scholarly journals The Prevalence of Concomitant Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm and Cancer

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (17) ◽  
pp. 3847
Author(s):  
Hyangkyoung Kim ◽  
Sung-il Cho ◽  
Sungho Won ◽  
Youngjin Han ◽  
Tae-Won Kwon ◽  
...  

Cancers and abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) cause substantial morbidity and mortality and commonly develop in old age. It has been previously reported that AAA patients have a high prevalence of cancers, which has raised the question of whether this is a simple collision, association or causation. Clinical trials or observational studies with sufficient power to prove this association between them were limited because of the relatively low frequency and slow disease process of both diseases. We aimed to determine whether there is a significant association between AAA and cancers using nationwide data. The patients aged > 50 years and diagnosed with AAA between 2002 and 2015, patients with heart failure (HF) and controls without an AAA or HF matched by age, sex and cardiovascular risk factors were enrolled from the national sample cohort from the National Health Insurance claims database of South Korea. The primary outcome was the prevalence rate of cancers in the participants with and without an AAA. The secondary outcome was cancer-related survival and cancer risk. Overall, 823 AAA patients (mean (standard deviation) age, 71.8 (9.4) years; 552 (67.1%) men) and matching 823 HF patients and 823 controls were identified. The prevalence of cancers was 45.2% (372/823), 41.7% (343/823) and 35.7% (294/823) in the AAA, HF and control groups, respectively; it was significantly higher in the AAA group than in the control group (p < 0.001). The risk of developing cancer was higher in the AAA patients than in the controls (adjusted odds ratio (OR), 1.52 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.24–1.86), p < 0.001) and in the HF patients (adjusted OR, 1.37 (1.24–1.86), p = 0.006). The cancer-related death rate was 2.64 times higher (95% CI, 2.22–3.13; p < 0.001) for the AAA patients and 1.63 times higher (95% CI, 1.37–1.92; p < 0.001) for the HF patients than for the controls. The most common causes of death in the AAA patients were cancer and cardiovascular disease. There was a significantly increased risk of cancer in the AAA than in the HF and control groups. Therefore, appropriate screening algorithms might be necessary for earlier detection of both diseases to improve long-term survival.

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 2355
Author(s):  
Dean Decter ◽  
Nissim Arbib ◽  
Hila Markovitz ◽  
Daniel S. Seidman ◽  
Vered H. Eisenberg

We compared the prevalence of ultrasound signs of adenomyosis in women with endometriosis who underwent surgery to those who were managed conservatively. This was a retrospective study of women evaluated at a tertiary endometriosis referral center who underwent 2D/3D transvaginal ultrasound. Adenomyosis diagnosis was based on the presence of at least three sonographic signs. The study group subsequently underwent laparoscopic surgery while the control group continued conservative management. Statistical analysis compared the two groups for demographics, symptoms, clinical data, and sonographic findings. The study and control groups included 244 and 158 women, respectively. The presence of any, 3+, or 5+ sonographic signs of adenomyosis was significantly more prevalent in the study group (OR = 1.93–2.7, p < 0.004, 95% CI; 1.24–4.09). After controlling for age, for all findings but linear striations, the OR for having a specific feature was higher in the study group. Women in the study group with ≥ 5 sonographic signs of adenomyosis had more than twice the risk of experiencing infertility (OR = 2.31, p = 0.012, 95% CI; 1.20–4.45). Sonographic signs of adenomyosis are more prevalent in women with symptomatic endometriosis who underwent surgery compared with those who continued conservative management. Women with 5+ findings have a significantly increased risk of infertility. Adenomyosis on ultrasound should be considered in the management decisions regarding these patients.


F1000Research ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 929
Author(s):  
Nouran Hesham El-Sherazy ◽  
Naglaa Samir Bazan ◽  
Sara Mahmoud Shaheen ◽  
Nagwa A. Sabri

Background Antioxidants show nephroprotective effect against vancomycin associated nephrotoxicity (VAN) in animals. This study aimed to assess the ascorbic acid nephro-protective role against VAN clinically. Methods Forty-one critically ill patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: intervention group (vancomycin IV plus ascorbic acid, n=21) or control group (vancomycin IV only, n=20). Primary outcomes were the incidence of VAN and the absolute change in creatinine parameters, while mortality rate was the secondary outcome. Nephrotoxicity was defined as an increase in serum creatinine (S.cr) by at least 0.5 mg/dL or 50% of baseline for at least two successive measurements. This study is registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03921099), April 2019. Results Mean absolute S.cr increase was significant when compared between both groups, P-value = 0.036, where S.cr increased by 0.05(0.12) and 0.34(0.55) mg/dL in the intervention and control groups, respectively. Mean absolute Cr.cl decline was significant when compared between both groups, P-value = 0.04, where Cr.cl was decreased by 5.9(17.8) and 22.3(30.4) ml/min in the intervention and control groups, respectively. Incidence of VAN was 1/21(4.7%) versus 5/20(25%) in the intervention and control groups, respectively (RR: 0.19; CI: 0.024–1.49; P-value = 0.093). Mortality was higher in the control group; however, it was not statistically significant, P-value = 0.141. Conclusion Co-administration of ascorbic acid with vancomycin preserved renal function and reduced the absolute risk of VAN by 20.3%, however, the reduction in VAN incidence didn’t reach statistical significance level. Further large multicenter prospective trials are recommended.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Milena Miszczuk ◽  
Verena Müller ◽  
Christian E. Althoff ◽  
Andrea Stroux ◽  
Daniela Widhalm ◽  
...  

AbstractAbdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) primarily affect elderly men who often have many other diseases, with similar risk factors and pathobiological mechanisms to AAA. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of simple renal cysts (SRC), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and other kidney diseases (e.g. nephrolithiasis) among patients presenting with AAA. Two groups of patients (100/group), with and without AAA, from the Surgical Clinic Charité, Berlin, Germany, were selected for the study. The control group consisted of patients who were evaluated for a kidney donation (n = 14) and patients who were evaluated for an early detection of a melanoma recurrence (n = 86). The AAA and control groups were matched for age and sex. Medical records were analyzed and computed tomography scans were reviewed for the presence of SRC and nephrolithiasis. SRC (73% vs. 57%; p<0.001) and CKD (31% vs. 8%; p<0.001) were both more common among AAA than control group patients. On multivariate analysis, CKD, but not SRC, showed a strong association with AAA. Knowledge about pathobiological mechanisms and association between CKD and AAA could provide better diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for these patients.


2013 ◽  
Vol 33 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ekaterina Chernogubova ◽  
Suzanne M Eken ◽  
Hong Jin ◽  
Joy Roy ◽  
Anders Hamsten ◽  
...  

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified as transcriptional and posttranscriptional inhibitors of gene expression, thought to “fine tune” the translational output of their target mRNAs. Recently, they have received much attention regarding their suitability as biomarkers for disease. Our goal was to explore the diagnostic and prognostic value of miRNAs in abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), a disease for which currently no established biomarker exists. Using a PCR-based array platform, we profiled the 168 most abundant blood miRNAs in 20 patient plasma samples with AAA disease, undergoing surgical repair of their enlarged aorta vs. 20 samples from an age, risk factor, and medication matched control group without aneurysm. We were able to identify a total number of 12 miRNAs being significantly altered in diseased patient samples as compared to controls. We further investigated these 12 miRNAs in plasma (as well as in aortic tissue) from apoE-/- mice with angiotensinII (AngII)-infusion induced AAAs, enabling us to discover a potential prognostic value of miRNAs being released into circulation. Indeed we were able to detect that the expression of 4 out of the 12 miRNAs (miRs-126 and -668 both increased; miRs-24 and -210 both decreased), was substantially modified in plasma samples drawn from mice with AAA immediately before rupture occurred between days 10 and 14 after AngII pump implantation compared to mice with AAA that did not rupture for the remainder of study (28 days), as well as saline-infused controls. Importantly, the expression of miRs-24 and -126 appeared also significantly different in plasma samples from patients with ruptured AAAs (n=7) compared to patients with non-ruptured AAAs (abdominal aortic diameter between 55-78 mm; n=7) and un-diseased controls (n=7). The present study explores the diagnostic and prognostic biomarker potential of miRNAs being released into circulation during initiation, propagation, and ultimately rupture of AAA disease in mice and humans. The identification of miRs-24, -126, -210, and -663 potentially offers great prognostic value to determine which patients present with an increased risk of AAA rupture.


Author(s):  
Jihen Maatoug ◽  
Sihem Ben Fredj ◽  
Zeineb Msakni ◽  
Emna Dendana ◽  
Jihene Sahli ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Obesity is a serious health issue and predisposes individuals to an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Its prevalence in children has increased worldwide. Objective: To demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of a school-based management program based on healthy lifestyle promotion for obese and overweight adolescents in Sousse, Tunisia. Methods: We conducted a quasi-experimental study among overweight and obese school children enrolled in 7th and 8th grades in Sousse, Tunisia with two groups, intervention and control. The 1-year intervention was based on promoting healthy eating and physical activity through a collective intervention for all recruited children and an individual intervention only for obese children who require intensive managing. Data collection was done before, at the end and at a 4-month follow up of the intervention, both in intervention and control groups. Results: The body mass index Z score decreased significantly from pre-intervention to post-intervention (1.89±0.57 to 1.76±0.63, p<0.001) and from post-intervention to the follow-up (1.76±0.63 to 1.55±0.68, p<0.001) in the intervention group. In the control group, it decreased significantly from pre-intervention to post-intervention but not significantly from post-intervention to follow-up assessment. Calorie intake decreased significantly both in intervention and control groups. Conclusion: This project began with introducing a new culture of health management in schools on one side and with increasing awareness of the importance of obesity prevention and treatment. The support of authorities for this type of action is very important to guarantee its sustainability.


Author(s):  
Hatice Eylül Bozkurt Yılmaz ◽  
Mustafa Yılmaz

As asthma and atherosclerosis have similar pathophysiological mechanisms and risk factors, asthmatic patients may have an increased risk of atherosclerosis. This study aimed to determine the possibility of a higher risk of atherosclerosis in asthma patients compared with healthy controls by measuring carotid elasticity and distensibility. This was a cross-sectional study on 326 participants including 221 patients (129 [58.37%] females) with persistent asthma, aged 46.47±11.58 years, body mass index (BMI) of 29.74±3.99, and 105 healthy control subjects (60 [57.14%] females) aged 46.08±11.35 years, and BMI of 29.42±3.76. Of the 221 patients with asthma, 75 (33.93%) had mild, 74 (33.48%) had moderate and 72 (32.57%) had severe asthma. The carotid distensibility and elasticity were recorded and compared in both patients and control groups. There was no statistically significant difference between the patients and healthy control groups in terms of age, BMI and gender (p=0.775, p=0.482, and p=0.834, respectively). A statistically significant difference was determined between the patient and control groups in respect of both distensibility and elasticity (10.93±1.64 vs. 11.5±1.31, p=0.002 and 0.21±0.03 vs. 0.22±0.04, p=0.001, respectively). Statistically significant differences were determined between the control group and the asthma subgroups in respect of distensibility and elasticity (p<0.001, for both comparisons). The results showed that the difference was mainly due to the patients with severe asthma. Carotid distensibility and elasticity were decreased in asthmatic patients, and the main reason for this decrease was the patients in the severe asthma group. These results may suggest that the risk of subclinical carotid atherosclerosis is increased in patients with asthma, especially those with severe asthma.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Milena Miszczuk ◽  
Verena Müller ◽  
Christian Ernst Althoff ◽  
Andrea Stroux ◽  
Daniela Widhalm ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) primarily affect men over 65 years old who often have many other diseases, with similar risk factors and pathophysiological mechanisms to AAA. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of simple renal cysts (SRC), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and other kidney diseases (e.g. nephrolithiasis) among patients presenting with AAA. Methods: Two groups of patients (100/group), with and without AAA, from the Surgical Clinic Charité, Berlin, Germany, were selected for the study. The control group consisted of patients who were evaluated for a kidney donation (n = 14) and patients who were evaluated for an early detection of a melanoma recurrence (n = 86). The AAA and control groups were matched for age and sex. Medical records were analyzed and computed tomography scans were reviewed for the presence of SRC and nephrolithiasis. Results: SRC (73% vs. 57%; p<0.001) and CKD (31% vs. 8%; p<0.001) were both more common among AAA than control group patients. On multivariate analysis, CKD, but not SRC, showed a strong association with AAA. Conclusions: Knowledge about pathophysiological mechanisms and association between CKD and AAA could provide better diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for these patients.


2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 185-192
Author(s):  
Neha SAHAY ◽  
◽  
Felice FAIZAL ◽  

Background: Glucose tolerance testing in pregnancy identifies many women with glycaemic responses that exceed normal range but that do not meet the threshold required to diagnose Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. It is controversial whether maternal hyperglycemia less severe than in diabetes is associated with increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcome or not. Materials and methods: All women were subjected to Glucose Challenge Test(GCT) with 50 gram glucose either at first visit or between 24-28 weeks on the basis of risk profile. High risk cases were screened at first visit and the rest between 24-28 weeks. Patients with a GCT value ≥200mg/dl were not subjected for GTT and were diagnosed as GDM.Value of GCT <140 mg/dl was taken as normal. Irrespective of GCT result, women were subjected to Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) as recommended by WHO with 75 gram glucose using WHO criteria. Study group was identified with 4 categories with abnormal glucose homoeostasis as defined by the following criteria: 1. Abnormal GCT (>140 mg/dl) with normal OGTT; 2. Normal GCT with only Impaired Fasting Glucose(IFG) in OGTT; 3. Normal GCT with Gestational Glucose Intolerance(GGI); 4. Patients diagnosed as GDM: a. If fasting is >126mg/dl; b. If 2hr OGTT ≥ 140mg/dl & ≤ 199 mg/dl; c. If value of either GCT or OGTT >200 mg/dl. The control group comprised of women with normal GCT and normal OGTT. In all the above groups, adverse prenatal outcome and maternal outcomes were evaluated by the primary and secondary outcome measures. Results: There were 10 cases (15.3%) of hypertensive disorder of pregnancy in the study group (3 cases of gestational hypertension in abnormal GCT, 3 cases of pre eclampsia in each GGI and GDM and 1 antepartum eclampsia in GGI category) and 2 cases in control group (3%) (p=0.03). There were 2 cases of Fetal Growth Reduction (FGR) and 5 cases of Premature Rupture Of Membranes(PROM) in both study and control group. There was 1 case of cholestasis of pregnancy in study group. Term inductions were 11 and 13 in the study and control group respectively.Within the study group number of cases induced were more in GGI(n=7) and GDM(n=4) category. There were 14 caesarean sections (21.5%) and 2 (3%) instrumental deliveries among the study group. However there were 6 caesarean sections (9.2%) and no instrumental deliveries among control groups. The rate of elective LSCS is more in GDM (n=5) vs other 3 categories and the difference is significant (p=0.04) The overall number of LSCS (14 cases) was significantly higher in GDM. Conclusion: Cases with abnormal glucose homeostasis of lesser degree than GDM, like only abnormal GCT, IFG and GGI also were observed to have adverse maternal outcomes than controls, in form of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, significantly higher LSCS rates, and increased risk of macrosomia. Instead of 2 step procedure, single step screening cum diagnostic test with 75 gm OGTT for diagnosing GDM could be an option to be universally practiced.


Author(s):  
Li-Min Sun ◽  
Li-Min Chung ◽  
Cheng-Li Lin ◽  
Chia-Hung Kao

Objectives: The formation of uterine fibroids (UF) is potentially linked to the development of thyroid cancer through a common factor: female sex hormones. Methods: We conducted a nationwide population-based cohort study to determine whether Taiwanese women with UF have an increased risk of thyroid cancer. The data of both the UF and control groups were derived from the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) of Taiwan. Groups were matched by the year of UF diagnosis, age, income, urbanization level, occupation, and comorbidities. A Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to compare the incidence of thyroid cancer between the UF and control groups. In addition, the model was used to determine the hazard ratio of thyroid cancer in the UF group in comparison with the control group. Results: Women with UF had a statistically significantly increased risk of thyroid cancer compared with controls (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR): 1.64, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.26–2.13). Stratified analyses showed that women with UF who had a significantly increased risk of thyroid cancer were more likely to be middle aged, have middle and higher income levels, and a medium follow-up period (1–5 years) of UF. No other UF patient characteristics and comorbidities showed association with the risk of thyroid cancer. In addition, UF patients had a significantly increased risk of thyroid cancer regardless of whether or not they underwent myomectomy. Conclusions: The results suggest that women with UF have an increased risk of subsequent thyroid cancer. Further research is needed to explore whether surveillance strategies for the early detection of thyroid cancer using ultrasonography should be implemented among patients with UF.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriel Farhat ◽  
Camila Marinelli Martins ◽  
Ricardo Zanetti Gomes ◽  
Letícia Carollyne Galvão ◽  
Rodolfo Martins Kravutschke ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of customized insoles in the plantar pressure of diabetes patients with neuropathy in comparison to the sham group. METHODS:  The work method, duly registered at the Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos – REBEC (Clinical Trial Brazilian Register) (http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/) RBR-5NQK4K, includes a randomized, controlled, prospective, double-blinded clinical trial, with a sample of 46 volunteers that will be randomly randomized in a 1: 1 ratio to be referred to intervention and control groups. The intervention group will receive customized insoles, with a retrocapital bar and an ethyl vinyl acetate plaque (EVA) in the same shape as the retrocapital bar, in order to reduce the pressure on the forefoot. In the control group, flat insoles will be prepared without any therapeutic objective. This project was developed according to the standard protocol for randomized clinical trials (SPIRIT). Along with the clinical evaluation, demographic data of the sample will be collected to identify and confirm the presence of peripheral neuropathy, next, the pedobarographic will be evaluated, and finally, the patients will answer the FAAM questionnaire to assess foot functionality. The primary outcome will be analyzing pressure points in KiloPascal (kPa) in the patients’ feet through pedobarographic of the patients in the intervention and control groups. The secondary outcome will be the foot functionality in activities of daily living through the FAAM (Foot and Ankle Ability Measure), considering the volunteers in the initial evaluation, third and sixth months.  FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: Mainly, results of this study will show whether there is a structural alteration in the analysis of the plantar pressure due to the continuous use of insoles and present the evaluation of whether the use of therapeutic insoles improves the foot functionality of the same users when compared to sham insoles.


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