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Objective: To determine the association between psychotic experiences and nonpsychotic mental disorders in the general population. Methodology: Analytical prevalence study with secondary information source applied in the general population aged 15 to 65 years old, randomly selected by probabilistic sampling. The instrument for collecting the information was the Composite International Diagnosis Interview (CIDI), which diagnoses 23 mental disorders according to the DSM-IV criteria (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). Sociodemographic and psychiatric clinical variables were assessed, but the main variable evaluated consisted in six psychotic experiences (hallucinations and delusions). The primary study was approved by the University Research and Ethics Committee. The p-value

Traumatic events and violence are widespread public health problems. They do not have limits related to age, sex or socioeconomic level. The prevalence of mental disorders and sociodemographic characteristics were compared in the context of traumatic events and types of violence in the general population.Observational prevalence study with a secondary information source, in the general population aged 13 to 65 years, selected at random. The interview was conducted using the Compositum International Diagnosis Interview which generates psychiatric diagnoses according to the DSM-IV. The variables included were traumatic events grouped into five categories: related to armed conflict, sexual violence, interfamily violence, other types of violence, traumas and some mental disorders. The prevalence of mental disorders was compared in the five categories of traumatic events. Statistical significance was defined as a p value of0.05.Sexual and interfamily violence were more prevalent in women (p0.05). In those under age 13, major depression related to armed conflict had a prevalence of 48.3%, with a significant difference from the other trauma groups (p=0.015). All prevalences for childhood-onset disorders showed significantly different prevalences compared with the group for violence related to armed conflict (p0.05) and suicidal ideation was higher in the sexual violence group (p=0.006).High prevalences of mental disorders were found in people who had been exposed to traumatic events and violence. In those who experienced traumatic events related to armed conflict and sexual violence, higher prevalences of certain mental disorders were detected.

The most representative indicator of vitamin D status in clinical practice is 25(OH)D3, but new biomarkers could improve the assessment of vitamin D status and metabolism. The objective of this study is to investigate the association of serum vitamin D metabolites and vitamin D metabolite ratios (VMRs) with potentially influential factors in premenopausal women. This is a cross-sectional study based on 1422 women, aged 39-50, recruited from a Madrid Medical Diagnostic Center. Participants answered an epidemiological and a food frequency questionnaire. Serum vitamin D metabolites were determined using an SPE-LC-MS/MS platform. The association between participant's characteristics, vitamin D metabolites, and VMRs was quantified by multiple linear regression models. Mean 25(OH)D3 concentration was 49.2 + 18.9 nmol/L, with greater deficits among obese, nulliparous, dark-skinned women, and with less sun exposure. A lower R2 ratio (1,25(OH)2D3/25(OH)D3) and a higher R4 (24,25(OH)2D3/1,25(OH)2D3) were observed in nulliparous women, with high sun exposure, and those with low caloric intake or high consumption of calcium, vitamin D supplements, or alcohol. Nulliparous women had lower R1 (25(OH)D3/Vit D3) and R3 (24,25(OH)2D3/25(OH)D3), and older women showed lower R3 and R4. Vitamin D status modified the association of the VMRs with seasons. VMRs can be complementary indicators of vitamin D status and its endogenous metabolism, and reveal the influence of certain individual characteristics on the expression of hydroxylase enzymes. This study was funded by the Spanish Ministry of Health (EC11–273) and by the Carlos III Institute of Health (PI15CIII/0029). The article presents independent research. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Carlos III Institute of Health. Sí

Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) may exist before or occur early in the course of pulmonary embolism (PE). We determined the PE outcomes based on the presence and timing of AF. Methods and Results Using the data from a multicenter PE registry, we identified 3 groups: (1) those with preexisting AF, (2) patients with new AF within 2 days from acute PE (incident AF), and (3) patients without AF. We assessed the 90‐day and 1‐year risk of mortality and stroke in patients with AF, compared with those without AF (reference group). Among 16 497 patients with PE, 792 had preexisting AF. These patients had increased odds of 90‐day all‐cause (odds ratio [OR], 2.81; 95% CI, 2.33–3.38) and PE‐related mortality (OR, 2.38; 95% CI, 1.37–4.14) and increased 1‐year hazard for ischemic stroke (hazard ratio, 5.48; 95% CI, 3.10–9.69) compared with those without AF. After multivariable adjustment, preexisting AF was associated with significantly increased odds of all‐cause mortality (OR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.57–2.32) but not PE‐related mortality (OR, 1.50; 95% CI, 0.85–2.66). Among 16 497 patients with PE, 445 developed new incident AF within 2 days of acute PE. Incident AF was associated with increased odds of 90‐day all‐cause (OR, 2.28; 95% CI, 1.75–2.97) and PE‐related (OR, 3.64; 95% CI, 2.01–6.59) mortality but not stroke. Findings were similar in multivariable analyses. Conclusions In patients with acute symptomatic PE, both preexisting AF and incident AF predict adverse clinical outcomes. The type of adverse outcomes may differ depending on the timing of AF onset.

Background: Carriers of the G2019S mutation of LRRK2 provide a great opportunity to investigate the premotor stages of Parkinson's disease (PD). We have studied by serial clinical and dopamine transporter single photon emission computed tomography (DaT-SPECT) evaluations a cohort of asymptomatic carriers of the LRRK2-G2019S mutation in order to evaluate the usefulness of these tools as biomarkers. Here we report the results of the extended follow-up of this cohort at 8 years. Methods: Seventeen participants, of the 25 available from the 4-year evaluation, completed the 8-year assessment. UPDRS-III, UPSIT test and DaT-SPECT imaging (123I-ioflupane) were performed. We used repeated-measures linear mixed effects models to examine the changes in DaT binding over time. Results: Three carriers had converted to PD at 4 years. One additional carrier converted at 8 years. PD-converters had lower striatal DaT binding at baseline than non-converters. There was a significant decline of DaT binding over time, with a mean annual rate of 3.5%, with somewhat inter-individual and intra-individual variability and comparable between PD-converters and non-converters. No carrier with DAT binding ratio above an undefined threshold between 0.5 and 0.8 developed PD symptoms. The age-adjusted UPSIT score did not change significantly over time. Conclusions: The rate of conversion to PD at 8 years in this cohort aged ~58 years at baseline was 16%. The observed decline of DaT binding over time and its association with the phenotype render DaT-SPECT a potentially useful tool for monitoring the premotor stage of the disease, although at the individual level its ability to predict phenoconversion is limited.

In Europe, gastric adenocarcinoma (GADC) is commonly regarded as a disease of the elderly. This study aims to assess the proportion, characteristics, and survival of patients diagnosed with GADC under the age of 60.This is a retrospective, multicentric, and analytical study conducted at four tertiary Spanish hospitals. All patients diagnosed with GADC between 2008 and 2015 were included. Demographic, clinical, endoscopic, histologic, and survival data were retrieved. A multivariate analysis was performed to compare GADC in young (age≤60 years) and elderly patients.A total of 1374 patients with GADC were included. The mean age was 74 years (SD:11.1); 62.2% were males. There were 177 patients under the age of 60 (12.9%, 95% CI: 11.2-14.8%). GADC was frequently encountered as a metastatic disease in both young and elderly patients (Stage IV: 45.7% and 41%, respectively). In the multivariate analysis, alcohol abuse, ASA functional status I-II, diffuse subtype, neoadjuvant, and palliative therapy were independently associated (P0.05) with age ≤60 years. No differences were found in 2-year survival (GADC ≤60: 39% vs. 35%, P=0.45). Curative-intent surgery, TNM stage I-II, body mass index30kg/mOne out of eight cases of GADC were diagnosed under the age of 60. Metastatic disease was frequent at diagnosis and overall survival was poor regardless of age. Factors associated with localized disease correlated with improved survival in younger patients. Our results underline the need for early diagnosis strategies in our country.

Missed gastric cancer (MGC) is poorly documented in Mediterranean populations.(1) To assess the rate, predictors and survival of MGC. (2) To compare MGC and non-MGC tumors.This is a retrospective-cohort study conducted at four centers. MGC was defined as cancer detected within three years after negative esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Gastric adenocarcinomas diagnosed between 2008-2015 were included. Patients with no follow-up were excluded.During the study period 123,395 esophagogastroduodenoscopies were performed, with 1374 gastric cancers being diagnosed (1.1%). A total of 1289 gastric cancers were finally included. The overall rate of MGC was 4.7% (61/1289, 3.7-6%). A negative esophagogastroduodenoscopy in MGC patients was independently associated with PPI therapy (p 0.001), previous Billroth II anastomosis (p = 0.002), and lack of alarm symptoms (p 0.001). The most frequent location for MGC was the gastric body(52.4%). MGCs were smaller than non-MGCs (31 vs 41 mm, p = 0.047), more often flat or depressed (p = 0.003) and less likely to be encountered as advanced disease. Overall 2-year survival was similar between MGC (34.1%) and Non-MGC (35.3 %) (p = 0.59).MGC accounted for nearly five percent of newly-diagnosed gastric adenocarcinomas. Overall survival was poor and not different between MGC and non-MGC.

espanolIntroduccion El trasplante autologo de precursores hematopoyeticos (TPHA) es una modalidad de tratamiento aceptada para la enfermedad de Crohn (EC) refractaria. Material y metodos Se recogen los pacientes con EC refractaria sometidos a TPHA en el hospital Universitario Ramon y Cajal de Madrid y se describen de forma retrospectiva los resultados obtenidos. Resultados Un total de 7 pacientes han recibido TPHA debido a EC refractaria en nuestro centro. Tres pacientes (43%) presentaron remision clinica y endoscopica; un paciente (14%) mejoria clinica sin remision y 3 pacientes (43%) permanecian activos con necesidad de reinicio del tratamiento en la valoracion de la respuesta inicial al TPHA (a 6 meses). Los sintomas recurrieron en 5 de los 7 pacientes (71%), y todos ellos requirieron reinicio de tratamiento medico a una media de 13,8 meses (rango: 3-30 meses). Solo un paciente requirio cirugia tras el TPHA. Al final del seguimiento a una media de 48 meses (rango: 17-78 meses) 5/7 (71%) de los pacientes estaban en remision clinica con o sin tratamiento. Conclusion El TPHA puede ser una opcion terapeutica prometedora para pacientes con EC refractaria. Su utilidad radica en que puede producir la remision clinica sin tratamiento en algunos pacientes, pero tambien en que puede hacer la enfermedad tratable, consiguiendo respuesta a determinados tratamientos en pacientes que la habian perdido previamente. EnglishAbstract Introduction Autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) is an accepted treatment in refractory Crohn's disease (CD). Material and methods Data on patients with refractory CD subjected to AHSCT are collected at the Hospital Universitario Ramon y Cajal in Madrid and the results obtained are described retrospectively. Results Seven patients in total have received AHSCT due to refractory CD in our centre. Three patients (43%) presented with clinical and endoscopic remission; one patient (14%) clinical improvement without remission and three patients (43%) remained active with the need to restart treatment in the assessment of the initial response to the AHSCT (after six months). Symptoms recurred in five of the seven patients (71%) and all of them had to restart medical treatment after an average of 13.8 months (range: 3–30 months). Only one patient needed surgery after the AHSCT. At the end of the follow-up, after a mean of 48 months (range: 17–78 months), 5/7 (71%) of the patients were in clinical remission with or without treatment. Conclusion AHSCT may be a promising therapeutic option for patients with refractory CD. Its usefulness lies in the fact that it can produce clinical remission without treatment in some patients, but also that it can make the disease treatable, obtaining a response to certain treatments in patients who had previously lost it.

Introduction Autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) is an accepted treatment in refractory Crohn's disease (CD). Material and methods Data on patients with refractory CD subjected to AHSCT are collected at the Hospital Universitario Ramon y Cajal in Madrid and the results obtained are described retrospectively. Results Seven patients in total have received AHSCT due to refractory CD in our centre. Three patients (43%) presented with clinical and endoscopic remission; one patient (14%) clinical improvement without remission and three patients (43%) remained active with the need to restart treatment in the assessment of the initial response to the AHSCT (after six months). Symptoms recurred in five of the seven patients (71%) and all of them had to restart medical treatment after an average of 13.8 months (range: 3–30 months). Only one patient needed surgery after the AHSCT. At the end of the follow-up, after a mean of 48 months (range: 17–78 months), 5/7 (71%) of the patients were in clinical remission with or without treatment. Conclusion AHSCT may be a promising therapeutic option for patients with refractory CD. Its usefulness lies in the fact that it can produce clinical remission without treatment in some patients, but also that it can make the disease treatable, obtaining a response to certain treatments in patients who had previously lost it.

Introduction In recent years, multiple studies have aimed to develop and validate portable technological devices capable of monitoring the motor complications of Parkinson’s disease patients (Parkinson’s Holter). The effectiveness of these monitoring devices for improving clinical control is not known. Methods and analysis This is a single-blind, cluster-randomised controlled clinical trial. Neurologists from Spanish health centres will be randomly assigned to one of three study arms (1:1:1): (a) therapeutic adjustment using information from a Parkinson’s Holter that will be worn by their patients for 7 days, (b) therapeutic adjustment using information from a diary of motor fluctuations that will be completed by their patients for 7 days and (c) therapeutic adjustment using clinical information collected during consultation. It is expected that 162 consecutive patients will be included over a period of 6 months. The primary outcome is the efficiency of the Parkinson’s Holter compared with traditional clinical practice in terms of Off time reduction with respect to the baseline (recorded through a diary of motor fluctuations, which will be completed by all patients). As secondary outcomes, changes in variables related to other motor complications (dyskinesia and freezing of gait), quality of life, autonomy in activities of daily living, adherence to the monitoring system and number of doctor–patient contacts will be analysed. The noninferiority of the Parkinson’s Holter against the diary of motor fluctuations in terms of Off time reduction will be studied as the exploratory objective. Ethics and dissemination approval for this study has been obtained from the Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge Ethics Committee. The results of this study will inform the practical utility of the objective information provided by a Parkinson’s Holter and, therefore, the convenience of adopting this technology in clinical practice and in future clinical trials. We expect public dissemination of the results in 2022. Trial registration NCT04176302;https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT04176302

Objective: To identify the causes of breastfeeding abandonment and the success factors associated with relactation in mothers with children attended in a specialised health institution. Methodology: Descriptive transversal design through non-probabilistic convenience sampling, with 100 mothers and their children. A structured survey was used and central tendency measurements and frequencies were analysed. The study was approved by the Ethics committee of the School of Health Sciences at the University Pontificia Bolivariana. Results: The average age was 26.8 years; 73 % had a low socioeconomic level; 59 % were cohabitating; 46 % were housewives; 32 % had a high school degree; 57 % were first-time mothers; 74 % had a high obstetric risk; and 59 % had children by caesarean section. Causes of breastfeeding abandonment were newborn hospitalization (79 %) and low birth weight (52 %). Health professionals suggested substitutes for hypogalactia in 18 % of the mothers. Incorrect maternal posture: 66.1 and 61 % with no previous experience. Relactation success factors were: chronological age under one month (48 %); effective newborn breast sucking (89 %); good newborn breast grasping (71 %). During the non-breastfeeding period, 72 % received mixed milk, 82 % did not breastfeed between 8 and 30 days, 98 % of the mothers were willing to relactate, 91 % considered the support of their families and health professionals as good. Conclusion: Children hospitalization was the main cause of breastfeeding abandonment and the main success factors for relactation were effective breast sucking, mothers’ readiness and support. RESUMEN Objetivo: identificar las causas de abandono de la lactancia materna y los factores de éxito para la relactación en madres con hijos atendidos en una institución de salud. Metodología: descriptivo, transversal. Muestreo no probabilístico a conveniencia, con una muestra de cien madres y sus hijos. Se utilizó una encuesta estructurada y se analizaron las medidas de tendencia central y las frecuencias. El estudio fue aprobado por el comité de ética de la Escuela de Ciencias de la Salud de la Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana. Resultados: las participantes tenían una media de edad de 26,8 años; el 73 % era de estrato socioeconómico bajo; el 59 % se encontraba en unión libre; el 46 % eran amas de casa; el 32 % contaba con bachillerato completo; el 57 % eran primigestantes; el 74 % tenía un alto riesgo obstétrico; y el 59 % tuvieron a su hijo por cesárea. Causas de abandono de la lactancia: hospitalización de los neonatos (79 %) y bajo peso al nacer (52 %). El personal de salud sugirió sucedáneos por hipogalactia en el 18 % de las madres. Postura incorrecta de la madre: 66,1 y 61 %, sin experiencias previas. Factores de éxito para relactar: edad cronológica menor de un mes (48 %); el bebé succionó al ponerlo al pecho (89 %); buen agarre (71 %). Durante el periodo de no lactancia, el 72 % recibió leche mixta, el 82 % no lactó entre 8 y 30 días, el 98 % de las madres estuvieron dispuestas a relactar, el 91 % consideró bueno el apoyo de sus familias y del personal de salud. Conclusión: la hospitalización del hijo fue la principal causa de abandono de la lactancia, y los principales factores de éxito para la relactación fueron la succión efectiva, la disposición de las madres y el apoyo. RESUMO Objetivo: identificar as causas de abandono do aleitamento materno e os fatores de sucesso para a relactação em mães de filhos atendidos em uma unidade de saúde. Metodologia: descritiva e transversal. Amostragem não probabilística por conveniência, com 100 mães e seus filhos. Um questionário estruturado foi utilizado e as medidas de tendência central e as frequências foram analisadas. O estudo foi aprovado pelo comitê de ética da Escola de Ciências da Saúde da Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Colômbia. Resultados: as participantes tinham em média 26,8 anos de idade; 73 % eram de classe social baixa; 59 % estavam em união estável; 46 % eram donas de casa; 32 % contavam com ensino médio completo; 57 % eram primigestas; 74 % tinham alto risco obstétrico, e 59 % tiveram seu filho por cesariana. Causas de abandono do aleitamento: hospitalização dos recém-nascidos (79 %) e baixo peso ao nascer (52 %). A equipe de saúde sugeriu a hipogalactia como causa da substituição do leite materno em 18 % das mães; postura incorreta da mãe em 66,1 % e 61 % devido à falta de experiência. Fatores de sucesso para relactar: idade cronológica menor de um mês (48 %); sucção do peito por parte bebê (89 %); pega correta (71 %). Durante o período de não aleitamento materno, 72 % receberam aleitamento misto; 82 % não lactaram entre 8 e 30 dias; 98 % das mães estiveram dispostas a relactar; 91 % consideraram o apoio de suas famílias e da equipe de saúde como bom. Conclusões: o internamento do filho foi a principal causa do abandono do aleitamento materno, e os principais fatores de relactação foram a sucção efetiva, a disposição das mães e o apoio.

BACKGROUND Multimodal MRI approach is based on a combination of MRI parameters sensitive to different tissue characteristics (eg, volume atrophy, iron deposition, and microstructural damage). The main objective of the present study was to use a multimodal MRI approach to identify brain differences that could discriminate between matched groups of patients with multiple system atrophy, Parkinson's disease, and healthy controls. We assessed the 2 different MSA variants, namely, MSA-P, with predominant parkinsonism, and MSA-C, with more prominent cerebellar symptoms. METHODS Twenty-six PD patients, 29 MSA patients (16 MSA-P, 13 MSA-C), and 26 controls underwent 3-T MRI comprising T2*-weighted, T1-weighted, and diffusion tensor imaging scans. Using whole-brain voxel-based MRI, we combined gray-matter density, T2* relaxation rates, and diffusion tensor imaging scalars to compare and discriminate PD, MSA-P, MSA-C, and healthy controls. RESULTS Our main results showed that this approach reveals multiparametric modifications within the cerebellum and putamen in both MSA-C and MSA-P patients, compared with PD patients. Furthermore, our findings revealed that specific single multimodal MRI markers were sufficient to discriminate MSA-P and MSA-C patients from PD patients. Moreover, the unsupervised analysis based on multimodal MRI data could regroup individuals according to their clinical diagnosis, in most cases. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that multimodal MRI is able to discriminate patients with PD from those with MSA with high accuracy. The combination of different MR biomarkers could be a great tool in early stage of disease to help diagnosis. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Objectives A recent study showed that Arab-Berbers GG homozygous at rs2421947(C/G) in the dynamin 3 gene (DNM3) had 12.5 years earlier age at onset of leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2)-associated Parkinson's disease (PD) (L2PD). We explored whether this variant modulates the L2PD age at onset in Spain. Methods We genotyped rs2421947 in 329 participants (210 L2PD patients, 119 L2PD nonmanifesting p.G2019S carriers), and marker rs356219 (A/G) in the α-synuclein gene (SNCA). Results By Kaplan Meier and Cox regression analyses, we did not find an association of the DNM3 polymorphism with L2PD age at onset. However, we found an association of the SNCA marker with up to an 11 years difference in the L2PD median age at onset (58 years for GG carriers vs 69 years for AA). Conclusion Our results indicate that SNCA rs356219 but not dynamin 3 DNM3 rs2421947 modifies the penetrance of the mutation G2019S in the Spanish population by influencing the L2PD age at onset. These findings suggest that different genetic modifiers may influence the L2PD age at onset in different populations. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Introduction. Among patients with mental illness, dual disorders patients are characterized by a heterogeneous and more severe clinical presentation that is difficult to treat. Therefore, knowledge about the distribution of this disorder and the characteristics of these patients can be helpful to optimize and organize health resources. Objective. To explore the prevalence and socio-demographic and clinical factors associated with dual disorders patients who were hospitalized due to mental illness at a psychiatric unit in Colombia between January and June 2013; this data was collected and analyzed on the basis of the medical records of each patient. Method. Observational, quantitative, cross-sectional study of a secondary source. It included the analysis of 201 patients aged 18 to 65. Results. There were 201 patients analyzed; 45.3% had dual disorders, with a ratio of 2.24 men:women; there was a high frequency of single marital status (69.2%) and more than 90% had a low socioeconomic level. The factors significantly associated with dual disorders in order of importance were: age from 18 to 35 years (OR = 11.03; CI 95% [4.43, 27.46]), male (OR = 5.10, CI 95% [2.26, 11.50]), history of aggression (OR = 3.35; CI 95% [1.63, 6.91]), and readmission in the year after hospital discharge (OR = 2.23; CI 95% [1.08, 4.61]). Discussion and conclusion. Dual disorders prevalence in this study is similar to that found by other authors. The high prevalence of dual disorders requires specialized therapeutic programs for treatment. The more hospitals know about the associated variables in this study, the more they will be able to improve their approach to patients.

Objective:To assess the value of baseline clinical and imaging biomarkers in a cohort of asymptomatic LRRK2 G2019S carriers for predicting conversion to Parkinson disease (PD) at 4 years.Methods:Thirty-two asymptomatic carriers of LRRK2 G2019S mutation underwent baseline and 4-year evaluation including clinical examination (Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, part III, olfaction University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test [UPSIT]) and dopamine transporter (DaT) SPECT (123I-ioflupane). Visual and semiquantitative analysis of images was performed. The specific striatal binding ratio was calculated (striatal region of interest [ROI] − occipital ROI/occipital ROI).Results:Three carriers, asymptomatic at baseline, had converted to PD at 4-year evaluation. Twenty-three participants were fully evaluated. PD converters had lower striatal DaT binding at baseline than nonconverters (p = 0.002). A baseline scan with a ratio of bilateral striatal uptake below 1 predicted conversion to PD within the 4-year period with high sensitivity and specificity (area under the curve 1; p = 0.006). The slope of DaT binding decline between the 2 scans was similar in PD converters and nonconverters. Age-adjusted UPSIT score at baseline and at 4 years was similar in both groups.Conclusions:Semiquantitative DaT-SPECT could be used to predict early conversion to PD in asymptomatic carriers of the LRRK2 G2019S mutation. Rate of conversion to PD at 4 years in this cohort aged ∼64 years was 12%. The slope of DaT binding decline on DaT-SPECT imaging seems to be similar across different stages of the premotor period.

Background and Aim The need for endoscopic investigation in patients with iron deficiency without anemia (ID) is not established. Methods Data from patients with ID (serum ferritin ≤20 ng/mL, normal hemoglobin) studied with upper and lower endoscopy were retrospectively analyzed. Patients evaluated for iron deficiency anemia (IDA) served as controls, matched by sex and age in a proportion 2:1. Presence, type, location and age distribution of endoscopic findings were compared. Results 109 patients (55% females; mean age 59.6 ± 13.5 years; age distribution

Biomarkers will have an important role in the diagnosis, prognosis and response to treatment in bronchiectasis during the transition towards precision medicinehttp://bit.ly/30swlUK

The aim of this study is to analyse the percentage of hypovitaminosis D, as well as its relationship with the various parameters of calcium-phosphate metabolism. A case control study was conducted on 366 patients, divided into two groups: Group 1: 127 non-stone-forming patients, and Group 2: 239 calcium stone forming. A study was performed on calcium-phosphate metabolism and urinary lithogenic factors. The percentage of vitamin D deficiency (25-OH-vitamin D levels

Background: Mycophenolate (MF) is effective as induction and maintenance treatment in patients with lupus nephritis (LN). This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of MF in patients with refractory and relapsing LN. Methods: Data were retrospectively obtained for 85 patients (35 refractory and 50 relapsing) from 11 nephrology departments in Spain. The primary endpoints were the incidence and cumulative number of renal responses and relapses and their relationship with baseline clinical and analytical data. The secondary endpoint was the appearance of side effects. Results: The main clinical and analytical variables were similar both in refractory and relapsing LN. Most of the patients had received cyclophosphamide, and all of them switched to MF. 74 patients (87%) achieved a response (69% partial, 31% complete). Age at starting MF, gender, pathological classification, body mass index, blood pressure, baseline renal function, and proteinuria were not associated with achieving response. After stopping MF, 3 of 19 patients (15.7%) relapsed, all at 6 months of follow-up. No differences were found between clinical and analytical variables and number of relapses. Side effects were unremarkable, except for 1 patient, who died of thrombocytopenia and ovarian hemorrhage. Conclusions: Switching to MF from other immunosuppressive treatments is effective and safe in refractory and relapsing LN.

Background/Purpose: Psoriasis is a multisystem disease which has been related to vitamin-D deficiency through chronic inflammation. This psoriasis-related inflammatory state and vitamin-D deficiency may induce bone mineral density loss. The purpose of this study is to assess the relationship of psoriasis with bone mineral density, by comparing psoriatic patients with healthy controls and patients with osteopenia/osteoporosis. Methods: A total of 185 subjects were studied; 58 psoriatic patients who had not been under systemic or biological treatment were included. Age, gender, body mass index, phosphocalcic metabolic parameters and hip and lumbar (L4) bone mineral density data were collected. These variables were compared with those collected in 61 healthy controls and 67 patients with osteopenia/osteoporosis. Results: Psoriatic patients showed worse hip and lumbar spine bone mineral density levels than healthy controls (P = 0.001) and better levels than osteoporotic patients (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis demonstrated a negative association of age and a positive association of body mass index in hip bone mineral density in psoriatic patients. Limitations: The main limitations are those of cross-sectional studies, such as a lack of follow up period, and a male predominance in the psoriatic group, which is corrected employing a multivariate analysis with an adjusted model for confounding factors. Conclusions: Bone mineral density levels in psoriatic patients are situated halfway between healthy controls and patients with osteopenia/osteoporosis. In addition, the higher body mass index in patients with psoriasis appears to confer a protective effect against further development of lower bone mineral density.

Background Low serum uric acid (UA) levels have been associated with increased Parkinson's disease (PD) risk and accelerated disease progression. We analyzed the effect of polymorphisms in 9 genes influencing serum UA concentration on the risk of PD. Methods We genotyped SLC2A9 rs734553, ABCG2 rs2231142, SLC17A1 rs1183201, SLC22A11 rs17300741, SLC22A12 rs505802, GCKR rs780094, PDZK1 rs12129861, LRRC16A+SCGN rs742132, and SLC16A9 rs12356193 in 1061 PD patients and 754 controls. For each subject we calculated a cumulative genetic risk score (GRS), defined as the total number of PD-risk alleles (range, 2–15) associated to lower serum UA levels. Serum UA levels were measured in a subgroup of 365 PD cases and 132 controls. Results Serum UA levels were significantly lower in men with PD than in controls. Subjects (both men and women) carrying more than 9 risk alleles (third GRS tertile) had a 1.5 higher risk of developing PD than subjects with less than 8 risk alleles (first GRS tertile). An inverse correlation was observed between higher GRS and lower serum UA concentration in both men and women. Conclusions Genetic variability influencing serum UA levels might modify susceptibility to PD. © 2013 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society

Objective: To ascertain in a cross-sectional study whether substantia nigra (SN) echogenicity, olfaction, and dopamine transporter (DaT)-SPECT are reliable premotor biomarkers in a cohort of asymptomatic carriers of the LRRK2 G2019S mutation (AsG2019S+). Methods: These biomarkers were evaluated in 49 AsG2019S+ patients, and we also studied olfaction and SN echogenicity in 29 patients with G2019S-associated Parkinson disease (PD-G2019S), 47 relatives who were noncarriers of the LRRK2 G2019S mutation (AsG2019S−), 50 patients with idiopathic Parkinson disease (iPD), and 50 community controls. Results: Eighty-five percent of unaffected mutation carriers (AsG2019S+) showed pathologic SN hyperechogenicity, with a similar proportion observed among both PD-G2019S and iPD cases, and 41% of AsG2019S− also showing increased SN echogenicity. The proportion of hyposmic individuals was not statistically different in patients with PD-G2019S (50%) and iPD (82%), but hyposmia was significantly less common in both AsG2019S+ (26%) and AsG2019S− (28%). In AsG2019S+ cases, reduced striatal uptake in DaT-SPECT was observed in 43.7%. Conclusions: Independently of age at examination, the most frequently altered premotor biomarker in LRRK2 G2019S-associated PD was SN hyperechogenicity, whereas abnormal DaT-SPECT predominated in older, unaffected mutation carriers.

Introduction At least 10% of patients with Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD) are refractory to psychopharmacological treatment. The emergence of new technologies for the modulation of altered neuronal activity in Neurosurgery, deep brain stimulation (DBS), has enabled its use in severe and refractory OCD cases. The objective of this article is to review the current scientific evidence on the effectiveness and applicability of this technique to refractory OCD. Method We systematically reviewed the literature to identify the main characteristics of deep brain stimulation, its use and applicability as treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder. Therefore, we reviewed PubMed/Medline, Embase and PsycINFO databases, combining the key-words ‘Deep brain stimulation’, ‘DBS’ and ‘Obsessive-compulsive disorder’ ‘OCS’. The articles were selected by two of the authors independently, based on the abstracts, and if they described any of the main characteristics of the therapy referring to OCD: applicability; mechanism of action; brain therapeutic targets; efficacy; side-effects; co-therapies. All the information was subsequently extracted and analysed. Results The critical analysis of the evidence shows that the use of DBS in treatment-resistant OCD is providing satisfactory results regarding efficacy, with assumable side-effects. However, there is insufficient evidence to support the use of any single brain target over another. Patient selection has to be done following analyses of risks/benefits, being advisable to individualise the decision of continuing with concomitant psychopharmacological and psychological treatments. Conclusions The use of DBS is still considered to be in the field of research, although it is increasingly used in refractory-OCD, producing in the majority of studies significant improvements in symptomatology, and in functionality and quality of life. It is essential to implement random and controlled studies regarding its long-term efficacy, cost-risk analyses and cost/benefit.

The aim of this study was to analyze the presence of lithogenic metabolic factors in the blood and urine of patients with osteopenia versus osteoporosis. This is a cross-sectional study including 67 patients who were divided into two groups according to the presence of either osteopenia or osteoporosis as measured by bone densitometry: group 1—40 patients with osteopenia (22 men and 18 women) and group 2—27 patients with osteoporosis (13 men and 14 women). Metabolic studies were performed on the blood and urine; statistical analysis was performed comparing means and conducting linear correlation and multivariate analyses with SPSS. Statistical significance was considered to be p ≤ 0.05. The mean age of patients in group 1 was 52.9 ± 12.8 years versus 50.3 ± 11.4 in group 2; the difference was not statistically significant. In group 2, higher levels of osteocalcin, β-crosslaps, urinary calcium, fasting urine calcium/creatinine, 24 h urine calcium/creatinine and 24 h oxaluria were observed compared to group 1. In the multivariate analysis, only the β-crosslaps and urinary calcium were independently associated with osteoporosis. It would be advisable to determine the urinary calcium levels in patients with osteoporosis since altered levels may necessitate modifying the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to osteoporosis.

To analyze the presence of phosphocalcic metabolism disorders in patients with osteopenia-osteoporosis without nephrolithiasis with respect to a control group.A cross-sectional study was conducted in patients with osteopenia-osteoporosis without nephrolithiasis (n = 67) in lumbar spine or femur and in a control group (n = 61) with no lithiasis or bone disorders. Blood bone markers, phosphocalcic metabolism, fasting urine, 24-h urine lithogenic risk factors, and densitometry were recorded in both groups. SPSS 20.0 was used for statistical analysis.In comparison with the controls, significantly higher blood calcium (9.27 ± 0.36 vs. 9.57 ± 0.38, p = 0.0001), intact parathormone (45.6 ± 14.9 vs. 53.8 ± 18.9, p = 0.008), and alkaline phosphatase (61.9 ± 20.9 vs. 70.74 ± 18.9, p = 0.014) levels were found in patients with osteopenia-osteoporosis. In the 24-h urine test, citrate (1010.7 ± 647.8 vs. 617.6 ± 315.8, p = 0.0001) and oxalate (28.21 ± 17.65 vs. 22.11 ± 16.49, p = 0.045) levels were significantly lower in osteopenia-osteoporosis patients than in controls, with no significant difference in calcium (187.3 ± 106.9 vs. 207.06 ± 98.12, p = 0.27) or uric acid (540.7 ± 186.2 vs. 511.9 ± 167.06, p = 0.35) levels. Patients with osteopenia-osteoporosis had significantly higher levels of lithogenic risk factors associated with bone remodeling, including significantly increased β-crosslaps and osteocalcin values and higher β-crosslaps/osteocalcin ratios.Patients with osteopenia-osteoporosis without nephrolithiasis showed phosphocalcic metabolism disorders as well as lower urinary citrate and higher β-crosslaps/osteocalcin and fasting calcium/creatinine ratios, which would increase the risk of nephrolithiasis. Hence, prospective studies are warranted to evaluate the long-term risks.

The aim of this study is to assess the presence of substantia nigra (SN) hypoechogenicity in a cohort of Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) patients and its possible association with restless syndrome (RLS). Fourteen genetically confirmed FRDA patients and 14 sex- and age-matched healthy controls underwent transcranial sonography examination to evaluate the area of echogenicity of the SN. Both groups were clinically assessed with the essential and additional diagnostic criteria for RLS established by the International RLS Study Group. Ataxia was evaluated using the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia. We did not find significant differences between the mean sum area of SN echogenicity in FRDA patients and in controls. Only one patient in the FDRA group and two control subjects showed SN hypoechogenicity. Two out of the 14 FDRA patients and one of the controls fulfilled diagnostic criteria for RLS. The areas of SN echogenicity in the two FRDA patients with RLS were the lowest found in this group. We conclude that our data do not support the notion that SN hypoechogenicity is related to FRDA itself, although it might be associated with RLS.

Calcium lithiasis is the most frequently diagnosed renal lithiasis and is associated with a high percentage of patients with metabolic disorders, such as hypercalciuria, hypocitraturia, and hyperoxaluria. The present study included 50 patients with recurrent calcium lithiasis. We conducted a random urine test during nocturnal fasting and a 24-h urine test, and examined calcium, oxalate, and citrate. A study of the linear correlation between the metabolites was performed, and the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were analyzed in the random urine samples to determine the cutoff values for hypercalciuria (excretion greater than 200 mg), hyperoxaluria (excretion greater than 40 mg), and hypocitraturia (excretion less than 320 mg) in the 24-h urine. Linear relationships were observed between the calcium levels in the random and 24-h urine samples (R = 0.717, p = 0.0001), the oxalate levels in the random and 24-h urine samples (R = 0.838, p = 0.0001), and the citrate levels in the random and 24-h urine samples (R = 0.799, p = 0.0001). After obtaining the ROC curves, we observed that more than 10.15 mg/dl of random calcium and more than 16.45 mg/l of random oxalate were indicative of hypercalciuria and hyperoxaluria, respectively, in the 24-h urine. In addition, we found that the presence of less than 183 mg/l of random citrate was indicative of the presence of hypocitraturia in the 24-h urine. Using the proposed values, screening for hypercalciuria, hyperoxaluria, and hypocitraturia can be performed with a random urine sample during fasting with an overall sensitivity greater than 86 %.

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and benign prostatic hyperplasia are both androgen-dependent entities that respond to the blocking of 5-alpha-reductase.The objective of this study was to determine whether prostatic volumes and urinary flow changes were higher in patients with early-onset AGA than in healthy control subjects.This was an observational case-control study of 87 men: 45 with early-onset AGA diagnosed in the dermatology department and 42 control subjects. End-point variables were prostatic volume, measured by transrectal ultrasound, and urinary flow, measured by urinary flowmetry. A hormone study was performed on all participants, and the International Prostate Symptom Score and International Index of Erectile Function score were determined.The groups did not significantly differ in mean age (cases, 52.7 years vs control subjects, 49.8 years; P = .12). Patients with AGA had significantly higher mean prostate volume (29.65 vs 20.24 mL, P.0001), International Prostate Symptom Score (4.93 vs 1.23, P.0001), and prostate-specific antigen value (1.53 vs 0.94 ng/mL, P.0001) and significantly lower maximum urinary flow (14.5 vs 22.45 mL/s, P.0001) versus control subjects. Binary logistic regression analysis showed a strong association between the presence of AGA and benign prostatic hyperplasia after adjusting for age, urinary volume, urination time, International Prostate Symptom Score, abdominal obesity, glucose levels, systolic blood pressure, insulin levels, fibrinogen, and C-reactive protein (odds ratio = 5.14, 95% confidence interval 1.23-47.36, P = .041).The study of larger sample sizes would facilitate stratified analyses according to the Ebling type of androgenetic alopecia.There is a relationship between the presence of AGA and prostate growth-associated urinary symptoms, likely attributable to their pathophysiological similarity. This study suggests that early-onset AGA may be an early marker of urinary/prostatic symptomatology. Future studies may clarify whether treatment of patients with AGA may benefit the concomitant benign prostatic hypertrophy, which would be present at an earlier stage in its natural evolution.

The frequency and penetrance of the LRRK2 G2019S mutation varies considerably in different Parkinson disease (PD) populations. This information is essential both for clinical purposes and genetic counseling. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence and penetrance of the G2019S mutation of the LRRK2 gene in a small region in northern Spain (Cantabria). The G2019S mutation was tested in 367 consecutive patients with PD attended as outpatients in a tertiary Hospital in Northern Spain, and 126 at-risk family members of probands were also investigated for G2019S mutation and disease status. The gene penetrance was estimated in terms of cumulative age-specific incidence of PD by the Kaplan-Meier method. Thirty-two PD patients (8.7%) carried the G2019S mutation. Penetrance estimation of the G2019S mutation was 2% at 50 years, 12% at 60 years, 26% at 70 years, and 47% at 80 years. The frequency of the G2019S mutation of the LRRK2 gene in PD patients from Cantabria is among the highest reported so far after North African Arabs and Ashkenazi Jews. At the age of 80 years only one-half of G2019S mutation carriers manifest motor symptoms of PD. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society

Objective Low serum uric acid (UA) levels have been associated with a worse cognitive function later in life and also with a higher risk and faster progression of Parkinson's disease (PD). Here we studied whether serum UA levels and the genetic variants related to its variability are associated with the presence of dementia in a cohort of patients with PD. Methods The study included 343 PD patients, which were examined for the presence of dementia according to the MDS Task Force criteria (level 1). The predominant PD phenotype and UPDRS-III and Hoehn-Yahr scales were recorded. Serum UA levels were determined in each participant. Genotyping of SLC2A9 rs734553, ABCG2 rs2231142, SLC17A1 rs1183201, SLC22A11 rs17300741, SLC22A12 rs505802, GCKR rs780094, PDZK1 rs12129861, LRRC16A + SCGN rs742132, and SLC16A9 rs12356193 was carried out by Taqman analysis. For each subject we calculated a cumulative genetic risk score (GRS), defined as the total number of risk alleles (range 2–15) associated to lower serum UA levels. Results 72 out of 343 PD patients (21%) presented dementia. Serum UA levels were not different between PD patients with or without dementia. No significant association was detected between any single SNP and the risk of PD-dementia. When we analyzed the combined effect of the eight SNPs using the cumulative GRS no significant association between the number of risk alleles and the risk of PD was observed. Conclusions Our data suggest that serum UA levels have not a significant impact on the risk of dementia in PD.

A 78-year-old man with hyperuricemia treated with allopurinol presents with asymptomatic nodules on both hands. What is the most likely diagnosis?

ejd.2013.1951 Auteur(s) : Maria Jose Espineira-Carmona1, Maria Salazar-Nievas1, Maria Sierra Giron-Prieto1, Jose Aneiros-Fernandez2, Agustin Buendia-Eisman3, Salvador A Arias-Santiago1,3,4 salvadorarias@hotmail.es 1 Dermatology Department, 2 Pathology Department, San Cecilio University Hospital. Av Dr. Oloriz 16. Granada. 18012. Spain 3 School of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain 4 Baza General Hospital, Granada. Spain Dermatofibroma is a benign fibrohistiocytic tumor often seen [...]

Recurrent kidney stones are associated with bone mineral density loss, altered bone remodeling markers, hypercalciuria and increased in fasting calcium/creatinine ratio. The objective was to determine biochemical alterations in urine in patients with osteopenia/osteoporosis without calcium kidney stones compared with patients with calcium kidney stones. This is a cross-sectional study including 142 patients who were divided in two groups: Group 1 (patients with recurrent calcium kidney stones) and Group 2 (patients with osteopenia/osteoporosis in the lumbar spine or hip). Analyses of bone mineral density, calcium–phosphorous and bone metabolism and lithogenic risk factors in fasting urine samples and 24-h urine samples were performed. Statistical analysis was carried out with SPSS 17.0. A p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Patients in Group 2 presented greater loss of bone mineral density and more elevated alkaline phosphatase, iPTH, phosphorous and β-crosslaps levels, as compared to patients in Group 1. However, Group 1 presented greater urine calcium, oxalate and uric acid and a higher proportion of hypocitraturia, hypercalciuria and hyperoxaluria, as compared to Group 2. Multivariate analysis revealed that advanced age and β-crosslaps levels are risk factors for bone mineral density loss, while low urinary calcium excretion was protective against bone demineralization. Patients with osteopenia/osteoporosis without lithiasis present some urinary biochemical alterations. This would explain the lack of lithogenic activity, although low calcium excretion in 24-h urine samples is a protective factor against the loss of bone mineral density.

Objective To analyze differences in bone remodeling markers, lithogenic factors and bone densitometry among the 3 groups of patients (controls, patients with relapsing calcium renal lithiasis, and patients with loss of bone mineral density without lithiasis). Material and Methods This is a cross-sectional study including 203 patients who were divided in 3 groups: group 1 (controls), group 2 (patients with relapsing calcium renal lithiasis), and group 3 (patients with osteopenia and/or osteoporosis in the lumbar spine or hip). Bone densitometry, calcium-phosphorous and bone metabolism analysis, and analysis of lithogenic risk factors in fasting urine samples and 24-hour urine samples were performed. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 17.0. A P ≤.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Patients in group 2 presented greater calcium excretion and a lower citrate excretion in 24-hour urine samples as compared with the other 2 groups. The proportion of hypercalciuria and hypocitraturia was higher in group 2. In addition, patients in group 2 presented a lower loss of bone mineral density as well as altered bone remodeling markers as compared with those in group 1. Patients in group 3 also presented alterations in urine calcium and citrate excretion with respect to the control group, with elevated fasting calcium and citrate levels and calcium-to-citrateratio. Conclusion Lithogenic risk factors are altered in patients with osteopenia and/or osteoporosis without renal lithiasis although to a lesser extent than patients with calcium renal lithiasis.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD) and LRRK2-associated PD (LRRK2-PD) might be expected to differ clinically since the neuropathological substrate of LRRK2-PD is heterogeneous. The range and severity of extra-nigral nonmotor features associated with LRRK2 mutations is also not well-defined. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence and time of onset of nonmotor symptoms (NMS) in LRRK2-PD patients. METHODS: The presence of hyposmia and of neuropsychiatric, dysautonomic and sleep disturbances was assessed in 33 LRRK2-G2019S-PD patients by standardized questionnaires and validated scales. Thirty-three IPD patients, matched for age, gender, duration of parkinsonism and disease severity and 33 healthy subjects were also evaluated. RESULTS: University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) scores in LRRK2-G2019S-PD were higher than those in IPD (23.5±6.8 vs 18.4±6.0; p = 0.002), and hyposmia was less frequent in G2019S carriers than in IPD (39.4% vs 75.8%; p = 0.01). UPSIT scores were significantly higher in females than in males in LRRK2-PD patients (26.9±4.7 vs 19.4±6.8; p

Background: Oxidative stress is a central factor in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is an antioxidant protein expressed in response to oxidative challenge, and its expression levels are inversely correlated with glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β) activity. Underexpression of HO-1 in concert with an upregulation of GSK3β would result in a less effective antioxidant response and might increase the risk of PD. Methods: We examined two functional polymorphism in the promoter regions of HO-1 (−413, rs2071746) and GSK3β (−157, rs6438552) in a group of 251 Spanish patients with PD and 234 controls. Results: Subjects carrying both the HO-1 (−413, rs2071746) TT genotype and the GSK3β (−157, rs6438552) TT genotype had a four times higher risk of developing PD than subjects without these genotypes (adjusted by age and sex OR = 4.12; 95% CI = 1.45–11.71; Bonferroni corrected P = 0.024). Conclusions: Considering synergistic effects between polymorphisms in oxidative stress-related genes may help in determining the risk profile for PD.

The global prevalence of papillomavirus in the 4to 18-year-old population has been estimated to be 24% (12% for those aged 4 to 6 years and 24% for those aged 16 to 18 years) [1]. The prevalence is significantly reduced in adults (3.5%) [2]. There are no significant differences related to gender. There is, however, a higher prevalence in rural versus urban schools. While plantar and common warts generally number 1 or 2, flat warts frequently appear as multiple lesions [1].

Objective To establish cutoff points for markers of bone remodeling that allow for screening of patients at risk for serious lithogenic activity. Materials and Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study with 182 patients (aged between 25 and 60 years) divided into 3 groups: group 1, 56 patients without lithiasis; group 2, 67 patients with light calcium lithiasis; and group 3, 59 patients with severe calcium lithiasis. The criteria for inclusion in and exclusion from the study were established, and light and severe lithogenic activity were defined. Metabolic variables in blood and urine, along with bone densitometry, were studied for the groups. Statistical analysis of the results and preparation of receiver operating characteristic curves to establish optimal cutoff points were performed. Results The patients in group 3 showed the greatest bone mineral density loss and the highest values for markers of bone remodeling, together with increased 24-hour calciuria. Using the receiver operating characteristic curves developed and based on statistical significance ( P = .0001), the following cutoff points for severe lithogenic activity, with a sensitivity between 75% and 85%, were established: β-crosslaps >0.331 ng/mL; osteocalcin >13.2 ng/mL; β-crosslaps/osteocalcin >0.024; 24-hour calciuria >306.6 mg; and fasting urine calcium/creatinine >0.105. Conclusion Patients with calcium lithiasis and elevated values for osteocalcin, β-crosslaps, β-crosslaps/osteocalcin, 24-hour calciuria, and fasting urine calcium/creatinine may present a high risk of severe lithogenic activity.

The objective of this study is to analyze the alterations in bone mineral density and bone and calcium–phosphorus metabolism in patients with calcium nephrolithiasis. We designed a study with 182 patients who were distributed among three groups: group O, 56 patients without nephrolithiasis; group A, 67 patients with calcium nephrolithiasis and mild lithogenic activity; and group B, 59 patients with calcium nephrolithiasis and severe lithogenic activity. Metabolic parameters of blood and urine that were related to calcium–phosphorous and bone metabolism and bone densitometry were assessed in all patients. A comparative study was performed on the variables of bone and calcium–phosphorus metabolism and bone densitometry as well as the presence or absence of osteopenia/osteoporosis. The patients in group B had a greater loss of bone mineral density, measured by the T-score, than the patients in groups O and A. Moreover, the proportion of patients in group B with osteopenia/osteoporosis was statistically significantly higher than the proportion of patients in groups O and A. We observed higher values of calciuria, fasting calcium/creatinine ratio, and 24-h calcium/creatinine among the patients in group B compared to the other two groups. Calciuria, citraturia, and fasting calcium/creatinine were independent factors that showed a relationship with severe lithogenic activity compared to the control group, and β-crosslaps is an independent factor that has a relationship with severe lithogenic activity as compared to mild lithogenic activity. Patients with calcium lithiasis and severe lithogenic activity have a greater loss in bone mineral density and therefore a greater risk of osteopenia/osteoporosis.

Several studies have analyzed the relationship between androgenetic alopecia and cardiovascular disease (mainly heart disease). However few studies have analyzed lipid values in men and women separately. This case-control study included 300 patients consecutively admitted to an outpatient clinic, 150 with early onset androgenetic alopecia (80 males and 70 females) and 150 controls (80 males and 70 females) with other skin diseases. Female patients with androgenic alopecia showed significant higher triglycerides values (123.8 vs 89.43 mg/dl, p = 0.006), total cholesterol values (196.1 vs 182.3 mg/dl, p = 0.014), LDL-C values (114.1 vs 98.8 mg/dl, p = 0.0006) and lower HDL-C values (56.8 vs 67.7 mg/dl, p

Background Chronic inflammation was found to play an important role in the development of cardiovascular risk factors. Recently a case-control study found that lichen planus was associated with dyslipidemia in a large series of patients. However, no data were presented about lipid values, glucose levels, or blood pressure. Objective The objective of this case-control study was to evaluate cardiovascular risk factors included in Adult Treatment Panel III criteria for metabolic syndrome in men and women with lichen planus and in healthy controls. Patients and Methods This case-control study included 200 patients, 100 with lichen planus (50 men and 50 women) and 100 controls consecutively admitted to the outpatient clinic in Dermatology departments in Granada, Spain. Results Analysis of metabolic syndrome parameters revealed a higher significant prevalence of dyslipidemia in patients with lichen planus. No significant differences were observed in glucose levels, abdominal obesity, or blood pressure. Elevated levels of C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and fibrinogen were noted in patients with lichen planus. Adjusted odds ratio for dyslipidemia in patients with lichen planus was 2.85 (95% confidence interval, 1.33-5.09; P =.001). Conclusion Chronic inflammation in patients with lichen planus may explain the association with dyslipidemia. Lipid levels screening in men or women with lichen planus may be useful to detect individuals at risk and start preventive treatment against the development of cardiovascular disease.

Low circulating levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) are a strong predictor of the risk of type 2 diabetes. Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) has been related to an increase in cardiovascular risk, but the mechanism of this association has not been elucidated. AGA can be associated with low levels of SHBG and insulin resistance, which could be related to hyperglycemia and type 2 diabetes.The objective of this study was to evaluate SHBG and blood glucose levels in men and women with early-onset AGA and control subjects to determine whether low levels of SHBG are associated with hyperglycemia.This case-control study included 240 patients consecutively admitted to the outpatient clinic (Dermatology Department of San Cecilio University Hospital, Granada, Spain), 120 with early-onset AGA (60 men and 60 women) and 120 control subjects (60 men and 60 women) with skin diseases other than alopecia.Of patients with AGA, 39.1% presented with hyperglycemia (110 mg/dL) versus 12.5% of controls (P0.0001). AGA patients with hyperglycemia or diabetes presented lower significant levels of SHBG than alopecic patients without hyperglycemia or type 2 diabetes, respectively. Patients with AGA and hyperglycemia presented significantly lower levels of SHBG than controls with hyperglycemia (22.3 vs 39.4 nmol/L for AGA patients and controls, respectively, P = .004). No significant differences in SHBG levels were noticed between patients and controls without hyperglycemia. Binary logistic regression showed a strong association between lower SHBG levels and glucose levels greater than 110 mg/dL in patients with AGA even after additional adjustment for sex, abdominal obesity, and free testosterone (odds ratio = 3.35; 95% confidence interval = 1.9-5.7; P.001).The study of a wider sample of AGA patients would confirm these findings and would permit analysis of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying the increase in cardiovascular risk in patients with AGA.An association between early-onset AGA, hyperglycemia/diabetes, and low levels of SHBG was observed in the current study. Low levels of SHBG could be a marker of insulin resistance and hyperglycemia/diabetes in patients with AGA.