Clinical biochemistry
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Clinical biochemistry · Apr 2012
Serum NT-proCNP concentrations are elevated in patients with chronic liver diseases and associated with complications and unfavorable prognosis of cirrhosis.
C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) might be an important regulator of vasodilatation, fluid and sodium balance in liver cirrhosis. We aimed at assessing its regulation and prognostic relevance in liver disease patients. ⋯ Serum NT-proCNP is elevated in advanced liver diseases and has prognostic value in cirrhotic patients.
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Clinical biochemistry · Apr 2012
Clinical TrialSerum levels of protein S100B predict intracranial lesions in mild head injury.
This study was aimed to assess whether serum S100B levels at emergency department admission can be used to omit unnecessary computed tomography (CT) in patients with minor head injury (MHI). ⋯ Serum S100-B levels might allow to omit unnecessary CT in patients with pure MHI, thus reducing radiation exposure and saving healthcare resources.
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Clinical biochemistry · Apr 2012
Case ReportsSanger sequencing solved a cryptic case of severe alpha₁-antitrypsin deficiency.
Alpha(1)-antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is a clinically under-diagnosed genetic disorder that originates from deleterious mutations in the alpha(1)-antitrypsin (AAT) gene, SERPINA1. Severe deficiency is associated with significant pulmonary and hepatic malfunctions. Conventional clinical diagnosis involves the evaluation of serum AAT level and detection of diseased protein isoforms. In this communication, we describe the investigations of a case of severe AATD in which the AAT levels were well below those expected from the MZ phenotype determined by isoelectric focusing for protease inhibitor type (IEF PI-typing). ⋯ This report illustrates the diagnostic value of incorporating exon sequencing of the AAT gene into the algorithm for evaluating AATD, particularly when the AAT serum level is significantly lower than expected from IEF PI-typing.
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Clinical biochemistry · Apr 2012
The expression of HSPs, anti-oxidants, and cytokines in plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome.
We studied several acute inflammatory materials (AIM) such as various inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, and heat shock proteins in ARDS patients by simultaneously measuring from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and plasma. ⋯ Alteration of AIM levels in both BALF or plasma of ARDS group was not remarkable compared with the non-ARDS group. Our result suggests the need to reconsider ARDS pathophysiology and therapeutic strategy.