The level of glycaemic control as measured by HbA1c emerged as the most consistent risk factor associated with the extent and severity of periodontal disease in this study cohort.

Study objective-The aim ofthe study was to examine cardiovascular risk factors to see how these might explain differences in cardiovascular disease mortality among Chinese, Malays, and Indians in the Republic of Singapore. Comparisons were made between the respondents, the sample, and the sampling frame, and no major discrepancies were found by age, sex, and ethnic group; the youngest age group had slightly lower response rates than the older ones. PROCEDURESAll clinics were held on Saturday mornings between 0900 and 1200 hours and the subjects were asked to fast from 2100 hours the previous evening. A questionnaire was administered by a field investigator (a nurse trained in interview techniques) and personal details including ethnic group (derivation previously described),' present and past occupations, medical history, drug usage, diet, and family medical history were obtained. Questions were asked on alcohol intake (including frequency, type and quantity, similar to those used in the British Regional Heart Study2 based on the UK General Household Survey 1972-73),3 smoking (same questionnaire as used in MONICA project of WHO),4 and chest pain.

Our study supports the use of HbA1c for diagnosing diabetes in Asians. Despite some interethnic variation in the relationship of HbA1c and retinopathy, a cut-point of 6.5% performs reasonably well in the three major Asian ethnic groups.

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One hundred and twenty-nine patients with systemic lupus erythematosus were screened for thyroid function tests. Of these, 8.9% had hyperthyroidism and 3.9% Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Euthyroid sick syndrome was present in 47.8% of patients. There was a high prevalence of antimicrosomal and antithyroglobulin antibodies (32.2%). Aberrations in thyroid function tests are common in SLE but the incidence of thyroid failure is low.