Direction of associations between added sugar intake in early childhood and body mass index at age 7 years may depend on intake levels

Dietary factors, especially during early childhood, have been discussed as potentially critical for the development of childhood overweight. This study evaluated associations between added sugar intake during early childhood and BMI and body fat at age 7 y. Analysis was based on data from 216 participants of the Dortmund Nutritional and Anthropometric Longitudinally Designed (DONALD) Study. Life-course plots were constructed to evaluate the association between added sugar intake at different ages (0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 y) and BMI SD score (BMI-SDS) and % body fat (%BF) at age 7 y. Multivariable analyses were performed for the periods identified as critical for later BMI and body fat. Added sugar intake at age 1 y and the change in intake levels during the second year of life emerged as potentially critical. At age 1 y, a higher total added sugar intake was related to a lower BMI-SDS at age 7 y [adjusted β ± SE: -0.116 ± 0.057 BMI-SDS/percent energy (%En) added sugar; P = 0.04]. Conversely, an increase in total added sugar in the second year of life (Δ%En between age 1 and 2 y) tended to be associated with a higher BMI-SDS (adjusted β ± SE: 0.074 ± 0.043 BMI-SDS/Δ%En added sugar; P = 0.09). No associations were observed with %BF. In conclusion, added sugar intake at low intake levels during early childhood does not appear to be critical for BMI and body fat at age 7 y. However, detrimental effects on BMI development may emerge when added sugar intakes are increased to higher levels.

Initial insulin therapy in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to define parameters that influence the initial insulin dosage in young subjects with type 1 diabetes regarding the amount of daily insulin, the ratios of basal and prandial insulin, and the insulin/carbohydrate ratios.

STUDY DESIGN

We used a computer-based registry (with prospectively collected data) in Germany and Austria, a software for the management and data documentation of diabetic patients (DPV), to analyze the initial insulin therapy in 2247 children with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes to identify factors that influence diabetes therapy within the first 10 d.

RESULTS

For both genders, glucosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), blood pH at diabetes onset, and pubertal status are the major factors determining the initial insulin dosage calculated as the amount of daily insulin per kilogram body weight (kg), the basal and prandial insulin dose per kilogram, and day and the insulin/carbohydrate ratios for meals. The frequency of hypoglycemia correlated with increasing quotient of applied to calculated insulin dosage.

CONCLUSION

The predictive factors of insulin requirement may exert beneficial effects on the assessment and adjustment of insulin therapy in young diabetic subjects at disease onset. On the basis of a multiple, linear regression, we suggest a formula to calculate the initial insulin therapy.

Extended extra- and intracerebral ulceration and brain abscess following self-mutilation in an auto-aggressive 51-year-old woman: case report

In neurosurgical practice, the operative treatment of deep or infected wounds caused by auto-mutilation is quite rare, especially in the neurocranium. We present an extraordinary case of an auto-aggressive 51-year-old female suffering from a deeply ulcerated wound on the right frontal skull with consecutive brain abscess, caused manually with needles and forceps over a period of 8 months. The clinical course is present ed together with a description of the conservative and surgical regimen and is illustrated with photographs and CT and MRI images.

Implementation of new medical techniques: Experience from the Swedish randomized controlled trial on fetal ECG during labor

BACKGROUND

In a large Swedish multicenter randomized controlled trial (RCT) on intra partum fetal monitoring with automatic analysis of fetal ECG waveform (STAN) in combination with cardiotocography (CTG) (4966 parturients, 300 obstetricians and midwives managing the patients), interim analysis revealed protocol violations. By a post hoc analysis of the results over time, factors affecting the acceptance of the new technique were analyzed.

METHODS

The rates of primary and secondary outcome measures (fetal outcome, operative deliveries) were compared in the two study groups (CTG + ST and CTG only). Changes over time were statistically evaluated using a test for homogeneity between the two periods.

RESULTS

After retraining, the CTG + ST group showed the lowest rates of operative delivery for fetal distress, fetal blood sampling and admissions to neonatal intensive care unit. Operative deliveries (p = 0.02) and the number of fetal blood sampling decreased significantly over time (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Training and education probably predisposed the clinicians to a change and reinforced it when it occurred as a result of increased personal experience. The audit and feedback together with the influence of opinion leaders and inter-collegial interactions seem to have been of importance for the successively increasing acceptance of the new method during the RCT.

Influence of mode of delivery on neonatal mortality in the second twin, at and before term

DESIGN

To study the association between mode of delivery and neonatal mortality in second twins. To study the association between caesarean delivery and mortality with minimum bias of the indication for the operation, we wanted to compare the outcome of second twins delivered by caesarean due to breech presentation of the sibling with vaginally delivered second twins in uncomplicated pregnancies.

SETTING

Sweden, 1980-2004.

POPULATION

Twins born during 1980-2004 were identified from the Swedish Medical Birth Registry. Twin pairs delivered by caesarean due to breech presentation of the first twin, and vaginally delivered twins with the first twin in cephalic presentation were included. Pregnancies with antepartum complications were excluded.

METHODS

Odds ratios and 95% CI were calculated using multiple logistic regression analyses, adjusting for year of birth, maternal age, parity and gestational age.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Neonatal mortality.

RESULTS

Compared with second-born twins delivered vaginally, second-born twins delivered by caesarean (for breech presentation of the sibling) had a lower risk of neonatal death (adjusted OR 0.40; 95% CI 0.19-0.83). The decreased risk after caesarean delivery was significant for births before 34 weeks (2.1 versus 9.0%; adjusted OR 0.40; 95% CI 0.17-0.95). After 34 weeks, neonatal mortality was low in both groups (0.1 and 0.2%, respectively), and the difference was not statistically significant (adjusted OR 0.42; 95% CI 0.10-1.79).

CONCLUSIONS

Neonatal mortality is lower for the second twin after caesarean delivery at birth before 34 weeks. At term, mortality is low irrespective of delivery mode.

[The prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Germany. Results of the BOLD study]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most common causes of chronic morbidity and mortality. The "Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease" (BOLD) initiative was established as an international study collecting data about the prevalence of COPD. The Medical University of Hanover took part in this study collecting data representative for Germany.

METHODS

683 individuals aged = 40 years from the city and region of Hannover were included in the study. On the basis of standardized questionnaires data were collected on general health, physical and mental capability, smoking habits and occupational exposure to dust. All participants performed spirometry before and after inhalation of salbutamol.

RESULTS

The prevalence of COPD, GOLD (Global Health Initiative on Obstructive Lung Disease) severity stage = I, was 13.2% (GOLD stage I: 7.4%; GOLD stage II: 5.0%, GOLD stage III or IV: 0.8%). There was a marked increase of the prevalence of COPD depending on age and smoking habits. The percentage of active smokers in the sample was 20.6 %. Among younger participants the percentage of female smokers was noticeable higher than in older subjects. Although clinical symptoms of COPD, GOLD stage = III correlated with disease severity, only persons with COPD reported reduced physical capability.

CONCLUSION

COPD is a highly prevalent disease. With regard to the increasing life expectancy and the change of smoking habits of the population, a further increase of morbidity and mortality due to COPD must be expected, especially in women.

Screening frequency for celiac disease and autoimmune thyroiditis in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus--data from a German/Austrian multicentre survey

OBJECTIVE

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is associated with other autoimmune diseases such as celiac disease (CD) and Hashimoto thyroiditis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the screening frequency for CD and thyroid antibodies in a multicentre survey.

METHODS

The Diabetes Patienten Verlaufsdokumentationssystem (DPV) initiative is based on standardized, prospective, multicentre documentation in children and adolescents with diabetes. Data from 31,104 patients <18 yr of age (52% males, mean age 13.1 yr) with T1DM from 177 paediatric centres in Germany and Austria from 1995 until 2007 were analysed.

RESULTS

Of 31,104 patients, 16,994 patients (55%) were screened at least once for CD. In 1995, 44% of the patients were screened for CD compared with 68.6% in 2006. Annual screening for CD has also increased (11.9% in 1995 compared with 43.6% in 2006). Eleven per cent of the patients had positive antibodies for CD. Patients with positive antibodies were significantly younger at diabetes onset and had a significantly longer duration of diabetes (p < 0.001). Compared with screening for CD, screening for thyroid antibodies was performed more frequently (at least once in 62% of the patients). Fifteen per cent of the patients had positive thyroid antibodies. Screening for thyroid antibodies also increased from 62.6 to 72.9%, and annual screening frequency increased from 15.9 to 48.9%.

CONCLUSION

Screening for associated autoimmune diseases in children with T1DM has increased during the past decade. Eleven per cent of the patients had positive CD-specific antibodies, and 15% had positive thyroid antibodies. Screening for thyroid antibodies is performed more frequently than screening for CD.

Ultrasonographic anatomy of perineal structures during pregnancy and immediately following obstetric injury

OBJECTIVES

To assess perineal anatomy using ultrasound before and immediately after delivery.

METHODS

Structures in the perineum were studied by real-time two-dimensional transvaginal and endoanal ultrasound imaging using a combined linear and semicircular (up to 200 degrees sector) probe. We examined 45 nulliparous pregnant women and 44 primiparae immediately after delivery (40 with anal sphincter tears and four without sphincter injury). In each case a single longitudinal image was later assessed by two observers in order to evaluate interobserver agreement.

RESULTS

In pregnancy, the perineal membrane, puboperineal muscles, conjoined longitudinal muscle and central point were identified on real-time examination in 91%, 98%, 100% and 100% of cases, respectively. At offline evaluation of the longitudinal images obtained for each of the pregnant women, the percentage of cases in which each structure was identified by both observers ranged from 64% to 100%. In the women who were examined postpartum, all structures were identified by both observers in all four of the women without sphincter injury. In the women with sphincter tears, the perineal membrane, puboperineal muscles, conjoined longitudinal muscle and central point were found by ultrasound to be intact in 10%, 10%, 55% and 18%, respectively. The agreement between two observers regarding identification of intact structures in a single longitudinal image was good for perineal membrane (kappa index, 0.66), fair for puboperineal muscles (kappa index, 0.40), and poor for conjoined longitudinal muscle and central point (kappa index, 0.08 and 0.17, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasonography might be helpful in the evaluation of perineal anatomy and extent of perineal tears. However, the relatively poor agreement between the two observers evaluating single linear transvaginal images implies that both transverse and longitudinal projections are necessary to obtain relevant information. Further studies are needed regarding the importance of specific sonographically identified structures and their role in pelvic floor dysfunction after delivery.

Determination of pH or lactate in fetal scalp blood in management of intrapartum fetal distress: randomised controlled multicentre trial

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effectiveness of pH analysis of fetal scalp blood compared with lactate analysis in identifying hypoxia in labour to prevent acidaemia at birth.

DESIGN

Randomised controlled multicentre trial.

SETTING

Labour wards.

PARTICIPANTS

Women with a singleton pregnancy, cephalic presentation, gestational age >or=34 weeks, and clinical indication for fetal scalp blood sampling.

INTERVENTIONS

Standard pH analysis (n=1496) or lactate analysis (n=1496) with an electrochemical microvolume (5 mul) test strip device. The cut-off levels for intervention were pH <7.21 and lactate >4.8 mmol/l, respectively.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Metabolic acidaemia (pH <7.05 and base deficit >12 mmol/l) or pH <7.00 in cord artery blood.

RESULTS

Metabolic acidaemia occurred in 3.2% in the lactate group and in 3.6% in the pH group (relative risk 0.91, 95% confidence interval 0.61 to 1.36). pH <7.00 occurred in 1.5% in the lactate group and in 1.8% in the pH group (0.84, 0.47 to 1.50). There was no significant difference in Apgar scores <7 at 5 minutes (1.15, 0.76 to 1.75) or operative deliveries for fetal distress (1.02, 0.93 to 1.11).

CONCLUSION

There were no significant differences in rate of acidaemia at birth after use of lactate analysis or pH analysis of fetal scalp blood samples to determine hypoxia during labour.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCT No 1606064.

Use of complementary and alternative medicine in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus - prevalence, patterns of use, and costs

BACKGROUND

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is increasingly used in adults and children. Studies on CAM in diabetes have mainly focused on the adult population and its use among children with type 1 diabetes has not been well characterized.

OBJECTIVES

This study determines prevalence, parental reasons and motivations, perceived effectiveness, costs, and communication of CAM use. Moreover, caregiver-related variables associated with the use of CAM were investigated.

METHODS

A self-completed anonymous questionnaire was administered to parents of children with type 1 diabetes in four pediatric diabetes centers in Germany (Leipzig, Berlin, Stuttgart, and Bonn).

RESULTS

Two hundred and twenty eight (65.9%) of 346 families completed the survey. Mean age of the diabetic patients was 11.9 +/- 3.8 yr. Forty two (18.4%) received one or more types of CAM, with the most common types being homeopathy (14.5%), vitamins and minerals (13.7%), modified diet (12.9%), aloe vera (7.3%), and cinnamon (5.6%). Users had a significantly higher family income and parental tertiary education (p < 0.05) and stated a significantly stronger interest in self-care (p < 0.01). Parents' motivations for using CAM were the hope for an improved well-being (92.1%), to try everything (77.8%), and assumption of fewer side effects (55.2%). Costs for the entire treatment varied between less than euro100 and up to euro5000, with mostly no reimbursement.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of CAM in children with type 1 diabetes is less common than that documented for adults. Parents using CAM do not question the need for insulin. When using CAM, improved well-being and quality of life are important considerations where CAM can have a role.

Diabetic nephropathy in 27,805 children, adolescents, and adults with type 1 diabetes: effect of diabetes duration, A1C, hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes onset, and sex

OBJECTIVE

To give an up-to-date profile of nephropathy and the involvement of risk factors in a large, prospective cohort of patients with type 1 diabetes and largely pediatric and adolescent onset of disease.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 27,805 patients from the nationwide, prospective German Diabetes Documentation System survey were included in the present analysis. Inclusion criteria were at least two documented urine analyses with identical classification. Urine analyses, treatment regimens, diabetes complications, and risk factors were recorded prospectively. Baseline characteristics were age at diagnosis 9.94 years (median [interquartile range 5.8-14.3]), age at last visit 16.34 years (12.5-22.2), and follow-up time 2.5 years (0.43-5.3). Cumulative incidence of nephropathy was tested by Kaplan-Meier analysis and association with risk factors by logistic regression.

RESULTS

Nephropathy was classified as normal in 26,605, microalbuminuric in 919, macroalbuminuric in 78, and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in 203 patients. After calculated diabetes duration of 40 years, 25.4% (95% CI 22.3-28.3) had microalbuminuria and 9.4% (8.3-11.4) had macroalbuminuria or ESRD. Risk factors for microalbuminuria were diabetes duration (odds ratio 1.033, P < 0.0001), A1C (1.13, P < 0.0001), LDL cholesterol (1.003, P < 0.0074), and blood pressure (1.008, P < 0.0074), while childhood diabetes onset (1.011, P < 0.0001) was protective. Male sex was associated with the development of macroalbuminuria.

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetes duration, A1C, dyslipidemia, blood pressure, and male sex were identified as risk factors for nephropathy. Therefore, besides the best possible metabolic control, early diagnosis and prompt treatment of dyslipidemia and hypertension is mandatory in patients with type 1 diabetes.

[Type 1 diabetes mellitus. Perioperative management of children and adolescents]

Patients with type 1 diabetes require continuous substitution of exogenous insulin due to their disability to produce insulin themselves. The insulin dosage required is individual-specific and may change dramatically during the perioperative period. The patient may be endangered by metabolic decompensation including hypoglycaemia and diabetic ketoacidosis. Thus, perioperative management should include frequent blood glucose measurements and frequent adjustment of the insulin and glucose administration. When planning the operation, an individual treatment regime should be drawn up and be made available to the medical team. In order to facilitate the challenging perioperative management of these patients, this article presents the current recommendations for the perioperative management of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (i.e. of the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes, ISPAD).

Shorter remission period in young versus older children with diabetes mellitus type 1

BACKGROUND

The initial period of diabetes type 1 is of great importance, since early metabolic adjustment has profound impact on long term control. The majority of pediatric centers in Germany participate in a national quality initiative, providing longitudinal data for central analysis.

PATIENTS

104543 anonymous data sets were obtained from 6123 pediatric patients under 18 years who were treated in 157 pediatric centers and monitored for 36 months at the same center starting from diagnosis.

RESULTS

Partial remission (insulin <0.5 U/kg/d and HbA1c < or = 7.0%) was present in 1992 children (32.5%) within the first 3 months after diagnosis. Remission phase lasted in average for 0.74 +/- 0.77 years and was significantly shorter in children below 10 years of age at onset of diabetes compared to the older patients. The remission period was significantly longer in boys, particularly in children under 10 years (p=0.0039). Multiple regression analysis showed a longer remission phase in children with pubertal diabetes onset. The children entering remission were younger, more often boys and had a lower initial HbA1c level.

CONCLUSION

These data from a large multicenter group of children with diabetes type 1 emphasize the influence of gender, pubertal stage and age at manifestation on the amount of insulin required, and therefore the clinical remission, during the first three years of the disease.