Contrast-induced nephropathy

Contrast-induced nephropathy [CIN] is a serious complication of angiographic procedures resulting from the administration of contrast media [CM]. It is the third most common cause of hospital acquired acute renal injury and represents about 12% of the cases. CIN is defined as an elevation of serum creatinine [Scr] of more than 25% or >/= 0.5 mg/dl [44 micromol/l] from baseline within 48 h. More sensitive markers of renal injury are desired, therefore, several biomarkers of tubular injury are under evaluation. Multiple risk factors may contribute to the development of CIN; these factors are divided into patient- and procedure-related factors. Treatment of CIN is mainly supportive, consisting mainly of careful fluid and electrolyte management, although dialysis may be required in some cases. The available treatment option makes prevention the corner stone of management. This article will review the recent evidence concerning CIN incidence, diagnosis, and prevention strategies as well as its treatment and prognostic implications.

Serum carnitine levels in children with iron deficiency anemia

This study was designed to evaluate the carnitine serum levels as co-morbidity in apparently healthy children with iron deficiency anemia. Fifty four apparently healthy well nourished children [29 boys and 25 girls], their ages ranged from 9 months to 12 months with iron deficiency anemia were enrolled in the study. Twenty five healthy non anemic children with matched age and sex included as a control group. Malnourished children with iron deficiency anemia were excluded from the study. For all anemic children with suspected iron deficiency anemia as well as control group, we performed complete blood count [CBC] including measuring of hemoglobin [Hb] level, hematocrit% [Hct], mean corpuscular volume [MCV], mean corpuscular hemoglobin [MCH], mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration [MCHC]; serum ferritin, serum iron [SI], and total iron binding capacity[TIBC]. Serum total carnitine levels were measured by spectrophotometric method. Hb, MCV, MCH, serum ferritin and serum iron were significantly lower in patients with iron deficiency anemia than in control non anemic group [p < 0.001]. Serum carnitine levels were significantly lower in children with iron deficiency anemia than in healthy control group [p<0.001]. There was a significant positive correlation between hemoglobin and serum carnitine [r=0.84; p<0.001]. Also, we found a significant positive correlation between serum iron, serum ferritin and serum carnitine [r=0.91; p<0.001 and r = 0.9; P<0.001, respectively]. In conclusion, iron is required for biosynthesis of carnitine. Low serum carnitine levels in these children may be due to iron deficiency. Therefore, iron fortification of the diets of children seems to be essential not only to prevent iron deficiency anemia but also to avoid other possible effects of iron deficiency in the growing children, such as secondary carnitine deficiency. However, additional studies are still needed to ascertain the frequency of carnitine deficiency and the need for carnitine supplementation in children with iron deficiency anemia

Cardiovascular disorders and neurotic traits among bus drivers of Alexandria general transportation agency

The present study was conducted aiming to determine the prevalence of cardiovascular disorders and its relationship with the nature of neurotic traits among bus drivers of Alexandria General Transportation Agency. This study included 75 bus drivers and 61 control subjects. each bus driver and control subject was interviewed for his personal, socioeconomic, occupational, medical histories with special emphasis on the history of cardiovascular diseases as well as history of personal habits and car accidents. Each subject was further subjected for clinical examination, measurement of height, weight, blood pressure, ECG and psychometric test to determine the neurotic traits; and urine samples were also collected for complete urine analysis. the study revealed a significant difference in the increase in the prevalence of hypertension among bus drivers. This might be attributed to the presence of occupational stressors facing the driver during his daily work. It has been concluded that buss driving is a occupation which might increase the prevalence of hypertension among drivers