Mass spectrometry vs immunofixation for treatment monitoring in multiple myeloma.

Monitoring of the monoclonal protein (M-protein) by electrophoresis and/or immunofixation (IFE) has long been used to assess treatment response in multiple myeloma (MM). However, with the use of highly effective therapies, the M-protein becomes frequently undetectable, and more sensitive methods had to be explored. We applied IFE and mass spectrometry (EXENT&FLC-MS) in serum samples from newly diagnosed MM patients enrolled in the PETHEMA/GEM2012MENOS65 obtained at baseline (n = 223), and after induction (n = 183), autologous stem cell transplantation (n = 173), and consolidation (n = 173).

Implementation of SintromacWeb(R), a new internet-based tool for oral anticoagulation therapy telecontrol: Study on system consistency and patient satisfaction.

Most computer- or internet-assisted systems for oral anticoagulation therapy (OAT) telemanagement have limitations when it comes to implementation within a healthcare center. It was the objective of this study to evaluate convenience and patient satisfaction with the use of SintromacWeb, a new OAT telecontrol system, compared with the conventional control. SintromacWeb consists of a point-of-care device for patient international normalized ratio (INR) self-testing and software that allows internet mediated interaction with physicians.

Validation of a procedure for the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of cocaine and metabolites in pericardial fluid.

A method is described for the simultaneous quantification of cocaine, benzoylecgonine, and cocaethylene in pericardial fluid. Pericardial fluid samples from autopsy casework involving cocaine-related deaths and deaths unrelated to drug abuse were collected. The extraction of cocaine and its metabolites was performed using Bond-Elut Certify columns.

Application of pericardial fluid to the analysis of morphine (heroin) and cocaine in forensic toxicology.

In this study opiates (morphine and codeine) and cocaine and its related metabolites (benzoylecgonine and cocaethylene) were analyzed in pericardial fluid by GC/MS. This is the first study reporting levels of drugs of abuse in this body fluid. The analytical method used has been previously validated and then applied to 54 drug-related deaths in the Barcelona area (Spain).

Erythrocyte deformability in survivors of acute myocardial infarction measured by two different methodologies.

In order to ascertain whether erythrocyte deformability (ED) is involved in chronic coronary syndromes, this rheological property was determined in 92 survivors of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) who had had the acute event 3 years ago and in 150 volunteers. From the 92 AMI survivors in 50 (43 males, 7 females aged 61+/-9 years) ED was determined with filtrometric techniques (Hanss Hemorheometre) and in 42 (32 males, 10 females aged 63+/-11 years) with laser diffractometric ones (Rheodyn SSD). The control group consisted of 66 and 84 volunteers whose ED was measured with the above mentioned devices respectively.