Levels of Hair Ethyl Glucuronide in Patients with Decreased Kidney Function: Possibility of Misclassification of Social Drinkers.

Background: The use of hair ethyl glucuronide (EtG) levels as a biomarker for chronic high intake of ethanol (EtOH) is increasing, and misclassification of alcohol consumption may have large implications for the patient. The aim of this study was to compare levels of hair EtG in patients with reduced kidney function to levels seen in a comparable control group and to investigate whether the hair EtG levels among kidney failure patients who are social drinkers may lead to a false-positive diagnosis of heavy drinking.

Methods: A total of 41 patients with reduced kidney function and 42 healthy volunteers were included in the study.

Higher levels of hair ethyl glucuronide in patients with decreased kidney function.

Background: Hair levels of ethyl glucuronide (EtG) are often used to differentiate social drinking from heavy drinking. Patients with decreased kidney function have delayed excretion of EtG, and increased incorporation into hair could be suspected. The aim of this study was to compare hair EtG levels in patients with decreased kidney function to those seen in healthy volunteers.

Reliability and validity of the ESRD Symptom Checklist--Transplantation Module in Norwegian kidney transplant recipients.

Background: The aim of the study was to validate the Norwegian version of a self-administered 43-item questionnaire designed to assess quality of life in kidney transplant recipients, the End-Stage Renal Disease Symptom Checklist--Transplantation Module (ESRD-SCL).

Methods: In total, 53 kidney transplant recipients from one university-affiliated hospital responded to a questionnaire including the ESRD-SCL and the Short Form 36 (SF-36). We assessed internal consistency reliability and test-retest reliability with 2 weeks between assessments.