Correlation Between Plasma Catecholamines, Weight, and Diabetes in Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma

CONTEXT

Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PCC/PGL) are neuroendocrine tumors with discrete catecholamine profiles that cause incompletely understood metabolic and physiologic changes.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to evaluate relationships between plasma catecholamines, body weight, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). We hypothesized that individual catecholamines would correlate negatively with weight and glucose control.

DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study was performed (1999-2020). Wilcoxon rank-sum tests compared nonparametric, continuous variables; mixed-effect linear modeling (MEM) evaluated relationships between catecholamines and weight or HbA1c. The median study duration was 54.2 months [interquartile range (IQR) 19.0-95.1].

SETTING

Tertiary academic hospital.

PATIENTS

360 patients were identified prospectively by referral to our center for management or surveillance of PCC/PGL. The median age was 59 years (IQR 45-67) and 56.4% (n = 203) were female.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary and secondary outcomes were weight and HbA1c, respectively.

RESULTS

On multivariable MEM, norepinephrine (P < 0.0005) negatively correlated with weight when all catecholamines and their derivatives were tried in the model, and normetanephrine (P < 0.0005) correlated when only metanephrines were included. In the surgical cohort (n = 272), normetanephrine decreased postoperatively and was inversely associated with weight (P < 0.0005). Elevated norepinephrine or normetanephrine at the study termination, indicative of metastatic and/or recurrent disease (MRD), correlated with weight loss. Norepinephrine and normetanephrine (P < 0.0005) directly correlated with HbA1c.

CONCLUSION

Plasma norepinephrine and its metabolite directly correlate with HbA1c and inversely correlate with weight in PCC/PGL. After resection, declining normetanephrine levels correlate with improving HbA1c despite an increase in patient body weight. Persistently elevated catecholamines and decreasing weight are observed in MRD.

Prostate-Specific Antigen Concentrations in Response to Testosterone Treatment of Severely Hypogonadal Men

Context

Clinical guidelines recommend measurement of the serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) concentration during testosterone treatment of hypogonadal men to determine whether the increase is sufficiently high to warrant urologic referral. Prior studies of the effect of testosterone treatment on PSA concentrations have been conducted in men who were mildly to moderately hypogonadal.

Objective

The objective of this work is to determine the PSA response to testosterone treatment of men who are severely hypogonadal.

Design and Setting

This retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single academic medical center.

Participants

Eighty-five men participated who were severely hypogonadal as a result hypothalamic-pituitary or testicular disease.

Main Outcome Measure

Changes in serum PSA concentrations were measured during testosterone treatment for up to 18 months.

Results

Testosterone treatment increased the median serum testosterone concentration from 36 ng/dL (interquartile range [IQR], 20-91 ng/dL) at baseline to 395 ng/dL (IQR, 266-542 ng/dL) at 6 to 18 months. This treatment resulted in a median increment in PSA above baseline of 0.70 ng/mL (IQR, 0.10-1.85 ng/mL) at 6 to 18 months. Apropos current Endocrine Society clinical guidelines, 31% of the men experienced a PSA increase above baseline greater than 1.4 ng/mL, and 13% reached an absolute PSA concentration of greater than 4.0 ng/mL. Four men were diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Conclusions

The PSA response to testosterone replacement in men who are severely hypogonadal as a result of pituitary or testicular disease is greater than that previously reported in men with mild to moderate hypogonadism. These results suggest the magnitude of the PSA response to testosterone replacement is related to the degree of hypogonadism.

Clinical Utility of Plasma Cell-Free DNA in Adult Patients with Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma: A Pilot Prospective Study

PURPOSE

The clinical utility of plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) has not been assessed prospectively in patients with glioblastoma (GBM). We aimed to determine the prognostic impact of plasma cfDNA in GBM, as well as its role as a surrogate of tumor burden and substrate for next-generation sequencing (NGS).

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

We conducted a prospective cohort study of 42 patients with newly diagnosed GBM. Plasma cfDNA was quantified at baseline prior to initial tumor resection and longitudinally during chemoradiotherapy. Plasma cfDNA was assessed for its association with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), correlated with radiographic tumor burden, and subjected to a targeted NGS panel.

RESULTS

Prior to initial surgery, GBM patients had higher plasma cfDNA concentration than age-matched healthy controls (mean 13.4 vs. 6.7 ng/mL, P < 0.001). Plasma cfDNA concentration was correlated with radiographic tumor burden on patients' first post-radiation magnetic resonance imaging scan (ρ = 0.77, P = 0.003) and tended to rise prior to or concurrently with radiographic tumor progression. Preoperative plasma cfDNA concentration above the mean (>13.4 ng/mL) was associated with inferior PFS (median 4.9 vs. 9.5 months, P = 0.038). Detection of ≥1 somatic mutation in plasma cfDNA occurred in 55% of patients and was associated with nonstatistically significant decreases in PFS (median 6.0 vs. 8.7 months, P = 0.093) and OS (median 5.5 vs. 9.2 months, P = 0.053).

CONCLUSIONS

Plasma cfDNA may be an effective prognostic tool and surrogate of tumor burden in newly diagnosed GBM. Detection of somatic alterations in plasma is feasible when samples are obtained prior to initial surgical resection.

Concerns and Expectations of Parents Seeking Subspecialist Care for Their Child's Short Stature

INTRODUCTION

Parents (PP) of children in primary care clinics previously reported factors influencing their height-related medical decision making. However, patients seeking height-related care in endocrine subspecialty clinics and their parents (EP) differ demographically from the general population.

OBJECTIVE

To determine EP height-related medical concerns and expectations, and to compare between EP and PP.

METHODS

EP completed a survey assessing their concerns in seeking medical care for their child's height with identical questions previously asked of PP and two additional questions about growth hormone (GH) treatment.

RESULTS

A greater proportion of the 166 EP (80% response rate) than the 1,820 PP (83% response rate) previously surveyed was Caucasian (75% EP, 41% PP) and privately insured (80% EP, 58% PP). Both groups rated treatment efficacy and risks most as having a bigor extreme impact on decision making (65% EP, 58% PP). The second most rated concern for EP was comparison of child's height to peers or growth chart (60% EP, 32% PP) versus child's health for PP (54% EP, 56% PP). Of the 166 EP surveyed, 76% rated GH treatment as potentially improving quality of life (QoL), with 88% reporting a minimum 3-inch height increase as necessary to improve QoL.

CONCLUSIONS

Height comparisons were more likely to impact EP than PP in seeking height-related medical care for their children. EP had high expectations of QoL improvement with GH treatment, which are unlikely to be met with treatment of idiopathic short stature. Thus, clinicians should be prepared to support families in other ways that promote positive development in children with short stature.

Racial/Ethnic Disparities in US Pediatric Growth Hormone Treatment

BACKGROUND/AIMS

To compare racial/ethnic proportions of subjects receiving growth hormone (GH) treatment to the expected proportions, and secondarily, to assess racial/ethnic differences in subject characteristics at GH treatment initiation.

METHODS

Race/ethnicity-based expected frequencies of height <-2.25 SD were determined by applying relative risks for short stature, calculated from a regional population of 189,280 pediatric primary care patients, to US census data, and compared to racial/ethnic proportions of US subjects enrolled in the Pfizer International Growth Study (KIGS) using the χ2 test. Characteristics of white and black subjects at GH treatment initiation were presented as medians and compared by the Wilcoxon rank sum test (significant p < 0.01).

RESULTS

White subjects exceeded the expected frequency (63%) for all indications (83%) and each separately, ranging from 73% for congenital GH deficiency (GHD) to 85% for idiopathic short stature (p < 0.001). Compared to white subjects, black subjects treated for idiopathic GHD had greater height deficits relative both to the population (-2.97 vs. -2.56 SD) and to their mid-parental heights (-2.47 vs. -1.89 SD), lower stimulated GH peak levels (4.9 vs. 6.0 ng/mL), and lower birth weights (-0.86 vs. -0.48 SD). Black subjects with congenital GHD had lower stimulated GH peaks (2.1 vs. 3.2 ng/mL) and started GH treatment at younger ages (2.9 vs. 4.8 years), while those with acquired GHD had lower birth weights (-1.12 vs. -0.08 SD). Male predominance did not differ by race for any or all indications.

CONCLUSION

Overrepresentation of white children among those receiving GH treatment in the US KIGS registry reflects racial/ethnic treatment biases, not just differences in growth rates.

A Breathing-Based Meditation Intervention for Patients With Major Depressive Disorder Following Inadequate Response to Antidepressants: A Randomized Pilot Study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate feasibility, efficacy, and tolerability of Sudarshan Kriya yoga (SKY) as an adjunctive intervention in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) with inadequate response to antidepressant treatment.

METHODS

Patients with MDD (defined by DSM-IV-TR) who were depressed despite ≥ 8 weeks of antidepressant treatment were randomized to SKY or a waitlist control (delayed yoga) arm for 8 weeks. The primary efficacy end point was change in 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS-17) total score from baseline to 2 months. The key secondary efficacy end points were change in Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) total scores. Analyses of the intent-to-treat (ITT) and completer sample were performed. The study was conducted at the University of Pennsylvania between October 2014 and December 2015.

RESULTS

In the ITT sample (n = 25), the SKY arm (n = 13) showed a greater improvement in HDRS-17 total score compared to waitlist control (n = 12) (-9.77 vs 0.50, P = .0032). SKY also showed greater reduction in BDI total score versus waitlist control (-17.23 vs -1.75, P = .0101). Mean changes in BAI total score from baseline were significantly greater for SKY than waitlist (ITT mean difference: -5.19; 95% CI, -0.93 to -9.34; P = .0097; completer mean difference: -6.23; 95% CI, -1.39 to -11.07; P = .0005). No adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Results of this randomized, waitlist-controlled pilot study suggest the feasibility and promise of an adjunctive SKY-based intervention for patients with MDD who have not responded to antidepressants.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02616549.

Electronic Health Record Mid-Parental Height Auto-Calculator for Growth Assessment in Primary Care

Primary care providers are charged with distinguishing children with an underlying growth problem from those with healthy variant short stature. Knowing the heights of the biological parents aids in making that decision. This study sought to determine the feasibility and functionality of an electronic mid-parental height (MPH) auto-calculator in the clinical assessment of child growth in a pediatric primary care setting. Clinicians completed surveys for 62% of 6803 children (mean height 13 ± 7 percentile) with recorded parent heights. Collecting parent height data required <30 seconds in 91% of encounters. The MPH tool confirmed clinicians' initial growth assessment in 79% of cases and changed it in 4%; the remainder did not use the tool. Clinicians who changed assessment were more likely (P < .0001) to pursue more comprehensive evaluation. The MPH tool was a quick, functional resource as a component of an electronic health record system in actual, busy, pediatric primary care practices.

Hemiparesis and epilepsy are associated with worse reported health status following unilateral stroke in children

BACKGROUND

Perinatal and childhood stroke result in neurological impairment in the majority of survivors, but less is known about patient and parent perception of function following stroke in children. Our aim was to characterize parent-proxy and child-reported health status in children following unilateral arterial ischemic stroke or intraparenchymal hemorrhage.

METHODS

Fifty-nine children 2-18 years (30 girls, 29 boys) with unilateral arterial ischemic stroke or spontaneous intraparenchymal hemorrhage at least 6 months before evaluation were enrolled from a single center. The PedsQL version 4.0 Generic Short Form and PedsQL version 3.0 Cerebral Palsy Module were administered to childhood stroke subjects and parents. Generic PedsQL Inventory scores were compared between children with stroke and published data from healthy children. Reported health status scores for children with varying degrees of hemiparesis were compared.

RESULTS

Children with stroke had lower reported health status scores on the Generic PedsQL Inventory than healthy children. Children with moderate-severe hemiparesis had worse scores than children without hemiparesis on several measures of the Cerebral Palsy Module as reported by both parents and children. The parents of children with epilepsy reported worse scores on several measures compared with children without epilepsy, and the parent scores were lower on several measures for children with lower intelligence quotients. Agreement between parent and child scores was better on the Cerebral Palsy Module than on the Generic Inventory.

CONCLUSIONS

Children with stroke have worse reported health status than healthy controls. Degree of hemiparesis, epilepsy, and lower intelligence quotient affect reported health status on some measures. Agreement between parent-proxy and child scores ranges from slight to good which suggests that both provide useful information.

Parental Concerns Influencing Decisions to Seek Medical Care for a Child's Short Stature

AIMS

To examine parental concerns about child growth and factors that drive parents' decisions whether to intervene medically with their child's height.

METHODS

Parents of 9- to 14-year-old pediatric primary care patients of various heights, oversampled for those with short stature, participated in exploratory focus groups and nominal group technique sessions. Growth concerns expressed by the groups were incorporated into a survey, completed by 1,820 parents, and rated for their degree of impact on medical decision-making. Ordinal logistic regression modeled concern scores against parent traits. Explanatory focus groups clarified the survey results.

RESULTS

Research team consensus and factor analysis organized the 22 distinct concerns expressed by the parent groups into 7 categories. Categories rated as having the greatest influence on parental decision-making involved: treatment efficacy and side effects, child health and psychosocial function. Level of concern was highly associated with parental education and parenting style.

CONCLUSION

Psychosocial issues are influential, but parental decision-making is most impacted by concerns about treatment and child health. By discussing the real risks and benefits of hormone treatment and addressing parents' perceptions of what is needed for physical and psychosocial health, clinicians can be highly effective educators to assure that treatment is used only as medically indicated.

How Short is Too Short According to Parents of Primary Care Patients

OBJECTIVE

Height is a physical trait on a continuum. The threshold between normal and abnormal is arbitrarily set but can potentially influence medical decision-making. We sought to examine parents' perceptions of adult heights and associated demographic factors.

METHODS

Parents of pediatric primary care patients of various heights completed a one-time survey. Parents answered the question "How short is too short?" for adult males and females. The results were summarized as median [interquartile range]. Factors significantly associated with height threshold by simple linear regression were included in a multivariable mixed effects analysis of covariance model.

RESULTS

A total of 1,820 surveys were completed (83% response rate; 1,587 females, 231 males). The median threshold height deemed too short for adult females was 56 inches [48, 59] among male respondents and 57 inches [50, 60] among females (P<.05). The median threshold height for adult males was 61 inches among males [60, 64] and females [59, 66] (P<.05). The median of male minus female heights per respondent (delta heights) was 5 [2, 7] inches. Factors found to be significant main effects in a parsimonious model were sex of the adult considered, height of respondent, sex of respondent, respondent race, primary care practice, income, and having concerns about their child's height.

CONCLUSION

Taller acceptable height thresholds were perceived by respondents who were taller, wealthier, white, female, from nonurban practices, or who had a personal concern about their child's height. Male heights were expected to be taller than female heights. Such traits may influence who is concerned and more likely to seek medical treatment for their children.

Assessing statistical competencies in clinical and translational science education: one size does not fit all

INTRODUCTION

Statistics is an essential training component for a career in clinical and translational science (CTS). Given the increasing complexity of statistics, learners may have difficulty selecting appropriate courses. Our question was: what depth of statistical knowledge do different CTS learners require?

METHODS

For three types of CTS learners (principal investigator, co-investigator, informed reader of the literature), each with different backgrounds in research (no previous research experience, reader of the research literature, previous research experience), 18 experts in biostatistics, epidemiology, and research design proposed levels for 21 statistical competencies.

RESULTS

Statistical competencies were categorized as fundamental, intermediate, or specialized. CTS learners who intend to become independent principal investigators require more specialized training, while those intending to become informed consumers of the medical literature require more fundamental education. For most competencies, less training was proposed for those with more research background.

DISCUSSION

When selecting statistical coursework, the learner's research background and career goal should guide the decision. Some statistical competencies are considered to be more important than others. Baseline knowledge assessments may help learners identify appropriate coursework.

CONCLUSION

Rather than one size fits all, tailoring education to baseline knowledge, learner background, and future goals increases learning potential while minimizing classroom time.

Medically underserved girls receive less evaluation for short stature

OBJECTIVE

To determine if gender is associated with diagnostic evaluation by primary care pediatricians caring for children with growth-faltering.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective study of children who were attending 4 urban pediatric primary care practices affiliated with a tertiary pediatric hospital. Growth-faltering was defined as height at the <5th percentile or a z-score decrease of ≥ 1.5 SDs before 18 months of age or ≥ 1 SD thereafter. For each child, height z score, age, gender, race, insurance, diagnostic tests, and subspecialist appointments were examined.

RESULTS

Of 33 476 children, 3007 had growth-faltering (mean height: -1.5 ± 1.0 vs 0.3 ± 0.9 SDs in those without growth-faltering). Boys comprised 53% of the growth-faltering group (vs 51% of the nonfaltering group; P < .01). Among children with growth-faltering, 2.8% had endocrinology appointments (vs 0.8% of others; P < .0001) and 6% had gastroenterology appointments (vs 1.5% of others; P < .0001). Subspecialty care was not associated with gender. Pediatricians ordered diagnostic tests for a significantly greater proportion of children with growth-faltering than others. In multivariate analysis of height z score among children with growth-faltering, tests for chromosomes (1.4% of short girls vs 0.4% of short boys; P < .005) and growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor axis (0.9% of short girls vs 1.8% of short boys; P < .05) were associated with gender. Thirty-five percent of the girls for whom chromosome testing was performed were 12 years old or older.

CONCLUSIONS

Patterns in diagnostic testing of children with growth-faltering by their pediatricians may lead to underdiagnosis of Turner syndrome and growth hormone deficiency among girls.

Hemorrhagic transformation of childhood arterial ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to describe the occurrence of hemorrhagic transformation (HT) among children with arterial ischemic stroke within 30 days after symptom onset and to describe clinical factors associated with HT.

METHODS

Sixty-three children aged 1 month to 18 years with arterial ischemic stroke between January 2005 and November 2008 were identified from a single-center prospective pediatric stroke registry. All neuroimaging studies within 30 days of stroke were reviewed by a study neuroradiologist. Hemorrhage was classified according to the European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study-1 definitions. Association of HT with clinical factors, systemic anticoagulation, stroke volume, and outcome was analyzed.

RESULTS

HT occurred in 19 of 63 children (30%; 95% CI, 19% to 43%), only 2 (3%) of whom were symptomatic. Hemorrhage classification was hemorrhagic infarction (HI)1 in 14, HI2 in 2, parenchymal hematoma (PH)1 in 2, and PH2 in 1. HT was less common in children with vasculopathy (relative risk, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.07 to 1.06; P=0.04) than in those with other stroke mechanisms. HT was not significantly associated with anticoagulation versus antiplatelet therapy (relative risk, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.2 to 1.5; P=0.26) but was associated with larger infarct volumes (P=0.0084). In multivariable analysis, worse Pediatric Stroke Outcome Measure scores were associated with infarct volume ≥5% of total supratentorial brain volume (OR, 4.0; 95% CI, 1.1 to 15; P=0.04), and a trend existed toward association of worse Pediatric Stroke Outcome Measure scores with HT (OR, 4.0; 95% CI, 0.9 to 18; P=0.07).

CONCLUSIONS

HT occurred in 30% of children with arterial ischemic stroke within 30 days. Most hemorrhages were petechial and asymptomatic. Infarct volume was associated with HT and worse outcome.

The effect of age, menopausal state, and breast density on (18)F-FDG uptake in normal glandular breast tissue

Theoretically, the degree of (18)F-FDG uptake in the glandular tissues of the normal breast can affect the detection of breast cancer. The aim of this prospective study was to investigate relationships among age, menopausal state, and breast density and determine whether they affect (18)F-FDG uptake in normal glandular breast tissue.

METHODS

Among 250 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients, 149 patients (mean age +/- SD, 50.9 +/- 9.70 y; range, 32-77 y) were analyzed because they had normal contralateral breasts confirmed by MRI, mammography, and (18)F-FDG PET examinations. PET images were acquired 60 +/- 2 min after the administration of (18)F-FDG (5.2 MBq/kg of body weight). The maximum and average standardized uptake value (SUVmax and SUVavg, respectively) of (18)F-FDG were calculated in the normal breast. Patients were divided into groups according to qualitative breast density and menopausal state. Descriptive statistics and 2-factorial analysis of covariance were used to assess the effects of qualitative breast density, menopausal state, and age on SUVmax and SUVavg. Pearson chi(2) was used to test the relationship between menopausal state and qualitative breast density.

RESULTS

The average age of patients with nondense breasts was significantly higher than that of patients with dense breasts (P < 0.01). Also, breast density related to menopausal state (P < 0.05). Dense breasts had an average SUVmax of 1.243 and mean SUVavg of 0.694, whereas nondense breasts had a mean SUVmax of 0.997 and mean SUVavg of 0.592. Analysis of covariance indicated that density and the linear effect of age were significant with regard to both SUVmax and SUVavg. After removing the linear effect of age, menopausal state had no effect on SUVmax and SUVavg.

CONCLUSION

(18)F-FDG uptake significantly decreases as age increases and breast density decreases. Age and qualitative breast density are independent factors and significantly affect (18)F-FDG uptake for both SUVmax and SUVavg. Menopausal state had no effect on SUVmax and SUVavg.

Sex-based prevalence of growth faltering in an urban pediatric population

OBJECTIVE

To determine the sex-based prevalence of growth faltering in a pediatric primary care setting.

STUDY DESIGN

A total of 33 476 children attending 4 urban pediatric primary care practices affiliated with a tertiary pediatric hospital between July 2002 and June 2005 were studied. Growth faltering was defined as height <5th percentile or a drop in height z-score by >or= 1.5 standard deviations (SD) before age 18 months or by >or= 1 SD thereafter. The growth-faltering and nonfaltering groups were compared in terms of sex, race, age, number of clinic visits, and insurance, and by US census tract, socioeconomic status and parental education. Similar comparisons were made for children with height z-scores below -2.25 SD.

RESULTS

Growth faltering was present in 3007 of the children studied (9%). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses identified significant associations between growth faltering and younger age (P< .0001), Caucasian race (P< .0001), fewer clinic visits (P< .0001), and Medicaid insurance (P< .005), but not with sex nor by residential census tract, median income or proportion with less than high school education. Height below -2.25 SD was associated with male sex (P< .01), Medicaid insurance (P< .01), and more primary care visits (P< .0005).

CONCLUSIONS

The sex disparity in subspecialty growth center referrals (2:1 male:female) is not due to male predominance in growth faltering among children in the urban primary care setting.

Validation of steady-state insulin sensitivity indices in chronic kidney disease

OBJECTIVE

Insulin resistance may contribute to cardiovascular disease and the progression of renal insufficiency in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, feasible methods for estimating insulin sensitivity in large-population CKD studies have not been validated. The purpose of this study was to attempt to validate several commonly used steady-state insulin sensitivity (SI-SS) indices in a CKD population.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Twenty-seven subjects with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ranging from 70 to <10 ml/min per 1.73 m2 (median eGFR = 48) underwent a frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test (FSIVGTT) on a single occasion. Correlations were obtained between the minimal model-derived insulin sensitivity parameter from the FSIVGTT (SI-FSIVGTT) and seven SI-SS indices derived from fasting insulin and glucose data obtained just before the FSIVGTT.

RESULTS

Each of the seven steady-state indices was significantly correlated with SI-FSIVGTT. For indices obtained using the mean of four fasting insulin and glucose values over 15 min, Pearson correlation coefficients (|r|) ranged from 0.51 to 0.87 (P < 0.01 for each). For indices using single fasting insulin and glucose values, |r| ranged from 0.51 to 0.72 (P < 0.01 for each). By both the four and one time point approaches, 1/I(0) had the highest correlation with SI-FSIVGTT. The correlation with SI-FSIVGTT did not change significantly according to eGFR level for any of the SI-SS indices.

CONCLUSIONS

SI-SS indices are valid surrogates for SI-FSIVGTT in the CKD population. Their use will expand the range of testable hypotheses in CKD cohort studies.

The impact of continuous pulse oximetry monitoring on intensive care unit admissions from a postsurgical care floor

Continuous pulse oximetry (CPOX) has the potential to increase vigilance and decrease pulmonary complications and thus decrease intensive care unit (ICU) admissions. In a randomized nonblinded study of 1219 subjects we compared the effects of CPOX and standard monitoring on the rate of transfer to an ICU from a 33-bed postcardiothoracic surgery care floor. There was no difference in the rate of ICU readmission between the CPOX and standard monitor groups. Despite older age and comorbidity, estimated cost to time of censoring (enrollment to completion of the study) was less in the monitored patients who required ICU transfer than in the unmonitored patients who required ICU transfer (mean estimated cost difference of 28,195 dollars; P = 0.04). Use of CPOX altered the reasons that patients were transferred to an ICU but did not affect the rate of transfer. The duration, and thus estimated cost, of ICU stay was significantly less in the CPOX-monitored group. The potential for CPOX to allow for early intervention, or perhaps prevention of pulmonary complications, needs to be explored. Routine CPOX monitoring did not reduce transfer to ICU, mortality, or overall estimated cost of hospitalization, and it is unclear if there is any real benefit from the application of this technology in patients on a general care floor who are recovering from cardiothoracic surgery.

Homocysteine levels and disease duration independently correlate with coronary artery calcification in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

OBJECTIVE

To compare the incidence and extent of coronary artery calcification (CAC) as measured by electron beam computed tomography (EBCT) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and controls, and to identify variables associated with CAC in patients with SLE.

METHODS

Female patients with SLE and matched controls were recruited; EBCT of the coronary arteries was performed, and laboratory values (including the homocysteine concentration, the lipid level, the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hsCRP] concentration, the glomerular filtration rate [GFR], and the level of soluble CD154 [sCD154]) were determined. For patients, the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index and the SLE Disease Activity Index scores were recorded. Tests of association between the CAC score and the above-mentioned variables were performed.

RESULTS

The incidence of CAC was higher in patients with SLE than in controls (P = 0.009), and patients had a higher mean raw CAC (rCAC) score (87.9 versus 9.6 in controls; P = 0.02). In particular, more CAC-positive patients than CAC-positive controls had rCAC scores above the 75th percentile (P = 0.003). Among both patients and controls, those with CAC were approximately 10 years older than those without CAC. In addition to age, a significant determinant of positive CAC status in both groups was the number of cardiovascular risk factors. In patients with SLE, CAC was associated with a higher homocysteine concentration, a lower GFR, and longer disease duration. In controls, the total cholesterol level correlated positively with CAC. When multivariate logistic regression methods were applied to candidate explanatory variables, homocysteine concentration, age, and disease duration (but not the levels of sCD154 or hsCRP) contributed significantly to CAC status. The methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T genotype was not a predictor of hyperhomocysteinemia or CAC status.

CONCLUSION

Among patients with SLE, the homocysteine concentration, the GFR, age, and disease duration were associated with CAC. CAC occurred more frequently and was more extensive in patients with SLE than in controls, suggesting that EBCT could be used to detect premature atherosclerosis in the former group. An elevated homocysteine concentration might identify patients with SLE who are likely to have premature atherosclerosis and who would benefit from evaluation of CAC by EBCT.

Sex differences in patients referred for evaluation of poor growth

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to compare sex differences among referrals for evaluation of poor growth.

STUDY DESIGN

This study was based on chart reviews of all new-patient encounters at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Diagnostic and Research Growth Center for short stature or poor growth evaluations during 2001. Outcome measures were patient growth characteristics, frequency of underlying pathology, and frequency of laboratory and radiologic investigations before referral.

RESULTS

One hundred eighty-two boys and 96 girls were referred ( P < .0001). Girls were shorter, relative to the general population (median height z score, -2.4 vs -1.9 for boys, P = .02) and mid-parental target heights (median deficit, 1.9 vs 1.3 SD, P < .01). Differences were more pronounced starting at age 9 years. Median time to referral from initial fall-off on the growth curve was 35 months in girls and 24 months in boys (not significant). The percentage of girls (41%) with organic disease significantly exceeded that of boys (15%). Conversely, more boys (72%) than girls (48%) were of normal height or short but healthy ( P < .0001). Sex was not associated with frequency of tests before referral; neither was severity of short stature.

CONCLUSIONS

Sex differences in short stature referrals may delay diagnosis of diseases in girls while promoting overzealous evaluations of healthy boys who do not appear to be tall enough.

Guggulipid for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia: a randomized controlled trial

CONTEXT

Herbal extracts from Commiphora mukul (guggul) have been widely used in Asia as cholesterol-lowering agents, and their popularity is increasing in the United States. Recently, guggulsterones, the purported bioactive compounds of guggul, have been shown to be potent antagonists of 2 nuclear hormone receptors involved in cholesterol metabolism, establishing a plausible mechanism of action for the hypolipidemic effects of these extracts. However, there are currently no published safety or efficacy data on the use of guggul extracts in Western populations.

OBJECTIVE

To study the short-term safety and efficacy of 2 doses of a standardized guggul extract (guggulipid, containing 2.5% guggulsterones) in healthy adults with hyperlipidemia eating a typical Western diet.

DESIGN

Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial using a parallel design, conducted March 2000-August 2001.

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING

A total of 103 ambulatory, community-dwelling, healthy adults with hypercholesterolemia in the Philadelphia, Pa, metropolitan area.

INTERVENTION

Oral, 3 times daily doses of standard-dose guggulipid (1000 mg), high-dose guggulipid (2000 mg), or matching placebo.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Percentage change in levels of directly measured low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) after 8 weeks of therapy. Secondary outcome measures included levels of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides, and directly measured very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), as well as adverse events reports and laboratory safety measures including electrolyte levels and hepatic and renal function.

RESULTS

Compared with participants randomized to placebo (n = 36), in whom levels of LDL-C decreased by 5%, both standard-dose guggulipid (n = 33) and high-dose guggulipid (n = 34) raised levels of LDL-C by 4% (P =.01 vs placebo) and 5% (P =.006 vs placebo), respectively, at 8 weeks, for a net positive change of 9% to 10%. There were no significant changes in levels of total cholesterol, HDL-C, triglycerides, or VLDL-C in response to treatment with guggulipid in the intention-to-treat analysis. While guggulipid was generally well tolerated, 6 participants treated with guggulipid developed a hypersensitivity rash compared with none in the placebo group.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite plausible mechanisms of action, guggulipid did not appear to improve levels of serum cholesterol over the short term in this population of adults with hypercholesterolemia, and might in fact raise levels of LDL-C. Guggulipid also appeared to cause a dermatologic hypersensitivity reaction in some patients.

Modifiable barriers to adherence to inhaled steroids among adults with asthma: it's not just black and white

BACKGROUND

Sociobehavioral factors influence adherence to inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) in adults with asthma and warrant exploration as explanations of apparent racial disparities in adherence.

OBJECTIVE

The purposes of this study were to identify barriers to adherence, potentially modifiable by healthcare providers, in a group of African Americans and non-African Americans and to test modifiable barriers as explanations of racial-ethnic differences in adherence.

METHODS

We conducted a cohort study of 85 adults (mean age, 47 +/- 15 years; 61 [72%] female; 55 [65%] African American) with moderate or severe persistent asthma to determine modifiable sociobehavioral predictors of adherence. These were knowledge of the function of ICS, patient-perceived adequacy of communication with the provider, social support, attitude (perception of risks/benefits of ICS), depression, and self-efficacy. Adherence was calculated from electronic monitoring data as the mean of the number of doses recorded per 12 hours divided by the number prescribed, truncated at 100%. Past adherence, baseline severity of symptoms, and sociodemographics were treated as fixed confounders in ordinal logistic modeling.

RESULTS

Adherence was 60% +/- 30%. In bivariate analyses, favorable attitude to ICS (P =.01) was associated with better adherence. Of immutable predictors, African American race-ethnicity (P =.001), lower educational achievement (P =.01), lower household income (P =.002), and more baseline symptoms (P =.003) were associated with poorer adherence. In multivariable analysis, controlling for immutable predictors, favorable attitude was associated with adherence. Favorable attitude was associated with greater adherence in African Americans and non-African Americans. Controlling for immutable factors, the race-adherence relationship was not mediated by the mutable factors, but economic factors (income and insurance) were mediators.

CONCLUSION

Attitude is strongly related to adherence but does not mediate the effect of race-ethnicity.

Treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma with combined immunomodulatory therapy: a 14-year experience at a single institution

OBJECTIVE

To determine the efficacy of multimodality biologic response therapy for patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL).

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study over a 14-year period.

SETTING

Tertiary care university hospital.

PATIENTS

A consecutive sample of patients was studied, all 47 of whom carried the clinical and laboratory diagnosis of CTCL: 68% of patients had stage III or IV disease, and 89% had circulating malignant T cells.

INTERVENTIONS

All 47 patients received photopheresis for 6 or more cycles. Thirty-one patients received treatment with a combination of photopheresis and 1 or more systemic immunostimulatory agents, including interferon alfa, interferon gamma, sargramostim, or systemic retinoids for 3 or more months.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Differences in pretreatment prognostic factors, response rates, and survival between patients receiving multimodality therapy and single-modality therapy or historical controls.

RESULTS

A total of 79% of patients responded to therapy: 26% had complete remission, and 53% had a partial remission. Median survival from initiation of therapy was 74 months. Median survival for patients with stages III and IV and peripheral blood involvement was 55 months compared with 31 months for historical controls. Compared with the photopheresis monotherapy group, the patients receiving combination immunomodulatory therapy had a worse prognosis at the time of treatment initiation based on multiple prognostic factors. The positive response rates and median survival times were 84% and 74 months, respectively, compared with 75% and 66 months, respectively, for the combination immunomodulatory and photopheresis monotherapy groups (P =.47 for positive response rates and P =.51 for survival).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with advanced CTCL and multiple poor prognostic factors who receive treatment with combination immunomodulatory therapy experience higher clinical response rates and longer survival than historical controls. Although the group who received combination therapy had worse prognostic factors at baseline, they had better response rates and overall survival compared with those receiving photopheresis monotherapy.

Cyclooxygenase inhibitors and the antiplatelet effects of aspirin

BACKGROUND

Patients with arthritis and vascular disease may receive both low-dose aspirin and other nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs. We therefore investigated potential interactions between aspirin and commonly prescribed arthritis therapies

METHODS

We administered the following combinations of drugs for six days: aspirin (81 mg every morning) two hours before ibuprofen (400 mg every morning) and the same medications in the reverse order; aspirin two hours before acetaminophen (1000 mg every morning) and the same medications in the reverse order; aspirin two hours before the cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor rofecoxib (25 mg every morning) and the same medications in the reverse order; enteric-coated aspirin two hours before ibuprofen (400 mg three times a day); and enteric-coated aspirin two hours before delayed-release diclofenac (75 mg twice daily)

RESULTS

Serum thromboxane B(2) levels (an index of cyclooxygenase-1 activity in platelets) and platelet aggregation were maximally inhibited 24 hours after the administration of aspirin on day 6 in the subjects who took aspirin before a single daily dose of any other drug, as well as in those who took rofecoxib or acetaminophen before taking aspirin. In contrast, inhibition of serum thromboxane B(2) formation and platelet aggregation by aspirin was blocked when a single daily dose of ibuprofen was given before aspirin, as well as when multiple daily doses of ibuprofen were given. The concomitant administration of rofecoxib, acetaminophen, or diclofenac did not affect the pharmacodynamics of aspirin

CONCLUSIONS

The concomitant administration of ibuprofen but not rofecoxib, acetaminophen, or diclofenac antagonizes the irreversible platelet inhibition induced by aspirin. Treatment with ibuprofen in patients with increased cardiovascular risk may limit the cardioprotective effects of aspirin.

Oral glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonism in patients with coronary artery disease

Dose-finding studies and trials of interaction of oral glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonists with other antiplatelet agents have been limited. We hypothesized that these detailed assessments could be first performed in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) and then extrapolated to the target population. To this end, we performed 2 sequential studies. The first study examined the dose-related effects on indexes of platelet and vascular function induced by the oral inhibitor RPR 109891, when given alone and in combination with aspirin, in patients (n = 100) with stable CAD. The second study (the Antagonism of the FIbrinogen Receptor after Myocardial Events trial) assessed the pharmacodynamics and safety of derived regimens in patients (n = 320) with unstable coronary syndromes. In patients with stable CAD, platelet aggregation was dose dependently inhibited by RPR 109891, and the dose-response relation was shifted to the right by the concomitant administration of aspirin (p = 0.0001). The degree of platelet inhibition induced by 3 doses of RPR 109891 (plus aspirin) was lower in patients with unstable than stable CAD. No drug-related major bleeding occurred in either study. RPR 109891 treatment was associated with acute and delayed thrombocytopenia. In conclusion, chronic treatment with an oral glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonist (1) induces antiplatelet effects that are potentiated by concomitant administration of aspirin, (2) may require dose adjustment in syndromes of platelet activation, (3) is associated with a low rate of clinically significant bleeding when doses inducing incomplete inhibition of platelet aggregation are used, and (4) requires frequent monitoring of platelet count unless reliable predictors of delayed thrombocytopenia become available.

Increased interleukin 5 production in eosinophilic Sézary syndrome: regulation by interferon alfa and interleukin 12

BACKGROUND

Peripheral eosinophilia occurs in a small subpopulation of patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) and denotes a poor prognosis. Clinical studies have suggested that the Sézary cell is a T(H)2 type helper T cell that produces cytokines that enhance the differentiation and activation of eosinophils. Interferon alfa (IFN-alpha) and interleukin 12 are effective therapeutic agents for CTCL and other hematologic disorders.

OBJECTIVE

Our purpose was to determine the inhibitory activity of IFN-alpha and IL-12 on IL-5 production in vitro by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from patients with CTCL and eosinophilia.

METHODS

Suppression of IL-5 production by IFN-alpha and IL-12 was assessed by comparing IL-5 production by PBMCs from patients with Sézary syndrome and eosinophilia when cultured alone or in the presence of either IFN-alpha or IL-12.

RESULTS

A marked increase in IL-5 production by PBMCs from patients with Sézary syndrome and eosinophilia was observed. IL-5 production was markedly reduced when PBMCs were exposed to IFN-alpha or IL-12.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that IFN-alpha and perhaps IL-12 may produce a therapeutic response in patients with CTCL and eosinophilia through direct suppression of IL-5 production by malignant Sézary cells.

Frequency, risk factors, and clinical outcomes of left ventricular assist device-associated ventricular thrombus

A retrospective, transesophageal study of 51 consecutive patients receiving a left ventricular (LV) assist device (AD) over a 2-year period showed that LVAD-associated LV thrombosis (16%) was predicted by acute myocardial infarction, atrial cannulation, and postimplantation bleeding, and was associated with a fourfold increased risk of stroke compared with patients without thrombosis. LV cannulation, when using short-term LVADs, may decrease the incidence of LV thrombosis, and early transition to Heartmate-LVAD support may improve outcome.

Dental students' attitude to gender roles

This investigation assessed attitudes held by United States women and men dental students toward professional and sex role concepts. The concepts included: female dental student, male dental student, dentist, adult woman, adult man, wife and husband. These attitudes were evaluated and compared in the context of the students' current and future professional roles and their sex roles. Although there were several differences in attitudes between the two subject groups, the results suggest that the women and men dental students viewed their various roles as consistent with one another. It is particularly important to note that the women dental student is viewed by both gender groups as having professional and sex roles which do not conflict.

A comparison of manual to mechanical chest percussion for clearance of alveolar material in patients with pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (phospholipidosis)

To our knowledge, there are no studies that compare the effectiveness of manual chest percussion (MN), mechanical chest percussion (MC), and no percussion (NP) for removing the proteinaceous material found in the alveoli of patients with pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) while undergoing whole-lung bronchopulmonary lavage (BPL). We analyzed the optical densities (OD) of 27 bottles of effluent from three BPLs of a patient with PAP. One technique was used per bottle. The order of techniques was balanced within each nine-bottle series and among the three BPLs. The mean OD for MN (0.933 +/- 0.494) was significantly superior to MC (0.477 +/- 0.265) (p < 0.0005) and NP (0.318 +/- 0.242) (p < 0.0001). We conclude that MN is superior to MC and NP and increases the therapeutic results of BPL for PAP.

Health screening in elderly Oklahomans

A total of 550 males and 457 females in their 60s and 70s were screened for height and weight, blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol, and hemoglobin. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS software. Male values were abnormal for all screening parameters except for cholesterol. Statistically significant lower hemoglobin in males suggests that blood loss may be a problem, and in males increases in body weight and glucose may herald a higher frequency of cardiovascular disease. Control of blood pressure, weight reduction, decreased consumption of fat and salt, and regular exercise may be the health imperatives in this group of elderly Oklahomans.

The Strong Heart Study. A study of cardiovascular disease in American Indians: design and methods

Available data indicate that cardiovascular disease has become the leading cause of death in American Indians. However, limited information is available on cardiovascular disease incidence, prevalence, and risk factors in this population. Reported cardiovascular disease rates vary greatly among groups in different geographic areas. These rates have been obtained from studies of varying sizes and different methodologies. The Strong Heart Study, which uses standardized methodology, is designed to estimate cardiovascular disease mortality and morbidity rates and the prevalence of known and suspected cardiovascular disease risk factors in American Indians. The study population consists of 12 tribes in three geographic areas: an area near Phoenix, Arizona, the southwestern area of Oklahoma, and the Aberdeen area of North and South Dakota. The study includes three components. The first is a mortality survey to estimate cardiovascular disease mortality rates for 1984-1988 among tribal members aged 35-74 years, and the second is a morbidity survey to estimate incidence of both first and first or recurrent hospitalized myocardial infarction and stroke (cerebrovascular disease) among tribal members aged 45-74 years in 1984-1988, and the third is a clinical examination of 4,500 tribal members aged 45-74 years in order to estimate the prevalence of cardiovascular disease and its associations with risk factors. Family history, diet, alcohol and tobacco consumption, physical activity, degree of acculturation, and socioeconomic status are assessed in personal interviews. The physical examination includes measurements of body fat, body circumferences, and blood pressure, an examination of the heart and lungs, an evaluation of peripheral vascular disease, and a 12-lead electrocardiogram. Laboratory measurements include fasting and postload glucose, insulin, fasting lipids, apoproteins, fibrinogen, and glycated hemoglobin. Also measured are serum and urine creatinine and urinary albumin. DNA from lymphocytes is isolated and stored for future genetic studies.