TSH Trajectories During Levothyroxine Treatment in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil) Cohort

CONTEXT

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) trajectory classification represents a novel approach to defining the adequacy of levothyroxine (LT4) treatment for hypothyroidism over time.

OBJECTIVE

This is a proof of principle study that uses longitudinal clinical data, including thyroid hormone levels from a large prospective study to define classes of TSH trajectories and examine changes in cardiovascular (CV) health markers over the study period.

METHODS

Growth mixture modeling (GMM), including latent class growth analysis (LCGA), was used to classify LT4-treated individuals participating in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil) based on serial TSH levels. Repeated measure analyses were then utilized to assess within-class changes in blood pressure, lipid levels, hemoglobin A1c, and CV-related medication utilization.

RESULTS

From the 621 LT4-treated study participants, the best-fit GMM approach identified 4 TSH trajectory classes, as defined by their relationship to the normal TSH range: (1) high-high normal TSH, (2) normal TSH, (3) normal to low TSH, and (4) low to normal TSH. Notably, the average baseline LT4 dose was lowest in the high-high normal TSH group (77.7 µg, P < .001). There were no significant differences in CV health markers between the classes at baseline. At least 1 significant difference in CV markers occurred in all classes, highlighted by the low to normal class, in which total and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and A1c all increased significantly (P = .049, P < .001, P < .001, and P = .001, respectively). Utilization of antihypertensive, antihyperlipidemic, and antidiabetes medications increased in all classes.

CONCLUSION

GMM/LCGA represents a viable approach to define and examine LT4 treatment by TSH trajectory. More comprehensive datasets should allow for more complex trajectory modeling and analysis of clinical outcome differences between trajectory classes.

Predictive value of functional disability scales among stroke survivors: A long-term mortality evaluation in a Brazilian stroke cohort

OBJECTIVE

To assess the influence of two functional scales- Modified Rankin Scale (m-RS) and Modified Katz Index (m-Katz Index) on long-term mortality in a stroke cohort.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Among 760 stroke survivors (median age: 66 (IQR:56-75), 56.4 % women) m-Katz Index and m-RS scales applied at 1 and 6 months after stroke, were investigated in relation to 12-years of all-cause mortality. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were computed, and time-varying covariate Cox regression models were fitted to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) in all sample and by sex. The prognostic ability of the fitted models was computed for each model by six different measures.

RESULTS

After 12 years of follow-up (median survival time: 7.3 years), 311 participants died. Overall survival curves show lower survival rates among those with the highest levels of disability/dependence (all log-rank p-values <0.0001). These findings were confirmed in all regression models for both sexes, particularly in men who had higher levels of dependence on Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) by m-Katz Index and severe disability by m-RS and presented the highest HR of dying (HR: 3.34 (95 %CI: 2.27-4.92) and HR: 4.94 (95 % CI: 3.15-7.75), respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Both the m-Katz Index and the m-RS scale were good predictors of long-term mortality, which is of importance for guiding the functional rehabilitation of stroke patients. Besides, high levels of disability and dependence were implicated with high mortality risks, regardless of sex.

Percentiles of predicted 10-year cardiovascular disease risk by sex and age in Brazil and their association with estimated risk of long-term atherosclerotic events

OBJECTIVE

Expressing the cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in relation to peers may complement the estimation of absolute CVD risk. We aimed to determine 10-year CVD risk percentiles by sex and age in the Brazilian population and evaluate their association with estimated long-term atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD) risk.

METHODS

A cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from the ELSA-Brasil study was conducted in individuals aged 40-74 years without prior ASCVD. Ten-year CVD risk and long-term ASCVD risk were estimated by the WHO risk score and the Multinational Cardiovascular Risk Consortium tool, respectively. Ten-year risk percentiles were determined by ranking the calculated risks within each sex and age group.

RESULTS

Ten-year CVD risk versus percentile plots were constructed for each sex and age group using data from 13,364 participants (55% females; median age, 52 [IQR, 46-59] years). Long-term ASCVD risk was calculated in 12,973 (97.1%) participants. Compared to individuals at the <25th risk percentile, those at the ≥75th percentile had a greater risk of being in the highest quartile of long-term risk (ORs [95% CIs] 6.57 [5.18-8.30] in females and 11.59 [8.42-15.96] in males) in regression models adjusted for age, race, education, and 10-year CVD risk. In both sexes, the association between risk percentile and long-term risk weakened after age 50. A tool for calculating 10-year CVD risk and the corresponding percentile is available at https://bit.ly/3CzPUi6.

CONCLUSIONS

We established percentiles of predicted 10-year CVD risk by sex and age in the Brazilian population, which independently reflect the estimated long-term ASCVD risk in younger individuals.

Comorbid association of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and thrombotic primary antiphospholipid syndrome (tPAPS): A more severe phenotype?

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to evaluate the frequency of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients with thrombotic primary antiphospholipid syndrome (tPAPS), to investigate the performance of screening tools for OSA in this scenario and to compare clinical/laboratorial differences in tPAPS patients with and without OSA.

METHODS

We consecutively enrolled patients with tPAPS to undergo sleep studies using a portable monitor. OSA was defined as apnea-hypopnea index ≥15 events/h. Frequency of OSA in tPAPS was evaluated and compared with age-, gender-, and BMI-matched controls (1:3 ratio) from the Estudo Longitudinal de Saúde do Adulto (ELSA-Brasil). Next, we tested the performance of three different screening tools for assessing OSA in patients with tPAPS. Finally, patients with tPAPS were stratified according to OSA status comparing their clinical and laboratory characteristics (including damage burden measured by Damage Index for Antiphospholipid Syndrome [DIAPS] and biomarkers associated with thrombosis) using standard statistical procedures.

RESULTS

Fifty-two patients were included for analysis (females: 82.7%; mean age: 48 ± 14 years; body-mass index: 31.1 ± 6.5 Kg/m2; 25% with moderate-severe OSA). When compared to matched controls from ELSA-Brasil (n = 115), there was no significant differences in the frequencies of OSA (tPAPS: 12/42 [28.6%] vs. controls: 35/115 [30.4%], p = 0.821). Among screening tools, NoSAS had the highest area under ROC curve (AUC 0.806, CI 95% 0.672-0.939, p = 0.001), followed by STOP-Bang (AUC 0.772, CI 95% 0.607-0.938, p = 0.004). Patients with comorbid tPAPS and OSA presented higher levels of von Willebrand factor (vWF) (median 38.9 vs. 32.6, p = 0.038) and DIAPS (median 5 vs. 2, p = 0.020), when compared to those without OSA. OSA remained statistically associated with higher DIAPS, even after controlling for age, disease duration and BMI.

CONCLUSION

OSA is common in patients with tPAPS, with rates comparable to a non-referred population. Both NoSAS and STOP-Bang scores seems to be useful for screening OSA in these patients. Patients with tPAPS+OSA had higher damage burden and higher levels of vWF, which might suggest a more severe phenotype of tPAPS in this scenario.

Carotid intima-media thickness in adults with and without psoriasis - a nested case-control study from baseline data of ELSA-Brasil cohort

There is a lack of consensus about the association between psoriasis (PSO) and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) in literature, since previous studies considered dermatologic clinic patients or general population. This study aimed to compare cIMT levels according to PSO in a sample of 10,530 civil servants form the ELSA-Brasil cohort study and analyze its association with the disease. The PSO cases and disease duration were identified by medical diagnosis self-reported at study enrollment. A paired group was identified by propensity score matching among all the participants without PSO. Mean cIMT values were considered for continuous analysis while cIMT above 75th percentile was considered for categorical analysis. Multivariate conditional regression models were used to analyze association between cIMT and PSO diagnosis, by comparing PSO cases against paired controls and overall sample without disease. A total of n = 162 PSO cases were identified (1.54%) and no difference in cIMT values was observed between participants with PSO and overall sample or control group. PSO was not associated with linear increment of cIMT (vs. overall sample: β = 0.003, p = 0.690; vs. matched controls: β = 0.004, p = 0.633) neither with increased chance of having cIMT above 75th percentile (vs. overall sample: OR = 1.06, p = 0.777; vs. matched controls: OR = 1.19, p = 0.432; conditional regression: OR = 1.31, p = 0.254). There was no relationship between disease duration and cIMT (β = 0.000, p = 0.627). Although no significant relationship between mild cases of psoriasis and cIMT was observed among a wide cohort of civil servants, longitudinal investigation about cIMT progression and severity of disease are still needed.

Suicide risk classification with machine learning techniques in a large Brazilian community sample

Even though suicide is a relatively preventable poor outcome, its prediction remains an elusive task. The main goal of this study was to develop machine learning classifiers to identify increased suicide risk in Brazilians with common mental disorders. With the use of clinical and sociodemographic baseline data (n = 4039 adult participants) from a large Brazilian community sample, we developed several models (Elastic Net, Random Forests, Naïve Bayes, and ensemble) for the classification of increased suicide risk among individuals with common mental disorders. 1120 participants (27.7%) presented increased suicide risk. The Random Forests model achieved the best AUC ROC (0.814), followed by Naive Bayes (0.798) and Elastic Net (0.773). Sensitivity varied from 0.922 (Naive Bayes) to 0.630 (Random Forests), while specificity varied from 0.792 (Random Forests) to 0.473 (Naive Bayes). The ensemble model presented an AUC ROC of 0.811, sensitivity of 0.899, and specificity of 0.510. Features representing depression symptoms were the most relevant for the classification of increased suicide risk. Some of our models presented good performance metrics in the classification of increased suicide risk in the investigated sample, which can provide the means to early preventive interventions.

Prognosis Related to Reperfusion Therapy Post-Acute Coronary Syndrome in Secondary Care: Long-Term Survival Analysis in the ERICO Study

BACKGROUND

Relationship between reperfusion therapy post-acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and mortality in secondary care is not well-known.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the impact of three therapeutic strategies: (1) exclusive medical therapy, (2) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and (3) coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) on long-term survival of participants in the Strategy of Registry of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ERICO) study.

METHODS

Survival analyses for all-cause, cardiovascular (CVD) and coronary artery disease (CAD) mortality were performed according to three therapeutic strategies (exclusive medical therapy, PCI or CABG). Cox regression models were used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) with respective 95% confidence interval (95%CI) from 180 days to four years of follow-up after ACS. Models are presented as crude, age-sex adjusted and further adjusted for previous CAD, ACS subtype, smoking, hypertension, dyslipidemia, left ventricular ejection fraction and according to the number of obstructed (≥ 50%) major coronary arteries.

RESULTS

Among 800 participants, the lowest crude survival rates were detected among individuals who underwent CABG (all-cause and CVD). CABG was correlated to CAD (HR: 2.19 [95% CI: 1.05-4.55]). However, this risk lost significance in the full model. PCI was associated to lower probability of fatal events during four-year follow-up: all-cause [multivariate HR: 0.42 (95% CI: 0.26-0.70)], CVD [HR: 0.39 (95% CI: 0.20-0.73)] and CAD [multivariate HR: 0.24 (95% CI: 0.09-0.63)] compared to those submitted to exclusive medical therapy.

CONCLUSION

In the ERICO study, PCI after ACS was associated to better prognosis, particularly CAD survival.

Potentially inappropriate medications and cognitive performance: cross-sectional results from the ELSA-Brasil study

OBJECTIVES

Potentially inappropriate medications (PIM), especially those with potential effects on the central nervous system, can increase the risk of cognitive impairment. We investigated the association of the use of PIM and PIM that may impair cognition (PIM-Cog) with cognitive performance among older adults.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study with 2,626 participants, PIM and PIM-Cog were defined by the 2019 American Geriatrics Society Beers criteria. We calculated global cognition and memory, verbal fluency, and Trail Making Test B version (TMT-B) z-scores. Linear regression models adjusted for sociodemographic and clinical variables were used to investigate the association between PIM and cognition.

RESULTS

27% and 7% of the sample (mean age = 65.1 ± 4.1 years old, 54% women, and 61% White) used at least one PIM and PIM-cog, respectively. PIM was associated with poor performance in the TMT-B (β = -0.17, 95% Cl = -0.29; -0.05, p = 0.007). PIM-Cog was also associated with poor TMT-B performance (β = -0.08, 95% Cl = -0.15; -0.01, p = 0.025).

CONCLUSION

The use of PIM and PIM-Cog was associated with poor executive function among older adults. The review of PIM use and the deprescription of these drugs may be an effective way to improve cognitive function.

The association between triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, circulating leukocytes, and low-grade inflammation: The Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil)

BACKGROUND

Experimental studies have linked triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRLs) to inflammation, but the extent of this phenomenon in vivo has not been completely elucidated.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the association between TRL subparticles and inflammatory markers (circulating leukocytes, plasma high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hs-CRP], and GlycA) in the general population.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional analysis of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil). TRLs (number of particles per unit volume) and GlycA were measured by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The association between TRLs and inflammatory markers was determined by multiple linear regression models adjusted for demographic data, metabolic conditions, and lifestyle factors. Standardized regression coefficients (beta) with 95% confidence intervals are reported.

RESULTS

The study population comprised 4,001 individuals (54% females, age 50 ± 9 years). TRLs, especially medium and large subparticles, were associated with GlycA (beta 0.202 [0.168, 0.235], p<0.001 for total TRLs). There was no association between TRLs and hs-CRP (beta 0.022 [-0.011, 0.056], p = 0.190). Medium, large, and very large TRLs were associated with leukocytes, with stronger connections with neutrophils and lymphocytes than monocytes. When TRL subclasses were analyzed as the proportion of the total pool of TRL particles, medium and large TRLs were positively related to leukocytes and GlycA, whereas smaller particles were inversely associated.

CONCLUSIONS

There are different patterns of association between TRL subparticles and inflammatory markers. The findings support the hypothesis that TRLs (especially medium and larger subparticles) may induce a low-grade inflammatory environment that involves leukocyte activation and is captured by GlycA, but not hs-CRP.

Depression is a risk factor for metabolic syndrome: Results from the ELSA-Brasil cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) and depression comorbidity has been recognized, but its directionality is still uncertain. The aims of this study was to assess the association between depression (diagnosis and severity) and MetS (components, diagnosis and trajectory) in the baseline and over a 4-year follow-up period.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Baseline and follow-up data from 13,883 participants of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health were analyzed. The Clinical Interview Schedule Revised assessed depressive episode and its severity. MetS components and diagnosis were assessed according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III. Participants were grouped according to MetS trajectory as recovered, incident and persistent MetS. Logistic regression analysis was conducted estimating odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI).

RESULTS

Baseline depression was positively associated with recovered (OR = 1.59, 95%CI 1.18-2.14), incident (OR = 1.45, 95%CI 1.09-1.91) and persistent (OR = 1.70, 95%CI 1.39-2.07) MetS. Baseline depression was also associated with large waist circumference (OR = 1.47, 95%CI 1.23-1.75), high triglycerides (OR = 1.23, 95%CI 1.02-1.49), low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (OR = 1.30, 95%CI 1.08-1.56), and hyperglycemia (OR = 1.38, 95%CI 1.15-1.66) at follow-up. Having three or more MetS components at follow-up was associated with baseline depression, with a positive dose-response effect (OR = 1.77, 95%CI 1.29-2.43; OR = 1.79, 95%CI 1.26-2.54; OR = 2.27, 95%CI 1.50-3.46, respectively). The magnitude of associations was greater in severe depression, when compared to moderate and mild.

DISCUSSION

These results support that depression is a risk factor for the development of MetS and highlights the need to follow metabolic and cardiovascular alterations in the presence of depression.

Association between Leisure-Time and Commute Physical Activity and Pre-Diabetes and Diabetes in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil)

BACKGROUND

Diabetes is an important public health problem due to its health impairments and high costs for health services. We analyzed the relationship between the domains of physical activity at leisure-time (LTPA) and at commuting (CPA) with diabetes and pre-diabetes in an ELSA-Brasil study.

METHODS

Data from 11,797 participants (52.5% women, 49.1 ± 7.2 years) were analyzed. LTPA and CPA were measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Diabetes and pre-diabetes were defined by medical history, medication use to treat diabetes or blood glucose. Logistic regression models were performed to estimate the association between LTPA and CPA with diabetes and pre-diabetes after adjustment for sociodemographic and cardiovascular risk factors.

RESULTS

The prevalence of LTPA and CPA was 24.4% and 34%, respectively. Physically active participants at LTPA were less likely to have pre-diabetes (OR = 0.86 [95% CI = 0.77-0.95]) and diabetes (OR = 0.80 [95% CI = 0.69-0.93]), compared with inactive participants. No association between CPA and diabetes/pre-diabetes was observed. LTPA was inversely associated with diabetes among men (OR = 0.73 [95% CI = 0.60-0.89]), but was not associated among women. Women who were active (OR = 0.78 [95% CI = 0.67-0.90]) (OR = 0.79 [95% CI = 0.65-0.95]) at LTPA were less likely to have pre-diabetes, than inactive women.

CONCLUSION

LTPA was inversely associated with diabetes and pre-diabetes in the ELSA-Brasil participants. A different behavior was observed between genders.

Consumption of sugar-sweetened soft drinks and risk of metabolic syndrome and its components: results of the ELSA-Brasil study (2008-2010 and 2012-2014)

AIM

To estimate the association between consumption of sugar-sweetened soft drinks and unsweetened fruit juice with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components in participants of the Brazilian Longitudinal Adult Health Study (ELSA-Brasil) after 4 years of follow-up.

METHODS

We used data from ELSA-Brasil cohort (N = 15,105). The sample consisted of 6,124 civil servants free of the MetS at baseline (35 to 74 years, both sexes). The consumption of sugar-sweetened soft drinks and unsweetened fruit juice was estimated by a food frequency questionnaire previously validated. The outcome was MetS and its components (Joint Interim Statement criteria). To test the association between beverage consumption at baseline (2008-2010) and MetS and its components at follow-up (2012-2014), we used Poisson regression models with robust variance adjusting for potential confounders.

RESULTS

After 4-year follow-up, the higher consumption of sugar-sweetened soft drinks (≥ 1 serving/day = 250 mL/day) increased the relative risk of MetS (RR = 1.22; 95% CI 1.04-1.45), high fasting glucose (RR = 1.23; 95% CI 1.01-1.48), and high blood pressure (RR = 1.23; 95% CI 1.00-1.54). Moderate consumption of this beverage (0.4 to < 1 serving/day) increased the relative risk of high waist circumference (WC) (RR = 1.21; 95% CI 1.02-1.42). After adjustment for confounding variables, the consumption of unsweetened fruit juice was not associated with the MetS and its components.

CONCLUSION

Higher sugar-sweetened soft drinks consumption was associated with a higher risk relative of MetS, high fasting glucose, and high blood pressure, while moderate consumption of this beverage increased the relative risk of high WC in Brazilian adults.

The association of diabetes, subclinical hypothyroidism and carotid intima-media thickness: results from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brazil)

INTRODUCTION

The association of diabetes with subclinical thyroid diseases may increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. We analyzed the association of subclinical hypothyroidism, diabetes, and both diseases with carotid Intima-Media Thickness (cIMT) as a surrogate maker for early cardiovascular disease in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil).

METHODS

Cross-sectional analysis with data from the 3^rd visit (2017‒2019). Linear regression models were used to evaluate the association of subclinical hypothyroidism, diabetes and of both diseases with a cIMT presented as Beta (95% Confidence Interval ‒ 95% CI) without adjustment, with adjustment for sociodemographic variables (Model 1) and multivariable adjustment (Model 1 more cardiovascular risk factors). We also used logistic regression models to analyze the Odds Ratio (OR) and 95% CI for the association of both diseases using cIMT > P75%.

RESULTS

After the exclusion of patients with previous cardiovascular disease, 5,077 participants with no diseases, 1578 with diabetes, 662 with subclinical hypothyroidism, and 234 with both diseases were included in the analysis. Linear regression models showed an association of cIMT with only diabetes (β = 0.019; 95% CI 0.012 to 0.027; p < 0.0001) and subclinical hypothyroidism more diabetes (β = 0.03; 95% CI 0.010‒0.047, p < 0.0001). The logistic regression model reported an association between diabetes and CIMT higher than P75% (OR = 1.49, 95% CI 1.30‒1.71). No interaction between diabetes and subclinical hypothyroidism was detected using cIMT respectively as a continuous (p = 0.29) or as a categorical variable (p = 0.92).

DISCUSSION

Diabetes was associated with higher cIMT values. However, no additive effect of subclinical hypothyroidism associated with diabetes over cIMT was detected.

Health care professionals' perceptions about atrial fibrillation care in the Brazilian public primary care system: a mixed-methods study

BACKGROUND

Atrial fibrillation (AF) negatively impacts health systems worldwide. We aimed to capture perceptions of and barriers and facilitators for AF care in Brazilian primary care units (PCUs) from the perspective of healthcare professionals (HCPs).

METHODS

This mixed-methods, cross-sectional study utilised an exploratory sequential design, beginning with the quantitative data collection (up to 18 closed questions) immediately followed by a semi-structured interview. HCPs were recruited from 11 PCUs in the Sao Paulo region and included managers, physicians, pharmacists, nurses and community health agents. Descriptive statistics were used to present findings from the quantitative questionnaire and inductive analysis was used to identify themes from the qualitative data.

RESULTS

One hundred seven HCPs were interviewed between September 2019 and May 2020. Three main themes were identified that encapsulated barriers and facilitators to AF care: access to care (appointments, equipment/tests and medication), HCP and patient roles (HCP/patient relationship and patient adherence) and the role of the organisation/system (infrastructure, training and protocols/guidelines). Findings from the qualitative analysis reinforced the quantitative findings, including a lack of AF-specific training for HCPs, protocols/guidelines on AF management, INR tests in the PCUs, patient knowledge of AF management and novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) as key barriers to optimal AF care.

CONCLUSIONS

Development and implementation of AF-specific training for PCU HCPs are needed in Brazil, along with evidence-based protocols and guidelines, educational programmes for patients, better access to INR tests for patients taking warfarin and availability of NOACs.

Increased Prevalence of Depression and Anxiety Among Subjects With Metabolic Syndrome in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil)

BACKGROUND

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and common mental disorders are prevalent conditions. However, the relationship of MetS and its components with depression, anxiety, and common mental disorders has not been sufficiently addressed in low-/middle-income countries.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether depression, anxiety, and common mental disorders are associated with MetS and its components in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil).

METHODS

A cross-sectional analysis of the ELSA-Brasil baseline visit (2008-2010) was performed. Adults without cardiovascular diseases had their MetS status defined by the National Cholesterol Education Program's Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. We assessed mental disorders using the Clinical Interview Schedule-Revised. We employed multiple logistic regression models adjusted for sociodemographic and behavioral factors. The dependent variables were mental disorders, and the independent variables were MetS and its components. We also performed analyses stratified by age and gender.

RESULTS

Our sample included 12,725 participants (54.9% women, mean age of 51.8 ± 8.9 y). MetS and depressive disorders were significantly associated (odds ratio [OR] = 1.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.30-1.85). Increased abdominal circumference (OR = 1.54, 95% CI 1.29-1.84), diabetes mellitus (OR = 1.24, 95% CI 1.02-1.50), hypertriglyceridemia (OR = 1.33, 95% CI 1.11-1.60), and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (only when adjusted for sociodemographic factors) (OR = 1.25, 95% CI 1.02-1.52) were also associated with depression. This association remained significant for all stratified analyses. Finally, MetS was also significantly associated with anxiety disorders (OR = 1.19, 95% CI 1.07-1.32) and common mental disorders (OR = 1.27, 95% CI 1.17-1.39).

CONCLUSIONS

Our cross-sectional findings suggested that depression, anxiety, and common mental disorder are associated with MetS. Depression was also associated with abdominal obesity, elevated blood glucose, elevated triglycerides, and reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, but not with hypertension.

Digitalized transcranial electrical stimulation: A consensus statement

OBJECTIVE

Although relatively costly and non-scalable, non-invasive neuromodulation interventions are treatment alternatives for neuropsychiatric disorders. The recent developments of highly-deployable transcranial electric stimulation (tES) systems, combined with mobile-Health technologies, could be incorporated in digital trials to overcome methodological barriers and increase equity of access. The study aims are to discuss the implementation of tES digital trials by performing a systematic scoping review and strategic process mapping, evaluate methodological aspects of tES digital trial designs, and provide Delphi-based recommendations for implementing digital trials using tES.

METHODS

We convened 61 highly-productive specialists and contacted 8 tES companies to assess 71 issues related to tES digitalization readiness, and processes, barriers, advantages, and opportunities for implementing tES digital trials. Delphi-based recommendations (>60% agreement) were provided.

RESULTS

The main strengths/opportunities of tES were: (i) non-pharmacological nature (92% of agreement), safety of these techniques (80%), affordability (88%), and potential scalability (78%). As for weaknesses/threats, we listed insufficient supervision (76%) and unclear regulatory status (69%). Many issues related to methodological biases did not reach consensus. Device appraisal showed moderate digitalization readiness, with high safety and potential for trial implementation, but low connectivity.

CONCLUSIONS

Panelists recognized the potential of tES for scalability, generalizability, and leverage of digital trials processes; with no consensus about aspects regarding methodological biases.

SIGNIFICANCE

We further propose and discuss a conceptual framework for exploiting shared aspects between mobile-Health tES technologies with digital trials methodology to drive future efforts for digitizing tES trials.

Serum uric acid is a predictive biomarker of incident metabolic syndrome at the Brazilian longitudinal study of adult Health (ELSA - Brasil)

AIM

To investigate whether serum uric acid (SUA) levels and hyperuricemia can be predictive biomarkers of incident metabolic syndrome(MS) among different body mass index(BMI) categories, and to investigate SUA cutoffs that best discriminate individuals with incident MS.

METHODS

We analyzed 7,789 participants without MS at baseline of ELSA-Brasil study. Logistic regression models were performed to evaluate associations between incident MS and SUA levels/hyperuricemia, expressed by odds ratios(ORs) and confidence intervals(95 % CI).

RESULTS

We found 1,646 incident MS cases after a median follow-up of 3.8[3.5-4.1] years. Incident MS was present among 8.3 % (n = 290) of participants with normal weight, 28.3 % (n = 850) with overweight, 39.8 % (n = 506) with obesity. Among incident MS participants of total sample, 33.0 % had hyperuricemia [SUA > 6.0 mg/dL (356.9 μmol/L)]. After all adjustments, SUA was independently prognostic of incident MS: for each 1 mg/dL increase in SUA the odds of incident MS were 45 % higher (OR1.45[CI95 %1.34-1.55 p <.01]). Associations were found for those presenting normal weight, overweight and obesity (OR1.43[CI95 %1.31-1.57 p <.01; OR1.22[CI95 %1.13-1.32 p <.01]; and OR1.16[CI95 %1.04-1.29 p <.05]) respectively. Hyperuricemia was independently associated with incident MS (OR1.88[CI95 %1.49-0.2.36 p <.01]). The SUA cut point level maximizing sensitivity and specificity in the discrimination of incident MS was 5.0 mg/dL.

CONCLUSIONS

SUA level is an independent predictive biomarker of incident MS at all BMI categories.

Cardiovascular medications and long-term mortality among stroke survivors in the Brazilian Study of Stroke Mortality and Morbidity (EMMA)

AIM

To investigate the association between medication use and long-term all-cause mortality in a Brazilian stroke cohort.

METHODS

Both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke were evaluated. Medication use was assessed as: never, only pre-stroke, only post-stroke, and continuous use. We evaluated anti-hypertensives, anti-diabetics, lipid-lowering drugs, anti-platelets, and anti-coagulants. Cox regression models were adjusted for sociodemographic and cardiovascular risk factors.

RESULTS

Among 1173 incident stroke cases (median age: 68; 86.8% were ischemic, 70% first-ever stroke), medication use was low (overall: 17.5% pre-stroke, 26.4% post-stroke, and 40% were under continuous use). Anti-hypertensives and anti-platelets (aspirin) were the continuous cardiovascular medications used most often, at 83.5% and 72%, respectively, while statins (39.7%) and anti-diabetics (31.3%) were the least used. Medication use (pre-stroke, post-stroke and continuous use) was associated with a reduction in all-cause mortality risk, particularly among those under continuous use (multivariable hazard ratio, 0.52; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.46-0.66) compared with never-users. Among ischemic stroke patients, this effect was similar (multivariable hazard ratio, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.40-0.68). No significant associations were evident among hemorrhagic stroke patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of all-cause mortality was reduced by 48% among those with ischemic stroke under continuous use of medications. Secondary prevention should be emphasized more strongly in clinical practice. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; ••: ••-••.

Population-level risks of alcohol consumption by amount, geography, age, sex, and year: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2020

BACKGROUND

The health risks associated with moderate alcohol consumption continue to be debated. Small amounts of alcohol might lower the risk of some health outcomes but increase the risk of others, suggesting that the overall risk depends, in part, on background disease rates, which vary by region, age, sex, and year.

METHODS

For this analysis, we constructed burden-weighted dose-response relative risk curves across 22 health outcomes to estimate the theoretical minimum risk exposure level (TMREL) and non-drinker equivalence (NDE), the consumption level at which the health risk is equivalent to that of a non-drinker, using disease rates from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2020 for 21 regions, including 204 countries and territories, by 5-year age group, sex, and year for individuals aged 15-95 years and older from 1990 to 2020. Based on the NDE, we quantified the population consuming harmful amounts of alcohol.

FINDINGS

The burden-weighted relative risk curves for alcohol use varied by region and age. Among individuals aged 15-39 years in 2020, the TMREL varied between 0 (95% uncertainty interval 0-0) and 0·603 (0·400-1·00) standard drinks per day, and the NDE varied between 0·002 (0-0) and 1·75 (0·698-4·30) standard drinks per day. Among individuals aged 40 years and older, the burden-weighted relative risk curve was J-shaped for all regions, with a 2020 TMREL that ranged from 0·114 (0-0·403) to 1·87 (0·500-3·30) standard drinks per day and an NDE that ranged between 0·193 (0-0·900) and 6·94 (3·40-8·30) standard drinks per day. Among individuals consuming harmful amounts of alcohol in 2020, 59·1% (54·3-65·4) were aged 15-39 years and 76·9% (73·0-81·3) were male.

INTERPRETATION

There is strong evidence to support recommendations on alcohol consumption varying by age and location. Stronger interventions, particularly those tailored towards younger individuals, are needed to reduce the substantial global health loss attributable to alcohol.

FUNDING

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Anticholinergic burden and cognitive performance: cross-sectional results from the ELSA-Brasil study

OBJECTIVES

Using multiple drugs with anticholinergic properties is common and might lead to cumulative anticholinergic toxicity and increased risk of cognitive impairment. Therefore, we sought to investigate the association between the Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden (ACB) Scale and cognitive performance among middle-aged and older adults.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study with 13,065 participants from the baseline visit of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil), mean age was 51.7 ± 9.0 years old, 55% women, and 53% white. The ACB was calculated based on the medications in use. We investigated the association of ACB with global cognition and memory, verbal fluency (VF), and trail-making test version B (TMT-B) z-scores, using multiple linear regression models adjusted for sociodemographic and clinical variables.

RESULTS

Overall, 16% of participants had an ACB score greater than 0. ACB was associated with poor cognitive performance in all tests in crude analysis. After adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics, the association remained significant for the global cognitive score, as well as the memory and the TMT-B z-scores. However, after further adjustments for clinical variables, only trend associations of ACB with poor memory (β =  - 0.02, 95% Cl =  - 0.05, 0.00, p = 0.056) and the TMT-B z-scores (β =  - 0.02, 95% Cl =  - 0.04, 0.00, p = 0.054) were found. In stratified analyses by age groups, ACB was associated with poor cognitive performance on the TMT-B (β =  - 0.03, 95% Cl =  - 0.05, - 0.01, p = 0.005) in individuals aged less than 65 years old.

CONCLUSION

Although the ACB was associated with poor executive function only among middle-aged adults in adjusted analysis, residual confounding may partly explain our results.

Reference range of serum uric acid and prevalence of hyperuricemia: a cross-sectional study from baseline data of ELSA-Brasil cohort

Background

Most of the few studies that have established reference ranges for serum uric acid (SUA) have not taken into account factors which may interfere with its levels and followed rigorous laboratory quality standards. The aim of this study was to establish reference ranges for SUA and determine the prevalence of hyperuricemia.

Method

Cross-sectional study including 15,100 participants (all sample) aged 35 to 74 years from baseline data of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil), a multicentric cohort of volunteer civil servants from five universities and one research institute located in different regions of Brazil. It was established a reference sample excluding participants with factors that directly influence SUA levels: glomerular filtration rate lower than 60 ml/min, excessive alcohol intake, use of diuretics, aspirin, estrogen or urate-lowering therapy. SUA was measured using the uricase method and following rigorous international quality standards. Reference ranges were defined as values between percentiles 2.5 (P2.5) and 97.5 (P97.5) of SUA distribution in the reference sample, stratified by sex. Hyperuricemia was defined as SUA ≥ 7 mg/100 ml in the all sample.

Results

The reference sample was composed of 10,340 individuals (55.3% women, median age 50 years). Reference ranges (P2.5 to P97.5) for SUA were: 4.0 to 9.2 mg/100 ml for men and 2.8 to 6.9 mg/100 ml for women. Sex was a major determinant for SUA levels (median [IQR], mg/100 ml: 6.1 [5.3–7.0] for men versus 4.5 [3.9–5.3] for women, p < 0.001). Higher levels of SUA were found in patients with higher BMI. Higher age had (a modest) influence only for women. The prevalence of hyperuricemia for all sample (N = 15,100) was 31.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 30.8–33.0%) in men and 4.8% (95% CI 4.3–5.3%) in women.

Conclusion

SUA reference ranges were 4.0 to 9.2 mg/100 ml for men and 2.8 to 6.9 mg/100 ml for women. Prevalence of hyperuricemia was 31.9% in men and 4.8% in women. Updated SUA reference ranges and prevalence of hyperuricemia are higher nowadays and might be used to guide laboratories and the screening for diseases related to SUA.

Associations of depression and intake of antioxidants and vitamin B complex: Results of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil)

BACKGROUND

Optimum functioning of the central nervous system is dependent on a wide range of nutrients, so mental illness can be impacted by diet via several mechanisms. We aimed to investigate the associations of antioxidants (vitamin A, C and E, and selenium and zinc) and vitamin B complex (B6, folate and B12) intake with depression in 14,737 subjects of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health.

METHODS

Baseline cross-sectional data was analyzed. Micronutrients intake was measured using the Food Frequency Questionnaire, and depression was assessed using the Clinical Interview Schedule Revised. Logistic regression models were built using daily intake quintiles of micronutrients.

RESULTS

A significant inverse relationship was observed between depression and higher intake of selenium, zinc, vitamins B6 and B12 for the total sample. Among women, a similar pattern of associations was observed, in addition to the higher intake of vitamins A and C. Among men, a significant inverse relationship between depression was observed only with the intake of vitamins B12 and B6. Higher total antioxidant intake was significantly associated with lower odds of depression and an inverse dose-response effect between total antioxidant intake and clinical severity of depression was observed among women, in adjusted models.

LIMITATIONS

Recall bias in assessing diet. Misclassification bias regarding current depression.

CONCLUSIONS

Depression is associated with lower intake of antioxidants and B vitamins. Higher intake of selected micronutrients may contribute to reduce depression occurrence and severity.

Prediction of depression cases, incidence, and chronicity in a large occupational cohort using machine learning techniques: an analysis of the ELSA-Brasil study

Abstract.

BACKGROUND

Depression is highly prevalent and marked by a chronic and recurrent course. Despite being a major cause of disability worldwide, little is known regarding the determinants of its heterogeneous course. Machine learning techniques present an opportunity to develop tools to predict diagnosis and prognosis at an individual level.

METHODS

We examined baseline (2008-2010) and follow-up (2012-2014) data of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil), a large occupational cohort study. We implemented an elastic net regularization analysis with a 10-fold cross-validation procedure using socioeconomic and clinical factors as predictors to distinguish at follow-up: (1) depressed from non-depressed participants, (2) participants with incident depression from those who did not develop depression, and (3) participants with chronic (persistent or recurrent) depression from those without depression.

RESULTS

We assessed 15 105 and 13 922 participants at waves 1 and 2, respectively. The elastic net regularization model distinguished outcome levels in the test dataset with an area under the curve of 0.79 (95% CI 0.76-0.82), 0.71 (95% CI 0.66-0.77), 0.90 (95% CI 0.86-0.95) for analyses 1, 2, and 3, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Diagnosis and prognosis related to depression can be predicted at an individual subject level by integrating low-cost variables, such as demographic and clinical data. Future studies should assess longer follow-up periods and combine biological predictors, such as genetics and blood biomarkers, to build more accurate tools to predict depression course.

Urinary iodine and sodium concentration and thyroid status in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil)

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate urinary iodine concentration (UIC) in civil servants aged 35-74 years of the Brazilian Study of Adults Health (ELSA-Brasil) to analyze its relationship with sociodemographic, clinical risk factors, lifestyle, urinary Na and thyroid status.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study in six Brazilian cities.

METHODS

This analysis included 792 participants with information about urinary iodine concentration (UIC). Thyroid status was defined by serum levels of TSH/FT4 and the current use of antithyroid drugs for treatment of overt hyperthyroidism or levothyroxine to treat overt hypothyroidism. The determination of UIC was carried out with an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) and was expressed as median with Interquartile Range (IQR).

RESULTS

In 792 participants, thereof 52% women, mean age was 51.9 (9.0) years. The median UIC was 219 (IQR, 166-291) for all persons studied, thereof 211 (IQR, 157-276) for women and 231 (IQR, 178-304) for men. According to the WHO classification, for all persons studied, 60% had more than adequate iodine-supply (UIC ≥200 μg/L), 37% were adequately supplied (UIC 100-199 μg/L) and <3% had a deficient iodine status (<100 μg/L). In the 35-44-year age strata, which includes women of childbearing age, 23.2% of women presented less than 150 μg/L of UIC. No differences in UIC were detected according to thyroid status. (P = 0.39) The correlation between Ur-Na and UIC showed a Spearman coefficient of 0.52 (P < 0.0001) and it was also found an association of Ur-Na with UIC: Beta of 1.76 (95% Confidence Interval (95% CI): 1.01 to 2.51. The urinary Na concentration showed a synergy with the UIC, that means medians of 57, 72, 107 and 141 mmol Na/L urine (P < 0.001) in the groups with the four UIC classes according to the WHO grading mentioned above. The very low Na content in the persons exhibiting <100 μg/L UIC seems to reflect also a higher urine volume due to the frequent use of diuretics. The strong relationship between the urinary Na concentration and the UIC points to a dependence of the UIC on the individual consumption of iodized salt, which should be more considered in future studies. The strong relationship between the urinary Na concentration and the UIC points to a dependence of the UIC on the individual consumption of iodized salt, which should be more considered in future studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Euthyroid persons were dominating by more than four fifths and no significant association was found between UIC and thyroid status. Although most of the persons studied present more than adequate iodine intake it was observed that nearly a quarter of women in childbearing age are iodine deficient.

O efeito da atividade física nas comorbidades psiquiátricas de pessoas com cefaleias primárias: Um estudo transversal da coorte do ELSA-Brasil

Introdução A atividade física (AF) está associada a menor prevalência de cefaleias primárias e transtornos psiquiátricos, mas seu efeito nessas comorbidade é desconhecido. Objetivo Estimar os efeitos de interação entre níveis de AF e cefaleias primárias como preditores de depressão e ansiedade. Métodos Uma análise transversal no estudo ELSA-Brasil, modelos de regressão logística computaram a associação entre cefaleias primárias (ICHD-2) e depressão e ansiedade  (CIS-R). Interações entre níveis de AF (inativo, insuficientemente ativo, ativo e muito ativo no tempo de lazer e no deslocamento) com migrânea (definitiva e provável) e cefaleia do tipo tensão (CTT, definitiva e provável) foram estimados como preditores de depressão e ansiedade. Todos os modelos foram ajustados para dados sociodemográficos, fatores de risco cardiovascular e uso de medicamentos preventivos para migrânea.  Resultados Dados completos foram obtidos de 14.546 participantes, 54,3% mulheres, mediana (IQR) da idade = 51 (45-58) anos. Todos as cefaleias primárias se associaram com maior frequência de depressão e/ou ansiedade. Em comparação com pessoas inativas sem cefaleias, os efeitos de interação de muito ativo/ativo com migrânea (definitiva e provável) e CTT provável anularam suas associações com depressão, enquanto muito ativo com CTT resultou em menor chance de depressão [OR (IC 95%): 0,37 (0,16-0,81), p = 0,014]. Interações de muito ativo/ativo com provável migrânea e CTT (definitiva e provável) mostraram associação nula com ansiedade. No deslocamento, a interação de insuficientemente com CTT reduziu as chances de depressão [OR (IC 95%): 0,48 (0,29-0,77), p = 0,003], enquanto as interações de muito ativo/ativo com provável migrânea, CTT (definitiva e provável) anularam suas associações com depressão. Ativo com provável CTT resultou em associação nula com ansiedade. Conclusões No ELSA-Brasil, os níveis de AF representaram um atenuador da relação entre cefaleia e transtornos psiquiátricos.

Incidence of TPOAb over a 4-year follow-up period: results from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil)

Objective

Although some previous data have suggested a high iodine intake in Brazil, the prevalence of antithyroperoxidase antibodies (TPOAb) in the country is compatible with rates from countries with adequate iodine intake. This observation emphasizes the importance of knowing the incidence of TPOAb in Brazil.

Methods

This prospective analysis included euthyroid participants with negative TPOAb at baseline and a thyroid function assessment at a 4-year follow-up. TPOAb was measured by electrochemiluminescence and considered positive when titers were ≥34 IU/mL. TSH and free T4 (FT4) levels were determined by a third-generation immunoenzymatic assay. The incidence of TPOAb is expressed in percentage per year or as a cumulative incidence within the 4-year follow-up period.

Results

Of 8,922 euthyroid participants (mean age 51.1 years; 50.9% women) with a negative TPOAb test at baseline, 130 presented incident TPOAb at the 4-year follow-up, yielding an annual incidence of TPOAb of 0.38%/year (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.37-0.39%/year) and a cumulative incidence over 4 years of 1.46% (95% CI, 1.21-1.71%). In men, the annual incidence was 0.32% (95% CI, 0.31-0.33%), and the cumulative incidence over 4 years was 1.23% (95% CI, 0.90-1.56%). In women, the annual incidence was 0.43%/year (95% CI, 0.42-0.44%/year) and the cumulative incidence over 4 years was 1.67% (95% CI, 1.30-2.04%). The only factor associated with incident TPOAb was the occurrence of thyroid diseases at follow-up. No differences in TPOAb incidence were detected across ELSA-Brasil research centers.

Conclusion

Based on the results of this study, the incidence of TPOAb per year and at a 4-year follow-up period are compatible with those of a country with adequate iodine intake.

Incidence of thyroid diseases: Results from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil)

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate incidence of subclinical and overt hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.

METHODS

The Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil) is a prospective cohort study of 15,105 civil servants, examined at baseline and over a 4-year follow-up. This analysis included 9,705 participants with normal thyroid function at baseline, follow-up information about thyroid function and with no report of using drugs that may interfere in the thyroid function. Thyroid function was defined by TSH/FT4 levels or routine use of thyroid hormones/anti-thyroid medications. Annual and cumulative (over 4-year) incidence rates were presented as percentages (95% Confidence Intervals).

RESULTS

The incidence of all overt and subclinical thyroid disease was 6.7% (1.73%/year): 0.19% for overt hyperthyroidism (0.048%/year), 0.54% for subclinical hyperthyroidism (0.14%/year), 1.98% for overt hypothyroidism (0.51%/year), and 3.99% for subclinical hypothyroidism (1.03%/year). The incidence of all thyroid diseases was higher in women, when compared to men, with a low women:men ratio (1.36). For Blacks the highest incidence was for overt hyperthyroidism, while for Whites, the highest incidence was for overt hypothyroidism. However, the highest incidence of overt hyperthyroidism was detected in Asian descendants. The presence of antithyroperoxidase antibodies at baseline was associated with higher incidence of overt thyroid diseases.

CONCLUSION

These results showed a high incidence of hypothyroidism, which is compatible with a country with a more-than-adequate iodine intake. The low women:men ratio of the incidence of thyroid dysfunction highlights the importance of the diagnosis of thyroid diseases among men in Brazil.

Headache disability, lifestyle factors, health perception, and mental disorder symptoms: a cross-sectional analysis of the 2013 National Health Survey in Brazil

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the past 2-week headache disability and explore its association with lifestyle factors, health perception, and mental disorder symptoms in the PNS 2013 survey.

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of headache disorders has been associated with lifestyle factors, mental disorders, and health perception. However, less is known regarding their influence on headache-related disability.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional analysis, chi-squared tests and logistic regression models computed the associations between headache-related disability (defined as days lost from work, school, or household chores in the past 2 weeks) and the variables of interest, compared to other disease-related disabilities groups or no day lost group. The adjusted models controlled for the effects of age, sex, income, and educational levels.

RESULTS

In the sample aged ≥ 18 years (n = 145,580), 10,728 (7.4%) participants reported any disease-related disability in the past 2 weeks (median interquartile range (IQR) for age = 47 (33-59) years, 62% women), with the median (IQR) days lost = 5 (2-14). Headache disability represented 5.3% (572/10,728) of all diseases, constituting the 4th most prevalent disease-related disability [median (IQR) days lost = 3 (3-4)]. Among people aged 18-25 years, headache disorders ranked 2nd as the most prevalent disability (13%), headache-related disability positively associated with physical inactivity, poorer health perception, and frequent mental disorders symptoms, and negatively associated with overweight, obesity, and alcohol consumption.

CONCLUSION

Headache disability represents a leading cause of disease-related disability in Brazil and associates with unhealthy lifestyle factors, poorer health perception, and frequent mental disorder symptoms.

Physical inactivity and headache disorders: Cross-sectional analysis in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil)

BACKGROUND

Physical inactivity has been linked to headache disorders but estimates based on the current World Health Organization physical activity guidelines are unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To test the associations between headache disorders and physical inactivity in the ELSA-Brasil cohort.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional analysis, linear (continuous variables) and logistic regression models (categorical variables) tested the associations of physical activity levels in the leisure time, commuting time, and combined leisure time physical activity + commuting time physical activity domains with headache disorders, adjusted for the effects of sociodemographic data, cardiovascular risk variables, psychiatric disorders, and migraine prophylaxis medication.

RESULTS

Of 15,105 participants, 14,847 (54.4% women) provided data on physical activity levels and headache. Higher physical activity levels (continuous values) in the leisure time physical activity domain associated with lower migraine and tension-type headache occurrence and lower headache attack frequency, while in the commuting time physical activity domain it associated with more frequent headache attacks. Compared to people who met World Health Organization physical activity levels in the leisure time physical activity or combining leisure time physical activity + commuting time physical activity domains (i.e. ≥150 min.wk^-1 of moderate and/or ≥75 min.wk^-1 of vigorous physical activity), physical inactivity associated with higher migraine occurrence, while somewhat active (i.e. not meeting World Health Organization recommendations) associated with higher migraine and tension-type headache occurrence. Physical inactivity in the commuting time physical activity domain associated with higher tension-type headache in men and lower migraine in women. Physical inactivity within vigorous leisure time physical activity intensity, but not moderate leisure time physical activity, associated with higher migraine, mostly in women. Finally, physical inactivity associated with higher headache attack frequency regardless headache subtype.

CONCLUSION

Physical inactivity and unmet World Health Organization physical activity levels associate with primary headaches, with heterogeneous associations regarding headache subtype, sex, physical activity domain/intensity, and headache frequency in the ELSA-Brasil study.

Early life socioeconomic status predicts cognition regardless of education level

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Early life socioeconomic status (SES) may impact cognitive performance later in life. We investigated the effect on cognitive performance of early life SES, education, and late life SES in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health.

METHODS

Path analysis was used to decompose associations between SES measures across the lifespan and cognition. The model included direct paths to cognition from early life SES, education, and late life SES, and indirect paths from early life passing through education and late life SES. We investigated whether the effects of early life SES are similar across middle-aged and older adults.

RESULTS

In 13,395 adults, the mean age was 51.5 (8.9) years, 54% were female, 53% were white, and 56% had at least college education. The direct path from early life SES remained significant in the presence of mediation paths through education, late life SES, or both, contributing to cognitive performance in both middle-aged and older adults. The indirect and total effect of early life SES was smaller for middle-aged compared to older adults. Early life SES continues to impact cognitive performance later in life independently of educational attainment and late life SES. The higher percent of mediation through education suggests that education may improve later life cognition even in the presence of low early life SES.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results highlight the importance of public health initiatives to improve early life SES and education to foster cognitive aging in low- and middle-income countries.

Sugar-sweetened soft drinks consumption and risk of hyperuricemia: Results of the ELSA-Brasil study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The prospective association between sugar-sweetened beverages consumption and hyperuricemia is controversial. The aim was to investigate the association of the consumption of sugar-sweetened soft drinks and unsweetened fruit juices with the incidence of hyperuricemia and the levels of serum uric acid in the participants of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Longitudinal analysis in ELSA-Brasil participants (baseline 2008-2010 and follow-up 2012-2014). The sample consisted of 10,072 civil servants (35-74 years, both sexes). The consumption of beverages estimated by a food frequency questionnaire (baseline) was divided into five categories: nonconsumption and quartiles (≥0.1 mL/day). Hyperuricemia was defined as uric acid ≥7.0 mg/dL (men) and ≥5.7 mg/dL (women). Poisson regression with robust variance and multiple linear regression were tested. The average consumption of soft drinks was 84 ± 191 mL/day in men and 42 ± 128 mL/day in women. After 4 years of follow-up, the higher consumption of soft drinks (men: 401 ± 303 mL/day; women: 390 ± 290 mL/day) increased the relative risk of hyperuricemia by 30% (men) and 40% (women), and was associated with increased mean uric acid (men: β = 0.14 mg/dL; 95% CI 0.41-0.24; women: β = 0.11 mg/dL; 95% CI 0.00-0.21). The consumption of unsweetened juice was not associated with hyperuricemia.

CONCLUSION

High consumption of sugar-sweetened soft drinks is associated with an increased relative risk of hyperuricemia and elevated serum uric acid levels in Brazilian adults.

Longitudinal measurement invariance of neuropsychological tests in a diverse sample from the ELSA-Brasil study

OBJECTIVE

Longitudinal measurement invariance analyses are an important way to assess a test's ability to estimate the underlying construct over time, ensuring that cognitive scores across visits represent a similar underlying construct, and that changes in test performance are attributable to individual change in cognitive abilities. We aimed to evaluate longitudinal measurement invariance in a large, social and culturally diverse sample over time.

METHODS

A total of 5,949 participants from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil) were included, whose cognition was reassessed after four years. Longitudinal measurement invariance analysis was performed by comparing a nested series of multiple-group confirmatory factor analysis models (for memory and executive function factors).

RESULTS

Configural, metric, scalar and strict invariance were tested and supported over time.

CONCLUSION

Cognitive temporal changes in this sample are more likely to be due to normal and/or pathological aging. Testing longitudinal measurement invariance is essential for diverse samples at high risk of dementia, such as in low- and middle-income countries.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone levels and incident depression: Results from the ELSA-Brasil study

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to prospectively evaluate whether TSH levels at baseline were associated with incident depression after four years of follow-up in a cohort of middle-aged adults, the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil).

METHODS

TSH and free-thyroxine (FT4) levels were evaluated at baseline. Depression diagnoses were performed using the Clinical Interview Schedule-Revised (CIS-R) at baseline and after a 4-year follow-up. Poisson regression models (95% Confidence Intervals) were built to evaluate the association between TSH quintiles at baseline and incident depression. All analyses were stratified by sex. Models were presented crude, adjusted for age and sex; and further adjusted for race, education, BMI, smoking, alcohol consumption, use of antidepressants/benzodiazepines, kidney function and comorbidities.

RESULTS

Mean age was 51.5 years, and 51.2% were women. Overall, low TSH levels (1^st quintile) were associated with incident depression (adjusted RR = 1.36, 95% CI 1.02-1.81), remaining significant for women (adjusted RR = 1.64, 95% CI 1.15-2.33), but not for men. The same results were found when restricting analysis to euthyroid participants (adjusted RR = 1.46, 95% CI 1.08-1.99), also significant for women only (adjusted RR = 1.63, 95% CI 1.12-2.38).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed that low TSH levels were positively associated with incident depression, particularly among women. Similar results were found when restricting the analysis to euthyroid participants. In contrast, high TSH levels were inversely associated with incident depression, also among women.

Effects of tDCS on neuroplasticity and inflammatory biomarkers in bipolar depression: Results from a sham-controlled study

OBJECTIVES

We investigated the role of peripheral biomarkers associated with neuroplasticity and immune-inflammatory processes on the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a safe, affordable, and portable non-invasive neuromodulatory treatment, in bipolar depression.

METHODS

This is an exploratory analysis using a dataset from the sham-controlled study the Bipolar Depression Electrical Treatment Trial (BETTER)(clinicaltrials.govNCT02152878). Participants were 52 adults with type I or II bipolar disorder in a moderate-to-severe depressive episode, randomized to 12 bifrontal active or sham tDCS sessions over a 6-week treatment course. Plasma levels of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial cell derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), interleukins (IL) 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 18, 33, 1β, 12p70, 17a, interferon gamma (IFN), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF) and its soluble receptors 1 and 2, ST2, and KLOTHO were investigated at baseline and endpoint. We performed analyses unadjusted for multiple testing to evaluate whether baseline biomarkers were predictive for depression improvement and changed during treatment using linear regression models.

RESULTS

A time x group interaction (Cohen's d: -1.16, 95% CI = -1.96 to -0.3, p = .005) was found for IL-8, with greater reductions after active tDCS. Higher baseline IL-6 plasma levels was associated with symptomatic improvement after tDCS (F_(1,43) = 5.43; p = .025). Other associations were not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Our exploratory findings suggested that IL-6 is a potential predictor of tDCS response and IL-8 might decrease after tDCS; although confirmatory studies are warranted due to the multiplicity of comparisons.

The impact of atrial fibrillation and long-term oral anticoagulant use on all-cause and cardiovascular mortality: A 12-year evaluation of the prospective Brazilian Study of Stroke Mortality and Morbidity

BACKGROUND

Atrial fibrillation is a predictor of poor prognosis after stroke.

AIMS

To evaluate atrial fibrillation and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in a stroke cohort with low socioeconomic status, taking into consideration oral anticoagulant use during 12-year follow-up.

METHODS

All-cause mortality was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier survival curve and Cox regression models to estimate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). For specific mortality causes, cumulative incidence functions were computed. A logit link function was used to calculate odds ratios (OR) with 95% CIs. Full models were adjusted by age, sex, oral anticoagulant use (as a time-dependent variable) and cardiovascular risk factors.

RESULTS

Of 1121 ischemic stroke participants, 17.8% had atrial fibrillation. Overall, 654 deaths (58.3%) were observed. Survival rate was lower (median days, interquartile range-IQR) among those with atrial fibrillation (531, IQR: 46-2039) vs. non-atrial fibrillation (1808, IQR: 334-3301), p-log rank < 0.0001). Over 12-year follow-up, previous atrial fibrillation was associated with increased mortality: all-cause (multivariable hazard ratios, 1.82; 95% CI: 1.43-2.31) and cardiovascular mortality (multivariable OR, 2.07; 95% CI: 1.36-3.14), but not stroke mortality. In the same multivariable models, oral anticoagulant use was inversely associated with all-cause mortality (oral anticoagulant time-dependent effect: multivariable hazard ratios, 0.47; 95% CI: 0.30-0.50, p = 0.002) and stroke mortality (oral anticoagulant time-dependent effect ≥ 6 months: multivariable OR, 0.09; 95% CI: 0.01-0.65, p-value = 0.02), but not cardiovascular mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Among individuals with low socioeconomic status, atrial fibrillation was an independent predictor of poor survival, increasing all-cause and cardiovascular mortality risk. Long-term oral anticoagulant use was associated with a markedly reduced risk of all-cause and stroke mortality.

Unfavorable Triglyceride-rich Particle Profile in Subclinical Thyroid Disease: A Cross-sectional Analysis of ELSA-Brasil

Subclinical thyroid disorders have been associated with atherosclerosis and increased cardiovascular risk. As triglyceride-rich lipoprotein particles (TRLPs) have recently emerged as a casual factor for atherogenesis, the aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between subclinical hypo- and hyperthyroidism and TRLP subfractions. We selected 5066 participants from the ELSA-Brasil cohort with available data of thyroid function and lipid profile measured by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Individuals were divided into 3 groups by baseline thyroid function (subclinical hypothyroidism, euthyroidism, and subclinical hyperthyroidism). Triglyceride-rich lipoprotein particle subfractions were analyzed through NMR spectroscopy. To examine the association between TRLP subfractions and thyroid function, we conducted univariate and multivariate linear regression models adjusted for demographic characteristics, body mass index, diabetes, smoking status, and alcohol use. Of 3304 individuals, 54% were women, with a mean age of 50.6 ± 8.7 years, 51% white, and 53% with at least a college education. Of these individuals, 92% were euthyroid, whereas 6.8% had subclinical hypothyroidism and 1.2% had subclinical hyperthyroidism. The univariate linear regression showed that very small TRLPs (P = 0.026) and very large TRLPs (P = 0.008) were statistically increased in subclinical hypothyroidism when compared with euthyroidism. In subclinical hyperthyroidism, there was a reduction in total TRLPs (P = 0.003), seemingly driven by reduced very small TRLPs (P = 0.067). The findings were confirmed when adjusted for demographic characteristics, as well as comorbidities. This study suggests that subclinical hypothyroidism is associated with very small and very large TRLPs, which are related to an unfavorable atherogenic profile. Subclinical hyperthyroidism is associated to lower very small TRLPs.

Increased particle size of triacylglycerol-enriched remnant lipoproteins, but not their plasma concentration or lipid content, augments risk prediction of incident type 2 diabetes

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Type 2 diabetes prevention requires the accurate identification of those at high risk. Beyond the association of fasting serum triacylglycerols with diabetes, triacylglycerol-enriched remnant lipoproteins (TRLs) more accurately reflect pathophysiological changes that underlie progression to diabetes, such as hepatic insulin resistance, pancreatic steatosis and systemic inflammation. We hypothesised that TRL-related factors could improve risk prediction for incident diabetes.

METHODS

We included individuals from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health cohort. We trained a logistic regression model for the risk of incident diabetes in 80% of the cohort using tenfold cross-validation, and tested the model in the remaining 20% of the cohort (test set). Variables included medical history and traits of the metabolic syndrome, followed by TRL-related measurements (plasma concentration, TRL particle diameter, cholesterol and triacylglycerol content). TRL features were measured using NMR spectroscopy. Discrimination was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) and the area under the precision-recall curve (AUPRC).

RESULTS

Among 4463 at-risk individuals, there were 366 new cases of diabetes after a mean (±SD) of 3.7 (±0.63) years of follow-up. We derived an 18-variable model with a global AUROC of 0.846 (95% CI: 0.829, 0.869). Overall TRL-related markers were not associated with diabetes. However, TRL particle diameter increased the AUROC, particularly in individuals with HbA_1c <39 mmol/mol (5.7%) (hold-out test set [n = 659]; training-validation set [n = 2638]), but not in individuals with baseline HbA_1c 39-46 mmol/mol (5.7-6.4%) (hold-out test set [n = 233]; training-validation set [n = 933]). In the subgroup with baseline HbA_1c <39 mmol/mol (5.7%), AUROC in the test set increased from 0.717 (95% CI 0.603, 0.818) to 0.794 (95% CI 0.731, 0.862), and AUPRC in the test set rose from 0.582 to 0.701 when using the baseline model and the baseline model plus TRL particle diameter, respectively. TRL particle diameter was highly correlated with obesity, insulin resistance and inflammation in those with impaired fasting glucose at baseline, but less so in those with HbA_1c <39 mmol/mol (5.7%).

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

TRL particle diameter improves the prediction of diabetes, but only in individuals with HbA_1c <39 mmol/mol (5.7%) at baseline. These data support TRL particle diameter as a risk factor that is changed early in the course of the pathophysiological processes that lead to the development of type 2 diabetes, even before glucose abnormalities are established. Graphical abstract.

Atrial fibrillation in low- and middle-income countries: a narrative review

Preventing premature non-communicable disease mortality necessitates a thorough review of one of the most important risk factors for stroke, which is atrial fibrillation (AF). The latter and AF-related stroke are still considered to be problems of high-income countries and are frequently overlooked in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In this narrative review, we provide an overview of studies that evaluated at least one of the following determinants of AF burden in LMICs: current epidemiology and trends, stroke prevention, health outcomes, and economic burden. Studies focusing on samples close to the general population (including community- and primary care-based samples) indicate sex-specific prevalence rates up to 7.4% in LMICs. Although AF prevalence is still higher in high-income countries than LMICs, the gap in AF burden between these two groups has been reducing in the past three decades. Oral anticoagulant (OAC) therapy for stroke prevention is underused in LMICs, and there are little data on OAC therapy in relation to stroke risk scores, such as CHA₂DS₂-VASc. Available data also points to higher morbidity and mortality for patient with AF in LMICs than their counterparts in high-income countries. Data on the consequent economic burden in LMICs is scarce, but it is reasonable to consider it will follow the same trend as that observed for health outcomes. Raising the visibility of AF as a public health problem in LMICs is necessary as a first step to providing adequate care for patients with this condition.

Glaucoma, but not cataracts, predicts lower verbal fluency performance: 3.8-year follow-up from the ELSA-Brasil study

Glaucoma, cataracts, and cognitive decline are most common in older ages. Although cross-sectional studies showed that these disorders are associated, follow-up studies are lacking. To investigate this issue, baseline and follow-up data from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil) were employed. We evaluated participants ≥ 55 years-old at follow-up without diagnosis of dementia, stroke, and other eye conditions except for glaucoma and cataracts. Cognition was evaluated using delayed word recall, verbal fluency, and trail making (version B) tests. Regression models were employed to investigate associations between glaucoma and cognition, adjusted by several confounders. Out of 3,867 participants, 379 and 118 presented cataracts and glaucoma, respectively. Only glaucoma was apredictor of lower verbal fluency (B = -0.23, 95% CI -035 to -012, p< 0.001). Other associations were not significant (ps>0.57). Our results suggest that glaucoma may be related to declining cognition.

Differences in HDL particle size in the presence of subclinical thyroid dysfunctions: The ELSA-Brasil study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Thyroid dysfunction is related to several lipid abnormalities. There is no consensus about concentration of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in different studies. The aim of this report is to evaluate HDL particle (HDL-P) subfractions across a spectrum of thyroid functions in a Brazilian population.

METHODS

Individuals were divided into three groups by baseline thyroid function (subclinical hypothyroidism, euthyroidism, and subclinical hyperthyroidism). HDL-P subfractions were analyzed by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. To examine the association between HDL-P subfractions and thyroid function, we used univariate and multivariate linear regression models adjusted for demographic characteristics, comorbidities, lifestyle factors, and traditional lipid measurement (HDL-C, LDL-C and triglycerides).

RESULTS

Of 3304 participants, 54.1% were women, 51.2% white, with mean age 50.6 ± 8.7 years. HDL-C and triglycerides levels (p = 0.032 and p = 0.016, respectively) were higher in the SC hypothyroid group. There were no statistically significant differences in total cholesterol levels and LDL-C levels. In univariate analysis, small HDL-P subfractions were significantly lower in subclinical hypothyroidism (p = 0.026) whereas intermediate HDL-P were higher in subclinical hyperthyroidism (p = 0.049), compared to euthyroidism. After adjustment for demographic data, SC hypothyroidism was still statistically associated with lower levels of small HDL-P. After adjusting for comorbidities, lifestyle factors, and traditional lipid measurements, SC hypothyroidism had an established association with lower levels of small HDL-P while SC hyperthyroidism was associated with lower levels of large HDL-P.

CONCLUSIONS

In this large cohort from a Brazilian population, subclinical hypothyroidism was associated with lower small HDL-P subfractions, and subclinical hyperthyroidism with lower large HDL-P subfractions and higher intermediate HDL-P subfractions.

Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and metabolic syndrome at baseline of a multicentric Brazilian cohort: ELSA-Brasil study

Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) is a method to measure insulin resistance. HOMA-IR cut-offs for identifying metabolic syndrome might vary across populations and body mass index (BMI) levels. We aimed to investigate HOMA-insulin resistance cut-offs that best discriminate individuals with insulin resistance and with metabolic syndrome for each BMI category in a large sample of adults without diabetes in the baseline of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil). Among the 12,313 participants with mean age of 51.2 (SD 8.9) years, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 34.6%, and 60.1% had overweight or obesity. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome among normal weight, overweight and obesity categories were, respectively, 13%, 43.2% and 60.7%. The point of maximum combined sensitivity and specificity of HOMA-IR to discriminate the metabolic syndrome was 2.35 in the whole sample, with increasing values at higher BMI categories. This investigation contributes to better understanding HOMA-IR values associated with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome in a large Brazilian adult sample, and that use of cut-off points according to ROC curve may be the better strategy. It also suggests that different values might be appropriate across BMI categories.

Prospective associations between hsCRP and GlycA inflammatory biomarkers and depression: The Brazilian longitudinal study of adult health (ELSA-Brasil)

BACKGROUND

Although low-grade inflammation is associated with onset and persistence of depression, most biomarkers display modest predictive effects. GlycA (glycoprotein acetylation) is a unique metabolomic composite of pro-inflammatory acute-phase glycoproteins. We hypothesized that GlycA levels would predict depression incidence, remission and persistence, with higher accuracy than high-sensitivity c-reactive protein (hsCRP). We also explored the additive predictive value of GlycA above and beyond hsCRP.

METHODS

Cohort design using the sample of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil)'s São Paulo site. Baseline GlycA and hsCRP levels were measured in blood plasma. Depression incidence, remission, and persistence were assessed using the Clinical Interview Scheduled Revised (CIS-R) at two time points separated by a mean of 3.8 years. Multivariable Poisson, logistic and linear regression models were used for prediction. Models were adjusted for sociodemographic and clinical confounders, including age, gender, ethnicity, education, cardiovascular assessments, antidepressant and anti-inflammatory drug use, anxiety disorders, alcohol use, and body mass index.

RESULTS

We included 4,364 participants (53.2% females, mean age 51.4 ± 8.9 years) with no autoimmune disorders. GlycA robustly predicted depression persistence (relative risk of 7.28, 95% confidence interval 1.33-45.57, p = 0.023 in the fully-adjusted model), but not depression onset. Although hsCRP also predicted depression persistence, its effects were fully explained by confounders and by GlycA levels. GlycA also predicted worsening of depressive symptoms in depressed patients and depression persistence vs. remission in fully-adjusted models.

LIMITATIONS

Brief depressive episodes could not be measured by our assessments.

CONCLUSIONS

GlycA might be a new inflammatory prognosis biomarker for depression.

Coffee consumption and risk of hypertension: A prospective analysis in the cohort study

BACKGROUND

Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages around the world. Dietary habits, specifically, coffee consumption has long been a suspected cause of hypertension. However, previous findings on coffee consumption and its association with the incidence of hypertension are not homogeneous and still inconsistent.

PURPOSE

To examine the association of habitual coffee consumption with the risk of developing hypertension in a middle-aged Brazilian cohort.

METHODS

Data were from the multicenter prospective cohort "Brazilian Longitudinal Study for Adult Health - ELSA-Brasil". The cohort comprises 15,105 civil servants, aged 35-74 years at baseline, who were sampled from universities located in six Brazilian cities. For the present study, we analyzed data from 8780 participants initially free of hypertension during a mean follow-up of 3.9 years. The consumption of coffee was obtained at baseline using a previously validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Subsequently coffee intake was categorized into four categories (cups/day): never/almost never, ≤1, 1-3, and >3. Hypertension status was defined as a systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg or a diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg, use of antihypertensive drug treatment, or both. Poisson regression model with a robust variance was performed to estimate relative risk (RR) and confidence interval (95% CI) for hypertension according to baseline coffee consumption. The effect of interaction between coffee consumption and smoking status was assessed.

RESULTS

Most participants (90%) drank coffee, and the median total coffee intake was 150 mL/day. A total of 1285 participants developed hypertension. Compared to participants who never or almost never drink coffee, the risk of hypertension was lower for individuals consuming 1-3 cups/day (RR 0.82, 95% CI: 0.68-0.97) (P for interaction=0.018). After stratification by smoking status the analysis revealed a decreased risk of hypertension in never smokers drinking 1-3 cups of coffee per day (RR 0.79, 95% CI: 0.64-0.98), whereas the hypertension risk among former and current smokers was not associated with coffee consumption significantly. Moreover, upper category of coffee drinking (>3 cups/day) the association was not significant for risk of hypertension.

CONCLUSION

The association between coffee consumption and incidence of hypertension was related to smoking status. The beneficial effect of moderate coffee intake (1-3 cups/day) on risk of hypertension was observed only in never smokers.

Religious Service Attendance, Educational Attainment, and Hypertension at Baseline of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil)

BACKGROUND

Some religious dimensions have been associated with different health-related outcomes over many years. Attending religious services is one of these dimensions that were associated with hypertension, with inconsistent results. And religious involvement seems to be closely influenced by sociodemographic factors, such as education. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between religious service attendance and hypertension according to levels of education.

METHODS

We analyzed baseline data of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil). Frequency of religious service attendance and presence of hypertension were assessed in all 15,105 participants at baseline. The analyses were stratified by two levels of education (less than high school and high school or more). Logistic regression models were used to obtain the association between religious service attendance and hypertension in both groups.

RESULTS

For those with high school or more, attending religious services was positively associated with hypertension (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-1.28). In contrast, for those with less than high school, attending services was inversely associated with presence of hypertension (adjusted OR = 0.73, 95% CI 0.55-0.96).

CONCLUSIONS

There seems to be a paradox in the association of religious service attendance and hypertension depending on the level of education.

Efficacy and acceptability of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for major depressive disorder: An individual patient data meta-analysis

We evaluated the efficacy and acceptability of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for treating acute depressive episodes using individual patient data that provide more precise estimates than aggregate data meta-analysis. A systematic review of placebo-controlled trials on tDCS as only intervention was conducted until December-2018. Data from each study was collated to estimate odds ratio (OR) and number needed to treat (NNT) of response and remission, and depression improvement. Endpoints were pre-determined. Nine eligible studies (572 participants), presenting moderate/high certainty of evidence, were included. Active tDCS was significantly superior to sham for response (30.9% vs. 18.9% respectively; OR = 1.96, 95%CI [1.30-2.95], NNT = 9), remission (19.9% vs. 11.7%, OR = 1.94 [1.19-3.16], NNT = 13) and depression improvement (effect size of β = 0.31, [0.15-0.47]). Moreover, continuous clinical improvement was observed even after the end of acute tDCS treatment. There were no differences in all-cause discontinuation rates and no predictors of response were identified. To conclude, active tDCS was statistically superior to sham in all outcomes, although its clinical effects were moderate.

Socio-demographic and psychiatric risk factors in incident and persistent depression: An analysis in the occupational cohort of ELSA-Brasil

BACKGROUND

Depression is a main source of disability worldwide. Identifying risk factors associated with incident and persistent episodes could inform clinical practice and hence mitigate their burden. However, previous research has focused on populations from developed countries. Thus, we evaluated sociodemographic risk factors and psychiatric comorbidities associated with incident and persistent depression in a large Brazilian occupational cohort.

METHODS

We examined baseline (2008-2010, n = 15,105) and follow-up (2012-2014) data from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil). Based on the presence of depression diagnosis at two timepoints, we diagnosed persistent and incident depression. Simple and multiple logistic regression analyses were employed to explore risk factors associated with incident and persistent depression. As gender is associated with the exposure and outcome variables, analyses stratified by gender were also conducted.

RESULTS

Presence of any anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and female gender were significant (p < 0.001) risk factors for depression incidence (odds ratios of 2.59, 3.6, and 1.82, respectively) and persistence (odds ratios of 6.94, 14.37, and 2.85, respectively) in multiple models, whereas having university degree decreased the odds of depression incidence (0.74) and persistence (0.45). In stratified analyses, the effects of low education were only evident in women.

LIMITATIONS

Brief depressive episodes could not be measured by our assessments.

CONCLUSION

In this occupational cohort, female gender, low education and psychiatric comorbidities were associated with unfavorable depression courses. Interventions targeting comorbidities could prevent depression incidence and persistence.