Natalia Pérez-Ferre

Introduction of IADPSG Criteria for the Screening and Diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Results in Improved Pregnancy Outcomes at a Lower Cost in a Large Cohort of Pregnant Women: The St. Carlos Gestational Diabetes Study

OBJECTIVE The use of the new International Association of the Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups criteria (IADPSGC) for the diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) results in an increased prevalence of GDM. Whether their introduction improves pregnancy outcomes has yet to be established. We sought to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of one-step IADPSGC for screening and diagnosis of GDM compared with traditional two-step Carpenter-Coustan (CC) criteria. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS GDM risk factors and pregnancy and newborn outcomes were prospectively assessed in 1,750 pregnant women from April 2011 to March 2012 using CC and in 1,526 pregnant women from April 2012 to March 2013 using IADPSGC between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation. Both groups received the same treatment and follow-up regimes. RESULTS The use of IADPSGC resulted in an important increase in GDM rate (35.5% vs. 10.6%) and an improvement in pregnancy outcomes, with a decrease in the rate of gestational hypertension (4.1 to 3.5%: −14.6%, P < 0.021), prematurity (6.4 to 5.7%: −10.9%, P < 0.039), cesarean section (25.4 to 19.7%: −23.9%, P < 0.002), small for gestational age (7.7 to 7.1%: −6.5%, P < 0.042), large for gestational age (4.6 to 3.7%: −20%, P < 0.004), Apgar 1-min score <7 (3.8 to 3.5%: −9%, P < 0.015), and admission to neonatal intensive care unit (8.2 to 6.2%: −24.4%, P < 0.001). Estimated cost savings was of €14,358.06 per 100 women evaluated using IADPSGC versus the group diagnosed using CC. CONCLUSIONS The application of the new IADPSGC was associated with a 3.5-fold increase in GDM prevalence in our study population, as well as significant improvements in pregnancy outcomes, and was cost-effective. Our results support their adoption.

A Telemedicine system based on Internet and short message service as a new approach in the follow-up of patients with gestational diabetes

To evaluate the feasibility of a Telemedicine system based on Internet and short message service in the follow-up of patients with gestational diabetes. Compared to control group, Telemedicine group reduced 62% the number of unscheduled face-to-face visits, and 82.7% in the subgroup of insulin-treated patients, improving patient satisfaction, and achieving similar pregnancy and new born outcomes.

The Outcomes of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus after a Telecare Approach Are Not Inferior to Traditional Outpatient Clinic Visits

Objective. To evaluate the feasibility of a telemedicine system based on Internet and a short message service in pregnancy and its influence on delivery and neonatal outcomes of women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods. 100 women diagnosed of GDM were randomized into two parallel groups, a control group based on traditional face-to-face outpatient clinic visits and an intervention group, which was provided with a Telemedicine system for the transmission of capillary glucose data and short text messages with weekly professional feedback. 97 women completed the study (48/49, resp.). Main Outcomes Measured. The percentage of women achieving HbA1c values <5.8%, normal vaginal delivery and having a large for-gestational-age newborn were evaluated. Results. Despite a significant reduction in outpatient clinic visits in the experimental group, particularly in insulin-treated women (2.4 versus 4.6 hours per insulin-treated woman resp.; P < .001), no significant differences were found between the experimental and traditional groups regarding HbA1c levels (all women had HbA1c <5.8% during pregnancy), normal vaginal delivery (40.8% versus 54.2%, resp.; P > .05) and large-for-gestational-age newborns (6.1% versus 8.3%, resp.; P > .05). Conclusions. The system significantly reduces the need for outpatient clinic visits and achieves similar pregnancy, delivery, and newborn outcomes.

Risk Factors for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in a Large Population of Women Living in Spain: Implications for Preventative Strategies

The aim of this study is to establish a risk appraisal model for GDM by identifying modifiable factors that can help predict the risk of GDM in a large population of 2194 women living in Spain. They were recruited between 2009-2010 when screening for GDM was performed. Participants completed a questionnaire on socio-demographic, anthropomorphic and behavioral characteristics, and reproductive and medical history. A total of 213 (9.7%) women were diagnosed as having GDM. Age, pregestational body weight (BW) and body mass index (BMI), and number of events of medical, obstetric and family history were significantly associated with GDM. After logistic regression model, biscuits and pastries intake <4 times/week, red and processed meats intake <6 servings/week, sugared drinks <4 servings/week, light walking >30 minutes/day, and 30 minutes/day of sports at least 2 days/week, compared with opposite consumption, was associated with less GDM risk. Our study identified several pregestational modifiable lifestyle risk factors associated with an increase in the risk of developing GDM. This may represent a promising approach for the prevention of GDM and subsequent complications. Further intervention studies are needed to evaluate if this appraisal model of risk calculation can be useful for prevention and treatment of GDM.

Effect of lifestyle on the risk of gestational diabetes and obstetric outcomes in immigrant Hispanic women living in Spain

Background:  Data about the immigrant population living in Spain, their lifestyle habits, and risk factors for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are limited. Thus, the aim of the present study was to describe risk factors for the onset of GDM, the evolution of gestation and delivery, and newborns of Hispanic women living in Spain compared with those of Spanish women.

Severe vitamin A deficiency after malabsortive bariatric surgery

Vitamin A deficiency may occur after malabsorptive bariatric surgery. However, it rarely entails important functionally limiting symptoms. We present the case of a woman who underwent bariatric surgery and developed ocular dryness, xeroderma and hearing loss due to severe vitamin A deficiency. We illustrate an outstanding and exceptional case of the consequences of an excessive and uncontrolled malabsorption.

Overview of Telemedicine Applications in the Follow-Up of the Diabetic Patient

Diabetes Mellitus is a growing health problem worldwide and will reach epidemic proportions in the next years. Chronic complications of diabetes cause an important rate of morbidity, from ischemic heart attacks to lower extremity amputation. The total number of excess deaths attributable to diabetes worldwide for the year 2010 was estimates in 3.96 million for the age group 20-79 years-old. This represents 6.8% of the global mortality for all ages. (Gojka and Unwinb, 2010) A tight glycemic control and a close monitoring of all cardiovascular risk factors is essential to prevent serious complications of diabetes and to reduce mortality. Health care systems need to look for new approaches to afford the overload of diabetic patients and to provide them with an effective and cost-effective assistance. Telemedicine-based systems for sharing information between patient and health professional may facilitate the high level of assistance required by diabetes. Transmission of capillary blood glucose values by the patient and a regular feedback from the professional are the basis for patient education in the self-management of their disease. The exchanged information could be much more complex, including data on food intake, level of exercise, dose of insulin...Taking into account all these parameters, health professionals may adjust the therapy in a more accurate way. Certain groups of patients may benefit more due to their special care needs: type 1 diabetes, patient treated with a continuous insulin infusion system, pregnant woman with diabetes, among other situations. All of them require close monitoring. Telemedicine may help to reconcile the care process with patients lifestyle. However, the real presence of Telemedicine in clinical practice is still very limited in most centres attending diabetic patients. Many studies have been performed in the last years in order to evaluate different Telemedicine approaches to diabetes care. Most of these studies involve a small number of patients and can be just regarded as pilot experiences. The heterogeneity among the evaluated systems makes difficult to provide strong conclusions about the effectiveness of Telemedicine in the control of the diabetic patients. Wider research in this area is required in order to create a more reliable perception about these systems among patients and health professionals.

Prevalence of Hyponatremia and Its Associated Morbimortality in Hospitalized Patients Receiving Parenteral Nutrition

Background: The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of hyponatremia (HN) and its associated morbimortality in hospitalized patients receiving parenteral nutrition (PN). Methods: A retrospective study including 222 patients receiving total PN (parenteral nutrition group [PNG]) over a 7-month period in a tertiary hospital and 176 matched to 179 control subjects without PN (control subjects group [CSG]). Demographic data, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), date of HN detection-(serum sodium or SNa <135 mmol/L)-intrahospital mortality, and hospital length-of-stay (LOS) were registered. In the PNG, body mass index (BMI) and SNa before, during, and after PN were recorded. Results: HN was more prevalent in the PNG: 52.8 vs. 35.8% (p = 0.001), and independent of age, gender, or CCI (OR 1.8 [95% CI 1.1-2.8], p = 0.006). In patients on PN, sustained HN (75% of all intraindividual SNa <135 mmol/L) was associated with a higher mortality rate independent of age, gender, CCI, or BMI (OR 7.38 [95% CI 1.07-50.8], p = 0.042). The absence of HN in PN patients was associated with a shorter hospital LOS (<30 days) and was independent of other comorbidities (OR 3.89 [95% CI 2.11-7.18], p = 0.001). Conclusions: HN is more prevalent in patients on PN. Sustained HN is associated with a higher intrahospital mortality rate. Absence of HN is associated with a shorter hospital LOS.

Hyponatremia in patients receiving parenteral nutrition: the importance of correcting serum sodium for total proteins. The role of the composition of parenteral nutrition in the development of hyponatremia

Background/objectivesHyponatremia is the most common electrolyte disorder, and is associated with high-morbimortality rates. The true prevalence of hyponatremia in patients on parenteral nutrition (PN) is unknown, and the relationship between PN composition and development of hyponatremia has yet to be studied. Hypoproteinemia, a common finding in patients receiving PN, induces an overestimation of serum sodium (SNa) levels, when using indirect electrolyte methodology. Thus, SNa should be corrected for serum total protein levels (TP).The objective was to accurately determine the prevalence of hyponatremia (indirect SNa corrected for PT) and evaluate the relationship between the composition of PN and the development of hyponatremia.Subjects/methodsMedical records of 222 hospitalized patients receiving total PN during a 7-month period were reviewed. Composition of PN, indirect SNa-mmol/l-, and SNa corrected for TP (SNa-TP)-mmol/l-, both upon initiation and during PN administration, were analyzed.ResultsHyponatremia (SNa < 135 mmol/l) was present in 81% of subjects when SNa was corrected for TP, vs. 43% without correction (p = 0.001). In total 64% of patients that were eunatremic upon initiation of PN developed hyponatremia during PN administration, as detected by SNa-TP, vs. 28% as detected by uncorrected SNa (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in volume, osmolarity, sodium or total osmols administered in PN between patients who developed hyponatremia and those who remained eunatremic.ConclusionsA majority of patients receiving PN present hyponatremia, when indirect SNa levels are corrected for TP. The development of hyponatremia during PN is not related to the composition of the PN.

Helicobacter Pylori (HP) infection in obese patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: efficacy of two different treatment regimens in HP eradication

INTRODUCTION the ultimate cause for the increased incidence of gastric ulcer following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) remains unclear. Treatment of HP infection is recommended before surgery in countries with high prevalence such as Spain in other to diminish the risk. However, the current regimens used might not be adequate in view of the high failure rate for HP eradication. METHODS we reviewed 243 patients retrospectively undergoing RYGB and found 111 patients (45%) with HP infection. Therefore, we compared the eradication rate between 2 different regimens. RESULTS 70 patients received OCA(Omeprazole:20 mg/12h, Clarithromycin 500 mg/12h and Amoxicillin 1 gram/12h for 10 days) while 41 patients received OLA (Omeprazole 20 mg/12 hours, Levofloxacin 500 mg/12hours and Amoxicillin 1 gram/12h for 10 days) for HP eradication. In 56/70 (80%) patients receiving OCA therapy HP was eradicated compared to 37/41 (91%) receiving OLA as first line therapy (p = 0.283). When used as second line therapy, in 13/14 (92%) patients receiving OLA HP was eradicated. CONCLUSION clarithromycin resistance remains a matter of concern in this population while OLA seems to be a good alternative therapy for HP eradication, especially when OCA regimen fails.