Update and audit of the St George's classification algorithm of primary lymphatic anomalies: a clinical and molecular approach to diagnosis
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS
Authors: Gordon, Kristiana; Varney, Ruth; Keeley, Vaughan; Riches, Katie; Jeffery, Steve; Van Zanten, Malou; Mortimer, Peter; Ostergaard, Pia; Mansour, Sahar
Abstract
Primary lymphatic anomalies may present in a myriad of ways and are highly heterogenous. Careful consideration of the presentation can lead to an accurate clinical and/or molecular diagnosis which will assist with management. The most common presentation is lymphoedema, swelling resulting from failure of the peripheral lymphatic system. However, there may be internal lymphatic dysfunction, for example, chylous reflux, or lymphatic malformations, including the thorax or abdomen. A number of causal germline or postzygotic gene mutations have been discovered. Some through careful phenotyping and categorisation of the patients based on the St George's classification pathway/algorithm. The St George's classification algorithm is aimed at providing an accurate diagnosis for patients with lymphoedema based on age of onset, areas affected by swelling and associated clinical features. This has enabled the identification of new causative genes. This update brings the classification of primary lymphatic disorders in line with the International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies 2018 classification for vascular anomalies. The St George's algorithm considers combined vascular malformations and primary lymphatic anomalies. It divides the types of primary lymphatic anomalies into lymphatic malformations and primary lymphoedema. It further divides the primary lymphoedema into syndromic, generalised lymphatic dysplasia with internal/systemic involvement, congenital-onset lymphoedema and late-onset lymphoedema. An audit and update of the algorithm has revealed where new genes have been discovered and that a molecular diagnosis was possible in 26% of all patients overall and 41% of those tested.
Comparable efficacy with similarly low risk of hypoglycaemia in patient- vs physician-managed basal insulin initiation and titration in insulin-naive type 2 diabetic subjects: The Italian Titration Approach Study
DIABETES-METABOLISM RESEARCH AND REVIEWS
Authors: Bonadonna, Riccardo C.; Giaccari, Andrea; Buzzetti, Raffaella; Perseghin, Gianluca; Cucinotta, Domenico; Avogaro, Angelo; Aimaretti, Gianluca; Larosa, Monica; Fanelli, Carmine G.; Bolli, Geremia B.
Abstract
Aims People with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes (T2DM) often delay initiating and titrating basal insulin. Patient-managed titration may reduce such deferral. The Italian Titration Approach Study (ITAS) compared the efficacy and safety of insulin glargine 300 U/mL (Gla-300) initiation and titration using patient- (nurse-supported) or physician-management in insulin-naive patients with uncontrolled T2DM. Materials and methods ITAS was a multicentre, phase IV, 24-week, open-label, randomized (1:1), parallel-group study. Insulin-naive adults with T2DM for >= 1 year with poor metabolic control initiated Gla-300 after discontinuation of SU/glinides, and were randomized to self-titrate insulin dose (nurse-assisted) or have it done by the physician. The primary endpoint was change in HbA(1c). Secondary outcomes included hypoglycaemia incidence and rate, change in fasting self-monitored plasma glucose, patient-reported outcomes (PROs), and adverse events. Results Three hundred and fifty five participants were included in the intention-to-treat population. At Week 24, HbA(1c) reduction from baseline was non-inferior in patient- vs physician-managed arms [least squares mean (LSM) change (SE): -1.60% (0.06) vs -1.49% (0.06), respectively; LSM difference: -0.11% (95% CI: -0.26 to 0.04)]. The incidence and rates of hypoglycaemia were similarly low in both arms: relative risk of confirmed and/or severe nocturnal (00:00-05:59 hours) hypoglycaemia was 0.77 (95% CI: 0.27 to 2.18). No differences were observed for improvement in PROs. No safety concerns were reported. Conclusions In the T2DM insulin-naive, SU/glinides discontinued population, patient-managed (nurse-assisted) titration of Gla-300 may be a suitable option as it provides improved glycaemic control with low risk of hypoglycaemia, similar to physician-managed titration.