[Diabetes and the kidneys].

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease and requires renal replacement therapy. Regular screening for microalbuminuria is indispensable for early diagnosis. To prevent or at least delay the onset of DN and progressive renal failure in type 1 and type 2 diabetics, glucose control, blood pressure control and, in particular, the blocking of the renin-angiotensin system are the most effective renoprotective measures.

Severe hypoglycemia in an elderly patient treated with metformin.

Unlabelled: The following case of severe hypoglycemia was reported during a systematic evaluation of hospital admissions caused by adverse drug reactions (supported by BfArM).

History And Findings On Admission: A 79-year-old diabetic woman was admitted to hospital in a stuporous and unresponsive state. The initial physical examination revealed no other abnormal findings.

[Doxycycline--the forgotten antibiotic].

Background: Doxycycline is an broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent, it remains an inexpensive alternative for the treatment of community-acquired respiratory infections and urinary tract infections. Despite these clinical data the use of doxycycline has decreased during the last years.

Pharmacology: Adverse effects and resistance to therapy are infrequent and not different to fluoroquinolones and macrolide antibiotics.