Preoperative clinical features of reactivated of Graves' orbitopathy after orbital decompression

PurposeTo investigate the incidence and preoperative clinical features of reactivated Graves' orbitopathy (GO) after orbital decompression.MethodsThis study included patients with GO who underwent orbital decompression for disfiguring proptosis and not compressive optic neuropathy and received postoperative follow-up care for more than 12 months. Patients who experienced active inflammatory signs within 6 months of decompression were excluded from analysis. The demographic characteristics, ophthalmic manifestations, and biochemical parameters of the patients were analyzed for association with reactivation of GO by logistic regression analysis.ResultsOut of the 92 patients included in this study, seven (7.6%) experienced reactivation of GO after orbital decompression. The mean time interval between surgery and reactivation of GO was 36.3±14.3 weeks. Univariate logistic regression analysis identified age, existing smoking habits, and modified NOSPECS and Gorman scores as significant factors for the reactivation of GO. The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that smoking and modified NOSPECS and Gorman scores were associated with the reactivation of GO.ConclusionsQuitting smoking is important for the prevention of reactivation of GO after orbital decompression. Patients with severe symptoms, especially those with restrictive myopathy, should be carefully monitored for reactivation of GO after orbital decompression.

Poor glycemic control is associated with the risk of subclinical hypothyroidism in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Overt hypothyroidism is frequently found in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but it remains unknown the relationship between subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) and T2DM. We attempt to evaluate the difference in prevalence of SCH between patients with T2DM and general population, and the association between SCH and glycemic control status ofdiabetic patients.

METHODS

This was cross-sectional study. Total 8,528 subjects who visited for health check-up were recruited. SCH was defined as an elevated level of serum thyroid stimulating hormone (> 4.0 mIU/L) with a normal level of free thyroxine. T2DM group was categorized into three groups by glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c): < 7% (reference), ≥ 7% and < 9%, ≥ 9%.

RESULTS

Finally, 7,966 subjects were included. The prevalence of SCH was not different between healthy controls and subjects with T2DM (8.1% vs. 7.4%, p = 0.533; in men, 5.7% vs. 5.1%, p = 0.573; in women, 10.9% vs. 11.7%, p = 0.712), but it was increased with highest HbA1c group more than well controlled group, especially in women. The risk of SCH was increased by group with poorer glycemic control; the odds ratio for HbA1c ≥ 9% compared to < 7% was 2.52 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09 to 5.86; p = 0.031), and 4.58 (95% CI, 1.41 to 14.87; p = 0.011) in women, but not significant in men.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of SCH was similar between T2DM and healthy group. Poor glycemic control in T2DM was obviously associated with the risk of SCH, especially in elderly women. These results suggest SCH as comorbidity may be considered in elderly women with poor glycemic control.

Impaired RBC deformability is associated with diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes

AIM

Red blood cell (RBC) deformability, the ability of RBCs to change shape under stress, is known to be decreased in type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, as yet little is known of the association between RBC deformability and diabetic complications in T2D. For this reason, this study has investigated the association between RBC deformability and diabetic complications.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 452 T2D patients were initially enrolled. RBC deformability was measured using a microfluidic ektacytometer and expressed as an elongation index at 3Pa (EI@3Pa, %).

RESULTS

A final total of 373 patients (mean age: 60.04±11.93 years; males: 201) were included in the study. When categorized into quartiles of RBC deformability, the lower EI@3Pa groups had higher glycated haemoglobin (HbA_1c), triglycerides and prevalence of diabetic retinopathy compared with the higher quartiles (P<0.05 for trend). In particular, the EI@3Pa was significantly lower in patients with retinopathy than in those without retinopathy (30.53±1.95 vs 31.20±1.53, P=0.001). Between the lowest EI@3Pa quartile (Q1) to the highest (Q4, reference), the odds ratio (OR) for Q1 was 2.81 (95% CI: 1.21-6.49, P=0.004 for trend), after adjusting for age, gender, presence of hypertension and smoking, duration of diabetes, HbA_1c, glomerular filtration rate and triglycerides.

CONCLUSION

In terms of diabetic complications, the lowest EI@3Pa group was closely associated with only the risk of diabetic retinopathy in our study. These results suggest that RBC deformability might be contributory to the development of the microvascular complication.

The Glucotoxicity Protecting Effect of Ezetimibe in Pancreatic Beta Cells via Inhibition of CD36

Inhibition of CD36, a fatty acid transporter, has been reported to prevent glucotoxicity and ameliorate high glucose induced beta cell dysfunction. Ezetimibe is a selective cholesterol absorption inhibitor that blocks Niemann Pick C1-like 1 protein, but may exert its effect through suppression of CD36. We attempted to clarify the beneficial effect of ezetimibe on insulin secreting cells and to determine whether this effect is related to change of CD36 expression. mRNA expression of insulin and CD36, intracellular peroxide level and glucose stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) under normal (5.6 mM) or high glucose (30 mM) condition in INS-1 cells and primary rat islet cells were compared. Changes of the aforementioned factors with treatment with ezetimibe (20 μM) under normal or high glucose condition were also assessed. mRNA expression of insulin was decreased with high glucose, which was reversed by ezetimibe in both INS-1 cells and primary rat islets. CD36 mRNA expression was increased with high glucose, but decreased by ezetimibe in INS-1 cells and primary rat islets. Three-day treatment with high glucose resulted in an increase in intracellular peroxide level; however, it was decreased by treatment with ezetimibe. Decrease in GSIS by three-day treatment with high glucose was reversed by ezetimibe. Palmitate uptake following exposure to high glucose conditions for three days was significantly elevated, which was reversed by ezetimibe in INS-1 cells. Ezetimibe may prevent glucotoxicity in pancreatic β-cells through a decrease in fatty acid influx via inhibition of CD36.

The use of statins for the treatment of depression in patients with acute coronary syndrome

This study aimed to investigate the effect of statins for the treatment of depression in individuals with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We used 1-year follow-up data of a 24-week double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of escitalopram and a naturalistic prospective observational cohort study. Of 446 participants with comorbid depressive disorders and ACS at baseline, 300 participated in a randomised escitalopram trial and the remaining 146 participated in a naturalistic observational study. The participants in the two studies were approached for a 1-year follow-up investigation. Treatment response rates, defined as a ⩾ 50% reduction in the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores, were used as the outcome variables. In the escitalopram trial, both HAM-D and BDI response rates were highest in patients taking escitalopram and statins together and lowest in patients receiving neither medication. Logistic regression analyses revealed that statin use was significantly associated with higher response rates on both the HAM-D and BDI at 1 year, whereas no such associations were found for escitalopram. In the naturalistic observational study, the response rates at 1 year did not differ significantly by statin use. Instead, the HAM-D response rate was significantly higher in patients taking lipophilic statins than in those who did not. In conclusion, statins may be effective for the treatment of depression independent of medical status and escitalopram use, and they may potentiate the antidepressant action of serotonergic antidepressants in patients with ACS.

Comparison of two- and three-point sutures for advancing the levator aponeurosis in Asian eyelids

PURPOSE

To compare the functional and cosmetic outcomes of two- and three-point sutures for advancing the levator aponeurosis in blepharoptosis surgery on Asians.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This retrospective study examined 60 Asian patients with blepharoptosis who had undergone advancement of the levator aponeurosis: 34 patients (46 eyelids) had ptosis correction using the two-point suture technique and 26 patients (41 eyelids) had ptosis correction using the three-point suture technique. The postoperative marginal reflex distance (MRD1), lid height difference, and eyelid contour were evaluated.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven (79.4%) of the 34 patients in the two-point group and 19 (73.1%) of 26 patients in the three-point group had a postoperative MRD1 of 2-4 mm, lids within 0.5 mm of each other, and a satisfactory eyelid contour; this difference was not significant. The rate of reoperation did not differ significantly between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Two- and three-point sutures for advancing the levator aponeurosis were equally effective for correcting blepharoptosis in Asians.

Short-term effects of topical cyclosporine A 0.05% (Restasis) in long-standing prosthetic eye wearers: a pilot study

PURPOSE

Long-standing prosthetic eye wearing induces ocular surface inflammation. We investigated the short-term effects of topical cyclosporine A 0.05% (Restasis) in patients with ocular discomfort resulting from long-standing prosthetic eye wearing.

METHODS

This was a prospective, interventional case series. Patients who were unilateral prosthetic eye wearers over a period of 5 years were enrolled at a single institution from March to July 2013. The subjects were instructed to instill topical cyclosporine A 0.05% twice per day. Measurements were made pre-treatment and after 1 and 3 months of treatment. Outcome measures were the ocular symptom score, the lid margin abnormality score, the Schirmer test, and the tear meniscus amount, using Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography.

RESULTS

In total, 20 consecutive patients (mean age: 60.1 years, 8 males, 12 females) were included. Ocular symptoms were improved after treatment for 1 month in all patients (ocular symptom score pre-treatment 76.83 vs 46.75 after treatment; P<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in lid margin abnormality score or tear meniscus amount. The Schirmer test results were improved after treatment for 3 months (pre- and after treatment, 6.70 vs 11.40; P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Topical cyclosporine A 0.05% showed a satisfactory effect in long-standing prosthetic eye wearers. Ocular symptoms were markedly relieved in all subjects after treatment for 1 month.

Trend analysis of diabetic prevalence and incidence in a rural area of South Korea between 2003-2008

Aims/Introduction:  This study determined the change in prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes over a period of 5 years in South Korea. The incidence of diabetes and prediabetes and risk factors associated with the development of diabetes were also investigated.

Materials and Methods:  The Dalseong population‐based cohort survey recruited 1806 subjects who were over 20‐years‐old in 2003. Five years later, 1287 of the original subjects were re‐evaluated and 187 new subjects were added to the study. All participants completed a questionnaire, were given a physical examination, and provided blood samples for analysis including 2 h oral glucose tolerances.

Results:  Age‐adjusted prevalence of diabetes rose from 6.7% in 2003 to 9.1% in 2008. The prevalence of prediabetes also increased from 18.5% in 2003 to 28.4% in 2008. The incidence rates of diabetes and prediabetes were 18.3 per 1000 person‐years and 55.4 per 1000 person‐years, respectively. The development of diabetes was associated with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) (odds ratio [OR] 5.661), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) (OR: 6.013), age (OR 1.013), and waist‐to‐hip ratio (OR 1.513). After excluding the IFG and IGT, systolic blood pressure (OR 1.023), high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP; OR 1.097), triglyceride (OR 1.002) and waist‐to‐hip ratio (OR 1.696) were statistically significant risk factors in a multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Conclusions:  A significant rise in the prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes was observed between 2003 and 2008. In addition, this study newly demonstrated that waist‐to‐hip ratio and hsCRP were associated with the development of diabetes after adjusting for several confounding factors. (J Diabetes Invest, doi: 10.1111/j.2040‐1124.2010.00045.x, 2010)

The effect of glargine versus glimepiride on pancreatic β-cell function in patients with type 2 diabetes uncontrolled on metformin monotherapy: open-label, randomized, controlled study

The aim of present study is to assess whether if basal insulin, glargine, could improve insulin secretory function of β-cells compared with glimepiride when metformin alone was failed. This was an open-label and multi-center study for 52 weeks in Korean patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes by metformin monotherapy. Subjects were randomized to glargine or glimepiride groups (n = 38 vs. 36, respectively). The primary endpoint was to compare changes in c-peptide via glucagon test after 48 weeks. Glycemic efficacy and safety endpoints (glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), HOMA-B, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), lipid profiles, and hypoglycemic events) were also checked. The mean disease duration of all subjects was 88.2 months. Changes in C-peptide was no significant different between groups (P = 0.73), even though insulin secretion was not worsened in both groups at the endpoint. Glargine was not superior to glimepiride in other β-cell function indexes such as HOMA-B (P = 0.28). HbA1c and FPG reduced significantly in each groups but not different between two groups. Although, severe hypoglycemia did not occur, symptomatic hypoglycemia was more frequent in glimepiride group (P = 0.01). Insulin glargine was as effective as glimepiride in controlling hyperglycemia and maintaining β-cell function in Korean patients with type 2 diabetes during 48 weeks study period, after failure of metformin monotherapy. Hypoglycemic profile was favorable in the insulin glargine group and less weight gain was observed in the glimepiride group. Our results suggest that glargine and glimepiride can be considered after failure of metformin monotherapy.

The comparison of femoral and radial arterial blood pressures during pediatric liver transplantation

BACKGROUND

Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is frequently associated with dramatic hemodynamic changes; thus, it is critical to accurately monitor blood pressure. Although comparisons between femoral arterial blood pressure (FABP) and radial arterial blood pressure (RABP) have been reported in adult liver recipients, we compared FABP with RABP in pediatric recipients.

METHODS

Thirty-five pediatric liver recipients younger than 13 years of age were included in this prospective, observational study. We measured simultaneous FABP and RABP in the femoral and radial arteries at nine time points during the procedure, including: baseline (after anesthetic induction); 1 hour thereafter; 30 minutes after the beginning of the anhepatic period as well as 0, 1, 3, 5, 15, and 60 minutes after graft reperfusion.

RESULTS

Of the 35 pediatric liver recipients, 2 infants and 1 13-month-old child were excluded from the analysis because of radial arterial catheter malfunction. The remaining 32 patients including 16 infants and 16 children all showed significantly higher systolic and mean FABP than RABP during most stages of pediatric OLT. Overall diastolic FABP measurements were similar to diastolic RABP throughout the study.

CONCLUSIONS

Systolic and mean FABP were significantly higher than RABP during most stages of pediatric OLT. Radial arterial catheter malfunctions were not uncommon during pediatric OLT. Our results indicated that it is useful to cannulate the femoral artery to accurately and reliably measure arterial blood pressure to detect hemodynamic instability during pediatric OLT.

Relative skeletal muscle mass is associated with development of metabolic syndrome

BACKGROUND

Visceral adiposity is related to insulin resistance. Skeletal muscle plays a central role in insulin-mediated glucose disposal; however, little is known about the association between muscle mass and metabolic syndrome (MS). This study is to clarify the clinical role of skeletal muscle mass in development of MS.

METHODS

A total of 1,042 subjects were enrolled. Subjects with prior MS and chronic diseases were excluded. After 24 months, development of MS was assessed using NCEP-ATP III criteria. Skeletal muscle mass (SMM; kg), body fat mass (BFM; kg), and visceral fat area (VFA; cm(2)) were obtained from bioelectrical analysis. Then, the following values were calculated as follows: percent of SMM (SMM%; %): SMM (kg)/weight (kg), skeletal muscle index (SMI; kg/m(2)): SMM (kg)/height (m(2)), skeletal muscle to body fat ratio (MFR): SMM (kg)/BFM (kg), and skeletal muscle to visceral fat ratio (SVR; kg/cm(2)): SMM (kg)/VFA (cm(2)).

RESULTS

Among 838 subjects, 88 (10.5%) were newly diagnosed with MS. Development of MS increased according to increasing quintiles of BMI, SMM, VFA, and SMI, but was negatively associated with SMM%, MFR, and SVR. VFA was positively associated with high waist circumference (WC), high blood pressure (BP), dysglycemia, and high triglyceride (TG). In contrast, MFR was negatively associated with high WC, high BP, dysglycemia, and high TG. SVR was negatively associated with all components of MS.

CONCLUSION

Relative SMM ratio to body composition, rather than absolute mass, may play a critical role in development of MS and could be used as a strong predictor.

Diabetogenic effect of statins: a double-edged sword?

Statins are widely prescribed cholesterol-lowering agents, which have been demonstrated to significantly reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, recent trials have reported that statins cause worsening of hyperglycemia and increase the risk of new-onset diabetes. The association between the diabetogenic effect of statins with intensive dose and accompanying major risk factors for diabetes has been demonstrated. However, statins do not appear to have a class effect on insulin sensitivity in non-diabetic patients. Numerous mechanisms have been suggested to explain how statins cause β-cell insulin secretory dysfunction and peripheral insulin resistance leading to incident diabetes. According to findings from an aggregate of large clinical trials, the benefits of statin treatment appear to outweigh the risk of new-onset diabetes. Therefore, it would be inappropriate to discontinue the use of statins for prevention of cardiovascular events because of its potential risk for development of incident diabetes. This review addresses the currently available evidence related to statin use and new-onset diabetes from a clinical perspective.

Predicting mortality of critically ill patients by blood glucose levels

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to observe the outcome of critically ill patients in relation to blood glucose level at admission and to determine the optimal range of blood glucose at admission predicting lower hospital mortality among critically ill patients.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of a total 1,224 subjects (males, 798; females, 426) admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2010. Blood glucose levels at admission were categorized into four groups (group 1, <100 mg/dL; group 2, 100 to 199 mg/dL; group 3, 200 to 299 mg/dL; and group 4, ≥300 mg/dL).

RESULTS

Among 1,224 patients, 319 patients were already known diabetics, and 296 patients died in ICU. Five hundred fifty-seven subjects received insulin therapy, and 118 received oral hypoglycemic agents. The overall mortality rate was 24.2% (296 patients). The causes of death and mortality rates of diabetic patients were not different from nondiabetic subjects. The mortality curve showed J shape, and there were significant differences in mortality between the groups of blood glucose levels at admission. Group 2 had the lowest mortality rate (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that serum glucose levels upon admission into ICU is associated with clinical outcomes in ICU patients. Blood glucose level between 100 and 199 mg/dL at the time of ICU admission could predict lower hospital mortality among critically ill patients.

Variation in serum creatinine level is correlated to risk of type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND

Skeletal muscle is well established as a major target organ of insulin action, and is associated with the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. Therefore, we attempted to determine whether a variation in serum creatinine is related to the development of type 2 diabetes and other risk factors for diabetes.

METHODS

A total of 2,676 nondiabetic subjects with stable and normal renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate >60 mL/min/1.73 m(2)) were followed up for approximately 4.5 years. New onset diabetes was defined as fasting plasma glucose (FPG) ≥7.0 mmol/L, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥6.5%, or subjects taking antidiabetic agents. Variation of serum creatinine (ΔCre) was defined as a difference between follow-up and baseline creatinine. In subgroup analysis, body composition was examined by bioelectric impedance analysis method.

RESULTS

A total of 106 subjects were diagnosed with new-onset diabetes during the follow-up period. Baseline serum creatinine was not different between the new-onset diabetes and no diabetes groups. Negative ΔCre (ΔCre <0) showed an association with increased risk of type 2 diabetes after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, FPG, HbA1c, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (odds ratio, 1.885; 95% confidence interval, 1.127 to 3.153). Serum creatinine level demonstrated positive correlation with muscle mass and negative correlation with percentage of body fat in body composition analysis.

CONCLUSION

Serum creatinine reflected body muscle mass and the decrease of serum creatinine might be regarded as a risk factor for type 2 diabetes.

The role of skeletal muscle in development of nonalcoholic Fatty liver disease

BACKGROUND

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely correlated with abnormal accumulation of visceral fat, but the role of skeletal muscle remains unclear. The aim of this study was to elucidate the role of skeletal muscle in development of NAFLD.

METHODS

Among 11,116 subjects (6,242 males), we examined the effects of skeletal muscle mass and visceral fat area (VFA, by bioelectric impedance analysis) on NAFLD using by the fatty liver index (FLI).

RESULTS

Of the total subjects (9,565 total, 5,293 males) included, 1,848 were classified as having NALFD (FLI ≥60). Body mass index, lipid profile, fasting plasma glucose, hemoglobin A1c, prevalence of type 2 diabetes (DM), hypertension (HTN), and metabolic syndrome were higher in males than females, but FLI showed no significant difference. The low FLI group showed the lowest VFA and highest skeletal muscle mass of all the groups. Skeletal muscle to visceral fat ratio (SVR) and skeletal muscle index had inverse correlations with FLI, when adjusted for age and gender. In multivariate regression analysis, SVR was negatively associated with FLI. Among SVR quartiles, the highest quartile showed very low risk of NAFLD when adjusted for age, gender, lipid profile, DM, HTN, and high sensitivity C-reactive protein from the lowest quartiles (odds ratio, 0.037; 95% confidence interval, 0.029 to 0.049).

CONCLUSION

Skeletal muscle mass was inversely associated with visceral fat area, and higher skeletal muscle mass may have a beneficial effect in preventing NAFLD. These results suggest that further studies are needed to ameliorate or slow the progression of sarcopenia.

Ginsenoside Rd inhibits the expressions of iNOS and COX-2 by suppressing NF-κB in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells and mouse liver

Ginsenoside Rd is a primary constituent of the ginseng rhizome and has been shown to participate in the regulation of diabetes and in tumor formation. Reports also show that ginsenoside Rd exerts anti-oxidative effects by activating anti-oxidant enzymes. Treatment with ginsenoside Rd decreased nitric oxide and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) in lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-challenged RAW264.7 cells and in ICR mouse livers (5 mg/kg LPS; LPS + ginsenoside Rd [2, 10, and 50 mg/kg]). Furthermore, these decreases were associated with the down-regulations of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and of nuclear factor (NF)-κB activity in vitro and in vivo. Our results indicate that ginsenoside Rd treatment decreases; 1) nitric oxide production (40% inhibition); 2) PGE₂ synthesis (69% to 93% inhibition); 3) NF-κB activity; and 4) the NF-κB-regulated expressions of iNOS and COX-2. Taken together, our results suggest that the anti-inflammatory effects of ginsenoside Rd are due to the down-regulation of NF-κB and the consequent expressional suppressions of iNOS and COX-2.

The Relationship between Metformin and Cancer in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

BACKGROUND

Recently, several studies reported that the cancer incidence in type 2 diabetes patients is higher than in the general population. Although a number of risks are shared between cancer and diabetes patients, there have been few studies of its correlation. We evaluated the influences of several factors including low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), albuminuria and use of metformin on the risk of cancer in patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

We enrolled 1,320 patients with at least 5 years of follow-up and 73 patients were diagnosed with cancer during this period. The associations of the risk factors with cancer incidence were evaluated by multiple regression analysis. The subjects were placed into two subgroups based on metformin dosage (<1,000 mg/day, ≥1,000 mg/day) and we compared cancer incidence using analysis of covariance.

RESULTS

LDL-C and albuminuria were not significantly correlated with cancer risk. In contrast, metformin showed a reverse correlation with cancer risk (P=0.006; relative risk, 0.574). In the metformin nonadministration group, smoking, male gender, and high triglyceride levels tended to be contributing factors without statistical significance. Cancer occurence was lower in the low dose metformin group (less than 1,000 mg/day) (P=0.00).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that the administration of low dose metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes may be associated with a reduced risk of cancer.

Diagnostic Accuracy of 64-Slice MDCT Coronary Angiography for the Assessment of Coronary Artery Disease in Korean Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

BACKGROUND

A 64-slice multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) is well known to be a useful noninvasive form of angiography for the general population, but not for certain patients with diabetes. The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic accuracy and usefulness of 64-slice MDCT coronary angiography for detecting coronary artery disease in Korean patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

A total of 240 patients were included, 74 of whom had type 2 diabetes (M:F=40:33; 41.8±9.5 years). We compared significant coronary stenosis (>50% luminal narrowing) in MDCT with invasive coronary angiography (ICA) by segment, artery, and patient. We also evaluated the influence of obesity and coronary calcium score on MDCT accuracy.

RESULTS

Of the 4,064 coronary segments studied, 4,062 segments (T2DM=1,109) were assessed quantitatively by both MDCT and ICA, and 706 segments (T2DM=226) were detected as a significant lesion by ICA in all patients. Sensitivity, specificity, as well as positive and negative predictive values for the presence of significant stenosis in T2DM were: by segment, 89.4%, 96.4%, 85.8%, and 97.4%, respectively; by artery (n=222), 95.1%, 92.9%, 94.4%, and 93.8%, respectively; by patients (n=74), 98.4%, 100.0%, 98.4%, and 90.0%, respectively. Regardless of presence of diabetes, there was no significant difference in diagnostic accuracy. Obesity (≥25 kg/m(2)) and coronary calcium score did not also affect the diagnostic accuracy of MDCT.

CONCLUSION

The 64-slice MDCT coronary angiography was found to have similar diagnostic accuracy with ICA, regardless of diabetes. These results suggest MDCT may be helpful to reduce unnecessary invasive studies for patients with diabetes.

Effects of synchronization of carbohydrate and protein supply in total mixed ration with korean rice wine residue on ruminal fermentation, nitrogen metabolism and microbial protein synthesis in holstein steers

Three Holstein steers in the growing phase, each with a ruminal cannula, were used to test the hypothesis that the synchronization of the hourly rate of carbohydrate and nitrogen (N) released in the rumen would increase the amount of retained nitrogen for growth and thus improve the efficiency of microbial protein synthesis (EMPS). In Experiment 1, in situ degradability coefficients of carbohydrate and N in feeds including Korean rice wine residue (RWR) were determined. In Experiment 2, three total mixed ration (TMR) diets having different rates of carbohydrate and N release in the rumen were formulated using the in situ degradability of the feeds. All diets were made to contain similar contents of crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) but varied in their hourly pattern of nutrient release. The synchrony index of the three TMRs was 0.51 (LS), 0.77 (MS) and 0.95 (HS), respectively. The diets were fed at a restricted level (2% of the animal’s body weight) in a 3×3 Latin-square design. Synchronizing the hourly supply of energy and N in the rumen did not significantly alter the digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, NDF or acid detergent fiber (ADF) (p>0.05). The ruminal NH₃-N content of the LS group at three hours after feeding was significantly higher (p<0.05) than that of the other groups; however, the mean values of ruminal NH₃-N, pH and VFA concentration among the three groups were not significantly different (p>0.05). In addition, the purine derivative (PD) excretion in urine and microbial-N production (MN) among the three groups were not significantly different (p>0.05). In conclusion, synchronizing dietary energy and N supply to the rumen did not have a major effect on nutrient digestion or microbial protein synthesis (MPS) in Holstein steers.

Usefulness of glycated hemoglobin as diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is the clustering of cardiovascular risk factors and known as a powerful predictor of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is used as one of the diagnostic criteria for diabetes and category of increased risk for diabetes. We examined the usefulness of HbA1c as a diagnostic tool for MetS and to determine the cut-off value of HbA1c as a criterion for MetS, in non-diabetic Korean subjects. We analyzed 7,307 participants (male: 4,181, 57%) in a medical check-up program, and applied the newly recommended guidelines of the International Diabetes Federation for diagnosis of MetS. The mean HbA1c was 5.54% in all subjects and showed no significant difference between genders. Using receiver-operating characteristic curve, HbA1c value corresponding to the fasting plasma glucose value of 100 mg/dL was 5.65% (sensitivity 52.3%, specificity 76.7%). The prevalence of MetS was 8.5% according to the IDF guideline and 10.9% according to HbA1c value of 5.7%, showing 69.5% agreement rate. The detection rate of MetS increased to 25.7% using the HbA1c criterion of 5.7% instead of fasting hyperglycemia. This study suggests that HbA1c might be used as a diagnostic criterion for MetS and the appropriate cut-off value of HbA1c may be 5.65% in this Korean population.

Indigo carmine-induced hypotension in patients undergoing general anaesthesia

Indigo carmine is a blue dye that is widely applied to localise ureteral orifices. It is generally believed to be a safe, biologically inert substance, and hypotensive reactions are extremely rare. However, we experienced three cases of indigo carmine-induced hypotension within a period of two weeks.