Combined first-trimester screening for preterm small-for-gestational-age infants: Australian multicenter clinical feasibility study.

Objective: To assess the performance of the Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) first-trimester competing-risks screening model for small-for-gestational-age (SGA) fetuses requiring delivery at < 37 weeks' gestation, in a large cohort of women receiving maternity care in Australia.

Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from a cohort of women attending one of two private multicenter fetal medicine practices for first-trimester screening for preterm pre-eclampsia (PE), defined as PE requiring delivery before 37 weeks' gestation. Risk for preterm SGA, defined as SGA requiring delivery before 37 weeks, was calculated but was not disclosed to the patient or referring physician.

Discordance between creatinine and cystatin C-based estimation of glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in solid organ transplant recipients.

Background: Estimation of glomerular filtration rate is a critical component of assessing kidney function post-solid organ transplantation and in monitoring risk of acute injury. Our objective was to evaluate estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) as derived from creatinine (eGFR), cystatin C (eGFR), and both (eGFR) in a cohort of transplant recipients.

Methods: A total of 47 unique post-solid organ transplant patients receiving tacrolimus were included.

Comparison of quantitative and qualitative anti-dsDNA assays.

Objective: In evaluation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies (anti-dsDNA) play a significant role in diagnosis, monitoring SLE activity, and assessing prognosis. However, evaluations of the performance and limitations for recently developed methods for anti-dsDNA assessment are sparse.

Methods: Specimens used for antinuclear antibody testing (n = 129) were evaluated for anti-dsDNA assay comparability across 4 medical centers in the United States.

The stability of 65 biochemistry analytes in plasma, serum, and whole blood.

Objectives: The pre-analytical stability of various biochemical analytes requires careful consideration, as it can lead to the release of erroneous laboratory results. There is currently significant variability in the literature regarding the pre-analytical stability of various analytes. The aim of this study was to determine the pre-analytical stability of 65 analytes in whole blood, serum and plasma using a standardized approach.