Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a serious public health problem. A large proportion of patients with T2DM are unaware of their condition. People with undiagnosed T2DM are at a greater risk of developing complications, whereas prediabetes has an elevated risk of becoming T2DM. The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of impaired fasting glucose (IFG), undiagnosed and prior-diagnosed T2DM in Kazakhstan. A cross-sectional study was conducted in four geographically remote regions using the WHO STEP survey instrument. The status of T2DM of 4,753 participants was determined using the WHO diagnostic criteria based on fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level. As a result, the survey-weighted prevalence of IFG was 1.9% (95% CI 1.1%; 3.5%) and of T2DM was 8.0% (95% CI 3.8; 15.9). A total of 54% of T2DM have been newly diagnosed with T2DM. Being 55–64 years old (OR = 2.71, 95% CI 1.12; 6.60) and having lowered HDL-C level (OR = 3.72, 95% CI 1.68; 8.23) were found to be independent predictors for IFG. Being older than 45 years, a female (OR = 0.57, 95% CI 0.39; 0.83), having high waist circumference, was associated with newly diagnosed T2DM. Whereas, the age older than 45 years, high waist circumference, and family history of diabetes (OR = 2.42, 95% CI 1.64; 3.54) were associated with preexisting T2DM. This study shows a high prevalence of IFG and a high proportion of newly diagnosed T2DM in Kazakhstan. A series of risk factors identified in the study may be used to strengthen appropriate identification of IFG or undiagnosed patients in healthcare settings to deliver either preventive or therapeutic interventions aimed to reduce the incidence of T2DM or the delay of their complications. Further longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these associations in our population.

This article discusses relevant aspects in the treatment of patients with COVID-19. Up-to-date information about principles for administration of statins, antithrombotics, and antiarrhythmics is presented. The authors addressed in detail specific features of reversing heart rhythm disorders in patients with coronavirus infection and the interaction of antiarrhythmic and antiviral drugs. Recommendations are provided for outpatient and inpatient antithrombotic therapy for patients with COVID-19. Issues of antithrombotic and antiviral drug interaction are discussed.

The article discusses pathogenesis and treatment of COVID-19. The authors presented state-of-the-art insight into hemostatic disorders in patients with COVID-19 and clinical recommendations on prevention of thrombosis and thromboembolism in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. The article discussed in detail a new hypothesis proposed by Chinese physicians about a new component in the pathogenesis of COVID-19, namely, about the effect of SARS-CoV-2 virus on the hemoglobin beta-chain and the formation of a complex with porphyrin, which results in displacement of the iron ion. Thus, hemoglobin loses the capability for transporting oxygen, which aggravates hypoxia and worsens the prognosis. The article stated rules of hemotransfusion safety in the conditions of COVID-19 pandemic.

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Background & aims Kazakhstan has implemented comprehensive programs to reduce the incidence of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. This study aims to assess seroprevalence and risk factors for HBsAg and anti-HCV positivity in three large regions of Kazakhstan. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in three regions geographically remote from each other. Participants were randomly selected using a two-stage stratified cluster sampling and were surveyed by a questionnaire based on the WHO STEP survey instrument. Blood samples were collected for HBsAg and anti-HCV testing. Results A total of 4,620 participants were enrolled. The seroprevalence was 5.5% (95%CI: 3.6%-8.4%) for HBsAg and 5.1% (95%CI: 3.5%-7.5%) for anti-HCV antibodies. Both were more prevalent in the western and northern regions than in the southern. A history of blood transfusion was significantly associated with anti-HCV presence, with odds ratios (ORs) of 2.10 (95%CI: 1.37–3.21) and was borderline associated with HBsAg 1.39 (95%CI: 0.92–2.10), respectively. Having a family member with viral hepatitis was also borderline associated (2.09 (95%CI: 0.97–4.50)) with anti-HCV positivity. Conclusions This study found a high-intermediate level of endemicity for HBsAg and a high level of endemicity for anti-HCV antibodies in three large regions of Kazakhstan. We found that history of surgery was not associated with HbsAg neither with anti-HCV seropositivity rates. Blood transfusion was associated with anti-HCV seropositivity, however, to investigate effectiveness of the introduced comprehensive preventive measures in health care settings, there is a need to conduct further epidemiological studies.