To define those patients most likely to benefit from the hypolipidemic effect of low-glycemic-index (GI) traditional starchy foods, 30 hyperlipidemic patients were studied for 3 mo. During the middle month, low-GI foods were substituted for those with a higher GI with minimal change in dietary macronutrient and fiber content. Only in the group (24 patients) with raised triglyceride levels (types IIb, III, and IV) were significant lipid reductions seen: total cholesterol 8.8 +/- 1.5% (p less than 0.001), LDL cholesterol 9.1 +/- 2.4% (p less than 0.001), and serum triglyceride 19.3 +/- 3.2% (p less than 0.001) with no change in HDL cholesterol. The percentage reduction in serum triglyceride related to the initial triglyceride levels (r = 0.56, p less than 0.01). The small weight loss (0.4 kg) on the low-GI diet did not relate to the lipid changes. Low-GI diets may be of use in the management of lipid abnormalities associated with hypertriglyceridemia.

Reduction in the mean glycemic index (GI) of diets of 12 hyperlipidemic patients from 82 +/- 1 to 69 +/- 2 units (p less than 0.001) for a 1 mo period resulted in a significant reduction in total and LDL serum cholesterol and serum triglyceride by comparison with the mean lipid values for the preceding and following control months. The change in GI of the diet was achieved largely through manipulation of the cereal products and was not related to large differences in the amount of dietary fiber. In addition, apart from a small mean increase in unsaturated fat and calorie intake during the control periods, no difference was seen between the proportion of macronutrients on either treatment as determined by 1 wk diet histories recorded on alternate weeks throughout the 3 mo study. Selection of low glycemic index foods may therefore be a useful adjunct to the management of hyperlipidemia.

Seven male hyperlipidemic patients substituted approximately 140g dried beans daily for other sources of starch in their diet over a 4-month period. After this, mean fasting serum triglyceride levels were reduced by 25 +/- 5% (p less than 0.01) while total serum cholesterol levels were 7 +/- 2% (p less than 0.5) lower than the values measured during the previous five clinic attendances (12 +/- 2.5 months). However, low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels remained unaltered. While taking beans a nonsignificant fall (0.7 kg) was seen in body weight. Nevertheless no change was seen in macronutrient intake determined by 1-wk diet histories recorded both before and four times during the study, although cholesterol intake decreased by 80 mg (p less than 0.02). Reintroduction of dried leguminous seeds into a Western diet may be a useful adjunct to the management of hyperlipidemia.

Introduction: As the focus on personalised treatment is refined, more products are brought to market and the life expectancy of persons with haemophilia increases, there will be an expanded need of experienced and expert healthcare providers to ensure optimal patient outcomes. Aim: This survey describes the demographics, roles/ responsibilities, practice patterns, educational opportunities/barriers and employment benefits of nurses and advanced practices providers (APPs), including advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and physician assistants (PAs) employed by haemophilia treatment centres (HTCs) across the United States. Methods: This one-time convenience online survey was approved by the Munson Medical Center Institutional Review Board. A survey of this type had never been attempted in the HTC nursing community; therefore. there was no opportunity to utilise a previous tool. Data was analysed using statistical tools through SurveyMonkey. Results: Gaps were identified in provider age distribution, research opportunities, and standardised educational opportunities for APPs. An aging but highly educated HTC nursing population is revealed: over 50% of respondents were over the age of 50; the majority held at least a baccalaureate degree and almost half had national board certification; most were experienced in healthcare but newer to the field of bleeding disorders. Conclusion: Development of an APP fellowship program would standardise the care and treatment of those with bleeding and clotting disorders across the United States. This fellowship should include a didactic portion, advocacy within the community, mentorship with experienced APPs and regular webinar-based case studies to review current trends in care. This survey is a call to action to begin standardised education programs for the advanced practice role.

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