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Aim: Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), the leading cause of hypothyroidism in developed nations, is an autoimmune condition characterized by the progressive destruction of the thyroid gland through various cell- and antibody-mediated immune mechanisms. C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio (CAR) is a known inflammatory marker easily obtained from a routine blood test. In this context, this study aims to investigate the efficacy of CAR instead of conventionally used thyroid antibodies in predicting the diagnosis and prognosis of HT. Materials and Methods: The participants in this prospective cross-sectional study were adults aged 18 years and above diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), seeking medical care at the Internal Medicine and Family Medicine Departments of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University Training and Research Hospital in Rize, Turkey, during the period from April to July 2022. An age- and gender-matched control group was created from healthy individuals who applied to the outpatient clinics for routine check-ups. The patient and control groups were compared based on C-reactive protein (CRP), hemoglobin, and albumin serum levels of free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Results: The patient and control groups comprised 142 HT patients and 62 healthy individuals. CRP level and CAR value were significantly higher. However, albumin and hemoglobin levels were significantly lower in the patient group than in the control group. [1.5 (0.4-5.6) mg/dL vs. 0.98 (0.3-2.6) mg/dL, p<0.001; 58 (11.5-193.1) vs. 29.5 (8.1-72.2) p<0.001; 2.9 (2.1-4.1) g/dL vs. 3.3 (2.3-4.2) g/dL, p<0.001; and 12±1.1 g/L vs. 12.7±1.760 g/L, p=.005; respectively]. The multivariate analysis revealed CRP, CAR, albumin, FT3, and hemoglobin as significant predictors of HT, with CAR being the most promising one among them [Odds Ratio (OR): 1.11, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.38-1.19, p=0.003]. Conclusion: This study's findings indicated that CAR is an easily measurable, reliable, and cost-effective marker of HT that can be used as an alternative to conventional thyroid antibodies in primary care centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), used as an option in the treatment of severe Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has been shown to have effects on the suppression of the hyperinflammatory state through immunomodulatory actions. The aim of our study was to evaluate the factors associated with mortality in patients treated with IVIG for COVID-19. Materials and Methods: Patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and receiving IVIG therapy in addition to standard care therapy were included in the study. Results: A total of 46 patients who received IVIG treatment were included in the study. The mortality rate was higher in patients aged over 52 years (p:<0.001). The mortality rate was found to be higher in patients with an interval of more than 7 days between hospitalization and the start of IVIG treatment (p:0.009). Patients with a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score had a more mortal course (p<0.001). Mortality rate was higher in patients with high immunoglobulin A (Ig A) levels before IVIG treatment (p:0.004). Survival rate was lower in patients with high neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR), urea and prothrombin time (PT)and low albumin and lymphocyte counts. Conclusion: A high Charlson Comorbidity Index score and high immunoglobulin A level are poor prognostic in COVID 19 patients treated with IVIG. Studying mortality risk factors is valuable in predicting response to IVIG therapy and may help in early identification of patients with poor prognosis and re-evaluate of treatment strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: We aimed to investigate the impact of quarantine (stay home process) on laboratory parameters (fasting blood glucose, HbA1c), diet, exercise and medication compliance in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) during the COVID -19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: This study included 93 diabetes mellitus patients, who presented to our outpatient clinic. Biochemical parameters (glucose, HbA1c, lipid profile), dietary and exercise compliance of the patients were evaluated before and after the threemonth quarantine in Turkey. Frequency of blood glucose measurement, medication compliance, hypoglycemia/hyperglycemia, need for hospitalization, and whether patients had an infection were self-reported. Results: The mean age of the 93 patients included in the study was 56.70 ± 13.51 years. 55.9% (n = 52) of patients were female and 44.1% (n = 41) were male. 89.2% (n = 83) of participants were type 2 DM and 10.8% (n = 10) were type 1 DM. 82.8% (n = 53) of patients were aged between 18 and 64 years. It was found that 78.5% (n = 73) of patients had dietary compliance. We found that 41.9% (n = 39) of the patients exercised at home, 53.8% (n = 50) took their medications regularly, and 43.0% (n = 40) checked their blood glucose daily. When biochemical values were compared before and after the study, a statistically significant decrease in fasting glucose (pre-post 141-121 mg/dl) (p=0.026) and body mass index (pre-post 32.00-31.86 kg/m2) (p=0.008) was observed. There was no statistically significant difference in HbA1c and lipid levels in our analysis. Conclusion: In this study, patients who adhered to their diet and monitored their blood glucose at home during quarantine had more stable blood glucose levels. In the future, prevention strategies should be considered for patients with chronic diseases during possible quarantines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: We aimed to see whether insulin glargine U300 can provide better blood glucose control while reducing hypoglycaemia in a more homogeneous population compared to previous studies., Material and Methods: The retrospective study included type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) patients with frequent hypoglycaemia. For evaluation of fasting blood glucose, haemoglobin glycated (HbA 1c ) and weight at 6 months and 12 months (final), observation windows of 120-240 days (4-8 months) and 240-480 days (9-16 months) after insulin glargine U300 initiation, respectively, were permitted. Mean follow-up time was 12 months. Hypoglycaemia was defined as blood glucose level < 70 mg/dl, either symptomatic or asymptomatic, measured in hospital or at home., Results: Forty-four patients were included in the study, and 35 patients completed the study - 20 (57.1%) females and 15 (42.9%) males, with a mean age of 24.1 ±6.6 years. Mean body mass index was 24.4 ±7.4 kg/m 2 . A significant decrease was not found between baseline and HbA 1c values at 6 months ( p = 0.199), but a significant decrease was found in the final period (between 9-16 months) ( p = 0.025). Hypoglycaemic events occurred in all patients (100%) before using insulin glargine U300, while the incidence of hypoglycaemic events gradually decreased to 74.3%, 68.6%, and 68.6% between months 1-3, 3-6, and 6-9, respectively. Of the 26 patients who declared their level of satisfaction, 23 (88.5%) were satisfied, 2 (7.7%) indicated that there was no significant difference, and 1 (3.8%) patient was unsatisfied., Conclusions: Over 9-16 months of follow-up, insulin glargine U300 led to a significant reduction not only of HbA 1c levels but also of the frequency of hypoglycaemia, and also yielded high satisfaction rates., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright: © 2021 Termedia & Banach.)