Correlation between the serum lumican level and the severity of coronary artery disease.

OBJECTIVE: Several studies have previously shown that some small leucine-rich proteoglycans (SLRPs) are associated with atherosclerotic plaque. We aim to investigate the relationship between circulating lumican levels and the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study included 255 consecutive patients who underwent coronary angiography for stable angina pectoris. All demographic and clinical data were collected prospectively. The severity of CAD was assessed based on the Gensini score and a value >40 was defined as advanced CAD. RESULTS: Eighty-eight patients were in the advanced CAD group; these are older and the frequency of diabetes mellitus, cerebrovascular accidents, reduced ejection fraction (EF), left atrium diameter was higher. Serum lumican levels were found as higher in advanced CAD group (0.4 ng/ml vs. 0.6 ng/ml, respectively, p<0.001). When the Gensini score increased, a statistically significant increase was observed in lumican levels with a good correlation (r=0.556 and p<0.001). In multivariate analysis, diabetes mellitus, EF and lumican were predictive for advanced CAD. Lumican level predicts CAD seriousness with a sensitivity rate of 64%, specificity rate of 65%. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we reveal a relationship between serum lumican levels and CAD severity. More research is warranted to determine the mechanism and prognostic values of lumican in the atherosclerosis.

[The value of laboratory tests for the early diagnosis of newborn sepsis]. / Yenidogan sepsisinin erken tanisinda laboratuvar testlerinin degeri.

In our study, laboratory tests were evaluated in the early diagnosis of newborn sepsis. The study consisted of 53 newborn infants with the diagnosis of suspected sepsis. Of the 53 newborn infants twenty seven were excluded from the study, because of negative blood culture. Remaining 26 newborns with positive blood culture and 15 healthy newborns comprised the study (sepsis group) and control group respectively. Total mature neutrophil count, immature/total neutrophil and immature/matür neutrophil ratio, toxic granulation changes, serum level of C-reactive protein and haptoglobin were found statistically higher in sepsis group than control group. Thrombocyte count and serum level of IgG were significantly lower in sepsis group. Average total white blood cell count, result of nitroblue tetrazolium tests erythrocyte sedimentation rate and serum level of IgM was similar in both groups. We emphasized that hematological scoring system, serum level of C-reactive protein and haptoglobins can be used in the early diagnosis of newborn sepsis.