Browsing by Author "Yavuz D.G."

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    Impact of telephonic interviews on persistence and daily adherence to insulin treatment in insulin-naïve type 2 diabetes patients: Dropout study
    (Dove Medical Press Ltd., 2016) Yavuz D.G.; Bilen H.; Sancak S.; Garip T.; Hekimsoy Z.; Sahin I.; Yilmaz M.; Aydin H.; Atmaca A.; Sert M.; Karakaya P.; Arpaci D.; Oguz A.; Guvener N.
    Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of sequential telephonic interviews on treatment persistence and daily adherence to insulin injections among insulin-naïve type 2 diabetes patients initiated on different insulin regimens in a 3-month period. Methods: A total of 1,456 insulin-naïve patients with type 2 diabetes (mean [standard deviation, SD] age: 56.0 [12.0] years, 49.1% were females) initiated on insulin therapy and consecutively randomized to sequential (n=733) and single (n=723) telephonic interview groups were included. Data on insulin treatment and self-reported blood glucose values were obtained via telephone interview. Logistic regression analysis was performed for factors predicting increased likelihood of persistence and skipping an injection. Results: Overall, 76.8% patients (83.2% in sequential vs 70.3% in single interview group, (P<0.001) remained on insulin treatment at the third month. Significantly higher rate for skipping doses was noted in basal bolus than in other regimens (27.0% vs 15.0% for premixed and 15.8% basal insulin, respectively, P<0.0001). Logistic regression analysis revealed sequential telephonic interview (odds ratio [OR], 1.531 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.093-2.143 P=0.013), higher hemoglobin A1c levels (OR, 1.090 95% CI, 0.999-1.189 P=0.049), and less negative appraisal of insulin therapy as significant predictors of higher persistence. Basal bolus regimen (OR, 1.583 95% CI, 1.011-2.479 P=0.045) and higher hemoglobin A1c levels (OR, 1.114 95% CI, 1.028-1.207 P=0.008) were the significant predictors of increased likelihood of skipping an injection. Conclusion: Our findings revealed positive influence of sequential telephonic interview, although including no intervention in treatment, on achieving better treatment persistence in type 2 diabetes patients initiating insulin. © 2016 Yavuz et al.
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    Out-of-reference range thyroid-stimulating hormone levels in levothyroxine-treated primary hypothyroid patients: A multicenter observational study
    (Frontiers Media S.A., 2017) Yavuz D.G.; Yazici D.; Keskin L.; Atmaca A.; Sancak S.; Saraç F.; Şahin I.; Dikbaş O.; Hekimsoy Z.; Yalin S.; Uygur M.; Yilmaz M.; Yirmibeşcik S.; Asmaz Ö.
    Objective: Although levothyroxine (LT4) replacement therapy for hypothyroidism has been established as safe, inexpensive and effective, many studies from different countries reported out-of-reference range thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) values for the hypothyroid patients under LT4 treatment. The aim of this study was to determine TSH levels of primary hypothyroid patients under LT4 treatment and to assess self-reported compliance with daily LT4 intake in tertiary care centers in Turkey. Design: In this cross-sectional, observational study, adult patients with primary hypothyroidism, receiving LT4 treatment for at least 6 months, were included. The patients were from 12 tertiary care centers in 9 cities of Turkey. TSH and free T4 levels were recorded from patient files and self-reported compliance with daily LT4 intake was assessed by interviewing the subjects at the last visit. Results: A total of 1,755 subjects (46 ± 13 years; F/M: 89.9/10.1%) with primary hypothyroidism were enrolled. Of the hypothyroid subjects, 44.8% had out-of-reference range serum TSH levels. TSH values were over the reference range (TSH > 4 mIU/L) in 26.2% and were under the reference range (TSH < 0.5 mIU/L) in 18.6% of the patients. Total duration of LT4 treatment was 5.9 ± 4.7 years and mean dose was 1.2 ± 0.6 μg/kg/day. Non-compliant patients (31.1%) had higher TSH levels (6.9 ± 16 vs 3.8 ± 0.9 mIU/L, P = 0.01) compared to compliant patients. Conclusion: The results of this study revealed that nearly half of the hypothyroid patients had out-of-reference range serum TSH values, despite under LT4 treatment. Compliance with LT4 treatment seems to be one of the major determinants to reach the target TSH levels in hypothyroid patients. © 2017 Yavuz, Yazici, Keskin, Atmaca, Sancak, Saraç, Şahin, Dikbaş, Hekimsoy, Yalin, Uygur, Yilmaz, Yirmibeşcik and Asmaz.
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    Biochemical characteristics and calcium and PTH levels of patients with high normal and elevated serum 25(OH)D levels in Turkey: DeVIT-TOX survey
    (Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2021) Pekkolay Z.; Yavuz D.G.; Saygılı E.S.; Değertekin C.K.; Topaloğlu Ö.; Önder Ç.E.; Soylu H.; Taskaldıran I.; Pazır A.E.; Uğur K.; Tanrıkulu S.; Fırat S.N.; Atak B.M.; Batman A.; Omma T.; Cağıltay E.; Özdemir N.; Altuntaş S.Ç.; İmga N.N.; Karakılıç E.; Hekimsoy Z.; Kılınç F.; Yay A.; Eroğlu M.; Tuzcu A.K.
    Summary: Vitamin D intake over the recommended dose is usually associated with high serum 25(OH)D levels and generally not associated with symptoms of hypercalcemia. High doses of cholecalciferol need to be avoided to protect against vitamin D toxicity and related complications. Strict adherence to the clinical guidelines for treating vitamin D deficiency can ensure safe and effective treatment. Purpose: We observed a tendency to use high doses of cholecalciferol for vitamin D deficiency treatment or vitamin D supplementation. We aimed to determine the biochemical characteristics of patients with high normal and elevated serum 25(OH)D levels. Methods: An online invitation was sent to all tertiary endocrinology clinics in Turkey to complete an online retrospective survey (DeVIT-TOX Survey) for patients diagnosed with high serum 25(OH)D levels (> 88 ng/mL) between January 2019 and December 2019. The patients were evaluated according to the presence of signs and symptoms of hypercalcemia and doses of vitamin D intake, evaluated into the following three groups according to their 25(OH)D levels: group 1, > 150 ng/mL; group 2, 149–100 ng/mL; and group 3, 99–88 ng/mL. Results: A total of 253 patients were included in the final analysis (female/male: 215/38; mean age, 51.5 ± 15.6 years). The average serum 25(OH)D level was 119.9 ± 33 (range, 88–455) ng/mL, and the average serum calcium level was 9.8 ± 0.7 (range, 8.1–13.1) mg/dL. Most (n = 201; 75.4%) patients were asymptomatic despite having high serum 25(OH)D and calcium levels. The serum 25(OH)D level was significantly higher in the symptomatic groups than in the asymptomatic groups (138.6 ± 64 ng/mL vs. 117.7 ± 31 ng/mL, p < 0.05). The most common cause (73.5%) associated with high serum 25(OH)D levels was the inappropriate prescription of a high dose of oral vitamin D (600.000–1.500.000 IU) for treating vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency in a short time (1–3 months). The cut-off value of 25 (OH) D level in patients with hypercalcemia was found to be 89 ng/mL [median 116.5 (89–216)]. Conclusions: High dose of vitamin D intake is associated with a high serum 25 OH D level, without symptoms of hypercalcemia. Inappropriate prescription of vitamin D is the primary cause for elevated 25(OH) D levels and related hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia may not be observed in every patient at very high 25(OH) D levels. Adherence to the recommendation of guidelines is essential to ensure safe and effective treatment of vitamin D deficiency. © 2021, International Osteoporosis Foundation and National Osteoporosis Foundation.
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    Assesment of attainment of recommended TSH levels and levothyroxine compliance in differentiated thyroid cancer patients
    (John Wiley and Sons Inc, 2022) Yavuz D.G.; Yazan C.D.; Hekimsoy Z.; Aydin K.; Gokkaya N.; Ersoy C.; Akalın A.; Topaloglu O.; Aydogan B.I.; Dilekci E.N.A.; Alphan Uc Z.; Cansu G.B.; Ozsari L.; Iyidir O.T.; Olgun M.E.; Keskin L.; Mert M.; Can B.; Gungor K.; Galip T.; Cantürk Z.; Elbuken G.; Pekkolay Z.; Kutbay N.O.; Yorulmaz G.; Kalkan A.T.; Unsal Y.A.; Yay A.; Karagun B.; Bozkur E.
    Objective: Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) suppression treatment can induce signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism due to inappropriate treatment or poor compliance to the treatment. The current study aimed to investigate TSH levels, frequency of being on target TSH, adherence to levothyroxine (LT4) suppression treatment in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients after surgery in a multicentric setting. Design and Patients: This multicentric cross-sectional study was conducted at 21 medical centres from 12 cities in Turkey. DTC patients followed at least one year in the same center included in the study. Clinical data, serum TSH, free thyroxine (FT4), thyroglobulin (Tg) and anti-Tg levels were recorded during the most recent visit. Body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, pulse rate were measured. LT4 doses were recorded and doses per kilogram of bodyweight were calculated. Pill ingestion habits recorded and adherence to the therapy were evaluated using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale and categorized as good, moderate or poor compliant based on their scores. Risk stratification forpredicting the disease persistance and/or reccurence was assessed using the American Joint Committee on Cancer-7th edition thyroid cancer staging calculator. TSH serum concentrations were classified as severe suppression (TSH < 0.01 mU/L), moderate suppression (TSH: 0.01–0.1 mU/L), mild suppression (TSHL 0.1–0.5 mU/L), euthyroid (TSH: 0.5–4 mU/L) and hypothyroid (TSH > 4 mU/L). TSH levels can also be classified as on being on target, under the target, or beyond over the target, according to the American Thyroid Association recommendations. Results: A group of 1125 patients (F/M: 941/184, 50.7 ± 11.7 years) were included in the study. The mean LT4 daily dosage was 132.4 ± 39.6 mcg/day. TSH levels showed severe suppression in 99 (%8.8) patients, moderate suppression in 277 (%24.6) patients and mild suppression in 315 (%28) patients and euthyroid range in 332 (%29.5) patients and hypothyroid range in 97 (8.6%). TSH levels were in target in 29.2% of the patients 20.4% of the patients were undertreated, 50.4% overtreated. The daily LT4 dose and LT4 dose/kg were significantly higher in the severe suppression group (p <.001, p <.001). According to the Morisky scale, 564 patients (50.1%) were good compliant, 368 patients (32.7%) were moderate compliant, and 193 patients (17.1%) were noncompliant. Patients with poor compliance need a higher dose of LT4 compared to the good compliance group (p <.001). TSH levels of patients with good compliance were 0.67 ± 1.96 mU/L and TSH with poor compliance was 2.74 ± 7.47 mU/L (p <.001). TSH levels were similar in patients on fixed and alternating dosages. Conclusion: In 29.2% of the DTC patients, serum TSH levels were at target levels. Remaining of the study group have TSH levels under or over treatment range, exposing the patient to medication side effects. Majorty of the study group 82.8% have good or moderate adherence to LT4 therapy. Reaching TSH targets requires simplified and applicable guidelines and following the guideline recommendations. © 2022 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
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    Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency and Hypervitaminosis D Among Adult Patients Admitted to the Tertiary Care Hospitals in Turkey
    (Turkiye Klinikleri, 2022) Yavuz D.G.; Ersoy R.; Altuntaş Y.; Bilen H.; Pamuk B.; Apaydın T.; Temizkan Ş.; Altuntaş H.; Mert M.; Akalın A.; Sert M.; Şimşir I.Y.; Hekimsoy Z.; Cantürk Z.; Üç Z.A.; İplikçi S.; Yaşar M.; Unubol M.; Sezer K.; Toplaoğlu Ö.; İyidir Ö.T.; Pekkolay Z.; Atmaca A.; Dikbaş O.; Özdemir N.; Gül K.; Deniz F.; Ertörer E.; Karaca Z.; Elbüken G.; Arpacı D.; Ağbaht K.; Turan E.; Anaforoğlu İ.; Bayraktaroğlu T.; Haklar G.; Dağlıoğlu G.; Tuzcu A.; Şahin İ.; Çetinkalp Ş.
    Objective: Vitamin D deficiency is a common health problem around the world. This study aimed to evaluate the nationwide prevalence of vitamin D status in tertiary care hospitals in Turkey. Methods: Retrospectively, the data on vitamin D levels from 33 tertiary care hospitals’ clinical biochemistry laboratories around Turkey between January and December were collected. Results: In total, 706 434 serum samples from adult subjects (female/male: 469 028/237 406; 66.4%/33.6%) were included. While vitamin D levels were sufficient in 20.3% (n = 14 222), they were insufficient in 21.9% (n = 154 360) and deficient in 57.8% (n = 408 882). We observed the highest rates of deficiency in those aged between 18 and 29 years (62.9%, n = 70 235) and lowest rates between 60 and 69 years (52.3%, n = 61 121) and between 70 and 79 years (52.3%, n = 32 397). Hypervitaminosis D was detected in 5.5% of adult subjects; highest rates of hypervitaminosis D were observed in those who were over 80 years (6.6%) and 70-79 years (6.5%) and the lowest in 18-29 years (2.8%). Discussion: In this cohort, over half of the subjects admitted to the tertiary care hospitals in Turkey had vitamin D deficiency and required vitamin D supplementation. The elderly population had the lowest prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and the highest prevalence of hypervitaminosis D. © Author(s).