The relationship between left ventricular mass and insulin resistance in obese patients

AbstractObjectiveIn this study, we investigated the relationship between left ventricular mass and insulin resistance in obese patients.MethodsA total of 90 subjects, 66 women, and 24 men, with an age range from 24 to 56 years, were enrolled in the study. Forty-nine patients were in the obesity group whose body mass index (BMI) was >29.9kg/m2 and 41 subjects were in the control group with a BMI <25kg/m2. All of them were normotensive, nondiabetic, and did not have any cardiovascular disease. They were not taking any medication. Weight, height, and waist circumference were measured and BMI was calculated. Plasma glucose, insulin, serum total, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were measured, and insulin resistance was calculated via homeostasis model of assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Subjects were examined by echocardiography and left ventricular mass (LVM) and index (LVMI) were calculated with Devereux formula.ResultsInsulin levels, HOMA-IR, LVM, and LVMI were significantly higher in obesity group (p<0.01). Fasting glucose, triglyceride, fasting insulin levels, and waist circumference did not correlate with LVMI.ConclusionIn conclusion, though findings of the present study suggest increased left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in obese subjects compared to controls, it appears that the increased LVM or LVH is not linked to BMI and insulin resistance in this study population

Combining employment with breastfeeding

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the effect of maternal working conditions on breastfeeding

The Relationship of Acute Myocardial Infarction With or Without ST-Segment Elevation and Viscosity

We compared hemorheological parameters in 42 male patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), with (n = 22) or without (n = 20) ST-segment elevation and in 20 controls. Plasma and blood viscosity (cP), plasma protein (g/dL) and fibrinogen (mg/dL) concentrations, red (10(6)/mu L) and white (10(3)/mu L) blood cell counts, hemoglobin concentration (g/dL), and hematocrit (%) were compared. Plasma viscosity was significantly higher in patients with AMI with (P = .012) and without (P = .046) ST-segment elevation than in controls. Patients with AMI with and without ST-segment elevation had significantly lower albumin (P = .002 and P = .009) and globulin (P = .001 and P = .007) concentrations, red blood cell counts (P = .0001 and P = .004), and hematocrit (P = .014 and P = .040) and significantly higher fibrinogen concentrations (P = .0001 and P = .001) than controls. These findings suggest that AMI in males is associated with increased plasma viscosity and fibrinogen concentrations and with decreased albumin and globulin concentrations, erythrocyte count, and hematocrit, regardless of ST-segment elevation

A STUDY OF THE FACTORS AFFECTING THE DURATION OF EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING

Objective: This study aims to identify factors affecting the duration of exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 months of life

ENURESIS; RISK FACTORS AND FAMILY RESPONSES

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of nocturnal enuresis in school children, investigate the possible risk factors, and to explore the families' perceptions and attitudes about the problem in a socially disadvantaged area in Istanbul

Challenges for the adoption of evidence-based maternity care in Turkey

Evidence-based medicine is an important tool for improving the quality of maternity care. However, getting providers to change their practices may not be an easy or rapid process, and other factors, in addition to knowledge of the literature, may be important. This study documents the current state of obstetric practices at three maternity hospitals in Istanbul, Turkey, and identifies attitudes, social pressures, and perceptions that, according to the theory of planned behavior, may pose challenges for adoption of evidence-based practices. Data were collected through interviews with administrators, examination of hospital statistics, provider and client interviews, and structured observations of maternity care. Practices that did not follow current guidelines included routine episiotomy, not allowing companionship during labor, use of procedures to speed up labor without indications, routine enema, restriction of mobility, restriction of oral fluids, supine position for delivery, and non-use of active management of the third stage of labor. The findings indicate that providers had negative attitudes about some recommended practices, while they had positive attitudes towards some ineffective and/or harmful practices. We identified social pressure to comply with practices recommended by supervisors and peers, as well as the belief that limited resources affect maternity care providers, opportunities to perform evidence-based procedures. An underlying problem was the failure to involve women in decision-making regarding their own maternity care. In addition to informing providers about the evidence, it seems necessary to develop standard protocols, improve physical conditions, and implement behavior interventions that take into account provider attitudes, social pressures, and beliefs.Evidence-based practice Theory of planned behavior Maternity care Turkey

Brain natriuretic peptide and tumour markers in the diagnosis of non-malignant pericardial effusion

WOS: 000286460500063PubMed ID: 21190744