MedWorm.com provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest items from the 'Annals of Clinical Biochemistry' source. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:38:25 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5568538&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F49%2F1%2F104-b%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5568538 Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5568538 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5568537&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F49%2F1%2F104-a%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5568537 Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5568537 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5568536&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F49%2F1%2F102%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5568536 Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5568536 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5568535&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F49%2F1%2F101-b%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5568535 Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5568535 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5568534&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F49%2F1%2F101-a%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5568534 Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5568534 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5568533&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F49%2F1%2F97%3Frss%3D1 Life-threatening situations of hyperkalaemia are often caused by renal failure, hyperglycaemia or medication. However pseudohyperkalaemia, a falsely elevated potassium concentration, is usually caused by haemolysis, repeated clenching of the fist during venepuncture or abnormal cell numbers. Another rare cause of pseudohyperkalaemia is familial pseudohyperkalaemia, an autosomal dominantly inherited trait, with increased leakage of potassium from erythrocytes. Under normal in vivo conditions, this increased leakage is compensated by augmented activity of the Na+/K+ ATPase pump. However, after venepuncture the blood cools down to room temperature, reducing the activity of the Na+/K+ ATPase pump whereby the increased potassium leakage becomes more apparent. Here, we present a Dutch patient wi... Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5568533 Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5568533 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5568532&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F49%2F1%2F94%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions The introduction of centrifuges into all GPs across NHS Grampian has significantly reduced the effect of seasonal variation in serum potassium results. There has also been a concurrent reduction in the number of cases of spurious hyperkalaemia. This exercise has significantly improved the overall quality of potassium results reported to Primary Care. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5568532 Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5568532 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5568531&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F49%2F1%2F86%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions The improved 125I-HPLC method is useful as an autoanalytical system for a routine diagnostic test of human serum Pls. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5568531 Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5568531 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5568530&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F49%2F1%2F80%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions Twelve weeks of atorvastatin significantly reduced both DHEAS and androstenedione contributing to the total reduction of androgen concentrations and indicating that the reduction of the hyperandrogenaemia could be partly due to the action of atorvastatin at both the ovary and the adrenal gland in PCOS. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5568530 Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5568530 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5568529&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F49%2F1%2F75%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions In postmenopause, the increase in MMP-2 reflects the systemic specific inflammatory process that accompanies atherogenesis. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5568529 Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5568529 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5568528&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F49%2F1%2F68%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions Diabetic patients with stage 4 or 5 chronic kidney disease not on haemodialysis had significantly lower values of HbA1c and shorter RBC lifespan compared with diabetic patients without renal dysfunction. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5568528 Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5568528 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5568527&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F49%2F1%2F63%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions Existing between-method differences in PTH measurements clearly have treatment implications. International initiatives to address these differences are in progress and will require support and input from all stakeholders. Adoption of assay-specific target values such as those reported here provides a convenient and practical interim solution that should lead to significant improvement in patient management, while also enabling meaningful audit. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5568527 Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5568527 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5568526&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F49%2F1%2F59%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions The different definitions proposed for AKI detect different populations of patients. A laboratory delta check detected 98% of all the patients identified by AKIN, RIFLE and Waikar & Bonventre combined and could therefore provide a practical way of detecting AKI patients. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5568526 Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5568526 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5568525&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F49%2F1%2F55%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions In our hands, the Quantum Blue® method was a suitable screening test for excluding inflammatory bowel disease. It may be of value to laboratories wishing to offer calprotectin but who do not have sufficient numbers to warrant ELISA methodology or in ‘one stop’ gastrointestinal clinics where an immediate result is required. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5568525 Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5568525 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5568524&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F49%2F1%2F44%3Frss%3D1 Most abdominal disorders present with a limited number of overlapping symptoms. Blood tests are not routinely available for use in diagnosis and so investigation tends to require complex imaging procedures or endoscopy and biopsy. These are invasive for the patient, may be associated with morbidity and mortality and have considerable resource implications. Biochemical tests on a single sample of faeces are therefore a valuable alternative. Measurement of faecal calprotectin has been shown to have a role in the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease and in its monitoring. Lactoferrin is also of benefit used in this way. Faecal elastase has been demonstrated to be of use in the diagnosis of pancreatic insufficiency. A number of faecal markers have been explored in colorectal cancer. Faecal ... Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5568524 Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5568524 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5568523&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F49%2F1%2F29%3Frss%3D1 Neurological dysfunction results from vascular, inflammatory, degenerative, neoplastic, metabolic or genetic causes. Of particular interest is a group of neurological symptoms thought to be linked to an underlying tumour, the so-called paraneoplastic syndromes. It is considered to be due to an attempt by the immune system to subjugate the growth of the tumour by triggering an antibody response against the neuronal antigens expressed by the neoplasm. The unfortunate consequence of this is an assault by the immune components on the nervous tissue, thereby rapidly precipitating a variety of neurological deficits. Every level of the nervous system is potentially vulnerable, with the disability being considered as irreversible due to the lack of regenerative capacity of the neurons. This phenom... Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5568523 Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5568523 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5568522&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F49%2F1%2F17%3Frss%3D1 This study reviews the application of flow cytometry within clinical pathology with an emphasis upon haematology and immunology. The basic principles of flow cytometry are discussed, including the principles and considerations of the flow-cell and hydrodynamic focusing, detector layout and function, use of fluorochromes and multicolour flow cytometry (spectral overlap and colour compensation), alongside the strategies available for sample preparation, data acquisition and analysis, reporting of results, internal quality control, external quality assessment and flow sorting. The practice of flow cytometry is discussed, including the principles and pitfalls associated with leukocyte immunophenotyping for leukaemia and lymphoma diagnosis, immune deficiency, predicting and monitoring response ... Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5568522 Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5568522 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5568521&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F49%2F1%2F9%3Frss%3D1 Clinical laboratories have an important role in improving patient care. The past decades have seen enormous changes with unpredictable improvements in analytical performance, range of tests and capacity to manage large volumes of work. At the same time, there has been a dramatic fall in the rate of laboratory errors. However, there is now a growing awareness that the testing process includes the time before samples reach the laboratory and after reports have been printed and that these areas need to be included in the quality assessment of the total testing process. Laboratory quality should include a focus on patient safety and clinical effectiveness. Services should be patient-centred, timely, efficient and equitable, and finally, should be moulded to ensure optimal outcomes. There is a ... Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5568521 Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5568521 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5568520&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F49%2F1%2F7%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5568520 Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5568520 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5568519&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F49%2F1%2F4%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5568519 Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5568519 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5568518&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F49%2F1%2F1%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5568518 Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5568518 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5374765&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F6%2F586-b%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5374765 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5374765 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5374764&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F6%2F586-a%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5374764 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5374764 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5374763&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F6%2F585%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5374763 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5374763 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5374762&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F6%2F584%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5374762 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5374762 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5374761&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F6%2F579%3Frss%3D1 We present the case of a 57-year-old patient who initially presented with a constellation of symptoms including intense pruritis, flushing and diarrhoea. Following several months clinical deterioration, the patient was investigated radiologically, where multiple hepatic tumours were identified. Liver biopsy confirmed the presence of a well-differentiated metastatic gastroenteropancreatic endocrine carcinoma with biochemical evidence of serotonin secretion. Over a period of six months, the clinical course of the patient's disease progressed whereby severe hypoglycaemia became the major manifestation. Subsequent biochemical investigations confirmed the diagnosis of an insulinoma. Extensive radiological investigation revealed a solitary primary pancreatic tumour, indicating the presence of a ... Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5374761 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5374761 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5374760&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F6%2F575%3Frss%3D1 The objective of this study is to report a new manifestation of acute stroke following antifibrinolytic agent administration in young women carrying heterozygosity for methylene-tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T. The study included two young women who developed an acute ischaemic stroke following three days of tranexamic acid administration for bleeding gynaecological disorders. Case 1, a 44-year-old woman, presented left hemiplegia, mild dysarthria and anosognosia. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed right ischaemic fronto-temporal lesion due to subocclusion of the right middle cerebral artery. Case 2, a 49-year-old woman, developed aphasia and right hemiplegia. Neuroimaging showed left capsular and periventricular infarcts due to near occlusion of the left internal carotid art... Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5374760 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5374760 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5374759&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F6%2F572%3Frss%3D1 Congenital hypothyroidism is screened for in the UK using blood spot thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) screening at 5–8 d of age. Although standards are set by the UK Newborn Screening Programme Centre, there are variations in TSH cut-offs used. The introduction of repeat screening of preterm babies at 36 weeks' gestational age in 2005 was controversial in its utility and timing. Two cases of preterm babies are presented, who had normal blood spot TSH values on the first test and who became screen positive when re-tested at term. The first with Trisomy 21 was born at 29 + 6 weeks with an initial blood spot TSH of 3.3 mU/L rising to 263 mU/L at term-corrected gestational age (plasma TSH 476.5 mU/L). The second was born at 24 + 6 weeks’ gestational age and on day 7, the heel pric... Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5374759 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5374759 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5374758&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F6%2F566%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion ApoB offers a more consistent treatment target independent of hypertriglyceridaemia and would obviate technical problems related to high triglycerides. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5374758 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5374758 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5374757&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F6%2F562%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions This study has shown that phlebotomy techniques in the Emergency Department deviate from standard practice significantly. This may well be a reason for the much higher frequency of haemolysed samples and with the wrong order of collection the possibility of potassium-EDTA-contaminated samples. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5374757 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5374757 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5374756&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F6%2F558%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions There has been rapid implementation of eGFR reporting in the UK since 2006. However, there is considerable variation in the way it is reported, with few laboratories currently exactly matching existing NICE recommendations. A reassessment of biochemical CKD assessment by most laboratories following a reiteration and clarification of current recommendations seems warranted. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5374756 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5374756 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5374755&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F6%2F550%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions The proposed one-step heterologous TRFIA FT4 assay possesses simplicity, accuracy, high sensitivity and exhibits great potential for FT4 measurement. The combination of heterologous immunoassay with TRFIA may be advantageous for FT4 immunoassay development. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5374755 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5374755 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5374754&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F6%2F542%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion This is the first LC-MS/MS method in routine use to combine quantification of urinary cortisol and cortisone and detection of synthetic glucocorticoids in patients being investigated for Cushing's syndrome. Since the most common quoted cause of Cushing's syndrome is steroid treatment, this is a valuable diagnostic tool. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5374754 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5374754 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5374753&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F6%2F531%3Frss%3D1 Urine is recognized as the prime matrix for drug test screening with well-established methods and testing protocols. Its major limitation is with regard to the inconvenience of sample collection and lack of integrity due to adulteration, dilution, drug spiking or sample exchange. The question is whether oral fluid, with its apparent better sample integrity, can replace urine for drug screening. This review examines the sample integrity problems and the advantages and limitations of oral fluid and urine in drug screening programmes. The variety of sample collection devices for oral fluid is shown to be a problem with recovery and detection for some drugs. This is examined in relation to the pharmacokinetics of drug metabolism and excretion in this matrix. Buccal contamination with drugs in ... Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5374753 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5374753 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5374752&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F6%2F516%3Frss%3D1 An increasing number of toxicology laboratories are choosing to expand the services they offer to include hair testing in response to customer demands. Hair provides the toxicologist with many advantages over conventional matrices in that it is easy to collect, is a robust and stable matrix that does not require refrigeration, and most importantly, provides a historical profile of an individual's exposure to drugs or analytes of interest. The establishment of hair as a complementary technique in forensic toxicology is a direct result of the success of the matrix in medicolegal cases and the wide range of applications. However, before introducing hair testing, laboratories must consider what additional requirements they will need that extend beyond simply adapting methodologies already vali... Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5374752 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5374752 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5374751&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F6%2F498%3Frss%3D1 Lipoprotein metabolism is dependent on apolipoproteins, multifunctional proteins that serve as templates for the assembly of lipoprotein particles, maintain their structure and direct their metabolism through binding to membrane receptors and regulation of enzyme activity. The three principal functions of lipoproteins are contribution to interorgan fuel (triglyceride) distribution (by means of the fuel transport pathway), to the maintenance of the extracellular cholesterol pool (by means of the overflow pathway) and reverse cholesterol transport. The most important clinical application of apolipoprotein measurements in the plasma is in the assessment of cardiovascular risk. Concentrations of apolipoprotein B and apolipoprotein AI (and their ratio) seem to be better markers of cardiovascula... Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5374751 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5374751 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5374750&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F6%2F489%3Frss%3D1 We describe the programme of an established External Quality Assurance (EQA) provider and a Specialist Advisory Group (SAG) to develop a successful EQA scheme for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) haem pigments as an example of a professionally led, unfunded initiative with the real potential to benefit patients. Within three years, we had assured sample stability, stoichiometry, and published best practice guidelines, enabling both analytical results and interpretation to be assessed and reported with an educative summary of the desired responses. Misclassification scoring of analysis and interpretation was introduced. Following audit, guidelines were modified and republished. The outcomes were as follows:Participant numbers increased from 63 at inception to 150 10 years later; The percentage of... Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5374750 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5374750 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5374749&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F6%2F487%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5374749 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5374749 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5374748&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F6%2F485%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5374748 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5374748 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5190976&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F5%2F483-b%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5190976 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5190976 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5190975&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F5%2F483-a%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5190975 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5190975 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5190974&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F5%2F480%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5190974 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5190974 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5190973&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F5%2F479-b%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5190973 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5190973 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5190972&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F5%2F479-a%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5190972 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5190972 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5190971&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F5%2F478%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5190971 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5190971 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5190970&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F5%2F474%3Frss%3D1 A 52-year-old Japanese woman was referred to our hospital because of fever and coxalgia. She had a white blood cell count of 241 x 102/µL with 59.6% blasts, which had a high nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio and variably condensed nuclear chromatin. Flow cytometry and chromosomal analysis of bone marrow cells indicated positive findings of CD10, CD19, CD34, HLA-DR antigens and t(9; 22)(q34; q11.2), respectively. No rearrangements of bcr/abl in peripheral blood neutrophils were found by fluorescence in situ hybridization, suggesting that she had B-acute lymphoblastic leukaemia with Ph chromosome. Blood glucose and HbA1c (glycated haemoglobin) levels on admission were 23.4 mmol/L and 21.0%, respectively. The results of 1.5 anhydro-d-glucitol and glycoalbumin tests revealed that she certainly h... Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5190970 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5190970 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5190969&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F5%2F471%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions Using a cut-off of 1.6 IU/L, considered independently of thyroid function tests, the Roche cobas e411 automated immunoassay for TRAbs is a convenient, sensitive and specific tool for the differential diagnosis of hyperthyroidism. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5190969 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5190969 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5190968&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F5%2F468%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions Analysis of BCAA in DBS by UPLC-MS/MS is a useful second tier newborn screening test to identify classical MSUD and for monitoring of remote patients. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5190968 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5190968 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5190967&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F5%2F462%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions Oxidant–antioxidant balance shifts in favour of the antioxidant system after surfactant treatment. Lower TAC/TOS ratio in preterm infants may be associated with increased mortality. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5190967 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5190967 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5190966&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F5%2F459%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions Common variable immunodeficiency continues to be overlooked as a primary cause of lung disease in adults. Very low serum IgE should trigger appropriate investigation (immunoglobulin quantification and serum electrophoresis). (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5190966 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5190966 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5190965&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F5%2F452%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions The analytical performance of hs-cTnT complied with the international guidelines for AMI detection. Determining the degree of haemolysis in a sample is of paramount importance to the interpretation of hs-cTnT results. The 99th percentile value of our reference population was established. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5190965 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5190965 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5190964&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F5%2F447%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions Intact and total PINP assays give similar results in many conditions, but there are differences, for example in breast carcinoma, which should be recognized. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5190964 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5190964 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5190963&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F5%2F441%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions These data show that liability of immunoassay measurement of serum cortisol to interference in patients receiving metyrapone may lead to erroneous clinical decisions concerning dose titration. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5190963 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5190963 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5190962&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F5%2F438%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions Laboratories should be aware that falsely low AFP concentrations due to complement interference may be obtained using the autoDELFIA® hAFP immunoassay. We have shown that falsely low AFP concentrations increase the calculated risk of Down's syndrome. This is a potential cause of false Down's syndrome screen positive results. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5190962 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5190962 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5190961&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F5%2F433%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions The Elecsys® hCG + β immunoassay from Roche Diagnostics can be used to detect hCG in CSF with high precision. According to our results, CSF-hCG concentrations that exceed the established reference interval (undetectable values to 0.7 IU/L) in the presence of suprasellar lesions and hypophyseal stalk thickening must be considered pathological, establishing the need to exclude the presence of germinoma. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5190961 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5190961 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5190960&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F5%2F418%3Frss%3D1 Although generally robust, immunoassays remain vulnerable to occasional analytical errors that may have serious implications for patient care. Sporadic errors that occur as a result of properties of the specimen are particularly difficult to detect. They may be due to the presence of cross-reacting substances, antianalyte antibodies or antireagent antibodies, all of which may lead to erroneously high or low results. Low results may be observed for tumour markers due to high-dose hooking in the presence of very high analyte concentrations. Erroneous results can occur unexpectedly with any specimen and there is no practical means of identifying specimens likely to cause problems in immunoassays. The possibility of interference should always be considered when results do not appear to be in a... Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5190960 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5190960 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5190959&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F5%2F410%3Frss%3D1 Pharmacogenetics and pharmacogenomics strive to explain the interindividual variability in response to drugs due to genetic variation. For certain drugs, genetic tests can reduce adverse drug reactions and improve treatment efficacy. In this review, we will briefly consider some successful tests introduced into clinical practice and potential future developments. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5190959 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5190959 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5190958&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F5%2F393%3Frss%3D1 True and precise routine measurements of quantities of clinical interest are essential if results are to be optimally interpreted for patient care. Additionally, results produced by different measurement procedures for the same measurand must be comparable if common diagnostic decision values and clinical research findings are to be broadly applied. Metrology, the science of measurement, provides laboratory medicine with a structured approach to the development and terminology of reference measurement systems which, when implemented, improve the accuracy and comparability of patients' results. The metrological approach is underpinned by the concepts of common measurement units, traceability of measured values, measurement uncertainty and commutability. Where traceability to the Internation... Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5190958 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5190958 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5017627&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F4%2F392-b%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5017627 Sun, 10 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5017627 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5017626&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F4%2F392-a%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5017626 Sun, 10 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5017626 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5017625&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F4%2F391%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5017625 Sun, 10 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5017625 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5017624&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F4%2F386%3Frss%3D1 We describe seven infants with transient congenital hypothyroidism (CH) due to maternal thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSH-R) blocking antibodies (TRAb) identified over three decades of newborn screening for CH in Wales, UK that represents a minimum incidence of 1.6% of CH cases. Infants with transient CH due to maternal TRAb presented with a spectrum of clinical and biochemical hypothyroidism. Blood spot TSH concentrations ranged 60.5–332 mIU/L. CH was confirmed by plasma thyroid function tests in all cases (plasma TSH ranged 21–752 mIU/L). The seven infants belonged to five different families. On examination, four infants were clinically hypothyroid. Five infants had a thyroid ultrasound, of which three were abnormal. All infants were treated with thyroxine, which was ... Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5017624 Sun, 10 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5017624 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5017623&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F4%2F383%3Frss%3D1 A 50-year-old man presented with a four-year history of unsteadiness, with recent falls and tingling in his fingers. Neurological examination found an ataxic gait, with a positive Romberg's sign. There was distal wasting and weakness in all four limbs and impaired co-ordination, with pseudoathetosis in the arms. Initial investigations showed a normochromic, normocytic anaemia, leucopenia, neutropenia and a low vitamin B12 (172 ng/L). Treatment with intramuscular cobalamin injections showed no clinical improvement. Further investigations showed an undetectable caeruloplasmin (<0.085 g/L), a very low serum copper (1.1 µmol/L) and a markedly raised serum zinc concentration (36.2 µmol/L). On detailed questioning it became apparent that he had ill-fitting dentures requiring exces... Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5017623 Sun, 10 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5017623 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5017622&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F4%2F380%3Frss%3D1 We report a six-week-old boy with genitourinary structural abnormalities who presented with profound hyponatraemia and hyperkalaemia due to transient type 1 pseudohypoaldosteronism (PHA) precipitated by a urinary tract infection (UTI), which responded rapidly to intravenous saline and antibiotics. In infants with structural abnormalities of the urinary tract, we wish to highlight the importance of recognizing type 1 PHA and its association with a UTI since prompt and appropriate treatment rapidly corrects the associated metabolic abnormalities. Conversely, the identification of type 1 PHA in an infant should precipitate a search for a UTI and structural abnormalities of the urinary tract. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5017622 Sun, 10 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5017622 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5017621&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F4%2F377%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions Requests for retrospective addition of troponin measurement on samples several hours after venepuncture is commonplace in many laboratories. Analysis of samples drawn >6 h previously may produce values below the cut-off for myocardial necrosis (0.040 µg/L) that would have been detectable if measured earlier as a result of decreased in vitro stability. Significant percentage decreases in cTnI concentration following storage may also have implications in lowering the threshold for an apparently clinically significant change to occur. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5017621 Sun, 10 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5017621 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5017620&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F4%2F374%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion We describe a simple procedure for sweat analysis using the ISE-module of two different chemistry platforms. This procedure meets the requirements as described in UK guidelines. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5017620 Sun, 10 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5017620 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5017619&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F4%2F370%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions Our results demonstrate that similar precision and excellent between-assay agreement should be obtained when laboratories change from the DSL to the AMH Gen II ELISA and they should expect an increase in AMH values of approximately 40%. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5017619 Sun, 10 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5017619 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5017618&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F4%2F367%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions Despite the availability of an international reference preparation, current antithyroglobulin assays show unacceptable variance. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5017618 Sun, 10 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5017618 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5017617&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F4%2F358%3Frss%3D1 Discussion The likely reasons for outlying or missing values, together with the reasons for variation in the distinctive biochemical patterns of analytes exhibited in individuals harbouring either neuroblastic or chromaffin tumours are discussed. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5017617 Sun, 10 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5017617 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5017616&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F4%2F352%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions The use of the MCX SPE method with LCMS/MS detection provides an improved assay to measure plasma free metadrenalines in comparison to many available alternative methods. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5017616 Sun, 10 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5017616 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5017615&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F4%2F344%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions Abnormal distributions of these trace minerals may aggravate oxidative damage and inflammation, increased CD4/CD8 lymphocyte ratios and decreased lung function in asthma. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5017615 Sun, 10 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5017615 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5017614&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F4%2F338%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions These results highlight the existence of a redox imbalance in postacute stroke patients, and the possible benefits of an antioxidant-based therapy for the recovery of these patients. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5017614 Sun, 10 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5017614 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5017613&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F4%2F332%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions Our results indicate that high serum RemL-C level is a predictive hallmark for large artery atherosclerosis in apparently healthy women. Determination of RemL-C should be employed as one of the parameters in annual health examinations. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5017613 Sun, 10 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5017613 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5017612&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F4%2F327%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion In patients with severe CHD, the leptin/adiponectin ratio was not found to be a robust tool to distinguish patients with and without insulin resistance and those with and without the metabolic syndrome. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5017612 Sun, 10 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5017612 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5017611&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F4%2F321%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion Breaking down a 24 h urine collection into voided aliquots provides practical information on the pattern of water and solute excretion. Such patterns may assist in identifying the underlying mechanism of significant nocturia in individual patients presenting with this symptom, and could be used as a method of monitoring treatment. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5017611 Sun, 10 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5017611 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5017610&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F4%2F317%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions The addition of interpretative comments onto clinical biochemistry reports is widespread throughout the UK. This service is largely consultant led. There is anecdotal evidence that the process can influence the clinical management of patients. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5017610 Sun, 10 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5017610 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5017609&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F4%2F310%3Frss%3D1 Although widely used, the value of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in screening asymptomatic men for prostate cancer is controversial. Reasons for the controversy relate to PSA being less than an ideal marker in detecting early prostate cancer, the possibility that screening for prostate cancer may result in the overdetection and thus overtreatment of indolent disease and the lack of clarity as to the definitive or best treatment for men diagnosed with localized prostate cancer. Although the results from some randomized prospective trials suggest that screening with PSA reduces mortality from prostate cancer, the overall benefit was modest. It is thus currently unclear as to whether the modest benefit of reduced mortality outweighs the harms of overdetection and overtreatment. Thus, prior ... Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5017609 Sun, 10 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5017609 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5017608&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F4%2F300%3Frss%3D1 This article considers those assays useful in the diagnosis of Type 1 hypersensitivity to foods (IgE-based) and, importantly, discusses those assays where evidence is lacking for their use. In all cases of suspected food allergy, a full clinical history is indispensable in facilitating diagnosis. Total serum IgE is not a suitable screen for food allergy. Suspect allergens may be confirmed by either skin prick testing or serological assays for specific IgE. Several studies suggest concentrations of food-specific IgE at which there is a high probability of reaction on food challenge. These cut-off levels are now being used by physicians to direct clinical advice. However, it is important to note that not all studies agree on these limits and the chosen cut-off is dependent on the population ... Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5017608 Sun, 10 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5017608 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5017607&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F4%2F295%3Frss%3D1 The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has recently reviewed optimal means of early recognition and initial management of ovarian cancer, the leading cause of gynaecological death in the UK. The NICE guidelines state that general practitioners should measure serum CA125 in women presenting with persistent and continuous symptoms suggestive of ovarian cancer (e.g. abdominal distension, early satiety and loss of appetite or pelvic pain). If CA125 is ≥35 kU/L, the general practitioner should arrange an ultrasound scan of the abdomen and pelvis to enable calculation of the risk of malignancy score (RMI). Women with an RMI score of ≥250 should then be referred to a specialist multidisciplinary team. Successful implementation of these guidelines requires close lia... Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5017607 Sun, 10 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5017607 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4801520&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F3%2F294%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4801520 Sun, 08 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4801520 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4801519&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F3%2F293-b%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4801519 Sun, 08 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4801519 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4801518&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F3%2F293-a%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4801518 Sun, 08 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4801518 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4801517&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F3%2F291%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4801517 Sun, 08 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4801517 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4801516&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F3%2F286%3Frss%3D1 We present four cases with clinical and biochemical hypocalcaemia and evidence supportive of hypoparathyroidism. One case had been previously ascribed a diagnosis of idiopathic hypoparathyroidism. Following the detection of relative hypercalciuria, all cases were found to have autosomal dominant hypocalcaemia with hypercalciuria and mutations of the calcium-sensing receptor gene, of which two were novel. Increased awareness of this condition and access to genotyping enables prompt accurate diagnosis and cascade screening of first-degree relatives. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4801516 Sun, 08 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4801516 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4801515&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F3%2F282%3Frss%3D1 We report a case of a Philipino child carrying the G6PD-Vanua Lava mutation with acute haemolytic crisis related to infection in progress and acetaminophen's administration. Fever and concomitant infection, through an increment of erythrocyte glutathione depletion, sensitized the infant to the haemolytic event. In this condition, acetaminophen (or paracetamol [PCM]) was capable of inducing a haemolytic crisis in our G6PD-deficient patient although administered under standard conditions. PCM seems to have induced the haemolytic event, probably by the alteration of its catabolism due to dehydration and fever. The enzymatic G6PD instability associated to the presence of the G6PD-Vanua Lava mutation could have led to an increment of red blood cells' sensitivity to lysis; hence, it is possible ... Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4801515 Sun, 08 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4801515 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4801514&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F3%2F276%3Frss%3D1 We describe six cases of interference due to antiruthenium antibodies, where in four cases interference in the Roche thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) assay was found as well. This raised the question as to whether other assays on this platform would also give incorrect results in patients with antiruthenium antibodies. Interference due to antiruthenium antibodies was suspected because of discrepancies between clinical presentation and/or TSH, fT4 and fT3 results. Samples of these six patients were re-analysed in Roche Diagnostics Laboratory, where it was demonstrated that the found discrepancies were indeed caused by interfering antiruthenium antibodies. Subsequently, these patients were asked to donate some blood once more for further evaluation, and three subjects agreed to participate.... Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4801514 Sun, 08 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4801514 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4801513&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F3%2F272%3Frss%3D1 An 81-year-old gentleman, who had evidence of extrahepatic biliary obstruction, was found to have a serum ferritin concentration of 10,892 µg/L, which later increased to more than 40,000 µg/L when he developed sepsis. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was performed with stent insertion allowing drainage of the bile. The rising pattern of serum ferritin concentrations, bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase noted before the procedure was followed by a steep fall in these biochemical markers after the insertion of the stent. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4801513 Sun, 08 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4801513 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4801512&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F3%2F270%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions Storage at either –20 or –80°C must be considered as safe for at least one year. The residual variation with respect to time of the concentrations of metanephrines was identical in all of the samples assayed and almost did not exceed previously determined within-run variation. This suggests that between-assay variability is the cause of the overall trends and not sample deterioration. Moreover, between-assay variability manifesting itself as drift or trend remained within the range of earlier observed between-assay variation. Despite this, the assay for plasma metanephrines remains capable of detecting catecholamine overproduction in plasma samples that have been stored for prolonged periods of time. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4801512 Sun, 08 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4801512 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4801511&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F3%2F263%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions The associations between serum IGF-I, IGFBP-3, obesity, cardiovascular risk factors, insulin and haemoglobin suggest that dysregulation of the IGF system may play a linking role for the clustering of cardiovascular risk factors. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4801511 Sun, 08 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4801511 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4801510&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F3%2F256%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions The Liaison ARR used with PAC and β-blocker criteria provided an automatable alternative to identify the same patients as the PAC:PRA ratio. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4801510 Sun, 08 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4801510 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4801509&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F3%2F249%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions hsTnT outperformed contemporary TnI and TnT assays for the prediction of MACE at two years. Those with levels below the LOD for hsTnT identified a group of patients at very low risk for adverse events. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4801509 Sun, 08 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4801509 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4801508&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F3%2F241%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion hsTnT was superior to TnT but equivalent to TnI 3 for the diagnosis of AMI. Serial troponin measurement increased test performance. hsTnT was the most likely to be raised at baseline in those with AMI. A delta troponin increases specificity but reduces sensitivity. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4801508 Sun, 08 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4801508 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4801507&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F3%2F238%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion This survey has explored clinical quality indicators in the preanalytical, analytical and postanalytical phases of laboratory practice. This should act as a template for laboratory assessment and clinical quality improvement. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4801507 Sun, 08 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4801507 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4801506&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F3%2F233%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions The results of the present study showed that the consumption of GBF may reduce the level of serum TNF-α, IL-6 and -8 in patients with UC. This investigation was designed as a pilot study and the results may provide a basis for more future clinical trials. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4801506 Sun, 08 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4801506 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4801505&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F3%2F223%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion A simple, rapid and analytically specific method has been developed for the measurement of serum MVA, in the form of MVAL. The high analytical sensitivity of the method allows for accurate quantitation of MVAL in serum samples, both at the endogenous levels found in healthy individuals and in statin-treated patients where normal levels are expected to be greatly reduced through the inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4801505 Sun, 08 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4801505 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4801504&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F3%2F218%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion In addition to the platelet count, a limited but sensitive number of assays (K+, LD, glucose and Pi for biochemistry, and SACT for coagulation) can be used to determine appropriate centrifuge settings to consistently obtain the highest quality lithium heparin and citrate plasma samples. The findings will aid laboratories to balance the need to provide the most accurate results in the best turnaround time. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4801504 Sun, 08 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4801504 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4801503&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F3%2F212%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion Measurement of NT-proBNP concentrations reduces diagnostic uncertainty and improves diagnostic accuracy in patients presenting to the ED with dyspnoea and possible HF. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4801503 Sun, 08 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4801503 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4801502&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F3%2F200%3Frss%3D1 Identification and investigation of hypoglycaemia in childhood remains an important clinical emergency. Rapid recognition and appropriate management of this clinical state continues to be important in order to prevent neurological damage or even death. The purpose of this review is to provide an update on the advances made in this area since the review by Bonham in this journal in 1993. Advances in molecular science and diagnostic techniques have assisted in understanding the mechanisms involved in the homeostasis of glucose metabolism at rest and when stressed. New disorders causing hypoglycaemia are described using the classification based upon aetiologies, which was used in Bonham's original paper. The development and use of guidelines and pre-assembled packs for investigating hypoglyca... Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4801502 Sun, 08 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4801502 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4801501&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F3%2F198%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4801501 Sun, 08 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4801501 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4801500&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F3%2F195%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4801500 Sun, 08 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4801500 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4590185&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F2%2F194-b%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4590185 Tue, 15 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4590185 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4590184&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F2%2F194-a%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4590184 Tue, 15 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4590184 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4590183&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F2%2F192%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4590183 Tue, 15 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4590183 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4590182&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F2%2F191%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4590182 Tue, 15 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4590182 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4590181&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F2%2F190-b%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4590181 Tue, 15 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4590181 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4590180&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F2%2F190-a%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4590180 Tue, 15 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4590180 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4590179&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F2%2F186%3Frss%3D1 We report a case of a three-month-old neonate with multiple hepatic haemangioendotheliomata and associated hypothyroidism. The patient required increasing doses of thyroid hormone. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4590179 Tue, 15 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4590179 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4590178&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F2%2F183%3Frss%3D1 We present a rare case of an insulin-like growth factor-2 (IGF-2)-secreting tumour of the thorax. This patient demonstrated the combination of fasting hypoglycaemia and impaired glucose tolerance on oral glucose tolerance testing, which has not been previously described in this condition. A review of the literature of IGF-2-secreting intrathoracic tumours is presented here. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4590178 Tue, 15 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4590178 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4590177&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F2%2F178%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions A lack of relationship between the dose of lanthanum carbonate and the serum lanthanum concentration may have been due to poor adherence to the treatment regimen. However the concentrations measured were close to the LLoQ. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4590177 Tue, 15 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4590177 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4590176&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F2%2F176%3Frss%3D1 Selenium is an important clinical biomarker of nutritional status; however, the occurrence of gadolinium in a patient's serum as a result of the contrast agents used during magnetic resonance imaging investigations, results in a significant positive bias in its measurement by inductively coupled plasma-quadrupole mass spectrometry. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4590176 Tue, 15 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4590176 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4590175&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F2%2F170%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions Introducing cut-off indices prevents reporting of wrong Immulite 2500 results due to interference. Our results are applicable in laboratories using any chemistry analyser capable of reporting semi-quantitative concentrations of interferents. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4590175 Tue, 15 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4590175 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4590174&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F2%2F166%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion Direct measurement of sdLDL provided the most specific predictor of ‘pattern B’ phenotype, whereas triglyceride:HDL-C ratio or triglycerides alone, parameters readily available in most laboratories, were the best predictors by ROC analysis. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4590174 Tue, 15 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4590174 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4590173&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F2%2F159%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions There was a minimum mismatch irrespective of the type of risk calculator used. POCT measurements are adequate for the National Health Service Health Check. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4590173 Tue, 15 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4590173 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4590172&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F2%2F155%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions There is wide variability in test request rates in general practice that do not appear to be related to disease prevalence or crude clinical outcome measures. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4590172 Tue, 15 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4590172 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4590171&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F2%2F147%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions The poor agreement between methods for measurement of 8-iso-PGF2α highlights differences in selectivity. 8-iso-PGF2α is an isoprostane, a family of isomeric end-products of arachidonic acid peroxidation, which are produced by peroxidation or enzymatically. This makes avoiding cross-reactivity between 8-iso-PGF2α and related isomers challenging. When assessing oxidative stress studies, the selectivity of the methods used should be taken into account, particularly when comparing studies. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4590171 Tue, 15 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4590171 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4590170&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F2%2F136%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions We propose that other networked laboratories should investigate the suitability of this quality system for use in their network. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4590170 Tue, 15 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4590170 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4590169&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F2%2F130%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions The interpretations of the algorithm showed a higher concordance rate with those of experienced clinicians than did two web-based programs. The algorithm sensitively detected acid–base disorders. The algorithm may be adopted by the clinical laboratory services to provide rapid and definitive interpretations of test results. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4590169 Tue, 15 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4590169 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4590168&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F2%2F126%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions These data suggest that the presence of vitamin D deficiency is associated with worsened PTH hypersecretion, impairment of urinary calcium excretion and reduced sensitivity of UCCR measurement with respect to the detection of PHP. These data have important clinical implications for the investigation and management of patients with asymptomatic hypercalcaemia. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4590168 Tue, 15 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4590168 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4590167&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F2%2F121%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions Serum 1,5-AG levels are low irrespective of plasma glucose levels in the CLD patients with and without diabetes. The CLD patients who had low serum 1,5-AG levels were associated with deteriorated liver function. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4590167 Tue, 15 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4590167 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4590166&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F2%2F112%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions These results have important consequences for published studies using this assay where the conclusions drawn from the measurements made may be invalid. This study highlights the need for stringent validation of commercially available assays, including examination of various sample types, before use in research studies. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4590166 Tue, 15 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4590166 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4590165&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F2%2F97%3Frss%3D1 Many routine hospital and clinical research assays have relied upon immunoassay procedures to achieve sensitive measurements of a range of important analytes. Some of the methods have been developed in-house but increasingly commercial kits and automated analysers have become commonplace. The accuracies of these methods are under question in health care. Mass spectrometry (MS) is potentially a more accurate technique with the ability to demonstrate specificity. An introduction of the basic analytical aspects of liquid chromatography (LC)–MS/MS leads on to the validation of the method before general use. LC coupled with MS and tandem mass spectrometry (MSn) is being adopted in a number of hospital laboratories for the quantitative analysis of a number of analytes from physiological ma... Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4590165 Tue, 15 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4590165 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4590164&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F2%2F95%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4590164 Tue, 15 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4590164 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4590163&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F2%2F93%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4590163 Tue, 15 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4590163 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4590162&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F2%2F91%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4590162 Tue, 15 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4590162 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4410996&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F1%2F89-b%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4410996 Thu, 27 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4410996 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4410995&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F1%2F89-a%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4410995 Thu, 27 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4410995 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4410994&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F1%2F88%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4410994 Thu, 27 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4410994 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4410993&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F1%2F87%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4410993 Thu, 27 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4410993 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4410992&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F1%2F83%3Frss%3D1 Autosomal dominant hypercholesterolaemia (ADH) is due to defects in the LDL receptor gene (LDLR), in the apolipoprotein B-100 gene (APOB) or in the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 gene (PCSK9). The aim of this study was to identify and to characterize mutations at the origin of ADH in two Tunisian families. We found three genomic variations: (1) c.1845 + 1G > A, a splice site mutation in the LDLR gene and (2) two variations in the PCSK9 gene (p.Phe515Leu and p.Gly670Glu) that were both reported to be associated with high LDL-C levels. These results enlarge the spectrum of ADH-causative LDLR and PCSK9 variations in Tunisia. Our observations indicate that missense variations in the PCSK9 gene do not influence the clinical phenotype of ADH patients carrying a mutation in the ... Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4410992 Thu, 27 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4410992 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4410991&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F1%2F79%3Frss%3D1 This report is the first documented case of long-term hyperglycaemic hyperosmolar state leading to CPM, and highlights that CPM can present as an isolated hemiplegia. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4410991 Thu, 27 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4410991 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4410990&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F1%2F75%3Frss%3D1 Statins are agents widely used to lower LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) in primary and secondary prevention of coronary heart disease. The five statins available in the UK (simvastatin, pravastatin, fluvastatin, atorvastatin and rosuvastatin) differ in many of their pharmacologic properties. In addition to lowering LDL-C, statins also increase HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) moderately. There have been rare reports of significant HDL-C decreases in patients commenced on fibrates and when thiazolidinediones are added to fibrates. This is known as a ‘paradoxical HDL-C decrease’ as both groups of agents usually increase HDL-C. This phenomenon has never been clearly documented following statin therapy. We now describe a patient with type 2 diabetes who showed this paradoxical fall in HDL-C (baseli... Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4410990 Thu, 27 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4410990 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4410989&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F1%2F72%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions InhA and UE3 are stable in whole blood and serum for seven days. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4410989 Thu, 27 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4410989 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4410988&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F1%2F65%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion Bayesian reasoning would allow laboratorians and/or clinicians to extract information about potentially false results, thus seeking follow-up confirmatory tests prior to the initiation of more expensive/invasive procedures or concluding a potentially wrong diagnosis. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4410988 Thu, 27 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4410988 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4410987&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F1%2F57%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions ApoB-48 carrying lipoproteins in RLP isolated from a normolipidaemic and a hyperlipidaemic subject after an oral fat load showed a similar particle size with apoB-100 carrying VLDL remnants. Therefore, the most apoB-48 carrying particles found in postprandial RLP can be classified as CM remnants. The majority of remnants in the postprandial state were not CM remnants, but VLDL remnants. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4410987 Thu, 27 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4410987 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4410986&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F1%2F51%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions Prolactin concentrations were not associated with cardiovascular mortality or any clinical or biochemical marker of heart failure. Macroprolactin was found in similar frequency among patients with and without heart failure, and showed no correlation with mortality risk. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4410986 Thu, 27 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4410986 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4410985&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F1%2F45%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions Measuring IMA concentrations in serum and pleural fluid may be helpful in distinguishing pleural effusion due to a cardiac or non-cardiac aetiology. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4410985 Thu, 27 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4410985 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4410984&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F1%2F41%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions The established reference intervals are described in Table 2. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4410984 Thu, 27 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4410984 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4410983&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F1%2F38%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions Our data indicate that RFA causes a significant increase of serum hs-cTnT concentration that could be used to monitor myocardial injury. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4410983 Thu, 27 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4410983 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4410982&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F1%2F23%3Frss%3D1 (AP) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and the annual incidence appears to be increasing. It presents as a mild self-limiting illness in 80% of patients. However, one-fifth of these develop a severe complicated life-threatening disease requiring intensive and prolonged therapeutic intervention. Alcohol and gallstone disease remain the commonest causes of AP but metabolic abnormalities, obesity and genetic susceptibility are thought be increasingly important aetiological factors. The prompt diagnosis of AP and stratification of disease severity is essential in directing rapid delivery of appropriate therapeutic measures. In this review, the range of diagnostic and prognostic assays, severity scoring systems and radiological investigations used in current clinical p... Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4410982 Thu, 27 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4410982 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4410981&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F1%2F7%3Frss%3D1 This review focuses on neonatal transient hypothyroxinaemia, a condition characterized by temporary postnatal reductions in concentrations of Total T4 or Free T4, with normal or low concentrations of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). There is neither an agreed quantitative definition, nor an agreed mode of measurement for the condition. Transient hypothyroxinaemia is not routinely monitored yet it is thought to affect about 50% of preterm infants; it was thought to be without long-term sequelae but observational studies indicate that neurodevelopment may be compromised. The aetiology of transient hypothyroxinaemia is complex. There are significant contributions from the withdrawal of maternal–placental thyroxine transfer, hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid immaturity, develo... Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4410981 Thu, 27 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4410981 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4410980&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F1%2F5%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4410980 Thu, 27 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4410980 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4410979&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F1%2F3%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4410979 Thu, 27 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4410979 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4410978&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F48%2F1%2F1%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4410978 Thu, 27 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4410978 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4138425&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F47%2F6%2F578-b%3Frss%3D1 (No summary is available for this citation) (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4138425 Fri, 05 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4138425 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4138424&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F47%2F6%2F578-a%3Frss%3D1 (No summary is available for this citation) (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4138424 Fri, 05 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4138424 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4138423&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F47%2F6%2F576-b%3Frss%3D1 (No summary is available for this citation) (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4138423 Fri, 05 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4138423 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4138422&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F47%2F6%2F576-a%3Frss%3D1 (No summary is available for this citation) (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4138422 Fri, 05 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4138422 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4138421&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F47%2F6%2F573%3Frss%3D1 Current guidance recommends titrating the dose of metyrapone against serum cortisol concentration, in patients under medical management of Cushing's syndrome. In the UK, this almost always involves measuring serum cortisol concentration by immunoassay, the performance of which is questionable in the presence of altered steroid metabolism. Sera from two patients receiving metyrapone were analysed using a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (MS) steroid assay to identify which steroids, if any, were elevated in these patients. In addition, control serum was spiked with a series of steroids to identify any potential positive interferences in a cortisol immunoassay. Serum 11-deoxycortisol concentration was elevated in both of the patients studied. One patient also had an elevated se... Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4138421 Fri, 05 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4138421 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4138420&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F47%2F6%2F570%3Frss%3D1 Heavy chain diseases (HCDs) are rare B-cell lymphoproliferative neoplasias characterized by the production of a monoclonal component consisting of a truncated monoclonal Ig heavy chain without the associated light chain. Among them, patients with gamma-HCD are so rare that no more than 150 cases can be found in the literature. In this paper, we report one additional case: an 83-year-old man with a gamma-HCD, in whom a kappa light chain component was detected in the serum by using the serum free light-chain assessment and in addition monoclonal kappa cytoplasmic expression was detected in bone marrow plasma cells by flow cytometric analysis. In the work-up of the patient, the underlying anatomopathological lymphoproliferative disease corresponded to a lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma, as it is st... Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4138420 Fri, 05 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4138420 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4138419&cid=s_37240_60_f&fid=37240&url=http%3A%2F%2Facb.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F47%2F6%2F567%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions Adoption of the UKNSPC recommended cut-off (>240 µmol/L) will not affect the detection rate of classical PKU, but will improve the PPV from 76% to 80%. The use of a lower cut-off (130 µmol/L) for reflex galactosaemia testing enables the timely identification of asymptomatic cases that benefit particularly from early treatment, without prompting any unnecessary clinical referrals or delaying any referrals. This intervention may reduce mortality in this vulnerable group. (Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry) Annals of Clinical Biochemistry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4138419 Fri, 05 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4138419