The impact of different supervised exercise regimens on endothelial function in patients with intermittent claudication

Vascular ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 561-569 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher L Delaney ◽  
Michelle D Miller ◽  
Richard B Allan ◽  
J Ian Spark
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Exercise Training ◽  
Endothelial Function ◽  
Walking Distance ◽  
Reactive Hyperaemia ◽  
Supervised Exercise ◽  
Flow Mediated Dilatation ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Group 1

Background and objectives The impact of supervised exercise training on endothelial function in patients with intermittent claudication is unclear. This study assesses the impact of treadmill-based supervised exercise training alone or in combination with resistance training on pain free walking distance, flow-mediated dilatation, reactive hyperaemia index, nitric oxide and asymmetric dimethylarginine. Methods Thirty-five patients with intermittent claudication were randomised to 12 weeks of treadmill-only supervised exercise training (Group 1) or a combination of treadmill and lower-limb resistance supervised exercise training (Group 2). Pain free walking distance was assessed by six-minute walk test. Endothelial function was assessed by brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation, reactive hyperaemia index and serum analysis of asymmetric dimethylarginine and nitric oxide. Results Pain free walking distance improved within Group 1 (160 m to 204 m, p = 0.03) but not Group 2 (181 m to 188 m, p = 0.82), no between group difference. No significant change in flow-mediated dilatation or reactive hyperaemia index in either group. Nitric oxide decreased in Group 1 (15.0 µmol/L to 8.3 µmol/L, p = 0.003) but not Group 2 (11.2 µmol/L to 9.1 µmol/L, p = 0.14), p = 0.07 between groups. Asymmetric dimethylarginine decreased in Group 2 (0.61 µmol/L to 0.56 µmol/L, p = 0.03) but not Group 1 (0.58 µmol/l to 0.58 µmol/L, p = 0.776), no between group difference. Conclusion Supervised exercise training does not improve endothelial function as measured by flow-mediated dilatation, reactive hyperaemia index and nitric oxide bioavailability.

scholarly journals Endothelial function status in hypogonadal men

2022 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 440-447
Author(s):  
I. A. Khripun ◽  
S. V. Vorobyev
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Endothelial Function ◽  
Adhesion Molecules ◽  
Sex Hormones ◽  
Carotid Arteries ◽  
Secretory Activity ◽  
Total Testosterone ◽  
Vasomotor Function ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and hypogonadism are mutually aggravating diseases associated with the development and progression of cardiovascular pathology. The status of endothelial function in men with T2DM and hypogonadism hasn’t been studied.Aims: To assess the effect of hypogonadism on endothelial function in men with T2DM.Materials and methods: Patients underwent clinical studies, assessment of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, the content of sex hormones (total testosterone (T), sex hormones binding globulin, free T, luteinizing hormone) and markers of endothelial function (nitric oxide (NO), endothelial nitric oxide synthase type 3 (eNOS3), endothelin, adhesion molecules ICAM-1, VCAM-1, p- and e-selectins, cadherin), ultrasound examinations of endothelium-dependent vasodilation (EDVD) of the brachial artery (BA) and carotid arteries with an assessment of the thickness of intima-media complex (TIM) were performed.Results: The study included 276 men with T2DM (age 54.0[49;60] years), who were divided into 2 groups: 1–124 patients with hypogonadism; 2–152 eugonadal patients. Reduction of the endothelial vasomotor function was detected in 32.4% of patients in the 2st group and in 55.3% of the 1nd group (χ2=6.1; p=0.01), which was associated with a decrease in EDVD by 29.8 % (p<0.001) and an increase in the time of development of maximal BA vasodilation by 30 seconds in patients with hypogonadism (p<0.001). The TIM of the carotid arteries was 10% more in group 1 compared with group 2 (p=0.03). The ­level of NO in the 1st group was reduced by 1.6 times (p=0.001), eNOS3–by 1.5 times (p=0.038) compared with the 2nd group. The concentrations of adhesion molecules were higher in group 1 compared to group 2: VCAM-1 by 32.5% (p<0.001), ICAM-1 by 43.5% (p<0.001), p-selectin–by 19.3% (p=0.004), cadherin–6 times (p<0.001).Conclusion: Hypogonadism in men with T2DM is associated with the development of endothelial dysfunction, which manifests in a weakening of the EDVD and a slowdown in its development, as well as disturbances of the secretory activity of endothelium–a decrease in NO synthesis and activation of the adhesion molecules expression, which can be regarded as an universal pathogenetic mechanism of the development of cardiovascular diseases in combination of T deficiency and T2DM.

A randomised controlled trial of two supervised exercise regimens and their impact on inflammatory burden in patients with intermittent claudication

Vascular ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 264-272 ◽  
Author(s):  
CL Delaney ◽  
JI Spark
Keyword(s):  
Intermittent Claudication ◽  
Inflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Acute Exercise ◽  
Interleukin 12 ◽  
Acute Bout ◽  
Supervised Exercise ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Pro Inflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Group 1

Objective This study assesses the impact of treadmill-based SET alone or in combination with resistance training on systemic inflammatory response, in patients with intermittent claudication (IC). Methods Thirty-five patients with IC were randomised to 12 weeks of treadmill-only SET (Group 1) or a combination of treadmill and lower-limb resistance SET (Group 2). A panel of pro- and anti-inflammatory markers were assessed before, during and after the SET. Results Over the duration of SET, homocysteine increased within Group 1 (12.0–15.5 µmol/L, p = 0.003) but not Group 2, (13.7–14.7 µmol/) while neutrophil elastase (NE) increased within Group 2 (174.5–238.2 ng/mL, p = 0.007) but not Group 1 (300.8–312.0 ng/mL). In both groups NE increased following acute exercise at the start of the SET. Differences in cytokine expression was evident between the two groups (in Group 1, pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-12 and interferon-gamma decreased following an acute bout of exercise at the end of SET, where as in Group 2 pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 and 8 were seen to increase after an acute bout of exercise at the end of SET). Conclusion SET in patients with IC influences the complex immune-modulatory state of atherosclerosis through inflammatory pathways that induce both pro-inflammatory and immunosuppressive responses.

scholarly journals Vliyanie sulodeksida na funktsional'noe sostoyanie endoteliya u bol'nykh s sakharnym diabetom i diabeticheskoyretinopatiey

2011 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 66-68
Author(s):  
Natalya Alexandrovna Gavrilova ◽  
Olga Evgen'evna Tishchenko
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Endothelial Function ◽  
Functional State ◽  
Vascular Wall ◽  
Vasoactive Factors ◽  
Endothelial Factors ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Willebrand Factor ◽  
Stimulation Of ◽  
Group 1

Aim. To study effect of sulodexide (Vessel Due F) on the functional state of endothelium in patients with diabetic retinopathy. Materials and methods. A total of 37 patients with DR were divided in 2 groups and treated with sulodexide. Group 1 comprised 16 patients withnon-proliferative DR, group 2 included 21 patients with preproliferative DR. The functional state of endothelium was estimated from the plasma andserum levels of endothelial factors (sVCAM, endothelin, nitric oxide, t-PA, Willebrand factor). Results. The measurement of the initial levels of endothelial factors in both groups revealed significant changes in endothelin, nitric oxide, and sVCAMsuggesting disturbances of endothelial function due to DR. Sulodexide therapy normalized it regardless of DR stage and thereby improved functionalactivity of retina. Conclusion. This study has demonstrated beneficial effect of sulodexide on endothelial function in patients with DR due to correction of the productionof vasoactive factors (endothelin, nitric oxide) and stimulation of fibrinolytic activity of the vascular wall (t-PA).

scholarly journals Systemic Endothelial Function in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mustafa Atas ◽  
Hasan Basri Arifoglu ◽  
Arzu Seyhan Karatepe Hashas ◽  
Bahadır Sarli ◽  
Suleyman Demircan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Function ◽  
Vascular Function ◽  
Open Angle Glaucoma ◽  
Systemic Disease ◽  
Artery Occlusion ◽  
Vascular Endothelial ◽  
Open Angle ◽  
Flow Mediated Dilatation ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

Objective. We aimed to assess peripheral vascular endothelial function in open-angle glaucoma (POAG) by measuring flow-mediated dilatation (FMD).Materials and Methods. The study included 20 cases with POAG (group 1, mean age58.68±13.3years) and 30 healthy individuals (group 2, mean age58.68±13.6years). In all cases, responses of endothelial function were assessed by a cardiologist through measurement of FMD following brachial artery occlusion.Results. Mean percent of FMD, an indicator of endothelial function, was found to be11.9±4.2%in group 1 and12.3±4.4%in group 2 (P=0.86).Conclusion. No impairment in systemic vascular function of cases with POAG suggests that POAG could be a local disorder rather than being a component of systemic disease.

CD34 immunostain increases sensitivity of the diagnosis of fetal vascular malperfusion in placentas from ex-utero intrapartum treatment

2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jerzy Stanek
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Treatment Procedure ◽  
Fetal Survival ◽  
Ex Utero Intrapartum Treatment ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Cd34 Immunostain ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Diaphragmatic Hernias ◽  
Group 1

AbstractShort CommunicationsEXIT (ex-utero intrapartum treatment) procedure is a fetal survival-increasing modification of cesarean section. Previously we found an increase incidence of fetal vascular malperfusion (FVM) in placentas from EXIT procedures which indicates the underlying stasis of fetal blood flow in such cases. This retrospective analysis analyzes the impact of the recently introduced CD34 immunostain for the FVM diagnosis in placentas from EXIT procedures.Objectives and MethodsA total of 105 placentas from EXIT procedures (48 to airway, 43 to ECMO and 14 to resection) were studied. In 73 older cases, the placental histological diagnosis of segmental FVM was made on H&E stained placental sections only (segmental villous avascularity) (Group 1), while in 32 most recent cases, the CD34 component of a double E-cadherin/CD34 immunostain slides was also routinely used to detect the early FVM (endothelial fragmentation, villous hypovascularity) (Group 2). 23 clinical and 47 independent placental phenotypes were compared by χ2 or ANOVA, where appropriate.ResultsThere was no statistical significance between the groups in rates of segmental villous avascularity (29 vs. 34%), but performing CD34 immunostain resulted in adding and/or upgrading 12 more cases of segmental FVM in Group 2, thus increasing the sensitivity of placental examination for FVM by 37%. There were no other statistically significantly differences in clinical (except for congenital diaphragmatic hernias statistically significantly more common in Group 2, 34 vs 56%, p=0.03) and placental phenotypes, proving the otherwise comparability of the groups.ConclusionsThe use of CD34 immunostain increases the sensitivity of placental examination for FVM by 1/3, which may improve the neonatal management by revealing the increased likelihood of the potentially life-threatening neonatal complications.

scholarly journals The negative effects of COVID-19 and national lockdown on emergency surgery morbidity due to delayed access

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco A. Ciarleglio ◽  
Marta Rigoni ◽  
Liliana Mereu ◽  
Cai Tommaso ◽  
Alessandro Carrara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Blood Transfusion ◽  
Emergency Surgery ◽  
Surgical Care ◽  
Close Correlation ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Retrospective Comparative Study ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Group 1

Abstract Background The aim of this retrospective comparative study was to assess the impact of COVID-19 and delayed emergency department access on emergency surgery outcomes, by comparing the main clinical outcomes in the period March–May 2019 (group 1) with the same period during the national COVID-19 lockdown in Italy (March–May 2020, group 2). Methods A comparison (groups 1 versus 2) and subgroup analysis were performed between patients’ demographic, medical history, surgical, clinical and management characteristics. Results Two-hundred forty-six patients were included, 137 in group 1 and 109 in group 2 (p = 0.03). No significant differences were observed in the peri-operative characteristics of the two groups. A declared delay in access to hospital and preoperative SARS-CoV-2 infection rates were 15.5% and 5.8%, respectively in group 2. The overall morbidity (OR = 2.22, 95% CI 1.08–4.55, p = 0.03) and 30-day mortality (OR = 1.34, 95% CI 0.33–5.50, =0.68) were significantly higher in group 2. The delayed access cohort showed a close correlation with increased morbidity (OR = 3.19, 95% CI 0.89–11.44, p = 0.07), blood transfusion (OR = 5.13, 95% CI 1.05–25.15, p = 0.04) and 30-day mortality risk (OR = 8.00, 95% CI 1.01–63.23, p = 0.05). SARS-CoV-2-positive patients had higher risk of blood transfusion (20% vs 7.8%, p = 0.37) and ICU admissions (20% vs 2.6%, p = 0.17) and a longer median LOS (9 days vs 4 days, p = 0.11). Conclusions This article provides enhanced understanding of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on patient access to emergency surgical care. Our findings suggest that COVID-19 changed the quality of surgical care with poorer prognosis and higher morbidity rates. Delayed emergency department access and a “filter effect” induced by a fear of COVID-19 infection in the population resulted in only the most severe cases reaching the emergency department in time.

scholarly journals QOL-49. THE IMPACT OF OTOTOXICITY AND VISUAL IMPAIRMENT ON EDUCATION IN CHILDREN TREATED FOR CNS TUMOURS

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. iii440-iii440
Author(s):  
Harriet Dulson ◽  
Rachel McAndrew ◽  
Mark Brougham
Keyword(s):  
Visual Impairment ◽  
Impaired Hearing ◽  
Cranial Radiotherapy ◽  
Radiotherapy Group ◽  
Platinum Based Chemotherapy ◽  
Cns Tumours ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Group 1

Abstract INTRODUCTION Children treated for CNS tumours experience a very high burden of adverse effects. Platinum-based chemotherapy and cranial radiotherapy can cause ototoxicity, which may be particularly problematic in patients who have impaired vision and cognition as a result of their tumour and associated treatment. This study assessed the prevalence of impaired hearing and vision and how this may impact upon education. METHODS 53 patients diagnosed with solid tumours in Edinburgh, UK between August 2013–2018 were included in the study. Patients were split into three groups according to treatment received: Group 1 – cisplatin-based chemotherapy and cranial radiotherapy; Group 2 - platinum-based chemotherapy, no cranial radiotherapy; Group 3 – benign brain tumours treated with surgery only. Data was collected retrospectively from patient notes. RESULTS Overall 69.5% of those treated with platinum-based chemotherapy experienced ototoxicity as assessed by Brock grading and 5.9% of patients had reduced visual acuity. Patients in Group 1 had the highest prevalence of both. 44.4% of patients in Group 1 needed increased educational support following treatment, either with extra support in the classroom or being unable to continue in mainstream school. 12.5% of Group 2 patients required such support and 31.3% in Group 3. CONCLUSIONS Children with CNS tumours frequently require support for future education but those treated with both platinum-based chemotherapy and cranial radiotherapy are at particular risk, which may be compounded by co-existent ototoxicity and visual impairment. It is essential to provide appropriate support for this patient cohort in order to maximise their educational potential.

scholarly journals Association between serum oestradiol level on the hCG administration day and neonatal birthweight after IVF-ET among 3659 singleton live births

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu Liu ◽  
Jing Li ◽  
Wanyu Zhang ◽  
Yihong Guo
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Ovarian Stimulation ◽  
Group 4 ◽  
Group 6 ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
Group 5 ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Ivf Et ◽  
Group 1

AbstractOestradiol, an important hormone in follicular development and endometrial receptivity, is closely related to clinical outcomes of fresh in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) cycles. A supraphysiologic E2 level is inevitable during controlled ovarian hyper-stimulation (COH), and its effect on the outcome of IVF-ET is controversial. The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the association between elevated serum oestradiol (E2) levels on the day of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) administration and neonatal birthweight after IVF-ET cycles. The data of 3659 infertile patients with fresh IVF-ET cycles were analysed retrospectively between August 2009 and February 2017 in First Hospital of Zhengzhou University. Patients were categorized by serum E2 levels on the day of hCG administration into six groups: group 1 (serum E2 levels ≤ 1000 pg/mL, n = 230), group 2 (serum E2 levels between 1001 and 2000 pg/mL, n = 524), group 3 (serum E2 levels between 2001 and 3000 pg/mL, n = 783), group 4 (serum E2 levels between 3001 and 4000 pg/mL, n = 721), group 5 (serum E2 levels between 4001 and 5000 pg/mL, n = 548 ), and group 6 (serum E2 levels > 5000 pg/mL, n = 852). Univariate linear regression was used to evaluate the independent correlation between each factor and outcome index. Multiple logistic regression was used to adjust for confounding factors. The LBW rates were as follows: 3.0% (group 1), 2.9% (group 2), 1.9% (group 3), 2.9% (group 4), 2.9% (group 5), and 2.0% (group 6) (P = 0.629), respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in the incidences of neonatal LBW among the six groups. We did not detect an association between peak serum E2 level during ovarian stimulation and neonatal birthweight after IVF-ET. The results of this retrospective cohort study showed that serum E2 peak levels during ovarian stimulation were not associated with birth weight during IVF cycles. In addition, no association was found between higher E2 levels and increased LBW risk. Our observations suggest that the hyper-oestrogenic milieu during COS does not seem to have adverse effects on the birthweight of offspring after IVF. Although this study provides some reference, the obstetric-related factors were not included due to historical reasons. The impact of the high estrogen environment during COS on the birth weight of IVF offspring still needs future research.

scholarly journals THU0227 CAFFEINE INTAKE MODULATES DISEASE ACTIVITY AND CYTOKINES LEVELS IN SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS PATIENTS

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 340.2-341
Author(s):  
V. Orefice ◽  
F. Ceccarelli ◽  
C. Barbati ◽  
R. Lucchetti ◽  
G. Olivieri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disease Activity ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Caffeine Intake ◽  
Caffeine Consumption ◽  
Group 4 ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Group 1

Background:Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease mainly affecting women of childbearing age. The interplay between genetic and environmental factors may contribute to disease pathogenesis1. At today, no robust data are available about the possible contribute of diet in SLE. Caffeine, one of the most widely consumed products in the world, seems to interact with multiple components of the immune system by acting as a non-specific phosphodiesterase inhibitor2.In vitrodose-dependent treatment with caffeine seems to down-regulate mRNA levels of key inflammation-related genes and similarly reduce levels of different pro-inflammatory cytokines3.Objectives:We evaluated the impact of caffeine consumption on SLE-related disease phenotype and activity, in terms of clinimetric assessment and cytokines levels.Methods:We performed a cross-sectional study, enrolling consecutive patients and reporting their clinical and laboratory data. Disease activity was assessed by SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2k)4. Caffeine intake was evaluated by a 7-day food frequency questionnaire, including all the main sources of caffeine. As previously reported, patients were divided in four groups according to the daily caffeine intake: <29.1 mg/day (group 1), 29.2-153.7 mg/day (group 2), 153.8-376.5 mg/day (group 3) and >376.6 mg/day (group 4)5. At the end of questionnaire filling, blood samples were collected from each patient to assess cytokines levels. These were assessed by using a panel by Bio-Plex assays to measure the levels of IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, IL-27, IFN-γ, IFN-α and Blys.Results:We enrolled 89 SLE patients (F/M 87/2, median age 46 years, IQR 14; median disease duration 144 months, IQR 150). The median intake of caffeine was 195 mg/day (IQR 160.5). At the time of the enrollment, 8 patients (8.9%) referred a caffeine intake < 29.1 mg/day (group 1), 27 patients (30.3%) between 29.2 and 153.7 mg/day (group 2), 45 patients (51%) between 153.8 and 376.5 mg/day (group 3) and 9 patients (10.1%) >376.6 mg/day (group 4). A negative correlation between the levels of caffeine and disease activity, evaluated with SLEDAI-2K, was observed (p=0.01, r=-0.26). By comparing the four groups, a significant higher prevalence of lupus nephritis, neuropsychiatric involvement, haematological manifestations, hypocomplementemia and anti-dsDNA positivity was observed in patients with less intake of caffeine (figure 1 A-E). Furthermore, patients with less intake of caffeine showed a significant more frequent use of glucocorticoids [group 4: 22.2%,versusgroup 1 (50.0%, p=0.0001), group 2 (55.5%, p=0.0001), group 3 (40.0%, p=0.009)]. Moving on cytokines analysis, a negative correlation between daily caffeine consumption and serum level of IFNγ was found (p=0.03, r=-0.2) (figure 2A); furthermore, patients with more caffeine intake showed significant lower levels of IFNα (p=0.02, figure 2B), IL-17 (p=0.01, figure 2C) and IL-6 (p=0.003, figure 2D).Conclusion:This is the first report demonstrating the impact of caffeine on SLE disease activity status, as demonstrated by the inverse correlation between its intake and both SLEDAI-2k values and cytokines levels. Moreover, in our cohort, patients with less caffeine consumption seems to have a more severe disease phenotype, especially in terms of renal and neuropsychiatric involvement. Our results seem to suggest a possible immunoregulatory dose-dependent effect of caffeine, through the modulation of serum cytokine levels, as already suggested byin vitroanalysis.References:[1]Kaul et alNat. Rev. Dis. Prim.2016; 2. Aronsen et alEurop Joul of Pharm2014; 3. Iris et alClin Immun.2018; 4. Gladman et al J Rheumatol. 2002; 5. Mikuls et alArth Rheum2002Disclosure of Interests:Valeria Orefice: None declared, Fulvia Ceccarelli: None declared, cristiana barbati: None declared, Ramona Lucchetti: None declared, Giulio Olivieri: None declared, enrica cipriano: None declared, Francesco Natalucci: None declared, Carlo Perricone: None declared, Francesca Romana Spinelli Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Consultant of: Novartis, Gilead, Lilly, Sanofi, Celgene, Speakers bureau: Lilly, cristiano alessandri Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Guido Valesini: None declared, Fabrizio Conti Speakers bureau: BMS, Lilly, Abbvie, Pfizer, Sanofi

Patients Who Attend Alone at a First Memory Consultation: Are They a Specific Population,or Is It an Instance of Confounding Bias?

2019 ◽  
Vol 81 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 81-86
Author(s):  
Pierre Koskas ◽  
Mouna Romdhani ◽  
Olivier Drunat
Keyword(s):  
Selection Bias ◽  
Confounding Bias ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Comparison Groups ◽  
Methodological Problems ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
The Impact ◽  
First Time ◽  
State Examination ◽  
Group 1

As commonly happens in epidemiological research, none of the reported studies were totally free of methodological problems. Studies have considered the influence of social relationships on dementia, but the mechanisms underlying these associations are not perfectly understood. We look at the possible impact of selection bias. For their first memory consultation, patients may come alone or accompanied by a relative. Our objective is to better understand the impact of this factor by retrospective follow-up of geriatric memory outpatients over several years. All patients over 70 who were referred to Bretonneau Memory Clinic for the first time, between January 2006 and 2018, were included in the study. The patients who came alone formed group 1, the others, whatever type of relative accompanied them, formed group 2. We compared the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores of patients; and for all patients who came twice for consultation with at least a 60-day interval, we compared their first MMSE with the MMSE performed at the second consultation. In total, 2,935 patients were included, aged 79.7 ± 8.4 years. Six hundred and twenty-five formed group 1 and 2,310 group 2. We found a significant difference in MMSE scores between the 2 groups of patients; and upon second consultation in group 2, but that difference was minor in group 1. Our finding of a possible confounding factor underlines the complexity of choosing comparison groups in order to minimize selection bias while maintaining clinical relevance.

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