Epidemiological Pattern and Management of Pediatric Asthma Review of Ain Shams Pediatric Hospital Chest Clinic Data Cairo, Egypt 1995-2004

Background: Pediatric asthma is the leading cause of chronic illness in childhood and has an impact on child's quality of life. Objective: To describe the epidemiological and clinical data of asthmatic children followed up in the Pediatric Chest Clinic Ain Shams University during a 10 year period. Methods: Files of asthmatic children attending the Clinic in the period from1995 to 2004 were selected. Relevant data were extracted and analyzed. Results: Out of 1006 recorded cases, a total of 691 (68.7%) were asthmatic. The proportion of asthmatics among all chest patients attending the clinic was lowest in 2002 being 51.6% and highest in 1995, being 78.3%. Male to female ratio was1.6:1, mean age was 5.27 yrs (SD ±3.65), mean age of onset of disease was 1.84 yrs (SD ± 2.78). Persistent asthma was significantly more prevalent in males p < 0.01. Severe asthma; using the American Thoracic Society Classification, was found in 151 (41.1%) of cases. From 2002, using GINA Guidelines Classification, severe persistent asthma accounted for 13.5%. Episodic attacks were reported by 270 (39%) of patients, nocturnal attacks by 302 of patients (43.7%) and exercise induced asthma in 97 (14%) of patients. Exacerbations occurred in 300 (43.4%) patients after respiratory infections, in 275 (39.8%) on exposure to smoke, in 139 (20%) with special food, in 91 (13.2%) following allergen exposure and 51 (7.4%) on exposure to inhaler sprays. Half of the patients were treated by combination of drugs (49.2%), corticosteroid inhalers in 32.1%, and ß agonists (short acting) in 31.4%. Conclusion & recommendations: Asthma constitutes a main problem in the Pediatric Chest Clinic. Respiratory infection and environmental factors are major exacerbating factors. Better documentation of patient's data and complete record in the files is needed.Keywords: pediatric asthma, epidemiology, pattern, chest clinic, hospital filesEgypt J Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2008; 6(2): 51-5

In vitro Morphogenesis of Direct Organs in Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) cv. Siwy

Direct regeneration of organs offers a suitable approach for in vitro plantlets production evading the risk of genetic instability (mutations) associated with other regeneration routes involving callus phase. To stimulate adventitious bud formation, shoot tip explants of date palm Siwy cv. were cultured on MS medium containing 1 mg l-1 αnaphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and 1 mg l-1 of 6benzylaminopurine (BA), 6-furfurylaminopurine (Kin) and 2isopentenyladenine (2iP) added individually or in combinations. The highest percentage of  responsive explants (36.36%) was observed on a medium containing 1 mg l-1  NAA combined with  1 mg l-1 each of BA, Kin, and 2iP where 9.20 shoots per explant formed after 32 weeks of culture (i.e. the end of the fourth subculture). In contrast, the medium containing 1 mg l-1 NAA combined with 1 mg l-1 of only one cytokinin enhanced root formation but completely inhibited shoot development. Thus, the combinations of NAA, BA, Kin and 2iP at 1 mg l-1 each resulted in the highest regeneration percentage of shoots.&nbsp

Screening for hypertension among adults: community outreach in Cairo, Egypt

Background: Studies have shown alarming levels of hypertension among adults in the Middle East. The aim of our study is to measure the prevalence rate of hypertension among adults in Cairo (Egypt), identify possible risk factors for the development of hypertension and assess the rates of undiagnosed and uncontrolled hypertension. Methods: Cluster sampling was utilized and the fieldwork was conducted by 12 teams; each team consisted of a house officer, community worker and senior epidemiologist. A formulated questionnaire that addresses risk factors for hypertension was filled by all participants. Also, weight and height measurements were done to calculate the body mass index. Blood pressure measurement was done by calibrated sphygmomanometers. Blood pressure measurement was done twice, and a mean recording was calculated. A case which recorded both systolic blood pressure of ≥140 and diastolic blood pressure of ≥90 was considered hypertensive. Results: The study included 774 adult residents of Al-Waily District (Western Zone of Cairo) in late 2011 and early 2012. The mean age of the study participants was 46.5 (SD 17.9) years. Female subjects constituted 67.1% of the studied sample. The prevalence rate of hypertension in our study was 16.5% (95% confidence interval (CI): 13.9-19.3). The rate of hypertension was higher among females and three times higher among obese compared with normal or overweight adults. The prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension was 11% (95% CI: 8.4-13.9), and uncontrolled hypertension was 30% (95% CI: 24.2-37). Conclusions: Community outreach campaigns should be conducted regularly in the future for early detection of hypertension cases and proper health education about hypertension and its dangerous consequences

Pearls from the First Gulf Cardiac Amyloidosis Summit 2021

These proceedings from the First Gulf Cardiac Amyloidosis Summit held in June 2021 aimed to increase awareness of cardiac amyloidosis among the wider medical community in the region. Although the clinical presentation of cardiac amyloidosis is highly variable, a number of 'red flags' have been identified to raise suspicion of the disease and prompt further investigation. Accurate diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis is challenging and relies on the integration of clinical, imaging and laboratory investigations. Recent imaging techniques, including bone scintigraphy together with a complete serum and urine workup, allow, in the majority of patients, accurate non-invasive diagnosis without the need for confirmatory endomyocardial biopsies. Early differential diagnosis between light-chain (AL) amyloidosis and transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) is critical for timely delivery of appropriate therapy. AL amyloidosis is a medical emergency requiring chemotherapy and supportive care. Treatment for ATTR-amyloidosis is most effective when administered early, before development of significant symptoms or cardiac dysfunction. Optimal management of patients involves close collaboration between multidisciplinary specialists, which may include hematologists, cardiologists, and other subspecialists, ideally at a designated specialty center with interest and expertise in amyloidosis

Beyond traditional silos: An integrated framework leveraging novel pathways for reducing cardio-renal risk in type 2 diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a major risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD) and accelerates kidney function decline, leading to end-stage renal disease. In addition, patients with CKD are at elevated risk of developing cardiovascular disease with its manifestations as coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death through the cardiorenal connection. An online regional and international expert panel of cardiologists, nephrologists, and diabetologists convened in November 2021 to obtain a broad perspective on the intersection of diabetes mellitus, CKD, and cardiovascular disease and identified treatment gaps that can help address the unmet needs of the patients in the Middle East region. The current review article summarizes the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment options of CKD in diabetes and discusses the currently available treatment options to reduce morbidity and mortality in this high-risk population. The panel discussed the roles of clinical specialties and how to simplify the patient journey

Survival outcomes and impact of targeted PAH therapy in portopulmonary hypertension in the PVRI GoDeep meta‐registry

Portopulmonary hypertension (PoPH), a type of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in patients with liver disease, is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The relationship between cardiopulmonary hemodynamics, PAH therapy, and survival in PoPH remains unclear. We performed a retrospective cohort study of PoPH patients from the international pulmonary hypertension (PH) meta-registry, PVRI GoDeep. PAH was defined by a mean pulmonary arterial pressure > 20 mmHg, pulmonary arterial wedge pressure ≤ 15 mmHg, and a pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) > 2 Wood Units. PoPH diagnoses were assigned by each center's PH specialist based on international guidelines at the time of enrollment. 246 incident PoPH patients met eligibility criteria and were included in the analysis, equally split between males (51%) and females (49%), with a median age of 54 years. When compared to both patients with IPAH and those with other subtypes of PAH (not classified as PoPH or IPAH), those with PoPH had significantly lower 5-year survival rates (46% vs. 68% vs. 65%, log-rank p < 0.001). Amongst the PoPH patients, however, there was no significant difference in 5-year survival when dichotomized by disease severity, either by a PVR of 5 Wood Units or a CI of 2.5 L/min/m2. Treatment of the PoPH patients with PAH-targeted therapies was associated with significantly higher 5-year survival rates compared to those not receiving such treatments, as shown by Kaplan–Meier analysis. This survival benefit was observed for PDE5i (50% vs. 34%, log-rank p = 0.029), ERA (58% vs. 34%, log-rank p < 0.001), and the combination of PDE5i and/or ERA (51% vs. 22%, log-rank p < 0.001), as well as any PAH-targeting treatment (50% vs. 26%, log-rank p = 0.007). Corresponding survival advantage was noted when including only PoPH patients with MELD Score ≥ 13. PoPH is a disease with significantly worse long-term survival than other PAH subtypes, but targeted PAH therapy is associated with a robust survival benefit. Survival did not differ across high-risk PVR and cardiac index thresholds, suggesting the factors that influence prognosis and survival in PoPH may be unique as compared to other PAH subtypes, and warrant further investigation

The Changing Landscape for Stroke\ua0Prevention in AF: Findings From the GLORIA-AF Registry Phase 2

Background GLORIA-AF (Global Registry on Long-Term Oral Antithrombotic Treatment in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation) is a prospective, global registry program describing antithrombotic treatment patterns in patients with newly diagnosed nonvalvular atrial fibrillation at risk of stroke. Phase 2 began when dabigatran, the first non\u2013vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant (NOAC), became available. Objectives This study sought to describe phase 2 baseline data and compare these with the pre-NOAC era collected during phase&nbsp;1. Methods During phase 2, 15,641 consenting patients were enrolled (November 2011 to December 2014); 15,092 were eligible. This pre-specified cross-sectional analysis describes eligible patients\u2019 baseline characteristics. Atrial fibrillation&nbsp;disease characteristics, medical outcomes, and concomitant diseases and medications were collected. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results Of the total patients, 45.5% were female; median age was 71 (interquartile range: 64, 78) years. Patients were from Europe (47.1%), North America (22.5%), Asia (20.3%), Latin America (6.0%), and the Middle East/Africa (4.0%). Most had high stroke risk (CHA2DS2-VASc [Congestive heart failure, Hypertension, Age&nbsp; 6575 years, Diabetes mellitus, previous Stroke, Vascular disease, Age 65 to 74 years, Sex category] score&nbsp; 652; 86.1%); 13.9% had moderate risk (CHA2DS2-VASc&nbsp;= 1). Overall, 79.9% received oral anticoagulants, of whom 47.6% received NOAC and 32.3% vitamin K antagonists (VKA); 12.1% received antiplatelet agents; 7.8% received no antithrombotic treatment. For comparison, the proportion of phase 1 patients (of N&nbsp;= 1,063 all eligible) prescribed VKA was 32.8%, acetylsalicylic acid 41.7%, and no therapy 20.2%. In Europe in phase 2, treatment with NOAC was more common than VKA (52.3% and 37.8%, respectively); 6.0% of patients received antiplatelet treatment; and 3.8% received no antithrombotic treatment. In North America, 52.1%, 26.2%, and 14.0% of patients received NOAC, VKA, and antiplatelet drugs, respectively; 7.5% received no antithrombotic treatment. NOAC use was less common in Asia (27.7%), where 27.5% of patients received VKA, 25.0% antiplatelet drugs, and 19.8% no antithrombotic treatment. Conclusions The baseline data from GLORIA-AF phase 2 demonstrate that in newly diagnosed nonvalvular atrial fibrillation patients, NOAC have been highly adopted into practice, becoming more frequently prescribed than VKA in&nbsp;Europe and North America. Worldwide, however, a large proportion of patients remain undertreated, particularly in&nbsp;Asia&nbsp;and North America. (Global Registry on Long-Term Oral Antithrombotic Treatment in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation [GLORIA-AF]; NCT01468701

Association of BMI, lipid-lowering medication, and age with prevalence of type 2 diabetes in adults with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia: a worldwide cross-sectional study

Background: Statins are the cornerstone treatment for patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia but research suggests it could increase the risk of type 2 diabetes in the general population. A low prevalence of type 2 diabetes was reported in some familial hypercholesterolaemia cohorts, raising the question of whether these patients are protected against type 2 diabetes. Obesity is a well known risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes. We aimed to investigate the associations of known key determinants of type 2 diabetes with its prevalence in people with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia. Methods: This worldwide cross-sectional study used individual-level data from the EAS FHSC registry and included adults older than 18 years with a clinical or genetic diagnosis of heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia who had data available on age, BMI, and diabetes status. Those with known or suspected homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia and type 1 diabetes were excluded. The main outcome was prevalence of type 2 diabetes overall and by WHO region, and in relation to obesity (BMI ≥30·0 kg/m2) and lipid-lowering medication as predictors. The study population was divided into 12 risk categories based on age (tertiles), obesity, and receiving statins, and the risk of type 2 diabetes was investigated using logistic regression. Findings: Among 46 683 adults with individual-level data in the FHSC registry, 24 784 with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia were included in the analysis from 44 countries. 19 818 (80%) had a genetically confirmed diagnosis of heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia. Type 2 diabetes prevalence in the total population was 5·7% (1415 of 24 784), with 4·1% (817 of 19 818) in the genetically diagnosed cohort. Higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes was observed in the Eastern Mediterranean (58 [29·9%] of 194), South-East Asia and Western Pacific (214 [12·0%] of 1785), and the Americas (166 [8·5%] of 1955) than in Europe (excluding the Netherlands; 527 [8·0%] of 6579). Advancing age, a higher BMI category (obesity and overweight), and use of lipid-lowering medication were associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, independent of sex and LDL cholesterol. Among the 12 risk categories, the probability of developing type 2 diabetes was higher in people in the highest risk category (aged 55–98 years, with obesity, and receiving statins; OR 74·42 [95% CI 47·04–117·73]) than in those in the lowest risk category (aged 18–38 years, without obesity, and not receiving statins). Those who did not have obesity, even if they were in the upper age tertile and receiving statins, had lower risk of type 2 diabetes (OR 24·42 [15·57–38·31]). The corresponding results in the genetically diagnosed cohort were OR 65·04 (40·67–104·02) for those with obesity in the highest risk category and OR 20·07 (12·73–31·65) for those without obesity. Interpretation: Adults with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia in most WHO regions have a higher type 2 diabetes prevalence than in Europe. Obesity markedly increases the risk of diabetes associated with age and use of statins in these patients. Our results suggest that heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia does not protect against type 2 diabetes, hence managing obesity is essential to reduce type 2 diabetes in this patient population. Funding: Pfizer, Amgen, MSD, Sanofi-Aventis, Daiichi-Sankyo, and Regeneron