Splenectomy is a risk factor for developing hyperuricemia and nephrolithiasis in patients with thalassemia intermedia: a retrospective study.

Few data are available on the prevalence and the risk factors for the presence of kidney stones and hyperuricemia in patients with thalassemia intermedia. We retrospectively reviewed the charts and radiological studies of 89 patients with thalassemia intermedia followed at our clinic with routine biochemical examination and radiological imaging of the urinary tract. Renal calculi were identified in 11 patients (12%) and 22 patients (25%) were under uricosuric treatment for hyperucemia. The prevalence of nephrolithiasis increased with age but not in a statistically significant manner. Major risk factors for renal stone formation were splenectomy (in 91% of the cases) and higher number of erythroblasts. Patients with renal stones had higher mean creatinine level and lower GFR value with respect to those observed in patients not affected. Our data suggest that splenectomy, by further increasing erythrocyte turnover and number, may be directly involved in the pathogenesis of hyperuricemia and nephrolithiasis observed in thalassemia intermedia patients.

Recommendations for the implementation of international standardization of glycated hemoglobin in Italy.

This document is issued by the Italian Society of Clinical Biochemistry and Clinical Molecular Biology (SIBioC) and a number of other National Scientific Societies and Associations in order to promote a coordinated plan for implementing the standardization of glycated hemoglobin (HbA(1c)) measurement in Italy according to the recommendations by the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC). Changes in reporting HbA(1c) results, new units, how to relate old and new units, a timeline for changes and definition of the analytical goals are the main issues discussed.