The role of lactate-to-albumin ratio to predict 30-day risk of death in patients with sepsis in the emergency department: a decision tree analysis.

BACKGROUND: Accurately estimating the prognosis of septic patients on arrival in the emergency department (ED) is clinically challenging. The lactate-to-albumin ratio (LAR) has recently been proposed to improve the predictive performance of septic patients admitted to the ICU. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to assess whether the LAR could be used as an early prognostic marker of 30-day mortality in patients with sepsis in the ED. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted in the ED of the Hospital of Merano. All patients with a diagnosis of sepsis were considered. The LAR was recorded on arrival in the ED. The primary outcome measure was mortality at 30 days. The predictive role of the LAR for mortality was evaluated with the area under the ROC curve, logistic regression adjusted for the Charlson Comorbidity Index value, National Early Warning Score, and Sequential Organ Failure score, and with decision tree analysis. RESULTS: 459 patients were enrolled, of whom 17% (78/459) died at 30 days. The median LAR of the patients who died at 30 days (0.78 [0.45-1.19]) was significantly higher than the median LAR of survivors (0.42 [0.27-0.65]) (p < 0.001). The discriminatory ability of the LAR for death at 30 days was 0.738, higher than that of lactate alone (0.692), and slightly lower than that of albumin alone (0.753). The decision trees confirmed the role of the LAR as an independent risk factor for mortality. CONCLUSION: The LAR can be used as an index to better predict the 30-day risk of death in septic patients.

Assessment of the albumin-bilirubin grade as a prognostic factor in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer receiving anti-PD-1-based therapy.

INTRODUCTION: The albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade is a novel indicator of the liver function. Some studies showed that the ALBI grade was a prognostic and predictive biomarker for the efficacy of chemotherapy in cancer patients. The association between the ALBI grade and outcomes in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with cancer immunotherapy, however, is poorly understood. METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled 452 patients with advanced or recurrent NSCLC who received anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)-based therapy between 2016 and 2019 at three medical centers in Japan. The ALBI score was calculated from albumin and bilirubin measured at the time of treatment initiation and was stratified into three categories, ALBI grade 1-3, with reference to previous reports. We examined the clinical impact of the ALBI grade on the outcomes of NSCLC patients receiving anti-PD-1-based therapy using Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis with log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. RESULTS: The classifications of the 452 patients were as follows: grade 1, n = 158 (35.0%); grade 2, n = 271 (60.0%); and grade 3, n = 23 (5.0%). Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed that the ALBI grade was significantly associated with progression-free survival and overall survival. Moreover, Cox regression analysis revealed that the ALBI grade was an independent prognostic factor for progression-free survival and overall survival. CONCLUSION: The ALBI grade was an independent prognostic factor for survival in patients with advanced or recurrent NSCLC who receive anti-PD-1-based therapy. These findings should be validated in a prospective study with a larger sample size.

Performance evaluation of 14 specific proteins measurement checked by an External Quality Assessment Scheme.

AIMS OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the state-of-the-art of 14 specific proteins measurement; to evaluate the laboratories' performance and the degree of harmonization in reporting results of participants in the External Quality Assessment Program of the Centre of Biomedical Research (CRB). METHODS: Overall and system-related inter-laboratory analytical variability (mean CVs%) and between-system differences (mean bias%) were evaluated from data of six EQA cycles 2013-2018. Moreover, we evaluated the analytical performance of participants as well as the units used to express proteins results. RESULTS: Overall inter-laboratory variability ranged from 3.8% for haptoglobin (HPT) to 12.5% for α1-antitrypsin (AAT) and decreased for IgA, α2-macroglobulin (A2M) and transferrin (TRF). Mean CVs% were generally higher for Siemens BN and Beckman Immage immunonephelometric systems, but <7.0% for all proteins. Mean bias > 7.0% was observed for BN (IgA, C4, AAT, transthyretin TTR), Siemens Vista (IgA, C4) and Immage (C4), whereas mean bias < -7.0% was found for Immage (AAT), Beckman AU (IgM) and Roche Cobas (C4, TTR, C-reactive protein). The laboratories' performance within the limits ranged from 85.1% of albumin (ALB) to 97.2% of HPT. The census of units employed in 2018, demonstrated that ~ 70% of laboratories still express the results in mg/dL. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a reduction in inter-laboratory variability for some proteins, different analytical systems showed both proportional and constant bias between methods. Units used by participants have not been substantially changed and dL is still largely used. The CRB EQA Program, with its performance data sets, is a valuable resource for laboratories and IVD manufacturers and support the goals of harmonization.

A Passive Mixing Microfluidic Urinary Albumin Chip for Chronic Kidney Disease Assessment.

Urinary albumin level is an important indicator of kidney damage in chronic kidney disease (CKD) but effective routine albumin detection tools are lacking. In this paper, we developed a low-cost and high accuracy microfluidic urinary albumin chip (UAL-Chip) to rapidly measure albumin in urine. The UAL-Chip offers three major features: (1) we incorporated a fluorescent reaction assay into the chip to improve the detection accuracy; (2) we constructed a passive and continuous mixing module in the chip that provides user-friendly operation and greater signal stability; (3) we applied a pressure-balancing strategy based on the immiscible oil coverage that achieves precise control of the sample-dye mixing ratio. We validated the UAL-Chip using both albumin standards and urine samples from 12 CKD patients and achieved an estimated limit of detection (LOD) of 5.2 µg/mL. The albumin levels in CKD patients' urine samples measured by UAL-Chip is consistent with the traditional well-plate measurements and clinical results. We foresee the potential of extending this passive and precise mixing platform to assess various disease biomarkers.

Cost-effectiveness of screening type 2 diabetes patients for chronic kidney disease progression with the CKD273 urinary peptide classifier as compared to urinary albumin excretion.

Background: In type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients, chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression may occur without detectable changes in urinary albumin excretion (UAE) rate. A new urinary peptide classifier (CKD273) has exhibited greater ability to detect CKD progression, however, its cost-effectiveness remains unknown. This study evaluated the cost-effectiveness of screening for CKD progression with the CKD273 classifier, as compared to UAE, in diabetic patients. Methods: A decision-analytic Markov model was developed to estimate costs and health outcomes [including overall survival and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs)] from a health system perspective for adopting a new annual screening strategy based on the CKD273 classifier as compared to annual UAE-based screening in a hypothetical cohort of T2DM patients. High-risk patients were defined as T2DM patients with at least one concomitant risk factor (i.e. patients with background genetic risk for developing the disease, obesity, hypertension and/or smoking history) for developing diabetic nephropathy secondary to cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related complications. Low-risk T2DM patients, were defined as those not having any of the aforementioned concomitant risk factors. Results: Over the projected course of a patient's lifetime, in all T2DM patients annual screening with the CKD273 classifier was more costly, but also more effective, than annual screening with UAE. The incremental costs incurred with screening based on the CKD273 classifier were €3,053 per patient, while patients gained 0.13 QALYs. Hence, in all patients, annual screening with the CKD273 classifier was cost effective [incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) €23,903/QALY gained], notably below current government thresholds for funding such health care interventions. For patients at high risk of developing diabetic nephropathy secondary to CVD-related complications, screening based on the CKD273 classifier was cost-saving (i.e. dominant, being both more effective and less expensive than UAE-based screening). Finally, in low-risk patients, CKD273 classifier-based screening was not cost effective (ICER €73,140/QALY) given current government willingness-to-pay thresholds. Conclusions: In diabetic patients, annual CKD273 classifier-based screening is more costly but also more effective in QALYs gained as compared to UAE. From a health provider perspective, the observed benefits are greatest when such screening is implemented in patients at high risk for diabetes-associated renal or cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).

Point-of-care testing improves diabetes management in a primary care clinic in South Africa.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes is a major health problem in South Africa. DiabCare Africa found just 47% of diabetes patients had a hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test for their management in the previous year. METHODS: Patients attending an urban diabetes clinic near Johannesburg, run by Project HOPE, accessed HbA1c (and urine albumin:creatinine ratio) point-of-care testing (POCT) as part of a quality-assured international program called ACE (Analytical and Clinical Excellence). Patients who had two or more HbA1c POC tests from 2012 to 2014 were assessed to determine their change in glycaemic control. RESULTS: The mean (±SD) HbA1c in this group of diabetes patients (n=131) fell significantly from 9.7%±2.4 (83mmol/mol) at their first POCT measurement to 8.4%±2.4 (68mmol/mmol/mol) at their most recent POCT measurement (paired t-test p<0.01). The average time between first and most recent HbA1c test was 15 months. The number of diabetes patients achieving optimal glycaemic control (HbA1c≤6.5-7.5% [48-58mmol/mol) increased by 125%, while the number with very poor glycaemic control (HbA1c>10% [86mmol/mol]) halved. An association was observed between degree of glycaemic control and increasing albuminuria in this cohort. DISCUSSION: POCT has promoted change in clinical practice by facilitating greater accessibility to HbA1c testing.

Evaluation of CONUT for Clinical Malnutrition Detection and Short-Term Prognostic Assessment in Hospitalized Elderly People.

OBJECTIVES: To assess agreement between the CONUT and Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) instruments in detecting malnutrition in hospitalized elderly patients and to determine their prognostic value compared to that of serum albumin alone in relation to in-hospital and 1-month and 6-month post-discharge mortality rates. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: A Catalan regional hospital. PARTICIPANTS: 2155 patients admitted to an acute geriatric unit were assessed using MNA and CONUT and were followed up for 6 months after discharge. MEASUREMENTS: On admission, data were collected on age, sex, referral, geriatric syndromes, cognitive status, functional status and nutritional status according to MNA (as the gold standard). Plasma albumin, total cholesterol and lymphocyte levels were recorded to implement CONUT. Mortality was recorded until 6 months after discharge. RESULTS: Sample characteristics: 61.3% females, mean age 84.9 years, mean Charlson index 2.2. CONUT sensitivity and specificity for malnutrition were 43% and 71.6%, respectively, with positive and negative predictive values of 88.9% and 19.2%. MNA, CONUT and albumin alone were good predictors of mortality but showed similar sensitivity and specificity results. CONCLUSION: CONUT agreement with MNA in nutritional risk assessments for elderly people is poor. Although CONUT is a good predictor of short-and medium-term mortality, it adds little to information provided by albumin alone.

Assessment of adrenal function in patients with acute hepatitis using serum free and total cortisol.

BACKGROUND: Adrenal dysfunction is frequently reported in severe acute hepatitis using serum total cortisol. AIMS: Because 90% of serum cortisol is bound to proteins that are altered during stress, we investigated the effect of decreased cortisol-binding proteins on serum total and free cortisol in severe acute hepatitis. METHODS: 43 severe and 31 non-severe acute hepatitis and 29 healthy controls were enrolled consecutively and studied prospectively. Baseline (T0) and cosyntropin-stimulated (T60) serum total and free cortisol concentrations were measured. RESULTS: T0 and T60 serum total cortisol did not differ significantly between severe, non-severe hepatitis and healthy controls. Conversely, serum free cortisol (T0p=0.012; T60p<0.001) concentrations increased from healthy controls to severe hepatitis, accompanied by a decrease in corticosteroid-binding globulin and albumin (all p<0.001). In acute hepatitis (n=74), patients with "low" corticosteroid-binding globulin (<28mg/L) had higher T0 serum free cortisol than others (103.1 [61.2-157] vs. 56.6 [43.6-81.9]nmol/L, p=0.0024). Analysis of covariance showed that at equal concentration of total cortisol, the free cortisol concentration was significantly higher in severe than in non-severe hepatitis (p<0.001) or healthy controls (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In severe hepatitis, the decrease in cortisol-binding proteins impairs correct diagnosis of adrenal dysfunction. This could be corrected by measuring or estimating free cortisol.

Chemical salivary composition and its relationship with periodontal disease and dental calculus

Aim: To determine the relationship between the chemical composition of saliva, periodontal disease and dental calculus. Methods: An observational analytical cross-sectional study was conducted with patients over 55 years of age. Ethical principles of autonomy and risk protection were applied according to the international standards. Sociodemographic and diagnosis variables (presence of dental calculus and periodontal status) were considered to measure salivary concentrations of glucose (by the glucose oxidase/peroxidase method, amylase (by the colorimetric test), urea (by the amount of indophenol), total protein (by the Bradford method) and albumin (by the nephelometric method). Patients chewed a sterile rubber band and 3 mL of stimulated saliva were collected. The samples were stored at -5 °C, centrifuged at 2,800 rpm for 10 min, and the supernatant was removed and stored at -20 °C. Data were presented as frequencies and proportions for qualitative variables and measures of central tendency and dispersion for quantitative variables. Data were analyzed by either analysis of variance or Kruskal Wallis test . A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Significant relationships were observed between the concentration of salivary urea and periodontal status (p = 0.03) and the presence of dental calculus and urea (p = 0.04) was demonstrated. Conclusions: A relationship between the salivary urea concentration and the presence of periodontal disease and dental calculus is suggested.

Impact of supervised cardiac rehabilitation on urinary albumin excretion in patients with cardiovascular disease.

Urinary albumin excretion is a predictor of cardiovascular death. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) with exercise training (ET) has been shown to improve exercise capacity and prognosis in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, it remains unclear whether CR reduces urinary albumin excretion in CVD patients. We performed a retrospective, observational study using data obtained from 98 male CVD patients without macroalbuminuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 30 mL/minute/1.73 m(2) who participated in CR with ET during hospitalization. Twenty-three patients continued supervised ET for 6 months (supervised group) and 75 patients quit supervised ET (non-supervised group). The supervised ET program consisted of 60 minutes of supervised sessions 1-3 times a week and 30-60 minutes of home exercise at least twice a week. Urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) was significantly decreased in the supervised group at 6 months after enrollment (43 ± 71 mg/g to 17 ± 20 mg/g creatinine, P < 0.05) but not in the non-supervised group. eGFR was unchanged in the supervised group but was significantly decreased in the non-supervised group (72 ± 18 mL/minute/1.73 m(2) to 67 ± 17 mL/minute/1.73 m(2), P < 0.001). The results of multiple regression analysis showed that only supervised ET was an independent contributor to ΔACR. CR with supervised ET decreased urinary albumin excretion without deterioration of renal function. These findings suggest that continuation of a supervised ET program is associated with reduction in the development of CVD and reduction in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in CVD patients.

Glasgow prognostic score predicts prognosis for cancer patients in palliative settings: a subanalysis of the Japan-prognostic assessment tools validation (J-ProVal) study.

PURPOSE: The Glasgow prognostic score (GPS), which uses C-reactive protein and albumin levels, is a good predictor of prognosis in cancer patients undergoing anti-tumor therapy. The objective of this study was to investigate the correlation between GPS and survival among cancer patients in palliative settings, as findings in such populations have not been well described. METHODS: This was a subanalysis of a multicenter, prospective, cohort study in patients who were adults, diagnosed with advanced cancer, and first referred to palliative care service in Japan. Patients who were not receiving anti-tumor therapy and who had undergone laboratory examinations were eligible. Clinical features were analyzed to investigate prognostic factors. RESULTS: A total of 1160 patients were enrolled (41.6 % female; median age, 72 years). The independent predictors were Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) score of 4 (hazard ratio (HR), 1.54), liver metastasis (HR, 1.21), dyspnea (HR, 1.35), edema (HR, 1.25), prognostic performance index (HR, 1.56), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (HR, 1.43), and GPS of 2 (HR, 1.36). The sensitivity and specificity for 3-week prognosis of a GPS of 2 were 0.879 and 0.410. Median survival time with GPS of 0, 1, and 2 was 58 days (95 % confidence interval, 48-81), 43 days (37-50), and 21 days (19-24), respectively (log-rank test, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The GPS was a good prognostic indicator for cancer patients in palliative settings.

Scored Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment, albumin and transferrin for nutritional assessment of gastrostomy fed head or neck cancer patients.

INTRODUCTION: Gastrostomy fed head or neck cancer patients frequently have impaired speech capacities. Enteral feeding teams frequently depend on laboratorial or anthropometrical parameters for nutritional assessment. AIMS: In these patients, this study aimed to evaluate: (1) the practicability of Scored - Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA); (2) their nutritional status using the Scored-PG-SGA; (3) association of serum albumin and transferrin values to the nutritional status rating using PG-SGA. METHODS: On adult outpatients with head or neck cancer under prolonged (> 1 month) gastrostomy feeding, Scored-PGSGA, albumin and transferrin were evaluated during the same appointment. RESULTS: Scored-PG-SGA was easily feasible in 42 patients, even in patients with speech difficulties. Twenty-five patients were moderately/severely undernourished (PG-SGA/B+C). Scored-PG-SGA rated 41 patients as ≥ 2, thus needing nutritional/ pharmacologic intervention. Albumin was low in 13 patients. Transferrin was low in 19 patients. Average albumin and transferrin in moderately/severely undernourished patients (PG-SGA/B+C) was significantly lower than in well-nourished (PG-SGA/A). There was association between Scored- PG-SGA rating, albumin and transferrin. CONCLUSIONS: In PEG fed head or neck cancer patients, PGSGA was practicable and useful, even in patients with impaired speaking skills. Most patients displayed moderate/severe malnutrition (PG-SGA/B+C). Scored-PG-SGA rated 41 patients as needing for nutritional/pharmacological intervention. Scored-PG-SGA should be systematically included in the evaluation of these patients. In these patients, albumin and transferrin levels showed relation with Scored-PG-SGA and should be considered as nutritional biomarkers.

Introducción: Los pacientes con cáncer de cabeza o cuello alimentados por gastrostomía tienen a menudo una deterio - ración en la capacidad de hablar. Con frecuencia para la evaluación nutricional se usan parámetros bioquímicos y antropométricos. Objetivos: Evaluación Global Subjetiva ­ Generada por el Paciente (EGS-GP): (1) aplicabilidad; (2) el estado nutricional del paciente; (3) la asociación con los valores de albúmina y transferrina séricas. Métodos: Evaluación nutricional (EGS-GP), albúmina y transferrina en pacientes ambulatorios adultos con cáncer, sometidos a alimentación prolongada (> 1 mes) por gastrostomía. Valoración realizada en la misma consulta. Resultados: La EGS-GP fue fácilmente factible en 42 pacientes, incluso en pacientes con dificultades en hablar. Veinticinco estaban con desnutrición moderada/severa (EGSGP/ B+C). En 41 la EGS-GP fue ≥2, demostrando la necesidad de intervención nutricional/farmacológica. La albúmina estaba por debajo de lo normal en 13 pacientes. La transferrina en 19 pacientes. La media de albúmina y transferrina de los pacientes moderadamente/severamente desnutridos (EGS-GP/B+C) fue significativamente más baja, en comparación con los bien nutridos (EGS-GP/A). Se ha hallado asociación entre la EGSGP, la albúmina y transferrina. Conclusiones: En los pacientes con cáncer de cabeza o cuello alimentados por gastrostomía, la EGS-GP fue viable y útil, incluso en los pacientes con dificultades de comunicación. La mayoría muestran desnutrición moderada/severa (EGSGP/ B+C). La EGS-GP ha calificado 41 pacientes como requiriendo de intervención nutricional/farmacológica. La EGS-GP debe incluirse sistemáticamente en la valoración de estos pacientes. En estos, la albúmina y transferrina mostraron una relación con la EGS-GP y deben ser consideradas como biomarcadores nutricionales.

"Linearity assessment methods for sex steroid hormones and carrier proteins among men in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III)".

INTRODUCTION: It has been hypothesized that racial disparities among several diseases are explained by differences in testosterone (T), 17-ß estradiol (E), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and albumin (A) levels, yet epidemiologic results have been mixed. Statistical advice regarding appropriate adjustment methods for carrier proteins of sex steroid hormones in the literature is scant. Therefore, we investigated different adjustment methods for carrier proteins. METHODS: Data for 1496 men, >17 years from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) 1988-91 were used to analyze linearity between sex hormones and carrier proteins by examining correlation, plots, and regression models. The statistical importance of age, body mass index (BMI), and race/ethnicity were examined for changes in results by the adjustment method. RESULTS: T was weakly correlated with SHBG and A (r-squared, 0.25, 0.13, respectively) and E was weakly negatively correlated with A (p<0.0001), but not SHBG (p<0.1799). Based on the model residual plots and r-squared, the categorical model performed better than linear models. Regression coefficients for age, BMI, and race/ethnicity groups using quotient (e.g., T/A and E/A) models differed from continuous and categorical models. CONCLUSION: Choosing an appropriate adjustment for carrier proteins is important to prevent bias in analyses and inconsistency in findings across studies. Linearity between variables should not be assumed when adjusting models, and should be conducted and reported. An independent categorical carrier protein variable is recommended in analysis exploring factors predicting sex hormone levels, although statistical testing should always be employed.

Assessment of plasma and red cell trace element concentrations, disease severity, and outcome in patients with critical illness.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to examine the value of both plasma and red cell trace element measurements when assessing nutritional status in patients with critical illness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 125 patients who were admitted to intensive care unit with evidence of systemic inflammatory response as per Bone's criteria were recruited. Venous blood samples were obtained from all on admission and, in 31 of the 125 patients, on approximately days 4 and 7. Copper, zinc, and selenium concentrations were measured in plasma and erythrocytes and results related to mortality and patient outcome measures. RESULTS: A total of 125 critically ill patients were recruited; 81 (66%) were male, the median age was 60 (range, 18-100), and the medical/surgical proportion was 55/70 (44%/56%). The median (lower and upper 2.5th percentile) Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score, and length of stay and mortality were 21 (16-26), 7 (4-9) 3.7 days (1.5-11.1) and 19%, respectively. Plasma zinc and selenium concentrations were significantly lower on admission compared with reference intervals, whereas copper was increased. Normal plasma glutathione peroxidase activity suggested selenium status was adequate on admission; erythrocyte concentrations of glutathione peroxidase and trace elements were normal, suggesting adequate nutritional status 1 to 2 months before admission. Only plasma zinc and selenium were inversely associated with C-reactive protein (rs = -0.266, P = .004, rs = -0.322, P < .001, respectively). Compared with survivors, albumin (P < .001) concentrations were significantly lower in the nonsurvivor group. No significant difference of plasma selenium and zinc between survivors and nonsurvivors was found, although plasma selenium concentrations tended to be lower (P = .04). On multivariate logistic regression analysis of the significant variables, none was independently associated with mortality. CONCLUSION: The altered plasma concentrations of zinc, selenium, and copper in patients with critical illness were primarily due to the effects of the systemic inflammatory response and do not reliably indicate their status.

Assessment of microalbuminuria for early diagnosis and risk prediction in dengue infections.

BACKGROUND: Dengue is the most important arboviral infection of humans. Following an initial febrile period, a small proportion of infected patients develop a vasculopathy, with children at particular risk for severe vascular leakage and shock. Differentiation between dengue and other common childhood illnesses is difficult during the early febrile phase, and risk prediction for development of shock is poor. The presence of microalbuminuria is recognized as a useful early predictor for subsequent complications in a number of other disorders with vascular involvement. Significant proteinuria occurs in association with dengue shock syndrome and it is possible that early-phase microalbuminuria may be helpful both for diagnosis of dengue and for identification of patients likely to develop severe disease. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We measured formal urine albumin to creatinine ratios (UACRs) in daily samples obtained from a large cohort of children with suspected dengue recruited at two outpatient clinics in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Although UACRs were increased in the 465 confirmed dengue patients, with a significant time trend showing peak values around the critical period for dengue-associated plasma leakage, urine albumin excretion was also increased in the comparison group of 391 patients with other febrile illnesses (OFI). The dengue patients generally had higher UACRs than the OFI patients, but microalbuminuria, using the conventional cutoff of 30 mg albumin/g creatinine discriminated poorly between the two diagnostic groups in the early febrile phase. Secondly UACRs did not prove useful in predicting either development of warning signs for severe dengue or need for hospitalization. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Low-level albuminuria is common, even in relatively mild dengue infections, but is also present in many OFIs. Simple point-of-care UACR tests are unlikely to be useful for early diagnosis or risk prediction in dengue endemic areas.

Biochemical assessment of canine body cavity effusions using three bench-top analysers.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the performance of three bench-top chemistry instruments for the analysis of canine effusions. Acceptable results were compared with those obtained by a reference chemistry analyser. METHODS: Total protein, albumin, creatinine and bilirubin concentrations were measured in 74 effusions using the VetScanVS2, VetTest8008 and SpotchemEZ analysers. Cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were also measured by the VetTest and Spotchem. Results were analysed using Westgard's error analysis, Spearman's correlation, Bland-Altman plots and Deming regression. Results were considered acceptable when observed total error (TE(obs) ) was less than allowable total error (TE(A) ). RESULTS: VetScan error analysis revealed acceptable results for total protein (TE(obs) =1.11, TE(A) =4.7) and creatinine (TE(obs) =42.2, TE(A) =78.1). Correlation was fair for protein (r(s) =0.66) and creatinine (r(s) =0.76), but poor and not significant for bilirubin (r(s) =0.01, P=0.08), precluding error analysis. VetTest error analysis was acceptable for creatinine only (TE(obs) =5.55, TE(A) =25.5). Correlation was good (r(s) =0.81). The difference plot revealed a bias (95% confidence interval) of -1.5 (-37 to 40) and four outliers. The Spotchem did not generate a precise arithmetic value in most (56.9 to 73.6%) samples, precluding further analysis. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Acceptable results were obtained for total protein (VetScan) and creatinine [Vetscan, Vettest (with good correlation)]. The Spotchem is of limited value in canine effusion analysis.

Preoperative hypoalbuminemia is a major risk factor for acute kidney injury following off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery.

PURPOSE: To investigate the association between preoperative low serum albumin level and acute kidney injury (AKI) after off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery (OPCAB) METHOD: We assessed preoperative and perioperative risk factors, and preoperative serum albumin concentration in 1,182 consecutive adult patients with preoperative normal renal function who underwent OPCAB surgery. Each patient was categorized by maximal Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN) criteria based on creatinine changes within the first 48 h after OPCAB. Logistic regression and propensity analyses were performed to evaluate the association between preoperative low serum albumin level and postoperative AKI. RESULTS: Of the 1,182 patients, 334 (28.3%) developed AKI. Risk factors for AKI were old age, diabetes mellitus, maximal cardiovascular component of the sequential organ failure assessment score, perioperative transfusion, and postoperative C-reactive protein concentration. The risk of AKI was negatively correlated with the volume of crystalloid infused during surgery. A preoperative serum albumin level of <4.0 g/dl was independently associated Ith postoperative AKI [multivariable logistic analysis: odds ratio (OR) 1.83, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.27-2.64; P = 0.001; propensity analysis: OR 1.62, 95 % CI 1.12-2.35; P = 0.011). AKI was associated with prolonged stay in the intensive care unit and hospital and a high mortality rate. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative low serum albumin level is an independent risk factor for AKI, and postoperative AKI is associated with poor outcomes after OPCAB in patients with preoperative normal renal function.

Assessment of proteinuria.

Proteinuria is a strong predictor of adverse cardiovascular and kidney events, and an accurate assessment of proteinuria is important for the evaluation and management of CKD. Total urinary protein can be assessed using dipstick, precipitation, and electrophoresis methods. Urinary albumin, the predominant urinary protein in most proteinuric kidney diseases, can be assessed using an albumin-specific dipstick, immunochemical techniques, and size-exclusion high-performance liquid chromatography. Urine albumin may be immune-reactive, immune-unreactive, fragmented, and biochemically modified, and laboratory techniques have variable abilities to detect different types of albumin. Urine specimen for proteinuria assessment can either be obtained from a timed-collection or a spot urine sample. Spot urine protein- or albumin-to-creatinine ratios are preferred to a 24-hour urine sample in routine practice. Assessment of albuminuria rather than proteinuria is more clinically meaningful in patients with diabetic kidney disease, and proteinuria and albuminuria assessments both have a role in nondiabetic kidney disease and in general population screening. As measurement and sampling procedures for proteinuria assessment have yet not been standardized, it is important for physicians to be aware of different types of urinary proteins, albumins, laboratory techniques, and urine sampling methods.

Assessment of adrenal function in cirrhotic patients using concentration of serum-free and salivary cortisol.

OBJECTIVE: Because over 90% of serum cortisol is bound to albumin and corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG), changes in these proteins can affect measures of serum total cortisol levels in cirrhotics without altering serum-free and salivary cortisol concentrations. METHODS: We assessed basal (T0) and post-synacthen (T60) serum total cortisol, serum-free and salivary cortisol in 125 consecutive cirrhotics (95 non-septic and 30 septic patients with a Child>8). RESULTS: Serum total cortisol levels significantly decreased from the Child A-C non-septic group, as did albumin and CBG levels, with a non-significant rise in serum-free cortisol concentrations. Non-septic patients with low albumin (≤25 g/L) or CBG levels (≤35 mg/L) had lower T0 serum total cortisol levels than patients with near-normal albumin (303.4 vs. 382.6 nmol/L; P=0.0035) or with normal CBG levels (289.9 vs. 441.4 nmol/L; P<0.0001), respectively, despite similar serum-free cortisol or salivary cortisol concentrations. Subnormal T60 serum total cortisol concentrations (<510.4 nmol/L) were measured in 7.2% of all patients (Child C: 14.5% vs. Child A and B: 0%; P=0.0013) but no patients exhibited symptoms suggesting adrenal insufficiency. Patients with or without subnormal T60 total cortisol had similar T0 salivary cortisol and serum-free cortisol concentrations. A trend was observed towards high serum-free cortisol concentrations and mortality in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Serum total cortisol levels overestimated the prevalence of adrenal dysfunction in cirrhotics with end-stage liver disease. Since serum-free cortisol cannot be measured routinely, salivary cortisol testing could represent a useful approach but needs to be standardized.