The effect of different forms of dysglycemia during pregnancy on maternal and fetal outcomes in treated women and comparison with large cohort studies

AIMS OF THE STUDY

We describe the impact of different forms of dysglycemia on maternal and neonatal health. This research is a part of the PEARL-Peristat Maternal and newborn registry, funded by Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF) Doha, Qatar.

METHODS

A population-based retrospective data analysis of 12,255 women with singleton pregnancies screened during the year 2016-2017, of which 3,027 women were identified with gestation diabetes mellitus (GDM) during pregnancy and 233 were diabetic before pregnancy. Data on maternal outcome was collected from the PEARL-Peristat Maternal and newborn registry.

RESULTS

The prevalence of GDM and diabetes mellitus (DM) was 24.7 % and 1.9%, respectively. 55% of DM, 38% of GDM and 25.6% of controls were obese (p<0.001). 71% of pregnant women with DM and 57.8% of those with GDM were older than 30 years versus 44.2% of controls. Pregnant women with DM or GDM had higher prevalence of hypertension versus normal controls (9.9%, 5.5% and 3.5%, respectively; p<0.001). Among women with vaginal deliveries, the proportion of women with induction of labor was significantly higher in the DM and GDM compared to control subjects (33.9%, 26.5% and 12.4%, respectively; p<0.001). The number of women who underwent Cesarean section was significantly higher in the DM and GDM groups versus normal controls (51.9%, 36.8%, and 28.5%, respectively; p<0.001).  Preterm delivery was significantly higher in women with DM and GDM (13.7% and 9%, respectively versus normal women (6.4%); p<0.001). Babies of DM and GDM had significantly higher occurrence of respiratory distress (RDS) or transient tachypnea (TTS): 9% and 5.8 % versus normal controls (4.8%). Macrosomia was more prevalent in babies of DM (6.4%) and GDM (6.8%) compared to controls (5%) (p: <0.001). Significant hypoglycemic episodes occurred more frequently in babies of DM and GDM women (11.2% and 3%, respectively) versus controls (0.6%) (p: <0.001. Infants of DM and GDM mothers required more treatments of phototherapy (9.4% and 8.9%, respectively) versus those born to normal women (7.2%) (p: 0.006). The prevalence of congenital anomalies and neonatal death did not differ between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the improvement in the prenatal diagnosis and management of dysglycemia, there is still a higher prevalence of prematurity, macrosomia, and hypoglycemia in infants of mothers with DM and GDM. Measurements to reduce obesity and control dysglycemia in women during the childbearing period are highly required to prevent the still higher morbidity during pregnancy.

Prevalence of β-cell antibodies and associated autoimmune diseases in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) versus type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in Qatar

INTRODUCTION

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune disease with the development of abnormal immune responses to specific β-cell autoantigens in addition to other organ-specific autoimmunity. The most frequent associated disorders are thyroid dysfunctions and celiac disease. There are limited studies in the current literature on the prevalence of associated autoimmunity, especially multiple, in children and adolescents with T1DM and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of autoantibodies and thyroid dysfunctions in a cohort of children and adolescents (aged 0.5-16 years) with T1DM living in Qatar.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The records of all children and adolescents attending the Pediatric Diabetes Center of Hamad Medical Center, for the past 5 years (from January 2012 to December 2016), were reviewed and all clinical and biochemical data, including β-cell autoimmunity [anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) antibodies, anti-islet cell and anti-insulin antibodies (IAA)], thyroid function (Free thyroxine: FT4 and thyroid-stimulating hormone: TSH), anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO) and anti-tissue transglutaminase (ATT) were collected at their first presentation (cross-sectional study). Data for patients with T1DM (n=431) and T2DM (n=59) were recorded analyzed and the prevalence calculated and compared with other studies.

RESULTS

The prevalence of anti-GAD antibodies was 75.5 % in T1DM and 29.3% in T2DM. Anti β-islet antibodies (Ab) were detected in 53.4% of T1DM and 29.4% of T2DM. Anti-insulin Ab were detected in 40.4% of T1DM and 58.3% of T2DM. The three antibodies together were detected in 18.4 % of T1DM and none of T2DM. At presentation, hypothyroidism (FT4 <11.5 pmol/L) was detected in 10.6% of T1DM and 10% of T2DM.  Subclinical hypothyroidism was diagnosed in 3.5% of T1DM and 8% of T2DM. High anti TPO was detected in 27.2% of T1DM and 34.6% of T2DM. High TPO with normal thyroid function were found in 22.7% of T1DM and 23.1% of T2DM. ATT IgA was high in 5% of T1DM and 8.7% of T2DM whereas ATT IgG was high in 4.4 % of T1DM and not detected in any patient with T2DM. Mucosal biopsy proved celiac disease in 9 out of 12 patients (75%) with positive ATT IgA and IgG antibodies.

CONCLUSIONS

Qatar has a relatively high incidence of T1DM compared to incidences reported worldwide. The incidence increased over the period 2012-2015.  We report a high prevalence of associated autoimmune abnormalities in our patients with T1DM and T2DM. These data strengthen the argument for routine screening of all children and adolescents with T1DM and T2DM for other autoimmune disorders, particularly the thyroid gland.

Clinical and biochemical characteristics of familial type 1 diabetes mellitus (FT1DM) compared to non-familial type 1 DM (NFT1DM)

INTRODUCTION

Familial type 1 diabetes mellitus (FT1DM) comprises parent-offspring and sib-pair subgroups. The clinical and genetic characteristics of FT1DM cases with and without affected family members have been previously studied with varying results. Some investigators found similarity of presenting features whereas others reported significant differences between the two groups.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the clinical and biochemical characteristics of children with FT1DM in comparison with those with non-familial type 1 diabetes mellitus (NFT1DM).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional retrospective study in a cohort of children and adolescents with T1DM (n=424) aged between 6 months - 16 years attending to Hamad General Hospital Pediatric Diabetes Center, Doha (Qatar) from 2012-2016. They were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 consisted of 62 children and adolescent with FT1DM (parent-offspring or sib-pair). The other group (Group 2) consisted of 431 children and adolescents with NFT1DM. The clinical presentation and prevalence of β-cell autoimmunity (anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) antibodies , anti-islet cell and anti-insulin antibodies), thyroid function (Free thyroxine: FT4 and thyroid-stimulating hormone: TSH), anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO) and anti-tissue transglutaminase (ATT) at their first presentation were recorded, described and analyzed.

RESULTS

FT1 DM was more prevalent in boys versus girls (1.4:1, respectively) whereas the prevalence of NFT1DM did not differ between genders (1:1.1, respectively). F1DM occurred relatively early in childhood (40.7% before the age of 4 years and 72% before 9 years of age) versus NFT1DM which occurred relatively later in life (80% after the age of 4 years and 40% after the age of 9 years). 35.2% of FT1DM presented with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) versus 32.5% of T1DM patients. Anti-islet antibodies (Ab) were detected more frequently in FT1DM versus NFT1DM. The prevalence of positive anti-insulin and anti- GAD antibodies did not differ between the two groups. Anti TPO were detected in 27.2% of NFT1DM and 35.5% of FT1DM. A primary hypothyroidism, with positive ATPO, was more prevalent in FT1DM versus NFT1DM. ATT IgA was high in 5% of NFT1DM and 19.8% of FT1DM whereas ATT IgG was high in 4.4 % of NFT1DM and 15.4% of FT1DM.

CONCLUSIONS

FT1DM is more prevalent in boys versus girls and occurs earlier in childhood compared to NFT1DM. Primary hypothyroidism was more prevalent in NFT1DM versus FT1DM. Anti-islet Ab and ATT antibodies were more prevalent in the FT1DM versus NFT1DM. The genetic background may explain some differences between FT1DM and NFT1DM including the age of onset, gender affection, as well as associated autoimmune disorders.

Translating the HbA1c assay into estimated average glucose values in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVE

The A1c assay, expressed as the percent of hemoglobin that is glycated, measures chronic glycemia and is widely used to judge the adequacy of diabetes treatment and adjust therapy. Day-to-day management is guided by self-monitoring of capillary glucose concentrations (milligrams per decilitre or millimoles per litter) as well as by using continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGMS). We found a mathematical relationship between A1c and average glucose (AG) levels measured by CGMS over 5 days and determined the correlation between the variable CGMS parameters and HbA1c in 50 children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM-1) on MDI therapy.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 50 diabetic children randomly selected from a cohort of children with DM-1 were included in the analyses. A1c levels obtained at the end of 3 months and measured in a central laboratory were compared with the AG levels during the previous 5 days recorded by CGMS. AG was calculated by combining weighted results from 5 days of continuous glucose monitoring performed before measuring HbA1c, with 3-5 point daily self-monitoring of capillary (fingerstick) glucose.

RESULTS

Linear regression analysis between the A1c and AG values provided the tightest correlations HbA1c=0.0494 MG- 2E-14, R2=0.90, P<0.0001), allowing calculation of an estimated average glucose (eAG) for A1c values.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study showed a linear relationship between HbA1C and AG values measured by CGMS for 5 days before HbA1c measurement. The AG can be easily calculated using a formula derived from linear regression analysis of HbA1c data obtained in our diabetic children.

The Impact of Iron Overload in Patients with Acute Leukemia and Myelodysplastic Syndrome on Hepatic and Endocrine functions

Patients with hematologic malignancies undergoing chemotherapy and requiring blood transfusion usually have an elevated serum ferritin. These findings have led to the suggestion that iron overload is common and may have deleterious effects in these patients. However, the relationship between serum ferritin and parenchymal iron overload in such patients is unknown. Therefore, we measured the liver iron content (LIC) by the FerriScan® method and investigated the liver function and some endocrine tests in 27 patients with acute leukemia (AL) or myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Using FerriScan® method, the normal mean LIC levels are: 4.3±2.9 mg Fe/g dry weight (d.w.). In our patients, the mean serum ferritin level was 1965±2428 ng/mL. In our patients, the mean total iron in the blood received by them was 7177±5009 mg. In 6 out of 27 patients LIC was >7 mg Fe/g d.w. and in 11/27 serum ferritin was >1000 ng/ml. Measuring fasting blood glucose revealed 3/27 with diabetes mellitus and 4/27 with impaired fasting glucose (IFG). All patients had normal serum concentrations of calcium, parathormone (PTH), free thyroxine (FT4) and thyrotropin (TSH). Four patients had elevated serum alanine transferase (ALT). LIC was correlated significantly with ferritin level (r=0.5666; P<0.001) and the cumulative amount of iron in the transfused blood (r=0.523; P<0.001). LIC was correlated significantly with ALT (r=0.277; P = 0.04) and fasting blood glucose (FBG) was correlated significantly with the amount of iron transfused (r=0.52, p<0.01) and ALT level (r=0.44; P<0.01). The age of patients did not correlate with LIC, FBG or ALT. In conclusions, these results contribute to our understanding of the prevalence of dysglycemia and hepatic dysfunction in relation to parenchymal iron overload in patients with hematologic malignancies undergoing chemotherapy and requiring blood transfusions. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Serious Renal Disease in Egypt

We studied serious renal disease in Egypt by registering all 155 patients coming to the nephrology service at the University of Cairo during a period of 62 days in 1993. The patients presented with severe uremic symptoms. Admission creatinine and urea levels were high, 804 μmol/l and 64 mmol/l. Fifteen percent of the patients died; 115 underwent dialysis. Sixty patients presented with chronic renal failure; 53 with acute renal failure, but 24 of these were later found to have end-stage renal failure. Of 29 patients with true acute renal failure, 11 (38%) had pre-renal failure and 7 (24%) postrenal failure. Twenty-one patients were followed up after transplantation and chronic dialysis, another 17 had nephrotic syndrome, 3 hypertension, and one had asymptomatic urinary abnormalities. The most common specific etiology for chronic end-stage renal failure was diabetes mellitus type II in the older patients; second most common was Schistosoma in the younger ones. Most diabetic patients came from the city. All but one Schistosoma patient came from rural Egypt. In the 22 patients who underwent renal biopsy the most common diagnosis was mesangio capillary glomerulonephritis. The prevalence of acute renal failure, particularly iatrogenic-toxic, is increasing

Quality of life among adolescents aged 14 to 18 years with Beta-Thalassemia Major (TM) in Qatar

Background: Thalassemia is a heterogeneous group of inherited disorders of hemoglobin synthesis. It is a common disease in Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, Indian subcontinent, and Middle East countries, including Qatar. Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life (QOL) among patients aged 14 to 18 years with thalassemia major (TM) in Qatar and correlates their QOL with bio-demographic data of the patients compared to healthy controls.Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study measured the QOL in adolescents with thalassemia major who were attending ambulatory units in a tertiary hospital in Qatar. Forty children and adolescents with TM and 40 healthy participants were enrolled in the study. Forty-two (52.5%) participants were males and 38 (47.5%) females. Data were collected utilizing PedsQL^TM 4.0 generic core scale and were analyzed using the appropriate statistical method.Results: Children with TM had significantly lower and more variable overall quality of life score (69.1±16.8) compared to healthy matched children (77±12.8), (p<0.001). Both groups were not different from the physical, emotional, and social domains. Thalassemic adolescents had also a significantly lower school performance. Conclusions: TM adversely affects the QOL of children and adolescents and this necessitates applying more efforts to help them improve and achieve a desirable quality of life. Patients with TM need more attention in schools that can be accomplished by implementing a special program for their management that needs a mutual collaboration between Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) and Ministry of Education (MoE) in Qatar. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Clinical and biochemical characteristics of familial type 1 diabetes mellitus (FT1DM) compared to non-familial type 1 DM (NFT1DM)

INTRODUCTION

Familial type 1 diabetes mellitus (FT1DM) comprises parent-offspring and sib-pair subgroups. The clinical and genetic characteristics of FT1DM cases with and without affected family members have been previously studied with varying results. Some investigators found similarity of presenting features whereas others reported significant differences between the two groups.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the clinical and biochemical characteristics of children with FT1DM in comparison with those with non-familial type 1 diabetes mellitus (NFT1DM).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional retrospective study in a cohort of children and adolescents with T1DM (n=424) aged between 6 months - 16 years attending to Hamad General Hospital Pediatric Diabetes Center, Doha (Qatar) from 2012-2016. They were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 consisted of 62 children and adolescent with FT1DM (parent-offspring or sib-pair). The other group (Group 2) consisted of 431 children and adolescents with NFT1DM. The clinical presentation and prevalence of β-cell autoimmunity (anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) antibodies , anti-islet cell and anti-insulin antibodies), thyroid function (Free thyroxine: FT4 and thyroid-stimulating hormone: TSH), anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO) and anti-tissue transglutaminase (ATT) at their first presentation were recorded, described and analyzed.

RESULTS

FT1 DM was more prevalent in boys versus girls (1.4:1, respectively) whereas the prevalence of NFT1DM did not differ between genders (1:1.1, respectively). F1DM occurred relatively early in childhood (40.7% before the age of 4 years and 72% before 9 years of age) versus NFT1DM which occurred relatively later in life (80% after the age of 4 years and 40% after the age of 9 years). 35.2% of FT1DM presented with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) versus 32.5% of T1DM patients. Anti-islet antibodies (Ab) were detected more frequently in FT1DM versus NFT1DM. The prevalence of positive anti-insulin and anti- GAD antibodies did not differ between the two groups. Anti TPO were detected in 27.2% of NFT1DM and 35.5% of FT1DM. A primary hypothyroidism, with positive ATPO, was more prevalent in FT1DM versus NFT1DM. ATT IgA was high in 5% of NFT1DM and 19.8% of FT1DM whereas ATT IgG was high in 4.4 % of NFT1DM and 15.4% of FT1DM.

CONCLUSIONS

FT1DM is more prevalent in boys versus girls and occurs earlier in childhood compared to NFT1DM. Primary hypothyroidism was more prevalent in NFT1DM versus FT1DM. Anti-islet Ab and ATT antibodies were more prevalent in the FT1DM versus NFT1DM. The genetic background may explain some differences between FT1DM and NFT1DM including the age of onset, gender affection, as well as associated autoimmune disorders.

Incidence of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, between 2012-2016, among children and adolescents in Qatar

INTRODUCTION

Diagnoses of type 1 DM (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in youths present a substantial clinical and public health burden. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and trend of T1DM and T2DM, among children aged 0-14 years, in Qatar.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study was performed to ascertain all new cases of T1DM and T2DM 2 in Qatar as per the registry of the National Paediatric Diabetes Centre (the only tertiary care center treating children with DM in Qatar. Age-standardized and age-specific annual incidence rates for age groups 0.5-14 years were calculated.

RESULTS

A total of 440 youths with T1DM (0.5 to 14 years of age) and 45 with T2DM (5 to 14 years of age) were identified in Qatar. The inclusive unadjusted estimated incidence rates of T1DM in this population over the period between 2012-2016 was 28.39/100,000 with a 95% CI of 31.82-40.03. This was significantly higher compared to the unadjusted estimated incidence registered between 2006-2011 (23.15/100,000). No case of T2DM were registered before 2008. In the following years the incidence of T2DM increased from 1.82 per 100,000 in 2012 to 2.7 per 100,000 in 2016, with an incidence of T2DM equal to 2.9/100,000 per year.

CONCLUSIONS

A relatively higher incidence of T1DM compared to incidence reported worldwide have been documented in Qatar. The incidence rate increased in the period 2012-2016 compared to 2006-2011. Further studies are required to determine the causes of these increases.

The effect of different forms of dysglycemia during pregnancy on maternal and fetal outcomes in treated women and comparison with large cohort studies

AIMS OF THE STUDY

We describe the impact of different forms of dysglycemia on maternal and neonatal health. This research is a part of the PEARL-Peristat Maternal and newborn registry, funded by Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF) Doha, Qatar.

METHODS

A population-based retrospective data analysis of 12,255 women with singleton pregnancies screened during the year 2016-2017, of which 3,027 women were identified with gestation diabetes mellitus (GDM) during pregnancy and 233 were diabetic before pregnancy. Data on maternal outcome was collected from the PEARL-Peristat Maternal and newborn registry.

RESULTS

The prevalence of GDM and diabetes mellitus (DM) was 24.7 % and 1.9%, respectively. 55% of DM, 38% of GDM and 25.6% of controls were obese (p<0.001). 71% of pregnant women with DM and 57.8% of those with GDM were older than 30 years versus 44.2% of controls. Pregnant women with DM or GDM had higher prevalence of hypertension versus normal controls (9.9%, 5.5% and 3.5%, respectively; p<0.001). Among women with vaginal deliveries, the proportion of women with induction of labor was significantly higher in the DM and GDM compared to control subjects (33.9%, 26.5% and 12.4%, respectively; p<0.001). The number of women who underwent Cesarean section was significantly higher in the DM and GDM groups versus normal controls (51.9%, 36.8%, and 28.5%, respectively; p<0.001).  Preterm delivery was significantly higher in women with DM and GDM (13.7% and 9%, respectively versus normal women (6.4%); p<0.001). Babies of DM and GDM had significantly higher occurrence of respiratory distress (RDS) or transient tachypnea (TTS): 9% and 5.8 % versus normal controls (4.8%). Macrosomia was more prevalent in babies of DM (6.4%) and GDM (6.8%) compared to controls (5%) (p: <0.001). Significant hypoglycemic episodes occurred more frequently in babies of DM and GDM women (11.2% and 3%, respectively) versus controls (0.6%) (p: <0.001. Infants of DM and GDM mothers required more treatments of phototherapy (9.4% and 8.9%, respectively) versus those born to normal women (7.2%) (p: 0.006). The prevalence of congenital anomalies and neonatal death did not differ between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the improvement in the prenatal diagnosis and management of dysglycemia, there is still a higher prevalence of prematurity, macrosomia, and hypoglycemia in infants of mothers with DM and GDM. Measurements to reduce obesity and control dysglycemia in women during the childbearing period are highly required to prevent the still higher morbidity during pregnancy.

Translating the HbA1c assay into estimated average glucose values in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVE

The A1c assay, expressed as the percent of hemoglobin that is glycated, measures chronic glycemia and is widely used to judge the adequacy of diabetes treatment and adjust therapy. Day-to-day management is guided by self-monitoring of capillary glucose concentrations (milligrams per decilitre or millimoles per litter) as well as by using continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGMS). We found a mathematical relationship between A1c and average glucose (AG) levels measured by CGMS over 5 days and determined the correlation between the variable CGMS parameters and HbA1c in 50 children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM-1) on MDI therapy.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 50 diabetic children randomly selected from a cohort of children with DM-1 were included in the analyses. A1c levels obtained at the end of 3 months and measured in a central laboratory were compared with the AG levels during the previous 5 days recorded by CGMS. AG was calculated by combining weighted results from 5 days of continuous glucose monitoring performed before measuring HbA1c, with 3-5 point daily self-monitoring of capillary (fingerstick) glucose.

RESULTS

Linear regression analysis between the A1c and AG values provided the tightest correlations HbA1c=0.0494 MG- 2E-14, R2=0.90, P<0.0001), allowing calculation of an estimated average glucose (eAG) for A1c values.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study showed a linear relationship between HbA1C and AG values measured by CGMS for 5 days before HbA1c measurement. The AG can be easily calculated using a formula derived from linear regression analysis of HbA1c data obtained in our diabetic children.

Prevalence of β-cell antibodies and associated autoimmune diseases in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) versus type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in Qatar

INTRODUCTION

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune disease with the development of abnormal immune responses to specific β-cell autoantigens in addition to other organ-specific autoimmunity. The most frequent associated disorders are thyroid dysfunctions and celiac disease. There are limited studies in the current literature on the prevalence of associated autoimmunity, especially multiple, in children and adolescents with T1DM and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of autoantibodies and thyroid dysfunctions in a cohort of children and adolescents (aged 0.5-16 years) with T1DM living in Qatar.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The records of all children and adolescents attending the Pediatric Diabetes Center of Hamad Medical Center, for the past 5 years (from January 2012 to December 2016), were reviewed and all clinical and biochemical data, including β-cell autoimmunity [anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) antibodies, anti-islet cell and anti-insulin antibodies (IAA)], thyroid function (Free thyroxine: FT4 and thyroid-stimulating hormone: TSH), anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO) and anti-tissue transglutaminase (ATT) were collected at their first presentation (cross-sectional study). Data for patients with T1DM (n=431) and T2DM (n=59) were recorded analyzed and the prevalence calculated and compared with other studies.

RESULTS

The prevalence of anti-GAD antibodies was 75.5 % in T1DM and 29.3% in T2DM. Anti β-islet antibodies (Ab) were detected in 53.4% of T1DM and 29.4% of T2DM. Anti-insulin Ab were detected in 40.4% of T1DM and 58.3% of T2DM. The three antibodies together were detected in 18.4 % of T1DM and none of T2DM. At presentation, hypothyroidism (FT4 <11.5 pmol/L) was detected in 10.6% of T1DM and 10% of T2DM.  Subclinical hypothyroidism was diagnosed in 3.5% of T1DM and 8% of T2DM. High anti TPO was detected in 27.2% of T1DM and 34.6% of T2DM. High TPO with normal thyroid function were found in 22.7% of T1DM and 23.1% of T2DM. ATT IgA was high in 5% of T1DM and 8.7% of T2DM whereas ATT IgG was high in 4.4 % of T1DM and not detected in any patient with T2DM. Mucosal biopsy proved celiac disease in 9 out of 12 patients (75%) with positive ATT IgA and IgG antibodies.

CONCLUSIONS

Qatar has a relatively high incidence of T1DM compared to incidences reported worldwide. The incidence increased over the period 2012-2015.  We report a high prevalence of associated autoimmune abnormalities in our patients with T1DM and T2DM. These data strengthen the argument for routine screening of all children and adolescents with T1DM and T2DM for other autoimmune disorders, particularly the thyroid gland.

Emotional Expression and Culture: Implications from Nine Arab Countries

Introduction

There is a notion that emotional expression is universal, yet it is subject to cultural variations. Research in this field has studied cultural extremes in European, American and East Asian cultures. However, very little is known about the differences in emotional expression in the Arab subcultures.

Objective

Exploring the differences between the emotional reactions among the nine Arab subcultures.

Aims (1) Examining the cultural differences in emotional reactions; (2) examining the differences between Muslim and non-Muslim individuals; (3) exploring the differences between Arabs and non-Arabs.

Methods

Several real life scenarios including 15 different stressful situations and 15 non-stressful situations were presented to 40 individuals from the nine Arab subcultures. The participants were aged between 18 to 40 years of age. The subjects were randomly classified into groups depending on whether they were Arabs or non-Arabs and according to whether they were Muslims or non-Muslims. The subjects’ emotional reactions were measured by means of Likert-like items.

Results

The results showed that there were no significant differences among the nine Arab subcultures in their emotional reactions to the non-stressful situations. However, there were significant differences among the Arab subcultures in the stressful situations. Moreover, both religion and ethics were strong predictors of the differences in the emotional reactions that varied between subjects in their cultural group. The Arab Muslims tended to express more anger but the Arab non-Muslims expressed more sadness.

Conclusions

Emotional expression is impacted by ones’ cultural background and is particularly influenced by religion and ethics. Although Arab countries share the same language, they express emotions differently.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency and Calcium Homeostasis in Saudi Children

OBJECTIVE

Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and vitamin D insufficiency (VDI) are significant health problems all over the world. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of VDD and VDI in children and adolescents residing in 8 provinces in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and to also investigate calcium homeostasis in these subjects.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2110 participants aged between 6 and 15 years. Information on socio-demographic status, anthropometric measurements, knowledge about vitamin D, color of the skin, dietary intake, sun exposure experience, smoking, and physical activity were collected through a questionnaire given to the parents of all subjects. The subjects were divided into three groups as vitamin D deficient, vitamin D insufficient, and vitamin sufficient according to their blood level of vitamin D [VDD ≤25 nmol/L (25 hydroxy vitamin D), VDI >25-50 nmol/L, and VDS >50 nmol/L].

RESULTS

VDD was highly prevalent in this group of children. 95.3 of the subjects had either VDD (45.5%) or VDI (49.9%). The prevalence rate of VDD combined with VDI was higher in females (97.8%) compared to males (92.8%) (p<0.001). Only 1.6% had significant hypocalcaemia. Children with dark skin had lower concentrations of vitamin D and higher concentrations of parathormone. A positive correlation was observed between 25 hydroxy vitamin D level and serum calcium, inorganic phosphate, and alkaline phosphatase concentrations. onclusion: The results showed a high prevalence of VDD and VDI in Saudi children with significantly higher prevalence in girls. These findings necessitate the set-up of a national program for vitamin D supplementation and health education for this vulnerable group.

Serum Fetuin A Levels: Are They a Reliable Marker for Hepatic Steatosis and Regional Adiposity in Renal Transplant Recipients?

BACKGROUND

Fetuin A is a protein expressed in the liver and it is an important inhibitor of ectopic calcification. High levels of fetuin A correlate with insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis, and regional adiposity in the general population. The association between hepatic steatosis and fetuin A level in renal transplant recipients (RTRs) remains unclear.

AIM

The aim of this study was to explore the relationships between fetuin A, hepatic steatosis, and regional adiposity in RTRs.

METHODS

Data from 44 patients with normal renal functions were included, all subjected to history taking for clinical data, assessment of central obesity and regional adiposity, assessment of hepatic steatosis using abdominal ultrasound (US), and measurements of serum fetuin A concentration using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits.

RESULTS

Our study included 20 females (45.4%) and 24 males (54.6%) with mean age of 41.26 ± 11.2 years. Twenty-four subjects had hepatic steatosis. Fetuin A level in RTRs with hepatic steatosis with a mean of 1642.92 ± 358.91 is significantly higher (P < .001) than those without hepatic steatosis with a mean of 711.74 ± 57.85. Serum fetuin A level was positively correlated with regional adiposity (P = .021) and hepatic steatosis grade (P = .017). Fetuin A level increased with increased duration after renal transplantation (P < .001). The best cutoff value for detecting entrance into phase 3 or 4 steatosis is fetuin of 1862 with sensitivity of 88.9% and specificity of 87.7%.

CONCLUSIONS

Fetuin A is positively correlated with hepatic steatosis and regional adiposity in RTRs. Fetuin increases with increased duration after renal transplantation. Accordingly it may be used as a marker for hepatic steatosis and regional adiposity in these patients.

Repair of Experimental Plaque-Induced Periodontal Disease in Dogs

Forty mongrel dogs were used in this study for induction of periodontal disease by placing subgingival silk ligatures affecting maxillary and mandibular premolar teeth during a 12-month period. Experimental premolar teeth received monthly clinical, radiographic, and histometric/pathologic assessments. The results demonstrated significant increases in scores and values of periodontal disease parameters associated with variable degrees of alveolar bone loss. The experimental maxillary premolar teeth exhibited more severe and rapid rates of periodontal disease compared with mandibular premolar teeth. Histometric analysis showed significant reduction in free and attached gingiva of the experimental teeth. Histopathological examination of buccolingual sections from experimental premolar teeth showed the presence of rete pegs within the sulcular epithelium with acanthosis and erosive changes, widening of the periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone resorption. Various methods for periodontal repair were studied in 194 experimental premolar teeth exhibiting different degrees of periodontal disease. The treatment plan comprised non-surgical (teeth scaling, root planing, and oral hygiene) and surgical methods (closed gingival curettage, modified Widman flap, and reconstructive surgery using autogenous bone marrow graft and canine amniotic membrane). The initial non-surgical treatment resulted in a periodontal recovery rate of 37.6 % and was found effective for treatment of early periodontal disease based on resolution of gingivitis and reduction of periodontal probing depths. Surgical treatment by closed gingival curettage to eliminate the diseased pocket lining resulted in a recovery rate of 48.8 % and proved effective in substantially reducing deep periodontal pockets. Open root planing following flap elevation resulted in a recovery rate of 85.4 % and was effective for deep and refractory periodontal pockets. Autogenous bone graft implantation combined with canine amniotic membrane as a biodegradable membrane was used in 18 premolar teeth and failed to improve advanced furcation defects in most teeth.