scholarly journals Effect of the Cut-Off Level for Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone on the Prevalence of Subclinical Hypothyroidism among Infertile Mexican Women

Diagnostics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 417
Author(s):  
Lidia Arce-Sánchez ◽  
Salvatore Giovanni Vitale ◽  
Claudia Montserrat Flores-Robles ◽  
Myrna Souraye Godines-Enriquez ◽  
Marco Noventa ◽  
...  

The primary aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) using two different cut-off levels for TSH values (≥2.5 mIU/L versus ≥4.1 mIU/L). The secondary objective was to analyze the clinical-biochemical characteristics in women with and without SCH. This was a retrospective cross-sectional study. In total, 1496 Mexican women with infertility were included: Group 1, women with TSH levels ranging between 0.3 and 2.49 mIU/L, n = 886; Group 2, women with TSH between 2.5 and 4.09 mIU/L, n = 390; and Group 3, women with TSH ≥4.1 mIU/L n = 220. SCH prevalence was 40.7% (CI 95%: 38.3–43.3%) with TSH cut-off ≥ 2.5 mIU/L, and 14.7% (CI 95%: 12.7–16.5%) with TSH cut-off ≥ 4.1 mIU/L, (p = 0.0001). The prevalence of overweight was higher in Group 2 than in Groups 1 and 3. Thyroid autoimmunity, obesity and insulin resistance were higher in Group 3 than in Group 1 (p < 0.05). No other differences were observed between groups. Conclusions: The prevalence of SCH in our selected patients increased almost three times using a TSH cut-off ≥ 2.5 mIU/L compared with a TSH cut-off ≥ 4.1 mIU/L. Women with TSH ≥4.1 mIU/L compared with TSH cut-off ≤ 2.5 mIU/L more often presented with obesity, thyroid autoimmunity and insulin resistance.

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-50
Author(s):  
Muhammad Azeem ◽  
Ali Raza ◽  
Rashid Mahmood ◽  
Erum Behroz

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: To find out the optimal ranges of smile attractiveness on basis of different amounts of buccal corridor widths, as judged by Pakistani orthodontists, prosthodontists and conservative dentistry specialists (CDS). METHODOLOGY: Present cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2016 to June 2017. The anterior smiling image of a female model was edited to be converted to 10 images displaying different amounts of buccal corridor width. After informed consent from the subject, different buccal corridors widths images were created at following widths: 0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, 10%, 12%, 14%, 16%, and 18%. This was followed by measurement of smile attractiveness of these 10 images on a visual analogue scale by 30 evaluators in three groups. Group 1 consisted of 10 CDS, group 2 consisted of 10 prosthodontists and group 3 consisted of 10 orthodontists. The data was collected and scores of smile attractiveness were presented in form of mean and standard deviation for each group. The differences in the three groups regarding perception of smile attractiveness were found out using ANOVA test and Turkey’s post-hoc test was used for multiple comparisons. RESULTS: For group 1, the highest scoring was obtained by image showing 10% buccal corridor width. In group 2, the highest score was by image showing 14% buccal corridor width, whereas in group 3, the highest scoring was showing 12% buccal corridor width. The differences found were statistically insignificant. CONCLUSION: Dental specialty does not affect perception of smile attractiveness. Buccal corridor width greater than 14% should be avoided.


2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 167-173
Author(s):  
Sanjeev Sinha ◽  
Kartik Gupta ◽  
Dibyakanti Mandal ◽  
B.K. Das ◽  
R.M. Pandey

Background: Vitamin D is an immunomodulator, and its deficiency is associated with Tuberculosis (TB) infection. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) is a rich milieu of macrophages that form the first line of defense against invading TB bacilli. As there is an increased prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in TB and human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) subjects, we intend exploring the possibility of a localized deficiency of vitamin D metabolites in BALF of these patients. Objective: The primary objective was to assess the level of 25D3 in serum and BALF of subjects and look for a significant difference among patients and controls. The secondary objective was to find a correlation between serum and BALF 25D3 levels. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study with subjects divided into four groups: Controls (group 1), HIV positive without active TB (group 2), active TB without HIV (group 3), and HIV-TB coinfection (group 4). BALF and serum 25D3 levels were compared between the groups. Results: Among the 149 (an immunomodulator) successive subjects enrolled, there were 40 subjects in group 1 (HIV-TB-), 48 in group 2 (HIV+TB-), 37 in group 3 (HIV-TB+), and 24 in group 4 (HIV+TB+). Females constituted 31.6% of the study subjects. In groups 3 and 4, there were significantly lower serum 25D3 levels compared to group 1 (p-value group 3: 0.002; group 4: 0.012). In groups 2, 3, and 4, there were significantly lower BALF 25D3 levels compared to group 1 (p-value group 2: 0.000; group 3: 0.000; group 4: 0.001). There was a significant correlation between serum and BALF 25D3 levels (Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient 0.318, p-value = 0.0001). Conclusion: Lower levels of serum and BALF 25D3 were observed in HIV, TB, and HIV-TB coinfected patients. Localized deficiency of vitamin D metabolites might be associated with increased vulnerability to TB infection.


2011 ◽  
Vol 129 (5) ◽  
pp. 300-308 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lívia Nascimento de Matos ◽  
Guilherme de Vieira Giorelli ◽  
Amir Saado ◽  
Cristiane Bitencourt Dias

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Early diagnosis of prediabetes should be done to avoid complications relating to diabetes mellitus (DM). The aim here was to assess the prevalence of prediabetes among individuals at high risk of developing DM, and to seek variables relating to glucose intolerance (GI) among individuals with normal fasting plasma glucose (FPG). DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study at Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual, São Paulo. METHODS: The FPG and glucose tolerance test (GTT) were analyzed, from which the subjects were divided as follows: group 1 (FPG and GTT both normal), group 2 (normal FPG but abnormal GTT), group 3 (abnormal FPG but normal GTT), and group 4 (FPG and GTT both abnormal). The subjects' clinical, laboratory and anthropometric profile was determined. RESULTS: 138 subjects were studied: 44 in group 1, 11 in group 2, 33 in group 3 and 50 in group 4. The prevalence of prediabetes was 68.0%. Group 4 individuals were older than group 1 individuals [69.0 (55.5-74.0) versus 58.9 ± 11.8 years; P < 0.05], with greater prevalence of risk conditions for DM [5.0 (4.0-5.0) versus 4.0 (3.0-5.0); P < 0.05]. Among individuals with normal FPG, GI prevalence was 20.0%. No variables analyzed correlated with GTT. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of prediabetes was 68.0%, and 20.0% of subjects with normal FPG had GI. Although some anthropometric, clinical and laboratory variables have been correlated with DM and prediabetes, none, except for GTT, was able to screen for GI among subjects with normal FPG in the present study


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
pp. 676-682 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eman G. Behiry ◽  
Nazih Mohamed El Nady ◽  
Omima M. AbdEl Haie ◽  
May Kamel Mattar ◽  
Amira Magdy

Background: Homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) is widely used as a marker of insulin resistance in adults and has also been validated in children and adolescents. Triglyceride (TG) and HDL-C on the other hand is a routine test and inexpensive compared to insulin. Previous studies reported conflicting findings on the usefulness of the triglyceride to HDL-C ratio (TG:HDL-C ratio) as predictor or marker of IR. The aim of this work was to investigate the usefulness of Triglyceride to HDL-C ratio (TG/HDL-C) as an Insulin Resistance (IR) marker in overweight and children with obesity. Methods: This study was a comparative cross sectional study which was conducted on ninety overweight and children with obesity attending National Nutrition Institute “Pediatric obesity clinic. They were classified into 2 groups as follows: group (1) included overweight and children with obesity with insulin resistance, group (2) included overweight and children with obesity with non-insulin resistance. All the subjects were subjected to history, clinical examination and laboratory investigations including total lipid profile, fasting glucose, insulin and TG:HDL-C ratio instead of HOMA ratio. Results: Prevalence of IR among the studied sample was 42 (46.7%). Mean value of TG/ HDL-C ratio was greater among the insulin resistance group than non insulin resistance group (p value= < 0.001)value). TG/HDL ratio ≥1.36 had 85.7% sensitivity, 66.7% specificity. There was statistically significant positive correlation between TG/HDL ratio and HOMA-IR. Conclusion: TG:HDL ratio ≥1.36 is a significant early and sensitive predictor of insulin resistance in children instead of HOMA-IR.


Author(s):  
Marianna Kotopouli ◽  
Theodora Stratigou ◽  
Georgios Antonakos ◽  
Gerasimos Socrates Christodoulatos ◽  
Irene Karampela ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) is more frequent in females than males, with a female to male ratio ranging from 1.5 to 5 in the general population. The aim of this study was to evaluate for the first time the association of reproductive factors, particularly age at menarche, with SH risk. Materials and methods In a cross-sectional study, reproductive factors such as age at menarche, at menopause and at first birth, lactation, parity, full-term pregnancies, reproductive years, use of oral contraceptives and hormonal replacement therapy, somatometric data and insulin resistance parameters were recorded in 72 consecutive female patients with SH and 72 healthy female controls matched on age (±5 years) and date of diagnosis (±1 month). Results SH cases exhibited significantly younger age at menarche than controls (12.6 ± 1.2 vs. 13.3 ± 0.8 years, respectively, p < 0.001). Cases presented later age at first pregnancy with a lower number of full-term pregnancies (p = 0.04). Early age at menarche was independently associated with SH risk, above and beyond thyroid autoimmunity, body mass index (BMI), hip circumference (HC), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance and alcohol consumption [odds ratio (OR): 0.22, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.11–0.44; p < 0.001]. Conclusions It is possible that an interplay of early exposure to estrogens, as expressed by early menarche, and induction of thyroid autoimmunity may be associated with SH risk. More prospective studies shedding light on the role of estrogens in SH are required to confirm these findings.


PeerJ ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. e8441 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gayathri Santhana Krishnan ◽  
Dilip Naik ◽  
Ashita Uppoor ◽  
Sangeeta Nayak ◽  
Shrikala Baliga ◽  
...  

Background and Objectives Studies of gum or periodontal disease have focused mainly on bacterial pathogens. However, information related to fungal species in the saliva and subgingival mileu is particularly lacking in smokers with periodontitis. This cross-sectional study compared the prevalence of various Candida species in saliva and subgingival plaque samples of smokers and non-smokers with periodontal disease. Methodology Study subjects were recruited into three group—Group 1: Smokers with chronic periodontitis (N = 30), Group 2: Non-smokers with chronic periodontitis (N = 30) and Group 3: Healthy controls (N = 30). Clinical parameters recorded included plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), periodontal probing depth (PPD) and clinical attachment loss (CAL). Saliva and subgingival plaque samples were collected from subjects from the above groups. The collected samples were processed for isolation and identification of various Candida species using CHROMagar chromogenic media. Additionally, antifungal susceptibility tests were performed for the isolated Candida species in order to assess antifungal drug resistance to fluconazole and voriconazole. Results Prevalence of Candida species in saliva samples was quantified as 76.6% in Group 1, 73.3% in Group 2 and 36.6% in Group 3 and statistically significant differences were observed between groups 1 & 3. Prevalence of Candida species in subgingival plaque samples was quantified as 73.3% in Group 1, 66.6% in Group 2 and 60% in Group 3 and no statistically significant differences were observed between groups. Candida albicans was the most frequently isolated species followed by Candida krusei and Candida tropicalis. A positive correlation was observed for smoking exposure, pack years and Candida colonization. A marginally significant positive correlation was observed between Candida colonization and increasing pocket depth and attachment loss. Antifungal drug resistance was mainly observed for Candida krusei in both saliva and subgingival plaque samples. Conclusion Based on the results we can conclude that oral candidal carriage is significantly increased in smokers with periodontal disease. Mechanistic studies are needed to understand the importance of Candida species in periodontal disease.


2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 375-381
Author(s):  
Aykut Baser ◽  
Sinan Eliaçık ◽  
Mehmet Murat Baykam ◽  
Funda Uysal Tan

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical manifestations of overactive bladder (OAB) with migraine as a comorbidity and to shed light on possible new treatment strategies.Methods: This study included patients aged 18 years and older who were admitted to urology and neurology outpatient clinics between March 1, 2019 and March 1, 2020 for OAB and migraine. The study questionnaire contained 3 sections: (1) questions on demographic characteristics, (2) a migraine ID test, and (3) the Overactive Bladder Inquiry Form - V8 (OAB-V8) form.Results: A total of 265 patients participated in the study. The average age of the participants was 39.75±11.93 years. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to the coexistence of OAB with migraine: group 1, OAB(+)/migraine(+); group 2, OAB(+)/migraine(-); and group 3, OAB(-)/migraine(+). The mean OAB-V8 score was 22.82 ±8.15 in group 1 and 25.64±7.49 in group 2. The mean OAB-V8 score of OAB patients with migraine as a comorbidity was statistically significantly lower than that of OAB patients without migraine (P=0.015). The median visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 7.11 (range, 2–10) in group 1 and 5.95 (range, 2–10) in group 3. This finding indicates that in patients with migraine, having OAB was associated with significantly higher VAS scores (P<0.001).Conclusions: OAB and migraine may be comorbid conditions coexisting in a single patient. This comorbidity may lead to a lower perception of OAB symptoms in OAB patients or, conversely, to a higher perception of migraine pain. Further studies are needed to elucidate how treatments for each of these diseases can affect the other disease.


BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. e022233 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda Jane Blatch-Jones ◽  
Wei Pek ◽  
Emma Kirkpatrick ◽  
Martin Ashton-Key

ObjectivesTo assess the value of pilot and feasibility studies to randomised controlled trials (RCTs) funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment (HTA) programme. To explore the methodological components of pilot/feasibility studies and how they inform full RCTs.Study designCross-sectional study.SettingBoth groups included NIHR HTA programme funded studies in the period 1 January 2010–31 December 2014 (decision date). Group 1: stand-alone pilot/feasibility studies published in the HTA Journal or accepted for publication. Group 2: all funded RCT applications funded by the HTA programme, including reference to an internal and/or external pilot/feasibility study. The methodological components were assessed using an adapted framework from a previous study.Main outcome measuresThe proportion of stand-alone pilot and feasibility studies which recommended proceeding to full trial and what study elements were assessed. The proportion of ‘HTA funded’ trials which used internal and external pilot and feasibility studies to inform the design of the trial.ResultsGroup 1 identified 15 stand-alone pilot/feasibility studies. Study elements most commonly assessed weretesting recruitment(100% in both groups),feasibility(83%, 100%) andsuggestions for further study/investigation(83%, 100%). Group 2 identified 161 ‘HTA funded’ applications: 59 cited an external pilot/feasibility study wheretesting recruitment(50%, 73%) andfeasibility(42%, 73%) were the most commonly reported study elements: 92 reported an internal pilot/feasibility study wheretesting recruitment(93%, 100%) andfeasibility(44%, 92%) were the most common study elements reported.Conclusions‘HTA funded’ research which includes pilot and feasibility studies assesses a variety of study elements. Pilot and feasibility studies serve an important role when determining the most appropriate trial design. However, how they are reported and in what context requires caution when interpreting the findings and delivering a definitive trial.


2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sikandar Hayat Khan ◽  
Najmusaqib Khan Niazi ◽  
Farah Sobia ◽  
Nadeem Fazal ◽  
Syed Mohsin Manzoor ◽  
...  

Objectives: To measure correlation and concordance between measured LDL cholesterol (mLDLc) and Friedewald’s calculated LDL cholesterol (cLDLc). To compare the mLDLc and cLDLc values for various anthropometric measures and biochemical indices including insulin resistance, nephropathy, glycated hemoglobin and triglycerides. Methods: Two hundred thirty two subjects were included in this cross-sectional analysis from Jan-2016 to July-2017 from a target population visiting PNS HAFEEZ hospital. Mean age of the subjects was 46.56(±11.95) years (n=232). These subjects underwent clinical evaluation including measurement of anthropometric measurements, biochemical testing for fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid profile, urine albumin creatinine ratio (UACR), and insulin. Correlation and concordance between mLDLc and Friedewald’s cLDLc were measured. Finally, Comparison of risk evaluation for mLDLc and cLDLc between groups formulated based upon UACR (Based upon a cut off of 2.5 mg/g) and fasting triglycerides (Group-1 :< 1.0 mmol/L, Group-2: 1.0-1.99 mmol/L and Group-3 :> 1.99 mmol/) was carried out. Results: There was significant positive linear correlation between mLDLc and cLDLc [r=0.468, <0.001]. Kendall’s Coefficient of concordance between mLDLc and cLDLc was 0.055 (p<0.001). Differences evaluated by one way ANOVA analysis for mLDLc between various triglycerides groups were only significant between group-1 and group-2 [{Group-1:Mean=2.40, (2.19-2.61), n=43}, {Group-2:Mean=2.81, (2.69-2.92),n=136}, [{Group-3:Mean=2.59,(2.37-2.81), n=53}],(p=0.004) in comparison to cLDLc [{Group-1:Mean=2.63, (2.43-2.84), n=43}, {Group-2:Mean=2.85, (2.76-2.93), n=136}, [{Group-3:Mean=2.75, (2.60-2.90),n=53}]. Calculated method for LDLc showed higher UACR than mLDLc. (p=0.021) Conclusion: cLDLc over estimates LDL-cholesterol in comparison to mLDLc. The correlation between cLDLc and mLDLc was only moderate. However, cLDLc provided better degree of risk prediction for nephropathy and glycated hemoglobin than mLDLc. How to cite this:Khan SH, Niazi NK, Sobia F, Fazal N, Manzoor SM, Nadeem A. Friedewald’s equation for calculating LDL-cholesterol: Is it the time to say “Goodbye” and adopt direct LDL cholesterol methods? Pak J Med Sci. 2019;35(2):---------.   doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.2.679 This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.


Author(s):  
Halil ONDER ◽  
Ersin Kasim ULUSOY ◽  
Caner BAYDAR ◽  
Mustafa KIRAZ ◽  
Muhammet Okay ORUN ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Background: Psychiatric problems and sleep disturbances are comorbidities that are frequently encountered among people with epilepsy. However, their presence among the spouses of peoples with epilepsy remains to be elucidated. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the spouses of people with epilepsy (PWE), with and without a history of seizures during sleep, in terms of depression, anxiety and sleep quality. Methods: This prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted in three groups of 18 to 65-year-olds. Group 1 consisted of healthy spouses of 127 healthy volunteers without any known neurological disease; group 2 comprised spouses of 63 PWE who had no history of seizure during sleep; and group 3 consisted of spouses of 63 PWE who had a history of at least one seizure during sleep in the course of the previous year. Questionnaires seeking demographic data and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Beck Depression Inventory and Beck Anxiety Inventory were applied to all participants. Results: The depression scores of the group of spouses of PWE were higher than those of the control group and were higher in group 3 than in group 2 (p = 0.017). The anxiety scores of the group of spouses of PWE were significantly higher than those of the control group, but no difference in anxiety scores was found between group 2 and group 3 (p = 0.170). The mean PSQI score of group 3 was higher than that of group 2 (p = 0.029). However, regression analyses did not show any difference between these groups. Conclusion: We found that the PSQI scores, which reflected sleep quality, were higher among the spouses of PWE who had seizures during sleep and who had more severe epilepsy.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document