Der Internist
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Cardiac biomarkers are an integral component of the diagnostic work-up of patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Cardiac troponin (cTn) is the most sensitive diagnostic biomarker for patients with ACS and enables the differentiation of acute non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) from unstable angina. All cardiac and non-cardiac differential diagnoses must be taken into consideration. ⋯ This, however, may change with recent developments of newer and improved POC troponin assays. For exclusion of MI using hsTn assays, there are various protocols available, such as the instant rule-out with undetectable hsTn levels at admission or normal hsTn/cTn levels combined with normal copeptin levels or rule-out with serial controls of hsTn after 1, 2 or 3 h. This article provides an overview of guideline-recommended rule-out protocols for patients with suspected ACS and discusses recent advances in POC troponin assays.
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Membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN) is the most frequent cause of a nephrotic syndrome in adults. It is an autoimmune disease caused by binding of autoantibodies to endogenous proteins expressed on glomerular podocytes. Antibody binding and activation of inflammatory mediators result in the onset of proteinuria. Recently, two endogenous podocytic target antigens in MGN have been characterized and their clinical role is a main focus of research in nephrology. ⋯ The characterization of the antibodies responsible for the development of MGN is an example of precision medicine in nephrology and the foundation for the development of new, curative treatments.