Anita Ashok Kumar

Association between sleep-disordered breathing, obstructive sleep apnea, and cancer incidence: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUNDnVia this systematic review and meta-analysis, we assessed the associatio between sleep-disordered breathing (SDB)/obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and cancer incidence.nnnMETHODnMedline, Embase, Cochrane Central, and electronic databases were searched for relevant studies in any language. Studies were included based on the following criteria: (1) those on patients with SDB/OSA, (2) those reporting cancer incidence rates specific to patients with SDB/OSA, and (3) those defining SDB/OSA using sleep-study-based objective measures. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOQA).nnnRESULTSnOf the 8766 retrieved citations, five studies that defined SDB/OSA using the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) or the respiratory disturbance index (RDI) totaling 34,848 patients with SDB and 77,380 patients without SDB were pooled into a meta-analysis. All five studies were of good quality (NOQAu2009≥u20096). A total of 574 (1.6%) and 290 (0.37%) incident cancers were reported in patients with and without SDB, respectively. In the unadjusted analysis, patients with SDB/OSA were at an increased risk of incident cancer (relative risk [RR]: 1.53, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.31-1.79, Pu2009<0.001, I(2): 0, five included studies). When adjusted for traditional cancer risk factors, the association between SDB/OSA and cancer incidence, although attenuated (RR: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.01-1.95, Pu2009=u20090.04, I(2): 60%, five included studies), remains significant.nnnCONCLUSIONSnSDB/OSA may increase the risk of incident cancer. Inferring an independent association is not possible from our analysis considering the retrospective cohort design of the included studies and high inter-study heterogeneity. An individual patient data meta-analysis would help validate our findings.

Association Between Glycosylated Hemoglobin and Intentional Weight Loss in Overweight and Obese Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to assess the relationship between magnitude of weight loss and improvement in percentage A1C (A1C%) among overweight and obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) undergoing weight reduction. Methods Case records of patients enrolled in 2 university-based weight management programs were reviewed. Patients were sampled if they had a diagnosis of DM and had at least 1 documented A1C% reduction from their baseline value. Weight loss treatment was individualized and consisted of a calorie-restricted diet, a behavior modification plan, and a plan for increasing physical activity. Patient weights were measured at bimonthly visits. A1C% was measured every 3 months. Results Seventy-two patients formed the study cohort. Mean baseline body mass index was 35.1 kg/m2, mean age was 52.6 years, and 59% were males. Mean starting A1C% was 8.6. Patients achieved significant mean weight loss (10.7 kg) at study exit. Weight loss of 6.5 kg (4.5% of baseline body weight), 12.2 kg (8.7%), and 15.9 kg (10.3%) was required to reduce A1C% by 0.5, 1, and 1.5, respectively, and it took a mean of 5.6, 8.7, and 10.1 months, respectively, to achieve this. After adjustment for antidiabetic medication intake, for every 10% weight loss, the predicted reduction in A1C% was 0.81. Conclusions Intentional weight loss of 10% can potentially decrease A1C% by 0.81 among patients with type 2 DM. This finding may be clinically useful in encouraging and counseling a patient attempting weight loss.

Intentional Weight Loss and Dose Reductions of Anti-Diabetic Medications – A Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND AND AIMnIntentional weight loss, primarily by improving insulin resistance, is known to decrease the need for anti-diabetic medications. In this study, we assess the magnitude of weight loss that resulted in dose reductions or discontinuation of anti-diabetic medications in overweight or obese patients with type 2 diabetes (DM) undergoing weight loss treatment.nnnMETHODSnCase records of 50 overweight or obese patients with DM who successfully decreased dosage or discontinued diabetes medications after losing weight via attendance at two University-based, outpatient weight management centers were analyzed. Follow-up visits, weight reduction interventions, and decisions for dose reductions or discontinuation of medications were individualized to patient needs by the treating physician.nnnRESULTSnMean starting BMI was 35 kg/m(2), mean age 53.4 years, and 58% were male. All 50 used at least one anti-diabetic medication (30 metformin, 39 sulfonylureas, 31 insulin, 21 sitagliptin) to manage blood sugar. Mean duration of follow-up was 30.2 months. Mean weight loss was 10.8 ± 4.1 kgs (11.1% of initial body weight ± 4.7%). 22/50 patients (44%) discontinued anti-diabetes medications (14 sulfonylureas [36%], 7 insulin [23%], 4 sitagliptin [19%]). The mean percentage weight loss achieved at the point of successful discontinuation of medication was 11.2% ± 3.5% (14% for sulphonylureas, 11% for insulin, and 7.1% for sitagliptin). Mean percentage weight loss of 5.6% ± 2.8% (5.1% for sulphonylureas, 4.3% for insulin, and 7.1% for sitagliptin) was required for initial dose reduction. For every 5% weight loss, predicted dose reductions were sulphonylureas, 39%; insulin, 42%; and any anti-diabetic medications, 49%.nnnCONCLUSIONnAmong overweight or obese patients with type 2 diabetes, intentional weight loss of 7-14% was typically required for full discontinuation of at least one anti-diabetic medication. Discontinuation of insulin was achieved at a mean weight reduction of 11% of initial body weight.

Triglyceride/HDL Ratio as a Screening Tool for Predicting Success at Reducing Anti-Diabetic Medications Following Weight Loss

Background and Objectives Intentional weight loss, by reducing insulin resistance, results in both better glycemic control and decreased need for anti-diabetic medications. However, not everyone who is successful with weight loss is able to reduce anti-diabetic medication use. In this retrospective cohort study, we assessed the predictive accuracy of baseline triglyceride (TGL)/HDL ratio, a marker of insulin resistance, to screen patients for success in reducing anti-diabetic medication use with weight loss. Methods Case records of 121 overweight and obese attendees at two outpatient weight management centers were analyzed. The weight loss intervention consisted of a calorie-restricted diet (~1000Kcal/day deficit), a behavior modification plan, and a plan for increasing physical activity. Results Mean period of follow-up was 12.5 ± 3.5 months. By study exit, mean weight loss and mean HbA1c% reduction were 15.4 ± 5.5 kgs and 0.5 ± 0.2% respectively. 81 (67%) in the study cohort achieved at least 1 dose reduction of any anti-diabetic medication. Tests for predictive accuracy of baseline TGL/HDL ratio ≤ 3 to determine success with dose reductions of anti-diabetic medications showed a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, area under the curve, likelihood ratio (LR) + and LR-of 81, 83, 90, 70, 78, 4.8 and 0.2, respectively. Reproducibility of TGL/HDL ratio was acceptable. Conclusion TGL/HDL ratio shows promise as an effective screening tool to determine success with dose reductions of anti-diabetic medications. The results of our study may inform the conduct of a systematic review using data from prior weight loss trials.

Efficacy and safety of low molecular weight heparin compared to unfractionated heparin for chronic outpatient hemodialysis in end stage renal disease: systematic review and meta-analysis

Background. Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) is an effective anti-coagulant for thrombotic events. However, due to its predominant renal clearance, there are concerns that it might be associated with increased bleeding in patients with renal disease. Objectives. We systematically evaluated the efficacy and safety of LMWH compared to unfractionated heparin (UH) in end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Search Methods. Pubmed, Embase and cochrane central were searched for eligible citations. Selection Criteria. Randomized controlled trials, comparing LMWH and UH, involving adult (age > 18 years), ESRD patients receiving outpatient, chronic, intermittent hemodialysis were included. Data Collection and Analysis. Two independent reviewers performed independent data abstraction. I2 statistic was used to assess heterogeneity. Random effects model was used for meta-analysis. Results. Nineteen studies were included for systematic review and 4 were included for meta-analysis. There were no significant differences between LMWH and UFH for extracorporeal circuit thrombosis [risk ratio: 1 (95% CI [0.62–1.62])] and bleeding complications [risk ratio: 1.16 (95% CI [0.62–2.15])]. Conclusions. LMWH is as safe and effective as UFH. Considering the poor quality of studies included for the review, larger well conducted RCTs are required before conclusions can be drawn.

Sex‐Specific Associations of Oral Anticoagulant Use and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

Background Sex‐specific effectiveness of rivaroxaban (RIVA), dabigatran (DABI), and warfarin in reducing myocardial infarction (MI), heart failure (HF), and all‐cause mortality among patients with atrial fibrillation are not known. We assessed sex‐specific associations of RIVA, DABI, or warfarin use with the risk of MI, HF, and all‐cause mortality among patients with atrial fibrillation. Methods and Results Medicare beneficiaries (men: 65 734 [44.8%], women: 81 135 [55.2%]) with atrial fibrillation who initiated oral anticoagulants formed the study cohort. Inpatient admissions for MI, HF, and all‐cause mortality were compared between the 3 drugs separately for men and women using 3‐way propensity‐matched samples. In men, RIVA use was associated with a reduced risk of MI admissions compared with warfarin use (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.59 [0.38–0.91]), with a trend towards reduced risk compared with DABI use (0.67 [0.44–1.01]). In women, there were no significant differences in the risk of MI admissions across all 3 anticoagulants. In both sexes, RIVA use and DABI use were associated with reduced risk of HF admissions (men: RIVA; 0.75 [0.63–0.89], DABI; 0.81 [0.69–0.96]) (women: RIVA; 0.64 [0.56–0.74], DABI; 0.73 [0.63–0.83]) and all‐cause mortality (men: RIVA; 0.66 [0.53–0.81], DABI; 0.75 [0.61–0.93]) (women: RIVA; 0.76 [0.63–0.91], DABI; 0.77 [0.64–0.93]) compared with warfarin use. Conclusions RIVA use and DABI use when compared with warfarin use was associated with a reduced risk of HF admissions and all‐cause mortality in both sexes. However, reduced risk of MI admissions noted with RIVA use appears to be limited to men.

Gender Differences in the Trends of Hospitalizations for Acute Stroke Among Patients With Atrial Fibrillation in the United States: 2005 to 2014

Female gender was included in stroke prediction algorithms in an attempt to improve anticoagulation rates in women with atrial fibrillation (AF). It is unclear if these efforts reduced stroke burden in women with AF. To bridge this literature gap, using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, we assessed gender differences in the trends of hospitalizations for stroke among patients with AF in the United States in 2005 to 2014. International classification of diseases, 9th revision, clinical modification codes were used to abstract AF and stroke diagnoses. From 2005 to 2014, 18,413,291 hospitalizations of women with AF and 18,035,866 hospitalizations of men with AF were reported. Of these, 740,635 hospitalizations in women and 595,730 hospitalizations in men had stroke as the primary diagnosis. Age-adjusted stroke hospitalizations increased in women (443 per million in 2005 to 495 per million in 2014) as well as in men (351 per million in 2005 to 453 per million in 2014) (p trendu2009<u20090.001). Further, anticoagulation rates increased in women (11.5% in 2005 to 24.0% in 2014) as well as in men (11.7% in 2005 to 24.9% in 2014). Stroke hospitalizations involving anticoagulated patients with AF decreased in women (411 per million in 2005 to 347 per million in 2014) as well as in men (402 per million in 2005 to 311 per million in 2014) (p trendu2009<u20090.001). In conclusion, although we noted an increasing trend of stroke hospitalizations in both genders, it is reassuring to note that stroke hospitalizations involving anticoagulated patients with AF is decreasing in both genders and in particular among women.

A clinical score to predict dose reductions of antidiabetes medications with intentional weight loss: A retrospective cohort study

Background We assessed the predictive accuracy of an empirically-derived score (weight loss, insulin resistance, and glycemic control: “WIG”) to predict patients who will be successful in reducing diabetes mellitus (DM) medication use with weight loss. Methods Case records of 121 overweight and obese patients with DM at two outpatient weight management centers were analyzed. Results Mean period of follow-up was 12.5 ± 3.5 months. To derive the “WIG” scoring algorithm, one point each was assigned to “W” (loss of 5% of initial body weight within the first 3 months of attempting weight loss), “I” (triglyceride [TGL]/highdensity lipoprotein ratio >3 [marker of insulin resistance] at baseline), and “G” (glycosylated hemoglobin [A1c%] >8.5 at baseline). WIG score showed moderate accuracy in discriminating anti-DM dose reductions at baseline, and after 3 months of weight loss efforts (likelihood ratios [LR] + >1, LR− <1, and area under the curve >0.7), and demonstrated good reproducibility. Conclusions WIG score shows promise as a tool to predict success with dose reductions of antidiabetes medications.

A CLINICAL SCORE TO PREDICT INCIDENT STATIN INDUCED MYALGIA: A RETROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY

Compliance to Statins remain poor (< 30%) in spite of their proven efficacy for cardiovascular disease prevention. Statin induced myalgia (SIM) is an important factor associated with poor compliance. A clinically applicable score to predict SIM among statin users is lacking in the literature. Via