Sulphonylureas and cancer: a case–control study

This study was aimed at the assessment of incidence of malignancies in type 2 diabetic patients treated with different sulphonylureas. A matched case–control study was performed. Cases were 195 diabetic patients aged 69.0 ± 9.2 years who had an incident malignancy. Controls were 195 diabetic patients, unaffected by cancer, who were matched with the corresponding case for age, sex, duration of diabetes, BMI, HbA1_c, comorbidity, smoking and alcohol abuse. Exposure to hypoglycaemic drugs during the 10 years preceding the event (or matching index date) was assessed. After adjusting for concomitant therapies, exposure to metformin and gliclazide for more than 36 months was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of cancer (adj. ORs with 95% CI: 0.28 (0.13–0.57), p < 0.001, and 0.40 (0.21–0.57), p = 0.004, respectively). Conversely, use of glibenclamide for at least 36 months was associated with increased incidence of malignancies (adj. OR 2.62 (1.26–5.42); p = 0.009). Treatment with insulin, thiazolidinediones, or acarbose, was not associated with significant differences in the incidence of cancer. Long-term treatments with individual sulphonylureas could have differential effects on the risk of cancer. In particular, the possible protective effect of gliclazide, as well as the risk associated with glibenclamide, deserves further investigation.     

Risk factors for choledocholithiasis in a south Indian population: A case–control study

Aim

To identify risk factors for common bile duct (CBD) stones in a south Indian population.

Methods

Demographic characteristics and diet details were obtained from patients with isolated CBD stones (Gp I) and those with combined CBD and gallstones (Gp II) and age- and sex-matched controls. The risk factors were compared between the two groups.

Results

The demographic characteristics were similar between the two groups and matched controls. The significant risk factors for Gp I were infrequent consumption of green vegetable (odds ratio (OR), 2.3; p?<?0.05), intake of tea/coffee (OR 3.3; p?<?0.01) and less consumption of sugar (p?<?0.01). For Gp II, the risk factors were frequent intake (>3 times per week) of spices (OR, 2.8; p?<?0.05), fried foods (OR, 2.7; p?<?0.05), tamarind (OR, 2.8; p?<?0.01), and quantum of oil (p?<?0.01) per month. Green vegetables (OR, 8.5; p?<?0.00001) and sugar (9.5?+?4.2 vs. 13.8?+?11.2 g; p?<?0.00001) were protective. Between the two groups, the risk factors for Gp II were less frequent green vegetable intake (OR: 6.4; p?<?0.00001), more frequent spicy food (0-3 times per week) (OR, 7.0; p?<?0.05), and higher monthly oil intake (251?+?105 vs. 292?+?89 mL; p?<?0.05).

Conclusion

CBD stones in both groups were associated with reduced intake of sugar and green vegetables. Our findings need to be validated in larger studies.     

Colorectal cancer and risk of atrial fibrillation and flutter: a population-based case–control study

Colorectal cancer has recently been associated with an increased atrial fibrillation risk, but evidence is very sparse. So, we conducted a population-based case-control study in northern Denmark (population 1.7 million) during 1998-2006 to estimate the atrial fibrillation/flutter risk in colorectal cancer patients. We identified 28,333 atrial fibrillation/flutter cases and 283,260 sex-, age-, and county-matched population controls. We searched the databases for a prior colorectal cancer diagnosis, a prior cancer diagnosis other than colorectal cancer, and performance of surgery within 30 days prior to atrial fibrillation/flutter. We used conditional logistic regression to estimate the OR of atrial fibrillation/flutter in patients with colorectal cancer, cancers other than colorectal and in patient with surgery. Among cases, 0.59% (n = 168) had a colorectal cancer diagnosis within 90 days before their atrial fibrillation/flutter diagnosis, compared with 0.05% (n = 155) of controls (adjusted OR = 11.8; 95% CI 9.3-14.9). Beyond the first 90 days after a colorectal cancer diagnosis, atrial fibrillation/flutter risk was no longer increased. There was likewise an increased atrial fibrillation/flutter risk in patients diagnosed with another cancer form in the prior 90 days (OR = 7.0, 95% CI 6.3-7.8). Furthermore, the atrial fibrillation/flutter risk was elevated fivefold in patients who had undergone surgery, whether or not cancer-related. We therefore conclude that colorectal cancer patients are at increased atrial fibrillation/flutter risk exclusively in the first 90 days after cancer diagnosis, but to no greater an extent than are patients with other cancers. The performance of surgery probably plays an important role in this association.     

Thyroid cancer in patients with acromegaly: a case–control study

Several studies have associated acromegaly with an increased risk of benign and malignant tumors. While simple and multinodular goiters are common findings in acromegaly, the prevalence of thyroid cancer is uncertain. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of thyroid cancer in a series of acromegalic patients from three hospitals in northeast of Brazil. The methodology used included morphological, cytological and histological thyroid analysis of acromegalic patients and volunteers over 18 years, matched for age and sex and with nodule (s) ≥1 cm. The subjects of this study were 124 acromegalic patients, including 76 females (61.3%) and 48 men (38.7%), with a mean age 45.1 years. Results of the study showed that thyroid ultrasonography was normal in 31 cases (25%), 25 had diffuse goiter (20.1%), 67 had nodules (54%) and one agenesis of the right lobe (0.8%). Thirty-six patients underwent fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of their nodules and 9 cases of papillary cancer were found (7.2%). The control group consisted of 263 subjects, 156 females (59.3%) and 107 males (40.7%), mean age 44.7 years. In ultrasound assessment, 96 had nodules (36.5%). Of these, 13 were punctured and 2 cases of papillary carcinoma were found (0.7%). These results gave an odds ratio of 10.21 (p = 0.0011, 95% CI 2.17 to 48.01). These findings demonstrate an increased prevalence of thyroid cancer, statistically significant when compared to our control group. Thus, it is suggested that acromegalic patients should be routinely submitted to thyroid ultrasound evaluation, followed by FNAB of nodules when indicated.     

Polymorphisms in sulfotransferase 1A1 and glutathione S-transferase P1 genes in relation to colorectal cancer risk and patients＇ survival

AIM: To examine whether polymorphisms in SULT1A1 and GSTP1 genes contribute to colorectal cancer development and whether they are associated with clinicopathological variables are not well identified.METHODS: We examined the genotypes of 125 colorectal cancer patients and 666 healthy controls in a Swedish population by using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP).RESULTS: SULT1A1 *2/*2 genotype (OR=2.49, 95%CI=1.48-4.19, P=0.0002) and *2 allele (OR=1.56, 95%CI=1.16-2.10, P=0.002) had an effect on colorectal cancer susceptibility, while GSTP1 genotype was without effect. However, GSTP1 G-type predicted a worse prognosis in the patients independently of gender, age, Dukes' stage, growth pattern, and differentiation (P=0.03). CONCLUSION:Polymorphism in SULT1A1 may predispose to colorectal cancer and GSTP1 may be a biological indicator of prognosis in the patients.     

Polymorphisms in sulfotransferase 1A1 and glutathione 5-transferase P1 genes in relation to colorectal cancer risk and patients'''' survival

AIM: To examine whether polymorphisms in SULT1A1 and GSTP1 genes contribute to colorectal cancer development and whether they are associated with clinicopathological variables are not well identified. METHODS: We examined the genotypes of 125 colorectal cancer patients and 666 healthy controls in a Swedish population by using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). RESULTS: SULT1A1 *2/*2 genotype (OR = 2.49, 95%CI = 1.48-4.19, P = 0.0002) and *2 allele (OR = 1.56, 95%CI = 1.16-2.10, P = 0.002) had an effect on colorectal cancer susceptibility, while GSTP1 genotype was without effect. However, GSTP1 G-type predicted a worse prognosis in the patients independently of gender, age, Dukes' stage, growth pattern, and differentiation (P=0.03). CONCLUSION: Polymorphism in SULT1A1 may predispose to colorectal cancer and GSTP1 may be a biological indicator of prognosis in the patients.     

Genetic thromobophilia in pregnancy: a case–control study among North Indian women

In the present study, an attempt is made to understand the role of genetic thrombophilias i.e. MTHFR C677T and FVL in the causation of various pregnancy complications like pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH), recurrent abortions, intra-uterine growth retardation (IUGR) and intra-uterine death on the whole and also individually along with the comparative assessment of pathophysiological basis of various pregnancy complications via the genetic proximities. One thousand and eleven (1,011) women of reproductive age group were recruited in the present study comprising various complications and controls. Recruitment criteria for all the pregnancy complications and controls was made and followed strictly. MTHFR C677T and FVL mutation detection was done in all the subjects. Vegetarianism was found to be significant risk factors for all the pregnancy complications and also when assessed individually. With respect to MTHFR C677T polymorphism, higher frequency of 677T allele was found among controls as compared to cases. 677T allele was found to pose decreased risk for various pregnancy complications on the whole and also individually. On adjusting the diet, regression analysis revealed no risk of mutant allele (T) for various pregnancy complications. FVL homozygous mutants were found to be absent among controls. In conclusion, the present study depicts dietary pattern as one of the most important factors in demonstrating the role of MTHFR C677T in various pregnancy complications and is indicative of a relatively deleterious effect of double dose of FVL in the presently studied population. Additionally, these polymorphisms play an important role in the orchestration of PIH to IUGR and vice versa.     

Small fibre dysfunction,microvascular complications and glycaemic control in type 1 diabetes: a case–control study

Aims/hypothesis  

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of microvascular disease on C-fibre function in patients with type 1 diabetes of moderate duration.     

Carotid and femoral atherosclerosis in antiphospholipid syndrome: Equivalent risk with diabetes mellitus in a case–control study

BackgroundAntiphospholipid syndrome (APS) may carry a worse prognosis for vascular complications when co-existing with subclinical atherosclerosis; however, the association between the two conditions remains ambiguous.MethodsWe evaluated ultrasonographic markers of subclinical atherosclerosis in carotid and femoral arteries of 86 patients with thrombotic APS [43 primary APS (PAPS), 43 systemic lupus erythematosus-associated APS (SLE/APS)], 86 patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and 86 healthy controls, individually matched for age and gender, and investigated their associations with traditional and disease-related factors in APS.ResultsCarotid plaques were found in 28% of PAPS, 23% of SLE/APS, and 30% of DM patients versus 9% of controls (p = 0.006). Femoral plaques were found in 33% of PAPS, 19% of SLE/APS, 20% of DM, and 9% of controls (p = 0.032). Multivariate regression-derived relative risk estimates for atherosclerotic plaques in any location were 2.72 for PAPS, 2.63 for SLE/APS, and 1.98 for DM (p = 0.004, 0.009, and 0.032 respectively), after adjusting for age, gender, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, BMI, and family history of coronary disease. Among patients with APS, atherosclerotic plaques were associated with the number of traditional CVD risk factors in both PAPS (RR = 2.75, p < 0.001) and SLE/APS (RR = 1.84, p < 0.001), and with IgG anti-beta2-glycoprotein I antibodies in SLE/APS.ConclusionsPatients with PAPS and SLE/APS have a nearly 2.5-fold risk of atherosclerotic plaques in carotid and femoral arteries compared to healthy controls, similar to DM patients. Atherosclerotic plaques are associated with the number of traditional risk factors in both APS and SLE/APS, and with IgG anti-beta2-glycoprotein I antibodies in SLE/APS.     

Antipsychotics and severe hyponatremia: A Swedish population–based case–control study

BackgroundAntipsychotics have been claimed to cause hyponatremia. The risk associated with individual antipsychotics, or groups (first-generation [FGAs] or second-generation [SGAs] antipsychotics), is not well-documented. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between antipsychotics and hospitalization due to hyponatremia.MethodsThe general Swedish population was the base of this register–based case–control study. Comparisons were made between patients hospitalized with a principal diagnosis of hyponatremia (n = 14,359) and matched controls (n = 57,383). Multivariable logistic regression adjusting for concomitant drugs, medical conditions, previous hospitalizations and socioeconomic factors was performed to investigate the association between hyponatremia and antipsychotic use. In addition newly initiated (≤90 days) or ongoing use was analysed separately.ResultsCompared to controls, the adjusted OR (95%CI) for hospitalization due to hyponatremia was for any antipsychotic 1.67(1.5–1.86). Individuals on FGA were more likely to experience severe hyponatremia (2.12[1.83–2.46]) than those on any SGA (1.32[1.15–1.51]). No increased risks, neither as newly initiated nor ongoing therapy, were found for risperidone (0.86[0.56–1.31] and 0.83[0.67–1.02]) and aripiprazole (1.16[0.30–4.46] and 0.62[0.27–1.34]), respectively.ConclusionsThere was an association between antipsychotic therapy and hospitalization due to hyponatremia. The association was stronger for FGAs than SGAs. Risperidone was not associated with an increased risk.     

Osteoporosis in chronic liver disease: a case–control study

Osteoporosis has become an increasingly recognized complication among patients with chronic liver disease (CLD). The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence and risk factors of osteoporosis in patients with CLD (primary biliary cirrhosis and chronic viral hepatitis B or C patients) in comparison with a group of age- and sex-matched controls. Sixty-four patients with CLD (mean age 51.66 ± 11.54 years), 48 females and 16 males were included. Age- and sex-matched individuals from the general population served as controls. Osteoporosis was evaluated by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (bone mineral density below ?2.5 T score) at the lumbar spine (LS) and total hip (TH). Vertebral fractures were established by densitometric morphometry (vertebral fracture assessment). Bone turnover was assessed by intact parathyroid hormone, osteocalcin and C-telopeptides of type I collagen in the serum. Prevalence of osteoporosis in either the LS or the TH was 45.3%, twice as high as in the controls (19.6%) (RR 2.31, 95% CI 1.42–3.75, P < 0.001). Age, menopausal status, cirrhosis and advanced histological stage are not determinant factors for developing osteoporosis in patients with CLD. However, female sex, cholestasis, lower weight and height but not body mass index seem to play predominant role. Three (5.3%) patients had dorsal and LS fractures. It was concluded that osteoporosis is effectively a complication of CLD. Cholestasis in addition to female sex and lower weight and height are risk factors of osteoporosis in CLD.     

Polysomnographic findings in Rett syndrome: a case–control study

Purpose

Rett syndrome is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder mainly affecting females and usually linked to mutations in the methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 gene, with an estimated prevalence of 1 in 10,000 live female births. Clinical features which usually become more apparent over time include breathing dysfunction, seizures, spasticity, peripheral vasomotor disturbance, scoliosis, growth retardation, and hypotrophic feet, with a great variety of presentations. The clear immaturity in brainstem mechanisms is expressed by the presence of early sleep disorders such as nocturnal awakenings, bruxism, and difficulty falling asleep, and no conclusive findings were derived from the few polysomnographic studies about the sleep macrostructural aspects. The aim of this study is to analyze the sleep macrostructural parameters, the nocturnal respiratory characteristic, and the presence of periodic limb movements in a sample of children affected by Rett syndrome.

Materials

Thirteen Rett subjects underwent a polysomnographic study, and the findings were compared with those obtained by a group of 40 healthy children.

Results

The Rett group shows a great impairment in sleep macrostructural and respiratory parameters, with a higher percentage of pathological periodic limb movements than the controls.

Conclusions

This study may be considered a report about the ventilatory impairment during sleep in Rett syndrome and the first approach to the macrostructural aspects of sleep supported by the PSG data that could be considered mandatory for a better comprehension of this very complex syndrome.     

The prevalence of colorectal neoplasia in patients with end-stage renal disease: a case–control study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The scarcity of organs for transplantation has led to aggressive pretransplant evaluations. Many younger kidney transplant patients with end-stage renal disease, who would be ordinarily at average risk for colorectal cancer, undergo screening colonoscopy as part of this evaluation. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of colorectal neoplasia in patients with end-stage renal disease who are potential transplant candidates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review analysis on 57 kidney transplant candidates who underwent pretransplant screening colonoscopy between August 1999 and December 2004. The control group was comprised of 60 age- and gender-matched subjects without end-stage renal disease who underwent routine screening colonoscopy. RESULTS: The prevalence of polyps in end-stage renal disease patients was 37 vs 22% in the control group (p = 0.07, not significant). None of the risk factors studied were found to predict the presence of polyps in the study group. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that screening guidelines for colorectal cancer for the general population should be adequate for potential kidney transplant recipients.     

Bladder cancer with pioglitazone: A case–control study

BackgroundVaried reports suggest a contentious relationship of bladder malignancy with pioglitazone in patients with type 2 diabetes.AimTo study an association (prevalence and predictors) of bladder malignancy with pioglitazone therapy in Asian-Indian type 2 diabetes patients.MethodIn this observational multicenter study, type 2 diabetic patients attending out-patient diabetes-clinic were evaluated. A detailed history of anti-diabetic medication, dose, duration, pioglitazone usage, time since initiation of pioglitazone, physical examination, biochemical tests and details pertaining to prevalent neuropathy, retinopathy and nephropathy were recorded. Details of bladder cancer or any malignancy (if present), time since diagnosis, risk factors for bladder cancer and histopathology records were noted. The study cohort was divided into two groups-pioglitazone ever users (Group A) and never users (Group B).ResultsA total of 8000 patients were screened out of which 1560 were excluded. Among 6440 included patients, 1056 (16.3%) patients were in group A and 5384 (83.6%) group B. Patients on pioglitazone were older (59.1 vs 57.7 years, p < 0.001), had longer duration of diabetes (12.7 vs 10.6 years, p < 0.001) with poor glycemic control (HbA1c 8.5 vs 8.3%, p < 0.01). A total of 74 patients had prevalent bladder cancer [16 (1.5%) in Group A and 58 in Group B (1.0%)]. Prevalent bladder cancer was not significantly greater in ever-users (odds ratio OR = 1.29, 95% confidence interval CI, 0.83–2.00) compared to never-users (odds ratio OR = 0.94, 95% confidence interval CI, 0.834–1.061) of pioglitazone (p = 0.207). However, history of hematuria in pioglitazone-users; while older age (>58 year), history of smoking and hematuria in the whole cohort were significant associated with bladder cancer. In the entire study cohort, 254 patients; 3.5% of males (128 out of 3575) and 4.6% of females (126 out of 2713) developed any malignancy. Age was significantly associated with prevalent malignancy in people with diabetes (odds ratio OR 1.036, 95% confidence interval CI: 1.022–1.051, p = 0.00) on multivariate forward regression.ConclusionPioglitazone use in Asian-Indians is not associated with an increased bladder cancer risk. However, pioglitazone should be restricted in individuals with history of hematuria. Age more than 58 years is a significant risk factor for development of any malignancy, particularly bladder cancer.     

Appendicitis is associated with an increased risk of systemic lupus erythematosus: a nationwide,population-based,case–control study

Clinical Rheumatology - To examine the association between appendicitis and the risk of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Using claims data from the 2003–2013 Taiwanese National Health...