[Significance of 3-methoxytyramine urine measurement in the diagnosis of pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas: about 28 patients].

Measurement of catecholamines derivatives is used to diagnose tumors such as pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas. Despite the low incidence of these diseases, their diagnosis is essential because of potentially lethal episodes of malignant hypertension related to an inappropriate secretion of catecholamines by these tumors. The catecholamines derivatives include 3-methoxytyramine, normetanephrine and metanephrine, assayed in urine or plasma.

The reproducibility of Stewart parameters for acid-base diagnosis using two central laboratory analyzers.

Background: Acid-base derangements can be interpreted using the Stewart-Fencl approach, which includes calculation of the apparent strong ion difference (SID(app)), the effective SID (SID(eff)), and the strong ion gap (SIG). These calculations require the measurement of several variables. We hypothesized that the SID and SIG calculated by different analyzers would not be reproducible because of variability in the measured values.

Differential associations between lipid-lowering drugs, statins and fibrates, and venous thromboembolism: role of drug induced homocysteinemia?

Background: Previous studies reported that statin use was associated with a decreased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), whereas no association was found between fibrate use and VTE. This report aims to test the hypothesis that part of these contrasting associations is related to total homocysteine level (tHcy).

Materials And Methods: This report from a case-control study included 677 cases hospitalised with confirmed VTE and no major acquired risk factor of VTE and their 677 controls.

Interrelation of hyperhomocysteinemia and inherited risk factors for venous thromboembolism. Results from the E.D.I.TH. study: a hospital-based case-control study.

Background: Moderate hyperhomocysteinemia and factor V Leiden mutation are among the most prevalent risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE). The hypothesis of an interaction between those risks has been raised and conflicting results were reported.

Methods: We designed a hospital-based case-control study to test the interaction between Factor V Leiden and fasting serum total homocysteine (tHcy).

Lycopene but not lutein nor zeaxanthin decreases in serum and lipoproteins in age-related macular degeneration patients.

Background: Epidemiological studies have established that a low serum concentration of carotenoids was associated with risk of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD). The aim of this study was to determine carotenoid levels in serum and in different lipoprotein fractions in patients diagnosed for ARMD and in matched control group.

Method: Thirty-four ARMD patients and 21 control subjects from Brest area (France) have been included to this study.

Testicular adrenal rest tumours in salt wasting congenital adrenal hyperplasia (in vivo and in vitro studies).

We describe the case of a 20-year-old patient with salt-wasting congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) related to 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Bilateral craggy testicular tumours were found, requiring histological evaluation. Prior to the surgical procedure, the patient was treated with dexamethasone (he presented cortisol deficiency) and was stimulated with ACTH.

Effects of oral and transdermal 17 beta-estradiol combined with progesterone on homocysteine metabolism in postmenopausal women: a randomised placebo-controlled trial.

Mild hyperhomocysteinemia is a risk factor for both ischaemic heart disease and venous thromboembolism. The effects of transdermal estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) on homocysteine metabolism in postmenopausal women have scarcely been investigated. This clinical trial aimed to estimate the effects of combined hormone replacement therapy on the fasting total homocysteine levels according to the estrogen route of administration.

Is age-related macular degeneration associated with serum lipoprotein and lipoparticle levels?

Objective: The etiology of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is poorly understood. Risk factors for cardiovascular disease have been thought to be associated with ARMD. Our purpose was to measure the concentration of atherogenic apolipoproteins (apo) and lipoparticles in serum from ARMD patients.