Ghrelin, glucose homeostasis, and carotid intima media thickness in kidney transplantation.

Background: Abnormalities in glucose homeostasis (AGH) frequently occur in kidney transplantation and favor vascular lesions. The purpose of this study was to analyze whether C-reactive protein (CRP), adiponectin, and ghrelin are markers of AGH and indicators of carotid atherosclerosis in kidney transplant patients with fasting plasma glucose below 126 mg/dL.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 85 kidney transplant patients (59 men; mean age: 52.

Spironolactone alone or in combination with furosemide in the treatment of moderate ascites in nonazotemic cirrhosis. A randomized comparative study of efficacy and safety.

Background/aims: The most rational treatment of moderate ascites is spironolactone alone or in combination with furosemide. However, it is unknown which of these two treatment schedules is preferable.

Methods: One hundred nonazotemic cirrhotic patients with moderate ascites were randomly assigned to be treated with spironolactone and furosemide (Group 1: 50 patients) or with spironolactone alone (Group 2: 50 patients).