scholarly journals Risk Factors for Anemia and Micronutrient Deficiencies among Women of Reproductive Age—The Impact of the Wheat Flour Fortification Program in Uzbekistan

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 714
Author(s):  
Nicolai Petry ◽  
Fakhriddin Nizamov ◽  
Bradley A. Woodruff ◽  
Regina Ishmakova ◽  
Jasur Komilov ◽  
...  

Food fortification can be effective in reducing the prevalence of anemia and micronutrient deficiencies. This study assessed risk factors for—and the impact of the wheat flour program in Uzbekistan on—anemia, and iron and folate deficiency (FD) in non-pregnant women (NPW) of reproductive age. National data were analyzed for risk factors using multivariable regression. Additional iron intake from fortified flour was not associated with iron deficiency (ID) and did not result in a significantly different prevalence of anemia regardless of the levels, whereas women with additional folic acid intake had a lower relative risk (RR) of FD (RR: 0.67 [95% CI: 0.53, 0.85]). RR for anemia was greater in women with ID (RR: 4.7; 95% CI: 3.5, 6.5) and vitamin A insufficiency (VAI; RR 1.5; 95% CI: 1.3, 1.9). VAI (RR: 1.4 [95% CI: 1.3, 1.6]) and breastfeeding (RR: 1.1 [95% CI: 0.99, 1.2]) were associated with increased risk of ID, while being underweight reduced the risk (RR: 0.74 [95% CI: 0.58, 0.96]). Breastfeeding (RR: 1.2 [95% CI: 1.1, 1.4]) and inflammation (RR: 1.2 [95% CI: 1.0, 1.3]) increased risk of FD. FD results indicate that the fortification program had potential for impact, but requires higher coverage of adequately fortified wheat flour and a more bioavailable iron fortificant.

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Duah Dwomoh

Abstract Background Ghana did not meet the Millennium Development Goal 4 of reducing child mortality by two-thirds and may not meet SDG (2030). There is a need to direct scarce resources to mitigate the impact of the most important risk factors influencing high neonatal deaths. This study applied both spatial and non-spatial regression models to explore the differential impact of environmental, maternal, and child associated risk factors on neonatal deaths in Ghana. Methods The study relied on data from the Ghana Demographic and Health Surveys (GDHS) and the Ghana Maternal Health Survey (GMHS) conducted between 1998 and 2017 among 49,908 women of reproductive age and 31,367 children under five (GDHS-1998 = 3298, GDHS-2003 = 3844, GDHS-2008 = 2992, GDHS-2014 = 5884, GMHS-2017 = 15,349). Spatial Autoregressive Models that account for spatial autocorrelation in the data at the cluster-level and non-spatial statistical models with appropriate sampling weight adjustment were used to study factors associated with neonatal deaths, and a p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Population density, multiple births, smaller household sizes, high parity, and low birth weight significantly increased the risk of neonatal deaths over the years. Among mothers who had multiple births, the risk of having neonatal deaths was approximately four times as high as the risk of neonatal deaths among mothers who had only single birth [aRR = 3.42, 95% CI: 1.63–7.17, p < 0.05]. Neonates who were perceived by their mothers to be small were at a higher risk of neonatal death compared to very large neonates [aRR = 2.08, 95% CI: 1.19–3.63, p < 0.05]. A unit increase in the number of children born to a woman of reproductive age was associated with a 49% increased risk in neonatal deaths [aRR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.30–1.69, p < 0.05]. Conclusion Neonatal mortality in Ghana remains relatively high, and the factors that predisposed children to neonatal death were birth size that were perceived to be small, low birth weight, higher parity, and multiple births. Improving pregnant women’s nutritional patterns and providing special support to women who have multiple deliveries will reduce neonatal mortality in Ghana.


Stroke ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 45 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
George Howard ◽  
Mary Cushman ◽  
Maciej Banach ◽  
Brett M Kissela ◽  
David C Goff ◽  
...  

Purpose: The importance of stroke research in the elderly is increasing as America is “graying.” For most risk factors for most diseases (including stroke), the magnitude of association with incident events decreases at older ages. Potential changes in the impact of risk factors could be a “true” effect, or could be due to methodological issues such as age-related changes in residual confounding. Methods: REGARDS followed 27,748 stroke-free participants age 45 and over for an average of 5.3 years, during which 715 incident strokes occurred. The association of the “Framingham” risk factors (hypertension [HTN], diabetes, smoking, AFib, LVH and heart disease) with incident stroke risk was assessed in age strata of 45-64 (Young), 65-74 (Middle), and 75+ (Old). For those with and without an “index” risk factor (e.g., HTN), the average number of “other” risk factors was calculated. Results: With the exception of AFib, there was a monotonic decrease in the magnitude of the impact across the age strata, with HTN, diabetes, smoking and LVH even becoming non-significant in the elderly (Figure 1). However, for most factors, the increasing prevalence of other risk factors with age impacts primarily those with the index risk factor absent (Figure 2, example HTN as the “index” risk factor). Discussion: The impact of stroke risk factors substantially declined at older ages. However, this decrease is partially attributable to increases in the prevalence of other risk factors among those without the index risk factor, as there was little change in the prevalence of other risk factors in those with the index risk factor. Hence, the impact of the index risk factor is attenuated by increased risk in the comparison group. If this phenomenon is active with latent risk factors, estimates from multivariable analysis will also decrease with age. A deeper understanding of age-related changes in the impact of risk factors is needed.


Author(s):  
Stuart A Kinner ◽  
Wenqi Gan ◽  
Amanda Slaunwhite

IntroductionThe province of BC, Canada is in the grips of a sustained overdose epidemic. People released from prison are at increased risk of fatal drug overdose, but the impact of the overdose epidemic on mortality after release from prison in BC is poorly understood. Few studies have been able to examine risk factors for overdose death in this population. Objectives and ApproachWe aimed to (a) measure risk of overdose-related and all-cause death in different time periods after release from prison; and (b) identify risk factors for overdose-related and all-cause death. In a random 20% sample of the population of BC, Canada, we identified those released from prison 2015-2017 and examined linked health and correctional records for this cohort. ResultsOf 6106 persons released from prison 2015-2017, 77 (1.3%) died from any cause and 48 (0.8%) died from overdose 2015-2017. The incidence of all-cause death was 16.1 (95%CI 13.7-18.8) per 1000 person years, and the incidence of overdose death was 11.2 (95%CI 9.2-13.5) per 1000 person years. Risk factors for overdose death included a history of 3 or more incarcerations (HR=3.00, 95%CI 1.67-5.39), co-occurring substance use disorder and mental illness (HR=4.73, 95%CI 2.94-7.62), chronic physical morbidity (HR=3.10, 95%CI 1.97-4.88), and being dispensed benzodiazepines (HR=3.31, 95%CI 2.27-4.84) or opioids for pain (HR=6.77, 95%CI 3.86-11.89). The incidence of fatal overdose was significantly higher in the first two weeks post-release than at any other time during follow-up. ConclusionPeople released from prison in BC are at markedly increased risk of preventable death, mainly due to overdose. As such, people transitioning from prison to the community should be a key target population for overdose prevention efforts. To be maximally effective, these efforts must go beyond provision of methadone and naloxone on release, to consider physical and mental health comorbidities, and psychosocial disadvantage.


2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S271-S271
Author(s):  
Gauri Chauhan ◽  
Nikunj M Vyas ◽  
Todd P Levin ◽  
Sungwook Kim

Abstract Background Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) occurs with enhanced frequency in hospitalized patients and are usually associated with poor clinical outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the risk factors and clinical outcomes of patients with VRE infections. Methods This study was an IRB-approved multi-center retrospective chart review conducted at a three-hospital health system between August 2016-November 2018. Inclusion criteria were patients ≥18 years and admitted for ≥24 hours with cultures positive for VRE. Patients pregnant or colonized with VRE were excluded. The primary endpoint was to analyze the association of potential risk factors with all-cause in-hospital mortality (ACM) and 30-day readmission. The subgroup analysis focused on the association of risk factors with VRE bacteremia. The secondary endpoint was to evaluate the impact of different treatment groups of high dose daptomycin (HDD) (≥10 mg/kg/day) vs. low dose daptomycin (LDD) (< 10 mg/kg/day) vs. linezolid (LZD) on ACM and 30-day readmission. Subgroup analysis focused on the difference of length of stay (LOS), length of therapy (LOT), duration of bacteremia (DOB) and clinical success (CS) between the treatment groups. Results There were 81 patients included for analysis; overall mortality was observed at 16%. Utilizing multivariate logistic regression analyses, patients presenting from long-term care facilities (LTCF) were found to have increased risk for mortality (OR 4.125, 95% CI 1.149–14.814). No specific risk factors were associated with 30-day readmission. Patients with previous exposure to fluoroquinolones (FQ) and cephalosporins (CPS), nosocomial exposure and history of heart failure (HF) showed association with VRE bacteremia. ACM was similar between HDD vs. LDD vs. LZD (16.7% vs. 15.4% vs. 0%, P = 0.52). No differences were seen between LOS, LOT, CS, and DOB between the groups. Conclusion Admission from LTCFs was a risk factor associated with in-hospital mortality in VRE patients. Individuals with history of FQ, CPS and nosocomial exposure as well as history of HF showed increased risk of acquiring VRE bacteremia. There was no difference in ACM, LOS, LOT, and DOB between HDD, LDD and LZD. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.


Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (11) ◽  
pp. 2669 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trevor T. Nyakudya ◽  
Thulani Tshabalala ◽  
Rachael Dangarembizi ◽  
Kennedy H. Erlwanger ◽  
Ashwell R. Ndhlala

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a prevalent, multifactorial and complex disease that is associated with an increased risk of developing diabetes and other major cardiovascular complications. The rise in the global prevalence of MetS has been attributed to genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. The adoption of sedentary lifestyles that are characterized by low physical activity and the consumption of high-energy diets contributes to MetS development. Current management criteria for MetS risk factors involve changes in lifestyle and the use of pharmacological agents that target specific biochemical pathways involved in the metabolism of nutrients. Pharmaceutical drugs are usually expensive and are associated with several undesirable side effects. Alternative management strategies of MetS risk factors involve the use of medicinal plants that are considered to have multiple therapeutic targets and are easily accessible. Medicinal plants contain several different biologically active compounds that provide health benefits. The impact of phytochemicals present in local medicinal plants on sustainable health and well-being of individuals has been studied for many years and found to involve a plethora of complex biochemical, metabolic, and physiological mechanisms. While some of these phytochemicals are the basis of mainstream prescribed drugs (e.g., metformin, reserpine, quinine, and salicin), there is a need to identify more medicinal plants that can be used for the management of components of MetS and to describe their possible mechanisms of action. In this review, we assess the potential health benefits of South African ethnomedicinal plants in protecting against the development of health outcomes associated with MetS. We aim to provide the state of the current knowledge on the use of medicinal plants and their therapeutically important phytochemicals by discussing the current trends, with critical examples from recent primary references of how medicinal plants are being used in South African rural and urban communities.


2012 ◽  
Vol 33 (4_suppl3) ◽  
pp. S260-S271 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadine Elhakim ◽  
Arnaud Laillou ◽  
Anwar El Nakeeb ◽  
Rukia Yacoub ◽  
Magdy Shehata

Background Micronutrient deficiencies, especially iron-deficiency anemia, are a public health problem in Egypt, where anemia rates almost doubled in the years from 2000 to 2005. In 2008, the Government of Egypt began implementation of a 5-year national program to fortify with iron and folic acid the wheat flour used in baking subsidized baladi bread, the staple food consumed by a majority of low-income groups. Objective To project the achievements of this national Wheat Flour Fortification Program. Methods This paper describes the program, estimates the production of fortified flour and consumption of fortified bread, and identifies program challenges and sustainability issues. Results Through the national Wheat Flour Fortification Program, ferrous sulfate and folic acid are now added to all wheat flour produced under the national Food Subsidy Program. Up to 50 million Egyptians nationwide are now consuming quality-assured fortified baladi bread on a daily basis. In 2011, 6.5 million MT of fortified wheat flour was produced by 143 participating public- and private-sector mills. Political changes in Egypt in 2011 did not seem to affect the program; the new leadership in the Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade remains committed to fortification of wheat flour. Conclusions The daily intake of approximately 12 mg of iron and 600 μg of folic acid through the consumption of baladi bread suggests that the impact of the program on the prevention and reduction of iron and folate deficiencies among the Egyptian population could be significant; the results of an end-line survey are pending.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
D Delialis ◽  
I Lamprinoudaki ◽  
S Stergiotis ◽  
R Patras ◽  
P Chatzivasileiou ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) constitutes a marker of ovarian reserve and appears to have a predictive role regarding the time of menopause. Moreover, AMH is associated with adverse cardiac events. History of premature menopause and early onset of menopause have been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease. In addition, menopausal transition and duration of menopause have been associated with increased burden of subclinical atherosclerosis. However, the association between AMH as a marker of female reproductive age with atherosclerosis in premenopausal women is currently unknown. Purpose To investigate whether AMH concentrations are associated with markers of early atherosclerosis in healthy, normally menstruating women. Methods In a cross-sectional study, vascular structure and function were assessed by measurement of carotid and femoral intima-media thickness (IMT), lipid profile and serum AMH concentrations were assessed. Exclusion criteria were clinically overt CV disease, abnormal ovulatory cycles, polycystic ovarian syndrome, acute infection or chronic inflammatory disease, risk factors for CV disease and any medication Results Seventy premenopausal women, aged 32.7±6.5 years, were included. Mean AMH levels were lower in smokers than in non-smokers and negatively associated with total cholesterol (TC) levels. An inverse association between mean AMH concentrations and IMT in all segments was observed. No correlation with other markers of subclinical atherosclerosis or traditional CV risk factors was found. After multi-variable adjustment for traditional CV risk factors, the association between AMH concentrations combined IMT and carotid bulb IMT, remained significant. Conclusions In healthy, normally ovulating women, low AMH concentrations are associated with an adverse lipid profile and subclinical atherosclerosis, independently of traditional CV risk factors. This finding suggest a role of decreased follicular reserve with atherosclerotic disease. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None


2004 ◽  
Vol 91 (03) ◽  
pp. 538-543 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ora Paltiel ◽  
Michael Bursztyn ◽  
Moshe Gatt

SummaryProlonged immobilization and advanced age are considered to be important risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE). Nevertheless, the need for VTE prophylaxis in long-term bedridden patients is not known. To assess whether very prolonged immobilization (i.e. over three months) carries an increased risk for clinically apparent VTE, we performed a historical-cohort study of nursing home residents during a ten-year period. Data concerning patient’s mobility and incidence of overt deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism were registered. The mean resident age was 85 ± 8.4 years. Eighteen mobile and eight immobile patients were diagnosed with clinically significant thromboembolic events, during 1137 and 573 patient-years of follow up, respectively. The incidence of venous thromboembolic events was similar in both chronically immobilized and mobile patient groups, 13.9 and 15.8 per thousand patient years, respectively (p = 0.77). The rate ratio for having a VTE event in the immobilized patient group as compared with the mobile group was 0.88 (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.33 to 2.13). When taking into account baseline characteristics, risk factors and death rates by various causes, no differences were found between the two groups. In conclusion, chronically immobile bedridden patients are no more prone to clinically overt venous thromboembolic events than institutionalized mobile patients. Until further studies are performed concerning the impact of very prolonged immobilization on the risk of VTE, there is no evidence to support primary prevention after the first three months of immobilization. Evidence for efficacy or cost effectiveness beyond this early period is not available.


Blood ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 122 (21) ◽  
pp. 4799-4799
Author(s):  
Soudabeh Hosseeini ◽  
Ebrahim Kalantari ◽  
Akbar Dorgalaleh ◽  
Arash Rozei ◽  
Marzieh Jafari ◽  
...  

Background Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) refers to the formation of a thrombus within a deep vein that frequently occurs after surgical procedures, trauma, in the presence of cancer and immobilization conditions. DVT is a major health problem that causes high rate of morbidity and mortality in the general population. Hyper coagulation states such as antithrombin-III, protein-C and protein-S deficiencies, contribute to formation of DVT. Congenital and acquired gene mutations are other risk factors that stimulate formation of thrombus. Our aims in this study was to molecularly analyze the patients with DVT and assess the impact of common mutations of MTHFR (C677T) (A1298C), PAI-1, Prothrombin 20210 and FV Leiden mutation on occurrence of deep venous thrombosis. Methods This long-term study was conducted from June 2009 to July 2013 on 221 patients with deep venues thrombosis. Two hundred and twenty-one age and sex matched individuals were also chosen as control group. The diagnosis of venous thromboembolic disease was based on patient’s history, clinical findings and D-dimer test. Finally deep venous thrombosis was confirmed with Doppler ultrasonography. In addition, all participants were asked to complete a standardized questionnaire on acquired risk factors for venous thrombosis. After confirmation of DVT, both groups were assessed molecularly for five mutations including, MTHFR C677T, MTHFR A1298C, PAI-1 4G/5G, Prothrombin 20210 and FV Leiden. The relationship between these mutations and the risk of DVT was calculated using logistic regression and expressed as an OR with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results The mean age of patients and control group were 38±0.8 and 3.7± 0.7 years. Our results revealed that the MTHFR C677T (OR 2.9, 95% 95% CI 1.1 to 7.5) and MTHFR A1298C in heterozygote manner (OR 4.3, 95% CI 1.4 to 13.7) were each associated with an increased risk of DVT. The OR associated with being a carrier of the PAI-1 4G/5G genotype was 2.9 (95% CI 1.14 to 7.5). There was a 4-fold increased risk of DVT associated with Prothrombin 20210 mutation in heterozygote manner (OR 4.3, 95% CI 1.4 to 13.7). For patients who were heterozygous for FV Leiden mutation OR DVT was 2.6 (95% CI 1.3 to 5.0). Conclusion Our findings suggest that genetic risk factors have a contributory role on occurrence of DVT. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (34_suppl) ◽  
pp. 180-180
Author(s):  
Yvonne Sada ◽  
Zhigang Duan ◽  
Hashem El-Serag ◽  
Jessica Davila

180 Background: Current guidelines recommend six months of chemotherapy (CT) for stage III colon cancer and consideration for high-risk stage II colon cancer. No previous studies have examined the impact of CT gaps on survival. This retrospective study examines determinants of CT gaps and the effect of gaps on survival. Methods: Using national Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry-Medicare linked data, high-risk stage II and stage III colon cancer patients diagnosed between 2000-2007 who received surgery and CT were identified. CT duration and gaps were calculated. CT gap was defined as 30 to 90 days between two CT claims. Data on demographics, clinical factors (comorbidity, tumor grade), and treatment factors (time to CT initiation, toxicity, hospitalization) were collected. Multivariable regression was used to examine factors associated with gaps. Cox proportional hazards analysis examined the effect of gaps on risk of mortality. Results: 7,371 patients were identified. Median age was 75 (IQR: 71-79); 47% were male. Among all patients, 1,803 (24%) had a gap. 2,674 patients (36%) received 5 to 7 months of CT, of which 469 (18%) had a gap. Multivariable regression analysis showed that patients who were black (OR 1.3, 95% CI: 1.1-1.7), stage III (1.2, 1.0-1.3), had toxicity (1.3, 1.1-1.4), or had 3 to 4 months of CT (vs. 5-7 months, 2.6, 2.3-3.0) were more likely to have a gap, while patients with a more recent diagnosis in 2007(vs. 2000, 0.6, 0.5-0.8) were less likely to have a gap. 3-year cancer-specific survival was the same in all patients with CT gaps compared with no gaps (80%, 95% CI: 78%-82% vs. 81%, 95% CI: 80%-82%). Cox proportional hazard models showed that patients with gaps did not have increased risk of mortality (HR 0.99, 0.89-1.1) adjusting for patient and clinical factors. Among those who received 5 to 7 months of CT, 3-year survival was 8% lower in patients with gaps compared to those with no gaps (80%, 95% CI: 75%-83% vs. 88%, 95% CI: 87%-90%). Conclusions: Nearly 25% of high-risk stage II and III patients who received CT had a gap. CT gaps were associated with worse survival in patients who received 5 to 7 months of CT. Interventions to improve CT toxicity management and reduce gaps are needed to maximize the benefit of CT.


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