Clinica chimica acta; international journal of clinical chemistry
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In the past few years ischemia modified albumin (IMA) has emerged as a new biomarker of ischemia in the area of monitoring acute coronary syndromes. We hypothesized that reduced blood flow, such as that resulting from vascular compression in complicated labors or placental ischemia, may increase IMA. IMA level in cord blood could then serve as an indicator of fetal hypoxia and fetal tissue ischemia and serve as a biomarker of the severity of these conditions. ⋯ This is the initial reporting of IMA levels in cord blood from normal deliveries compared to healthy adult ranges and neonates from complicated deliveries. Cord blood IMA levels may be an indicator of fetal ischemia and/or hypoxia. This test could become an additional biomarker to be used in conjunction with other markers and/or clinical scores aimed at determining risk of neurological complications of fetal distress.
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Renal dysfunction influences the optimum brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) threshold for a diagnosis of cardiac-related dyspnoea, but this has not been demonstrated for N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). We studied the influence of renal function on NT proBNP and BNP concentrations in dyspnoeic patients admitted by night to the Emergency Department (ED). ⋯ Renal function influences the optimal cut-off points of NT-proBNP and BNP for the diagnosis of cardiac-related dyspnoea.
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Paclitaxel, an antineoplastic drug, inhibits cell growth and cell cycle progression and induces apoptosis in human leukemia HL-60 cells. Caspase-3 plays a direct role in proteolytic cleavage of cellular proteins responsible for progression to apoptosis. ⋯ These results suggest that paclitaxel can induce G2/M cell cycle transition and apoptosis via caspase-3 activity in HL-60 cells.
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The serum total bilirubin concentration at any point in time represents the amount of bilirubin being produced minus that being excreted. Hyperbilirubinemia develops when bilirubin production exceeds the body's capacity to excrete it, primarily by conjugation. When extreme, hyperbilirubinemia may lead to the development of free bilirubin, that form of bilirubin which may cross the blood-brain barrier and enter and damage the basal nuclei of the brain. ⋯ Hyperbilirubinemia is a condition of major importance and a source of concern to all involved in the management of the newborn. Its prevention and management should be based on the recently revised American Academy of Pediatric guidelines, with special attention paid to neonates manifesting risk factors for kernicterus. Close cooperation between the clinical laboratory and the medical team managing the newborn is an essential component in the management of a hyperbilirubinemic baby.
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The activated clotting time (ACT) is a standard monitor for heparin anticoagulation during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). This study determines the effect of upgrading our ACT system on our clinical practice with regards to the conduct and safety of heparin anticoagulation during cardiopulmonary bypass. ⋯ We demonstrated that the introduction of the Actalyke ACT system significantly altered our clinical practice by increasing the heparin dose required to exceed our target ACT during CPB. Prospective study to determine the effect of Actalyke ACT system monitoring on hemostasis after cardiac surgery is merited.