Neurosyphilis mimicking giant cell arteritis both clinically and microscopically.

Temporal arteritis is usually caused by giant cell arteritis (GCA). However, inflammation of the temporal artery can also occur secondary to autoimmune diseases or infections.We present a remarkable case of a man in his 70s with biopsy proven temporal arteritis, who was later diagnosed with meningovascular neurosyphilis.

Change in FGF23 concentration over time and its association with all-cause mortality in patients treated with haemodialysis or haemodiafiltration.

Background: Previous studies in patients on haemodialysis (HD) have shown an association of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) with all-cause mortality. As of yet, the result of FGF23 lowering on mortality is unknown in this population.

Methods: FGF23 was measured in a subset of 404 patients from the Dutch CONvective TRansport STudy (CONTRAST study) [a randomized trial in prevalent dialysis patients comparing HD and haemodiafiltration (HDF) with clinical outcome] at baseline and Months 6 and 12.

Fibroblast growth factor 23: are we ready to use it in clinical practice?

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a greatly enhanced risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Over the past decade it has come clear that a disturbed calcium-phosphate metabolism, with Fibroblast Growth Factor-23 as a key hormone, is partly accountable for this enhanced risk. Numerous studies have been performed unravelling FGF23s actions and its association with clinical conditions.

Short-term effects of sevelamer-carbonate on fibroblast growth factor 23 and pulse wave velocity in patients with normophosphataemic chronic kidney disease Stage 3.

Background: High concentrations of both phosphate and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) observed in chronic kidney disease (CKD) are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a surrogate marker for cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality. It is not known whether a reduction of FGF23 or phosphate alters cardiovascular risk.

Fibroblast Growth Factor-23 and Risks of Cardiovascular and Noncardiovascular Diseases: A Meta-Analysis.

Fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) has been hypothesized to play a role in the increased risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with CKD. We identified prospective studies reporting associations between FGF-23 concentration and risk of cardiovascular events. Maximally adjusted risk ratios (RRs) were extracted for each outcome and scaled to a comparison of the top versus bottom third of the baseline FGF-23 concentration, and the results aggregated.

Impact of fractional phosphate excretion on the relation of FGF23 with outcome in CKD patients.

Background: Cardiovascular risk is increased in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) has emerged as an important, independent predictor of outcome in CKD patients. High FGF23 may, however, be a reflection of renal tissue resistance to its actions, reflected by low fractional excretion of phosphate (FePi).

Soluble Klotho is not independently associated with cardiovascular disease in a population of dialysis patients.

Background: Dialysis patients suffer from a high burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Partly this is due to progressive deterioration of calcium-phosphate homeostasis. Previous studies suggested that besides FGF-23, low levels of Klotho, a protein linked to aging, might constitute a key factor in this detrimental relationship.