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Purpose: Patients with severe obesity submitted to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) are at risk of developing long-term hypovitaminosis D and secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) as well as osteometabolic disease. This study aimed to evaluate calcium-vitamin D-PTH axis and bone mineral density (BMD) changes from post-RYGB patients who were followed-up until a median of 5 years., Materials and Methods: Vitamin D deficiency was defined as 25-hydroxyvitamin D <20 ng/mL and SHPT as PTH >68 pg/mL, in patients with normal serum creatinine and calcium. BMD was estimated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA, g/cm 2 )., Results: We included 127 post-RYGB patients (51±10.6 years, 87.4% self-declared White, 91.3% female, 52.8% postmenopausal). Vitamin D deficiency prevalence was the highest (41.5%) in the second year and the lowest (21.2%) in the third year (p<0.05). SHPT prevalence was 65.4% in the second year and increased to 83.7% in the sixth year (p<0.05). Patients with low BMD in lumbar, femoral neck, and total proximal femur were older and presented menopausal status more frequently than normal BMD group (p<0.05). Older age was a risk marker for altered BMD in femoral neck (OR=1.185; 95% CI 1.118-1.256) and in total proximal femur (OR=1.158; 95% CI 1.066-1.258), both after adjusting for follow-up and excess weight loss., Conclusion: After 5 years, most bariatric patients presented calcium-vitamin D-PTH axis disruption, in which SHPT was more frequent than hypovitaminosis D. Older patients and menopausal women presented higher rates of low BMD, and older age was a risk marker, especially for low BMD in femoral sites., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Objectives: The aim of this study was to establish the prevalence of sarcopenia and associated factors in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) according to 2010 (EWGSOP1) and 2018 (EWGSOP2) European consensus., Design: Cross-sectional study., Participants: Elderly outpatients ≥60 years with type 2 DM and able to walk were recruited at the DM ambulatory care center of a public hospital in Porto Alegre from 2017 to 2018., Materials and Methods: The diagnosis of sarcopenia was performed according to EWGSOP1 and EWGSOP2. Muscle mass (MM) was assessed using bioelectrical impedance (BIA). Muscle strength (MS) was assessed using the handgrip strength (HS) test and physical performance (PP) by timed-up-and-go (TUG) test., Results: We included 242 patients with 68.3 ± 5.6 years, 54% women, 78% white, DM duration 14(8-22) years, BMI 29.5 ± 4.5 kg/m 2 , and HbA1c 7.8 ± 1.5%. Overall prevalence of sarcopenia was 21%. In EWGSOP1 it was 16.9%. The GLM Poisson model was used to assess sarcopenia. Male sex increased the prevalence of sarcopenia by 33% (3.330 [1.747-6.350]; p < .001), and walking >5401 steps/day had a protective effect of 70% for the prevalence of sarcopenia (0.306 [0.127-0.739]; p = .029). Finally, age had an impact of 6% on prevalence of sarcopenia (1.06 [1.015-1.108]; p = .009) according to EWGSOP1. On the other hand, the prevalence was 7%, women had more sarcopenia (88%), and BMI was lower in the sarcopenic group when defined according to EWGSOP2., Conclusions: The prevalence of sarcopenia was more than double when comparing EWGSOP1 (16.9%) and EWGSOP2 (7%). We believe that the difference in prevalence is due to modifications in MM and MS criteria. According to EWGSOP1, walking may have protective role in the prevalence of sarcopenia in elderly type 2 DM individuals., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declared no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Fiber intake is associated with better glycemic control being an important nonpharmacologicaltreatment for diabetes (DM). We hypothesize that a dietary fiber intake can bringbenefits to diabetic kidney disease (DKD), improving renal outcomes. This systematic review aimedto evaluate the effect of dietary fiber (supplemental or dietary pattern rich in fiber) on DKD. Wesearched six databases to identify clinical trials that reported fiber intake and renal outcomes(albuminuria, proteinuria, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) dialysis) in patients with DM.From 1814 studies, 48 papers were fully evaluated. In the end, seven trials (161 patients, aged 58.3years, 49% females) were included. The studies were organized into three categories (vegetarian,Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, and fiber supplement), two evaluatedsupplements and five dietary patterns. Vegetarian diet reduced albuminuria in three trials, two inpatients with type 1 DM and one in patients with type 2 DM; and one study demonstrated a change inthe eGFR in type 1 DM. The individual quality of the studies was low/uncertain. A vegetarian dietarypattern may have a beneficial effect on these renal outcomes. However, the individual effect of theintake of fiber on DKD not was possible to be evaluated., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest”.

Background: The influence of dietary fat on the body fat of patients with diabetes is not well established. This cross-sectional study aimed to analyze the association between percentage body fat (PBF) and dietary sources of fat from the usual diet of patients with type 2 diabetes., Methods: Outpatients were submitted to PBF evaluation estimated by bioelectrical impedance. The patient's usual diet was assessed by a 3-day weighed diet record (WDR), and compliance was analyzed by comparing the protein intake estimated from the WDR and that from 24-hr urinary nitrogen output., Results: A total of 188 patients with type 2 diabetes (aged 62.5 ± 8.8 years; 57% female, body mass index [BMI] 29.3 ± 3.8 kg/m²) were analyzed and divided into groups with high and low PBF according to mean PBF (men: 26.6 ± 7.1%; women: 39.8 ± 5.9%). Patients with high PBF consumed an increased proportion of red meat (52.0% of total meat), processed meat (5.4%), and saturated fat from red meat (2.1% of energy) compared to low PBF individuals (42.3% [ p  = 0.036]; 3.0% [ p  = 0.010]; 1.5% of energy [ p  = 0.032], respectively). According to Poisson's regression, the consumption of red meat (PR = 1.008 [95% CI = 1.002-1.013]; p  = 0.006) and the reuse of frying oil (PR = 1.670 [95% CI = 1.240-2.249]; p  = 0.001) were associated with higher PBF. In the adjusted analysis, the upper tertile of processed meat intake was associated with higher PBF (PR = 1.522 [95% CI = 1.226-1.891]; p  = 0.001) compared to the lower tertile., Conclusions: The present study suggested that a higher ingestion of dietary sources of saturated fat was associated with high PBF in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Background: The best insulin regimen to treat hyperglycemia in hospitalized patients on nutritional support (NS) is unclear., Methods: We searched electronic databases to identify cohort studies or randomized clinical trials in order to evaluate the efficacy of different insulin regimens used to treat hyperglycemia in hospitalized patients on NS on diverse outcomes: mean blood glucose (MBG), hypoglycemia, length of stay in hospital, and mortality., Results: Seventeen studies from a total of 5,030 were included. Enteral Group included 8 studies; 1,203 patients using rapid, glargine, NPH, or Premix insulin; MBG 108-225 mg/dL; hypoglycemia 0-13%. In indirect meta-analyses, NPH insulin ranked best for glucose control (MD 95% CI -2.50 mg/dL [2.65 to -2.35]). Parenteral Group included 4 studies; 228 patients using regular and glargine or NPH insulin; MBG 137-202 mg/dL; hypoglycemia 0-40%. In meta-analyses comparing regular insulin added to parenteral nutrition bag with glargine, MBG (MD 95% CI -3.78 mg/dL [-11.93 to 4.37]; I2 = 0%) or hypoglycemia frequency (RR 95% CI 1.37 [0.43-4.32]; I2 = 70.7%) did not differ. The description related to hospital length of stay and mortality was inconsistent between groups., Conclusions: The best insulin regimen to treat hyperglycemia in hospitalized patients on NS has not been established; best results using insulin regimens with NPH in enteral nutrition do not seem to be clinically relevant., (© 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Aggression is defined as the act in which an individual intentionally harms or injures another of their own species. Antipsychotics are a form of treatment used in psychiatric routine. They have been used for decades in treatment of patients with aggressive behavior. Haloperidol and risperidone promote the control of psychiatric symptoms, through their respective mechanisms of action. Experimental models are obtained by behavioral, genetic, and pharmacological manipulations, and use a reduced number of animals. In this context, we applied the model of spontaneous aggression (MSA), originating the presence of highly aggressive mice (AgR) when reassembled in adulthood. We administered haloperidol and risperidone in escalating doses, for ten consecutive days. Using positive and negative control groups, we evaluated the effectiveness of these drugs and the reversal of the aggressive behavior, performing the tail suspension test (TST) and open field test (OFT) on 10th day of treatment and 10 days after its discontinuation. The results showed that both antipsychotic drugs were effective in AgR and reversed the aggressive phenotype, reducing the number of attacks by AgR and the extent of lesions in the subordinate mice (AgD) exposed to the pattern of aggressive behavior (PAB) of the aggressors. This conclusion is based on the reduction in the animals' motor and exploratory activity, and on the reversal of patterns of aggressive behavior. The association between the MSA and experiments with other therapeutic protocols and different antipsychotics can be an important methodology in the study of aggressive behavior in psychiatric patients., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Mesangial cells subject to high extracellular glucose concentrations, as occur in hyperglycaemic states, are unable to down regulate glucose influx, resulting in intracellular activation of deleterious biochemical pathways. A high expression of GLUT1 participates in the development of diabetic glomerulopathy. Variants in the gene encoding GLUT1 (SLC2A1) have been associated to this diabetic complication. The aim of this study was to test whether polymorphisms in SLC2A1 confer susceptibility to diabetic nephropathy (DN) in Brazilian type 1 diabetes patients. Four polymorphisms (rs3820589, rs1385129, rs841847 and rs841848) were genotyped in a Brazilian cohort comprised of 452 patients. A prospective analysis was performed in 155 patients. Mean duration of follow-up was 5.6 ± 2.4 years and the incidence of renal events was 18.0%. The rs3820589 presented an inverse association with the prevalence of incipient DN (OR: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.16 - 0.80, p=0.01) and with progression to renal events (HR: 0.20; 95% CI: 0.03 - 0.70; p=0.009). AGGT and AGAC haplotypes were associated with the prevalence of incipient DN and the AGAC haplotype was also associated with the prevalence of established/advanced DN. In conclusion, rs3820589 in the SLC2A1 gene modulates the risk to DN in Brazilian patients with inadequate type 1 diabetes control., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Different dietary interventions have been identified as potential modifiers of adiponectin concentrations, and they may be influenced by lipid intake. We identified studies investigating the effect of dietary lipids (type/amount) on adiponectin concentrations in a systematic review with meta-analysis. A literature search was conducted until July 2013 using databases such as Medline, Embase and Scopus (MeSH terms: 'adiponectin', 'dietary lipid', 'randomized controlled trials (RCT)'). Inclusion criteria were RCT in adults analysing adiponectin concentrations with modification of dietary lipids. Among the 4930 studies retrieved, fifty-three fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were grouped as follows: (1) total dietary lipid intake; (2) dietary/supplementary n-3 PUFA; (3) conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) supplementation; (4) other dietary lipid interventions. Diets with a low fat content in comparison to diets with a high-fat content were not associated with positive changes in adiponectin concentrations (twelve studies; pooled estimate of the difference in means: -0·04 (95% CI -0·82, 0·74) μg/ml). A modest increase in adiponectin concentrations with n-3 PUFA supplementation was observed (thirteen studies; 0·27 (95% CI 0·07, 0·47) μg/ml). Publication bias was found by using Egger's test (P= 0·01) and funnel plot asymmetry. In contrast, CLA supplementation reduced the circulating concentrations of adiponectin compared with unsaturated fat supplementation (seven studies; -0·74 (95% CI -1·38, -0·10) μg/ml). However, important sources of heterogeneity were found as revealed by the meta-regression analyses of both n-3 PUFA and CLA supplementation. Results of new RCT would be necessary to confirm these findings.

Objective: To evaluate the reproducibility and validity of a previously constructed FFQ to assess the usual diet of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)., Design: Cross-sectional survey using two quantitative FFQ (1-month interval) supported by a food photograph portfolio, a 3 d weighed diet record (WDR) and urinary N output measurement (as a biomarker of protein intake)., Setting: Group of Nutrition in Endocrinology, southern Brazil., Subjects: Out-patients with T2DM., Results: From a total of 104 eligible T2DM patients, eighty-eight were included in the evaluation of FFQ reproducibility and seventy-two provided data for the validity study. The intakes estimated from the two FFQ did not differ (P > 0·05) and the correlation coefficients were significant (P < 0·01) for energy and nutrients, ranging from 0·451 (soluble fibre) to 0·936 (PUFA). Regarding the validity evaluation, data from the FFQ were higher than those from the WDR for total (28·3%), soluble (27·4%) and insoluble fibres (29·1%), and SFA (13·5%), MUFA (11·1 %) and total lipids (9·2%; all P < 0·05). There were significant correlation coefficients between the FFQ and WDR for most nutrients, when adjusted for energy intake and de-attenuated. Also, the Bland-Altman plots between the FFQ and WDR for energy and macronutrient intakes showed that the FFQ may be used as alternative method to the WDR. The validity coefficient (using the method of triads) for the FFQ protein intake was 0·522 (95% CI 0·414, 0·597)., Conclusions: This quantitative FFQ was valid and precise to assess the usual diet of patients with T2DM, according to its validity and reproducibility.

Objective: To evaluate associations of dietary fat composition with the development of cardiac events in patients with type 2 diabetes, without ischemic heart disease who were followed for at least 12 months., Methods: In this prospective cohort study the usual diet of patients was retrospectively assessed by a 3-day weighed diet record (WDR). Compliance with the WDR technique was assessed by comparing protein intake estimated from 3-day WDR and 24-h urinary nitrogen output. The following were considered cardiac events: myocardial infarction, myocardial revascularization procedures, congestive heart failure, new-onset angina pectoris, and sudden death., Results: A total of 227 patients with type 2 diabetes (aged 59 ± 10 years; 46.0% male), were followed during 4.6 years. In a multivariate Cox regression analysis, the intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids had a protective effect for cardiac events (HR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.11-0.89; P = 0.03) adjusted for age, gender, duration of diabetes, smoking, compliance with WDR, using hypolipidemic agents, and the presence of hypertension and diabetic nephropathy. When the fat intake was divided into quartiles, the highest intake of α-linolenic acid (>1.25% of energy) was negatively associated with cardiac events (HR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.39-0.85; P = 0.006), adjusted for the same covariates.., Conclusion: In patients with type 2 diabetes without ischemic heart disease, a high intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially alpha linolenic acid, was protective for the development of cardiac events.., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible associations between dietary energy density (ED) and the metabolic syndrome (MetS) in patients with type 2 diabetes. In the present case-control study, the dietary ED of 125 patients with type 2 diabetes (seventy-eight with (cases) the MetS and forty-seven without (controls) the MetS; mean age 62·0 (SD 9·4) years, mean diabetes duration 12·5 (SD 8·4) years and mean glycated Hb 7·2 (SD 1·3) %) was assessed by weighed diet records. The MetS was defined according to the 2009 Joint Interim Statement and ED by the amount of energy (kJ) in a given weight of food. Data are expressed as means (standard deviations) or medians (interquartile ranges). Patients with the MetS reported lower intakes of total energy and fibre, and a higher total food amount than the controls; the total ED did not differ, but the cases had a higher ED at lunch (mean 6·3 (SD 1·3) v. 5·9 (SD 0·8) kJ/g; P= 0·017). In this meal, patients with the MetS had lower intakes of beans (median 0·7 (interquartile range 0·4-1·1) v. 1·1 (interquartile range 0·6-1·6) g/kg; P= 0·020), vegetables (median 1·2 (interquartile range 0·6-1·7) v. 1·4 (interquartile range 1·0-2·0) g/kg; P= 0·046) and total meat (median 1·3 (interquartile range 1·0-1·6) v. 1·4 (interquartile range 1·2-1·8) g/kg; P= 0·034) than patients without the MetS. The associations between lunch ED (kJ/g) and food groups (g/kg) were confirmed for vegetables (r - 0·584; P< 0·001), fruits (r - 0·233; P= 0·070), beans (r - 0·189; P= 0·037) and oils (r 0·323; P< 0·001). In a multivariate logistic regression model, a high lunch ED was associated with the MetS (OR 6·89, 95 % CI 1·35, 35·15; P =0·020) after adjusting for confounders. In conclusion, a high ED at lunch increased the odds of the presence of the MetS in patients with type 2 diabetes. Beans and vegetables may be the major contributors to this association and their consumption might be considered to decrease ED.

Background: To investigate the association between dietary components and development of chronic diabetic complications, the dietary evaluation should include a long period, months or years. The present manuscript aims to develop a quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and a portfolio with food photos to assess the usual intake pattern of Brazilian patients with type 2 diabetes to be used in future studies., Methods: Dietary data using 3-day weighed diet records (WDR) from 188 outpatients with type 2 diabetes were used to construct the list of usually consumed foods. Foods were initially clustered into eight groups: "cereals, tubers, roots, and derivatives"; "vegetables and legumes"; "fruits"; "beans"; "meat and eggs"; "milk and dairy products"; "oils and fats", and "sugars and sweets". The frequency of food intake and the relative contribution of each food item to the total energy and nutrient intakes were calculated. Portion sizes were determined according to the 25th, 50th, 75th, and 95th percentiles of intake for each food item., Results: A total of 62 food items were selected based on the 3-day WDR and another 27 foods or how they are prepared and nine beverages were included after the expert examination. Also, a portfolio with food photos of each included food item and portion sizes was made to assist the patients in identifying the consumed portion., Conclusions: We developed a practical quantitative FFQ and portfolio with photos of 98 food items covering those most commonly consumed in the past 12 months, to assess the usual diet pattern of patients with type 2 diabetes in Southern Brazil.

Background: Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the best index of renal function, but age, gender and ethnicity can putatively affect its values. The aim of this study was to establish reference values for GFR in healthy Brazilian subjects while taking these factors into account., Methods: In this cross-sectional study, GFR was measured by the 51Cr-EDTA single-injection method. GFR reference values were developed according to CLSI Guidelines for Defining, Establishing, and Verifying Reference Intervals in the Clinical Laboratory (CLSI C28 protocol)., Results: The age range of the 285 healthy individuals was 19 to 70  years, 57% were females, and GFR was 106 ± 18 mL/min/1.73 m(2). There was no difference between male and female GFRs (108 ± 18 vs. 104 ± 18 mL/min/1.73 m(2) respectively, P = 0.134), and reference values were therefore developed from the pooled sample. GFR values were lower in subjects aged ≥45 years as compared with those younger than 45 years (98 ± 15 vs.112 ± 18 mL/min/1.73 m(2), P < 0.001). Based on mean ± 2 SD, GFR reference values were 76 to 148 mL/min/1.73 m(2) for subjects younger than 45 years and 68 to 128 mL/min/1.73 m(2) for individuals older than 45 years, irrespective of gender., Conclusion: The age-adjusted reference intervals reported may be reliably adopted to evaluate kidney function, since they are based on recommended standards.

The role of each Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet component in blood pressure (BP) of patients with diabetes is still uncertain. The aim of the present study was to evaluate possible associations of the recommended food groups of the DASH diet eating plan with BP values in patients with type 2 diabetes. In the present cross-sectional study, 225 patients with type 2 diabetes (age 61·1 (SD 10·4) years; diabetes duration 13·1 (SD 9·1) years; males 48·4 %; BMI 28·5 (SD 4·3) kg/m(2); HbA1c 7·1 (SD 1·3) %; systolic BP 136·7 (SD 20·0) mmHg; diastolic BP 78·4 (SD 11·8) mmHg) without dietary counselling during the previous 6 months had their dietary intake assessed by 3 d weighed-diet records. Patients were divided into two groups according to BP tertiles: LOW BP (first tertile) and HIGH BP (second plus third tertiles). Multivariate logistic regression models demonstrated that the daily intake of 80 g of fruits per 4184 kJ (1000 kcal) (OR 0·781; 95 % CI 0·617, 0·987; P = 0·039) or 50 g of vegetables per 4184 kJ (1000 kcal) (OR 0·781; 95 % CI 0·618, 0·988; P = 0·040) reduced the chance of the presence of HIGH mean BP (MBP ≥ 92 mmHg) by 22 % each, adjusted for possible confounders. In conclusion, fruit and vegetables were the food groups of the DASH diet associated with reduced BP values in patients with type 2 diabetes, and their consumption might play a protective role against increased BP values.

Objective: Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene, especially the common rs9939609 (A/T) SNP, are associated with body mass index (BMI), diabetes, and metabolic syndrome (MetS). MetS is highly prevalent in patients with type 2 diabetes and has been associated with chronic diabetic complications. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate possible associations of the scarcely investigated rs7204609 (C/T) polymorphism, as well as the rs9939609 (A/T) polymorphism, with MetS and chronic diabetic complications in type 2 diabetic patients from Southern Brazil., Design: This was a cross-sectional study., Patients and Methods: A total of 236 patients with type 2 diabetes (age: 60.0 ± 10.3 years; diabetes duration: 12.7 ± 8.2 years; 53.4% women) were genotyped for the FTO rs7204609 and rs9939609 polymorphisms (ABI PRISM 7000 Real-Time PCR System). Patients underwent clinical, laboratory, and nutritional evaluation. MetS was defined according to the 2009-Joint Interim Statement., Results: Carriers of C allele of the rs7204609 polymorphism (CT/CC genotypes, n = 35) were at increased risk for the presence of MetS (odds ratio [OR] = 4.56; 95% CI: 1.04 to 19.9), elevated waist circumference (OR = 8.66; 95% CI: 1.12 to 66.7), BMI: ≥ 30 kg/m(2) (OR = 3.71; 95% CI: 1.71 to 8.02), and microalbuminuria (OR = 2.30; 95% CI: 1.08 to 4.88), adjusted for gender and diabetes duration (P < .05 for all models). The rs9939609 polymorphism was not associated with MetS, elevated waist circumference or BMI, or diabetic complications. Daily energy and nutrient intakes did not differ according to the presence of the polymorphisms., Conclusions: The C allele of the rs7204609 polymorphism in the FTO gene increased the chance for the presence of MetS, especially central obesity, and microalbuminuria, independently of energy and nutrient intakes in this sample of type 2 diabetic patients from Southern Brazil., (Copyright © 2012 National Kidney Foundation, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Intracardiac metastases of thyroid carcinoma are a rare event. Their incidence is low in large autopsy series, and antemortem diagnosis is even less common. We present the case of a woman with advanced poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma who had extensive intracardiac metastases. This case highlights the usefulness of echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of cardiac metastases., (© 2011, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible association between serum fatty acids composition and endothelial dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 125 normo- or microalbuminuric type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with serum creatinine <1.5 mg/dL. Serum fatty acids composition (gas chromatography), serum levels of endothelin-1 (ET-1) (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), fibrinogen, serum C-reactive protein, lipids, homeostasis model assessment resistance index (HOMA-R), and 24-hour urinary albumin excretion rate were measured. Serum levels of ET-1 were positively correlated with saturated fatty acids (r = 0.257, P = .025) and negatively correlated with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) (r = -0.319, P = .005). Serum ET-1 levels were also positively correlated with systolic blood pressure, waist circumference, total cholesterol levels, triglycerides, and HOMA-R. In multiple linear regression models, only saturated fatty acids (R(2) = 0.317, P = .002) or PUFAs (R(2) = 0.314, P = .001) remained associated with ET-1 levels. Models were adjusted for systolic blood pressure, HOMA-R, waist circumference, triglycerides, body mass index, and smoking habit. The serum total PUFA levels showed an inverse correlation with urinary albumin excretion rate (r = -0.248, P = .012). In conclusion, in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, the serum fatty acids composition was independently related to endothelial function evaluated by serum ET-1. Saturated fatty acids were associated with endothelial dysfunction (high levels of ET-1), whereas PUFAs had a protective role in endothelial function.

In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), the factors associated with under- or overreporting of protein intake in nutrition assessment tools, as well as the variability of diet records, have not been fully established. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate factors associated with under- or overreporting of protein intake and its variability in patients with type 2 DM. Protein intake was estimated in 205 patients (aged 59.8+/-9.6 years) using 3-day weighed diet records and 24-hour nitrogen output (criterion standard). Twenty-three patients repeated the 3-day weighed diet records three times. Clinical, nutrition, and lifestyle evaluations were performed. Coefficients of variation were calculated for protein intake. Factors associated with under- and overreporting were assessed using multivariate logistic regression models. Coefficients of variation for protein intake estimated by weighed diet records or nitrogen output were similar (11.9% vs 11.3%; P>0.05). Using Beaton's formula, a difference of 16.5% in protein intake between two 3-day weighed diet records was acceptable. The lowest A1c test tertile (< or =6.9%) was associated with protein intake underreporting (odds ratio [OR]=0.40; 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.16 to 0.99; P=0.046] after adjustment for sex, age, employment status, and living alone. Male sex (OR=6.66; 95% CI: 2.08 to 22.07; P=0.002), A1c test (OR=1.29; 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.64; P=0.036), and body mass index (OR=0.89; 95% CI: 0.80 to 0.994; P=0.039), adjusted for physical and employment status, education, and preparing one's own meals, were associated with overreporting. In conclusion, in patients with type 2 DM, a difference >16.5% in protein intake between two 3-day weighed diet records should be interpreted as a true discrepancy. Poor glucose control and male sex increase the chance of inaccurate 3-day weighed diet records.

Background: The first step in the diagnosis of diabetic nephropathy is to measure albumin in a spot urine sample. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of urinary albumin concentration (UAC), urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR), and the Micral-Test II in a random urine specimen (RUS) for microalbuminuria screening in diabetes mellitus., Methods: Two hundred and seventy-eight patients collected 24 h timed urine specimens followed by RUS. Albumin (immunoturbidimetry) and creatinine were measured in protein-negative (Combur-Test) urine samples. Samples were classified as normoalbuminuric [24 h urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER) <20 microg/min; n = 189] and microalbuminuric (UAER =20-199 microg/min; n = 89). Micral-Test II readings were performed in 130 RUS. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves were constructed using UAER as the reference standard., Results: The areas under the ROC curves were similar for UAC (0.934+/-0.032) and UACR (0.920+/-0.035; P = 0.626), but the Micral-Test II had lower accuracy to diagnose microalbuminuria (area = 0.846+/-0.047) than UAC (P = 0.014). The first cutoff point with 100% sensitivity for UAC was 14.4 mg/l (specificity =77.2%), and 15.7 mg/g for UACR (specificity =73.0%). Concerning the Micral-Test II, sensitivity and specificity for the 20 mg/l cutoff point were 90.0 and 46.0%, respectively. The agreement between UAER and the Micral-Test II for microalbuminuria diagnosis was 55.8% (kappa = 0.22; P < 0.001). The cost of diagnosing microalbuminuria was 1.74 dollars(UAC), 2.00 dollars (UACR) and 4.09 dollars (Micral-Test II) per patient., Conclusions: Measurement of UAC in a RUS was the best choice for the diagnosis screening of microalbuminuria in diabetic patients, considering cost and accuracy.

Background: The role of parenteral nutrition (PN) therapy as an independent risk factor for central venous catheter (CVC)-related infection in nonselected adult patients is not well established. The aim of this study was to evaluate PN as a risk factor for central venous catheter-related infection in nonselected adult patients in a general university hospital., Methods: Patients using central venous catheters, exposed or nonexposed to PN, were prospectively followed for development of central venous catheter-related infection., Results: One hundred fifty-three patients were studied; 28 developed central venous catheter-related infection. Patients with central venous catheter-related infection presented higher frequency of PN use than patients without infection (60.7 vs 34.4%; p = .010). Multivariate Cox analysis showed that PN (relative risk (RR) = 3.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.30-8.34; p = .012) was the only risk factor for central venous catheter-related infection. Malnutrition (RR = 0.45; 95% CI, 0.15-1.34; p = .152), days of hospitalization before central venous catheter insertion (RR = 1.00; 95% CI, 0.98-1.02; p = .801), and sustained hyperglycemia (RR = 0.49; 95% CI, 0.98-1.21; p = .091) were not significant in the model. Multiple logistic regression revealed that mal-nutrition (odds ratio [OR] = 8.05; 95% CI, 1.85-35.03; p = .005), central venous catheter indication for surgical-related pathology (OR = 7.26; 95% CI, 2.51-21.04; p < .001), sustained hyperglycemia (OR = 4.34; 95% CI, 1.79-10.52; p = .001), and days of hospitalization before central venous catheter insertion (OR = 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01-1.07; p = .004) were associated with PN use after adjustment for Assessment Score Intervention System score (OR = 0.33; 95% CI, 0.14-0.80; p = .014)., Conclusions: PN therapy is an independent risk factor for central venous catheter-related infection in nonselected hospitalized adult patients.

Diabetic nephropathy is the leading cause of kidney disease in patients starting renal replacement therapy and affects approximately 40% of type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients. It increases the risk of death, mainly from cardiovascular causes, and is defined by increased urinary albumin excretion (UAE) in the absence of other renal diseases. Diabetic nephropathy is categorized into stages: microalbuminuria (UAE >20 microg/min and < or =199 microg/min) and macroalbuminuria (UAE > or =200 microg/min). Hyperglycemia, increased blood pressure levels, and genetic predisposition are the main risk factors for the development of diabetic nephropathy. Elevated serum lipids, smoking habits, and the amount and origin of dietary protein also seem to play a role as risk factors. Screening for microalbuminuria should be performed yearly, starting 5 years after diagnosis in type 1 diabetes or earlier in the presence of puberty or poor metabolic control. In patients with type 2 diabetes, screening should be performed at diagnosis and yearly thereafter. Patients with micro- and macroalbuminuria should undergo an evaluation regarding the presence of comorbid associations, especially retinopathy and macrovascular disease. Achieving the best metabolic control (A1c <7%), treating hypertension (<130/80 mmHg or <125/75 mmHg if proteinuria >1.0 g/24 h and increased serum creatinine), using drugs with blockade effect on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, and treating dyslipidemia (LDL cholesterol <100 mg/dl) are effective strategies for preventing the development of microalbuminuria, in delaying the progression to more advanced stages of nephropathy and in reducing cardiovascular mortality in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

The aim of this study was to analyze the role of ACE gene insertion/deletion (I/D) and PC-1 gene K121Q polymorphisms in the changes of glomerular filtration rate (GFR), urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER), and blood pressure (BP) levels in a cohort of normoalbuminuric Type 1 diabetic patients. This is a 10.2+/-2.0-year prospective study of 30 normotensive normoalbuminuric Type 1 diabetic patients. UAER (immunoturbidimetry), GFR ((51)Cr-EDTA single injection technique), GHb (ion exchange chromatography), and BP levels were measured at baseline and at 1.7+/-0.6-year intervals. The presence of ACE gene I/D and PC-1 gene K121Q polymorphisms was determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction enzyme techniques. Three patients developed diabetic nephropathy (DN), all carriers of allele D. The presence of allele D was the only predictor (R(2)=.15, F=4.92, P=.035) of the observed GFR decline (-0.29+/-0.34 ml/min/month, P<.05). UAER increased during the study (log UAER=0.0275+/-0.042 microg/min/month, P=.002) and was associated with baseline UAER levels only (R(2)=.17, F=5.72, P=.024). A significant increase (P<.05) in cases of hypertension and retinopathy were observed in ID/DD (n=19) and not in II patients (n=11). Patients with the KQ/QQ genotype (n=8) presented a significant increase (P=.045) in new cases of retinopathy. In conclusion, the presence of the ACE gene D allele in this sample of normoalbuminuric normotensive Type 1 diabetic patients was associated with a higher proportion of microvascular complications and hypertension.

Objective: To analyze the changes in glomerular filtration rate (GFR), urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER), and blood pressure (BP) levels in a cohort of normoalbuminuric and normotensive type 1 diabetic patients., Research Design and Methods: This is an 8.4+/-2.1-year prospective study of 33 normotensive normoalbuminuric (24-h UAER <20 microg/min) type 1 diabetic patients. UAER (radioimmunoassay), GFR (51Cr-EDTA single-injection technique), and GHb (ion-exchange chromatography) were measured at baseline and at 1- to 2-year intervals., Results: The GFR decreased (137.6+/-16.5 to 116.4+/-21.3 ml x min(-1) x 1.73 m(-2) P < 0.05) during the follow-up period. GFR reduction (-0.20+/-0.29 ml x min(-1) x month(-1); P < 0.05) was associated with baseline GFR and mean GHb (R2 = 0.30; beta = 0.072; F = 6.54; P = 0.004). UAER was higher at the end of the study (3.7-7.1 microg/min; P = 0.017). Microalbuminuria was observed in two patients, while macroalbuminuria was observed in one. No changes in UAER were observed when these three patients were excluded from the analysis. Mean blood pressure (MBP) increased during the study (85.8+/-9.7 to 99.6+/-11.6 mmHg; P < 0.001). MBP at the end of the study was associated with age and GFR at baseline (R2 = 0.39; beta = 0.074; F = 9.64; P = 0.001)., Conclusions: In this cohort of normoalbuminuric normotensive type 1 diabetic patients, GFR decreased and BP levels increased during the follow-up period. The predictors for the GFR change were baseline GFR level and metabolic control. For end-of-study MBP, the predictor was baseline GFR level.

Objective: To assess the performance of urinary total protein measurements in timed 24-h urine collection (24-h UP) and in a diurnal random urine specimen (RUS) for the screening and diagnosis of overt diabetic nephropathy., Research Design and Methods: A total of 167 diabetic patients (20 type 1 and 147 type 2 diabetic patients; 78 women and 89 men), aged 20-84 years, collected 217 timed 24-h urine specimens. Albumin was measured by immunoturbidimetry, total protein by sulfosalicylic acid technique, and creatinine by Jaffe's method. According to the timed 24-h urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER), samples were divided into three groups: normoalbuminuric (NORMO) (UAER < 20 micrograms/min; n = 84), microalbuminuric (MICRO) (UAER 20-200 micrograms/min; n = 78), and macroalbuminuric (MACRO) (UAER > or = 200 micrograms/min; n = 55). Eighty-six patients also collected 105 RUSs (NORMO, n = 47; MICRO, n = 37; MACRO, n = 21), and urinary protein concentration (UPC) and urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPCR) were measured. The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve approach was used to analyze the performance of the diagnostic tests., Results: Spearman's coefficient of correlation of 24-h UAER versus 24-h UP was 0.95 (P < 0.001), and of 24-h UAER versus UPC and UPCR were 0.77 and 0.72, respectively (P < 0.001). The calculated areas (+/- SEM) under the ROC curve for the diagnosis of over diabetic nephropathy were 0.9987 +/- 0.001 for 24-h UP, 0.9926 +/- 0.006 for UPC, and 0.9751 +/- 0.014 for UPCR. In the ROC curves, the first points with 100% sensitivity were 541 mg (95.7% specificity) for 24-h UP, 431 mg/l (92.9% specificity) for UPC, and 0.2 (76.2% specificity) for UPCR., Conclusions: Measurements of proteinuria presented almost perfect accuracy for the screening and diagnosis of overt diabetic nephropathy. Protein measurement in spot urine is a reliable and simple method for the screening and diagnosis of overt diabetic nephropathy.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of captopril on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER) of normoalbuminuric normotensive insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) patients with and without glomerular hyperfiltration. Eleven normoalbuminuric (UAER < 30 micrograms/min) patients (age: 34.3 +/- 4.6 years: diabetes duration: 9.5 +/- 6.4 years) participated in the study. Six patients were considered to be hyperfiltering (GFR > or = 134 ml/min/ 1.73m2). GFR (51Cr-EDTA single injection technique), extracellular volume (ECV; distribution volume of 51Cr-EDTA), UAER (RIA) and metabolic and biochemical parameters were measured at baseline, after 6 weeks on captopril (25 mg p.o. twice daily) and after 6 weeks off captopril. Plasma renin activity (PRA; RIA), plasma aldosterone (RIA) and blood volume (51Cr red cell labeled) were measured at baseline and after 6 weeks on captopril. The baseline clinical and laboratory characteristics of hyperfiltering and normofiltering IDDM patients were similar. GFR did not change during the study (144.1 +/- 28.8; 139.7 +/- 21.8; 132.8 +/- 29.9 ml/min/1.73 m2) either in patients with hyperfiltration (164.6 +/- 20.7; 153.8 +/- 18.3; 148.6 +/- 31.0 ml/min/1.73 m2; n = 6) or without hyperfiltration (119.6 +/- 11.1; 123.2 +/- 11.9; 113.8 +/- 14.4 ml/min/1.73 m2; n = 5). Also, ECV (22.2 +/- 3.6; 21.5 +/- 4.3; 21.5 +/- 3.5 L/1.73 m2), UAER (3.9 [0.4-22.1]; 4.0 [0.2-11.4]; 3.7 [2.0-26.2] micrograms/min), systolic (112 +/- 13; 105 +/- 10; 111 +/- 11 mmHg) and diastolic (76 +/- 12; 72 +/- 9; 73 +/- 12 mmHg) blood pressure did not change. No difference in blood volume (60.8 +/- 10.4; 62.3 +/- 8.4 ml/kg) or plasma aldosterone (10.4 +/- 4.9; 7.7 +/- 3.8 ng/dl) was observed between baseline values and values after captopril use. PRA increased (2.4 [0.4-22.1]; 12.9 [2.2-41.1]ng/ml/h) at the end of 6 weeks on captopril (P = 0.002). Fasting plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin, fructosamine, plasma cholesterol and potassium, 24 h urinary urea and sodium were similar during the study. These results were unchanged when patients with and without hyperfiltration were analyzed as separate groups. From baseline to the end of 6 weeks on captopril there was no correlation between change in GFR and change in glycated hemoglobin (r = 0.02, P = 0.96), systolic (r = 0.23; P = 0.49) and diastolic (r = -0.32, P = 0.32) blood pressure, urinary urea (r = 0.21; P = 0.53) and UAER (r = -0.16; P = 1.00). In conclusion, captopril has no effect on the GFR and UAER of normoalbuminuric normotensive IDDM patients irrespective of the presence of glomerular hyperfiltration.

Objective: To evaluate the evolution of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and albumin excretion rate (AER) of normofiltering (NF) and hyperfiltering (HF) normoalbuminuric NIDDM patients., Research Design and Methods: A longitudinal study of 32 normoalbuminuric (AER < 20 micrograms/min) NIDDM patients and 20 age-, sex-, and BMI-matched normal individuals was done. Subjects had their GFR (51Cr-labeled EDTA single-injection method) measured at entry and after 40 and 60 months. At entry, 13 NIDDM patients had GFR values above the upper limit of the normal range in our laboratory (> 137 ml.min-1 x 1.73 m-2) and were considered as HF. In NIDDM patients, the 24-h AER (radioimmunoassay), HbA1c, urinary urea, and mean arterial blood pressure (MBP) were analyzed at entry and after 40 and 60 months., Results: There was a significant decline of GFR in NIDDM patients and normal subjects at 60 months. The decline was significantly greater in HF patients (-0.61 ml.min-1.month-1; P = 0.001) than in NF (-0, 18) and control subjects (-0, 14); the rate of change in NF and control subjects was the same (P > 0.05). In stepwise multiple regression analysis, with GFR decline as the dependent variable and GFR and AER at baseline, age and change in MBP, change in urinary urea, change in HbA1c, and change in therapy as independent variables, only baseline GFR (R2 = 0.19, P = 0.002) and age (R2 = 0.31, P = 0.048) were significantly related to the outcome. At 60 months, AER raised > 20 micrograms/min in three HF and in four NF patients. In logistic regression analysis, only higher initial AER (although still in the normal range; P = 0.037) and an increase in urinary urea (P = 0.021) were significantly related to the later development of microalbuminuria., Conclusions: The GFR of normoalbuminuric NIDDM patients declines significantly over 60 months. This decline is associated to baseline GFR and age. HF NIDDM patients show a faster decline in GFR than NF patients, whose GFR falls at a rate that is compatible with the age-related change observed in normal control subjects. The development of microalbuminuria is related to higher baseline AER and to increases in urinary urea and is similar in NF (4 of 19) and HF (3 of 13) NIDDM patients (P > 0.05).

The aim of this study was to evaluate gallbladder dynamics in insulin-dependent diabetic patients with and without autonomic neuropathy. Gallbladder dynamics was studied by a scintigraphic method after a test meal in 26 insulin-dependent diabetic patients and 10 normal individuals. The presence and severity of autonomic neuropathy were defined according to the number of abnormal cardiovascular reflex tests: absent (no abnormal test), mild (1-3 abnormal tests), and severe (4-5 abnormal tests). The time from the moment when the patient started to take the test meal to the beginning of gallbladder emptying was longer (P = 0.01) in diabetic patients with mild (N = 11, 12.1 +/- 7.6 min) and severe neuropathy (N = 8, 11.0 +/- 10.6 min) than diabetic patients without autonomic neuropathy (N = 7, 3.9 +/- 4.4 min) and controls (N = 10, 4.8 +/- 4.2 min). The ejection rate was higher (P = 0.02) in the group with severe autonomic neuropathy (N = 8, 5.1 +/- 3.3%/min) than diabetic patients with mild (N = 11, 2.0 +/- 1.0%/min) or without autonomic neuropathy (N = 7, 1.8 +/- 0.8%/min) and controls (N = 10, 2.6 +/- 1%/min). Thirty-two percent of the diabetic patients with autonomic neuropathy presented increased perspiration, nausea and urgency to defecate after the ingestion of the test meal. A significant positive correlation of ejection rate with the presence of these symptoms (biserial point correlation test = 0.67, P < 0.01) was also observed. These data suggest that insulin-dependent diabetic patients with autonomic neuropathy present abnormalities of gallbladder emptying that could be related to specific gastrointestinal symptoms.

The renin-aldosterone axis was evaluated by captopril test in 22 normotensive normoalbuminuric insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) patients with and without glomerular hyperfiltration. Patients were divided into those with glomerular hyperfiltration (Hf-IDDM) and with normal glomerular filtration rate (GFR; Nf-IDDM) according to the upper limit of GFR (134.7 ml/min per 1.73 m2). Sixteen normal individuals were also studied. GFR was measured by the 51Cr-EDTA single injection method, extracellular fluid volume as the distribution volume of 51Cr-EDTA, and blood volume using 51Cr-sodium chromate-labelled red blood cells. Twenty-five mg of captopril were administered per os and plasma renin activity (PRA; RIA), plasma aldosterone (RIA) and blood pressure were measured at 0 and 120 min post-captopril. PRA at time zero (Hf-IDDM = 2.4 +/- 1.7; Nf-IDDM = 2.5 +/- 1.9; controls = 1.0 +/- 0.6 ng/ml/h) and at 120 min (Hf-IDDM = 9.9 +/- 8.3; Nf-IDDM = 11.2 +/- 8.9; controls = 5.4 +/- 5.7 ng/ml/h) was higher in IDDM patients than in controls (P = 0.01). The increase of PRA was similar in patients (Hf-IDDM = 7.5 +/- 7.3, and Nf-IDDM = 8.7 +/- 7.2 ng/ml/h) and controls (4.4 +/- 5.3 ng/ml/h). There was no difference in PRA levels between Hf-IDDM and Nf-IDDM patients. PRA did not correlate with GFR, aldosterone, blood pressure, blood volume, duration of diabetes, 24-h urinary sodium and metabolic control indexes. Plasma aldosterone and the magnitude of its decrease after captopril was similar among patients and controls.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Objective: To compare the effect of a normal protein diet (test diet) in which chicken and fish were substituted for red meat with a low-protein diet (LPD) on glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in normoalbuminuric insulin-dependent-diabetes mellitus (IDDM) patients., Research Design and Methods: A crossover randomized clinical trial was performed in 15 normoalbuminuric IDDM patients, 9 normofiltering, and 6 hyperfiltering patients. They followed three diets for a 3-week period each: a usual diet (UD), an LPD (0.5 g.kg-1.day-1 of proteins, 7% calories as protein, 33% as fat, and 60% as carbohydrates), and a normoproteic isocaloric test diet in which white meat (chicken and fish) was substituted for red meat of the UD. At the end of each diet, a clinical evaluation and measurements of GFR (51Cr-ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) single injection technique), urinary albumin excretion (UAE), and plasma amino acids were performed. Dietary compliance was assessed by a 24-h urinary urea and weekly interviews with the dietitian., Results: In all diabetic patients, GFR after the LPD (114.9 +/- 16.5 ml.min-1 x 1.73 m-2) and after the test diet (122.7 +/- 16.7 ml.min-1 x 1.73 m-2) was significantly lower than after the UD (132.0 +/- 27.7 ml.min-1 x 1.73 m-2) (P = 0.001). Similar results were found in the hyperfiltering group: after UD = 161.1 +/- 15.4 ml.min-1 x 1.73 m-2, after LPD = 129.8 +/- 9.0 ml.min-1 x 1.73 m-2, and after the test diet = 136.5 +/- 3.1 ml.min-1 x 1.73 m-2, (P < 0.001). In the normofiltering group, no significant changes in GFR were observed after the three diets. Metabolic control, nutritional indexes, blood pressure (BP), and UAE did not change after the three diets in all patients., Conclusions: A normoproteic diet with chicken and fish as the only meat protein source decreases the GFR in the hyperfiltering normoalbuminuric IDDM patients. The GFR reduction after this diet is similar to that observed after an LPD.

1. Renal involvement in non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus patients is the single most important cause of renal failure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical features and to assess the risk factors for the development of proteinuria by non-insulin dependent diabetic patients. 2. Risk factors (expressed as an odds ratio) were calculated by multiple logistic regression analysis taking into account age, sex, body mass index, known duration of diabetes, presence of arterial hypertension, fasting plasma glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides as independent variables and proteinuria as the dependent variable. Sixty-four normoalbuminuric (24-h albumin excretion rate < 30 micrograms/min, 27 females, mean age 53.7 years) and 53 proteinuric (24-h proteinuria > 0.5 g, 31 females, mean age 59.3 years) were studied. 3. Proteinuric patients were older, with a longer mean known duration of diabetes (12.4 vs 5.6 years), higher mean fasting plasma glucose (214 vs 168 mg/dl) and plasma creatinine (1.5 vs 1.1 mg/dl) and more frequently presented diabetic retinopathy (94% vs 23%), peripheral neuropathy (94% vs 23%) and arterial hypertension (73% vs 16%) than normoalbuminuric patients. Age > 50 years, body mass index > 28.6 kg/m2, known duration of diabetes > 10 years, presence of arterial hypertension, and fasting plasma glucose > 160 mg/dl were significantly and independently associated with development of proteinuria.

Three methods routinely used for estimation of renal function - plasma creatinine, endogenous creatinine clearance and estimation of endogenous creatinine clearance from plasma creatinine - are compared with the measurement of glomerular filtration rate based on a single injection of 51Cr-EDTA, a technique that was standardized for this study in 20 healthy volunteers. The different creatinine methods were compared with the 51Cr-EDTA method in 30 diabetic patients, resulting in 68 sets of data in which all four estimates were made simultaneously. Spearman's correlation values (rs) for comparing the three creatinine methods with that of 51Cr-EDTA were 0.74, 0.40 and 0.82 (P less than 0.05). It is suggested that the use of endogenous creatinine clearance to estimate the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) requires caution and the recognition of the limitations of the method, and that simpler techniques (serum creatinine or estimated endogenous creatinine clearance) are preferable in routine practice. GFR based on 51Cr-EDTA injection is the method of choice for monitoring renal function in special situations such as renal transplantation and progressive nephropathies.