Dyslipemias and pregnancy, an update

During pregnancy there is a physiological increase in total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) plasma concentrations, due to increased insulin resistance, oestrogens, progesterone, and placental lactogen, although their reference values are not exactly known, TG levels can increase up to 300 mg/dL, and TC can go as high as 350 mg/dL. When the cholesterol concentration exceeds the 95th percentile (familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) and transient maternal hypercholesterolaemia), there is a predisposition to oxidative stress in foetal vessels, exposing the newborn to a greater fatty streaks formation and a higher risk of atherosclerosis. However, the current treatment of pregnant women with hyperlipidaemia consists of a diet and suspension of lipid-lowering drugs. The most prevalent maternal hypertriglyceridaemia (HTG) is due to secondary causes, like diabetes, obesity, drugs, etc. The case of severe HTG due to genetic causes is less prevalent, and can be a higher risk of maternal-foetal complications, such as, acute pancreatitis (AP), pre-eclampsia, preterm labour, and gestational diabetes. Severe HTG-AP is a rare but potentially lethal pregnancy complication, for the mother and the foetus, usually occurs during the third trimester or in the immediate postpartum period, and there are no specific protocols for its diagnosis and treatment. In conclusion, it is crucial that dyslipidaemia during pregnancy must be carefully evaluated, not just because of the acute complications, but also because of the future cardiovascular morbidity and mortality of the newborn child. That is why the establishment of consensus protocols or guidelines is essential for its management. (C) 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. on behalf of Sociedad Espanola de Arteriosclerosis

Treatment of subclinical hyperthyroidism: Effect on body composition

Background: subclinical hyperthyroidism (SHT) is associated with harmful effects on cardiovascular system, bone metabolism and progression to clinical hyperthyroidism. Loss of weight is a common fact in patients with clinical hyperthyroidism and of particular relevance in elderly patients. Objective: to assess changes in body composition after radioiodine therapy for SHT due to toxic nodular goiter. Subjects and methods: prospective controlled cohort study. Patients with persistent SHT due to toxic nodular goiter were purposed to receive treatment with radioiodine (treatment group) or to delay treatment until the study was over (control group). All treated patients received 555 MBq of 131I. Body composition (lean mass, fat mass and bone mineral content) was determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) at baseline and 12 months after. Results: twenty-nine patients were studied (age 69.5 ± 11.5; 75.9% women; BMI 27.1 ± 5.7 kg/m²; serum thyrotropin (TSH) 0.20 ± 0.21 µUI/mL; serum free thyroxine (T4) 1.01 ± 0.19 ng/dL), 17 belonging to the treatment group and 12 to the control group. Study groups were comparable, although there was a trend for the treatment group to have more fat mass. No longitudinal changes in body composition were noted in either group, except for a trend to gain fat mass. However, when individuals with age > 65 years were selected, only patients who received radioiodine therapy showed a significant increase in body weight (from 64.1 ± 10.0 to 66.9 ± 9.2 kg), BMI (from 27.3 ± 4.8 to 28.7 ± 4.5 kg/m²), fat mass (from 26.1 ± 8.5 to 27.8 ± 7.9 kg), lean mass (from 36.3 ± 0.4 to 37.4 ± 0.4 kg) and skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) (from 6.0 ± 0.6 to 6.3 ± 0.6 kg/m²). Conclusions: treatment of SHT has impact on body composition in subjects older than 65 years. Weight gain reflects increases in fat and, more interestingly, in lean mass

Infección del sitio quirúrgico en cirugía hepatobiliopancreática y su relación con la concentración sérica de vitamina D

Introducción La relación entre las infecciones nosocomiales en pacientes quirúrgicos y la vitamina D ha sido estudiada por algunos autores. Sin embargo, hasta la fecha no existe ningún estudio realizado sobre pacientes de cirugía hepatobiliar. El objetivo de nuestro trabajo es estudiar la infección del sitio quirúrgico (ISQ) en la unidad de cirugía hepatobiliar, y valorar su relación con la concentración sérica de vitamina D. Métodos Se llevó a cabo un estudio analítico observacional de pacientes sucesivos intervenidos en la unidad de cirugía hepatobiliar de nuestro centro durante un año. Se incluyeron las intervenciones relativas a enfermedad biliar, pancreática y hepática. Se determinaron los niveles de vitamina D al ingreso, así como las ISQ de tipo superficial, profunda y órgano-cavitaria diagnosticadas durante el estudio. El seguimiento del paciente se realizó durante al menos un mes tras la cirugía, dependiendo de la enfermedad. La estadística se realizó mediante el programa estadístico R v.3.1.3. Resultados La muestra quedó constituida por 321 pacientes, de los cuales el 25, 8% presentó ISQ a expensas fundamentalmente de las infecciones órgano-cavitarias que presentaron una incidencia del 24, 3%. Concentraciones séricas superiores a 33, 5 nmol/l demostraron reducir en un 50% el riesgo de ISQ. Conclusiones Las concentraciones elevadas de vitamina D en sangre demostraron ser un factor protector frente a las ISQ (OR: 0, 99). Nuestros resultados sugieren una relación directa entre la concentración sérica de vitamina D y la ISQ, justificando la realización de nuevos estudios prospectivos. Introduction: While several studies have examined the correlation between vitamin D concentrations and post-surgical nosocomial infections, this relationship has yet to be characterized in hepatobiliary surgery patients. We investigated the relationship between serum vitamin D concentration and the incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) in patients in our hepatobiliary surgery unit. Methods: Participants in this observational study were 321 successive patients who underwent the following types of interventions in the hepatobiliary surgery unit of our center over a 1-year period: cholecystectomy, pancreaticoduodenectomy, total pancreatectomy, segmentectomy, hepatectomy, hepaticojejunostomy and exploratory laparotomy. Serum vitamin D levels were measured upon admission and patients were followed up for 1 month. Mean group values were compared using a Student's T-test or Chi-squared test. Statistical analyses were performed using the Student's T-test, the Chi-squared test, or logistic regression models. Results: Serum concentrations >33.5 nmol/l reduced the risk of SSI by 50%. Out of the 321 patients analyzed, 25.8% developed SSI, mainly due to organ-cavity infections (incidence, 24.3%). Serum concentrations of over 33.5 nmol/l reduced the risk of SSI by 50%. Conclusions: High serum levels of vitamin D are a protective factor against SSI (OR, 0.99). Our results suggest a direct relationship between serum vitamin D concentrations and SSI, underscoring the need for prospective studies to assess the potential benefits of vitamin D in SSI prevention

Niveles de vitamina D en pacientes recién diagnosticados de cáncer

Introducción: aparte de los conocidos efectos de la vitamina D sobre la homeostasis fosfo-cálcica, en los últimos años están cobrando gran relevancia sus efectos extraóseos. Objetivos: conocer la concentración de 25(OH) vitamina D en pacientes recién diagnosticados de cáncer y comprobar si existen diferencias entre los distintos tipos de cáncer. Material y métodos: estudio transversal de una cohorte de pacientes recién diagnosticados de cáncer que fueron remitidos a Consultas Externas de Endocrinología para una valoración nutricional preoperatoria. Se revisaron 139 historias clínicas y se obtuvieron los datos sociodemográficos, biométricos y la concentración de 25(OH) vitamina D de los pacientes. Resultados: de los 139 pacientes, 71 padecían cáncer urológico; 27, cáncer colorrectal (CCR); 35, cáncer de cabeza y cuello (C y C); y seis, cáncer de otro tipo. La concentración media de 25(OH) vitamina D fue de 50, 41 nmol/l (IC 95% = 46, 68-54, 14). El 57, 97% presentó déficit de vitamina D (< 50 nmol/l) y un 21, 74%, insuficiencia (50-75 nmol/l). Hallamos una mayor prevalencia de déficit estadísticamente significativa (p < 0, 01) en el C y C frente al cáncer urológico: 68, 57% y 49, 29% respectivamente. La estación del año modifica de manera significativa la concentración de 25(OH) vitamina D (p < 0, 01). Conclusiones: hay una alta prevalencia de déficit de vitamina D en los pacientes recién diagnosticados de cáncer (sobre todo en CCR y C y C); por ello, se debe priorizar la corrección de los niveles de 25(OH) vitamina D en estos pacientes. La utilización de valores de referencia ajustados según la estación del año podría mejorar la interpretación de resultados. Introduction: apart from the known effects of vitamin D on phospho-calcium homeostasis, in recent years there is great interest in its extra-bone effects. Objectives: to know the concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH] D) in newly diagnosed patients of cancer and to verify if there are differences between the different types of cancer. Material and methods: cross-sectional study of a cohort of recent diagnosed cancer patients who were referred to Endocrinology consultation for a nutritional pre-surgery evaluation. One hundred and thirty-nine medical histories were reviewed. The socio-demographic and biometric data and 25(OH) D concentration were collected. Results: seventy-one of 139 patients had urological cancer, 27 had colorectal cancer (CRC), 35 had head and neck cancer and six, other types of cancer. The mean concentration of 25(OH) D was 50.41 nmol/l (95% CI = 46.67-54.14); 57.97% of patients showed vitamin D deficiency (< 50 nmol/l) and 21.74%, insufficiency (50-75 nmol/l). We found a statistically significant higher prevalence of deficiency (p < 0.01) in head and neck cancer compared to urological cancer: 68.57% and 49.29%, respectively. Year season significantly modifies 25(OH) D concentration (p < 0.01). Conclusions: there is a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among recent diagnosed cancer patients (especially in CRC and head and neck cancer). The use of reference values adjusted by year season could improve the study of 25(OH) D concentrations

Association between preoperative levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and hospital-acquired infections after hepatobiliary surgery: A prospective study in a third-level hospital

Introduction Evidence implicates vitamin D deficiency in poorer outcomes and increased susceptibility to hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). This study examined the association between serum vitamin D levels and HAIs in a population of hepatobiliary surgery patients. Methods Participants in this prospective analytical observational study were patients who underwent hepatobiliary surgery in a tertiary hospital in Aragon, Spain, between February 2018 and March 2019. Vitamin D concentrations were measured at admission and all nosocomial infections during hospitalization and after discharge were recorded. Results The mean 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration of the study population (n = 301) was 38.56 nmol/L, which corresponds to vitamin D deficiency. Higher vitamin D concentrations were associated with a decreased likelihood of developing a HAI in general (p = 0.014), and in particularly surgical site infection (p = 0.026). The risk of HAI decreased by 34% with each 26.2-nmol/L increase in serum vitamin D levels. Conclusions Vitamin D levels may constitute a modifiable risk factor for postoperative nosocomial infections in hepatobiliary surgery patients

Deficiencia de vitamina D en niños aragoneses sanos

Introducción: la principal acción de la vitamina D es mantener la concentración de calcio y fósforo dentro del rango fisiológico permitiendo el metabolismo normal y la mineralización ósea. Últimamente, se han descrito receptores de vitamina D en muchos tejidos y se ha relacionado la deficiencia de la vitamina D no solo con raquitismo y osteomalacia, sino también con mayor riesgo de diabetes, obesidad, enfermedades cardiovasculares, oncológicas, infecciosas y autoinmunes. Objetivo: el objetivo del estudio fue conocer la concentración de vitamina D en una población pediátrica sana y comprobar sus factores influyentes, así como analizar la situación actual de profilaxis de vitamina D y valorar la eficacia de las recomendaciones actuales. Métodos: se seleccionaron 107 pacientes sanos, de edades comprendidas entre uno y 15 años, que precisaron una analítica sanguínea como preoperatorio de cirugía menor, cuya patología no influyera en los parámetros del estudio. Resultados: la muestra estaba constituida en un 78, 5% por varones y presentaba una media de edad de 7, 17 ± 3, 79 años. La concentración media de vitamina D fue de 26, 07 ± 7, 11 ng/ml y hasta un 72, 9% presentaba niveles insuficientes. Se dividió la muestra en dos grupos: pacientes con hipovitaminosis D y pacientes con niveles óptimos de vitamina D. Se observó en el grupo con hipovitaminosis un predominio de varones, mayor índice de masa corporal y la presencia de fototipos extremos así como provenientes de padres inmigrantes. También presentaban mayor riesgo de hipovitaminosis los que no habían realizado profilaxis durante el primer año de vida. Conclusiones: se pone de manifiesto el alto porcentaje de población infantil sana con déficit de vitamina D y que las recomendaciones actuales de profilaxis no son llevadas a cabo por la población como recomiendan las guías actuales Background: the main action of vitamin D is to maintain the concentration of calcium and phosphorus within the physiological range, allowing normal metabolism and bone mineralization. Vitamin D receptors have recently been described in many tissues, therefore vitamin D deficiency has been related not only to rickets, but also to increased risk of diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular, oncological, infectious and autoimmune diseases. Objective: the aim of the study was to know the vitamin D concentration in a healthy pediatric population and to verify its influential factors, as well as to analyze the current situation of vitamin D prophylaxis and to evaluate the effectiveness of current recommendations. Methods: one hundred and seven healthy patients aged between one and 15 years were selected, who required a blood test as a preoperative minor surgery and whose pathology did not influence the parameters of the study. Results: the sample analyzed had a total of 78.5% males and a mean age of 7.17 ± 3.79 years. Mean values of vitamin D were 26.07 ± 7.11 ng/ml; up to 72.9% had insufficient levels. The sample was divided into two groups: patients with hypovitaminosis D and patients with optimal vitamin D levels. A predominance of males with a higher body mass index, from immigrant parents, and the presence of extreme phototypes were observed in the hypovitaminosis group. There was also a higher risk of hypovitaminosis in those who had not performed prophylaxis during the first year of life. Conclusions: the high percentage of healthy children with vitamin D deficiency is evident, and current recommendations for prophylaxis are not carried out by the population as recommended by current guidelines

sFlt-1/PlGF for prediction of early-onset pre-eclampsia: STEPS (Study of early pre-eclampsia in Spain)

Objective: A high ratio of soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 (sFlt‐1) to placental growth factor (PlGF) has been linked to pre‐eclampsia (PE). We evaluated the sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio as a predictive marker for early‐onset PE in women at risk of PE. Methods: This prospective, Spanish, multicenter study included pregnant women with a risk factor for PE, including intrauterine growth restriction, PE, eclampsia or hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelet count syndrome in previous pregnancy, pregestational diabetes or abnormal uterine artery Doppler. The primary objective was to show that the sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio at 20, 24 and 28 weeks' gestation was predictive of early‐onset PE (< 34 + 0 weeks). Serum sFlt‐1 and PlGF were measured at 20, 24 and 28 weeks. Multivariate logistic regression was used to develop a predictive model. Results: A total of 819 women were enrolled, of which 729 were suitable for analysis. Of these, 78 (10.7%) women developed PE (24 early onset and 54 late onset). Median sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio at 20, 24 and 28 weeks was 6.3 (interquartile range (IQR), 4.1–9.3), 4.0 (IQR, 2.6–6.3) and 3.3 (IQR, 2.0–5.9), respectively, for women who did not develop PE (controls); 14.5 (IQR, 5.5–43.7), 18.4 (IQR, 8.2–57.9) and 51.9 (IQR, 11.5–145.6) for women with early‐onset PE; and 6.7 (IQR, 4.6–9.9), 4.7 (IQR, 2.8–7.2) and 6.0 (IQR, 3.8–10.5) for women with late‐onset PE. Compared with early‐onset PE, the sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio was significantly lower in controls (P < 0.001 at each timepoint) and in women with chronic hypertension (P < 0.001 at each timepoint), gestational hypertension (P < 0.001 at each timepoint) and late‐onset PE (P < 0.001 at each timepoint). A prediction model for early‐onset PE was developed, which included the sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio plus mean arterial pressure, being parous and previous PE, with areas under the receiver–operating characteristics curves of 0.86 (95% CI, 0.77–0.95), 0.91 (95% CI, 0.85–0.97) and 0.93 (95% CI, 0.86–0.99) at 20, 24 and 28 weeks, respectively, and was superior to models using the sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio alone or uterine artery mean pulsatility index. Conclusions: The sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio can improve prediction of early‐onset PE for women at risk of this condition

SARS-CoV-2 infection induces a dual response in liver function tests: Association with mortality during hospitalization

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is associated with abnormal liver function tests. We hypothesized that early altered liver biochemistries at admission might have different clinical relevance than subsequent changes during hospitalization. A single-center retrospective study was conducted on 540 consecutive hospitalized patients, PCR-diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2. Liver test abnormalities were defined as the elevation of either gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), or aspartate aminotransferase (AST), above the upper limit of normality set by our laboratory. Linear mixed models (LMM) evaluated longitudinal associations, incorporating all available follow-up laboratory chemistries. By the end of the follow-up period, 502 patients (94.5%) were discharged (109 (20.5%) died). A total of 319 (64.3%) had at least one abnormal liver test result at admission. More prevalent were elevated AST (40.9%) and GGT (47.3%). Abnormalities were not associated with survival but with respiratory complications at admission. Conversely, LMM models adjusted for age and sex showed that longitudinal increases during hospitalization in ferritin, GGT, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), as well as a decreased albumin levels, were associated with reduced survival. This dual pattern of liver damage might reconcile previous conflicting reports. GGT and ALP trajectories could be useful to determine who might need more surveillance and intensive care