Measurement of anti-DFS70 antibodies in patients with ANA-associated autoimmune rheumatic diseases suspicion is cost-effective.

The presence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) is associated with a wide range of ANA-associated autoimmune rheumatic diseases (AARD). The most commonly method used for the detection of ANA is indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) on HEp-2 cells. This method is very sensitive but unspecific.

Haemodialysis session: the perfect storm for vascular calcification.

Introduction: Vascular calcification (VC) associated to chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a complex phenomenon closely related to mineral bone metabolism disorders. Many are the factors implicated, as the drugs used in the treatment of CKD. Some in vitro studies suggest that electrolyte and acid-base disorders induced by hemodialysis (HD) may play a key role in VC.