Serum fibroblast growth factor 21 is predictive of combined cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes at a relatively short-term follow-up.

Aims: We hypothesised that serum fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21), a novel adipokine with postulated insulin-sensitizing effects, may be predictive of cardiovascular (CV) events in patients with type 2 diabetes (DM2) at a relatively short-term follow-up.

Methods: Serum FGF-21 levels were assessed in 87 DM2 patients, aged 57-66 years, with the median duration of diabetes of 10 years, who were referred to the Department of Endocrinology for routine annual metabolic assessment. During a follow-up of 24 months, overall mortality, CV mortality and CV nonfatal events were registered.

Comparison of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein serum assay results obtained using Dade-Behring BNII nephelometer and Ortho Vitros FS 5.1 clinical analyzer in respect of CRP-related risk assessment of chronic metabolic diseases.

Background: Serum concentration of high sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) can predict the risk of chronic metabolic and cardiovascular diseases but it is unclear whether turbidimetric high sensitive assays of CRP are adequate.

Methods: Concentrations of serum CRP in 126 samples of serum were measured with high-sensitivity methods using nephelometry (BN II Nephelometer) and turbidimetry (Ortho Vitros FS 5.1).

Analytical evaluation of the Optium Xido blood glucose meter.

Background: The main prevention of chronic diabetic complications is maintaining near normoglycemia. In this study, evaluation of analytical performance of the Optium Xido blood glucose meter designed for patients' self-monitoring of glycemia was carried out.

Methods: Glucose concentrations were measured in 118 EDTA blood samples using the Xido glucose meter and the GOD/PAP method on a Modular P clinical analyzer.

Lower confidence limits for critical systematic errors.

Objectives: The critical systematic error (DeltaSE(C)) can be used to select a quality control scheme. It is just an estimate of the true DeltaSE(C), however, and its precision depends on the sample size. Thus, the lower confidence limit (LCL) of DeltaSE(C) should be adopted instead to guard against false optimism.

Effect of moderate hypercholesterolemia on recognition of hypernatremia using indirect measurements of serum sodium and potassium concentrations.

Background: Na+ and K+ concentration measurements by ion-selective electrodes and flame photometry are affected by lipids influencing plasma water content.

Methods: In 166 sera with total cholesterol ranging from 1.19 to 23.