Renal safety and pharmacokinetics of ibandronate in multiple myeloma patients with or without impaired renal function.

In this open-label study, the authors assessed the pharmacokinetics and safety of ibandronate in patients with multiple myeloma and varying renal function. Renal deterioration was graded at baseline depending on creatinine clearance in 4 stages (0: >80; 1: 50-79; 2: 30-49, and 3: <30 mL/min). Patients (n = 40) received intravenous ibandronate 6 mg (30-minute infusion).

Investigations of ascorbic acid interference in urine test strips.

Ascorbic acid at higher concentration in urine samples can lead to false negative results in a number of urine tests, with a potential risk of clinical findings being overlooked, particularly with glucose and hemoglobin. For this reason, the ascorbic acid status of urine samples should always be routinely known so as to establish what adjustment needs to be made. A much better approach, however, is to use a test which is by design largely resistant to ascorbic acid.

G(-30)A polymorphism in the pancreatic promoter of the glucokinase gene associated with angiographic coronary artery disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) increases the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). A G(-30)A polymorphism in the beta-cell-specific promoter of glucokinase (GK-30PM) has been implicated in reduced pancreatic beta-cell function. Its impact on CAD has not been examined.

Volume replacement with HES 130/0.4 may reduce the inflammatory response in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery.

Purpose: To investigate the effects of intravascular volume replacement therapy on the inflammatory response during major surgery.

Methods: Thirty-six patients scheduled for elective abdominal surgery were randomized to receive either 6% hydroxyethylstarch (130,000 Dalton mean molecular weight, degree of substitution 0.4; n = 18, HES-group) or lactated Ringer's solution (RL-group; n = 18) for intravascular volume replacement.

The impact of intensive serial plasmapheresis and iron supplementation on iron metabolism and Hb concentration in menstruating women: a prospective randomized placebo-controlled double-blind study.

Background: Iron (Fe) depletion is common among regular whole-blood donors, but can be prevented through regular oral Fe supplementation. Little is known, however, about the Fe metabolism of donors undergoing intensive plasmapheresis. These donors lose considerable amounts of blood drawn for laboratory analyses and remaining in the disposable plastic sets.