Renal function in polycythaemia.

In 23 patients with polycythaemia vera and symptomatic erythrocytosis, glomerular filtration rate and urine concentration ability see article were determined under conditions of antidiuresis. The restriction of fluid intake caused a significant reduction of GFR and modified the osmotic function of the kidneys. The results were similar in both types of polycythaemia.     

Assessment of cognitive function in the elderly

Neuropsychological testing of the five basic areas of mental function (attention, language, memory, visuospatial ability, and conceptualization) can be used to help differentiate the effects of normal aging, delirium, depression, and dementing disorders, and in developing appropriate treatment or management plans. The author assesses the meaning of the test results with particular reference to Alzheimer's disease.     

Renal function in patients with yusho

Renal functions were examined in 102 patients with yusho in 1988, Frequencies of proteinuria, microhematuria and history of renal diseases were not different from 20 age-matched controls. The means of blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine and serum uric acid levels of yusho patients did not differ from those of controls. The levels of serum beta 2-microglobulin and its urinary excretion showed no difference between two groups. Serum concentrations of sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium and phosphorus revealed no abnormality in all patients except for one who had hypophosphatemia. Urinary excretions of phosphorus, however, were significantly higher in yusho patients than in controls. Serum PCB levels, which were still higher in yusho patients, did not correlate with urinary excretions of phosphorus. The mechanism and the clinical significance of this phenomenon remain to be elucidated.