4-Heptanone is a metabolite of the plasticizer di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in haemodialysis patients.

Background: There is an ongoing discussion about the risks of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) exposure for the general population as well as for specific subgroups in various medical settings. Haemodialysis patients certainly belong to the group with the highest exposure taking into account the repeated treatments over a long period of time. Many studies have shown that DEHP metabolites are more active with regard to cellular responses than DEHP itself.

Clinical trials for drugs against diabetic neuropathy: can we combine scientific needs with clinical practicalities?

Diabetic neuropathy is a chronic progressive disease accounting for considerable morbidity and reduced quality of life among patients with diabetes. Accumulating evidence suggests that the clinical and neurophysiological markers used to assess neuropathy not only predict the development of neuropathic foot ulceration, one of the most common causes for hospital admission and lower limb amputations, but are also predictors of increased mortality in diabetic patients. In addition to metabolic control, drug treatment of both incipient and clinically manifest diabetic neuropathy will be necessary for the years to come.