The C-reactive protein to prealbumin ratio correlates with the severity of multiple organ dysfunction.

Background: This study evaluates the correlation between a ratio of two hepatic proteins, C-reactive protein (CRP) and prealbumin (PALB), and the severity of organ dysfunction as measured by the multiple organ dysfunction score (MODS).

Methods: A prospective cohort study was undertaken in critically ill patients (n = 70) by measuring the serum levels of CRP and PALB, the energy expenditure via indirect calorimetry, and severity of organ dysfunction by the MODS. All three variables were recorded for a period of 5 days from admission and then assessed for correlation to each other and to the length of stay and mortality in the intensive care unit.

Pseudohypoaldosteronism with normal blood pressure.

In adults, persistent hyperkalemic distal renal tubular acidosis in the absence of impaired renal function is an unusual abnormality usually associated with the syndromes of aldosterone deficiency or resistance. Herein, we present an adult with a clinical picture consisting of a normal blood pressure of 125/80 mmHg, normal blood volume, and glomerular filtration rate, with hyperkalemic distal renal tubular acidosis. The patent could spontaneously lower her urine pH to less than 5.

Evaluation of hydroxyl radical-scavenging property of garlic.

Garlic has been reported to provide protection against hypercholesterolemic atherosclerosis and ischemia-reperfusion-induced arrhythmias and infarction. Oxygen free radicals (OFRs) have been implicated as causative factors in these diseases and antioxidants have been shown to be effective against these conditions. The effectiveness of garlic in these disease states could be due to its ability to scavenge OFRs.

Antioxidant activity of allicin, an active principle in garlic.

Garlic has been claimed to be effective against diseases, in the pathophysiology of which oxygen free radicals (OFRs) have been implicated. Effectiveness of garlic could be due to its ability to scavenge OFRs. However, its antioxidant activity is not known.