Review Article: Pregnancy and CVD Risk Factors

Elevated concentrations of total cholesterol, particular lipoproteins (e.g., LDL) and homocysteine are risk factors for cardiovascular disease and vascular dysfunction that can adversely affect the health of a pregnant woman and her fetus. Although it has been documented in many populations worldwide that the serum total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and triglyceride levels increase substantially by the third trimester, there are few reports of the levels of these risk factors in pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa. We therefore compared the levels of these lipids and homocysteine in the serum of third-trimester pregnant women (n=18) and healthy, age-matched non-pregnant controls (n=38) in Abuja, Nigeria. Relative to the controls, the following substances were significantly elevated in the pregnant women: total cholesterol, 212 vs. 191 mg/dL (p=0.02); triglycerides, 153 vs. 89.5 mg/dL (p=0.004); and HDL, 67.0 vs. 56.6 mg/dL (p=0.004). The mean LDL-cholesterol levels of the pregnant (116 mg/dL) and non-pregnant controls (110 mg/dL) were not significantly different. However, the mean homocysteine concentration of the pregnant women was about 30% lower compared with the control group (7.1 vs. 10.1 mol/L,

Serum Lipid Profiles, Homocysteine Levels And Cardiovascular Disease Risk In Pregnant Nigerian Women

Objectives: To compare the levels of lipids and homocysteine in the serum of third- trimester pregnant women and health , age –matched non pregnant controls. Methods: We compared the levels of these lipids {total cholesterol, particularly lipoproteins such as LDL} and homocysteine in the serum of third- trimester pregnant women healthy, age –matched non –pregnant controls. Blood samples were obtained by venipuncture and the samples were allowed to clot at room temperature for 45 minutes before centrifugation to separate the serum. Result: Compared to the controls, the following substances were significantly elevated in the pregnant women: total cholesterol, 212vs.191mg/dL{p=0.02}; triglycerides, 153vs. 89.5 mg/dL{p=0.004};and hdL,67.0vs.56.6 mg/dL{p=.004}.the mean LDL-cholesterol levels of the pregnant {116mg/dL}and non pregnant controls{110mg/dLwere not significantly different. However, the mean homocysteine concentration of the pregnant women was about 30% lower compared with the controls group {7.1vs.10.1m01/L,

Cannabis positivity rates in 17 emergency departments across the United States with varying degrees of marijuana legalization.

BACKGROUND: Many states in the United States have progressed towards legalization of marijuana including decriminalization, medicinal and/or recreational use. We studied the impact of legalization on cannabis-related emergency department visits in states with varying degrees of legalization. METHODS: Seventeen healthcare institutions in fifteen states (California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Hampshire, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Washington) participated. Cannabinoid immunoassay results and cannabis-related International Classification of Diseases (ninth and tenth versions) codes were obtained for emergency department visits over a 3- to 8-year period during various stages of legalization: no state laws, decriminalized, medical approval before dispensaries, medical dispensaries available, recreational approval before dispensaries and recreational dispensaries available. Trends and monthly rates of cannabinoid immunoassay and cannabis-related International Classification of Diseases code positivity were determined during these legalization periods. RESULTS: For most states, there was a significant increase in both cannabinoid immunoassay and International Classification of Diseases code positivity as legalization progressed; however, positivity rates differed. The availability of dispensaries may impact positivity in states with medical and/or recreational approval. In most states with no laws, there was a significant but smaller increase in cannabinoid immunoassay positivity rates. CONCLUSIONS: States may experience an increase in cannabis-related emergency department visits with progression toward marijuana legalization. The differences between states, including those in which no impact was seen, are likely multifactorial and include cultural norms, attitudes of local law enforcement, differing patient populations, legalization in surrounding states, availability of dispensaries, various ordering protocols in the emergency department, and the prevalence of non-regulated cannabis products

Cannabis positivity rates in 17 emergency departments across the United States with varying degrees of marijuana legalization.

BACKGROUND: Many states in the United States have progressed towards legalization of marijuana including decriminalization, medicinal and/or recreational use. We studied the impact of legalization on cannabis-related emergency department visits in states with varying degrees of legalization. METHODS: Seventeen healthcare institutions in fifteen states (California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Hampshire, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Washington) participated. Cannabinoid immunoassay results and cannabis-related International Classification of Diseases (ninth and tenth versions) codes were obtained for emergency department visits over a 3- to 8-year period during various stages of legalization: no state laws, decriminalized, medical approval before dispensaries, medical dispensaries available, recreational approval before dispensaries and recreational dispensaries available. Trends and monthly rates of cannabinoid immunoassay and cannabis-related International Classification of Diseases code positivity were determined during these legalization periods. RESULTS: For most states, there was a significant increase in both cannabinoid immunoassay and International Classification of Diseases code positivity as legalization progressed; however, positivity rates differed. The availability of dispensaries may impact positivity in states with medical and/or recreational approval. In most states with no laws, there was a significant but smaller increase in cannabinoid immunoassay positivity rates. CONCLUSIONS: States may experience an increase in cannabis-related emergency department visits with progression toward marijuana legalization. The differences between states, including those in which no impact was seen, are likely multifactorial and include cultural norms, attitudes of local law enforcement, differing patient populations, legalization in surrounding states, availability of dispensaries, various ordering protocols in the emergency department, and the prevalence of non-regulated cannabis products