scholarly journals Risk Factors for Development of Hypocalcemia in Patients With Cancer Treated With Bone-Modifying Agents

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 420-427
Author(s):  
Paul S. White ◽  
Michael Dennis ◽  
Eric A. Jones ◽  
Janice M. Weinberg ◽  
Shayna Sarosiek

Background: This retrospective analysis describes the prevalence of and risk factors associated with the development of hypocalcemia in patients with cancer receiving bone-modifying agents (BMAs) as supportive care. Patients and Methods: Patients with cancer treated with an intravenous or subcutaneous BMA, including pamidronate, zoledronic acid, or denosumab, at a tertiary care/safety net hospital in 2005 through 2015 were included in this retrospective review. We reviewed the medical records for predictive clinical and laboratory parameters and for patient outcomes. Results: A total of 835 patients with cancer received at least one dose of a BMA during the specified time frame; 205 patients (25%) developed hypocalcemia of CTCAE grade ≥1 within 8 weeks of BMA initiation, 18 of whom (8.8%) had grade ≥3, and 3 patients died as a result. Multivariate analysis showed that patients with hematologic malignancy (odds ratio [OR], 1.956; P=.025), bone metastases (OR, 2.443; P=.017), inpatient status (OR, 2.592; P<.001), and deficient baseline vitamin D levels (OR, 2.546; P<.023) were more likely to develop hypocalcemia. Hypercalcemia before BMA administration (OR, 0.474; P=.032) was protective. Conclusions: Certain patient populations, including those with hematologic malignancies and/or bone metastases, warrant closer monitoring of calcium levels while receiving BMAs because of the high rate of hypocalcemia. Low pretreatment vitamin D levels are associated with the development of hypocalcemia. These data support close monitoring of calcium levels in patients with cancer receiving BMAs, in addition to adequate repletion of vitamin D before initiation of BMAs when possible.

Background: The risk factors for asthma exacerbations are well understood. However, the effect of vitamin D levels on number of asthma exacerbations per year is not clearly studied. The objective of the study was to find out the association of serum vitamin D levels and asthma risk factors on asthma exacerbations. Methods: In this study, ninety-nine subjects from 5 to 15 years of age were recruited at an episode of acute exacerbation. It was a cross sectional study and carried out from 2012 to 2015. Pulmonary function test was done by spirometry. Asthma exacerbation was labeled when forced expiratory volume/ forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) ratio was less than 80% (American Thoracic Society). Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) guidelines were used to classify asthma into mild, moderate and severe persistent asthma. Serum vitamin D levels were measured by chemiluminescence method. Pearson Chi-square test was applied and p value (p<0.05) was considered as statistically significant. Results: Children who had exposure to animal dander had significantly lower asthma exacerbations per year (p-value <0.046). There was no significant association between vitamin D levels and number of exacerbations per years (p-value <0.099). Asthma was prevalent in girls of low socioeconomic status (SES) compared to males. However, there was no significant association between smoke, exercise, home environment, food allergies, weather, pollen and dust with asthma exacerbations. Conclusion: Low levels of vitamin D were not associated with increased number of asthma exacerbations per year. However, children exposed to animal dander had lesser number of exacerbations per year (p-value <0.046). Keywords: Asthma; Vitamin D; Children; Exacerbations, Risk factors.


Author(s):  
Marco Zaffanello ◽  
Giuliana Ferrante ◽  
Salvatore Fasola ◽  
Michele Piazza ◽  
Giorgio Piacentini ◽  
...  

Seasonal variations in UV-B radiation may influence vitamin D status, and this, in turn, may influence the risk of bronchiolitis hospitalization. The aim of this study was using a causal inference approach to investigate, simultaneously, the interrelationships between personal and environmental risk factors at birth/hospital admission (RFBH), serum vitamin D levels and bronchiolitis hospitalization. A total of 63 children (<2 years old) hospitalized for bronchiolitis (34 RSV-positive) and 63 controls were consecutively enrolled (2014–2016). Vitamin D levels and some RFBH (birth season, birth weight, gestational age, gender, age, weight, hospitalization season) were recorded. The discovered RFBH effects on the risk ok bronchiolitis hospitalization were decomposed into direct and vitamin-D mediated ones through Mediation Analysis. Winter-spring season (vs. summer-autumn) was significantly associated with lower vitamin D levels (mean difference −11.14 nmol/L). Increasing serum vitamin D levels were significantly associated with a lower risk of bronchiolitis hospitalization (OR = 0.84 for a 10-nmol/L increase). Winter-spring season and gestational age (one-week increase) were significantly and directly associated with bronchiolitis hospitalization (OR = 6.37 and OR = 0.78 respectively), while vitamin D-mediated effects were negligible (1.21 and 1.02 respectively). Using a comprehensive causal approach may enhance the understanding of the complex interrelationships among RFBH, vitamin D and bronchiolitis hospitalization.


Author(s):  
Ara H Rostomian ◽  
Daniel Sanchez ◽  
Jonathan Soverow

Background: Several studies have examined the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among larger racial and ethnic groups such as Hispanics and African-Americans in the United States, but limited information is available on smaller subgroups such as Armenians. According to the World Health Organization, Armenia ranks eighth in CVD rates among all countries however it is unclear if Armenian immigrants living in the US have the same high rates of disease. This study examined whether being of Armenian descent increased the risk of having a positive exercise treadmill test (ETT) among patients treated at a safety net hospital in Los Angeles County. Methods: Data on patients who received an ETT from 2008-2011 were used to conduct a retrospective analysis of the relationship between Armenian ethnicity and ETT result as a surrogate measure for CVD. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the odds ratios (OR) for having a positive ETT among Armenians relative to non-Armenians, adjusting for the following pre-specified covariates: gender, age, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, smoking, family history of coronary artery disease (CAD), and patient history of CAD. Results: A total of 5,297 patients, ages 18 to 89, were included. Of these, 13% were Armenian and 46% were male, with an average age of 53 years. Armenians had higher odds of having a positive ETT than non-Armenians (Crude OR=1.30, p=0.037, CI:1.02,1.66). After adjusting for CV risk factors, Armenians were still significantly more likely to have a positive ETT than non-Armenians (OR=1.33, p=0.029, CI:1.03,1.71). CAD (OR 2.02, p<0.001, CI:1.38,2.96), and hyperlipidemia (OR=1.31, p=0.008, CI:1.07,1.60) were also significantly associated with a positive ETT. Conclusion: Armenians have a higher likelihood of having a positive ETT than non-Armenians. This relationship appears to be independent of traditional CV risk factors and suggests a role for cultural and/or genetic influences.


Author(s):  
Hamed Abdollahi ◽  
Farahnaz Salehinia ◽  
Mostafa Badeli ◽  
Elmira Karimi ◽  
Hossein Gandomkar ◽  
...  

Background: In Covid-19 infection, leukopenia, inflammation, and elevated liver enzymes are found in most patients. Also, vitamin D deficiency attenuate the immune system and predispose a person more susceptible to infection. In this context, we aimed to evaluate vitamin D, Electrolytes, Complete blood count, Liver enzymes, Urea, Creatinine, Albumin, CRP and ESR levels in patients with Covid-19. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study on 118 patients with Covid-19 who were hospitalized from 2020/2/19 to 2020/4/3 in ICU. Serum levels of electrolytes, liver enzymes, blood factors, urea, creatinine, CRP and ESR as well as anthropometric parameters and serum vitamin D concentration were measured. Results: A total of 118 patients (80 male and 38 female) was enrolled in the study (65.05±15.75 years). Only 5.08% of patients had no risk factors and 55.9% had ≥ 2 risk factors. Diabetes (44.1%) and obesity (23.7%) were more common among patients. Laboratory finding showed that 80.50% of patients had hyponatremia, but other electrolytes included K, Mg, Ca and P were normal in majority of participants as well as CBC, Cr, Urea, Alb, ALT and ALKP. The AST concentration increased in most patients (66.94%). All patients had high levels of inflammatory factors such as CRP and ESR. The mean of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D levels in participants (25.95 ± 14.56 ng/mL) was lower than its levels in general papulation. However, it was not statistically significant (P= 0.88). A significant negative correlation found between vitamin D and ALT (P= 0.02, -0.21) as well as vitamin D and CRP (P= 0.05, -0.17). Conclusion: Regarding to the regulatory role of vitamin D in immune system and low levels of vitamin D in Covid-19 infected patients, the evaluation of vitamin D levels and prescribe supplements if necessary is suggested.


Author(s):  
Harleen Kour ◽  
Shashi Gupta ◽  
Swarn K. Gupta ◽  
Bawa Ram Bhagat ◽  
Gagan Singh

Background: In the recent years there has been an increased understanding of the role that vitamin D plays in regulation of cell growth, calcium absorption and immunity and its impact on the developing fetus and maternal health is of significant concern. This study aims at evaluating the Vitamin D status in pregnant women and their newborns.Methods: A cross sectional study was done on 100 pregnant females according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. At the time of delivery, maternal blood was collected, and newborn samples were taken from newborn side of umbilical cord and sent for analysis.Results: The prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency has been found to be 85% of pregnant females and 91% of the newborns. Only 5% of pregnant females and 1% of the newborns showed Vitamin D sufficiency. Maternal and newborn vitamin D levels show a positive correlation. Mean maternal and newborn Vitamin D levels were found to be 16.78±7.04 ng/mL and 11.29±5.75 ng/ml.Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent among pregnant women in north India. Low maternal vitamin D levels lead to vitamin D deficiency in the newborns also.


Cureus ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mukesh Kumar ◽  
Masroor Ahmed ◽  
Ghulam Hussain ◽  
Muhammad Bux ◽  
Naveed Ahmed ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A345-A346
Author(s):  
Erin E Finn ◽  
Lindsay Schlichting ◽  
Rocio Ines Pereira

Abstract Background: COVID 19 disproportionately impacts individuals with diabetes leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Hyperglycemia is common in hospitalized patients with COVID requiring intensive monitoring and management. Close monitoring of glucoses requires increased use of personal protective equipment (PPE), which has been in limited supply since the beginning of the pandemic. The FDA granted conditional allowance for use of continuous glucose monitors (CGM) in hospital settings during the COVID pandemic to allow for preservation of PPE. We present the process of implementing a continuous glucose monitoring program in an urban safety net hospital. Methods: The program was implemented at a county urban safety net hospital. Patients were eligible to be started on Dexcom G6 CGM if they had hyperglycemia requiring multiple insulin injections daily, were in contact isolation, and were located in 1 of 3 units of the hospital (medical intensive care unit [MICU], surgical intensive care unit, COVID 19 floor unit). Initial program was started in the MICU and subsequently expanded. Nurses and staff underwent training using videos, in-person demonstrations, and written guides. Informational Technology modified the electronic medical system to allow for ordering and documentation of CGM values by nurses. Supplies were stored both on unit and in central supply allowing for primary team to initiate monitoring independent of diabetes team. Records of patients participating in program were maintained by the diabetes team. Amount of PPE saved was estimated to be 10 instances/day while on insulin drip and 3/day when using subcutaneous insulin. Results: A total of 69 patients used a CGM during their hospital course. Average age was 56 years old, 69 % were male, average BMI 31, and 84% had known diabetes prior to admission. The majority of patients were critically ill with 68% intubated, 48% on vasopressors, 6% requiring dialysis, 38% on insulin drip, 46% were on tube feeds, and 74% received steroids. The racial demographics of the patients were 72% White, 3% Black, 4% Native American, 4% Asian, and 14% other. For ethnicity, 73% identified as Hispanic and half spoke Spanish as their primary language. An estimated 2600 instances of PPE were saved. Challenges that were faced in implementing the program included consistent training of large numbers of staff, maintaining supplies in stock, troubleshooting discordant values, and restricting use of CGM to patients who met qualifications. Conclusion: Overall, the implementation of CGM was successful and received a positive response. Staff in the primary units quickly became comfortable with the application of the technology. Potential challenges in the future include ongoing training, improving troubleshooting of technology, validating the accuracy of the devices, and developing funding for CGM equipment and interpretation.


2016 ◽  
Vol 220 ◽  
pp. 501-507 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Cabral ◽  
Joana Araújo ◽  
Joana Teixeira ◽  
Henrique Barros ◽  
Sandra Martins ◽  
...  

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