Incremental cost-effectiveness analysis of a multidisciplinary renal education program for patients with chronic renal disease.

Aim: The aim of this economic evaluation is to address the economic impact of a multidisciplinary renal patient education on the work maintenance of patients with chronic renal disease.

Method: A total of 281 patients were recruited. An incremental cost-effectiveness analysis considering direct medical costs and days in the work force was performed.

[Differential Diagnosis Macro CK Type 1 in Thoracic Pain Syndrome and Increased CK-MB].

Background: Macro CK (creatine kinase) as a reason for high CK values has been known since 1979. Even in the era of troponin determination for the diagnosis of myocardial infarction, an elevated CK value can still cause confusion, especially as CK-MB rises earlier than troponin. The case report should remind us of this often forgotten differential diagnosis of elevated CK.

Comparison of the effects of losartan and atenolol on common carotid artery intima-media thickness in patients with hypertension: results of a 2-year, double-blind, randomized, controlled study.

Background: Hypertension induces progressive pathologic changes in the arterial wall. Experimental findings suggest that these changes, which include intima-media thickening, may be mediated, at least in part, by angiotensin II (AII).

Objective: The Losartan Vascular Regression Study (LAARS) was a double-blind, parallel-group, randomized, controlled, multicenter study designed to compare the effects of the AII antagonist losartan and the beta-blocker atenolol on ultrasonographically determined intimamedia thickness (IMT) of the common carotid artery (CCA) in patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension.