for gallbladder cancer (GBC) except gallstones are not well known. The objective was to study the risk factors for GBC. In a case-control study, 200 patients with GBC, 200 healthy controls and 200 gallstones patients as diseased controls were included prospectively. The risk factors studied were related to socioeconomic profile, life style, reproduction, diet and bile acids. On comparing GBC patients (mean age 51.7 years; 130 females) with healthy controls, risk factors were chemical exposure [odd ratios (OR): 7.0 (2.7-18.2); p < 0.001)], family history of gallstones [OR: 5.3 (1.5-18.9); p < 0.01)], tobacco [OR: 4.1 (1.8-9.7); p < 0.001)], fried foods [OR: 3.1 (1.7-5.6); p < 0.001], joint family [OR: 3.2 (1.7-6.2); p < 0.001], long interval between meals [OR: 1.4 (1.2-1.6); p < 0.001] and residence in Gangetic belt [OR: 3.3 (1.8-6.2); p < 0.001]. On comparing GBC cases with gallstone controls, risk factors were female gender [OR: 2.4 (1.3-4.3); p = 0.004], residence in Gangetic belt [OR: 2.3 (1.2-4.4); p = 0.012], fried foods [OR: 2.5 (1.4-4.4); p < 0.001], diabetes [OR: 2.7 (1.2-6.4); p = 0.02)], tobacco [OR 3.8 (1.7-8.1); p < 0.001)] and joint family [OR: 2.1 (1.2-3.4); p = 0.004]. The ratio of secondary to primary bile acids was significantly higher in GBC cases than gallstone controls (20.8 vs. 0.44). Fried foods, tobacco, chemical exposure, family history of gallstones, residence in Gangetic belt and secondary bile acids were significant risk factors for GBC.

Risk and outcome of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis: vitamin D receptor polymorphisms and serum 25(OH)D

SETTING

All India Institute of Medical Sciences and Rajan Babu Institute of Pulmonary Medicine and Tuberculosis, New Delhi, India.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association of vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms and serum 25(OH)D with susceptibility to, and response to treatment of, multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in comparison with drug-susceptible pulmonary TB (DS-PTB) and healthy controls.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

METHODS

A total of 897 participants from northern India were consecutively enrolled into three groups (MDR-TB 354, DS-PTB 338, controls 205). Genotypic and allelic frequencies of FokI, BsmI and TaqI VDR polymorphisms, and serum 25(OH)D, calcium and intact parathyroid hormone were measured in all participants. In those with active TB, disease severity, time to sputum smear and culture conversion were correlated with VDR genotype and biochemical parameters.

RESULTS

FokI Ff genotype and TaqI t allele correlated positively with MDR-TB; Ff genotype and f allele of FokI frequency were higher in both TB groups. BsmI Bb genotype correlated inversely with MDR-TB. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were significantly lowest in MDR-TB, correlating inversely with time to sputum smear conversion.

CONCLUSIONS

VDR gene polymorphisms and hypovitaminosis D may predispose to MDR-TB. Lower serum 25(OH)D may increase time to MDR-TB sputum smear negativity.

Bubble vs conventional continuous positive airway pressure for prevention of extubation failure in preterm very low birth weight infants: a pilot study

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy of bubble and conventional nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in preventing extubation failure (EF) in preterm infants.

METHODS

Infants of gestation ≤32 wk and birth weight <1500 g, ready for initial extubation within first wk of life were randomly allocated to either bubble (n = 16) or conventional (n = 16) CPAP. A standardized protocol was used for extubation. Bubble CPAP was delivered by Fischer and Paykel equipment using short binasal prongs and conventional CPAP was delivered by a ventilator using Argyle short binasal prongs. CPAP was initiated at a pressure of 4-6 cm of H(2)O and FiO(2) of 0.4-0.5 and adjusted to maintain normal saturation (90-93%) and comfortable breathing. Primary outcome was EF, defined as need for mechanical ventilation within 72 h of extubation.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics including birth weight (g; 1027 ± 243 vs. 1018 ± 227; p = 0.83), gestation (wk; 28.7 ± 1.8 vs. 28.4 ± 1.6; p = 0.30), infants <28 wk gestation (6 vs. 7, p = 0.72) were comparable between the two groups. Respiratory distress syndrome was the indication for ventilation in 13 (81%) and 14 (87%) infants on bubble CPAP and conventional CPAP groups respectively. (p = 0.99). There was no difference in the EF rates between the bubble (n = 4) and conventional CPAP (n = 9) groups. (RR 0.49; 95% CI 0.20-1.2; p = 0.14). Median time to extubation failure was also comparable between the two groups (h; median [range]: 29 [14-49] vs. 17 [7-28]; p = 0.35).

CONCLUSIONS

The possibility that bubble CPAP may be associated with reduced EF as suggested in this pilot study requires further investigation in an adequately powered multicentric study.

Prevalence and progression of basal ganglia calcification and its pathogenic mechanism in patients with idiopathic hypoparathyroidism

BACKGROUND

The pathogenesis of basal ganglia calcification (BGC) in hypoparathyroidism is not clear. Its occurrence in hypocalcaemic milieu of hypoparathyroidism is believed to be due to high serum calcium-phosphorus product and poor calcium control.

OBJECTIVE

To report details of BGC in patients with idiopathic hypoparathyroidism (IH) and factors determining its progression during follow-up.

METHOD

Clinical, biochemical characteristics and a meningioma-expressed antigen-6 (MGEA6) gene polymorphism were analysed in 145 patients with IH, recruited since 1998, to determine the factors associated with BGC. The progression of BGC and its relationship with metabolic control of serum calcium, phosphorus, serum 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)(2) D were assessed after a mean of 6·9 ± 3·5 years in 49 of them.

RESULTS

Basal ganglia calcification was present in 73·8% (95% CI: 66·6%-81·0%) of subjects affecting the globus pallidus (68·8%) putamen (55·9%) and caudate nucleus (54·8%). The other sites calcified were grey-white junction (39·8%), cerebellar parenchyma (31·2%), thalamus (29·0%) and dentate nuclei (24·7%). Parkinsonism and dystonic symptoms were present in three cases. The presence of BGC at presentation was associated with calcification of the choroid plexus, cataract and an increased risk of seizures but not tetany. The progression of BGC during follow-up was related to calcium/phosphorus ratio. For every 1% increase in this ratio, the odds of progression decreased by 5% (OR: 0·95, 95% CI: 0·93-0·99, P < 0·001). A MGEA6 polymorphism, serum 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)(2)D did not affect progression of BGC.

CONCLUSION

Basal ganglia calcification occurs in 73·8% of patients with IH and correlates with the duration of hypocalcaemia, choroid plexus calcification, seizures and cataract. The progression of BGC is related to the calcium/phosphorus ratio during follow-up. This brings forth the importance of adequate phosphorus control in the management of hypoparathyroidism.

Prospective, open-label, uncontrolled pilot study to study safety and efficacy of sildenafil in systemic sclerosis-related pulmonary artery hypertension and cutaneous vascular complications

Pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in systemic sclerosis, while Raynaud's phenomenon and digital ulcers significantly add to the morbidity in systemic sclerosis (SSc). This study was undertaken to evaluate the role of sildenafil in PAH, Raynaud's phenomenon, and digital ulcers in systemic sclerosis patients. A prospective, open-label, uncontrolled pilot study was done at a tertiary care centre in India to study the safety and efficacy of oral sildenafil in PAH, Raynaud's phenomenon, digital infarcts, and ulcers in SSc. Seventeen patients fulfilling ACR classification criteria for scleroderma and having PAH were recruited. Six-minute walk test, WHO class of dyspnoea, severity of Raynaud's phenomenon, and 2D ECHO were performed in all the study subjects at baseline and at 3 months post-treatment. All patients were treated with oral sildenafil 25 mg three times a day for a period of 3 months. The pre- and post-treatment values of mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAP), 6-min walk test, WHO class of dyspnoea, and severity of Raynaud's phenomenon were compared to look for any significant change. Sixteen patients who completed 3-month follow-up had shown statistically significant improvement in 6-min walk test, WHO class of dyspnoea, severity of Raynaud's phenomenon, and mPAP. Also, there was no occurrence of new digital infarcts or ulcers, and existing ulcers showed signs of healing. Sildenafil is highly efficacious cheaper and safe alternative to other available therapies for SSc-associated PAH, Raynaud's phenomenon, and digital infarcts/ulcers.

Psychiatric, somatic and other functional gastrointestinal disorders in patients with irritable bowel syndrome at a tertiary care center

Background/Aims

To study the prevalence of somatic and psychiatric co-morbidities in the patients of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and to assess the quality of life (QOL) of these patients.

Methods

One hundred and eighty-four IBS patients and 198 controls were included. Diagnosis of IBS, its sub-classification and assessment of other functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) was made on basis of Rome III criteria. Severity of IBS was assessed using IBS severity scoring system. Psychiatric evaluation was done using Patient Heath Questionnaire. QOL was evaluated using WHO QOL-BREF.

Results

One hundred and forty-seven (79.9%) and 158 (85.9%) patients with IBS had at least one other FGID or at least one somatic co-morbidity, respectively. Higher number of patients had at least one psychiatric co-morbidity compared to controls (79.9% vs 34.3%; P < 0.001). Major depressive syndrome (47.3% vs 5.1%; P < 0.001), somatoform disorder (50% vs 14.6%; P < 0.001) and panic syndrome (44% vs 11.6%; P < 0.001) were more common in IBS than controls. Only 14 (7.6%) patients were receiving drug treatment for their psychiatric illness. Severe IBS symptoms were present in significantly higher number of patients with constipation predominant IBS than diarrhea predominant IBS. Those with severe disease had higher prevalence of psychiatric (95.1%) and somatic (96.7%) co-morbidities compared with mild disease. QOL of IBS patients was significantly lower in all four domains compared to controls. Presence of at least one other FGID was significantly associated with presence of one or more psychiatric co-morbidity (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Majority of IBS patients presenting to a tertiary care center had associated psychiatric, somatic co-morbidities and reduced QOL. Very few of them received specific psychiatric treatment.

Treatment with tacrolimus and prednisolone is preferable to intravenous cyclophosphamide as the initial therapy for children with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome

There are limited data on the relative efficacy and safety of calcineurin inhibitors and alkylating agents for idiopathic steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome in children. To clarify this, we compared tacrolimus and intravenous cyclophosphamide therapy in a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial of 131 consecutive pediatric patients with minimal change disease, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, or mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis, stratified for initial or late steroid resistance. Patients were randomized to receive tacrolimus for 12 months or 6-monthly infusions of intravenous cyclophosphamide with both arms receiving equal amounts of alternate-day prednisolone. The primary outcome of complete or partial remission at 6 months, based on spot urine protein to creatinine ratios, was significantly higher in children receiving tacrolimus compared to cyclophosphamide (hazard ratio 2.64). Complete remission was significantly higher with tacrolimus (52.4%) than with cyclophosphamide (14.8%). The secondary outcome of sustained remission or steroid-sensitive relapse of nephrotic syndrome at 12 months was significantly higher with tacrolimus than cyclophosphamide. Treatment withdrawal was higher with cyclophosphamide, chiefly due to systemic infections. Compared to cyclophosphamide, 3 patients required treatment with tacrolimus to achieve 1 additional remission. Thus, tacrolimus and prednisolone are effective, safe, and preferable to cyclophosphamide as the initial therapy for patients with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in a north Indian hospital-based population with obstructive sleep apnoea

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is known to be associated with cardiovascular risk factors and metabolic syndrome (MS). The burden of MS in patients with OSA in India is unknown. We investigated the prevalence of MS and its components in a cross-sectional study in patients with and without OSA in a hospital-based population of a tertiary health care centre in New Delhi, India.

METHODS

Consecutive patients undergoing overnight polysomnography in the Sleep Laboratory of the Department of Internal Medicine of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) hospital, New Delhi, were studied. Anthropometry and body composition analysis, blood pressure (BP), fasting blood glucose, insulin resistance by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) and fasting blood lipid profile were measured. MS was defined using the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult treatment panel III criteria, with Asian cut-off values for abdominal obesity.

RESULTS

Of the 272 subjects recruited, 187 (82%) had OSA [apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI)>5 events/h] while 40 (18%) had a normal sleep study. Prevalence of MS in OSA patients was 79 per cent compared to 48 per cent in non-OSA individuals [OR 4.15, (2.05-8.56), P<0.001]. Prevalence of OSA in mild, moderate and severe OSA was 66, 72 and 86 per cent, respectively (P<0.001). Patients with OSA were more likely to have higher BP [OR: 1.06 (1.02-1.11)], fasting insulin [OR: 1.18 (1.05-1.32)], HOMA-IR [OR: 1.61 (1.11-2.33)] and waist circumference [OR: 1.20 (1.13-1.27)].

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that OSA is associated with a 4-fold higher occurrence of MS than patients without OSA. The prevalence of MS increases with increasing severity of OSA, therefore, early detection will be beneficial.

Bone mineral density in patients of Graves disease pre- & post-treatment in a predominantly vitamin D deficient population

Background & objectives:

Hyperthyroidism causes bone loss, and its treatment may restore bone mass, however, concomitant vitamin D deficiency may prevent this. We undertook this study to measure the bone mineral density (BMD) 25 (OH) vitamin D levels in patients with Graves disease in our population which is predominently vitamin D deficient and how we change with when patients become euthyroid.

Methods:

The biochemical, thyroid functions, serum vitamin D levels and BMD were estimated in 80 consecutive patients with Graves and 80 euthyroid controls. Patients were treated and rendered euthyroid. Fifty four completed one year, and 27 completed two years of follow up.

Results:

Patients had significant reduced BMD during hyperthyroid state compared to normal healthy controls. The mean vitamin D levels at baseline were in the insufficient range both patients (12.67±6.24 ng/ml) and controls (10.99±7.05 ng/ml). The BMD improved at all sites with antithyroid treatment. But, the BMD adjusted for body mass index (BMI) and age at all sites showed significant decrease with time.

Interpretation & conclusions:

Age and body mass index positively correlated with BMD. There was improvement in absolute BMD of patients at one and two years of follow up. When the BMD was adjusted for age and BMI, there was a decrease in BMD at one year which was less in the second year including that the damage in BMD caused by thyroid hormone excess is not made up even after two years of patient being euthyroid. Whether vitamin D replacement would change this needs to be studied.

An aetiological & clinicopathological study on cutaneous vasculitis

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

Cutaneous vasculitis has protean clinical manifestations. It may be idiopathic or associated with a spectrum of conditions such as infections, drugs, etc. Skin is involved in both small vessel vasculitis (SVV) and medium vessel vasculitis (MVV). Overlapping features are seen between SVV and MVV. The histopathological features may not always relate with the clinical lesions. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the aetiological factors and clinicopathological association in patients with cutaneous vasculitis.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, detailed history and clinical examination were done on patients with biopsy proven cutaneous vasculitis. Two skin biopsies were taken from each patient for routine histopathology and direct immunofluorescence.

RESULTS

Of the 61 patients studied, hypersensitivity vasculitis (HSV) [23 (37.7%)] and Henoch Schonlein purpura (HSP) [16 (26.2%)] were the two most common forms. Systemic involvement was seen in 32 (52.45%) patients. Drugs were implicated in 12 (19.7%) cases, infections in 7 (11.4%) and connective tissue disorders in 4 (6.5%) cases. Histologically SVV was the most common pattern, seen in all the clinically diagnosed patients with SVV (47), and in 12 of the 14 clinically diagnosed patients with MVV. Direct immunofluorescence showed positivity for at least one immunoreactant in 62 per cent of the patients and the most common deposit was C3 followed by IgG, IgA and IgM.

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS

Majority of our patients with cutaneous vasculitis were idiopathic. Histologically, SVV was seen in most of our patients. No association was seen between history of drug intake and tissue eosinophilia and also between histologically severe vasculitis and clinical severity. The presence of immunoreactant IgA was not specific for HSP.

Genital mycoplasma & Chlamydia trachomatis infections in treatment naïve HIV-1 infected adults

Background & objectives:

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) enhance the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Thus, screening for STIs is a routine component of primary HIV care. There are limited data for selective screening guidelines for genital mycoplasmas and Chlamydia trachomatis in HIV-infected adults. The aim of the present study was to determine the frequency of genital infections with Ureaplasma spp., Mycoplasma hominis, M. genitalium and C. trachomatis in treatment naïve asymptomatic HIV-1 - infected adults and study their association with CD4+ T-cell count.

Methods:

First-void urine samples were collected from 100 treatment-naïve HIV-1-infected adults and 50 healthy volunteers. C. trachomatis and M. genitalium were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Ureaplasma spp. and M. hominis were detected by both culture and PCR. Circulating CD4+ cell counts of HIV-1-infected patients were determined from peripheral blood by flow-cytometry.

Results:

C. trachomatis was detected in 7 per cent of HIV-1-infected adults compared to none in control population. Ureaplasma spp. and M. hominis showed infection rates of 6 and 1 per cent in the HIV group and 2 and 0 per cent in the control group, respectively. None of the individuals from the patient and control groups was tested positive for M. genitalium. A significant association was found between CD4 cell count and detection of C. trachomatis in HIV-infected adults (P = 0.01).

Interpretation & conclusions:

Screening of HIV-infected individuals for C. trachomatis infection could be recommended as a routine component of HIV care. The role of mycoplasmas as co-pathogens of the genitourinary tract in HIV-1 infected patients seems to be unlikely. Further longitudinal studies need to be done to confirm these findings.

Cardiopulmonary bypass and serum thyroid hormone profile in pediatric patients with congenital heart disease

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) on serum thyroid hormone profile in children undergoing open-heart surgery.

DESIGN

Prospective cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Multispecialty tertiary level referral center.

PATIENTS

One hundred consecutive patients (age 15.9 ± 14.6 months, weight 6.7 ± 2.5 kg) undergoing open-heart surgery under CPB.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Levels and trends of serum total thyroxine (TT4), free thyroxine (FT4), total tri-iodothyronine (TT3), free tri-iodothyronine (FT3) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), survival, inotropic score, duration of mechanical ventilation, postoperative complications.

RESULTS

TT4 levels were 9.08 ± 3.6, 6.4 ± 2.5, 6.24 ± 2.1, 6.43 ± 2.4, 7.20 ± 3.0 µg/dL at baseline and at 1, 24, 48 and 72 hours; FT4 levels were 1.82 ± 0.5, 1.49 ± 0.3, 1.29 ± 0.3, 1.32 ± 0.4, and 1.43 ± 0.5 ng/dL; TT3 levels were 1.81 ± 0.4, 1.31 ± 0.3, 0.99 ± 0.2, 1.0 ± 0.37, and 1.17 ± 0.48 ng/ml; FT3 levels were 4.09 ± 1.0, 3.02 ± 0.8, 2.21 ± 0.6, 2.22 ± 0.7, and 2.66 ± 1.05 pg/ml; TSH levels were 5.40 ± 3.8, 2.0 ± 3.1, 1.24 ± 1.1, 2.90 ± 3.3, and 4.03 ± 3.4 mIU/L. There was significant fall (29.1% for FT4, 32.1% for TT4, 77% for TSH, 46% for FT3 and 45% for TT3, p < 0.0001). When area under curve (AUC) TT4 was compared between survivors (n = 87) and nonsurvivors (n = 12), significantly larger AUC was seen in survivors (492.81 ± 158.6) than nonsurvivors (360.75 ± 179.6 p = 0.0125). In survivors >72 hours, AUC TT4 was larger in patients with uneventful postoperative course versus those with postoperative complications (516.48 ± 18.6 vs. 394.78 ± 29.9, p = 0.001). AUC TT4 showed significant inverse correlation with inotropic score and borderline inverse correlation with duration of mechanical ventilation.

CONCLUSION

Children undergoing surgery under CPB showed significant fall in thyroid hormones. Because TT4 level is modifiable, prophylactic administration of TT4 for improving outcomes needs to be studied further.

Comprehensive yogic breathing program improves quality of life in patients with diabetes

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of a comprehensive yogic breathing program on glycemic control and quality of life (QOL) in patients with diabetes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a prospective randomized controlled intervention trial. Patients having HbA1c between 6 and 9% for at least 3 months with lifestyle modification and oral antidiabetic medication were included. They were followed-up and randomized at 6 months into two groups: one group receiving standard treatment of diabetes and the other group receiving standard treatment of diabetes and taught and told to regularly practice the comprehensive yogic breathing program (Sudarshan Kriya Yoga and Pranayam). Change in fasting and post-prandial blood sugars, glycated hemoglobin and QOL as assessed by the World Health Organization QOL WHOQOL BREF questionnaire were assessed.

RESULTS

There was a trend toward improvement in glycemic control in the group practicing the comprehensive yogic breathing program compared with the group following standard treatment alone, although this was not significant. There was significant improvement in physical, psychological and social domains and total QOL post-intervention in the group practicing the comprehensive yogic breathing program as compared with the group following standard treatment alone.

CONCLUSION

There was significant improvement in the QOL and a non-significant trend toward improvement in glycemic control in the group practicing the comprehensive yogic breathing program compared with the group that was following standard treatment alone.

Prevalence, distribution and functional significance of the -237C to T polymorphism in the IL-12Rβ2 promoter in Indian tuberculosis patients

Cytokine/cytokine receptor gene polymorphisms related to structure/expression could impact immune response. Hence, the −237 polymorphic site in the 5′ promoter region of the IL-12Rβ2 (SNP ID: rs11810249) gene associated with the AP-4 transcription motif GAGCTG, was examined. Amplicons encompassing the polymorphism were generated from 46 pulmonary tuberculosis patients, 35 family contacts and 28 miscellaneous volunteers and sequenced. The C allele predominated among patients, (93.4%, 43/46), and in all volunteers and contacts screened, but the T allele was exclusively limited to patients, (6.5%, 3/46). The functional impact of this polymorphism on transcriptional activity was assessed by Luciferase-reporter and electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA). Luciferase-reporter assays showed a significant reduction in transcriptional efficiency with T compared to C allele. The reduction in transcriptional efficiency with the T allele construct (pGIL-12Rb2-T), in U-87MG, THP-1 and Jurkat cell lines, were 53, 37.6, and 49.8% respectively, compared to the C allele construct (pGIL-12Rb2-C). Similarly, densitometric analysis of the EMSA assay showed reduced binding of the AP-4 transcription factor, to T compared to the C nucleotide probe. Reduced mRNA expression in all patients (3/3) harboring the T allele was seen, whereas individuals with the C allele exhibited high mRNA expression (17/25; 68%, p = 0.05). These observations were in agreement with the in vitro assessment of the promoter activity by Luciferase-reporter and EMSA assays. The reduced expression of IL-12Rβ2 transcripts in 8 patients despite having the C allele was attributed to the predominant over expression of the suppressors (IL-4 and GATA-3) and reduced expression of enhancers (IFN-α) of IL-12Rβ2 transcripts. The 17 high IL-12Rβ2 mRNA expressers had significantly elevated IFN-α mRNA levels compared to low expressers and volunteers. Notwithstanding the presence of high levels of IL-12Rβ2 mRNA in these patients elevated IFN-α expression could modulate their immune responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Prevalence of psychiatric morbidity at Mobile Health Clinic in an urban community in North India

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to estimate the prevalence of psychiatric morbidity amongst patients attending Mobile Health Clinic (MHC) in an urban community in South Delhi.

METHODS

Adult subjects were recruited by systematic random sampling at outpatient MHC. Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorder Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) was used for screening, and Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.) was used for the confirmation of diagnosis of psychiatric disorder of all PHQ-positive and 20% of PHQ-negative patients. Association of selected sociodemographic factors with psychiatric morbidity was also assessed.

RESULTS

In total, 350 subjects were recruited, out of which 92 (26.3%) [95% confidence interval (CI) 21.7-31.0] were found to be PHQ positive. M.I.N.I. was administered to 141 subjects (92 PHQ positives and 52 PHQ negatives). Total estimated magnitude of psychiatric morbidity by M.I.N.I. was 25.4% (95% CI 20.9-29.9). Depression (15.7%) was observed to be the most common psychiatric disorder followed by generalized anxiety disorder (11.1%) and phobic disorders (10.1%). Suicidal ideation was reported by 37 (10.6%) patients. Literate status [odds ratio (OR)=0.43] and duration of migration >20 years to study area (OR=1.27) were found to be significantly associated with psychiatric morbidity.

CONCLUSION

In resource-poor country like India, high psychiatric morbidity at MHC justifies the use of MHC for providing outreach mental health services in difficult areas.