Plasma high sensitivity C-reactive protein and its relationship with cytokine levels in children with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes and ketoacidosis

A case report of leukemoid reaction in a child with severe diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and cerebral edema: When rarity and complexity meet

Key Clinical Message

In pediatrics, a leukemoid reaction in severe DKA cases with cerebral edema has never been reported. The fluid management was challenging as it required balancing rates to ensure improvement of the condition while preventing neurological sequelae.

Abstract

The combination of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), cerebral edema, and leukemoid reaction in pediatrics has never been reported before in the literature. It may lead to significant morbidity and high mortality. Here, we report a case of DKA-induced cerebral edema associated with severe leukocytosis (WBC 98 × 109/L), which had many challenges in fluid therapy.

Epidemiology, microbiology, and diagnosis of infection in diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome: A multicenter retrospective observational study

AIMS

We investigated the characteristics of infection and the utility of inflammatory markers in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome (HHS).

METHODS

A multicenter, retrospective observational study in 21 acute-care hospitals was conducted in Japan. This study included adult hospitalized patients with DKA and HHS. We analyzed the diagnostic accuracy of markers including C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) for bacteremia. Multiple regression models were created for estimating bacteremia risk factors.

RESULTS

A total of 771 patients, including 545 patients with DKA and 226 patients with HHS, were analyzed. The mean age was 58.2 (SD, 19.3) years. Of these, 70 tested positive for blood culture. The mortality rates of those with and without bacteremia were 14 % and 3.3 % (P-value < 0.001). The area under the curve (AUC) of CRP and PCT for diagnosis of bacteremia was 0.85 (95 %CI, 0.81-0.89) and 0.76 (95 %CI, 0.60-0.92), respectively. Logistic regression models identified older age, altered level of consciousness, hypotension, and higher CRP as risk factors for bacteremia.

CONCLUSIONS

The mortality rate was higher in patients with bacteremia than patients without it. CRP, rather than PCT, may be valid for diagnosing bacteremia in hyperglycemic emergencies.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study is registered in the UMIN clinical trial registration system (UMIN000025393, Registered December 23, 2016).

Leukocytosis and C-Reactive Protein Levels as Indicators of Infection in Children With Diabetic Ketoacidosis

BACKGROUND

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is one of the serious complications of type 1 diabetes mellitus and may be aggravated by infection. Diagnosing an infection in a patient with DKA is often complicated because of the overlap of symptoms and the presence of leukocytosis in both conditions. Reliable indicators for the diagnosis of bacterial infection in DKA may reduce unnecessary use of antibiotics and enable closer monitoring of patients at risk.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study. The study cohort included 180 children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus who were admitted to the Pediatric Emergency Department at Shaare Zedek Medical Center and had blood test results. We compared white blood cell count, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, blood glucose levels, pH, the degree of acidosis, and the incidence of infection in patients with and without DKA.

RESULTS

The incidence of probable bacterial infection in the entire cohort was 13.9%: 15.7% in the DKA group and 7.5% in the non-DKA group ( P = 0.65). The incidence of leukocytosis was significantly higher in patients with DKA ( P = 0.0003), although this was not related to bacterial infection. The CRP levels were higher in the DKA group with infection than without infection, and this was statistically significant ( P = 0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that leukocytosis in DKA is not a reliable indicator of concomitant bacterial infection. In contrast, CRP levels were not related to the DKA or degree of acidosis and were significantly higher in patients with infection within the DKA group, and are therefore a more reliable indicator of concomitant infection in these patients.

The prevalence, hospitalization outcomes and risk factors of euthyroid sick syndrome in patients with diabetic ketosis/ketoacidosis

BACKGROUND

To investigate the prevalence of euthyroid sick syndrome (ESS) and to evaluate the outcomes and risk factors associated with ESS among hospitalized patients with diabetic ketosis (DK) or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

METHODS

Laboratory and clinical data of 396 adult hospitalized DK/DKA patients with or without ESS were collected and analyzed. Spearman linear analysis and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate correlated factors of thyroid hormones and risk factors of ESS.

RESULTS

Most of the individuals were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (359/396, 90.7%). The prevalence of ESS was 57.8% (229/396). Patients in ESS group were older and had a longer course of diabetes. Levels of thyroid hormones, serum lipids, and parameters reflecting acidosis were significantly decreased in ESS group. The proportion of patients with infection, acute renal injury and DKA was significantly higher in ESS group than in control group, accompanied by longer hospitalization stay and higher hospitalization costs. Free triiodothyronine positively correlates with albumin, eGFR, parameters reflecting acidosis and lipid profiles (All P < 0.001), and negatively correlates with age, onset age, 24-h urine albumin, hsCRP and WBC count (All P < 0.001). Hypoalbuminemia, low level of carbon dioxide combining power, high level of HbA1c and WBC, and co-infection are shown to be risk factors for ESS (OR = 0.866, 0.933, 1.112, 1.146, 1.929, respectively; All P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of ESS was high in adult DK/DKA patients. Patients with ESS had inferior clinical and socioeconomic outcomes. Early recognition and management of patients with ESS may be necessary to improve outcome.

Detecting Diabetic Ketoacidosis with Infection: Combating a Life-Threatening Emergency with Practical Diagnostic Tools

BACKGROUND

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening acute complication of diabetes mellitus and can lead to patient demise if not immediately treated. From the recent literature, the diabetic ketoacidosis mortality rate, depending on age, is 2-5%. Insulin discontinuation and infection remain the two most common triggers for diabetic ketoacidosis. About 50% of cases of ketoacidosis result from bacterial infections like urinary tract infections and pneumonia. It is also important to diagnose the presence of infection in diabetic ketoacidosis patients to prevent the excessive use of antibiotics, which may lead to antibiotic resistance. Although performing bacterial culture is confirmatory for the presence or absence of bacterial infection, the time required to obtain the result is long. At the same time, emergency treatment needs to be started as early as possible.

METHODS

This narrative review examines various septic markers to identify the appropriate tools for diagnosis and to distinguish between diabetic ketoacidosis with and without infection. Electronic databases were searched using the Google engine with the keywords "Diabetes Mellitus", "Diabetic Ketoacidosis", "Infection with Diabetic Ketoacidosis", "biomarkers for infection in Diabetic Ketoacidosis", "Procalcitonin", "Inflammatory cytokines in DKA", "Lactic acidosis in DKA", and "White blood cell in infection in DKA".

RESULTS

This narrative review article presents the options for diagnosis and also aims to create awareness regarding the gravity of diabetic ketoacidosis with infection and emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis for appropriate management. Diabetes mellitus is a clinical condition that may lead to several acute and chronic complications. Acute diabetic ketoacidosis is a life-threatening condition in which an excess production of ketone bodies results in acidosis and hypovolemia. Infection is one of the most common triggers of diabetic ketoacidosis. When bacterial infection is present along with diabetic ketoacidosis, the mortality rate is even higher than for patients with diabetic ketoacidosis without infection. The symptoms and biomarkers of diabetic ketoacidosis are similar to that of infection, like fever, C reactive protein, and white blood cell count, since both create an environment of systemic inflammation. It is also essential to distinguish between the presence and absence of bacterial infection to ensure the appropriate use of antibiotics and prevent antimicrobial resistance. A bacterial culture report is confirmatory for the existence of bacterial infection, but this may take up to 24 h. Diagnosis needs to be performed approximately in the emergency room upon admission since there is a need for immediate management. Therefore, researching the possible diagnostic tools for the presence of infection in diabetic ketoacidosis patients is of great importance. Several of such biomarkers have been discussed in this research work.

An Unrecognized Cause of Elevated Procalcitonin Level

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) is a preventable yet serious complication of diabetes that is commonly associated with type 1 diabetes but can also occur in other forms of diabetes, including type 2. Infection is a primary cause of DKA and can lead to elevated levels of procalcitonin (PCT), which is a biomarker used to differentiate bacterial infections from non-infectious inflammation. However, some cases of DKA have shown increased PCT levels even in the absence of bacterial infection, and the underlying mechanism of this observation is not fully understood. To gain a better understanding of how non-infectious inflammation affects PCT levels, further research is needed. While PCT is a helpful biomarker, it should be interpreted in the context of the patient's overall clinical picture, including signs and symptoms of infection or inflammation and underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to their presentation. A systematic approach to evaluating and managing patients with DKA can minimize the risk of unnecessary antibiotic use and ensure optimal treatment. We present a 31-year-old male who was admitted to the ICU with DKA, and further investigations revealed elevated PCT levels. Despite conducting several studies and cultures, including blood and urine, no infections were detected. The patient was treated for DKA with hydration and insulin administration without the use of antibiotics, and his PCT levels subsequently decreased.

Urine ketone bodies and adverse outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke or TIA

Background and aims

Urine ketone bodies have been considered as predictors of stroke in diabetic patients, however, the role of urine ketone bodies in the prognosis of stroke has not been investigated well. This study aimed to investigate the association between urine ketone bodies and adverse outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) or transient ischemic attack (TIA).

Methods

This study enrolled 14 015 patients with AIS or TIA who screened for urine ketone bodies from the Third China National Stroke Registry. Status of urine ketone bodies were classified into negative, suspicious positive and positive. The outcomes were all-cause death and poor functional outcomes (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] 2-6/3-6) at 3 months and 1 year. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regressions and logistic regressions were adopted to explore the associations.

Results

Participants with negative, suspicious positive and positive urine ketone bodies were 12979 (92.61%), 480 (3.42%) and 556 (3.97%). After multivariate adjustment, patients with positive urine ketone bodies had a higher risk of all-cause death (hazard ratio, 1.74; confidence interval [CI], 1.07-2.83), a higher proportion of mRS score 2-6 (Odds ratio [OR], 1.85; 95% CI, 1.51-2.27), mRS score 3-6 (OR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.61-2.48) at 3 months, compared to those with negative urine ketone bodies. Significant associations persisted at 1 year. Furthermore, there was no significant interaction of diabetes status and alcohol use with urine ketone bodies.

Conclusions

Positive urine ketone bodies can independently predict all-cause death and poor functional outcomes in patients with AIS or TIA.

Risk Factors for Cerebral Edema and Acute Kidney Injury in Children with Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Objectives

To study the clinical profile and risk factors of cerebral edema and acute kidney injury in children with diabetic ketoacidosis.

Design

Retrospective review of medical records.

Patients

Fifty consecutive patients (age <18 years) admitted to our pediatric intensive care unit with a diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis over 5 years.

Materials and methods

Retrospective analysis of medical records was done, and data including patients’ age, sex, presenting features, biochemical profile including blood glucose, osmolality, urea, creatinine, and venous blood gas, electrolytes were recorded at admission, at 12 and 24 hours. Treatment details including fluid administration, rate of fall of glucose, time to resolution of diabetic ketoacidosis were noted. Complications such as cerebral edema and acute kidney injury were recorded. Patients with and without cerebral edema and acute kidney injury were compared. Variables that were significant on univariate analysis were entered in a multiple logistic regression analysis to determine the independent predictors for cerebral edema and acute kidney injury. Odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were calculated using SPSS version 22.

Measurements and main results

Between November 2015 and 2020, 48 patients were admitted for a total of 50 episodes of diabetic ketoacidosis. Two patients had recurrent diabetic ketoacidosis. Median age was 9.5 years (range 1–17). Thirty-one patients (62%) had new-onset type I diabetes mellitus. Twenty-two patients (44%) presented with severe diabetic ketoacidosis. Cerebral edema and acute kidney injury were seen in 11 (22%) and 15 (30%) patients, respectively. On multiple logistic regression analysis, higher blood urea level, lower serum bicarbonate level, and higher corrected sodium levels at admission were identified to be variables independently associated with risk of cerebral edema.

Conclusions

Higher corrected sodium, higher urea level, and lower serum bicarbonate levels at admission are predictive of cerebral edema in patients presenting with diabetic ketoacidosis. The severity of dehydration and acidosis in DKA appears to be a common factor responsible for the development of dysfunction of both brain and kidney.

How to cite this article

Raghunathan V, Jevalikar G, Dhaliwal M, Singh D, Sethi SK, Kaur P, et al. Risk Factors for Cerebral Edema and Acute Kidney Injury in Children with Diabetic Ketoacidosis. Indian J Crit Care Med 2021;25(12):1446–1451.

Confirmation and Identification of Biomarkers Implicating Environmental Triggers in the Pathogenesis of Type 1 Diabetes

Multiple environmental triggers have been proposed to explain the increased incidence of type 1 diabetes (T1D). These include viral infections, microbiome disturbances, metabolic disorders, and vitamin D deficiency. Here, we used ELISA to examine blood plasma from juvenile T1D subjects and age-matched controls for the abundance of several circulating factors relevant to these hypotheses. We screened plasma for sCD14, mannose binding lectin (MBL), lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP), c-reactive protein (CRP), fatty acid binding protein 2 (FABP2), human growth hormone, leptin, total adiponectin, high molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin, total IgG, total IgA, total IgM, endotoxin core antibodies (EndoCAbs), 25(OH) vitamin D, vitamin D binding protein, IL-7, IL-10, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-17A, IL-18, and IL-18BPa. Subjects also were tested for prevalence of antibodies targeting adenovirus, parainfluenza 1/2/3, Coxsackievirus, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus viral capsid antigen (EBV VCA), herpes simplex virus 1, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Finally, all subjects were screened for presence and abundance of autoantibodies targeting islet cell cytoplasmic proteins (ICA), glutamate decarboxylase 2 (GAD65), zinc transporter 8 (ZNT8), insulinoma antigen 2 (IA-2), tissue transglutaminase, and thyroid peroxidase, while β cell function was gauged by measuring c-peptide levels. We observed few differences between control and T1D subjects. Of these, we found elevated sCD14, IL-18BPa, and FABP2, and reduced total IgM. Female T1D subjects were notably elevated in CRP levels compared to control, while males were similar. T1D subjects also had significantly lower prevalence of EBV VCA antibodies compared to control. Lastly, we observed that c-peptide levels were significantly correlated with leptin levels among controls, but this relationship was not significant among T1D subjects. Alternatively, adiponectin levels were significantly correlated with c-peptide levels among T1D subjects, while controls showed no relationship between these two factors. Among T1D subjects, the highest c-peptide levels were associated with the lowest adiponectin levels, an indication of insulin resistance. In total, from our examination we found limited data that strongly support any of the hypotheses investigated. Rather, we observed an indication of unexplained monocyte/macrophage activation in T1D subjects judging from elevated levels of sCD14 and IL-18BPa. These observations were partnered with unique associations between adipokines and c-peptide levels among T1D subjects.

Determinants of deranged thyroid function parameters in children admitted for management of diabetic ketoacidosis/diabetic ketosis

BACKGROUND

Euthyroid sick syndrome (ESS) frequently arises in children admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis/diabetic ketosis (DKA/DK). This study evaluates the interplay of various metabolic factors with occurrence of deranged thyroid function tests in children suffering from DKA/DK.

METHODS

98 DKA and 96 DK pediatric patients were selected from hospital records. Those on thyroxine replacement, with overt hypothyroidism, or with positive anti-thyroperoxidase (TPO) antibody were excluded. Tests for liver function, renal function, lipid profile, serum osmolarity, thyroid function, c-peptide levels, and glycosylated hemoglobin were done on all patients. Children were divided into euthyroid (n = 88) and ESS groups (n = 106).

RESULTS

The ESS group had a higher level of white blood cell count (WBC), plasma glucose (PG), beta-hydroxybutyric acid (β-HB), triglyceride (TG), anion gap (AG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and a lower level of HCO₃^-, prealbumin (PA), and albumin (ALB) compared with the euthyroid group (P < 0.05). Free T3 (FT3) levels were significantly correlated to β-HB, HCO₃^-, AG, PA, and HbA1c (r = - 0.642, 0.681, - 0.377, 0.581, - 0.309, respectively; P < 0.01). Free T4 (FT4) levels were significantly correlated to β-HB, HCO₃^-, and ALB levels (r = - 0.489, 0.338, 0.529, respectively; P < 0.01). TSH levels were significantly affected by HCO₃^- only (r = - 0.28; P < 0.01). HCO₃^- level was the most important factor deciding euthyroid or ESS on logistic regression analysis (OR = 0.844, P = 0.004, 95%CI = 0.751-0.948).

CONCLUSIONS

Lower levels of free thyroid hormones and occurrence of ESS were associated with a higher degree of acidosis in children with DKA/DK.

Crosstalk Between Immunity System Cells and Pancreas. Transformation of Stem Cells Used in the 3D Bioprinting Process as a Personalized Treatment Method for Type 1 Diabetes

Interactions between the immune system and the pancreas are pivotal in understanding how and why β cells' damage causes problems with pancreas functioning. Pancreatic islets are crucial in maintaining glucose homeostasis in organs, tissue and cells. Autoimmune aggression towards pancreatic islets, mainly β cells, leads to type 1 diabetes-one of the most prevalent autoimmune disease in the world, being a worldwide risk to health of many people. In this review, we highlight the role of immune cells and its influence in the development of autoimmunity in Langerhans islets. Moreover, we discuss the impact of the immunological factors on future understanding possible recurrence of autoimmunity on 3D-bioprinted bionic pancreas.

Cardiovascular Risk Indices and Their Impact on Outcome in Patients with Hyperglycaemic Emergencies in a Nigerian Hospital

BACKGROUND

High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) are recognised independent novel risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Few studies have assessed cardiovascular risk factors in patients with hyperglycaemic emergencies (HE), despite it being a major cause of death in diabetics.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to determine cardiovascular risk indices in patients with hyperglycaemic emergencies and related these with outcome.

METHODS

This cross sectional study involved 45 patients that presented with HE and 45 age and sex matched diabetics without HE who served as controls. Historical features, physical findings and laboratory parameters including hsCRP and PAI-1 were compared between subjects and controls.

RESULTS

The mean values of serum hsCRP and PAI-1 were significantly higher in patients with HE compared to diabetic control. (49.52 ± 13.6 vs. 2.4 ± 1.35, 51.2 ± 28.7 vs. 33.2 ± 10.7 respectively). Traditional cardiovascular risk factors such as HbA1c, Atherogenic Index and microalbuminuria were also significantly higher in them. Mortality was associated with increasing age, higher values of waist circumference, pulse rate, respiratory rate, hsCRP, Atherogenic index and lower blood pressure and HDL values.

CONCLUSION

Cardiovascular risk indices are higher in patients with HE.

A study of 51 subtypes of peripheral blood immune cells in newly diagnosed young type 1 diabetes patients

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) results from autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in pancreatic islets. Various immune cell populations are involved in disease development and natural course. However, to our knowledge, so far there are no comprehensive comparative investigations of all main immune cell populations and their most important subsets at the onset of disease. Therefore, in the current study, we analyzed 51 peripheral blood immune cell populations in 22 young T1D patients and in 25 age-matched controls using a comprehensive polychromatic flow cytometry panel developed for whole blood by the COST Action no. BM0907 ENTIRE (European Network for Translational Immunology Research and Education: From Immunomonitoring to Personalized Immunotherapy) consortium. We found that in T1D patients, frequencies and absolute counts of natural killer (NK) cells, dendritic cells (DC) and T cells, as well as their respective subsets, were significantly altered compared to controls. Further, we observed that changes in several cell populations (e.g. CD14⁺ CD16⁺ non-classical monocytes, plasmablasts) were dependent on the age of the patient. In addition to age-related changes, we also found that alterations in immune cell patterns were associated with parameters such as the presence of ketoacidosis and C-peptide serum levels. Our study provides a foundation for future studies investigating different cell lineages and their role in T1D and illustrates the value of polychromatic flow cytometry for evaluating all main peripheral immune cells and their subsets in whole blood samples.

The change of serum tumor necrosis factor alpha in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was used meta-analysis to investigate changes of serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).

METHODS

Relevant literatures were identified from PubMed, Cochrane Library, CNKI, WanFang and Chinese-Cqvip databases (published from January 1, 1999 to September 30, 2016). Eligible reports were included for pooled analysis of serum TNF-α level and subgroup analysis was performed in relation with age, disease duration and ethnicity.

RESULTS

A total of 23 articles (1631 T1DM cases, 1429 healthy controls) were included for this meta-analysis. Compared with the controls, the patients had significantly increased serum TNF-α level (P < 0.001). Similar results were also found among all subgroup analysis of different age, disease duration and ethnicity (with the exception of Asian) (all P < 0.05). Regression analysis indicated that age (P = 0.680), disease duration (P = 0.957), and ethnicity (P = 0.526) of patients were not significant impact factors for the high heterogeneity. The results were stable according to the sensitivity analysis and no publication bias existed in this meta-analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum TNF-α level in T1DM patients has significantly elevated among all age, disease duration and ethnicity groups.

Immune modulation of some autoimmune diseases: the critical role of macrophages and neutrophils in the innate and adaptive immunity

Macrophages and neutrophils are key components involved in the regulation of numerous chronic inflammatory diseases, infectious disorders, and especially certain autoimmune disease. However, little is known regarding the contribution of these cells to the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders. Recent studies have aimed to clarify certain important factors affecting the immunogenicity of these cells, including the type and dose of antigen, the microenvironment of the cell-antigen encounter, and the number, subset, and phenotype of these cells, which can prevent or induce autoimmune responses. This review highlights the role of macrophage subsets and neutrophils in injured tissues, supporting their cooperation during the pathogenesis of certain autoimmune diseases.

GlycA is a Novel Marker of Inflammation Among Non-Critically Ill Hospitalized Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

GlycA is a nuclear magnetic resonance-derived signal that originates from oligosaccharide chains of acute phase proteins. The objective of this study is to characterize GlycA levels in hospitalized non-critically ill patients with type 2 diabetes. This study evaluated traditional and novel (GlycA) inflammatory markers among 121 patients who were stratified by admission diagnoses: congestive heart failure (CHF), cardiac non-CHF (CARD), infection (INF), and other (OTH). HbA1c was similar across groups (8.0-9.2%, p=0.20). Inflammatory markers were elevated but varied significantly across disease categories, with the highest values of interleukin-6 (IL-6), c-reactive protein (CRP), and GlycA in the INF group and the highest tumor necrosis factor-α and intracellular adhesion molecule-1 levels in CHF group. GlycA was associated with higher IL-6 and CRP, lower hemoglobin, and lower glomerular filtration rate. GlycA and other inflammatory markers were not significantly associated with admission glucose or HbA1c. Among hospitalized non-critically ill patients with type 2 diabetes, GlycA was highest in INF patients and was associated with IL-6 and CRP. None of the markers were significant predictors of glucose control.

Respiratory failure in diabetic ketoacidosis

Respiratory failure complicating the course of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a source of increased morbidity and mortality. Detection of respiratory failure in DKA requires focused clinical monitoring, careful interpretation of arterial blood gases, and investigation for conditions that can affect adversely the respiration. Conditions that compromise respiratory function caused by DKA can be detected at presentation but are usually more prevalent during treatment. These conditions include deficits of potassium, magnesium and phosphate and hydrostatic or non-hydrostatic pulmonary edema. Conditions not caused by DKA that can worsen respiratory function under the added stress of DKA include infections of the respiratory system, pre-existing respiratory or neuromuscular disease and miscellaneous other conditions. Prompt recognition and management of the conditions that can lead to respiratory failure in DKA may prevent respiratory failure and improve mortality from DKA.

Metabolic implications when employing heavy pre- and post-exercise rapid-acting insulin reductions to prevent hypoglycaemia in type 1 diabetes patients: a randomised clinical trial

Aim

To examine the metabolic, gluco-regulatory-hormonal and inflammatory cytokine responses to large reductions in rapid-acting insulin dose administered prandially before and after intensive running exercise in male type 1 diabetes patients.

Methods

This was a single centre, randomised, controlled open label study. Following preliminary testing, 8 male patients (24±2 years, HbA1c 7.7±0.4%/61±4 mmol.l⁻¹) treated with insulin's glargine and aspart, or lispro attended the laboratory on two mornings at ∼08:00 h and consumed a standardised breakfast carbohydrate bolus (1 g carbohydrate.kg⁻¹BM; 380±10 kcal) and self-administered a 75% reduced rapid-acting insulin dose 60 minutes before 45 minutes of intensive treadmill running at 73.1±0.9% VO_2peak. At 60 minutes post-exercise, patients ingested a meal (1 g carbohydrate.kg⁻¹BM; 660±21 kcal) and administered either a Full or 50% reduced rapid-acting insulin dose. Blood glucose and lactate, serum insulin, cortisol, non-esterified-fatty-acids, β-Hydroxybutyrate, and plasma glucagon, adrenaline, noradrenaline, IL-6, and TNF-α concentrations were measured for 180 minutes post-meal.

Results

All participants were analysed. All glycaemic, metabolic, hormonal, and cytokine responses were similar between conditions up to 60 minutes following exercise. Following the post-exercise meal, serum insulin concentrations were lower under 50% (p<0.05) resulting in 75% of patients experiencing hyperglycaemia (blood glucose ≥8.0 mmol.l⁻¹; 50% n = 6, Full n = 3). β-Hydroxybutyrate concentrations decreased similarly, such that at 180 minutes post-meal concentrations were lower than rest under Full and 50%. IL-6 and TNF-α concentrations remained similar to fasting levels under 50% but declined under Full. Under 50% IL-6 concentrations were inversely related with serum insulin concentrations (r = −0.484, p = 0.017).

Conclusions

Heavily reducing rapid-acting insulin dose with a carbohydrate bolus before, and a meal after intensive running exercise may cause hyperglycaemia, but does not augment ketonaemia, raise inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 above fasting levels, or cause other adverse metabolic or hormonal disturbances.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01531855

General immune dampening is associated with disturbed metabolism at diagnosis of type 1 diabetes

BACKGROUND

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a serious diagnosis with the prospect of grave short- and long-term complications and even death if poorly managed. An attempt has been made to describe how clinical and immunological deviations might influence each other close to the diagnosis of T1D.

METHODS

Sixty-nine newly diagnosed T1D children were studied together with a reference group of 30 healthy children. Cytokines (interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, IL-13, IL-17, interferon-γ, and tumor necrosis factor-α) were detected in in vitro culture by multiplex fluorochrome technique. Information of clinical status of the patients such as BMI, weight loss, pubertal stage, duration of symptoms, previous and/or ongoing infections, insulin requirement, and ketoacidosis were gathered together with the analysis of C-peptide and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c).

RESULTS

In general, low cytokine secretion was found at diagnosis of T1D. However, high C-peptide, short duration of symptoms, or an infection prior to diagnosis was associated with increased immune activity including proinflammatory, Th2-associated, and Tr1-associated cytokines. In contrast, ketoacidosis and later pubertal stage at onset of disease were more related to a Th1-prone response.

CONCLUSION

There is a general immune dampening at diagnosis of T1D, which appears to be related to the metabolic state close to diagnosis.

Serum High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein Levels and Response to 5 mg Tadalafil Once Daily in Patients With Erectile Dysfunction and Diabetes

Purpose

We studied the relative importance of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) concentrations in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) and diabetes and determined whether the hs-CRP level predicts the response to treatment with 5 mg tadalafil once daily.

Materials and Methods

We enrolled 102 men (aged 40-60 years) with diabetes and ED. All patients completed the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire and were given 5 mg tadalafil daily. The IIEF and serum hs-CRP levels in patients and healthy controls and in patient responders and nonresponders to 5 mg tadalafil once daily were compared.

Results

Median age was 53.2 years (range, 45 to 62 years) in patients and 55.6 years (range, 47 to 64 years) in healthy controls (p=0.158). The median duration of diabetes was 54.3 months (range, 34 to 70 months). The median IIEF and hs-CRP level were 12.1 (range, 5 to 20) and 0.21 mg/dL (range, 0.05 to 0.6 mg/dL) in patients and 28.2 (range, 13 to 31) and 0.09 mg/dL (range, 0.04 to 0.2 mg/dL) in the controls, respectively (pIIEF=0.000, pCRP=0.031). After tadalafil treatment, 71 patients (69.6%) achieved an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse, whereas 31 (30.4%) did not. The median age of the tadalafil nonresponders was 56.2 years (range, 45 to 64 years) and that of the responders was 51.3 years (range, 42 to 62 years; p=0.065). Median hs-CRP levels were 0.31 mg/dL (range, 0.18 to 0.62 mg/dL) in nonresponders and 0.14 mg/dL (range, 0.09 to 0.4 mg/dL) in responders, respectively (p=0.028).

Conclusions

Serum hs-CRP was significantly higher in patients with ED and diabetes mellitus than in patients without ED. A significant correlation was observed between serum hs-CRP levels, the degree of ED, and responsiveness to tadalafil.

Diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and the hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS) are potentially fatal hyperglycemic crises that occur as acute complications of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. The authors provide a review of the current epidemiology, precipitating factors, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, evaluation, and treatment of DKA and HHS. The discovery of insulin in 1921 changed the life expectancy of patients with diabetes mellitus dramatically. Today, almost a century later, DKA and HHS remain significant causes of morbidity and mortality across different countries, ages, races, and socioeconomic groups and a significant economic burden for society.