Javed Choudhury

Nearly two thirds of patients with rheumatic conditions switched to medical cannabis from medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioids, with the substitution being associated with greater self-reported improvement in symptoms than nonsubstitution.

METHODOLOGY:

• Researchers conducted a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional survey to investigate the prevalence of switching to medical cannabis from traditional medications in patients with rheumatic conditions from the United States and Canada.
• The survey included questions on current and past medical cannabis use, sociodemographic characteristics, medication taken and substituted, substance use, and patient-reported outcomes.
• Of the 1727 patients who completed the survey, 763 patients (mean age, 59 years; 84.1% women) reported current use of cannabis and were included in this analysis.
• Participants were asked if they had substituted any medications with medical cannabis and were sub-grouped accordingly.
• They also reported any changes in symptoms after initiating cannabis, the current and anticipated duration of medical cannabis use, methods of ingestion, cannabinoid content, and frequency of use.

TAKEAWAY:

• Overall, 62.5% reported substituting medical cannabis for certain medications, including NSAIDs (54.7%), opioids (48.6%), sleep aids (29.6%), muscle relaxants (25.2%), benzodiazepines (15.5%), and gabapentinoids (10.5%).
• The most common reasons given for substituting medical cannabis were fewer side effects (39%), better symptom control (27%), and fewer adverse effects (12%).
• Participants who substituted medical cannabis reported significant improvements in symptoms such as pain, sleep, joint stiffness, muscle spasms, and inflammation, and in overall health, compared with those who did not substitute it for medications.
• The substitution group was more likely to use inhalation methods (smoking and vaporizing) than the nonsubstitution group; they also used medical cannabis more frequently and preferred products containing delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol.

IN PRACTICE:

“The changing legal status of cannabis has allowed a greater openness with more people willing to try cannabis for symptom relief. These encouraging results of medication reduction and favorable effect of [medical cannabis] require confirmation with more rigorous methods. At this time, survey information may be seen as a signal for effect, rather than sound evidence that could be applicable to those with musculoskeletal complaints in general,” the authors wrote. 

SOURCE:

The study was led by Kevin F. Boehnke, PhD, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, and was published online in ACR Open Rheumatology.

LIMITATIONS: 

The cross-sectional nature of the study limited the determination of causality between medical cannabis use and symptom improvement. Moreover, the anonymous and self-reported nature of the survey at a single timepoint may have introduced recall bias. The sample predominantly consisted of older, White females, which may have limited the generalizability of the findings to other demographic groups.

DISCLOSURES:

Some authors received grant support from the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Some others received payments, honoraria, grant funding, consulting fees, and travel support, and reported other ties with pharmaceutical companies and other institutions.

This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication. A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.

Nearly two thirds of patients with rheumatic conditions switched to medical cannabis from medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioids, with the substitution being associated with greater self-reported improvement in symptoms than nonsubstitution.

METHODOLOGY:

• Researchers conducted a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional survey to investigate the prevalence of switching to medical cannabis from traditional medications in patients with rheumatic conditions from the United States and Canada.
• The survey included questions on current and past medical cannabis use, sociodemographic characteristics, medication taken and substituted, substance use, and patient-reported outcomes.
• Of the 1727 patients who completed the survey, 763 patients (mean age, 59 years; 84.1% women) reported current use of cannabis and were included in this analysis.
• Participants were asked if they had substituted any medications with medical cannabis and were sub-grouped accordingly.
• They also reported any changes in symptoms after initiating cannabis, the current and anticipated duration of medical cannabis use, methods of ingestion, cannabinoid content, and frequency of use.

TAKEAWAY:

• Overall, 62.5% reported substituting medical cannabis for certain medications, including NSAIDs (54.7%), opioids (48.6%), sleep aids (29.6%), muscle relaxants (25.2%), benzodiazepines (15.5%), and gabapentinoids (10.5%).
• The most common reasons given for substituting medical cannabis were fewer side effects (39%), better symptom control (27%), and fewer adverse effects (12%).
• Participants who substituted medical cannabis reported significant improvements in symptoms such as pain, sleep, joint stiffness, muscle spasms, and inflammation, and in overall health, compared with those who did not substitute it for medications.
• The substitution group was more likely to use inhalation methods (smoking and vaporizing) than the nonsubstitution group; they also used medical cannabis more frequently and preferred products containing delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol.

IN PRACTICE:

“The changing legal status of cannabis has allowed a greater openness with more people willing to try cannabis for symptom relief. These encouraging results of medication reduction and favorable effect of [medical cannabis] require confirmation with more rigorous methods. At this time, survey information may be seen as a signal for effect, rather than sound evidence that could be applicable to those with musculoskeletal complaints in general,” the authors wrote. 

SOURCE:

The study was led by Kevin F. Boehnke, PhD, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, and was published online in ACR Open Rheumatology.

LIMITATIONS: 

The cross-sectional nature of the study limited the determination of causality between medical cannabis use and symptom improvement. Moreover, the anonymous and self-reported nature of the survey at a single timepoint may have introduced recall bias. The sample predominantly consisted of older, White females, which may have limited the generalizability of the findings to other demographic groups.

DISCLOSURES:

Some authors received grant support from the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Some others received payments, honoraria, grant funding, consulting fees, and travel support, and reported other ties with pharmaceutical companies and other institutions.

This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication. A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.

Nearly two thirds of patients with rheumatic conditions switched to medical cannabis from medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioids, with the substitution being associated with greater self-reported improvement in symptoms than nonsubstitution.

METHODOLOGY:

• Researchers conducted a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional survey to investigate the prevalence of switching to medical cannabis from traditional medications in patients with rheumatic conditions from the United States and Canada.
• The survey included questions on current and past medical cannabis use, sociodemographic characteristics, medication taken and substituted, substance use, and patient-reported outcomes.
• Of the 1727 patients who completed the survey, 763 patients (mean age, 59 years; 84.1% women) reported current use of cannabis and were included in this analysis.
• Participants were asked if they had substituted any medications with medical cannabis and were sub-grouped accordingly.
• They also reported any changes in symptoms after initiating cannabis, the current and anticipated duration of medical cannabis use, methods of ingestion, cannabinoid content, and frequency of use.

TAKEAWAY:

• Overall, 62.5% reported substituting medical cannabis for certain medications, including NSAIDs (54.7%), opioids (48.6%), sleep aids (29.6%), muscle relaxants (25.2%), benzodiazepines (15.5%), and gabapentinoids (10.5%).
• The most common reasons given for substituting medical cannabis were fewer side effects (39%), better symptom control (27%), and fewer adverse effects (12%).
• Participants who substituted medical cannabis reported significant improvements in symptoms such as pain, sleep, joint stiffness, muscle spasms, and inflammation, and in overall health, compared with those who did not substitute it for medications.
• The substitution group was more likely to use inhalation methods (smoking and vaporizing) than the nonsubstitution group; they also used medical cannabis more frequently and preferred products containing delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol.

IN PRACTICE:

“The changing legal status of cannabis has allowed a greater openness with more people willing to try cannabis for symptom relief. These encouraging results of medication reduction and favorable effect of [medical cannabis] require confirmation with more rigorous methods. At this time, survey information may be seen as a signal for effect, rather than sound evidence that could be applicable to those with musculoskeletal complaints in general,” the authors wrote. 

SOURCE:

The study was led by Kevin F. Boehnke, PhD, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, and was published online in ACR Open Rheumatology.

LIMITATIONS: 

The cross-sectional nature of the study limited the determination of causality between medical cannabis use and symptom improvement. Moreover, the anonymous and self-reported nature of the survey at a single timepoint may have introduced recall bias. The sample predominantly consisted of older, White females, which may have limited the generalizability of the findings to other demographic groups.

DISCLOSURES:

Some authors received grant support from the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Some others received payments, honoraria, grant funding, consulting fees, and travel support, and reported other ties with pharmaceutical companies and other institutions.

This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication. A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.

TOPLINE: 

High-intensity exercise suppresses ghrelin levels more than moderate-intensity exercise, leading to a greater reduction in hunger. This effect may be more pronounced in women than in men.

METHODOLOGY:

• Ghrelin circulates in acylated and deacylated forms and is associated with hunger perceptions. Previous studies have indicated that acute exercise can modulate ghrelin levels, but data on the effect of exercise intensity on ghrelin levels and appetite remain limited.
• To close this gap, researchers examined 14 adults, including eight men (mean age, 43.1 years; body mass index [BMI], 22.2) and six women (mean age, 32.2 years; BMI, 22.7) who fasted overnight and then completed exercises of varying intensity.
• Participants completed a maximal graded cycle ergometer lactate threshold (LT) and peak oxygen consumption (VO2_peak) test to determine the exercise intensity.
• Three calorically matched cycle exercise bouts were conducted: Control (no exercise), moderate-intensity (power output at LT), and high-intensity (power output associated with 75% of the difference between LT and VO2_peak).
• Total ghrelin, acylated ghrelin, deacylated ghrelin, and lactate levels were measured at baseline and at multiple intervals post-exercise; appetite ratings were assessed using a visual analog scale at baseline and every 30 minutes thereafter.

TAKEAWAY:

• Total ghrelin levels were significantly lower during high-intensity exercise than during moderate-intensity and no exercise (P < .0001 for both).
• Both men and women had significantly lower deacylated ghrelin levels during high-intensity exercise than during moderate-intensity (P < .0001) and no exercise (P = .002), whereas only women had significantly lower acylated ghrelin levels during high-intensity exercise (P < .0001).
• Hunger scores were higher in the moderate-intensity exercise group than in the no exercise group (P < .01), with no differences found between high-intensity exercise and moderate-intensity or no exercise.
• Lactate levels were significantly higher during high-intensity exercise than during moderate-intensity and no exercise (P < .0001 for both).

IN PRACTICE:

“Exercise should be thought of as a ‘drug,’ where the ‘dose’ should be customized based on an individual’s personal goals,” the lead author said in a news release. “Our research suggests that high-intensity exercise may be important for appetite suppression, which can be particularly useful as part of a weight loss program.”

SOURCE:

This study was led by Kara C. Anderson, PhD, Department of Kinesiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, and was published online on October 24, 2024, in the Journal of the Endocrine Society.

LIMITATIONS: 

The real-world application of the study was limited as participants were tested under fasting conditions, which may not have reflected typical exercise scenarios. The differences in fitness levels and exercise caloric expenditure between men and women may have affected the findings. The study only included lean individuals, limiting the applicability of the findings to individuals with overweight or obesity.

DISCLOSURES:

The study was supported by funds from the School of Education and Human Development, University of Virginia, and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. One author reported serving as an editor for the Journal of the Endocrine Society, which played no role in the evaluation of the manuscript.
 

This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication. A version of this article appeared on Medscape.com.

TOPLINE: 

High-intensity exercise suppresses ghrelin levels more than moderate-intensity exercise, leading to a greater reduction in hunger. This effect may be more pronounced in women than in men.

METHODOLOGY:

• Ghrelin circulates in acylated and deacylated forms and is associated with hunger perceptions. Previous studies have indicated that acute exercise can modulate ghrelin levels, but data on the effect of exercise intensity on ghrelin levels and appetite remain limited.
• To close this gap, researchers examined 14 adults, including eight men (mean age, 43.1 years; body mass index [BMI], 22.2) and six women (mean age, 32.2 years; BMI, 22.7) who fasted overnight and then completed exercises of varying intensity.
• Participants completed a maximal graded cycle ergometer lactate threshold (LT) and peak oxygen consumption (VO2_peak) test to determine the exercise intensity.
• Three calorically matched cycle exercise bouts were conducted: Control (no exercise), moderate-intensity (power output at LT), and high-intensity (power output associated with 75% of the difference between LT and VO2_peak).
• Total ghrelin, acylated ghrelin, deacylated ghrelin, and lactate levels were measured at baseline and at multiple intervals post-exercise; appetite ratings were assessed using a visual analog scale at baseline and every 30 minutes thereafter.

TAKEAWAY:

• Total ghrelin levels were significantly lower during high-intensity exercise than during moderate-intensity and no exercise (P < .0001 for both).
• Both men and women had significantly lower deacylated ghrelin levels during high-intensity exercise than during moderate-intensity (P < .0001) and no exercise (P = .002), whereas only women had significantly lower acylated ghrelin levels during high-intensity exercise (P < .0001).
• Hunger scores were higher in the moderate-intensity exercise group than in the no exercise group (P < .01), with no differences found between high-intensity exercise and moderate-intensity or no exercise.
• Lactate levels were significantly higher during high-intensity exercise than during moderate-intensity and no exercise (P < .0001 for both).

IN PRACTICE:

“Exercise should be thought of as a ‘drug,’ where the ‘dose’ should be customized based on an individual’s personal goals,” the lead author said in a news release. “Our research suggests that high-intensity exercise may be important for appetite suppression, which can be particularly useful as part of a weight loss program.”

SOURCE:

This study was led by Kara C. Anderson, PhD, Department of Kinesiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, and was published online on October 24, 2024, in the Journal of the Endocrine Society.

LIMITATIONS: 

The real-world application of the study was limited as participants were tested under fasting conditions, which may not have reflected typical exercise scenarios. The differences in fitness levels and exercise caloric expenditure between men and women may have affected the findings. The study only included lean individuals, limiting the applicability of the findings to individuals with overweight or obesity.

DISCLOSURES:

The study was supported by funds from the School of Education and Human Development, University of Virginia, and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. One author reported serving as an editor for the Journal of the Endocrine Society, which played no role in the evaluation of the manuscript.
 

This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication. A version of this article appeared on Medscape.com.

TOPLINE: 

High-intensity exercise suppresses ghrelin levels more than moderate-intensity exercise, leading to a greater reduction in hunger. This effect may be more pronounced in women than in men.

METHODOLOGY:

• Ghrelin circulates in acylated and deacylated forms and is associated with hunger perceptions. Previous studies have indicated that acute exercise can modulate ghrelin levels, but data on the effect of exercise intensity on ghrelin levels and appetite remain limited.
• To close this gap, researchers examined 14 adults, including eight men (mean age, 43.1 years; body mass index [BMI], 22.2) and six women (mean age, 32.2 years; BMI, 22.7) who fasted overnight and then completed exercises of varying intensity.
• Participants completed a maximal graded cycle ergometer lactate threshold (LT) and peak oxygen consumption (VO2_peak) test to determine the exercise intensity.
• Three calorically matched cycle exercise bouts were conducted: Control (no exercise), moderate-intensity (power output at LT), and high-intensity (power output associated with 75% of the difference between LT and VO2_peak).
• Total ghrelin, acylated ghrelin, deacylated ghrelin, and lactate levels were measured at baseline and at multiple intervals post-exercise; appetite ratings were assessed using a visual analog scale at baseline and every 30 minutes thereafter.

TAKEAWAY:

• Total ghrelin levels were significantly lower during high-intensity exercise than during moderate-intensity and no exercise (P < .0001 for both).
• Both men and women had significantly lower deacylated ghrelin levels during high-intensity exercise than during moderate-intensity (P < .0001) and no exercise (P = .002), whereas only women had significantly lower acylated ghrelin levels during high-intensity exercise (P < .0001).
• Hunger scores were higher in the moderate-intensity exercise group than in the no exercise group (P < .01), with no differences found between high-intensity exercise and moderate-intensity or no exercise.
• Lactate levels were significantly higher during high-intensity exercise than during moderate-intensity and no exercise (P < .0001 for both).

IN PRACTICE:

“Exercise should be thought of as a ‘drug,’ where the ‘dose’ should be customized based on an individual’s personal goals,” the lead author said in a news release. “Our research suggests that high-intensity exercise may be important for appetite suppression, which can be particularly useful as part of a weight loss program.”

SOURCE:

This study was led by Kara C. Anderson, PhD, Department of Kinesiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, and was published online on October 24, 2024, in the Journal of the Endocrine Society.

LIMITATIONS: 

The real-world application of the study was limited as participants were tested under fasting conditions, which may not have reflected typical exercise scenarios. The differences in fitness levels and exercise caloric expenditure between men and women may have affected the findings. The study only included lean individuals, limiting the applicability of the findings to individuals with overweight or obesity.

DISCLOSURES:

The study was supported by funds from the School of Education and Human Development, University of Virginia, and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. One author reported serving as an editor for the Journal of the Endocrine Society, which played no role in the evaluation of the manuscript.
 

This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication. A version of this article appeared on Medscape.com.

TOPLINE:

Adolescent girls with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have an increased risk for hypertension, according to a new study which underscores the importance of blood pressure surveillance in this population.

METHODOLOGY:

• The retrospective cohort study examined the association between PCOS and hypertension in adolescent girls within a diverse community-based US healthcare population.
• The researchers analyzed data from 224,418 adolescent girls (mean age at index visit, 14.9 years; 15.8% classified as having obesity) who had a well-child visit between 2013 and 2019, during which their systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were measured.
• Blood pressure in the hypertensive range was classified using the 2017 American Academy of Pediatrics Practice Guideline, with thresholds of 130/80 mm Hg or greater.

TAKEAWAY:

• The proportion of adolescent girls with high blood pressure was significantly greater among those with PCOS than among those without the condition (18.2% vs 7.1%; P < .001).
• Adolescent girls with PCOS had a 25% higher risk for hypertension than those without the disorder (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.25; 95% CI, 1.10-1.42).
• Similarly, adolescent girls with obesity and PCOS had a 23% higher risk for high blood pressure than those without PCOS (aOR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.06-1.42).

IN PRACTICE:

“The high prevalence of [hypertension] associated with PCOS emphasizes the key role of early [blood pressure] monitoring in this high-risk group,” the authors of the study wrote.

SOURCE:

The study was led by Sherry Zhang, MD, Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center, Oakland, California, and was published online in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

LIMITATIONS:

The study relied on coded diagnoses of PCOS from clinical settings, which may have led to detection and referral biases. The findings may not be generalizable to an unselected population in which adolescent girls are systematically screened for both PCOS and hypertension.

DISCLOSURES:

This study was funded by the Cardiovascular and Metabolic Conditions Research Section and the Biostatistical Consulting Unit at the Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California and by the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Community Health Program. The authors declared having no conflicts of interest.

This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication. A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.

TOPLINE:

Adolescent girls with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have an increased risk for hypertension, according to a new study which underscores the importance of blood pressure surveillance in this population.

METHODOLOGY:

• The retrospective cohort study examined the association between PCOS and hypertension in adolescent girls within a diverse community-based US healthcare population.
• The researchers analyzed data from 224,418 adolescent girls (mean age at index visit, 14.9 years; 15.8% classified as having obesity) who had a well-child visit between 2013 and 2019, during which their systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were measured.
• Blood pressure in the hypertensive range was classified using the 2017 American Academy of Pediatrics Practice Guideline, with thresholds of 130/80 mm Hg or greater.

TAKEAWAY:

• The proportion of adolescent girls with high blood pressure was significantly greater among those with PCOS than among those without the condition (18.2% vs 7.1%; P < .001).
• Adolescent girls with PCOS had a 25% higher risk for hypertension than those without the disorder (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.25; 95% CI, 1.10-1.42).
• Similarly, adolescent girls with obesity and PCOS had a 23% higher risk for high blood pressure than those without PCOS (aOR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.06-1.42).

IN PRACTICE:

“The high prevalence of [hypertension] associated with PCOS emphasizes the key role of early [blood pressure] monitoring in this high-risk group,” the authors of the study wrote.

SOURCE:

The study was led by Sherry Zhang, MD, Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center, Oakland, California, and was published online in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

LIMITATIONS:

The study relied on coded diagnoses of PCOS from clinical settings, which may have led to detection and referral biases. The findings may not be generalizable to an unselected population in which adolescent girls are systematically screened for both PCOS and hypertension.

DISCLOSURES:

This study was funded by the Cardiovascular and Metabolic Conditions Research Section and the Biostatistical Consulting Unit at the Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California and by the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Community Health Program. The authors declared having no conflicts of interest.

This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication. A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.

TOPLINE:

Adolescent girls with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have an increased risk for hypertension, according to a new study which underscores the importance of blood pressure surveillance in this population.

METHODOLOGY:

• The retrospective cohort study examined the association between PCOS and hypertension in adolescent girls within a diverse community-based US healthcare population.
• The researchers analyzed data from 224,418 adolescent girls (mean age at index visit, 14.9 years; 15.8% classified as having obesity) who had a well-child visit between 2013 and 2019, during which their systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were measured.
• Blood pressure in the hypertensive range was classified using the 2017 American Academy of Pediatrics Practice Guideline, with thresholds of 130/80 mm Hg or greater.

TAKEAWAY:

• The proportion of adolescent girls with high blood pressure was significantly greater among those with PCOS than among those without the condition (18.2% vs 7.1%; P < .001).
• Adolescent girls with PCOS had a 25% higher risk for hypertension than those without the disorder (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.25; 95% CI, 1.10-1.42).
• Similarly, adolescent girls with obesity and PCOS had a 23% higher risk for high blood pressure than those without PCOS (aOR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.06-1.42).

IN PRACTICE:

“The high prevalence of [hypertension] associated with PCOS emphasizes the key role of early [blood pressure] monitoring in this high-risk group,” the authors of the study wrote.

SOURCE:

The study was led by Sherry Zhang, MD, Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center, Oakland, California, and was published online in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

LIMITATIONS:

The study relied on coded diagnoses of PCOS from clinical settings, which may have led to detection and referral biases. The findings may not be generalizable to an unselected population in which adolescent girls are systematically screened for both PCOS and hypertension.

DISCLOSURES:

This study was funded by the Cardiovascular and Metabolic Conditions Research Section and the Biostatistical Consulting Unit at the Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California and by the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Community Health Program. The authors declared having no conflicts of interest.

This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication. A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.

TOPLINE:

Patients with dry eye disease are more than three times as likely to have mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, as those without the condition.

METHODOLOGY:

• Researchers used a database from the National Institutes of Health to investigate the association between dry eye disease and mental health disorders in a large and diverse nationwide population of American adults.
• They identified 18,257 patients (mean age, 64.9 years; 67% women) with dry eye disease who were propensity score–matched with 54,765 participants without the condition.
• The cases of dry eye disease were identified using Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine codes for dry eyes, meibomian gland dysfunction, and tear film insufficiency.
• The outcome measures for mental health conditions were clinical diagnoses of depressive disorders, anxiety-related disorders, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

TAKEAWAY:

• Patients with dry eye disease had more than triple the risk for mental health conditions than participants without the condition (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.21; P < .001).
• Patients with dry eye disease had a higher risk for a depressive disorder (aOR, 3.47), anxiety-related disorder (aOR, 2.74), bipolar disorder (aOR, 2.23), and schizophrenia spectrum disorder (aOR, 2.48; P < .001 for all) than participants without the condition.
• The associations between dry eye disease and mental health conditions were significantly stronger among Black individuals than among White individuals, except for bipolar disorder.
• Dry eye disease was associated with two- to threefold higher odds of depressive disorders, anxiety-related disorders, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders even in participants who never used medications for mental health (P < .001 for all).

IN PRACTICE:

“Greater efforts should be undertaken to screen patients with DED [dry eye disease] for mental health conditions, particularly in historically medically underserved populations,” the authors of the study wrote.

SOURCE:

This study was led by Aaron T. Zhao, of the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, and was published online on October 15, 2024, in the American Journal of Ophthalmology.

LIMITATIONS:

This study relied on electronic health record data, which may have led to the inclusion of participants with undiagnosed dry eye disease as control participants. Moreover, the study did not evaluate the severity of dry eye disease or the severity and duration of mental health conditions, which may have affected the results. The database analyzed in this study may not have fully captured the complete demographic profile of the nationwide population, which may have affected the generalizability of the findings.

DISCLOSURES:

This study was supported by funding from the National Institutes of Health and Research to Prevent Blindness. The authors declared having no conflicts of interest.

This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication. A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.

TOPLINE:

Patients with dry eye disease are more than three times as likely to have mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, as those without the condition.

METHODOLOGY:

• Researchers used a database from the National Institutes of Health to investigate the association between dry eye disease and mental health disorders in a large and diverse nationwide population of American adults.
• They identified 18,257 patients (mean age, 64.9 years; 67% women) with dry eye disease who were propensity score–matched with 54,765 participants without the condition.
• The cases of dry eye disease were identified using Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine codes for dry eyes, meibomian gland dysfunction, and tear film insufficiency.
• The outcome measures for mental health conditions were clinical diagnoses of depressive disorders, anxiety-related disorders, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

TAKEAWAY:

• Patients with dry eye disease had more than triple the risk for mental health conditions than participants without the condition (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.21; P < .001).
• Patients with dry eye disease had a higher risk for a depressive disorder (aOR, 3.47), anxiety-related disorder (aOR, 2.74), bipolar disorder (aOR, 2.23), and schizophrenia spectrum disorder (aOR, 2.48; P < .001 for all) than participants without the condition.
• The associations between dry eye disease and mental health conditions were significantly stronger among Black individuals than among White individuals, except for bipolar disorder.
• Dry eye disease was associated with two- to threefold higher odds of depressive disorders, anxiety-related disorders, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders even in participants who never used medications for mental health (P < .001 for all).

IN PRACTICE:

“Greater efforts should be undertaken to screen patients with DED [dry eye disease] for mental health conditions, particularly in historically medically underserved populations,” the authors of the study wrote.

SOURCE:

This study was led by Aaron T. Zhao, of the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, and was published online on October 15, 2024, in the American Journal of Ophthalmology.

LIMITATIONS:

This study relied on electronic health record data, which may have led to the inclusion of participants with undiagnosed dry eye disease as control participants. Moreover, the study did not evaluate the severity of dry eye disease or the severity and duration of mental health conditions, which may have affected the results. The database analyzed in this study may not have fully captured the complete demographic profile of the nationwide population, which may have affected the generalizability of the findings.

DISCLOSURES:

This study was supported by funding from the National Institutes of Health and Research to Prevent Blindness. The authors declared having no conflicts of interest.

This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication. A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.

TOPLINE:

Patients with dry eye disease are more than three times as likely to have mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, as those without the condition.

METHODOLOGY:

• Researchers used a database from the National Institutes of Health to investigate the association between dry eye disease and mental health disorders in a large and diverse nationwide population of American adults.
• They identified 18,257 patients (mean age, 64.9 years; 67% women) with dry eye disease who were propensity score–matched with 54,765 participants without the condition.
• The cases of dry eye disease were identified using Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine codes for dry eyes, meibomian gland dysfunction, and tear film insufficiency.
• The outcome measures for mental health conditions were clinical diagnoses of depressive disorders, anxiety-related disorders, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

TAKEAWAY:

• Patients with dry eye disease had more than triple the risk for mental health conditions than participants without the condition (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.21; P < .001).
• Patients with dry eye disease had a higher risk for a depressive disorder (aOR, 3.47), anxiety-related disorder (aOR, 2.74), bipolar disorder (aOR, 2.23), and schizophrenia spectrum disorder (aOR, 2.48; P < .001 for all) than participants without the condition.
• The associations between dry eye disease and mental health conditions were significantly stronger among Black individuals than among White individuals, except for bipolar disorder.
• Dry eye disease was associated with two- to threefold higher odds of depressive disorders, anxiety-related disorders, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders even in participants who never used medications for mental health (P < .001 for all).

IN PRACTICE:

“Greater efforts should be undertaken to screen patients with DED [dry eye disease] for mental health conditions, particularly in historically medically underserved populations,” the authors of the study wrote.

SOURCE:

This study was led by Aaron T. Zhao, of the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, and was published online on October 15, 2024, in the American Journal of Ophthalmology.

LIMITATIONS:

This study relied on electronic health record data, which may have led to the inclusion of participants with undiagnosed dry eye disease as control participants. Moreover, the study did not evaluate the severity of dry eye disease or the severity and duration of mental health conditions, which may have affected the results. The database analyzed in this study may not have fully captured the complete demographic profile of the nationwide population, which may have affected the generalizability of the findings.

DISCLOSURES:

This study was supported by funding from the National Institutes of Health and Research to Prevent Blindness. The authors declared having no conflicts of interest.

This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication. A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.

TOPLINE:

Patients who achieved an A1c level < 6.5% after metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS) maintained this target in the short and long terms, regardless of whether they continued or discontinued metformin after the procedure.

METHODOLOGY:

• MBS is effective in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity, but the recommendations for managing patients who achieve diabetes remission after bariatric surgery are not clear.
• Researchers conducted a retrospective cohort study using electronic health records from Clalit Health Services in Israel to assess the association between metformin continuation after MBS and the short- and long-term relapse of diabetes (2 and 5 years after surgery, respectively).
• They included 366 patients (aged ≥ 24 years; body mass index [BMI], ≥ 30) with obesity and T2D who received metformin and achieved A1c levels < 6.5% for up to 6 months after MBS.
• Patients who continued metformin (n = 122; ≥ 3 filled prescriptions; mean follow-up, 5.3 years) were matched and compared with those who discontinued it (n = 244; 0 prescriptions; mean follow-up, 5.8 years) after MBS.
• The primary outcome was the long-term relapse of diabetes, defined by an A1c level ≥ 6.5% during the follow-up period, and the secondary outcomes were short- and long-term A1c levels, changes in BMI, and all-cause mortality.

TAKEAWAY:

• After adjustment for patient variables, no significant association was found between metformin continuation after MBS and risk for relapse of diabetes (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.65).
• Patients in both groups maintained mean A1c levels < 6.5% during the short- and long-term follow-up periods, showing that discontinuing metformin did not impede glycemic control.
• No significant differences were noted between patients who continued or discontinued metformin in terms of weight loss.
• The mortality rate was low in both the groups, with no substantial difference noted between the groups that continued metformin (4.1%) or discontinued metformin (2.5%).

IN PRACTICE:

“The lack of a significant association of metformin continuation with A1c level observed in the current study supports the notion that metformin may not have an additional benefit after MBS,” the authors wrote.

SOURCE:

This study was led by Dror Dicker, MD, Internal Medicine Department D and Obesity Clinic, Hasharon Hospital, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel, and published online in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism.

LIMITATIONS: 

The observational nature of the study and the lack of randomization may have introduced residual confounding. The small number of patients remaining in the final study population limited the generalizability of the findings. The follow-up period of approximately 5 years may not have been sufficient to observe the long-term effects of metformin continuation.

DISCLOSURES:

The study received funding from Ariel University. Two authors disclosed receiving grants, personal fees, or nonfinancial support from various sources unrelated to this study.

This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication. A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.

TOPLINE:

Patients who achieved an A1c level < 6.5% after metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS) maintained this target in the short and long terms, regardless of whether they continued or discontinued metformin after the procedure.

METHODOLOGY:

• MBS is effective in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity, but the recommendations for managing patients who achieve diabetes remission after bariatric surgery are not clear.
• Researchers conducted a retrospective cohort study using electronic health records from Clalit Health Services in Israel to assess the association between metformin continuation after MBS and the short- and long-term relapse of diabetes (2 and 5 years after surgery, respectively).
• They included 366 patients (aged ≥ 24 years; body mass index [BMI], ≥ 30) with obesity and T2D who received metformin and achieved A1c levels < 6.5% for up to 6 months after MBS.
• Patients who continued metformin (n = 122; ≥ 3 filled prescriptions; mean follow-up, 5.3 years) were matched and compared with those who discontinued it (n = 244; 0 prescriptions; mean follow-up, 5.8 years) after MBS.
• The primary outcome was the long-term relapse of diabetes, defined by an A1c level ≥ 6.5% during the follow-up period, and the secondary outcomes were short- and long-term A1c levels, changes in BMI, and all-cause mortality.

TAKEAWAY:

• After adjustment for patient variables, no significant association was found between metformin continuation after MBS and risk for relapse of diabetes (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.65).
• Patients in both groups maintained mean A1c levels < 6.5% during the short- and long-term follow-up periods, showing that discontinuing metformin did not impede glycemic control.
• No significant differences were noted between patients who continued or discontinued metformin in terms of weight loss.
• The mortality rate was low in both the groups, with no substantial difference noted between the groups that continued metformin (4.1%) or discontinued metformin (2.5%).

IN PRACTICE:

“The lack of a significant association of metformin continuation with A1c level observed in the current study supports the notion that metformin may not have an additional benefit after MBS,” the authors wrote.

SOURCE:

This study was led by Dror Dicker, MD, Internal Medicine Department D and Obesity Clinic, Hasharon Hospital, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel, and published online in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism.

LIMITATIONS: 

The observational nature of the study and the lack of randomization may have introduced residual confounding. The small number of patients remaining in the final study population limited the generalizability of the findings. The follow-up period of approximately 5 years may not have been sufficient to observe the long-term effects of metformin continuation.

DISCLOSURES:

The study received funding from Ariel University. Two authors disclosed receiving grants, personal fees, or nonfinancial support from various sources unrelated to this study.

This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication. A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.

TOPLINE:

Patients who achieved an A1c level < 6.5% after metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS) maintained this target in the short and long terms, regardless of whether they continued or discontinued metformin after the procedure.

METHODOLOGY:

• MBS is effective in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity, but the recommendations for managing patients who achieve diabetes remission after bariatric surgery are not clear.
• Researchers conducted a retrospective cohort study using electronic health records from Clalit Health Services in Israel to assess the association between metformin continuation after MBS and the short- and long-term relapse of diabetes (2 and 5 years after surgery, respectively).
• They included 366 patients (aged ≥ 24 years; body mass index [BMI], ≥ 30) with obesity and T2D who received metformin and achieved A1c levels < 6.5% for up to 6 months after MBS.
• Patients who continued metformin (n = 122; ≥ 3 filled prescriptions; mean follow-up, 5.3 years) were matched and compared with those who discontinued it (n = 244; 0 prescriptions; mean follow-up, 5.8 years) after MBS.
• The primary outcome was the long-term relapse of diabetes, defined by an A1c level ≥ 6.5% during the follow-up period, and the secondary outcomes were short- and long-term A1c levels, changes in BMI, and all-cause mortality.

TAKEAWAY:

• After adjustment for patient variables, no significant association was found between metformin continuation after MBS and risk for relapse of diabetes (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.65).
• Patients in both groups maintained mean A1c levels < 6.5% during the short- and long-term follow-up periods, showing that discontinuing metformin did not impede glycemic control.
• No significant differences were noted between patients who continued or discontinued metformin in terms of weight loss.
• The mortality rate was low in both the groups, with no substantial difference noted between the groups that continued metformin (4.1%) or discontinued metformin (2.5%).

IN PRACTICE:

“The lack of a significant association of metformin continuation with A1c level observed in the current study supports the notion that metformin may not have an additional benefit after MBS,” the authors wrote.

SOURCE:

This study was led by Dror Dicker, MD, Internal Medicine Department D and Obesity Clinic, Hasharon Hospital, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel, and published online in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism.

LIMITATIONS: 

The observational nature of the study and the lack of randomization may have introduced residual confounding. The small number of patients remaining in the final study population limited the generalizability of the findings. The follow-up period of approximately 5 years may not have been sufficient to observe the long-term effects of metformin continuation.

DISCLOSURES:

The study received funding from Ariel University. Two authors disclosed receiving grants, personal fees, or nonfinancial support from various sources unrelated to this study.

This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication. A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.

TOPLINE:

Genetic predisposition to gout, unfavorable lifestyle habits, and poor metabolic health are associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD); however, adherence to a healthy lifestyle can reduce this risk by up to 62%, even in individuals with high genetic risk.

METHODOLOGY:

• Researchers investigated the association between genetic predisposition to gout, combined with lifestyle habits, and the risk for CVD in two diverse prospective cohorts from different ancestral backgrounds.
• They analyzed the data of 224,689 participants of European descent from the UK Biobank (mean age, 57.0 years; 56.1% women) and 50,364 participants of East Asian descent from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES; mean age, 53.7 years; 66.0% women).
• The genetic predisposition to gout was evaluated using a polygenic risk score (PRS) derived from a metagenome-wide association study, and the participants were categorized into low, intermediate, and high genetic risk groups based on their PRS for gout.
• A favorable lifestyle was defined as having ≥ 3 healthy lifestyle factors, and 0-1 metabolic syndrome factor defined the ideal metabolic health status.
• The incident CVD risk was evaluated according to genetic risk, lifestyle habits, and metabolic syndrome.

TAKEAWAY:

• Individuals in the high genetic risk group had a higher risk for CVD than those in the low genetic risk group in both the UK Biobank (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.10; P < .001) and KoGES (aHR, 1.31; P = .024) cohorts.
• In the UK Biobank cohort, individuals with a high genetic risk for gout and unfavorable lifestyle choices had a 1.99 times higher risk for incident CVD than those with low genetic risk (aHR, 1.99; P < .001); similar outcomes were observed in the KoGES cohort.
• Similarly, individuals with a high genetic risk for gout and poor metabolic health in the UK Biobank cohort had a 2.16 times higher risk for CVD than those with low genetic risk (aHR, 2.16; P < .001 for both); outcomes were no different in the KoGES cohort.
• Improving metabolic health and adhering to a healthy lifestyle reduced the risk for CVD by 62% in individuals with high genetic risk and by 46% in those with low genetic risk (P < .001 for both).

IN PRACTICE:

“PRS for gout can be used for preventing not only gout but also CVD. It is possible to identify individuals with high genetic risk for gout and strongly recommend modifying lifestyle habits. Weight reduction, smoking cessation, regular exercise, and eating healthy food are effective strategies to prevent gout and CVD,” the authors wrote.

SOURCE:

This study was led by Ki Won Moon, MD, PhD, Department of Internal Medicine, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea, and SangHyuk Jung, PhD, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, and was published online on October 8, 2024, in RMD Open.

LIMITATIONS: 

The definitions of lifestyle and metabolic syndrome were different in each cohort, which may have affected the findings. Data on lifestyle behaviors and metabolic health statuses were collected at enrollment, but these variables may have changed during the follow-up period, which potentially introduced bias into the results. This study was not able to establish causality between genetic predisposition to gout and the incident risk for CVD.

DISCLOSURES:

This study was supported by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences and the National Research Foundation of Korea. The authors declared no competing interests.

This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication. A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.

TOPLINE:

Genetic predisposition to gout, unfavorable lifestyle habits, and poor metabolic health are associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD); however, adherence to a healthy lifestyle can reduce this risk by up to 62%, even in individuals with high genetic risk.

METHODOLOGY:

• Researchers investigated the association between genetic predisposition to gout, combined with lifestyle habits, and the risk for CVD in two diverse prospective cohorts from different ancestral backgrounds.
• They analyzed the data of 224,689 participants of European descent from the UK Biobank (mean age, 57.0 years; 56.1% women) and 50,364 participants of East Asian descent from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES; mean age, 53.7 years; 66.0% women).
• The genetic predisposition to gout was evaluated using a polygenic risk score (PRS) derived from a metagenome-wide association study, and the participants were categorized into low, intermediate, and high genetic risk groups based on their PRS for gout.
• A favorable lifestyle was defined as having ≥ 3 healthy lifestyle factors, and 0-1 metabolic syndrome factor defined the ideal metabolic health status.
• The incident CVD risk was evaluated according to genetic risk, lifestyle habits, and metabolic syndrome.

TAKEAWAY:

• Individuals in the high genetic risk group had a higher risk for CVD than those in the low genetic risk group in both the UK Biobank (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.10; P < .001) and KoGES (aHR, 1.31; P = .024) cohorts.
• In the UK Biobank cohort, individuals with a high genetic risk for gout and unfavorable lifestyle choices had a 1.99 times higher risk for incident CVD than those with low genetic risk (aHR, 1.99; P < .001); similar outcomes were observed in the KoGES cohort.
• Similarly, individuals with a high genetic risk for gout and poor metabolic health in the UK Biobank cohort had a 2.16 times higher risk for CVD than those with low genetic risk (aHR, 2.16; P < .001 for both); outcomes were no different in the KoGES cohort.
• Improving metabolic health and adhering to a healthy lifestyle reduced the risk for CVD by 62% in individuals with high genetic risk and by 46% in those with low genetic risk (P < .001 for both).

IN PRACTICE:

“PRS for gout can be used for preventing not only gout but also CVD. It is possible to identify individuals with high genetic risk for gout and strongly recommend modifying lifestyle habits. Weight reduction, smoking cessation, regular exercise, and eating healthy food are effective strategies to prevent gout and CVD,” the authors wrote.

SOURCE:

This study was led by Ki Won Moon, MD, PhD, Department of Internal Medicine, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea, and SangHyuk Jung, PhD, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, and was published online on October 8, 2024, in RMD Open.

LIMITATIONS: 

The definitions of lifestyle and metabolic syndrome were different in each cohort, which may have affected the findings. Data on lifestyle behaviors and metabolic health statuses were collected at enrollment, but these variables may have changed during the follow-up period, which potentially introduced bias into the results. This study was not able to establish causality between genetic predisposition to gout and the incident risk for CVD.

DISCLOSURES:

This study was supported by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences and the National Research Foundation of Korea. The authors declared no competing interests.

This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication. A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.

TOPLINE:

Genetic predisposition to gout, unfavorable lifestyle habits, and poor metabolic health are associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD); however, adherence to a healthy lifestyle can reduce this risk by up to 62%, even in individuals with high genetic risk.

METHODOLOGY:

• Researchers investigated the association between genetic predisposition to gout, combined with lifestyle habits, and the risk for CVD in two diverse prospective cohorts from different ancestral backgrounds.
• They analyzed the data of 224,689 participants of European descent from the UK Biobank (mean age, 57.0 years; 56.1% women) and 50,364 participants of East Asian descent from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES; mean age, 53.7 years; 66.0% women).
• The genetic predisposition to gout was evaluated using a polygenic risk score (PRS) derived from a metagenome-wide association study, and the participants were categorized into low, intermediate, and high genetic risk groups based on their PRS for gout.
• A favorable lifestyle was defined as having ≥ 3 healthy lifestyle factors, and 0-1 metabolic syndrome factor defined the ideal metabolic health status.
• The incident CVD risk was evaluated according to genetic risk, lifestyle habits, and metabolic syndrome.

TAKEAWAY:

• Individuals in the high genetic risk group had a higher risk for CVD than those in the low genetic risk group in both the UK Biobank (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.10; P < .001) and KoGES (aHR, 1.31; P = .024) cohorts.
• In the UK Biobank cohort, individuals with a high genetic risk for gout and unfavorable lifestyle choices had a 1.99 times higher risk for incident CVD than those with low genetic risk (aHR, 1.99; P < .001); similar outcomes were observed in the KoGES cohort.
• Similarly, individuals with a high genetic risk for gout and poor metabolic health in the UK Biobank cohort had a 2.16 times higher risk for CVD than those with low genetic risk (aHR, 2.16; P < .001 for both); outcomes were no different in the KoGES cohort.
• Improving metabolic health and adhering to a healthy lifestyle reduced the risk for CVD by 62% in individuals with high genetic risk and by 46% in those with low genetic risk (P < .001 for both).

IN PRACTICE:

“PRS for gout can be used for preventing not only gout but also CVD. It is possible to identify individuals with high genetic risk for gout and strongly recommend modifying lifestyle habits. Weight reduction, smoking cessation, regular exercise, and eating healthy food are effective strategies to prevent gout and CVD,” the authors wrote.

SOURCE:

This study was led by Ki Won Moon, MD, PhD, Department of Internal Medicine, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea, and SangHyuk Jung, PhD, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, and was published online on October 8, 2024, in RMD Open.

LIMITATIONS: 

The definitions of lifestyle and metabolic syndrome were different in each cohort, which may have affected the findings. Data on lifestyle behaviors and metabolic health statuses were collected at enrollment, but these variables may have changed during the follow-up period, which potentially introduced bias into the results. This study was not able to establish causality between genetic predisposition to gout and the incident risk for CVD.

DISCLOSURES:

This study was supported by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences and the National Research Foundation of Korea. The authors declared no competing interests.

This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication. A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.

TOPLINE:

Both low and high levels of maternal 25-hydroxy [25(OH)] vitamin D are linked to an increased risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), with levels of 40-59 ng/mL being associated with the lowest risk.

METHODOLOGY:

• Researchers analyzed 260 pregnancies in the Hopkins Lupus Cohort to examine the association between 25(OH) vitamin D levels and adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with SLE.
• The participants were required to have serum vitamin D levels measured during pregnancy and pregnancy-related outcomes data.
• The 25(OH) vitamin D levels were measured at visits every 6 weeks, and the participants were divided into six subgroups on the basis of the mean 25(OH) vitamin D levels: < 20 ng/dL, 20-29 ng/dL, 30-39 ng/dL, 40-49 ng/dL, 50-59 ng/dL, and ≥ 60 ng/dL.
• The adverse pregnancy outcomes included miscarriage, preterm delivery, and restricted intrauterine growth of the fetus.
• This study used a time-to-event analysis to assess the association between time-varying 25(OH) vitamin D levels and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

TAKEAWAY:

• Adverse pregnancy outcomes were observed in 45.3% of pregnancies; the risks for miscarriage and preterm delivery were significantly different across the six subgroups with varying vitamin D levels (P = .0045 and P = .0007, respectively).
• A U-shaped curve association was observed between vitamin D levels and adverse pregnancy outcomes, with the highest risk seen in patients with the lowest or highest levels of vitamin D during pregnancy, while the lowest risk was seen in those with vitamin D levels between 40 and 59 ng/mL.
• Low 25(OH) vitamin D levels during the second trimester resulted in premature delivery in 9 out of 10 pregnancies; however, a relationship between vitamin D levels in the first trimester and pregnancy outcomes was not observed.
• The time-to-event analysis showed that the U-shaped association between vitamin D levels and adverse pregnancy outcomes was still observed even after accounting for lupus disease activity; however, the elevated risk seen in individuals with the highest levels of vitamin D was no longer statistically significant.

IN PRACTICE:

“We recommend monitoring of maternal serum 25(OH) vitamin D levels throughout SLE pregnancies and supplementing patients with vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency, aiming for 25(OH) vitamin D range of 40-59 ng/mL. Over supplementation should be avoided,” the authors wrote.

SOURCE:

The study was led by Nima Madanchi, MD, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, and was published online on September 23, 2024, in Arthritis Care & Research.

LIMITATIONS:

This study could not prove a cause-and-effect relationship between vitamin D levels and adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study included only clinically identified pregnancies, potentially missing very early miscarriages. It also could not adjust for parity due to the unknown parity of the index pregnancy.

DISCLOSURES:

This Hopkins Lupus Cohort was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.
 

This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication. A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.

TOPLINE:

Both low and high levels of maternal 25-hydroxy [25(OH)] vitamin D are linked to an increased risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), with levels of 40-59 ng/mL being associated with the lowest risk.

METHODOLOGY:

• Researchers analyzed 260 pregnancies in the Hopkins Lupus Cohort to examine the association between 25(OH) vitamin D levels and adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with SLE.
• The participants were required to have serum vitamin D levels measured during pregnancy and pregnancy-related outcomes data.
• The 25(OH) vitamin D levels were measured at visits every 6 weeks, and the participants were divided into six subgroups on the basis of the mean 25(OH) vitamin D levels: < 20 ng/dL, 20-29 ng/dL, 30-39 ng/dL, 40-49 ng/dL, 50-59 ng/dL, and ≥ 60 ng/dL.
• The adverse pregnancy outcomes included miscarriage, preterm delivery, and restricted intrauterine growth of the fetus.
• This study used a time-to-event analysis to assess the association between time-varying 25(OH) vitamin D levels and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

TAKEAWAY:

• Adverse pregnancy outcomes were observed in 45.3% of pregnancies; the risks for miscarriage and preterm delivery were significantly different across the six subgroups with varying vitamin D levels (P = .0045 and P = .0007, respectively).
• A U-shaped curve association was observed between vitamin D levels and adverse pregnancy outcomes, with the highest risk seen in patients with the lowest or highest levels of vitamin D during pregnancy, while the lowest risk was seen in those with vitamin D levels between 40 and 59 ng/mL.
• Low 25(OH) vitamin D levels during the second trimester resulted in premature delivery in 9 out of 10 pregnancies; however, a relationship between vitamin D levels in the first trimester and pregnancy outcomes was not observed.
• The time-to-event analysis showed that the U-shaped association between vitamin D levels and adverse pregnancy outcomes was still observed even after accounting for lupus disease activity; however, the elevated risk seen in individuals with the highest levels of vitamin D was no longer statistically significant.

IN PRACTICE:

“We recommend monitoring of maternal serum 25(OH) vitamin D levels throughout SLE pregnancies and supplementing patients with vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency, aiming for 25(OH) vitamin D range of 40-59 ng/mL. Over supplementation should be avoided,” the authors wrote.

SOURCE:

The study was led by Nima Madanchi, MD, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, and was published online on September 23, 2024, in Arthritis Care & Research.

LIMITATIONS:

This study could not prove a cause-and-effect relationship between vitamin D levels and adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study included only clinically identified pregnancies, potentially missing very early miscarriages. It also could not adjust for parity due to the unknown parity of the index pregnancy.

DISCLOSURES:

This Hopkins Lupus Cohort was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.
 

This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication. A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.

TOPLINE:

Both low and high levels of maternal 25-hydroxy [25(OH)] vitamin D are linked to an increased risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), with levels of 40-59 ng/mL being associated with the lowest risk.

METHODOLOGY:

• Researchers analyzed 260 pregnancies in the Hopkins Lupus Cohort to examine the association between 25(OH) vitamin D levels and adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with SLE.
• The participants were required to have serum vitamin D levels measured during pregnancy and pregnancy-related outcomes data.
• The 25(OH) vitamin D levels were measured at visits every 6 weeks, and the participants were divided into six subgroups on the basis of the mean 25(OH) vitamin D levels: < 20 ng/dL, 20-29 ng/dL, 30-39 ng/dL, 40-49 ng/dL, 50-59 ng/dL, and ≥ 60 ng/dL.
• The adverse pregnancy outcomes included miscarriage, preterm delivery, and restricted intrauterine growth of the fetus.
• This study used a time-to-event analysis to assess the association between time-varying 25(OH) vitamin D levels and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

TAKEAWAY:

• Adverse pregnancy outcomes were observed in 45.3% of pregnancies; the risks for miscarriage and preterm delivery were significantly different across the six subgroups with varying vitamin D levels (P = .0045 and P = .0007, respectively).
• A U-shaped curve association was observed between vitamin D levels and adverse pregnancy outcomes, with the highest risk seen in patients with the lowest or highest levels of vitamin D during pregnancy, while the lowest risk was seen in those with vitamin D levels between 40 and 59 ng/mL.
• Low 25(OH) vitamin D levels during the second trimester resulted in premature delivery in 9 out of 10 pregnancies; however, a relationship between vitamin D levels in the first trimester and pregnancy outcomes was not observed.
• The time-to-event analysis showed that the U-shaped association between vitamin D levels and adverse pregnancy outcomes was still observed even after accounting for lupus disease activity; however, the elevated risk seen in individuals with the highest levels of vitamin D was no longer statistically significant.

IN PRACTICE:

“We recommend monitoring of maternal serum 25(OH) vitamin D levels throughout SLE pregnancies and supplementing patients with vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency, aiming for 25(OH) vitamin D range of 40-59 ng/mL. Over supplementation should be avoided,” the authors wrote.

SOURCE:

The study was led by Nima Madanchi, MD, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, and was published online on September 23, 2024, in Arthritis Care & Research.

LIMITATIONS:

This study could not prove a cause-and-effect relationship between vitamin D levels and adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study included only clinically identified pregnancies, potentially missing very early miscarriages. It also could not adjust for parity due to the unknown parity of the index pregnancy.

DISCLOSURES:

This Hopkins Lupus Cohort was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.
 

This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication. A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.

TOPLINE:

A higher rate of weight loss within 1 year of initiating orlistat is associated with lower risks for incident gout and recurrent gout flares in individuals with body mass index (BMI) > 25, particularly if they have obesity or high baseline serum urate levels.

METHODOLOGY:

• Researchers conducted a population-based cohort study using data from The Health Improvement Network in the United Kingdom to examine the association between weight loss rates after the initiation of anti-obesity medication (orlistat) and the risk for incident gout and recurrent gout flares in patients with overweight or obesity.
• The risk for incident gout was analyzed in 131,000 patients with overweight or obesity (mean age, 45 years; 77.3% women; mean BMI, 37.2) who did not have gout before initiating orlistat.
• The risk for recurrent gout flares was evaluated in 3847 individuals with overweight or obesity (mean age, 56.6 years; 29.4% women; mean BMI, 38.5), who had gout before initiating orlistat.
• Participants were divided into four groups based on their rate of weight loss during the first year of orlistat use: Weight gain or stable (< 2%), slow (2% to < 5%), moderate (5% to < 10%), and fast (≥ 10%).
• The primary outcome was incident gout, and the secondary outcome was the rate of recurrent gout flares during the 5-year follow-up period after initiating orlistat.

TAKEAWAY:

• The 5-year risk for incident gout was the lowest among patients in the fast weight loss group (1.2%) and highest among those in the weight gain or stable weight group (1.6%).
• The risk for incident gout was lower in the fast (hazard ratio [HR], 0.73; 95% CI, 0.62-0.86) and moderate (HR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.72-0.92) weight loss groups than in the weight gain or stable weight group.
• Similarly, faster weight loss rates were linked to lower rates of recurrent gout flares, with risk ratios of 0.71 (95% CI, 0.60-0.84) and 0.83 (95% CI, 0.71-0.96) in the fast and moderate weight loss groups, respectively.
• This study found that weight loss after initiating orlistat was particularly beneficial for individuals with obesity and those with high baseline serum urate levels.

IN PRACTICE:

“Pharmacologic treatments, such as orlistat, present an alternative strategy for managing overweight and obesity. Our study provides empirical evidence of a dose-response effect of weight loss after initiating orlistat within 1 year lowers the risk of incident gout and recurrent gout flares,” the authors wrote.

SOURCE:

This study was led by Jie Wei, PhD, Department of Orthopaedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China, and was published online on September 19, 2024, in Arthritis & Rheumatology.

LIMITATIONS:

Despite adjustment for many variables, factors such as disease severity, exercise levels, and diet were not fully captured, which might have influenced the results. The lack of hospitalization data could have resulted in recurrent gout flares being underreported. The current study may have been subjected to bias due to potential exposure misclassification resulting from the timing of weight measurements and missing updated weight data.

DISCLOSURES:

This study was supported by the National Key Research and Development Plan, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Project Program of National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, and other sources. No disclosures of interest were reported by the authors.

This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication. A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.

TOPLINE:

A higher rate of weight loss within 1 year of initiating orlistat is associated with lower risks for incident gout and recurrent gout flares in individuals with body mass index (BMI) > 25, particularly if they have obesity or high baseline serum urate levels.

METHODOLOGY:

• Researchers conducted a population-based cohort study using data from The Health Improvement Network in the United Kingdom to examine the association between weight loss rates after the initiation of anti-obesity medication (orlistat) and the risk for incident gout and recurrent gout flares in patients with overweight or obesity.
• The risk for incident gout was analyzed in 131,000 patients with overweight or obesity (mean age, 45 years; 77.3% women; mean BMI, 37.2) who did not have gout before initiating orlistat.
• The risk for recurrent gout flares was evaluated in 3847 individuals with overweight or obesity (mean age, 56.6 years; 29.4% women; mean BMI, 38.5), who had gout before initiating orlistat.
• Participants were divided into four groups based on their rate of weight loss during the first year of orlistat use: Weight gain or stable (< 2%), slow (2% to < 5%), moderate (5% to < 10%), and fast (≥ 10%).
• The primary outcome was incident gout, and the secondary outcome was the rate of recurrent gout flares during the 5-year follow-up period after initiating orlistat.

TAKEAWAY:

• The 5-year risk for incident gout was the lowest among patients in the fast weight loss group (1.2%) and highest among those in the weight gain or stable weight group (1.6%).
• The risk for incident gout was lower in the fast (hazard ratio [HR], 0.73; 95% CI, 0.62-0.86) and moderate (HR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.72-0.92) weight loss groups than in the weight gain or stable weight group.
• Similarly, faster weight loss rates were linked to lower rates of recurrent gout flares, with risk ratios of 0.71 (95% CI, 0.60-0.84) and 0.83 (95% CI, 0.71-0.96) in the fast and moderate weight loss groups, respectively.
• This study found that weight loss after initiating orlistat was particularly beneficial for individuals with obesity and those with high baseline serum urate levels.

IN PRACTICE:

“Pharmacologic treatments, such as orlistat, present an alternative strategy for managing overweight and obesity. Our study provides empirical evidence of a dose-response effect of weight loss after initiating orlistat within 1 year lowers the risk of incident gout and recurrent gout flares,” the authors wrote.

SOURCE:

This study was led by Jie Wei, PhD, Department of Orthopaedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China, and was published online on September 19, 2024, in Arthritis & Rheumatology.

LIMITATIONS:

Despite adjustment for many variables, factors such as disease severity, exercise levels, and diet were not fully captured, which might have influenced the results. The lack of hospitalization data could have resulted in recurrent gout flares being underreported. The current study may have been subjected to bias due to potential exposure misclassification resulting from the timing of weight measurements and missing updated weight data.

DISCLOSURES:

This study was supported by the National Key Research and Development Plan, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Project Program of National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, and other sources. No disclosures of interest were reported by the authors.

This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication. A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.

TOPLINE:

A higher rate of weight loss within 1 year of initiating orlistat is associated with lower risks for incident gout and recurrent gout flares in individuals with body mass index (BMI) > 25, particularly if they have obesity or high baseline serum urate levels.

METHODOLOGY:

• Researchers conducted a population-based cohort study using data from The Health Improvement Network in the United Kingdom to examine the association between weight loss rates after the initiation of anti-obesity medication (orlistat) and the risk for incident gout and recurrent gout flares in patients with overweight or obesity.
• The risk for incident gout was analyzed in 131,000 patients with overweight or obesity (mean age, 45 years; 77.3% women; mean BMI, 37.2) who did not have gout before initiating orlistat.
• The risk for recurrent gout flares was evaluated in 3847 individuals with overweight or obesity (mean age, 56.6 years; 29.4% women; mean BMI, 38.5), who had gout before initiating orlistat.
• Participants were divided into four groups based on their rate of weight loss during the first year of orlistat use: Weight gain or stable (< 2%), slow (2% to < 5%), moderate (5% to < 10%), and fast (≥ 10%).
• The primary outcome was incident gout, and the secondary outcome was the rate of recurrent gout flares during the 5-year follow-up period after initiating orlistat.

TAKEAWAY:

• The 5-year risk for incident gout was the lowest among patients in the fast weight loss group (1.2%) and highest among those in the weight gain or stable weight group (1.6%).
• The risk for incident gout was lower in the fast (hazard ratio [HR], 0.73; 95% CI, 0.62-0.86) and moderate (HR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.72-0.92) weight loss groups than in the weight gain or stable weight group.
• Similarly, faster weight loss rates were linked to lower rates of recurrent gout flares, with risk ratios of 0.71 (95% CI, 0.60-0.84) and 0.83 (95% CI, 0.71-0.96) in the fast and moderate weight loss groups, respectively.
• This study found that weight loss after initiating orlistat was particularly beneficial for individuals with obesity and those with high baseline serum urate levels.

IN PRACTICE:

“Pharmacologic treatments, such as orlistat, present an alternative strategy for managing overweight and obesity. Our study provides empirical evidence of a dose-response effect of weight loss after initiating orlistat within 1 year lowers the risk of incident gout and recurrent gout flares,” the authors wrote.

SOURCE:

This study was led by Jie Wei, PhD, Department of Orthopaedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China, and was published online on September 19, 2024, in Arthritis & Rheumatology.

LIMITATIONS:

Despite adjustment for many variables, factors such as disease severity, exercise levels, and diet were not fully captured, which might have influenced the results. The lack of hospitalization data could have resulted in recurrent gout flares being underreported. The current study may have been subjected to bias due to potential exposure misclassification resulting from the timing of weight measurements and missing updated weight data.

DISCLOSURES:

This study was supported by the National Key Research and Development Plan, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Project Program of National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, and other sources. No disclosures of interest were reported by the authors.

This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication. A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.

TOPLINE:

Diabetes is associated with a lower incidence of uterine fibroids in midlife women receiving diabetes treatment, especially metformin. The association between diabetes and the risk for uterine fibroids may vary based on menopausal status.

METHODOLOGY:

• Previous studies have provided inconsistent evidence regarding associations between the risk for uterine fibroids and markers of cardiometabolic health, such as fasting insulin, fasting glucose, and diabetes.
• Researchers conducted a prospective cohort study to examine the association of fasting levels of cardiometabolic blood biomarkers, diabetes, and diabetes treatment with the incidence of new fibroid diagnoses in midlife women.
• They included participants from the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation cohort who reported fibroid diagnoses at enrollment and during 13 follow-up visits.
• At all visits, levels of glucose, insulin, and sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG) were measured in fasting blood samples, and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated.
• Discrete-time survival models were used to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) for the associations of biomarkers and diabetes with fibroid diagnoses, adjusted for demographics and healthcare utilization.

TAKEAWAY:

• Researchers identified 2570 eligible women (median age, 45 years; 45% perimenopausal women), among whom approximately 3% had diabetes at baseline.
• Diabetes was associated with a 28% lower incidence of new fibroid diagnosis (adjusted HR, 0.72).
• This association was particularly strong among participants with treated diabetes, especially those on metformin, who had a 51% lower incidence of self-reported fibroids than those without diabetes. The estimates, however, had wide CIs suggesting uncertainty.
• Time-varying HOMA-IR and SHBG, insulin, and glucose levels were not significantly associated with the new fibroid diagnosis.
• When stratified by menopausal status, higher HOMA-IR and insulin levels were associated with a greater incidence of fibroid diagnosis during premenopause but not during perimenopause.

IN PRACTICE:

“Our findings contribute to preliminary evidence indicating a protective association between diabetes and risk of incident fibroids,” the authors wrote.

SOURCE:

The study was led by Susanna D. Mitro, Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente, Pleasanton, California, and was published online in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.

LIMITATIONS:

The study relied on self-reported fibroid diagnoses, which may result in the misclassification of cases. The sample size of participants with diabetes was small, which resulted in reduced precision and confidence in the findings. The baseline eligibility criteria (midlife participants with an intact uterus and no history of fibroid incidence) may have limited the generalizability of the findings to the wider population at risk for fibroids.

DISCLOSURES:

This study was supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), through the National Institute on Aging, the National Institute of Nursing Research, and the NIH Office of Research on Women’s Health. One author reported being a consultant and adviser for various pharmaceutical companies. Two other authors reported receiving salary support and royalties from various pharmaceutical companies and organizations.

This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication. A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.

TOPLINE:

Diabetes is associated with a lower incidence of uterine fibroids in midlife women receiving diabetes treatment, especially metformin. The association between diabetes and the risk for uterine fibroids may vary based on menopausal status.

METHODOLOGY:

• Previous studies have provided inconsistent evidence regarding associations between the risk for uterine fibroids and markers of cardiometabolic health, such as fasting insulin, fasting glucose, and diabetes.
• Researchers conducted a prospective cohort study to examine the association of fasting levels of cardiometabolic blood biomarkers, diabetes, and diabetes treatment with the incidence of new fibroid diagnoses in midlife women.
• They included participants from the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation cohort who reported fibroid diagnoses at enrollment and during 13 follow-up visits.
• At all visits, levels of glucose, insulin, and sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG) were measured in fasting blood samples, and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated.
• Discrete-time survival models were used to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) for the associations of biomarkers and diabetes with fibroid diagnoses, adjusted for demographics and healthcare utilization.

TAKEAWAY:

• Researchers identified 2570 eligible women (median age, 45 years; 45% perimenopausal women), among whom approximately 3% had diabetes at baseline.
• Diabetes was associated with a 28% lower incidence of new fibroid diagnosis (adjusted HR, 0.72).
• This association was particularly strong among participants with treated diabetes, especially those on metformin, who had a 51% lower incidence of self-reported fibroids than those without diabetes. The estimates, however, had wide CIs suggesting uncertainty.
• Time-varying HOMA-IR and SHBG, insulin, and glucose levels were not significantly associated with the new fibroid diagnosis.
• When stratified by menopausal status, higher HOMA-IR and insulin levels were associated with a greater incidence of fibroid diagnosis during premenopause but not during perimenopause.

IN PRACTICE:

“Our findings contribute to preliminary evidence indicating a protective association between diabetes and risk of incident fibroids,” the authors wrote.

SOURCE:

The study was led by Susanna D. Mitro, Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente, Pleasanton, California, and was published online in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.

LIMITATIONS:

The study relied on self-reported fibroid diagnoses, which may result in the misclassification of cases. The sample size of participants with diabetes was small, which resulted in reduced precision and confidence in the findings. The baseline eligibility criteria (midlife participants with an intact uterus and no history of fibroid incidence) may have limited the generalizability of the findings to the wider population at risk for fibroids.

DISCLOSURES:

This study was supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), through the National Institute on Aging, the National Institute of Nursing Research, and the NIH Office of Research on Women’s Health. One author reported being a consultant and adviser for various pharmaceutical companies. Two other authors reported receiving salary support and royalties from various pharmaceutical companies and organizations.

This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication. A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.

TOPLINE:

Diabetes is associated with a lower incidence of uterine fibroids in midlife women receiving diabetes treatment, especially metformin. The association between diabetes and the risk for uterine fibroids may vary based on menopausal status.

METHODOLOGY:

• Previous studies have provided inconsistent evidence regarding associations between the risk for uterine fibroids and markers of cardiometabolic health, such as fasting insulin, fasting glucose, and diabetes.
• Researchers conducted a prospective cohort study to examine the association of fasting levels of cardiometabolic blood biomarkers, diabetes, and diabetes treatment with the incidence of new fibroid diagnoses in midlife women.
• They included participants from the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation cohort who reported fibroid diagnoses at enrollment and during 13 follow-up visits.
• At all visits, levels of glucose, insulin, and sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG) were measured in fasting blood samples, and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated.
• Discrete-time survival models were used to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) for the associations of biomarkers and diabetes with fibroid diagnoses, adjusted for demographics and healthcare utilization.

TAKEAWAY:

• Researchers identified 2570 eligible women (median age, 45 years; 45% perimenopausal women), among whom approximately 3% had diabetes at baseline.
• Diabetes was associated with a 28% lower incidence of new fibroid diagnosis (adjusted HR, 0.72).
• This association was particularly strong among participants with treated diabetes, especially those on metformin, who had a 51% lower incidence of self-reported fibroids than those without diabetes. The estimates, however, had wide CIs suggesting uncertainty.
• Time-varying HOMA-IR and SHBG, insulin, and glucose levels were not significantly associated with the new fibroid diagnosis.
• When stratified by menopausal status, higher HOMA-IR and insulin levels were associated with a greater incidence of fibroid diagnosis during premenopause but not during perimenopause.

IN PRACTICE:

“Our findings contribute to preliminary evidence indicating a protective association between diabetes and risk of incident fibroids,” the authors wrote.

SOURCE:

The study was led by Susanna D. Mitro, Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente, Pleasanton, California, and was published online in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.

LIMITATIONS:

The study relied on self-reported fibroid diagnoses, which may result in the misclassification of cases. The sample size of participants with diabetes was small, which resulted in reduced precision and confidence in the findings. The baseline eligibility criteria (midlife participants with an intact uterus and no history of fibroid incidence) may have limited the generalizability of the findings to the wider population at risk for fibroids.

DISCLOSURES:

This study was supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), through the National Institute on Aging, the National Institute of Nursing Research, and the NIH Office of Research on Women’s Health. One author reported being a consultant and adviser for various pharmaceutical companies. Two other authors reported receiving salary support and royalties from various pharmaceutical companies and organizations.

This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication. A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.

TOPLINE:

Older age, male sex, and seropositivity are linked to a higher risk for rheumatoid arthritis–interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) with a usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) pattern, while only seropositivity is associated with RA-ILD with a nonspecific interstitial pneumonia pattern (NSIP).

METHODOLOGY:

• Researchers conducted a case-control study using data from two cohorts in the Mass General Brigham Healthcare system to examine the risk factors associated with different subtypes of RA-ILD.
• They identified 208 patients with RA-ILD (mean age at RA diagnosis, 50.7 years; 67.3% women) and 547 control participants with RA but no ILD (mean age at RA diagnosis, 49.1 years; 78.1% women), who had high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) imaging data available.
• RA-ILD subtypes such as RA-UIP, RA-NSIP, organizing pneumonia, and others were determined with HRCT scans.
• The associations between demographics, lifestyle, and serologic factors and RA-ILD subtypes were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression analysis.

TAKEAWAY:

• The RA-UIP subtype, the one with worst prognosis, was associated with older age during the time of RA diagnosis (odds ratio [OR], 1.03 per year; 95% CI, 1.01-1.05), male sex (OR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.33-3.48), and seropositivity (OR, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.24-3.48).
• On the other hand, the RA-NSIP subtype was significantly associated only with seropositivity (OR, 3.21; 95% CI, 1.36-7.56).
• Nonfibrotic ILDs were significantly associated with positive smoking status (OR, 2.81; 95% CI, 1.52-5.21) and seropositivity (OR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.19-3.67).
• The combination of male sex, seropositivity, and positive smoking status was associated with a nearly sevenfold increased risk for RA-UIP (OR, 6.89; 95% CI, 2.41-19.69), compared with having no RA-ILD risk factors.

IN PRACTICE:

“These findings suggest that RA-ILD subtypes may have distinct risk factor profiles and emphasize the importance of further efforts to understand RA-ILD disease heterogeneity to inform screening and prognostication strategies,” the authors wrote.

SOURCE:

The study was led by Gregory C. McDermott, MD, MPH, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, and was published online on September 11, 2024, in Arthritis Care & Research.

LIMITATIONS:

This study relied on HRCT imaging, which may have introduced selection bias within the control groups. RA disease activity measures were not available for the Mass General Brigham Biobank RA cohort, which limited the analysis of the influence of disease activity on the risk for RA-ILD. Both cohorts predominantly involved White patients, which may have limited the generalizability of the findings to more diverse populations.

DISCLOSURES:

Some authors were supported by the Rheumatology Research Foundation Scientist Development Award, a VERITY Pilot & Feasibility Research Award, the Société Française de Rhumatologie, the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, and other sources. The authors declared receiving grant support, consulting fees, and honoraria from various organizations and pharmaceutical companies.

This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication. A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.

TOPLINE:

Older age, male sex, and seropositivity are linked to a higher risk for rheumatoid arthritis–interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) with a usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) pattern, while only seropositivity is associated with RA-ILD with a nonspecific interstitial pneumonia pattern (NSIP).

METHODOLOGY:

• Researchers conducted a case-control study using data from two cohorts in the Mass General Brigham Healthcare system to examine the risk factors associated with different subtypes of RA-ILD.
• They identified 208 patients with RA-ILD (mean age at RA diagnosis, 50.7 years; 67.3% women) and 547 control participants with RA but no ILD (mean age at RA diagnosis, 49.1 years; 78.1% women), who had high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) imaging data available.
• RA-ILD subtypes such as RA-UIP, RA-NSIP, organizing pneumonia, and others were determined with HRCT scans.
• The associations between demographics, lifestyle, and serologic factors and RA-ILD subtypes were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression analysis.

TAKEAWAY:

• The RA-UIP subtype, the one with worst prognosis, was associated with older age during the time of RA diagnosis (odds ratio [OR], 1.03 per year; 95% CI, 1.01-1.05), male sex (OR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.33-3.48), and seropositivity (OR, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.24-3.48).
• On the other hand, the RA-NSIP subtype was significantly associated only with seropositivity (OR, 3.21; 95% CI, 1.36-7.56).
• Nonfibrotic ILDs were significantly associated with positive smoking status (OR, 2.81; 95% CI, 1.52-5.21) and seropositivity (OR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.19-3.67).
• The combination of male sex, seropositivity, and positive smoking status was associated with a nearly sevenfold increased risk for RA-UIP (OR, 6.89; 95% CI, 2.41-19.69), compared with having no RA-ILD risk factors.

IN PRACTICE:

“These findings suggest that RA-ILD subtypes may have distinct risk factor profiles and emphasize the importance of further efforts to understand RA-ILD disease heterogeneity to inform screening and prognostication strategies,” the authors wrote.

SOURCE:

The study was led by Gregory C. McDermott, MD, MPH, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, and was published online on September 11, 2024, in Arthritis Care & Research.

LIMITATIONS:

This study relied on HRCT imaging, which may have introduced selection bias within the control groups. RA disease activity measures were not available for the Mass General Brigham Biobank RA cohort, which limited the analysis of the influence of disease activity on the risk for RA-ILD. Both cohorts predominantly involved White patients, which may have limited the generalizability of the findings to more diverse populations.

DISCLOSURES:

Some authors were supported by the Rheumatology Research Foundation Scientist Development Award, a VERITY Pilot & Feasibility Research Award, the Société Française de Rhumatologie, the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, and other sources. The authors declared receiving grant support, consulting fees, and honoraria from various organizations and pharmaceutical companies.

This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication. A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.

TOPLINE:

Older age, male sex, and seropositivity are linked to a higher risk for rheumatoid arthritis–interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) with a usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) pattern, while only seropositivity is associated with RA-ILD with a nonspecific interstitial pneumonia pattern (NSIP).

METHODOLOGY:

• Researchers conducted a case-control study using data from two cohorts in the Mass General Brigham Healthcare system to examine the risk factors associated with different subtypes of RA-ILD.
• They identified 208 patients with RA-ILD (mean age at RA diagnosis, 50.7 years; 67.3% women) and 547 control participants with RA but no ILD (mean age at RA diagnosis, 49.1 years; 78.1% women), who had high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) imaging data available.
• RA-ILD subtypes such as RA-UIP, RA-NSIP, organizing pneumonia, and others were determined with HRCT scans.
• The associations between demographics, lifestyle, and serologic factors and RA-ILD subtypes were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression analysis.

TAKEAWAY:

• The RA-UIP subtype, the one with worst prognosis, was associated with older age during the time of RA diagnosis (odds ratio [OR], 1.03 per year; 95% CI, 1.01-1.05), male sex (OR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.33-3.48), and seropositivity (OR, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.24-3.48).
• On the other hand, the RA-NSIP subtype was significantly associated only with seropositivity (OR, 3.21; 95% CI, 1.36-7.56).
• Nonfibrotic ILDs were significantly associated with positive smoking status (OR, 2.81; 95% CI, 1.52-5.21) and seropositivity (OR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.19-3.67).
• The combination of male sex, seropositivity, and positive smoking status was associated with a nearly sevenfold increased risk for RA-UIP (OR, 6.89; 95% CI, 2.41-19.69), compared with having no RA-ILD risk factors.

IN PRACTICE:

“These findings suggest that RA-ILD subtypes may have distinct risk factor profiles and emphasize the importance of further efforts to understand RA-ILD disease heterogeneity to inform screening and prognostication strategies,” the authors wrote.

SOURCE:

The study was led by Gregory C. McDermott, MD, MPH, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, and was published online on September 11, 2024, in Arthritis Care & Research.

LIMITATIONS:

This study relied on HRCT imaging, which may have introduced selection bias within the control groups. RA disease activity measures were not available for the Mass General Brigham Biobank RA cohort, which limited the analysis of the influence of disease activity on the risk for RA-ILD. Both cohorts predominantly involved White patients, which may have limited the generalizability of the findings to more diverse populations.

DISCLOSURES:

Some authors were supported by the Rheumatology Research Foundation Scientist Development Award, a VERITY Pilot & Feasibility Research Award, the Société Française de Rhumatologie, the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, and other sources. The authors declared receiving grant support, consulting fees, and honoraria from various organizations and pharmaceutical companies.

This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication. A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.