Relationship between trabecular bone score, bone mineral density and vertebral fractures in patients with axial spondyloarthritis.

Background: In patients with axial spondyloarthritis, vertebral fracture risk is elevated and not always correlated with bone mineral density (BMD). Trabecular bone score (TBS) may offer some advantages in the assessment of vertebral fracture risk in these patients. The primary objective of this study was to compare TBS and BMD between axial spondyloarthritis patients depending on their vertebral fracture status.

Agreement between semi-automatic radiographic morphometry and Genant semi-quantitative method in the assessment of vertebral fractures.

Unlabelled: Semi-automatic morphometry is highly reproducible and not time intensive; however, no study has evaluated agreement between semi-automated morphometric methods and the Genant semi-quantitative method performed as a rule by radiologists. Our study shows substantial agreement between both methods; however, semi-automatic morphometry upgrades mild deformities and overestimates the prevalence of fractures.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the agreement between radiologists using the Genant semi-quantitative (SQ) method and semi-automated morphometry in the diagnosis of vertebral fractures in post-menopausal women.

The population-based prevalence of osteoporotic vertebral fracture and densitometric osteoporosis in postmenopausal women over 50 in Valencia, Spain (the FRAVO study).

Purpose: To estimate the prevalence of vertebral fracture and densitometric osteoporosis in postmenopausal women over the age of 50 in Valencia, Spain.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2006-2007. An age-stratified population-based random sample of 824 postmenopausal women over the age of 50 answered a questionnaire and received a densitometric examination of the lumbar spine and hip with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and a lateral X-ray of the thoracic spine and lumbar regions.

Regional reference values for some quantities measured with the ADVIA Centaur analyser. A model of co-operation between the in vitro diagnostic industry and clinical laboratories.

This work is a model of co-operation between the in vitro diagnostic industry and clinical laboratories for the production of reference values. Thirteen clinical laboratories having an ADVIA Centaur analyser and representing the majority of the geographical regions of Spain have shared the search for reference individuals and the production of reference values for thyrotropin, free thyroxine, free triiodothyronine, cobalamine and folate concentrations in serum. All the logistic work has been done in co-operation with the Spanish supplier of the ADVIA Centaur analyser.

[Usefulness of cholinesterase determination in ascitic fluid in the differential diagnosis of ascites].

Background: Cholinesterase is an enzyme mainly synthesized in the liver that might play a role in the differential diagnosis of ascites. We prospectively compared the sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic usefulness of the ascites cholinesterase and the classical parameters, ascites total protein concentration and serum-ascites albumin gradient in the differential diagnosis of ascites. In addition, we evaluated the relationship between those parameters and the degree of liver failure.

[Total creatine kinase (CK), CK-2 and myoglobin in the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarct in an emergency service].

Background: In situations with important limitation in the number of beds available the decision of whether to admit a patient with suspected myocardial infarction into a coronary unit is frequently based on certain laboratory tests.

Methods: Two hundred sixty-five patients who went to the hospital for thoracic pain and those for whom the physician on duty requested serum creatinkinase (CK) determination were studied. In addition to total CK, CK-2 and myoglobin were determined in the initial serum sample.

[The effects of verapamil in experimental acute pancreatitis in the rat].

Experimental studies have shown that verapamil inhibits pancreatic exocrine secretion. In order to determine whether verapamil has any effect on acute pancreatitis (AP), we undertook an experimental study in Wistar rats. We used 72 animals divided into two groups.

[Biochemical and functional changes in experimental acute pancreatitis in the rat].

To discover the biochemical alterations occurring in the first 24 hours of acute pancreatitis (PA), we made an experimental study using rats. We used 90 animals in which necrosis and hemorrhage were induced by closing the choledochus. Animals underwent evolutive periods of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 12, 18 and 24 hours.