Effect of a serum lactate monitoring recommendation policy on patients treated with linezolid

Lactic acidosis is one of the most fatal adverse effects of linezolid, an antibiotic used to treat serious infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. However, the measures to prevent lactic acidosis have not been well established.We performed a retrospective study to analyze the impact of applying a serum lactate monitoring recommendation policy in patients treated with linezolid.Since September 2011, we have recommended inpatient monitoring of serum lactate levels in patients treated with linezolid at our hospital. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether they were seen during the non-recommendation or recommendation periods. The frequency of serum lactate monitoring, linezolid-induced lactatemia, lactic acidosis, critical illness, and death were compared between the two periods.After September 2011, adherence to the recommendation to monitor serum lactate increased from 6.1% to 60.1%. No difference was observed in the incidence of linezolid-induced lactatemia and lactic acidosis between the two periods. However, there was a significant difference in the incidence of linezolid-induced critical illness between the non-recommendation and recommendation periods (3 vs 0 cases, P = .044).In patients treated with linezolid, serum lactate monitoring led to early detection of lactatemia, thus enabling rapid rescue. We recommend regular monitoring of serum lactate in all patients treated with linezolid.     

Serum 2'-5'oligoadenylate synthetase as a monitoring marker of anti-viral effect during interferon therapy for chronic type B hepatitis

We evaluated the usefulness of serum 2'-5'oligoadenylate synthetase (2-5AS) activity assay in monitoring the anti-viral activity of chronic type B hepatitis patients during IFN therapy. The serum 2-5AS activity was rapidly increased during the above therapy and was maintained at a medium-to-high level throughout the therapy period, although the capacity for increase reflected differences among individuals. The kinetics of serum 2-5AS activity during the therapy was almost consistent with that of the PBMCs 2-5AS activity. 2-5AS activity had an inverse correlation with DNA-P; i.e. DNA-P often disappeared from serum after interferon treatment in patients with a marked response in serum 2-5AS activity. The enhancement of serum 2-5AS activity during IFN therapy seemed to correlate with an increase in anti-viral activity. The results suggest that the serum 2-5AS activity assay is a useful probe for monitoring the anti-viral activity of chronic type B hepatitis patients during interferon therapy.     

Serum concentration of soluble interleukin-2 receptor as a sensitive parameter of disease activity in sarcoidosis

We investigated the clinical value of measuring serum concentrations of soluble IL-2R in monitoring sarcoidosis. Serum concentrations of soluble IL-2R were measured in 70 patients with sarcoidosis. The mean value for active untreated sarcoidosis was 1,143 +/- 509 U/ml, while the normal range in 97 healthy control subjects was 80 to 300 U/ml. The mean value for active untreated sarcoidosis was significantly higher than that for dormant disease (353 +/- 183 U/ml) or that for corticosteroid-treated patients (380 +/- 151 U/ml). Serial changes in serum soluble IL-2R level were studied in cases of spontaneous remission or in corticosteroid-treated patients; a good correlation was noted between the changes in serum level of soluble IL-2R and clinical status. A positive correlation was noted between serum concentration of soluble IL-2R and serum ACE activity. These data confirmed that measurement of serum concentration of soluble IL-2R could be used in monitoring the disease activity in sarcoidosis.     

Detection of serum deoxyribonucleic acid methylation markers: a novel diagnostic tool for thyroid cancer

CONTEXT: Serum DNA methylation markers may potentially be useful in diagnosing thyroid cancer and monitoring its recurrence. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to assess the utility of serum DNA methylation as a diagnostic test for patients with thyroid nodules and a monitoring test to detect thyroid cancer recurrence in previously treated patients. DESIGN, SETTING, AND SUBJECTS: Using real-time quantitative methylation-specific PCR, we analyzed the methylation status of five genes (CALCA, CDH1, TIMP3, DAPK, and RARbeta2) on 96 bisulfite-treated serum DNA samples isolated preoperatively from either solid thyroid nodule patients or patients in follow-up for history of treated thyroid cancer. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of serum DNA methylation marker for thyroid cancer were measured. RESULTS: For the patients with thyroid nodules, when a positive result was defined by a serum methylation level above the appropriately chosen cutoff value for any one of the five genes, the preoperative diagnostic sensitivity for thyroid cancer was 68% (26 of 38), the specificity was 95% (18 of 19), and the overall preoperative diagnostic accuracy was 77%, with positive and negative predictive values of 96 and 60%, respectively. In a subset of patients with cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules, serum DNA methylation testing could correctly diagnose eight of 11 (73%) cancers and four of four (100%) benign tumors, with a diagnostic accuracy of 80%. We also analyzed these serum DNA methylation markers in 39 previously treated thyroid cancer patients. Among the 10 patients proved to have recurrent disease by conventional measures, seven (70%) were positive on methylation testing. Among the 29 patients who had no corroboration of residual or recurrent disease by conventional studies, six (21%) were positive for serum DNA methylation markers. CONCLUSIONS: We have demonstrated the potential usefulness of serum DNA methylation markers as a novel tool for differential diagnosis of solid thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer recurrence monitoring.     

Compliance with follow-up and the informative value of diagnostic whole-body scan in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma given recombinant human TSH

OBJECTIVE: Protocols for monitoring patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) include measurement of serum Tg and, for most patients, whole-body scan (WBS) with low radioiodine activities ('diagnostic' WBS). Recently, recombinant human thyroid-stimulating hormone (rhTSH) has become available to provide the TSH stimulation necessary for these procedures, whilst avoiding thyroid hormone withdrawal and hypothyroid complications. In addition, the inclusion of diagnostic WBS in DTC follow-up has recently become controversial. We have assessed the compliance with withdrawal-aided monitoring and the informative value of diagnostic WBS in consecutive tertiary referral center patients. DESIGN: Forty-eight patients received rhTSH (0.9 mg) in two consecutive daily injections, with radioiodine administration 24 h, diagnostic WBS 48 h, and serum Tg testing prior to and 72 h later. METHODS: Compliance with withdrawal-aided monitoring was assessed with a questionnaire provided by the referring physician, patient record analysis, and patient interview. The informative value of diagnostic WBS was assessed by comparing findings against serum Tg measurements in light of physical and other radiological examinations. RESULTS: Forty of the forty-eight patients were female, the mean age was 43.9 years and the median follow-up from diagnosis was 4.5 years (range 1-19 years). Twenty-seven (56%) patients were compliant and 12 (25%) were non-compliant; compliance was not known in nine. Of 17 patients with clinically suspicious or significant findings on any available modality, four had uptake outside the thyroid bed on WBS but stimulated Tg <2.5 ng/ml on immunometric assay, while five had a negative WBS with serum Tg >2.5 ng/ml. CONCLUSIONS: Thyroid hormone withdrawal substantially impairs, and rhTSH administration substantially promotes, compliance with DTC monitoring. rhTSH-aided WBS is informative and should be included in the follow-up of unselected patients with DTC.     

胰岛素及C肽监测在低血糖昏迷病因诊断及治疗中的价值

目的探讨胰岛素及C肽水平监测在低血糖昏迷诊断治疗中的价值。方法对16例低血糖昏迷患者,除按低血糖昏迷诊疗常规处理外,同时进行血清胰岛素和C肽检测,在治疗过程中监测血糖和血清胰岛素水平变化以指导治疗。结果10例糖尿病服用磺脲类降糖药的低血糖昏迷患者中8例血清胰岛素及C肽水平均增高。3例酒精中毒患者血清胰岛素及C肽水平亦增高。1例非糖尿病患者血清胰岛素和C肽水平严重增高,经B超及CT检查诊断为胰岛素瘤。全部患者经吸氧、50％葡萄糖注射后续10％葡萄糖液静脉滴注0．5-4h后逐渐清醒,血糖逐渐恢复正常水平。前述磺脲类降糖药过量患者,其血清胰岛素水平分别在3～5d后降至正常范围,之后根据血糖逐步恢复降糖药物治疗,并根据血清胰岛素水平调整降糖药物剂量,随访观察患者未再发生低血糖发作。结论对低血糖患者进行血胰岛索和C肽水平检测,有助于病因诊断和提高抢救治疗效果和防止再次和反复发生低血糖昏迷。     

Cancer-associated isoenzyme of serum galactosyltransferase.

Galactosyltransferase activity was assayed in sera from 58 patients with various types of cancer. On discontinuous polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis a slow-moving peak of galactosyltransferase activity (isoenzyme II) was found to be present in the serum of 43 of these patients in addition to the major isoenzyme I. Isoenzyme II was found in only 2 of 39 patients with various nonmalignant disorders and was not detected in the serum of 22 normal control subjects. There was no correlation between the presence of this electrophoretically distinct isoenzyme and total serum galactosyltransferase activity, alkaline phosphatase, levels of carcinoembryonic antigen, or blood type. However, patients with widespread metastases had significantly higher isoenzyme II levels than those with no metastases or with limited local spread. Further studies will be necessary to evaluate the clinical usefulness of this serum galactosyltransferase isoenzyme in the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with neoplastic disease.     

Free serum amino acids for monitoring the therapy of female patients with breast cancer

A continuous monitoring by chromatographic determination of 10 free serum amino acids was carried out in 21 breast cancer patients. The results show, that the pretherapeutic levels of asparagine, glutamine, alanine, isoleucine, leucine, tyrosine and phenylalanine are significantly elevated if the disease progressed within the next two years. Asparagine, glutamine, glycine, alanine, tyrosine and phenylalanine are significantly elevated if no progression could be observed. In patients without progression the level of free serum amino acid went back to normal during one year. The determination of free serum amino acid is qualified for monitoring the treatment results in breast cancer patients.     

Evaluation of the clinical relevance of serum measurements of free-light chains in patients with multiple myeloma

Measurement of serum free-light chains (FLCs) was performed using a recently developed immunoassay in 180 healthy individuals, 16 patients with multiple myeloma, and each 1 patient with Waldenstr?m's macroglobulinemia, primary amyloidosis, or MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance) to evaluate the clinical relevance of FLCs in the diagnosis and disease monitoring. Serum FLC levels of each patient were elevated compared with the levels of healthy individuals. The changes in FLC levels after treatment and at the time of relapse occurred earlier than those in serum immunoglobulin levels due to the short half-life of FLCs. Serum FLC levels were elevated in patients with Bence Jones type myeloma in spite of negative urinary immunoelectrophoresis. The serum FLC assay is a sensitive and useful tool for the diagnosis and monitoring of multiple myeloma and other B-cell proliferative disorders.     

The relevance of 25-hydroxycalciferol measurements in the treatment of hypoparathyroidism.

In twenty-one patients with chronic hypoparathyroidism a close correlation was observed between the prescribed dose of ergocalciferol and mean serum 25-hydroxycalciferol levels. In the 75 serum specimens examined, a significant correlation was found between 25-hydroxycalciferol levels and calcium concentrations. The measurement of serum 25-hydroxycalciferol levels is of potential clinical value in the prediction of hyper- or hypocalcaemic episodes and in monitoring patient compliance.     

Detection and monitoring of methotrexate-associated lung injury using serum markers KL-6 and SP-D in rheumatoid arthritis

The applicability of monitoring concentrations of serum KL-6 and serum surfactant protein-D (SP-D) in the detection of methotrexate-associated lung injury (MTX pneumonitis) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was investigated. The concentrations of these markers, sequentially measured in two patients with RA complicated with MTX pneumonitis, were increased in accordance with the severity of MTX pneumonitis. Conversely, the concentrations of these markers were decreased with the improvement of MTX pneumonitis, suggesting that the monitoring of these markers could be applicable not only for detecting the onset of MTX pneumonitis, but also for detecting the therapeutic response of MTX pneumonitis.     

Three-year monitoring of serum p53 antibody during chemotherapy and surgery for stage IV rectal cancer

The overexpression of mutant p53 stimulates serum p53 antibody production in patients with colorectal carcinoma even in superficial tumors. Although the short-term perioperative monitoring of serum p53 antibody titers is reported to be useful in predicting tumor recurrence and patient survival in colorectal carcinoma, the clinical utility of the long-term monitoring of serum p53 antibody titers in patients with colorectal cancer remains unknown. Here, we report the 3-year monitoring of serum p53 antibody titers in a 60-year-old man with rectal cancer, clinical stage IV (T2N2M1b, lung and liver metastases), who was treated with chemotherapy and surgery. Screening tests for CEA (29.4 ng/ml), CA19-9 (41.1 U/ml), and serum p53 antibody (2170 U/ml) were positive before treatment. After chemotherapy with mFOLFOX6 + bevacizumab (B-mab), CEA and CA19-9 decreased to the normal range. However, serum p53 antibody titer remained positive (283 U/ml). After low anterior resection, the serum p53 antibody titer still remained positive (63.4 U/ml). Serum p53 antibody titer significantly changed and was associated with treatment response and tumor recurrence. In the last 6 months of the patient’s life, serum p53 antibody titer gradually decreased, which possibly reflects the modification of the patient’s immune response to p53 antigens.     

肺癌患者血清乳酸脱氢酶变化的临床意义

目的探讨肺癌患者血清乳酸脱氢酶（LDH）水平变化的临床意义。方法检测105例肺癌患者血清中LDH水平,并进行统计学分析。结果肺癌组LDH水平与正常对照组比较有显著性差异（P〈0.01）,治疗前后比较有统计学意义（P〈0.05）,肺癌晚期患者血清中LDH比早期显著升高（P〈0.05）。结论血清LDH的测定对肺癌的早期诊断、疗效评价和预后监测有重要的临床意义。     

Immunosuppressive acidic protein in patients with lung cancer.

Using a single radial immunodiffusion method, serum immunosuppressive acidic protein (IAP) was determined in 117 patients with primary lung cancer, 34 patients with benign lung disease, and 45 healthy control subjects. The mean value of IAP for patients with lung cancer was significantly higher than that of normal control subjects. There were no significant differences in IAP levels among different histologic types and among different stages of lung cancer. It was concluded that serum IAP level was elevated in patients with lung cancer, especially during the early postoperative period, and serial measurements of serum IAP were of value in monitoring lung cancer patients.     

Comparison of chemical composition of peritoneal fluid and serum: a method for monitoring dialysis patients and a tool for assessing binding to serum proteins in vivo

It is hypothesized that peritoneal fluid might be used as an alternative vehicle for monitoring the clinical chemistry of patients on peritoneal dialyses and save these patients the venesection and resultant blood loss. Peritoneal fluid was obtained before 47.2% of 106 dialysis treatments and compared with simultaneous serum samples. Very close correlation was noted for phosphorus, uric acid, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, potassium, bicarbonate, and sodium (r greater than 0.82, p less than 10(-6)), and we conclude that peritoneal fluid may be useful for monitoring these chemistries. The peritoneal fluid concentrations of calcium and albumin were consistently 20% and 43% lower than the corresponding serum values. Because the peritoneal fluid is in equilibrium with the serum, it could also be used to measure protein binding of low molecular-weight substances in vivo that cross the peritoneal membrane. The results presented here fail to support the suggestion that urate is bound to serum proteins in vivo.     

Nutritional management of patients with severe liver disease by using intravenous hyperalimentation and elemental diet

Management of protein-calorie malnutrition found in 32 patients with severe liver diseases such as fulminant hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver was carried out using 2 types of synthetic amino acid solution (Hep-OU and Fischer solution) for intravenous and enteral alimentations with rapid monitoring of serum aminogram. Intravenous hyperalimentation of these cases resulted in maintenance of nutritional status with improvement of nitrogen balance and normalization of impaired serum aminogram. During this study, however, nutritional support was initiated only when intractable ascites, upper gastrointestinal bleeding and hepatic encephalopathy were observed. In 2 cases of fulminant hepatitis with sepsis and 3 hepatoma patients with ascites, elemental diet containing maltose and amino acids was used to supply sufficient amounts of nutrients in a minimum volume of water. These techniques with simultaneous monitoring of urinary excretion of 3-methylhistidine and creatinine height index as nutritional parameters make nutritional management easy for patients with liver disease.     

Utility of measuring serum levels of anti-PGL-I antibody, neopterin and C-reactive protein in monitoring leprosy patients during multi-drug treatment and reactions

Objective To verify the validity of measuring the levels of Mycobacterium leprae‐specific anti‐phenolic glycolipid (PGL)‐I antibody, neopterin, a product of activated macrophages, and C‐reactive protein (CRP), an acute phase protein, in serial serum samples from patients for monitoring the leprosy spectrum and reactions during the course of multi‐drug treatment (MDT). Methods Twenty‐five untreated leprosy patients, 15 multi‐bacillary (MB) and 10 paucibacillary (PB), participated. Eight patients developed reversal reaction and five developed erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) during follow‐up. The bacterial index (BI) in slit‐skin smears was determined at diagnosis and blood samples collected by venipuncture at diagnosis and after 2, 4, 6 and 12 months of MDT. PGL‐I antibody and neopterin were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, whereas the CRP levels were measured by the latex agglutination method. Results The levels of PGL‐I antibodies and neopterin were higher in the sera of MB than PB patients, which correlated with the patients’ BI. The serum levels of CRP did not differ significantly between the MB and PB patients. The serum levels of PGL‐I and neopterin were no higher in reactional patients than non‐reactional patients prone to such reactions. However, ENL patients had higher serum CRP levels than non‐reactional MB patients. The serum PGL‐I antibody levels declined significantly during MDT, in contrast to neopterin and CRP levels. Conclusion Measuring the serum levels of PGL‐I antibodies and neopterin appeared to be useful in distinguishing MB from PB patients, whereas monitoring the levels of PGL‐I antibodies appeared to be useful in monitoring MB patients on MDT. Measuring serum CRP, although not useful in monitoring the patients, has limited significance in detecting ENL reactional patients.     

Baseline laboratory monitoring of cardiovascular medications in elderly health maintenance organization enrollees

Objectives: To identify correlates of laboratory monitoring errors in elderly health maintenance organization (HMO) members at the initiation of therapy with cardiovascular medications.
Design: Cross-sectional study in 10 HMOs.
Setting: United States.
Participants: From a 2 million-member sample, individuals aged 65 and older who received one of seven cardiovascular medications (angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), amiodarone, digoxin, diuretics, potassium supplements, and statins) and did not have recommended baseline monitoring performed during the 180 days before or 14 days after the index dispensing.
Measurements: The proportion of members receiving each drug for whom recommended laboratory monitoring was not performed. Laboratory monitoring error rates stratified by sex, age group, chronic disease score, and HMO site were examined, and logistic regression was used to identify predictors of laboratory monitoring errors.
Results: Error rates varied by medication class, ranging from 23% of patients receiving potassium supplementation without serum potassium and serum creatinine monitoring to 58% of patients receiving amiodarone who did not have recommended monitoring for thyroid and liver function. Highest error rates occurred in the youngest elderly for ACE inhibitors, ARBs, digoxin, diuretics, and potassium supplements, although in patients receiving amiodarone and statins, errors were most frequent in the oldest elderly. Errors occurred more frequently in patients with less comorbidity.
Conclusion: Laboratory monitoring errors occurred frequently in elderly HMO members at the initiation of therapy with cardiovascular medications. Further study must examine the association between these errors and adverse outcomes.     

Usefulness of a free light chain immunoassay in serum for the diagnosis and the follow-up of monoclonal gammopathy

PURPOSE: Monoclonal immunoglobulin free light chains (FLC) are present in the serum and urine of many patients with monoclonal gammopathies. In this review, we discuss the usefulness of serum FLC determination for diagnostic, prognostic and monitoring of multiple myeloma (MM), AL amyloidosis and monoclonal gammopathies of undetermined significance (MGUS). CURRENT KNOWLEDGE AND KEY POINTS: Serum FLC assay is a useful laboratory test for management of light chain MM, non-secretory MM and AL amyloidosis. Currently, serum FLC testing cannot be recommended for monitoring intact immunoglobulin multiple myeloma. Even though serum FLC determination give a better risk stratification for MGUS, systematic serum FLC assay should not be used in routine because of high MGUS occurrence in the general population. FUTURE PROSPECTS AND PROJECTS: Further prospective studies with large cohorts of patients should provide additional evidence for the role of serum FLC measurement in patients with intact immunoglobulin multiple myeloma.     

老年高血压合并抑郁患者甲状腺激素水平变化分析

目的了解老年高血压合并抑郁患者甲状腺激素水平的变化。方法选择老年高血压患者73例,分为高血压合并抑郁组(合并组)28例,高血压无合并抑郁组(对照组)45例,并对其进行汉密尔顿抑郁量表及血清甲状腺激素水平检测,比较2组甲状腺激素水平和低T_3综合征发生率。结果合并组患者游离三碘甲状腺原氨酸低于对照组(P<0.01),低T_3综合征发生率高于对照组(39.29%vs 17.78%,P<0.05)。结论老年高血压合并抑郁患者游离三碘甲状腺原氨酸降低,容易发生低T_3综合征,应定期检测甲状腺功能。