Fenofibrate and Impaired Taste Perception in Type 2 Diabetes

Patient: Female, 65-year-old

Final Diagnosis: Type 2 diabetes

Symptoms: Loss of sweet taste

Medication: Fenofibrate

Clinical Procedure: Drug challenge/dechallenge/rechallenge

Specialty: Endocrinology and Metabolic

The risk of Plasmodium vivax parasitaemia after P. falciparum malaria: An individual patient data meta-analysis from the WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network

BACKGROUND

There is a high risk of Plasmodium vivax parasitaemia following treatment of falciparum malaria. Our study aimed to quantify this risk and the associated determinants using an individual patient data meta-analysis in order to identify populations in which a policy of universal radical cure, combining artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) with a hypnozoitocidal antimalarial drug, would be beneficial.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

A systematic review of Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews identified efficacy studies of uncomplicated falciparum malaria treated with ACT that were undertaken in regions coendemic for P. vivax between 1 January 1960 and 5 January 2018. Data from eligible studies were pooled using standardised methodology. The risk of P. vivax parasitaemia at days 42 and 63 and associated risk factors were investigated by multivariable Cox regression analyses. Study quality was assessed using a tool developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. The study was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO: CRD42018097400). In total, 42 studies enrolling 15,341 patients were included in the analysis, including 30 randomised controlled trials and 12 cohort studies. Overall, 14,146 (92.2%) patients had P. falciparum monoinfection and 1,195 (7.8%) mixed infection with P. falciparum and P. vivax. The median age was 17.0 years (interquartile range [IQR] = 9.0-29.0 years; range = 0-80 years), with 1,584 (10.3%) patients younger than 5 years. 2,711 (17.7%) patients were treated with artemether-lumefantrine (AL, 13 studies), 651 (4.2%) with artesunate-amodiaquine (AA, 6 studies), 7,340 (47.8%) with artesunate-mefloquine (AM, 25 studies), and 4,639 (30.2%) with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP, 16 studies). 14,537 patients (94.8%) were enrolled from the Asia-Pacific region, 684 (4.5%) from the Americas, and 120 (0.8%) from Africa. At day 42, the cumulative risk of vivax parasitaemia following treatment of P. falciparum was 31.1% (95% CI 28.9-33.4) after AL, 14.1% (95% CI 10.8-18.3) after AA, 7.4% (95% CI 6.7-8.1) after AM, and 4.5% (95% CI 3.9-5.3) after DP. By day 63, the risks had risen to 39.9% (95% CI 36.6-43.3), 42.4% (95% CI 34.7-51.2), 22.8% (95% CI 21.2-24.4), and 12.8% (95% CI 11.4-14.5), respectively. In multivariable analyses, the highest rate of P. vivax parasitaemia over 42 days of follow-up was in patients residing in areas of short relapse periodicity (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR] = 6.2, 95% CI 2.0-19.5; p = 0.002); patients treated with AL (AHR = 6.2, 95% CI 4.6-8.5; p < 0.001), AA (AHR = 2.3, 95% CI 1.4-3.7; p = 0.001), or AM (AHR = 1.4, 95% CI 1.0-1.9; p = 0.028) compared with DP; and patients who did not clear their initial parasitaemia within 2 days (AHR = 1.8, 95% CI 1.4-2.3; p < 0.001). The analysis was limited by heterogeneity between study populations and lack of data from very low transmission settings. Study quality was high.

CONCLUSIONS

In this meta-analysis, we found a high risk of P. vivax parasitaemia after treatment of P. falciparum malaria that varied significantly between studies. These P. vivax infections are likely attributable to relapses that could be prevented with radical cure including a hypnozoitocidal agent; however, the benefits of such a novel strategy will vary considerably between geographical areas.

Differences in retinopathy prevalence and progression between Anglo-Celt and Aboriginal Australians: the Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase II

BACKGROUND

Indigenous populations have higher rates of diabetes and diabetic complications, yet there is a paucity of contemporary data on diabetic retinopathy (DR) prevalence and incidence in urban dwelling Aboriginal Australians.

AIMS

The aim of the study was to compare the prevalence of DR and incidence of new or worsening DR between Aboriginal Australians and Anglo-Celts with Type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

Participants from the community-based Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase II (817 Anglo-Celts, 94 Aboriginal people) recruited between 2008 and 2011 underwent fundus photography at baseline and biennial reviews. The prevalence of any DR and moderate non-proliferative DR (NPDR), and the incidence of new or worsening DR were ascertained using baseline and 4-year follow-up data.

RESULTS

Compared with Anglo-Celts, the Aboriginal participants had a higher prevalence of any DR (33.0% vs 52.1%) and moderate NPDR or worse (5.1% vs 24.4%), and new or worsening DR during follow up (6.7% vs 23.5%). The unadjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of any DR and moderate NPDR at baseline were 2.21 (1.43, 3.39) and 5.98 (3.40, 10.50), respectively, and of new or worsening DR 4.32 (1.33, 13.98). In adjusted models, Aboriginal ethnicity was only associated with the prevalence of moderate NPDR or worse (5.58 (2.44, 12.76)).

CONCLUSIONS

Aboriginal participants had a higher prevalence of DR and new or worsening DR, reflecting conventional risk factors including suboptimal glycaemic control. Their significantly higher odds of moderate NPDR or worse in adjusted models suggest ethnic-specific determinants of DR severity. These findings highlight the need for equitable, culturally appropriate diabetes/ophthalmic care.

Risk factors and outcomes of anxiety symptom trajectories in type 2 diabetes: the Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase II

AIM

To identify determinants and outcomes of 4-year trajectories of anxiety symptoms in a community-based cohort with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

Some 1091 participants in the Fremantle Diabetes Study-Phase II with type 2 diabetes completed the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale at baseline and biennially for 4 years, in addition to psychological, biomedical and self-management measures. Latent growth mixture modelling identified trajectories of anxiety symptom severity, and regression models determined predictors of trajectory membership and associated outcomes.

RESULTS

Two distinct groups of participants were identified: those with continuously low-no anxiety symptoms (87%) and those with improving but consistently high anxiety symptoms (elevated anxiety; 13%). Higher HbA_1c and BMI, macrovascular complications and a history of generalized anxiety and/or major depressive disorder increased the risk of elevated anxiety. Elevated anxiety did not predict change in health-related outcomes over time. Elevated anxiety and depression symptoms were highly comorbid and those with both displayed the most persistent anxiety symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

A subgroup of individuals with type 2 diabetes are at risk of persistently elevated anxiety symptoms. Routine monitoring of the severity of psychological symptoms over time in this population should facilitate earlier and more intensive mood management.

Influence of Renin-Angiotensin System Inhibitors on Lower-Respiratory Tract Infections in Type 2 Diabetes: The Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase II

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether ACE inhibitors (ACEi) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) protect against lower-respiratory tract infections complicating type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Of 1,732 participants with diabetes recruited to the longitudinal observational Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase II (FDS2) between 2008 and 2011, 1,482 had confirmed type 2 diabetes (mean age 65.8 years and median diabetes duration 9.0 years; 51.6% were male). All were followed for hospitalizations for or with, or deaths from, pneumonia/influenza, ascertained from validated administrative data linkage from study entry to end of 2016. Cox regression and competing risk regression were used to identify independent predictors of this outcome.

RESULTS

Two-thirds of participants (n = 982) were taking an ACEi and/or ARB at study entry (498 [33.6%] ACEi, 408 [27.5%] ARB, 76 [5.1%] both). During 9,511 person-years of follow-up (mean ± SD 6.4 ± 2.0 years), 174 participants had incident pneumonia/influenza (156 hospitalizations and 18 deaths without hospitalization). In Cox regression analysis, baseline ACEi/ARB use was independently associated with a reduced risk of incident pneumonia/influenza (cause-specific hazard ratio [HR] 0.64 [95% CI 0.45, 0.89], P = 0.008). Allowing for the competing risk of death did not change this finding (subdistribution HR 0.67 [0.48, 0.95], P = 0.024), and similar reductions were seen for ACEi, ARB alone, and ACEi/ARB combination therapy. There was no significant change in use of ACEi/ARB during follow-up [interaction with ln(time), P = 0.70]. Other significant predictors of incident pneumonia/influenza were previously reported, clinically plausible variables.

CONCLUSIONS

ACEi/ARB reduce the risk of pneumonia/influenza in people with type 2 diabetes.

Complementary and alternative medicine beliefs in type 2 diabetes: The Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase II

Complementary medicine (CM) treatment beliefs of people with type 2 diabetes were assessed using a validated three-domain questionnaire. Belief in holistic health, but not natural treatments or participation in treatment, was independently associated with CM use (P = 0.003). Strong holistic health beliefs could identify present/future CM use, with potential management implications.

Temporal Trends in Cardiovascular Complications in People With or Without Type 2 Diabetes: The Fremantle Diabetes Study

CONTEXT

There is evidence that diabetes-related complications are declining but most data sources have limitations.

OBJECTIVE

To characterize temporal changes in incidence rates (IRs) of chronic complications and mortality in well-characterized, community-based Australians.

DESIGN

Longitudinal observational study.

SETTING

Urban population.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants with type 2 diabetes from the Fremantle Diabetes Study phases I (FDS1; n = 1291 recruited 1993-1996) and II (FDS2; n = 1509 recruited 2008-2011) age-, sex,- and ZIP code-matched 1:4 to people without diabetes.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

First hospitalizations for/with myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, heart failure (HF), lower extremity amputation, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality. Five-year IRs, IR ratios for those with versus without diabetes in FDS1 and FDS2, and IR differences (IRDs), were calculated.

RESULTS

The 13,995 participants had a mean age of 64.8 years and 50.4% were males. There were lower IR ratios for MI, stroke, HF, and CVD death in FDS2 versus FDS1. IRDs for people with versus without type 2 diabetes had reduced by >50% between phases for MI, stroke, HF, lower extremity amputation, and CVD death, with no change in IRD for all-cause mortality. Within the pooled type 2 diabetes cohort, FDS2 versus FDS1 participation was an independent inverse predictor of stroke, HF, CVD death, and all-cause mortality after adjustment in Cox proportional hazards models.

CONCLUSIONS

Cardiovascular outcomes in Australians have improved since the 1990s, especially in type 2 diabetes. The difference in all-cause mortality between those with and without type 2 diabetes has persisted despite longer survival.

Incidence and predictors of vision loss complicating type 2 diabetes: The Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase II

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Although diabetes is associated with multiple ocular complications, there are limited data on the incidence and predictors of visual acuity (VA) loss in type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study was to determine the 4-year cumulative incidence of visual impairment and blindness, and the predictors of vision loss, in a representative community-based cohort.

METHODS

The longitudinal Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase II recruited 1551 participants with type 2 diabetes between 2008 and 2011. Participants attended biennial face-to-face assessments including VA measurement. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the predictors of vision loss (defined as a decrease in VA by >10 letters at the Year 4 assessment), excluding those with visual impairment (VA >6/19 and ≤6/48) and blindness (VA >6/48) at baseline.

RESULTS

882 participants with normal/near normal vision at baseline had VA data at Year 4 available. During a median [interquartile range] 4.1 [4.0-4.4] years of follow-up, the cumulative incidences of visual impairment and vision loss were 0.9% (n = 8) and 2.9% (n = 26), respectively. No participants developed blindness and 1.9% (n = 17) improved their VA. Multivariable logistic regression showed baseline smoking (OR: 3.17 (95% CI: 1.15-8.76)), prior severe hypoglycemia (5.59 (1.32-23.61)) and urinary albumin:creatinine ratio (uACR) (1.42 (1.09-1.84) for an increase of 1 in ln(uACR)) had higher odds of vision loss during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Smoking cessation and management strategies that avoid severe hypoglycemia and preserve kidney function may potentially prevent vision loss in people with type 2 diabetes.

Contemporary Cardiovascular Risk Assessment for Type 2 Diabetes Including Heart Failure as an Outcome: The Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase II

Background: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk assessment has limitations. The aim of this study was to develop a risk equation adding heart failure (HF) to conventional major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE, myocardial infarction, stroke, and CVD death) and allowing for non-CVD death. Methods: 1551 community-based people with T2D (mean age 66 years, 52% males) were followed from baseline in 2008–2011 for five years to the first CVD event/death. Cox and competing risk regression identified predictors of three-point MACE and four-point MACE (including HF). Discrimination was assessed by the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC) and calibration by the Hosmer-Lemeshow test. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were determined for a 10% five-year CVD risk cut-off. Results: 143 participants (9.2%) experienced a three-point MACE during 7,111 person-years of follow-up and 245 (15.8%) a four-point MACE during 6,896 person-years. The best model was the competing risk four-point MACE (221 predicted events (14.3%), AUC 0.82 (95% CI: 0.79–0.85), Hosmer-Lemeshow test, p = 0.17, sensitivity 79.2%, specificity 68.1%, PPV 31.8%, NPV 94.6%) with validation in 177 adults with T2D from an independent population (AUC 0.81 (0.74–0.89). Conclusions: A validated four-point MACE competing risk model reliably predicts key T2D CVD outcomes.

The relationship between carotid disease and retinopathy in diabetes: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Since studies of the relationship between carotid disease and diabetic retinopathy (DR) have shown apparent inconsistencies, the aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of available published data.

METHODS

Electronic databases were searched independently by two reviewers, according to an iterative protocol, for relevant articles. The search term used was "diabetes AND (carotid disease OR intima-media OR carotid plaque OR carotid stenosis OR carotid arterial disease OR carotid artery disease OR carotid atherosclerosis) AND (retinopathy OR diabetic retinopathy)".

RESULTS

From 477 publications, 14 studies were included. There were differences in the variables used as markers of carotid disease and DR across the included studies. Ten studies used carotid disease as the dependent variable, and the remainder used DR. All but one study involved cross-sectional data. Most studies reported a statistically significant association between at least one parameter of carotid disease as assessed by ultrasound and DR presence or severity. Only four studies reported no significant association. A common limitation was the use of convenience participant sampling.

CONCLUSIONS

There appears to be an increased likelihood of DR when there is ultrasonographic evidence of carotid disease, and vice versa. The available studies suggest that there may be a direct relationship between DR and carotid macrovascular disease and/or that these complications co-exist due to shared risk factors. If carotid disease is detected, retinal assessment should be performed. If DR is identified, intensive cardiovascular disease risk management should be considered. Additional longitudinal studies are needed to assess the directionality of the association.

Efficacy of Intermittently Scanned Continuous Glucose Monitoring in the Prevention of Recurrent Severe Hypoglycemia

Background: People with diabetes experiencing hypoglycemia are at increased risk of recurrence because of attenuated autonomic warning. We assessed the efficacy of intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring (isCGM; FreeStyle Libre™, Abbott) compared with usual-care self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) in reducing this risk in type 1 and insulin-treated type 2 diabetes. Methods: Insulin-treated adults with diabetes and an episode of clinically significant biochemical hypoglycemia (blood glucose [BG] <3.0 mM) or symptomatic hypoglycemia and BG <4.0 mM were randomized to 6 months of isCGM (intensive group) or SMBG (control group) against a background of usual care. The primary outcome was hypoglycemia requiring second-party assistance for recovery. Prespecified secondary outcomes included other hypoglycemic episodes (self-reported, and BG <3.0, 3.0-3.9, <4.0 mM) and change in HbA_1c at 24 weeks. Results: Of 59 participants (mean age 53.6 years, 44.1% males, median HbA_1c 61.8 mmol/mol or 7.8%), 30 were allocated to isCGM and 29 to SMBG. The incidence of severe hypoglycemia was not significantly different between the two groups (incident rate ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.49 [0.46-5.56], P = 0.47). The incidence of other recorded hypoglycemic episodes in the intervention group was double that in the control group (P < 0.001). There was no difference in the change in HbA_1c between the two groups (P = 0.74). There were seven serious adverse events and none was considered related to the intervention. Conclusions: Although isCGM is safe, it does not appear to have a role in preventing recurrent severe hypoglycemia in at-risk individuals with diabetes.

Prevalence and incidence of thyroid dysfunction in type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and latent autoimmune diabetes of adults: The Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase II

OBJECTIVE

Since the results of published studies assessing thyroid dysfunction complicating diabetes have been variable in quality, inconsistent and may not reflect contemporary clinical care, the aim of this study was to determine its prevalence and incidence in a large, well-characterized, representative cohort.

DESIGN

Community-based, longitudinal, observational study.

PATIENTS

A total of 1617 participants from the Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase II (FDS2), including 130 (8.0%) with type 1 diabetes, 1408 (87.1%) with type 2 diabetes, and 79 (4.9%) with latent autoimmune diabetes of adults (LADA).

MEASUREMENTS

Serum thyrotropin (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) at baseline between 2008 and 2011 and in those attending Year 4 follow-up.

RESULTS

The prevalence of known thyroid disease (ascertained from baseline self-reported thyroid medication use or hospitalization data) was 11.7% (189/1617). Of the remaining 1428 participants, 5.1% (73/1428) had biochemical evidence of subclinical hypothyroidism, 1.1% (15/1428) overt hypothyroidism, 0.1% (2/1428) subclinical hyperthyroidism and 0.2% (3/1428) overt hyperthyroidism, representing an overall baseline prevalence of thyroid disease of 17.4% (282/1617). During 5694 patient-years of follow-up, 25 (3.0%) of the 844 with a normal baseline TSH and follow-up data developed known thyroid disease. Of the remaining 819, 3.4% developed subclinical hypothyroidism, 0.2% overt hypothyroidism and 0.5% subclinical hyperthyroidism. There were no statistically significant differences in the prevalence or incidence of thyroid dysfunction by diabetes type.

CONCLUSIONS

Thyroid dysfunction, known or detected through screening, is common in diabetes. These data suggest the need for periodic clinical and biochemical screening for thyroid disease in all types of diabetes.

Retinopathy predicts stroke but not myocardial infarction in type 2 diabetes: the Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase II

Background

Microangiopathy in type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD), but most relevant studies were performed > 10 years ago. CVD risk factor management has since improved. The aim of this study was to determine whether diabetic retinopathy (DR) and its severity increases stroke and myocardial infarction (MI) risk in a contemporary cohort.

Methods

Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase II participants with T2D had DR graded from fundus photography at baseline between 2008 and 2011. Subsequent hospitalizations and mortality for MI or stroke were ascertained through validated data linkage to end-2016. Cox regression modelling identified predictors of first stroke and MI including DR presence and severity.

Results

The 1521 participants with T2D and known DR status (mean age 65.6 years, 52.1% males, median diabetes duration 9.0 years) were followed for a mean of 6.6 years. After excluding those with prior MI/stroke, there were 126 incident MIs among 1393 eligible participants and 53 incident strokes in 1473 eligible participants, respectively. Moderate non-proliferative DR (NPDR) or worse was significantly and independently associated with an increased risk of incident stroke (adjusted hazard ratio 2.55 (95% CI 1.19, 5.47), p = 0.016). Retinopathy presence and severity increased the risk of incident MI in unadjusted models (p ≤ 0.001), but these associations were no longer statistically significant after adjusting for other risk factors.

Conclusions

Moderate NPDR or worse was associated with an increased risk of first stroke in Australians with T2D. Intensified CVD risk factor management should be considered for patients with at least moderate NPDR.

A comparison of obesity indices in relation to mortality in type 2 diabetes: the Fremantle Diabetes Study

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

This prospective association study aimed to compare the relationship between each of four obesity indices and mortality risk in people with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

The associations of BMI, waist circumference, WHR and A Body Shape Index (ABSI) with all-cause mortality were analysed in 1282 participants of the Fremantle Diabetes Study, followed for up to 20 years after baseline assessment. Models were adjusted for age and other confounders; assessments as continuous measures and by quintile were carried out for men and women separately. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to minimise reverse causality.

RESULTS

When indices were assessed as continuous variables, there were significant bivariate associations with mortality for: ABSI, which was greater in both men and women who died (p < 0.001); WHR, which was greater in women only (p = 0.033); and BMI, which was lower in women only (p < 0.001). When assessed by quintile, there were significant bivariate associations with mortality for ABSI in men and women (p < 0.001) and BMI in women only (p = 0.002). In Cox models of time to death, adjusted for age, diabetes duration, ethnicity and smoking, ABSI quintiles showed a linear trend for both men (p = 0.003) and women (p = 0.035). Men in the fifth ABSI quintile had an increased mortality risk compared with those in the first quintile (HR [95% CI]: 1.74 [1.24, 2.44]) and women in the fifth ABSI quintile had an increased mortality risk that approached statistical significance (1.42 [0.97, 2.08], p = 0.08). Men in the fifth WHR quintile had an increased mortality risk (1.47 [1.05, 2.06]). There was no association between mortality and BMI or waist circumference in either sex.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

ABSI was the obesity index most strongly associated with all-cause mortality in Australians with type 2 diabetes. There was no evidence for an obesity paradox with any of the assessed indices. ABSI may be a better index of central obesity than waist circumference, BMI or WHR when assessing mortality risk in type 2 diabetes.

Incidence and associates of diabetic ketoacidosis in a community-based cohort: the Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase II

OBJECTIVE

To assess the incidence and associates of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in a representative community-based cohort.

METHODS

All hospitalizations of 1724 participants in the Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase II for/with DKA (plasma glucose >13.8 mmol/L, urinary/serum ketones, serum bicarbonate <18 mmol/L and/or arterial/venous pH <7.30) were identified between study entry from 2008 to 2011 and end-2013. Details of each episode were categorized by chart review as confirmed/probable DKA, possible DKA or not DKA. Incidence rates by diabetes type were calculated. Cox proportional hazards modeling determined predictors of first episode, and negative binomial regression identified predictors of frequency.

RESULTS

There were 53 coded DKA episodes (41 first episodes, 12 recurrences), of which 19 (35.8%) were incorrectly coded, 9 (17.0%) had possible DKA and 25 (47.2%) had confirmed/probable DKA. Of this latter group, 44% had type 1 diabetes, 32% had type 2 diabetes, 12% had latent autoimmune diabetes of adults (LADA) and 12% had secondary diabetes. The overall incidence of confirmed/probable DKA (95% CI) was 35.6 (23.0 to 52.6)/10 000 person-years (178.6 (85.7 to 328.5)/10 000 person-years for type 1 diabetes, 13.3 (5.7 to 26.1)/10 000 person-years for type 2 diabetes, 121.5 (33.1 to 311.0)/10 000 person-years for LADA and 446.5 (92.1 to 1304.9)/10 000 person-years for secondary diabetes). Baseline ln(fasting serum C-peptide) (inversely), glycated hemoglobin and secondary diabetes predicted both incident first confirmed/probable DKA episode and the frequency of DKA (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

These data highlight the contribution of poor glycemic control and limited pancreatic beta cell function to incident DKA, and show that people with types of diabetes other than type 1, especially secondary diabetes, are at risk.

Validation of a protein biomarker test for predicting renal decline in type 2 diabetes: The Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase II

AIMS

To validate the prognostic utility of a novel plasma biomarker panel, PromarkerD, for predicting renal decline in an independent cohort of people with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

Models for predicting rapid estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline defined as i) incident diabetic kidney disease (DKD), ii) eGFR decline ≥30% over four years, and iii) annual eGFR decline ≥5 mL/min/1.73 m² were applied to 447 participants from the longitudinal observational Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase II. Model performance was assessed using discrimination and calibration.

RESULTS

During 4.2 ± 0.3 years of follow-up, 5-10% of participants experienced a rapid decline in eGFR. A consensus model comprising apolipoprotein A-IV (apoA4), CD5 antigen-like (CD5L), insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 (IGFBP3), age, serum HDL-cholesterol and eGFR showed the best performance for predicting incident DKD (AUC = 0.88 (95% CI 0.84-0.93)); calibration Chi-squared = 5.6, P = 0.78). At the optimal score cut-off, this model provided 86% sensitivity, 78% specificity, 30% positive predictive value and 98% negative predictive value for four-year risk of developing DKD.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of readily available clinical and laboratory features and the PromarkerD biomarkers (apoA4, CD5L, IGFBP3) proved an accurate prognostic test for future renal decline in an independent validation cohort of people with type 2 diabetes.

Acquisition of Antibodies Against Endothelial Protein C Receptor-Binding Domains of Plasmodium falciparum Erythrocyte Membrane Protein 1 in Children with Severe Malaria

BACKGROUND

Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) mediates parasite sequestration in postcapillary venules in P. falciparum malaria. PfEMP1 types can be classified based on their cysteine-rich interdomain region (CIDR) domains. Antibodies to different PfEMP1 types develop gradually after repeated infections as children age, and antibodies to specific CIDR types may confer protection.

METHODS

Levels of immunoglobulin G to 35 recombinant CIDR domains were measured by means of Luminex assay in acute-stage (baseline) and convalescent-stage plasma samples from Papua New Guinean children with severe or uncomplicated malaria and in healthy age-matched community controls.

RESULTS

At baseline, antibody levels were similar across the 3 groups. After infection, children with severe malaria had higher antibody levels than those with uncomplicated malaria against the endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) binding CIDRα1 domains, and this difference was largely confined to older children. Antibodies to EPCR-binding domains increased from presentation to follow-up in severe malaria, but not in uncomplicated malaria.

CONCLUSIONS

The acquisition of antibodies against EPCR-binding CIDRα1 domains of PfEMP1 after a severe malaria episode suggest that EPCR-binding PfEMP1 may have a role in the pathogenesis of severe malaria in Papua New Guinea.

Community-based management of complex type 2 diabetes: adaptation of an integrated model of care in a general practice setting

BACKGROUND

Overburdened hospital clinics can have adverse outcomes.

AIMS

To evaluate the effectiveness and patient acceptability of an integrated model of complex type 2 diabetes care delivered in a community-based general practice by upskilled general practitioners (GP) co-located with an endocrinologist and diabetes nurse educator.

METHODS

Patients transferred from hospital clinic lists or referred by local GP were assessed in two southern Perth practices. An upskilled GP and endocrinologist developed a management plan which was communicated to the participant's usual GP. Up to two follow-up visits over 6 months ensured that management was acceptable and effective.

RESULTS

A total of 464 people with type 2 diabetes (mean ± standard deviation age = 59.3 ± 13.7 years, 52.2% males) was enrolled. Their mean glycated haemoglobin (HbA_1c ) was 9.3% (78 mmol/mol) and their mean body mass index 33.7 kg/m² . Use of injectable blood glucose-lowering therapies increased between the initial and final visit in association with a median HbA_1c reduction of 1.2% (13 mmol/mol) which was sustained to 12 months in assessable participants. There were also reductions in blood pressure, and serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations. Patient satisfaction with current treatment, time for self-management, time spent in diabetes-related appointments and diabetes knowledge increased significantly. Non-attendance for scheduled appointments was <10%. Local hospital referrals and waiting lists reduced over the study period.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms the value of integrated community-based care of complex type 2 diabetes which could represent a sustainable solution to overburdened hospital diabetes outpatient clinics.

Dementia complicating type 2 diabetes and the influence of premature mortality: the Fremantle Diabetes Study

AIMS

To investigate risk factors for, and the influence of premature mortality on, dementia complicating type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

Participants with type 2 diabetes in the community-based observational Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase 1 (n = 1291, mean age 64.0 years) were followed from 1993 to 1996 to end-June 2012. Incident dementia was identified from validated health databases. Dementia risk was assessed using Cox proportional hazards modelling supplemented by competing risk regression modelling in the total cohort and sub-groups defined by age of diabetes onset as mid-life (< 65 years) or late-life (≥ 65 years).

RESULTS

During mean ± SD follow-up of 12.7 ± 5.9 years, 717 participants (55.5%) died and 180 (13.9%) developed dementia. Overall, few risk factors predicted incident dementia and most predicted time to death. In mid-life diabetes, incident dementia was predicted by diabetes duration, cerebrovascular disease, schizophrenia, antipsychotic medication and the APOE ε4 allele. In late-life diabetes, risk factors were peripheral neuropathy, lack of exercise, lower fasting serum glucose, no antihypertensive therapy and the APOE ε4 allele. Competing risk analysis showed age to be a positive predictor compared with the inverse association in Cox models that suggested survivor bias in an older community-based cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

Dementia in type 2 diabetes is multifactorial. An association with diabetes duration, independent of most possible confounders, suggests that one or more unmeasured processes specific to diabetes may be implicated in the pathogenesis. The risk factors for dementia were also associated with an increased risk of death. This suggests that recently reported improvements in mortality in type 2 diabetes may be accompanied by reductions in dementia incidence.

The LEADER trial in type 2 diabetes: Were the characteristics and outcomes of the participants representative?

AIMS

To compare the characteristics and outcomes of people with type 2 diabetes recruited to the LEADER trial to those of participants in the contemporaneous community-based Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase II (FDS2) who fulfilled LEADER entry criteria.

METHODS

Baseline characteristics of LEADER and LEADER-eligible FDS2 participants were compared using bivariate methods. Incidence rates of the primary (nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, cardiovascular disease (CVD) death) and other outcomes in the LEADER placebo group were compared with those in LEADER-eligible FDS2 participants during 3.8 years after entry, the median LEADER follow-up.

RESULTS

Of 1551 FDS2 type 2 participants, 323 (20.8%) were LEADER-eligible. Compared with the LEADER sample, they were an average 6 years older, and were less likely to be male, obese and to have prior CVD. There were 3.9 and 2.9 primary outcomes/100 patient-years in LEADER placebo-treated and FDS2 LEADER-eligible patients, respectively. Incidence rates for first myocardial infarction and stroke were 1.9 and 2.1 events/100 patient-years and 1.1 and 1.0 events/100 patient-years, respectively. FDS2 LEADER-eligible patients had a lower CVD death rate of 0.8 versus 1.6/100 patient-years in the LEADER placebo group, but their non-CVD mortality was greater (2.1 versus 1.0/100 patient-years).

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest recruitment bias in type 2 diabetes CVD outcome trials.

Subjective memory complaints are not increased in type 2 diabetes: A matched cohort study

Type 2 diabetes is associated with several cognitive syndromes but whether this generates subjective complaints remains unclear. In an age- and sex-matched study, subjective memory complaints were neither more prevalent nor more severe in those with type 2 diabetes, despite them having lower Mini-Mental State Examination scores.

Temporal changes in the incidence and predictors of severe hypoglycaemia in type 2 diabetes: The Fremantle Diabetes Study

AIM

To determine the incidence of severe hypoglycaemia and its predictors in community-based patients with type 2 diabetes studied between 2008 and 2013 compared with those in a cohort of patients with type 2 diabetes from the same geographical area assessed a decade earlier.

METHODS

We studied 1551 participants (mean age 65.7 years, 51.9% men) with type 2 diabetes from the longitudinal observational Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase II (FDS2). Severe hypoglycaemia was ascertained as that requiring ambulance attendance, emergency department services and/or hospitalization. Cox proportional hazards modelling was used to determine predictors of a first episode of severe hypoglycaemia, and negative binomial regression was used to identify predictors of frequency.

RESULTS

Sixty-three participants (4.1%) experienced 83 episodes, representing an incidence of 1.34/100 participant-years (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08 to 1.67; vs 1.67/100 participant-years [95% CI 1.31-2.13] in the Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase I [FDS1]; P = 0.18). Those experiencing severe hypoglycaemia experienced one to four episodes in both cohorts. The independent predictors of incident severe hypoglycaemia in the FDS2 were: older age; higher educational attainment; alcohol consumption; current smoking; sulphonylurea/insulin treatment; prior severe hypoglycaemia; renal impairment; and plasma N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). The same variables except smoking were associated with frequency of severe hypoglycaemia. Most of these risk factors paralleled those in the FDS1, but current smoking and plasma NT-proBNP were novel.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence and frequency of severe hypoglycaemia did not change between the Fremantle Diabetes Study phases but novel risk factors, including plasma NT-proBNP, were observed in the FDS2.