Tenofovir monotherapy for hepatitis B after 1 year does not produce renal dysfunction, but is associated with hyperparathyroidism not related to vitamin D.

Introduction: Viral hepatitis B (VHB) represents a major public health problem. Studies from HIV multidrug patients have associated the use of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) with renal dysfunction and phosphate wasting.

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of year-long TDF monotherapy on renal function in VHB patients.

Relative cardiovascular and gastrointestinal safety of non-selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs versus cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitors: implications for clinical practice.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are frequently used in clinical practice, and are considered a first-line option for pain management. However, non-selective NSAIDs (nsNSAIDs) and new generation NSAIDs named cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitors (coxibs) are very different from one another and their cardiovascular and gastrointestinal safety profiles may influence prescribing. This article resulted from a search of MEDLINE/Pubmed, Cochrane Library, Bandolier, Medscape and Trip database, up to June 2011.

[Myocardial viability assessment].

The prognosis for patients with chronic coronary artery disease and severe left ventricular dysfunction is poor, despite advances in different therapies. The assessment of myocardial viability has become an important aspect of the diagnosis, prognosis and management of patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy. Patients with left ventricular dysfunction, with a substantial amount of severely ischemic myocardium are at highest risk, and are likely to benefit from coronary revascularization.

In vitro dissolution profile of two commercially available iron preparations.

Background: Current scientific evidence indicates that anemia in pregnancy, regardless of severity, is associated with an increased risk of maternal and fetal mortality. There is little published information about the bioavailability and bioequivalence of formulations containing both iron and folic acid. However, in vitro dissolution studies can provide important information on the likely relative bioavailability of various formulations.

[Metastatic calcification detected on bone scintigraphy].

Purpose: To show the value of bone scintigraphy in the diagnosis of metastatic calcification in end-stage renal insufficiency.

Material And Methods: The authors present a fifty-one-year-old male with terminal renal insufficiency of hypertensive renovascular etiology, on hemodialysis for the last 10 years, referred for a bone scan because of osteoarticular complaints, and no other associated symptoms or findings on physical examination.

Results: Whole body bone scintigraphy images (HMDP-99mTc, 925MBq), showed increased uptake in the lower half of both lungs, the stomach and renal parenchyma, compatible with metastatic calcification.

[Coronary heart disease risk assessment in asymptomatic patients].

Coronary heart disease is the main cause of death in developed countries. At least 25% of coronary patients have sudden death or nonfatal myocardial infarction without prior symptoms. Risk stratification identifies patients at risk for coronary events.