Hemoglobin A1c testing alone does not sufficiently identify patients with prediabetes.

Whether hemoglobin A(1c) (HbA(1c)) values are suitable for diagnosing diabetes has been debated. We sought to assess the prevalence of elevated HbA(1c) levels in a prediabetes patient population. Oral glucose tolerance tests and HbA(1c) levels were analyzed for patients entering a diabetes prevention program between January 1, 2007, and September 13, 2009.

Profiles of serial changes in cardiac troponin T concentrations and outcome in ambulatory patients with chronic heart failure.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine whether different profiles of cardiac troponin T (cTnT) values assessed over time would yield incremental prognostic information on clinically stable outpatients with heart failure (HF).

Background: cTnT levels were used to estimate prognosis in HF; however, most studies evaluated hospitalized patients using single measurements.

Methods: A cohort of 172 New York Heart Association functional class III to IV outpatients was prospectively studied with serial cTnT measurements collected every 3 months over a 2-year period.

Denture cream: an unusual source of excess zinc, leading to hypocupremia and neurologic disease.

Background: Chronic, excess zinc intake can result in copper deficiency and profound neurologic disease. However, when hyperzincemia is identified, the source often remains elusive. We identified four patients, one previously reported, with various neurologic abnormalities in the setting of hypocupremia and hyperzincemia.

Clinical significance of the laboratory determination of low serum copper in adults.

Background: Low serum copper is often indicative of copper deficiency. Acquired copper deficiency can cause hematological/neurological manifestations. Wilson disease (copper toxicity) is associated with neurological manifestations and low serum copper, with copper deposited in tissues responsible for the toxicity.

Serial biomarker measurements in ambulatory patients with chronic heart failure: the importance of change over time.

Background: Cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) have been used to estimate prognosis in heart failure; however, most studies have evaluated decompensated patients with single measurements. To determine if there are advantages to serial measurements, we evaluated stable chronic heart failure patients every 3 months for 2 years.

Methods And Results: A cohort of 190 New York Heart Association class III-IV heart failure patients was prospectively enrolled from June 2001 to January 2004.