Early Determinants of Childhood Blood Pressure at the Age of 6 Years: The GECKO Drenthe and ABCD Study Birth Cohorts.

Background There is still uncertainty about the nature and relative impact of early determinants on childhood blood pressure. This study explored determinants of blood pressure at the age of 6 years in 2 Dutch birth cohorts. Methods and Results Results of hierarchical multiple linear regression analyses in GECKO (Groningen Expert Center for Kids With Obesity) Drenthe study (n=1613) were replicated in ABCD (Amsterdam Born Children and Their Development) study (n=2052).

Is the time in therapeutic range on coumarins predicted by previous time in therapeutic range?

Background: The benefit of vitamin K antagonists depends on the time within the therapeutic range (TTR). A patient's previous TTR could be a factor in the decision to change the anticoagulation regimen. However, the predictive value of a previous TTR for a future TTR is not well established, nor is it clear which TTR should prompt action.

Epoetin Beta and C-Terminal Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure and Chronic Kidney Disease.

Background In patients with chronic heart failure and chronic kidney disease, correction of anemia with erythropoietin-stimulating agents targeting normal hemoglobin levels is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Emerging data suggest a direct effect of erythropoietin on fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), elevated levels of which have been associated with adverse outcomes. We investigate effects of erythropoietin-stimulating agents in patients with both chronic heart failure and chronic kidney disease focusing on FGF23.