Identification of Mortality Risks in the Advancement of Old Age: Application of Proportional Hazard Models Based on the Stepwise Variable Selection and the Bayesian Model Averaging Approach.

Identifying factors that affect mortality requires a robust statistical approach. This study's objective is to assess an optimal set of variables that are independently associated with the mortality risk of 433 older comorbid adults that have been discharged from the geriatric ward. We used both the stepwise backward variable selection and the iterative Bayesian model averaging (BMA) approaches to the Cox proportional hazards models.

Cognitive Functioning of Geriatric Patients: Is Hypovitaminosis D the Next Marker of Cognitive Dysfunction and Dementia?

The study objective is to investigate whether vitamin D is associated with the cognitive function of geriatric patients. This cross-sectional study involved 357 patients hospitalized in the geriatric ward who complained of memory problems (mean age: 82.3 years).

Zonulin, inflammation and iron status in patients with early stages of chronic kidney disease.

Background/aims: Zonulin is the only known regulator of intestinal permeability. It is also considered as a potential inflammatory marker in several conditions such as diabetes and inflammatory bowel syndrome. The aim of the study was to investigate zonulin levels in patients with early stages of CKD and its possible correlation with inflammation, anemia and iron status parameters.

Fibroblast growth factor 23, iron and inflammation - are they related in early stages of chronic kidney disease?

Introduction: Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) levels are elevated in impaired renal function. Inflammation and iron are potential regulators of FGF-23. The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between FGF-23 concentration, novel iron status biomarkers and inflammatory parameters among patients with early stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

GDF-15, iron, and inflammation in early chronic kidney disease among elderly patients.

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess GDF-15 and iron status in patients in early stages of chronic kidney disease with a particular emphasis on elderly population in association of classic iron status parameters with novel iron homeostasis biomarkers and inflammatory parameters.

Methods: Serum concentrations of GDF-15, iron (Fe), transferrin saturation, soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), hepcidin, high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and hemoglobin were measured in 56 patients ≥65 years of age and in 31 <65 years of age.

Results: In patients ≥65 years, serum concentrations of GDF-15 and hsCRP were significantly higher in comparison with younger group.

Copeptin: Pathophysiology and potential clinical impact.

Copeptin, a C-terminal part of the precursor pre-provasopressin is a novel biomarker of arginine-vasopressin (AVP) system. Measurements of AVP concentration are not used in clinical practice because of technical difficulties. Copeptin is synthesized in stoichiometric ratio with AVP, hence it reflects vasopressin concentration in human plasma and serum.

Biomarkers of delayed graft function as a form of acute kidney injury in kidney transplantation.

Renal transplantation ensures distinct advantages for patients with end-stage kidney disease. However, in some cases early complications can lead to allograft dysfunction and consequently graft loss. One of the most common early complications after kidney transplantation is delayed graft function (DGF).

Iron Status and Inflammation in Early Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease.

Background/aims: One of the most common causes of anemia of chronic disease (ACD) is chronic kidney disease. The main pathomechanism responsible for ACD is subclinical inflammation. The key element involved in iron metabolism is hepcidin, however, studies on new indices of iron status are in progress.

[Iron and inflammation in renal diseases].

Subclinical inflammation is one of the key mechanisms responsible for the development and progression of chronic kidney disease. It may stem from uremia, ongoing inflammation in kidney as well as latent bacterial and viral infections. Inflammation also plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of anemia of chronic disease through its impact on the iron metabolism.