Sarcoidosis: a prospective observational cohort from Northern Alberta.

Introduction: Sarcoidosis is a multi-system disease reported to occur with a higher incidence in Alberta than many other health jurisdictions within and outside of Canada. The reasons for this higher incidence are currently not known. Exposure to beryllium can result in a clinically and radiologically identical disease to sarcoidosis.

The use of fructosamine in cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD) screening.

Objective: To determine whether serum fructosamine correlates with glycemic control and clinical outcomes in patients being screened for cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD).

Methods: Fructosamine and percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV) were measured in patients undergoing a 2h oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) for CFRD screening. Fractional serum fructosamine (FSF) was calculated as fructosamine/total protein.

Creating a model for improved chronic kidney disease care: designing parameters in quality, efficiency and accountability.

Background: Observational and randomized controlled studies suggest that patients with stage 4 and 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) derive morbidity and mortality benefit from being followed up in multidisciplinary, allied health clinics. It remains unclear how these clinics should be structured in order to optimize an efficient use of resources. The objectives of this study are (i) to describe 'human' resource utilization in an established 'traditional' multidisciplinary CKD clinic and (ii) to optimize efficiency and accountability of this multidisciplinary CKD clinic while maintaining or improving delivered quality of care.

An atypical presentation of liver enzyme elevation resulting from bosentan use.

Hepatocellular enzyme elevation is a known side effect of both bosentan and atorvastatin. However, a rise in liver enzyme level not characteristic of either agent individually may represent a reaction to their combination or an atypical reaction to bosentan alone. The present case report describes a patient who had been taking atorvastatin for many years and was started on bosentan for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.