Lack of association between vitamin D and calcitonin receptor gene polymorphisms and forearm bone values of young Greek males.

UNLABELLED: INTRODUCTION--HYPOTHESIS: Since the genetic bases of bone mass regulation in males are still poorly understood and the role of calciotropic hormones on bone mineral metabolism is absolute, our hypothesis is based on the certainty that specific genetic polymorphism will contribute, at least, on bone mass values. Our objective was to examine the relative contribution of genetic variables to the regulation of bone values in a population of young healthy men, focusing on the BsmI polymorphism of vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene and the AluI polymorphism of calcitonin receptor (CTR) gene. METHODS: Areal bone mineral density (aBMD), bone mineral content (BMC) and geometrical areas at specific skeletal sites of the forearm, of 301 healthy Caucasian young men, aged 18-25, were assessed by single X-ray absorptiometry (Osteometer DTX-100). VDR and CTR alleles were determined by BsmI and AluI endonuclease restriction fragment analyses. Analysis of covariance was used as a statistical model. RESULTS: No significant differences in the forearm aBMD, BMC or in area values were observed between the VDR and CTR genotypes. Findings did not change after adjusting for demographic characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: The BsmI and AluI polymorphisms are not related to the forearm bone values either reflecting mass or geometrical variables in this male population.

Subclavian vein flexible guidewire knotting. A potential serious complication in hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Complications after subclavian vein catheterization are well-documented in the literature. The purpose of this article is to present a case of a rare and potential serious complication of flexible guidewire knotting in subclavian vein catheterization in a hemodialysis patient. METHOD: A 72 year-old woman on hemodialysis due to diabetes has had left upper extremity arteriovenous fistula (AV-F) thrombosed on the scheduled hemodialysis day. A right subclavian vein catheterization for hemodialysis was decided and attempted, that ended up with a flexible guidewire knotting. RESULTS: The flexible guidewire was splinted with the Kit's dilator and after great effort, under radioscopic control the knotting was managed to be unknotted and the guidewire removed. CONCLUSIONS: Our case suggests that a rare and potential serious complication of subclavian vein catheterization for hemodialysis can be successfully managed with appropriate approach and skillful maneuvers.