Prognostic significance of high free T4 and low free T3 levels in non-thyroidal illness syndrome.

Background: Non-thyroidal illness syndrome is characterized by decreased serum free T3 (FT3) level and associates with long term mortality. Serum free T4 (FT4) may affect on mortality with FT3 in course of chronic illness. This study performed to evaluate the association between both decreased FT3 with elevated FT4 levels and mortality risk.

N-Terminal pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Levels are Linked with Modified Child-Pugh Classification in Patients with Nonalcoholic Cirrhosis [NT-ProBNP and Liver Cirrhosis].

Excess N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide secretion has been linked to cirrhosis in previously studies. The relationship of plasma N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels and cardiac dysfunction determined by echocardiography were investigated in patients with nonalcoholic cirrhosis and a control group of chronic hepatitis. This study was designed as a cross-sectional study.

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in different ethnic groups in Turkey.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its risk factors in various ethnic groups in Istanbul, Turkey.

Methods: Study participants were aged ≥ 20 years. Risk factor components for metabolic syndrome were measured and its presence was determined in study participants.

Tuberculosis in patients on hemodialysis in an endemic region.

Clinical presentation of tuberculosis is different in hemodialysis patients than in the general population. This study aimed to analyze hemodialysis patients with tuberculosis in Istanbul. Patients who were on a chronic hemodialysis program in Istanbul for more than 3 months and diagnosed to have tuberculosis at least 3 months after the start of hemodialysis were included.

Additional value of carotid artery intima-media thickness in cardiovascular risk assessment by Framingham risk-score in Type 2 diabetes: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: The intima-media thickness (IMT) of the carotid artery is highly correlated with cardiovascular events in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of the present study was to undertake a cardiovascular risk assessment in a group of patients (n = 102) who had been followed-up for 10 years.

Methods: Framingham risk score (FRS), IMT, and various other clinical parameters were evaluated retrospectively using Student's t-test, regression analysis, and χ² tests.

The efficacy of n-acetylcysteine in preventing contrast-induced nephropathy in type 2 diabetic patients without nephropathy.

Background: N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is reported to have potential for prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy(CIN), however, there is not enough data related to its effects on diabetic patients without nephropathy.

Methods: A total of 45 diabetic patients without nephropathy undergoing a computerized tomography (CT) investigation and who would be receiving radio-opaque medication (300 mg iohexaol/100 mL) were enrolled. They were randomized to have either high-dose NAC (1200 mg) plus saline hydration (Group 1, n=25) or only saline hydration (Group 2; n=20).

The relationship between peritoneal leukocyte count, fluid cultures, and clinical results in peritonitis among peritoneal dialysis patients: is there a geographic or ethnic difference?

We investigated peritoneal leukocyte count (PLC) and culture results for correlations with inflammation, nutrition, microbiologic parameters, and the effects of peritonitis on peritoneal equilibration tests (PETs) and clinical outcomes in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. The study group consisted of patients who had experienced peritonitis for the first time and who had been on PD for at least 6 months, with a PET performed both before and after the peritonitis episode. Only patients with an increased PLC were analyzed.

Study of ACEI versus ARB in managing hypertensive overt diabetic nephropathy: long-term analysis.

Background: There is, to our knowledge, no study that has directly compared angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) with angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) in hypertensive patients with overt diabetic nephropathy (DNP). We tried to analyze the outcomes of hypertensive patients with overt type 2 DNP who used only ACEIs or ARBs.

Methods: The patients who had an estimated creatinine clearance <90 ml/min and hypertension or had been using antihypertensive drug(s) at presentation were included in the study.

Amyloidosis in a patient with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease and tuberculosis: a case report.

Autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease is an inherited disorder characterized by the development and growth of cysts in the kidneys. Urinary protein excretion is generally less than 1 g/day, and the association of the nephrotic syndrome with this condition is considered rare. A 39-year-old man with autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease and nephrotic-range proteiuria is described.

Pancreatic involvement in Von Hippel-Lindau disease.

Background: Involvement of the pancreas in Von Hippel-Lindau disease that is a tumor predisposing syndrome mentioned in literature with some morbid and mortal progression.

Aims: For evaluation the faith of the pancreatic involvement in VHL disease we analysed our patient population with VHL disease.

Materials And Methods: 12 of the 56 patients that were evaluated in our institute with the diagnosis of Von Hippel-Lindau disease had pancreatic involvement.

Alkaptonuria and renal failure: a case report.

In alkaptonuria, the absence of homogentisic acid oxidase (HGO) results in the accumulation of homogentisic acid (HGA) in the body. Associated renal failure is rare and usually occurs in the later stages of the disease. We report a 33-year-old male who presented, initially, with renal failure, but no past history of illness.