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At least 415 records · Page 23Linked to original sources
PubMed2003

Frequency of C3435T single nucleotide MDR1 genetic polymorphism in an Asian population: phenotypic-genotypic correlates.

AIMS: To investigate the frequency of the single nucleotide polymorphism C3435T in exon 26 of the MDR1 gene in Asians and to determine the functional significance of this SNP with the clinical pharmacokinetics of oral cyclosporin (Neoral) in 10 stable heart transplant patients. METHODS: The MDR1 C3435T polymorphism was investigated in 290 healthy Asian subjects (98 Chinese, 99 Malays and 93 Indians). We also compared the MDR1 polymorphism between the Asian population studied here and the published data on Africans and Caucasians. The clinical relevance of this SNP on oral bioavailability of a known P-gp substrate, cyclosporin, was assessed in 10 stable Chinese heart transplant patients. RESULTS: The homozygous TT genotype was observed in 32%, 28% and 43% of Chinese, Malays and Indians. The homozygous CC genotype was found in 25% of Chinese and Malays compared with 18% of Indians. The Indians had a lower frequency of the C allele [0.38 (0.31-0.45)] compared with the Chinese [0.46 (0.39-0.53)] and Malays [0.48 (0.42-0.55)]. Chi-squared test showed that the distribution of allele frequencies between the Malays and Indians differed significantly (P = 0.04). In this Asian population, the overall distribution of genotypes (CC, CT and TT) and allele frequencies were significantly different from those in Africans (P < 0.001). The results were also significant when the Chinese, Malays and Indians were compared separately with the African group (P < 0.001). Compared with the Caucasian data, the overall distribution of genotype and allele frequencies in the Asian population were also significantly different (P < or = 0.05). However, when each Asian ethnic group was compared separately with the Caucasians, only the Indians were found to be significantly different (P < or = 0.004). Genotypic-phenotypic correlations of this SNP were assessed in 10 stable Chinese heart transplant patients. The median AUC(0,4 h) was 11% lower in patients with CC genotype compared with subjects with TT genotype. However, the interpatient variability in AUC(0,4 h) was high in patients, especially in those with CC genotype. CONCLUSIONS: The distribution of the SNP C3435T in exon 26 in the Chinese and Malay population was found to be similar to the Caucasians whereas the Indians were different. The Asian population also differed significantly from the African and Caucasian population in the distribution of the C3435T SNP. The low frequency of the T allele in the Indian population implies lower expression of P-gp and may have important therapeutic and prognostic implications for use of P-gp dependent drugs in individuals of Indian origin.

Asia↗
PubMed2002

South Asian women, psychological distress and self-harm: lessons for primary care trusts.

The present paper reports an investigation of the self-reported needs of South Asian women suffering distress and mental health problems which may lead to self-harm and suicide, and uses the data to define indicators of good practice for primary care. The design was a qualitative study using focus group discussion. Four focus groups of South Asian women (using existing women's groups in Manchester, UK) formed the setting for this study. Each focus group was facilitated by one of the authors, and the discussions occurred in Urdu, English and Punjabi. An interview guide was used, although the direction of the discussions followed the women's agenda. Notes were taken during the focus group discussions. Analysis of notes to define themes and emergence of framework was carried out. The data were analysed according to the principles of framework analysis. A range of systemic issues were described by respondents including: social, political and economic pressures; domestic violence; poverty; language problems; family and children's issues; and health. These experiences were reinforced by an extremely efficient community grapevine and were evident in described experiences such as: racism and stereotyping of Asian women; Asian communities and Islam; and the concept of izzat (honour) in Asian family life, which was seen as a major influence in the lives of Asian women. These experiences were thought to result in mental distress, which was described in a variety of ways by the women. The women saw self-harm as a usable coping strategy to deal with their distress. Perceived barriers to services were described by the women. Services tended to be accessed only at a point of desperation, rather than prior to crisis points. This indicated the need for services to be able to respond rapidly when Asian women did ask for help. Whilst the present paper describes a local study, thus limiting its generalisability, the use of such work in commissioning local health and social services is outlined. A number of indicators for good practice were drawn up in relation to addressing systemic issues in service provision using these findings. Such indicators will be of use by primary care trusts in developing, commissioning and monitoring services for this patient group.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

'We didn't know it would get that bad': South Asian experiences of dementia and the service response.

The aim of the present paper was to examine some views and experiences of dementia among older South Asian people, as well as their families and carers, and to explore central issues of service support. Data were collected in Scotland through interviews with 11 professionals working with South Asian people with dementia, and four case studies of South Asian people with a diagnosis of dementia, as well as their families and carers. The case studies demonstrated overwhelmingly negative experiences of dementia, with poor quality of life, desperate needs for support, lack of access to appropriate services, little knowledge of dementia, and isolation from community and family life. The interviews with professionals described a strong demand for services, a need to develop awareness and knowledge about dementia in South Asian communities, and a need to promote more culturally sensitive, individually responsive services. Similarities between South Asian people and the non-South Asian population include stress on carers, increasing isolation, problematic diagnostic practices, lack of knowledge and demand for service support. Differences include limited use of non-National Health Service (NHS) support, dealing with later stages of dementia at home, particularly negative views about residential care, culturally based attitudinal differences and use of the term 'dementia' in English as neutral rather than stigmatising. The present authors suggest that there is little knowledge and experience of dementia in South Asian communities, as well as restricted access to appropriate services, despite the efforts of voluntary sector and NHS special projects. There is demand for services, especially at home. Services need to develop individual responsiveness for effective working in a diverse society.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

Implementation of problem-based learning in Asian medical schools and students' perceptions of their experience.

BACKGROUND: Since the introduction of problem-based learning (PBL) at McMaster University in 1969, many medical schools in the USA, Canada and Europe have included PBL in their curricula. In the past decade, many medical schools in Asia have also done so. However, so far no one has questioned whether the outcomes expected of the learner in a PBL setting are applicable to students from different cultural upbringings. AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the implementation of PBL in Asian medical schools, their students' perceptions of this new mode of teaching/learning and how the problems that have arisen may be overcome. METHOD: Published reports and conference presentations were gathered on the implementation of PBL in some Asian medical schools and comparisons of the experiences in PBL of Asian and students of other ethnic backgrounds. RESULTS: Most Asian medical schools and their students appear to be positive about adapting to PBL in their curriculum. The positive and negative observations appear to be similar to those experienced in non-Asian medical schools. The problems that arose for students in Asian medical schools in the early stages of implementing PBL appear to have been overcome after a period of adjustment with the help of supportive and open-minded tutors. The reports also suggested that trigger problems should be carefully designed to make them relevant and interesting for the students. CONCLUSION: Strong support from the academic administrators (dean and other staff responsible for implementation of the curriculum) in the introduction of PBL into the curriculum and careful training of both faculty and students appear to be key factors to ensure the successful implementation of PBL in Asian medical schools.

Asia↗
PubMed2003

Microalbuminuria is more frequent in South Asian than in European origin populations: a comparative study in Newcastle, UK.

AIMS: We aimed to compare levels of urinary albumin excretion and the prevalence of microalbuminuria in UK South Asians and Europeans. Microalbuminuria predicts cardiovascular disease in European origin populations, but evidence from the general population of South Asians is lacking. Coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality is 40-50% higher in UK South Asians compared with the whole population, for reasons that are incompletely understood. METHODS: Microalbuminuria was measured using the albumin-creatinine ratio in an age- and sex-stratified random sample of 1509 adults from European (n = 825), Indian (n = 259), Pakistani (n = 305) and Bangladeshi (n = 120) ethnic groups. RESULTS: Levels of urinary albumin excretion were substantially higher in South Asians (geometric mean albumin creatinine ratio (95% confidence interval) 0.83 (0.75, 0.91)) than in Europeans (0.55 (0.51, 0.60)). Microalbuminuria was associated with older age, hypertension and diabetes, but independently of these risk factors urinary albumin excretion was higher in South Asians than Europeans. CONCLUSIONS: Urinary albumin excretion is higher and microalbuminuria more frequent in UK South Asians compared with the majority ethnic population. Microalbuminuria may be relevant to the causal pathways leading to the excess of cardiovascular mortality and possibly renal failure in UK South Asians.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Maternal ante-natal parameters as predictors of persistent postnatal glucose intolerance: a comparative study between Afro-Caribbeans, Asians and Caucasians.

AIMS: To measure the prevalence of persistent glucose intolerance at 6-12 weeks postpartum in various ethnic groups to assess the value of targeted postpartum screening. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed using computerized databases from two large maternity units within one UK region. Both units used the same screening strategy for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and the same postpartum follow-up at 6-12 weeks using a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). A total of 221 women with a diagnosis of GDM/impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) in the index pregnancy in addition to a completed postpartum 75-g OGTT were studied. Of these, 91 were Caucasian, 89 were of Indo-Asian (Asian) origin and 41 were of Afro-Caribbean origin. RESULTS: The study showed that 35% Indo-Asians had persistent postpartum glucose intolerance compared with 7% Caucasians and 5% Afro-Caribbeans (P < 0.003). Insulin requirement during pregnancy and a diagnosis of gestational diabetes prior to 20 weeks of pregnancy were predictive for persistent postpartum glucose intolerance amongst Indo-Asians. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of postpartum glucose intolerance among Indo-Asian women is significantly greater than among age-matched Caucasian and Afro-Caribbean women. We suggest that all Indo-Asian women with gestational diabetes should undergo postpartum screening for persistent glucose intolerance. However, in non-Asian women selective screening may be more cost effective.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Comparison of primary coronary artery bypass surgery in a British Indo-Asian and white Caucasian population.

AIM: To compare the clinical characteristics, at the time of admission and after coronary revascularization by bypass surgery, among British patients of Indo-Asian and white Caucasian descent. METHOD: One hundred and ninety-four pairs of patients admitted between November 1994 and January 1997 were matched for age (within 3 years), sex and date of admission (within 3 months). Their clinical characteristics at the time of admission for coronary artery bypass grafting surgery, and the incidence of hospital morbidity, hospital mortality and length of stay in the intensive therapy unit or hospital following coronary artery bypass grafting were determined. RESULTS: A higher proportion of Indo-Asian patients underwent coronary revascularization on a non-elective basis (43% vs 32% white Caucasian patients, P =0.018), had a higher prevalence of diabetes (39% vs 12%, P =0.0001), a lower prevalence of smoking (36% vs 80%, P =0.0001) and a lower rate of previous myocardial infarction (47% vs 62%, P =0.012). As regards revascularization, although there was no significant difference in the number of vessels revascularized, there was a lower use of the arterial conduit (internal mammary artery) in the Indo-Asian patients (72% vs 81%, P =0.028) particularly for those undergoing emergency/urgent surgery (59% vs 72%, P =0.001) and with a previous myocardial infarction (65% vs 81%;P =0.01) when compared with their white Caucasian counterparts. Following surgery there were no differences in the types of support required for vital functions. There was no significant difference in the proportion of major post-operative complications, that is, haemorrhage, cerebrovascular accident, renal failure requiring dialysis or respiratory failure. Similarly, there were no differences in the length of intensive therapy unit stay (median stay 1 day vs 1 day, P =0.4) and hospital stay following surgery (median stay 6 days vs 6 days, P =0.5) between the two groups. Although there was a trend towards a higher in-hospital (30 day) mortality (6.7% [95% confidence intervals CI 3.18-10.21] vs 2.6% [CI 0.35-4.9;P =0.0618]), in Indo-Asians compared to white Caucasians this trend disappeared when patients in the two groups undergoing non-elective surgery only were compared (9% vs 7%;P =0.7). CONCLUSIONS: A higher proportion of Indo-Asians underwent non-elective coronary revascularization, with a significantly lower use of the arterial conduit and a relatively higher in-hospital mortality. Following coronary revascularization the medical management, length of stay and hospital morbidity in Indo-Asian patients was no different from that of their white Caucasian counterparts. This is despite a perceived poorer outcome in Indo-Asians compared to white Caucasians.

Asia↗
PubMed2006

Phyto-oestrogen intake and plasma concentrations in South Asian and native British women resident in England.

Phyto-oestrogens, naturally occurring hormone-like chemicals in plant food, may play a protective role against hormone-related chronic diseases. South Asian migrants in the UK have a lower incidence of hormone-related cancer than their hosts but the extent to which this difference may be due to phytoestrogen intake is not known. The aim was to compare habitual phytoestrogen intake in first-generation South Asian migrant women and native British women. South Asian (n 221) and native British women (n 50) were recruited from general practitioner lists and were asked to provide monthly 24 h recalls for a period of 1 year. An enhanced phytoestrogen database was compiled using data from a literature search and unpublished data. A sub-sample of South Asian women (n 100) and the native British women (n 40) also provided blood samples every 3 months during the 1-year period. The median daily intakes (microg/d) of isoflavones (184.2 v. 333.9) and lignans (110.8 v. 148.8) were significantly lower in South Asians than in the native British (P<0.001, P=0.04 respectively). There were no significant differences in mean plasma isoflavone levels (nmol/l) but plasma enterolactone was significantly lower in the South Asians (13.9 (SD 17.5) v. 28.5 (SD 23.3), P<0.001). The main sources of phytoestrogens were bread and vegetables in both ethnic groups. Habitual phytoestrogen intake in South Asian and native British women was below 1 mg/d and was higher in the native British diet. The present study does not support the hypothesis that differences in phytoestrogen intake, or in circulating levels, could explain differences in hormone-related cancer risks between these two populations.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Ethnic and socio-economic inequalities in coronary heart disease, diabetes and risk factors in Europeans and South Asians.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that in Europeans and South Asians (Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis) alike, worse socio-economic status is associated with a higher prevalence of coronary heart disease (CHD), glucose intolerance (impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes) and related risk factors (the predicted direction of association). METHODS: Cross-sectional data were analysed from a community-based prevalence study seeking associations between social class, education and Townsend deprivation score and ECG evidence of CHD, glucose tolerance test and 12 cardiovascular risk factors. The study population consisted of South Asians (n = 684) comprising Indians (n = 259), Pakistanis (n = 305) and Bangladeshis (n = 120), and Europeans (n = 825), aged 25-74 years in Newcastle. The analysis examined up to 84 associations for each ethnic group. Interactions between ethnicity and socio-economic variables were examined using regression analysis. The main outcome measure was the number of associations in the predicted direction. RESULTS: Europeans fared better in some indicators of socio-economic position, South Asians in others. Indians were socio-economically advantaged compared with Pakistanis and Bangladeshis. Most measures of socio-economic position were associated with health measures in the predicted direction in Europeans [71/84 (85 per cent) associations, 25 statistically significant] and less so in the South Asians combined [58/84 (69 per cent) associations, 12 statistically significant]. In South Asian men 25/42 (60 per cent) of associations were as predicted, seven significantly so, in women 33/42 (79 per cent) were, five being statistically significant. There were apparent differences between Indians 152/78 (67 per cent) of associations as predicted, seven statistically significant], Pakistanis [41/84 (49 per cent), four statistically significant] and Bangladeshis [39/79 (49 per cent), one statistically significant]. In Indians, Townsend deprivation score was mostly associated as predicted [23/27 (85 per cent), five associations statistically significant], more so than social class [14/27 (52 per cent), none statistically significant]. In South Asian men and women combined, associations with anthropometric [18/24 (75 per cent)], biochemical [15/18 (83 per cent)], and lifestyle 114/18 (78 per cent)] measures were often as predicted, but those with blood pressure (4/12, 33 per cent) and CHD and glucose intolerance (7/12, 58 per cent) were less often so. Interactions between socio-economic position and ethnicity were found. CONCLUSIONS: The European pattern of inequalities is being established in South Asian men and women, possibly at a different pace in different subgroups. Future studies of inequalities should be large, separate Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi populations, study men and women separately and track changes over time.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

South Asian ethnicity and risk of childhood accidents: an ecological study at enumeration district level in Leicester.

BACKGROUND: Surveys of 'self-reported' accidents suggest that South Asian children in the United Kingdom may have lower rates of childhood accidents, but little is known about their susceptibility to severe accidents compared with white children. METHODS: We conducted an ecological study at the level of Census enumeration districts to compare hospital utilization as a result of childhood accidents according to White, South Asian, Black or 'Other' ethnic grouping and Townsend deprivation score in Leicester. Enumeration districts were assigned to postcoded data for fracture clinic attendances between 1997 and 1999 and in-patient admissions and in-patient stays of longer than 3 days as a result of accidents between 1995 and 1999 in children under 16 years. RESULTS: South Asian children were less likely than white children to attend fracture clinic, be admitted or to have a prolonged stay as a result of an accident. Having adjusted for deprivation score, for a 10 per cent increase in the proportion of South Asian residents in an enumeration district, the odds ratio for an in-patient stay of longer than 3 days was 0.95 (95 per cent confidence interval (CI) 0.91-1.00, p = 0.035), for an accident admission the odds ratio was 0.93 (95 per cent CI 0.92-0.94, p < 0.001) and for attendance at fracture clinic the odds ratio was 0.94 (95 per cent CI 0.92-0.96, p < 0.001). For a district with 70 per cent of its children from South Asian groups (as observed in one-fifth of Leicester's enumeration districts), this represents a 40 per cent lower rate of accident admissions. CONCLUSIONS: South Asian children were significantly less likely to utilize hospital services as a result of an accident. This may well be explained by differential exposure to accident hazards across ethnic groups, rather than by different thresholds of hospital attendance, given that hospital utilization was also lower for serious accidents in South Asian children.

Accidents↗
PubMed2001

Why is there so much end-stage renal failure of undetermined cause in UK Indo-Asians?

There is a high incidence of end-stage renal failure (ESRF) of undetermined cause in the Indo-Asian population of the UK. We studied patients presenting from the district of Brent and Harrow, which has a large Indo-Asian community, and whose renal services are largely provided by our centre. The diagnosis and ethnicity of patients starting renal replacement therapy and/or undergoing renal biopsy were collated. The incidences of ESRF, rates of renal biopsy and underlying diagnoses were calculated for Indo-Asians and Caucasians. Requirement for renal replacement therapy in Indo-Asians presenting to our centre from Brent and Harrow was 221/10(6)/year; no underlying diagnosis was identified in 77/10(6)/year. Renal biopsy rate in these patients was 456/10(6)/year, and the diagnostic categories significantly over-represented compared to Caucasians were: hypertension and ischaemia, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), idiopathic interstitial nephritis (IIN), diabetic nephropathy, minor glomerular abnormality, lupus nephritis and non-specific advanced chronic renal disease (p<0.001). The first three of these had a combined incidence of 135/10(6)/year in Indo-Asians and 31/10(6)/year in Caucasians. ESRF of undetermined cause is common in UK Indo-Asians, as is requirement for renal biopsy. Hypertension with ischaemia, FSGS and IIN are over-represented in the Indo-Asian population, and should be targeted for early diagnosis and treatment in this group.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Complications and cardiovascular risk factors in South Asians and Europeans with early-onset type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes is a major cardiovascular risk factor, and early-onset (<40 years) type 2 diabetes is becoming more common. AIM: To determine the prevalence of complications, and cardiovascular risk factors at diagnosis, in early-onset type 2 diabetes, and to compare these between South Asians and Europeans. DESIGN: Prospective study of newly-diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients aged <40 years, attending hospital and primary care clinics 1999-2001. METHODS: Patients were assessed for signs of macrovascular disease, retinopathy, neuropathy and nephropathy. Cardiovascular risk factors were also determined. RESULTS: Overall, 292 patients were enrolled (165 South Asians). Macrovascular disease was more prevalent in South Asians (15.7% vs. 9.4%, p<0.001), as was microvascular disease (27.3% vs. 16.5%, p<0.001), including retinopathy (17.5% vs. 7.9%, p<0.001), and nephropathy (18.1% vs. 7.8%, p<0.001). South Asians had trends towards greater waist:hip ratio (0.95 vs. 0.90), and higher blood pressure (127/80 vs. 123/76 mmHg). HDL cholesterol was lower (1.0 vs. 1.3 mmol/l, p<0.001) and fasting triglycerides higher (1.9 vs. 1.5 mmol/l, p<0.001) in South Asians. Absolute CHD risk was significantly higher in South Asians (16.9% vs. 13.7%, p<0.001). DISCUSSION: Complications were common at diagnosis, with a quarter of all patients having evidence of at least one diabetic complication. South Asians had a higher prevalence of established macrovascular and microvascular disease, compared to Europeans, and a higher risk of CHD, predominantly because of lower HDL cholesterol and higher blood pressure.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

The prevalence of diagnosed systemic lupus erythematosus in whites and Indian Asian immigrants in Leicester city, UK.

The prevalence of diagnosed systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) during 1989 in the adult Indian Asian and White populations of the city of Leicester has been determined. Fifty cases (19 Asian, 31 White) fulfilling the 1982 revised ARA criteria for SLE were identified from a population of 191,469 (37,684 Asian, 153,785 White). Five different sources were used to ascertain cases. The overall prevalence of SLE in Whites was 20.2 per 100,000. Asians of both sexes had a significantly higher prevalence than Whites. Prevalence in males was 31.5 and 7.0 per 100,000 in Asians and Whites respectively; in females the figures were 69.7 and 31.7 per 100,000. Overall, lupus was 3.0 times more common in Asians than Whites. This is the first prevalence study of SLE in Indian Asians and suggests that, like the Black races and the Chinese, they have a greater frequency of SLE than Whites.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

The epidemiology of AIDS in Asian and Pacific Islander populations in San Francisco.

To evaluate the epidemiology of HIV infection in Asian and Pacific Islander populations in San Francisco, we compared cases of AIDS reported in Asians and Pacific Islanders with those reported in other racial and ethnic groups. The incidence of AIDS in Asians and Pacific Islanders was significantly lower than in Whites, Blacks, Latinos and American Indians and Alaska natives. AIDS cases among Asians and Pacific Islanders have increased 177% since 1985 compared with 54% in other racial and ethnic groups, with the greatest increase in homosexual and bisexual men and transfusion recipients. Among Asian and Pacific Islander ethnic groups, the incidence of AIDS was 168 cases per 100,000 in Polynesians, 141 per 100,000 in Japanese, 92 per 100,000 in 100 Filipinos, 72 per 100,000 in southeast Asians, and 21 per 100,000 in Chinese. We conclude that AIDS cases are disproportionately increasing in Asians and Pacific Islanders in San Francisco.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1989

Alcohol-related admissions to a psychiatric hospital: a comparison of Asians and Europeans.

The prevalence of alcohol-related problems in the British Asian community is unknown. We obtained details of all patients living in Southall who had been admitted with a primary alcohol-related diagnosis to a psychiatric hospital from 1980 to 1987. We used 1981 census data to calculate overall and age-specific incidence rates for Asian and European men and woman, expressed per 10,000 subjects over the 7-year period. The overall incidence in Asian men (105.8) was markedly higher than in European men (54.3) (p less than 0.001). The overall incidence in Asian women was markedly lower than in European women (4.1 versus 18.6, p less than 0.001). Proportionately more Asian than European men were married (82% versus 34%, p less than 0.001). This pilot study suggests that alcohol-related problems severe enough to warrant inpatient treatment are unduly common in Southall Asian men, especially in married subjects. Further community-based studies are needed to ascertain the prevalence of alcoholism in this and other British Asian communities.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Comparison of processes and intermediate outcomes between South Asian and European patients with diabetes in Blackburn, north-west England.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes and its complications are more prevalent among South Asians than people of European origin and there is some evidence that patients of South Asian origin with diabetes receive poorer quality care. METHODS: Longitudinal study of patients with diabetes in Blackburn, UK. Processes of care indicators [measurement of blood pressure (BP), cholesterol and glycosolated haemoglobin (HbA1c)] and values of these intermediate outcomes were extracted for all patients registered on a diabetes information system for the period 1995-2001. Differences in processes of care indicators and intermediate outcomes between ethnic groups were estimated after adjusting for the potential confounding factors of sex, age and socioeconomic status (SES). Generalized estimating equations were used to model trends and to test for differences in trends over time. RESULTS: Process of care was similar in South Asian and European patients. Mean BP and cholesterol concentration fell during the study period. South Asians had a higher level of HbA1c throughout the study period. South Asians had lower levels of BP and cholesterol in 1995 but the differences diminished or were abolished over time. SES did not explain differences between ethnic groups. Analyses stratified by baseline levels of intermediate outcomes (above or within target) demonstrated improvements among above target patients were greater among European patients. CONCLUSIONS: Processes of care indicators are similar in diabetic patients of South Asian and European origin, irrespective of SES. However, there are worrying differences in improvements over time in the intermediate outcomes, and glycaemic control remained poorer among patients of South Asian origin patients throughout.

Adult↗
PubMed1981

Anthropometric and biochemical changes during pregnancy in Asian and European mothers having well grown babies.

At this hospital, about a third of all mothers are Asian. Although generally they have smaller and lighter babies, many Asian mothers achieve similar standards of intrauterine growth to the European mother. This paper describes the nutritional status of Asian and European mothers having well grown babies. Twenty eight European and 11 Asian mothers, who had a normal past obstetric history and a normal present pregnancy resulting in a well grown baby, were studied throughout pregnancy. At each visit, weight, skinfold thickness, and mid-upper arm circumference were measured and biochemical measurements of nutritional status were performed (serum albumin, transferrin and alkaline ribonuclease, plasma amino acids and nitrogen partition of urine). Asian mothers were fatter than European mothers at booking and put on more fat during the second trimester. At the same time, the biochemical tests suggested that the Asian mothers had a higher plane of nutrition. It seems that if the Asian mothers are well nourished in the second trimester, they can achieve a standard of intrauterine growth comparable to the Europeans.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

High incidence of minimal change nephrotic syndrome in Asians.

Between 1973 and 1982 there was a significantly higher incidence of minimal change nephrotic syndrome among Asian compared with non-Asian children in Leicestershire. Most Asians in Leicestershire are Gujarati-speaking Hindus, but Sikhs and Muslims are also represented; no group of Asians (defined by religion, language, or birthplace) was at special risk of developing nephrotic syndrome. Nephrotic syndrome was more preponderant in Asian children living within the city of Leicester, and there was an unusually low incidence in non-Asian children within the city. Both racial and environmental factors may be important in the increased susceptibility to minimal change nephrotic syndrome in Asian children.

Adolescent↗