Endocrinology (all articles)
RCT | Bempedoic acid shows modest reduction in cardiovascular events for statin-intolerant patients
8 Mar, 2023 | 14:39h | UTCSummary:
Bempedoic acid is an ATP citrate lyase inhibitor that reduces LDL cholesterol levels and is associated with a low incidence of muscle-related adverse events. The study enrolled 13,970 patients at increased cardiovascular risk, with 6,992 randomized to bempedoic acid and 6,978 randomized to placebo, with a median duration of follow-up of 40.6 months.
The study found that bempedoic acid was associated with a statistically significant 13% reduction in the primary endpoint of major adverse cardiovascular events, which included death from cardiovascular causes, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, or coronary revascularization. However, the absolute risk reduction of events was modest, at 1.6% over nearly four years.
The study also reported higher incidences of gout and cholelithiasis with bempedoic acid compared to placebo, as well as small increases in serum creatinine, uric acid, and hepatic-enzyme levels.
Article: Bempedoic Acid and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Statin-Intolerant Patients – New England Journal of Medicine (link to abstract – $ for full-text)
Commentaries:
CLEAR Positives and Cautions With Bempedoic Acid for Statin Intolerance – Medscape (recommended reading – free registration required)
Cardiovascular Outcomes After “Statin-Intolerant” Patients Take Bempedoic Acid – NEJM Journal Watch (free for a limited period)
Commentary on Twitter
Bempedoic acid showed a modest absolute reduction in CV outcomes, relative to placebo, in patients “unable or unwilling” to take a statin. https://t.co/hQUfvFwz68 #ACC23 @hmkyale @NEJM #CardioTwitter pic.twitter.com/YMoNsce8MI
— NEJM Journal Watch (@JWatch) March 7, 2023
M-A | Non-occupational physical activity and risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer and mortality outcomes
8 Mar, 2023 | 14:33h | UTCSummary:
The study aimed to determine the association between non-occupational physical activity and chronic disease and mortality outcomes in the general adult population. The systematic review and meta-analysis included 196 articles covering 94 cohorts and over 30 million participants.
The results showed that higher activity levels were associated with a lower risk of all outcomes. The strongest associations were observed for all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality, with weaker associations for cancer incidence.
The study also found that appreciable population health benefits could be gained from increasing physical activity levels of people who are inactive to just half the current health recommendations; doing that could prevent one in 10 premature deaths.
The findings support the current physical activity recommendations and suggest that even small increases in non-occupational physical activity in inactive adults can provide substantial protection against chronic disease outcomes.
It’s worth noting, however, that this study has the usual limitations of observational studies since all the included studies are cohort studies. Therefore, the results are subject to residual confounding, meaning that other factors not measured or accounted for in the studies could influence the observed associations.
News Releases:
1 in 10 early deaths averted if everyone met physical activity targets – BMJ Newsroom
Update on current contraceptive options | A case-based discussion of efficacy, eligibility, and use
7 Mar, 2023 | 13:06h | UTC
M-A | Long-term consumption of 10 food groups and cardiovascular mortality
7 Mar, 2023 | 12:58h | UTCSummary:
This systematic review and meta-analysis of 22 prospective cohort studies evaluated the association between the consumption of 10 food groups and cardiovascular mortality.
The researchers found that a long-term high intake of whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and nuts was associated with reduced cardiovascular mortality, while a high intake of red/processed meat was associated with increased risk. On the other hand, the consumption of dairy products and legumes did not show a significant association with cardiovascular risk.
The researchers acknowledge the limitations of observational studies and the need for further research on the long-term effects of specific food groups on cardiovascular mortality.
Report | Economic impact of overweight and obesity to surpass $4 trillion by 2035
6 Mar, 2023 | 14:32h | UTCSummary:
A recent report from the World Obesity Federation has issued a warning that the number of people worldwide suffering from overweight or obesity could increase significantly by 2035, surpassing the 50% mark. The report, called the World Obesity Atlas 2023, also highlights the significant economic impact of this trend, estimating that the cost of overweight and obesity could reach $4.32tn annually by 2035, equivalent to almost 3% of the global GDP.
The report also identifies two groups that are particularly at risk: children and individuals from lower-income countries. Childhood obesity is a growing concern, as the report predicts it could double by 2035. Additionally, lower-income countries face a rapid increase in obesity prevalence, with nine out of 10 countries with the greatest expected increases in obesity coming from low or lower-middle income countries.
Report: World Obesity Atlas 2023
News release: Economic impact of overweight and obesity to surpass $4 trillion by 2035
Commentary: Report: Obesity could cost the world over $4 trillion a year by 2035 – STAT
Related:
Report: Tenfold increase in childhood and adolescent obesity in four decades
Global cost of obesity-related illness to hit $1.2tn a year from 2025
The Lancet Series: The Double Burden of Malnutrition
RCT | Perioperative vs. postoperative calcium and vitamin D supplementation to prevent symptomatic hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy
6 Mar, 2023 | 14:09h | UTCSummary:
This study aimed to compare the efficacy of perioperative vs. postoperative calcium and vitamin D supplementation in reducing symptomatic hypocalcemia in patients who underwent thyroidectomy.
In a randomized placebo-controlled trial involving 134 patients, one group received calcium carbonate and alfacalcidol both 3 days before surgery and for 14 days after surgery, while the other group received the same treatment only after surgery.
Results showed that the perioperative group had significantly lower rates of symptomatic and biochemical hypocalcemia compared to the postoperative group. Patients who underwent central neck dissection were at increased risk of symptomatic hypocalcemia in this study, so perioperative supplementation could be more beneficial for these patients.
M-A | Sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and weight gain in children and adults
6 Mar, 2023 | 14:04h | UTCNews Release: More evidence that sugary drinks cause weight gain – University of Toronto
Consensus Statement on the definition and classification of metabolic hyperferritinemia
3 Mar, 2023 | 13:58h | UTCConsensus Statement on the definition and classification of metabolic hyperferritinaemia – Nature Reviews Endocrinology (if the link is paywalled, try this one)
Maternal diabetes and overweight as risk factors for congenital heart defects in offspring – A nationwide register study from Finland
3 Mar, 2023 | 13:51h | UTCSummary: The study aimed to determine the association between maternal diabetes and overweight/obesity and the risk of congenital heart defects (CHDs) in offspring. The study analyzed data from all children born in Finland between 2006 and 2016 and their mothers. Maternal type 1 diabetes (T1DM) was found to be associated with a significantly increased risk for any CHD, with an odds ratio of 3.71, whereas maternal overweight and obesity were associated with only a slightly increased risk for complex defects and left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Maternal diabetes was responsible for 3.0% of offspring’s CHD, while maternal overweight and obesity were responsible for 0.7%, indicating weaker associations between maternal overweight and obesity and CHD in the offspring than previously reported.
Commentary from the author on Twitter
Proudly presenting our preprint (thread):
Maternal diabetes and overweight as risk factors for congenital heart defects in offspring – A nationwide register study from Finland https://t.co/rFnlNYPrgn 1/7
— Emmi Helle (@EmmiHelle) February 27, 2023
Cohort Study | Long-term changes in the size of pituitary microadenomas
3 Mar, 2023 | 13:49h | UTCSummary: The prevalence of pituitary lesions in radiologic studies is estimated to be 10% to 38.5%. However, it is unclear how frequently incidental lesions should be monitored by serial pituitary MRI. A retrospective longitudinal cohort study was conducted to evaluate changes in pituitary microadenomas over time. During the study period (from 2003 to 2021), 414 patients with pituitary microadenomas were identified, and 177 patients had more than 1 MRI. Approximately two-thirds of the microadenomas demonstrated no change or a decrease in size, while the rest exhibited a slow growth rate, indicating that less frequent monitoring could be considered safe.
Article: Long-Term Changes in the Size of Pituitary Microadenomas – Annals of Internal Medicine (link to abstract – $ for full-text)
News Release: Fewer surveillance MRIs may be appropriate for patients with incidental pituitary lesions – American College of Physicians
Commentary on Twitter
New from @harvardmed: new study suggests that less frequent pituitary #MRI surveillance for patients with incidental pituitary #microadenomas may be safe: https://t.co/w4hzk8ISQq pic.twitter.com/2MeK14SRph
— Annals of Int Med (@AnnalsofIM) February 28, 2023
Youth-onset type 2 diabetes: the epidemiology of an awakening epidemic
2 Mar, 2023 | 13:01h | UTCYouth-Onset Type 2 Diabetes: The Epidemiology of an Awakening Epidemic – Diabetes Care
RCT | Empagliflozin (SGLT2i) is more effective for reducing HbA1c than linagliptin (DPP-4i) in young people with Type 2 DM
2 Mar, 2023 | 13:00h | UTCEfficacy and safety of the SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin versus placebo and the DPP-4 inhibitor linagliptin versus placebo in young people with type 2 diabetes (DINAMO): a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, parallel group, phase 3 trial – The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology (link to abstract – $ for full-text)
Commentaries:
DINAMO: Empagliflozin shows promise for young people with type 2 diabetes – medwire News
Artificial sweetener erythritol possibly implicated in increased cardiovascular risk
1 Mar, 2023 | 14:08h | UTCSummary: A recent study published in Nature Medicine found that erythritol, a popular artificial sweetener, is possibly implicated with an increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) such as heart attack and stroke. Analyzing data from over 4,000 people in the US and Europe, the researchers found that those with higher blood erythritol levels were at a greater risk of MACE. The researchers also examined the effects of adding erythritol to whole blood or isolated platelets and found that it made platelets easier to activate and form clots. In addition, a pilot intervention study with healthy volunteers showed that erythritol ingestion led to a marked and sustained increase in plasma erythritol levels above those associated with heightened platelet reactivity and thrombosis potential. The authors note that further studies are needed to confirm their findings and assess the long-term safety of erythritol.
Article: The artificial sweetener erythritol and cardiovascular event risk – Nature Medicine (free for a limited period)
News Release: Cleveland Clinic study finds common artificial sweetener linked to higher rates of heart attack and stroke
Commentaries:
Zero-calorie sweetener linked to heart attack and stroke, study finds – CNN
Could a Common Sweetener Raise Heart Risks? – HealthDay
Commentary on Twitter
A study in @NatureMedicine suggests that a commonly used artificial sweetener—erythritol—may be linked to cardiovascular disease events. https://t.co/QrbtvCFDJ4 pic.twitter.com/WpM9cLnXh7
— Nature Portfolio (@NaturePortfolio) February 27, 2023
M-A | Combination of multiple low-risk lifestyle behaviors and incident type 2 diabetes
1 Mar, 2023 | 14:06h | UTCSummary: This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the association between multiple low-risk lifestyle behaviors (LRLBs) and the incidence of type 2 diabetes. The study examined 30 cohort comparisons involving 1,693,753 participants and 75,669 cases of type 2 diabetes. The LRLBs evaluated in the study were maintaining a healthy body weight, healthy diet, regular exercise, smoking abstinence or cessation, and light alcohol consumption. Results showed that the highest adherence to these LRLBs was associated with an 80% lower risk of type 2 diabetes compared to the lowest adherence group. Thus, targeting these LRLBs could be an effective strategy for the primary prevention of type 2 diabetes. However, the authors recommend promoting only four LRLBs, excluding alcohol intake, due to its association with increased harm. The potential benefits of small alcohol intake remain a controversial issue since most studies on the subject are observational and subject to residual confounding.
Article: Combination of Multiple Low-Risk Lifestyle Behaviors and Incident Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies – Diabetes Care (free for a limited period)
Commentary from the author on Twitter (thread – click for more)
https://twitter.com/tauseefkhan/status/1628510003853131776
RCT | Physician-led medication reviews in polypharmacy patients with Type 2 DM treated with at least 12 medications
1 Mar, 2023 | 13:36h | UTC
Perspective | Gender dysphoria in young people is rising — and so is professional disagreement
28 Feb, 2023 | 13:55h | UTCGender dysphoria in young people is rising—and so is professional disagreement – The BMJ
News Release: Gender dysphoria is rising—and so is professional disagreement – BMJ Newsroom
Commentary on Twitter
More children and adolescents are identifying as transgender and are being offered medical treatment, especially in the US—but some providers and European authorities are urging caution because of a lack of strong evidence. @writingblock reports https://t.co/24aDMo7rb0
— The BMJ (@bmj_latest) February 26, 2023
Review | Embracing complexity: making sense of diet, nutrition, obesity and type 2 diabetes
28 Feb, 2023 | 13:42h | UTCEmbracing complexity: making sense of diet, nutrition, obesity and type 2 diabetes – Diabetologia
Commentary on Twitter
Comprehensive Review @DiabetologiaJnl by my very talented friend Prof Nita Forouhi
Embracing complexity: making sense of diet, nutrition, obesity & T2 diabeteshttps://t.co/PxGOZL0XkB pic.twitter.com/x2GaDPClfi
— Prof Kamlesh Khunti (@kamleshkhunti) February 24, 2023
Under a http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ license
RCT | Tight glycemic control did not preserve pancreatic beta cell function in newly diagnosed pediatric type 1 diabetes
27 Feb, 2023 | 13:16h | UTCSummary: The study aimed to determine if intensive diabetes management with an automated insulin delivery system could help preserve pancreatic beta cell function in youth with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes. The randomized clinical trial included 113 youths aged 7 to 17 years and found that although the mean time in the target range of 70 to 180 mg/dL was 78% in the intensive management group vs. 64% in the standard care group, intensive diabetes management did not affect the decline in pancreatic C-peptide secretion at 52 weeks. The study concluded that near normalization of glucose levels instituted immediately after diagnosis of type 1 diabetes did not preserve pancreatic beta cell function in youth.
Article: Effect of Tight Glycemic Control on Pancreatic Beta Cell Function in Newly Diagnosed Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes: A Randomized Clinical Trial – JAMA (free for a limited period)
Editorial: Preserving Pancreatic Beta Cell Function in Recent-Onset Type 1 Diabetes – JAMA (free for a limited period)
Commentary on Twitter
Intensive diabetes management with automated insulin delivery did not affect the decline in pancreatic C-peptide secretion at 52 weeks in youths with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes. https://t.co/e1n5xagrtv #ATTD2023 pic.twitter.com/C6743BmqyH
— JAMA (@JAMA_current) February 24, 2023
RCT | Verapamil partially preserved pancreatic beta cell function in newly diagnosed pediatric type 1 diabetes
27 Feb, 2023 | 13:14h | UTCSummary: The study aimed to determine whether verapamil could preserve pancreatic beta cell function in children and adolescents with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes. The randomized clinical trial involved 88 participants who were given either verapamil or placebo once daily for 52 weeks. The study found that C-peptide levels were 30% higher in the verapamil group compared to the placebo group at 52 weeks, and the percentage of participants with a 52-week peak C-peptide level of 0.2 pmol/mL or greater was 95% in the verapamil group compared to 71% in the placebo group. The study also found that verapamil was well tolerated with few adverse events. The results suggest that verapamil may partially preserve stimulated C-peptide secretion in children and adolescents with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes. However, further studies with patient-relevant outcomes are needed to determine the long-term effectiveness and the optimal length of therapy.
Article: Effect of Verapamil on Pancreatic Beta Cell Function in Newly Diagnosed Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes: A Randomized Clinical Trial – JAMA (free for a limited period)
Editorial: Preserving Pancreatic Beta Cell Function in Recent-Onset Type 1 Diabetes – JAMA (free for a limited period)
News Release: Verapamil shows beneficial effect on the pancreas in children with newly-diagnosed type 1 diabetes – University of Minnesota
Commentary on Twitter
In youth with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes, verapamil partially preserved stimulated C-peptide secretion at 52 weeks from diagnosis compared with placebo. https://t.co/m4xbczf93C #ATTD2023 pic.twitter.com/teM0jjh1tT
— JAMA (@JAMA_current) February 24, 2023
Cohort Study | Lipoprotein(a) is linked to atherothrombosis and aortic valve stenosis independent of C-reactive protein
27 Feb, 2023 | 12:44h | UTCLipoprotein(a) is linked to atherothrombosis and aortic valve stenosis independent of C-reactive protein – European Heart Journal (link to abstract – $ for full-text)
Commentary: Lp(a) Is Linked to Atherothrombosis Independent of CRP – American College of Cardiology
Consensus Statement | Standardized imaging and reporting for thyroid ultrasound
24 Feb, 2023 | 13:52h | UTCRelated: ACR Thyroid Imaging, Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS): White Paper of the ACR TI-RADS Committee
Cohort Study | Association of large-for-gestational age birth and prediabetes/diabetes 10-14 years’ postpartum
24 Feb, 2023 | 13:43h | UTCSummary: Several studies show that women who develop diabetes during pregnancy are at increased risk of developing diabetes later in life. This study investigated whether giving birth to a larger-than-normal baby is associated with an increased risk of prediabetes or diabetes 10-14 years after pregnancy in individuals without gestational diabetes. The study used data from the Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome (HAPO) Follow-up Study, including pregnant individuals without gestational diabetes. After adjusting for various baseline maternal characteristics, the researchers found that individuals who gave birth to a large-for-gestational age (LGA) infant had a 21% higher risk of being diagnosed with prediabetes or diabetes 10-14 years after delivery compared to those who had an appropriate-for-gestational age (AGA) infant. The study concluded that having a previous LGA infant is a marker of increased risk of developing prediabetes or diabetes in individuals without gestational diabetes.
Abstract: Association of large-for-gestational age birth and prediabetes/diabetes 10-14 years’ postpartum in the HAPO follow-up study – American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology (link to abstract, presented at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine’s annual meeting)
Commentaries:
Delivering a Plus-Sized Baby Could Be Sign of Diabetes Risk – HealthDay
Large for Gestational Age Births Could Increase Diabetes Risk in Women – HCP Live
M-A | Low-dose insulin infusion is safe and effective in treating diabetic ketoacidosis in children
23 Feb, 2023 | 13:40h | UTCSummary: The article discusses a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing low-dose insulin at 0.05 units/kg/hr to standard dose at 0.1 units/kg/hr for children with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). The study found that low-dose insulin infusion is probably as efficacious and safer than standard-dose insulin in treating DKA in children, as it has no effect on the time to resolution of hyperglycemia or acidosis and probably reduces the risk of developing hypokalemia and hypoglycemia. However, the results are limited by imprecision and generalizability to other settings since all studies were performed in a single country. Therefore, further studies are required to identify the optimal insulin dose for children with DKA in terms of safety and effectiveness.
M-A | Metabolic side effects in persons with schizophrenia during mid- to long-term treatment with antipsychotics
23 Feb, 2023 | 13:26h | UTCSummary: This study aimed to evaluate the mid- to long-term metabolic side effects of 31 antipsychotics in persons with schizophrenia by analyzing 137 eligible randomized controlled trials with 35,007 participants. The primary outcome was weight gain, with secondary outcomes including fasting glucose, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides. The study found that antipsychotic drugs differ in their propensity to induce metabolic side effects. Chlorpromazine, clozapine, olanzapine, and zotepine produced the most weight gain. The confidence in the evidence ranged from low to moderate. The study suggests that differences in weight gain were more pronounced than previously published short-term data and that weight gain is most pronounced at the beginning of treatment and then remains stable.
Article: Metabolic side effects in persons with schizophrenia during mid- to long-term treatment with antipsychotics: a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials – World Psychiatry (free for a limited period)
M-A | Sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and weight gain in children and adults
22 Feb, 2023 | 12:26h | UTC