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Objectives Although laboratory result presentation may lead to information overload and subsequent missed or delayed diagnosis, little has been done in the past to improve this post-analytical issue. We aimed to investigate the efficiency, efficacy and user satisfaction of alternative report formats. Methods We redesigned cumulative (sparkline format) and single reports (improved tabular and z-log format) and tested these on 46 physicians, nurses and medical students in comparison to the classical tabular formats, by asking standardized questions on general items on the reports as well as on suspected diagnosis and follow-up treatment or diagnostics. Results Efficacy remained at a very high level both in the new formats as well as in the classical formats. We found no significant difference in any of the groups. Efficiency improved in all groups when using the sparkline cumulative format and marginally when showing the improved tabular format. When asking medical questions, efficiency and efficacy remained similar between report formats and groups. All alternative reports were subjectively more attractive to the majority of participants. Conclusions Showing cumulative reports as a graphical display led to faster detection of general information on the report with the same level of correctness. Considering the familiarity bias of the classical single report formats, the borderline-significant improvement of the alternative tabular format and the non-inferiority of the z-log format, suggests that single reports might benefit from some improvements derived from basic information design.

Thiazide-associated hyponatremia (TAH) is a clinically important side effect of the therapy with thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics. This study aims to analyze epidemiological, biochemical, and symptomatological profiles (including volume status) of patients admitted with TAH.A retrospective hospital record study was performed. Epidemiological and biochemical parameters and symptoms were compared between the thiazide (n = 143) and non-thiazide (n = 282) groups. Patients in the thiazide group were classified as hypo-, normo-, or hypervolemic. Furthermore, the comparison of epidemiological, biochemical, partially pharmacotherapeutical, and symptomatological parameters between the hypovolemic and normovolemic TAH groups was performed.The thiazide group showed lower s-Na (p = 0.008), s-K (p 0.001), s-Cl (p 0.001), measured s-osmolality (p = 0.021), and eGFR (p 0.001); higher s-urea (p 0.001), s-creatinine (p = 0.023), s-glucose (p 0.001), u-osmolality (p = 0.012), u-Na (p 0.001), u-K (p = 0.023), and u-Cl (p 0.001). Patients using thiazide were older (p 0.001), more likely to be female (p = 0.011), and with symptoms corresponding more to chronic hyponatremia. Compared to the normovolemic group (n = 93; 65%), the hypovolemic patients (n = 47; 32.9%) showed higher s-urea (p = 0.005), s-creatinine (p = 0.045), and s-UA (p = 0.010); lower eGFR (p = 0.032), u-Na (p = 0.015), u-Cl (p = 0.016), anorexia (p 0.001), and a higher frequency of furosemide use (p 0.001).Thiazide use is a crucial etiological cause of hypotonic hyponatremia among internal medicine inpatients, associated with more severe hyponatremia, but with no difference in the in-hospital mortality. Even in hypo-osmolar conditions of TAH, 32.9% of patients exhibited signs of volume depletion. FE-UA did not differ between the hypovolemic and the normovolemic patients in TAH conditions. Anorexia and the combination of thiazide together with furosemide, rather than thiazide use alone, were risk factors for hypovolemic hyponatremia without affecting FE-UA.

Introduction: The aim of the study is to present a case study of a 63-year-old male with pseudohyponatremia, falsely increased serum osmolal gap and severe metabolic acidosis. Material and Methods: Venous whole blood (direct sodium selective electrode measurement) and serum (indirect sodium selective electrode measurement) were used to measure sodium concentration. Serum cholesterol, triacylglycerides and total protein were measured to confirm pseudohyponatremia. Base excess in extracellular fluid and serum bicarbonate concentrations were employed as markers of metabolic acidosis. Serum protein electrophoresis and free light chain analysis were used for the detection of paraproteins. Results: Venous whole blood acid base analysis showed a pH of 7.171, negative base excess in extracellular fluid of – 18.6 mmol/L and sodium concentration of 140 mmol/L. Serum test measurement revealed serum sodium concentration of 130 mmol/L, osmolal gap of 24 mmol/kg, creatinine concentration of 702 µmol/L, HCO3- concentration of 6.1 mmol/L and total protein concentration of 134.9 g/L. Serum paraprotein IgG kappa with a concentration of 86 g/L and a serum free light chains kappa/lambda ratio of 223.5, along with the final diagnosis of multiple myeloma were detected. Toxic alcohol ingestion was considered, both methanol and ethylene glycol tests were negative. Conclusions: High paraprotein concentrations in serum may lead to pseudohyponatremia when measured by indirect ion selective electrodes. Multiple myeloma frequently leads to renal failure with metabolic acidosis.

Background The aim of this study was to compare the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) from serum creatinine (eGFRcrea) and cystatin C (eGFRcys) in patients with elevated serum trough levels of gentamicin before the next planned dose during treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU). Methods This was a retrospective observational study. Patients who stayed in an ICU, received a once-daily dose of gentamicin, and who had results from all serum gentamicin trough levels, eGFRcrea and eGFRcys analyses were included in the study. Overdosed patients were defined as those with serum gentamicin trough levels above 1 mg/L before the next dose. Gentamicin was measured by a particle-enhanced turbidimetric immunoassay (PETIA). Creatinine and cystatin C were measured by standardized methods. Results The median age (range) was lower in all patients with gentamicin concentration measurements than in overdosed patients (67 [19–96] vs. 75 [48–99] years, respectively; p 2 vs. 41 [29–58] mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively; p 2 vs. 66 [54–93] mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively; p Conclusions Overdosed patients had both a lower eGFRcrea and eGFRcys than controls. Elderly patients are the most commonly overdosed patients. We recommend measuring cystatin C and calculating the eGFRcys and combined equation (eGFRcrea + cys) in ICU patients over 65 years of age, which would enable improved gentamicin dosage adjustments.

Kidney stone formers can have higher oxalate and phosphate salt amounts in their urine than healthy people and we hypothesized that its acidification may be useful. The study aims to compare results of urine concentrations of calcium, magnesium, and inorganic phosphorus in the midstream portion of first voided morning urine samples without (FMU) and with post-collection acidification (FMUa) in kidney stone patients. This is a prospective single center study. A total of 138 kidney stone patients with spot urine samples were included in the study. Urine concentrations of calcium, magnesium and inorganic phosphorus were measured with and without post-collection acidification. Acidification was performed by adding 5 µL of 6 mol/L HCl to 1 mL of urine. The median age (range) of all participants was 56 (18-87) years. The median paired differences between FMU and FMUa concentrations of calcium, magnesium, and inorganic phosphorus were: - 0.040 mmol/L, 0.035 mmol/L, and 0.060 mmol/L, respectively. They were statistically different: P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.004, respectively. These differences are not clinically significant because biological variations of these markers are much higher. No clinically significant differences in urinary calcium, magnesium, and inorganic phosphorus concentrations between FMU and FMUa in patients with kidney stones were found.

Kazuistika prezentuje připad 14lete pacientky s cystinovou litiazou. Ve věku 8 měsiců měla prvni febrilni mocovou infekci. Dale jižbyla klinicky bez obtiži, ale opakovaně byla zachycena pyurie a signifikantni bakteriurie. Pro tyto nalezy byla lecena antibiotiky.Vzhledem k absenci klinických potiži rodice odmitali dosetřeni pacientky. Diagnoza byla stanovena ve věku 12 let nalezem cystinovýchkrystalů v mocovem sedimentu, nasledně byla prokazana cystinurie s nefrolitiazou. Po chirurgicke intervenci pokracujedietni a medikamentozni lecba, při ktere je pacientka bez pyurie a bakteriurie.

In December 2019 a new strain of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has emerged and affected health care worldwide. Patients with cancer and other comorbidities are at increased risk for adverse outcomes in this infection.In this case report we present a 75-year-old patient with a localized gastric adenocarcinoma, currently treated by perioperative chemotherapy regimen, who had an rT-PCR proven novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 infection. Laboratory and radiologic assessments were performed in order to assess disease severity; however, the findings were not altered in accordance with the findings associated with COVID-19 disease.On the first hospital day the patient had a low grade fever with chills. Subsequently a pharmacological therapy with hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin was started. After pharmacologic and symptomatic treatment, the patient was reassessed for SARS-CoV-2, with negative results. At discharge, the patient was ordered a 14-day mandatory quarantine. After 57 days of follow-up, the patient underwent a new rapid antibody test by Acro Biotech inc., which gave negative results for IgM and IgG.An infection with SARS-CoV-2 is associated with a more severe disease in patients with comorbidities and cancer; however, this case patient had a mild course of COVID-19 disease. The aim of this case report is to share the information on the clinical course and outcomes of a patient with malignancy. Rapid spreading of information is crucial in the management of COVID-19.

Background The aim of the study was to present a case study of a 56‐year‐old woman with hyperoxaluria induced by calcium‐free diet that resulted in kidney stone recurrence. Methods A 24‐hour urine collection and serum tests for kidney stone risk factors identification were performed. The monitoring of urine risk factors was done by untimed urine samples and 24‐hour urine collections. Polarized light microscopy was performed for kidney stone analysis. Results The results of urine collection showed hyperoxaluria of 0.551 mmoL per 24 hours. After adding calcium‐containing products to the diet the oxaluria decreased to reference range value of 0.352 mmoL/24 hours and all untimed oxalate to creatinine ratios returned to reference ranges. Polarized light microscopy revealed 100% calcium oxalate kidney stone composition (It was 50% Weddellite and 50% Whewellite). Conclusions The case study shows the importance of calcium intake in the prevention of calcium oxalate kidney stone recurrence. Particularly, unsuitable diet without calcium can induce kidney stone recurrence. Knowledge of diet habits is important for interpretation of kidney stone risk factors and their inhibitors excreted in urine.

Case (description): A 74 years old Caucasian suffering from chronic kidney disease presented with progressive asthenia and diffuse myalgia. It was revealed that the patient used three different rosuvastatin-containing preparations in a total daily dose of 120 mg for 76 days. Laboratory investigations revealed a marked elevation of serum urea, creatinine, myoglobin, creatine kinase (CK) and transaminases. Two serious medication errors have been identified as possible major factors that synergistically contributed to the development of rosuvastatin-induced rhabdomyolysis. First, 40 mg of rosuvastatin dose was prescribed to the patient, although the estimation of glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) declined below 40 ml/min/1.73 m2. Moreover, the patient used 3 different rosuvastatin formulations simultaneously in a total dose of 120 mg/day. The heterozygous CYP2C9*1/*3 genotype and warfarin co-administration could further contribute to the development of rhabdomyolysis. A number of preventive measures, notably in drug policy, are suggested to overcome unintended intoxications. Conclusion: Rosuvastatin-induced myopathy is a rare, but serious adverse effect. This case report highlights the need for a proper treatment and dose adjustment during chronic medical therapy, the need for adequate patient education and application of adequate drug policy measures in the era of fragmented health care delivery and polypragmasia.

Background Patients taking digoxin are older with high probability of having low muscle mass, and current clinical practice in digoxin dosing relies only on estimated glomerular filtration rate from serum creatinine (eGFRcrea). The aim of the study is to compare eGFRcrea and estimated glomerular filtration rate from serum cystatin C (eGFRcys) in older adult patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) overdosed with digoxin. Methods A total of 80 consecutive patients overdosed with digoxin and 33 controls with AF from Department of Internal Medicine were included in the prospective observational study. The median of age of participants was 81 years in both the overdosed and the control group. The eGFRs were calculated using The Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology (CKD‐ EPI) equations using standardized methods for serum creatinine and cystatin C measurement. Results The median (IQR) of eGFRcrea was higher than that of eGFRcys (45 mL/min/1.73 m2 (35‐59) vs 30 (21‐38), respectively; P

Background: The aim of the study was to analyze the degree of obesity and its associations with age, gender, inflammation, an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and liver function in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. Methods: A total of 874 consecutive adult Caucasian T2DM patients from outpatient diabetic clinic were included in the study. The relative fat mass (RFM) and body mass index (BMI) were used as obesity markers. Serum creatinine and cystatin C were used for the GFR estimation. Serum high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) was used as the indicator of inflammation. Results: The median, interquartile range (IQR) of RFM in females was higher than that in males (44.8 (42.3-47.2) % vs 31.3 (28.8-34.1) %, respectively; P

The aim of this study was to provide evidence for the hypothesis that estimated glomerular filtration rate from serum Cystatin C (eGFRcys) is better to be determined for all elderly type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients based on eGFRcys upward and downward reclassification rate for hypothetical metformin dose reduction by eGFRcys at the GFR decision point of 45 mL/min/1.73 m2. A total of 265 consecutive T2DM elderly patients (age range 65‐91 years) from outpatient diabetic clinic were included in the study. The Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines for metformin dosing were strictly followed. Estimated glomerular filtration rate from serum creatinine (eGFRcrea) led to results of metformin eligibility. Each of the results of eGFRcrea‐based eligibility was further compared to eGFRcys‐based eligibility. Creatinine was measured by enzymatic method standardized against international reference material SRM 967. Cystatin C was determined by method traceable to DA ERM 471 international standard. eGFRcrea and eGFRcys were calculated according to Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD‐EPI) equations. A downward reclassification rate was higher than upward reclassification rate (31 vs 3, respectively; P

Summary: Background: Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a clonal disorder affecting older persons. We aimed to analyze the effectiveness of the scoring systems and of the number of received red blood cell (RBC) units in predicting survival. Methods: The study included an unselected group of 73 patients with MDS who were diagnosed and treated in a single hospital over a period of 12 years. International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS), revised IPSS (IPSS-R), WHO-Prognostic Scoring System (WPSS), Charlson Age-Comorbidity Index (CACI), and impact of performance status (PS) on overall survival (OS) and event free survival (EFS) were tested. The follow-up of received RBC units was conducted. Results: The median age at diagnosis was 69.5 years, the median CACI was 3.0. The median survival times of the group were 7.04 and 2.78 years for OS and EFS, respectively. The concordance values of the IPSS, IPSS-R and WPSS are 0.812, 0.892 and 0.889 for OS; 0.785, 0.847 and 0.827 for EFS. The comorbidity index and PS were the only auxiliary criteria when determining the risk and selecting the therapeutic approach in MDS patients. In transfusion-dependent unchelated patients, both OS and EFS were negatively influenced by both higher ferritin levels and the numbers of RBC units; however, the risk does not continue to increase after more than 20 RBC units are administered. Conclusions: IPSS-R is best suited as a predictor of survival. CACI and PS present auxiliary criteria for determining the risk. Number of received RBC units was detected as a significant predictor of survival. Keywords: chelation therapy, myelodysplastic syndrome, prognostic scoring system, transfusion

Introduction The aim of this study is to present a case of 44 years old woman with topiramate induced metabolic acidosis and kidney stones. Materials and methods The laboratory features of topiramate caused renal tubular acidosis in blood and urine during topiramate treatment, with correction of metabolic acidosis by potassium citrate, and after topiramate withdrawal are presented. Differential diagnosis of all possible causes of metabolic acidosis is discussed. Results The results revealed negative base excess in extracellular fluid of - 9.2 mmol/L, low serum HCO3- concentration (18.6 mmol/L), trend to alkaline urine (pH 6.39) and low urine citrate concentration (0.3 mmol/24h). After topiramate withdrawal, all parameters of the internal environment normalized. Conclusions This study has shown that long-term topiramate administration could induce metabolic acidosis and consequently urholithiasis. Thus, we could recommend testing blood acid base balance, urinary pH and citrates in patients taking topiramate and suffering from kidney stones.

Objective The article aimed to assess the benefit of incorporating maternal serum thyroid disease marker levels (thyroid-stimulating hormone and free thyroxine) into first trimester Down syndrome screening protocols. Methods Statistical modelling was used to predict performance with and without the thyroid markers. Two protocols were considered: the combined test and the contingent cell-free DNA (cfDNA) test, where 15-40% women are selected for cfDNA because of increased risk based on combined test results. Published parameters were used for the combined test, cfDNA and the Down syndrome means for thyroid-stimulating hormone and free thyroxine; other parameters were derived from a series of 5230 women screened for both thyroid disease and Down syndrome. Results Combined test: For a fixed 85% detection rate, the predicted false positive rate was reduced from 5.3% to 3.6% with the addition of the thyroid markers. Contingent cfDNA test: For a fixed 95% detection rate, the proportion of women selected for cfDNA was reduced from 25.6% to 20.2%. Conclusions When screening simultaneously for maternal thyroid disease and Down syndrome, thyroid marker levels should be used in the calculation of Down syndrome risk. The benefit is modest but can be achieved with no additional cost. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Introduction: The aim of the study was to investigate current practice and policies of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) service requesting and result reporting in Czechia and Slovakia. Materials and methods: All 149 laboratories that measure plasma drug concentrations were given an online questionnaire during a regular external quality assessment TDM cycle. The questionnaire consisted of 17 questions. The optimal TDM practice was defined as the application of all elements (age, body weight, time of sampling, date of the first administration, time of the last dose administration, the dose, the dosing interval, the route of administration, information on reason of testing, and information on other co–administered drugs) needed for reporting a recommendation for further drug dosing (positive response to question number 16). Results: The response rate was 69%, 103 out of 149 laboratories measuring drug concentrations. Only 12% (12 out of 103 laboratories) of the laboratories implemented all elements needed for optimal TDM practice and reported a recommendation. Both paper and electronic request forms were used by 77 out of 103 (75%) laboratories. A total of 69 out of 103 laboratories (67%) specified the type of sampling tube on their request form. Cystatin C was used for prediction of renal drug elimination by 24% (25 out of 103) of participants. Conclusions: Small number of laboratories implemented all elements needed for optimal TDM practice and report a recommendation on further dosing. Further efforts in education on optimal TDM practice as well as harmonization of service are desirable.

Background: Methanol poisoning is an important cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Although it often occurs as smaller sporadic events, epidemic outbreaks are not uncommon due to the illicit manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages. Objective: We aimed to define methanol poisoning outbreak (MPO), outline an approach to triaging an MPO, and define criteria for prioritizing antidotes, extracorporeal elimination treatments (i.e., dialysis), and indications for transferring patients in the context of an MPO. Methods: We convened a group of experts from across the world to explore geographical, socio-cultural and clinical considerations in the management of an MPO. The experts answered specific open-ended questions based on themes aligned to the goals of this project. This project used a modified Delphi process. The discussion continued until there was condensation of themes. Results: We defined MPO as a sudden increase in the number of cases of methanol poisoning during a short period of time above what is normally expected in the population in that specific geographic area. Prompt initiation of an antidote is necessary in MPOs. Scarce hemodialysis resources require triage to identify patients most likely to benefit from this treatment. The sickest patients should not be transferred unless the time for transfer is very short. Transporting extracorporeal treatment equipment and antidotes may be more efficient. Conclusion: We have developed consensus statements on the response to a methanol poisoning outbreak. These can be used in any country and will be most effective when they are discussed by health authorities and clinicians prior to an outbreak.

Context: Acidemia is a marker of prognosis in methanol poisoning, as well as compounding formate-induced cytotoxicity. Prompt correction of acidemia is a key treatment of methanol toxicity and methods to optimize this are poorly defined.Objective: We studied the efficiency of acidemia correction by intermittent hemodialysis (IHD) and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) in a mass outbreak of methanol poisoning.Methods: The study was designed as observational cohort study. The mean time for an increase of 1 mmol/L HCO3–, 0.01 unit arterial blood pH, and the total time for correction of HCO3– were determined in IHD- and CRRT-treated patients.Results: Data were obtained from 18 patients treated with IHD and 13 patients treated with CRRT. At baseline, CRRT group was more acidemic than IHD group (mean arterial pH 6.79 ± 0.10 versus 7.05 ± 0.10; p = 0.001). No association was found between the rate of acidemia correction and age, weight, serum methanol, lactate, formate, and glucose on admission....

Background Monoclonal immunoglobulins (paraproteins) are produced by B lymphocytes in lymphoproliferative disorders. A single monoclonal immunoglobulin is homogeneous in terms of its structure, and it can occur in human serum at high concentration and cause significant interference in laboratory assays. Case We present a case of an 84-year-old man who was admitted to the hospital for progression of dyspnea. Basic laboratory tests showed a serum concentration of conjugated bilirubin, measured using the diazo spectrophotometric method, which was much higher than that of total bilirubin. The cause of the discrepancy was attributed to analytical interference by monoclonal immunoglobulins, which helped establish a diagnosis of lymphoproliferative disorder. Conclusion Monoclonal immunoglobulins are relatively rare in serum but are an important cause of analytical interference. Monoclonal immunoglobulins should always be considered a source of interference when unexpectedly high, low, or contradictory data are encountered, and appropriate confirmatory tests (electrophoresis, imunofixation) should be performed in such circumstances. Failure to do so can result in errors in diagnosis and inadequate treatment. Conversely, when samples contain abnormal and especially high monoclonal immunoglobulin levels, the biochemical data should be carefully examined for any discrepancies, such as paraprotein interference, and the results should be taken into consideration in patient management.Key words: paraproteins - lymphoproliferative disorders - bilirubin - interferenceThe authors declare they have no potential conflicts of interest concerning drugs, products, or services used in the study.The Editorial Board declares that the manuscript met the ICMJE recommendation for biomedical papers.Submitted: 22. 1. 2016Accepted: 1. 12. 2016.

Background: While there have been a number of studies reporting the incidence and implications of elevated troponin levels after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), the body of information about the incidence, associations, and implications of elevated troponin levels following coronary angiography (CAG) is limited. Materials and Methods: A total of 220 consecutive patients with stable coronary artery disease or intermediate or low-risk acute coronary syndrome without persistent ST-segment elevation (NSTE-ACS) were included in our study. High-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) levels were measured before and after coronary angiography (CAG) in patients with or without PCI and correlated with a number of clinical variables. Results: Hs-cTnI elevations above the 99th percentile upper reference limit (URL), or above 20% of the initially positive, yet already declining values, were found in 60 (37.2%) patients after CAG and in 45 (76.2%) patients undergoing PCI. Significant correlations of hs-cTnI elevation were found with the following variables: volume of contrast, fluoroscopy time, dose-area product, amount of contrast agent injected directly into the coronary arteries, total time of balloon dilation and the number and total length of implanted stents (P

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of maternal hypothyroidism in the first trimester from 11 to 14 weeks of gestation according to the American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines from 2017 and to compare the rates for singleton and twin pregnancies. Methods: A total of 4965 consecutive Caucasian singleton pregnancies and 109 Caucasian twin pregnancies were included in the investigation. Patients with a history of thyroid gland disorder were excluded. Subclinical maternal hypothyroidism was defined as a thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) concentration above the 97.5th percentile and free thyroxine (fT4) within the range of a reference population of women at 11-14 weeks of gestation. Overt maternal hypothyroidism was defined as a TSH concentration above the 97.5th percentile and an fT4 below the 2.5th percentile of the reference population.TSH, fT4, and anti thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) were measured by immunochemiluminescent assays on an 16200 Abbott Architect analyzer. Results: The prevalence of hypothyroidism for twin pregnancies was no higher than that for singleton pregnancies; 6.42% (7/109) vs. 5.32% (264/4965), respectively; P=0.61. All twin pregnancies were subclinical. Singleton hypothyroid pregnancies included 4.91% (244 cases) of subclinical and 0.41% (20 cases) of overt hypothyroidism. The prevalence of TPOAb positive hypothyroid women for twin pregnancies and singleton pregnancies was 71% (5/7) vs. 52% (137/264 cases), respectively but the differences were not statistically significant; P=0.31. Conclusion: Each first trimester screening center should establish its TSH and fT4 reference ranges. Our center had higher upper reference limits of TSH than that of the universally fixed limit of 2.5 mU/L, which led to a lower measured prevalence of maternal hypothyroidism. A large number of hypothyroid women were TPOAb positive.

Hyperkalemia is a potentially lethal condition. Pseudohyperkalemia should be always excluded before implementing treatment to prevent inappropriate cause of hypokalemia – equally a potentially lethal condition. Here we present a case report of a 62 year female with chronic myeloproliferative disorder, i.e. essential thrombocythemia. The laboratory test results for potassium concentration were 6.3 mmol/L, for platelet count 1305 x109/L and for leukocyte count 39.8 x109/L. This was due to a temporary drug withdrawal after a surgical intervention for gastric bleeding. Potassium concentration in lithium heparin plasma collected in a vacuum tube without gel separator and in whole blood syringe were 4.6 mmol/L and 3.4 mmol/L, respectively. It means that mechanical stress such as centrifugation can contribute to spurious hyperkalemia. Prior to reporting unexpected hyperkalemia result, pseudohyperkalemia should always be considered by the laboratory. Such potassium results require investigation in case it is pseudohyperkalemia, which may be due to thrombocytosis and leukocytosis. In cases where thrombocytosis or leukocytosis exists, an interpretative comment indicating these conditions inserted with the results of the potassium concentration can increase awareness for more accurate patient care decisions.

BackgroundOne of the methods to compare the invasiveness of different surgical techniques objectively is to measure the levels of biochemical markers of systemic inflammatory response and muscle damage. MethodsA total of 120 patients undergoing surgery for symptomatic disc herniation at L4-L5 and L5-S1 were enrolled in the study. Patients were operated on using open discectomy (OD), microsurgical discectomy (MD), or microsurgical discectomy with tubular retractor (MD-TUB). Myoglobin (MYO) and creatine kinase (CK) levels were used as indicators of muscle damage, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were used as indicators of systemic inflammatory response. Sampling and analysis of samples were performed preoperatively and on postoperative days 1, 3, and 7. Levels of postoperative low back pain and radicular pain were recorded on a 10-grade visual analog scale. Statistical evaluation was performed using the analysis of variance test. ResultsMYO concentrations in the MD-TUB group on postoperative day 1 were significantly lower than in the MD and OD groups. CK values on postoperative day 1 were significantly lower in microsurgical techniques (MD and MD-TUB) than in the OD group. The lowest IL-6 levels were found in the MD-TUB group, followed by the MD and OD groups. Differences in the IL-6 levels were significant between the groups on postoperative day 1. On all postoperative days that were monitored, values of CRP in the MD-TUB group were significantly lower compared with the MD and OD groups. Lower values in the MD group versus OD group were not statistically significant. ConclusionAll studied techniques showed similar efficacy in reducing radicular pain. The microsurgical diskectomy using a retractor in comparison with MD and OD is friendlier toward the paraspinal muscles, but the difference is significant only for the MYO levels. The total stress inflammatory response exhibited by patients undergoing the MD-TUB technique is significantly lower compared with the MD and OD techniques.

Background Although measurement of drug serum levels is an objective direct method for testing compliance, it can be distorted by “white-coat compliance” or by variations in drug elimination. Objective The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the prevalence of noncompliance with perindopril therapy in adult out-patients using pharmacokinetic simulations. The additional aim was to compare the predictive performance of two glomerular filtration rate markers—creatinine and cystatin C. Setting Department of Cardiology, Tomas Bata Regional Hospital in Zlin, Czech Republic. Method Perindoprilat pharmacokinetic models individualized according to patient characteristics were compared with measured perindoprilat serum concentrations to document compliance. Linear regression was used to evaluate the relations between perindoprilat clearance and glomerular filtration rate estimated using creatinine and cystatin C. Main outcome measure Assessment of non-compliance with medication using drug concentration measurements reinforced with therapeutic drug monitoring. Results Non-detectable perindoprilat levels were observed in 26.1% of patients. Another 21.7% were classified as non-compliant based on therapeutic drug monitoring pharmacokinetic simulations. Volume of distribution, clearance and half-life median value (interquarti°range) for perindoprilat were 408.3 (360.4–456.8) L, 10.1 (4.9–17.0) L h−1 and 24.7 (19.4–62.7) h, respectively. Linear regression models showed tight relationship between cystatin C and perindoprilat clearance. Conclusions Assessment of adherence with medication reinforced with therapeutic drug monitoring and pharmacokinetic simulations is proposed as an optimal method reducing disadvantages of simple drug concentration measurements. Cystatin C proves to be better surrogate marker for perindoprilat elimination than creatinine.

Objective. During an outbreak of mass methanol poisonings in the Czech Republic in 2012-2013, fomepizole was applied as an alternative antidote to ethanol. We present the laboratory data, clinical features, adverse reactions, and treatment outcomes in all patients treated with fomepizole. Methods. Combined retrospective and prospective case series study in 25 patients, median age 50 (16-73) years, 18 males and 7 females. Results. There were 24% fatalities, 36% survivors without health impairment, and 40% survivors with sequelae. All the patients who died were comatose on admission; the mortality was 50% among patients in a coma. The median intensive care unit length of stay was six (2-22) days. The median total dose of fomepizole was 2 (1-9) g. Complications were observed in 7/25 cases: aspiration pneumonia (4), sepsis (2), bleeding (2), malignant arrhythmia (1), delirium tremens (1), and rebound of acidosis (1). The patients who survived without impairment were less acidotic than those who died or survived with sequelae (P

The aim of this article was to study the role of serum formate (S-formate) in diagnosing methanol poisoning. A prospective study was undertaken of 38 patients from the Czech methanol mass poisoning in 2012 - median age 51 [interquartile range (IQR) 37-62] years with confirmed methanol poisoning. S-formate was measured enzymatically. The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was used to examine the predictive ability of S-formate. Asymptomatic patients had median S-formate of 1.9 (IQR 1.5-2.4) mmol/L. The median S-formate was 15.2 (IQR 13.9-17.6) mmol/L in symptomatic subjects with visual disturbances, 15.4 (12.1-18.0) mmol/L in subjects with dyspnoea and 15.7 (IQR 12.8-18.5) mmol/L in comatose patients. The differences in serum formate concentrations in symptomatic patients depending on clinical features were not significant (all p > 0.05). Patients with long-term visual sequelae of poisoning had median S-formate of 16.1 (IQR 14.3-19.9) mmol/L; with central nervous system (CNS) sequelae, patients had 15.9 (IQR 14.2-19.5) mmol/L. In lethal cases, the median S-formate was 15.2 (IQR 13.8-15.9) mmol/L. The probability of a poor outcome (death or survival with sequelae) was higher than 90% in patients with S-formate ≥17.5 mmol/L, S-lactate ≥7.0 mmol/L and/or pH

BACKGROUND: To establish maternal thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) reference ranges for first trimester screening from 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks of gestation. METHODS: A total of 10 592 singleton and 201 twin consecutive Caucasian pregnant women who underwent simultaneously prenatal first trimester Down's syndrome screening and thyroid function screening from January 2010 to November 2017 were included in the study. Women with positive antithyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) and positive personal history of thyroid disease were previously excluded. TSH was measured by immunochemiluminescent assay on ci 16200 Abbott Architect analyzer. Nonparametric percentile method (also known as CLSI C28.A3) was used for the determination of reference ranges. RESULTS: We established reference ranges of TSH for the period of gestation from 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks of pregnancy as 0.16‐3.43 mU/L for singleton Caucasian pregnancies and 0.02‐2.95 mU/L for twin Caucasian pregnancies. The median (IQR) of TSH for singleton pregnancies was higher than that for twin pregnancies (1.25 mU/L (0.83‐1.81) vs 0.84 (0.37‐1.47), respectively; P

Background The mini-invasive open posterior lumbar fusion procedure (mini PLIF) procedure is an alternative to standard open procedure (open PLIF) and is intended to reduce surgery-related trauma. The measuring of suitable biochemical factors enables objective comparison of the invasiveness of spinal surgery procedures. Methods Prospectively collected data on myoglobin, creatine kinase, interleukin-6, C-reactive protein levels and intensity of low back pain and radicular pain in one-level mini PLIF and open PLIF procedures were analysed. The mini PLIF and the open PLIF groups included 27 and 23 patients, respectively. The collection of blood samples and clinical data were performed preoperatively and on postoperative days 1, 3 and 7. The non-paired t -test was used for statistical evaluation. Results We did not found any statistically significant differences of myoglobin and creatine kinase levels between the groups. In the open PLIF group the IL-6 levels were significantly higher than in the mini PLIF group on postoperative day 3. CRP levels showed significant lower stress response in favour of the mini PLIF group on postoperative days 3 and 7. Levels of post-op low back pain on day 3 were significantly lower in mini PLIF group. Also intensity of radicular pain on day 1 and 3 were lower also mini PLIF group. Conclusion The extent of myonecrosis was comparable in both techniques. The analysis of the IL-6 and CRP levels showed significantly lower systemic inflammatory response in mini PLIF technique. The mini PLIF technique provides transiently lower postoperative pain levels.

The ‘Enhancing Hospital Laboratory Standards for Continuing Professional Development: A Quality Improvement Toolkit’ project, which was funded by the European Union’s Lifelong Learning Leonardo Program, has successfully developed several novel continuing professional development (CPD) activities for use by Biomedical Scientists within European hospital laboratories. This paper reports on transnational evaluation of the third European CPD activity which is based on the pre-analytical phase, by hospital laboratories in Croatia, Czech Republic, Malta and the United Kingdom.

Objective: During the 2012 outbreak of mass methanol poisonings in the Czech Republic, ethanol, in the main, was used as an antidote. The complex pharmacokinetics of ethanol made it difficult to maintain the requisite 1000-1500 mg/L serum ethanol levels (S-EtOH). The aim of this study was to measure the fluctuations in S-EtOH during the treatment. Methods: A prospective case series in 21 patients, median age 52 (27-79 years), 13 males and 8 females. Serum ethanol, methanol and formate were measured every 2-6 hours during the treatment. Follow-up clinical examination was carried out in 15/18 survivors. Results: The majority of patients (17/21) were late presenters and on admission, almost half (10/21) had suffered a severe grade of intoxication according to the Poisoning Severity Score (PSS). The mean observation time was 90±20 h. The mean period of consistent maintenance of S-EtOH within the recommended therapeutic range lasted 28±7% of the total observation time. For 29±8% of the time, S-EtOH was >1500 mg/L with "peaks" of up to 3500 mg/L. For 44±10% of the observation time, S-EtOH was 200 mg/L or formate >20 mg/L lasted 20±10% and 18±11% of the time of observation, respectively. Complications occurred in 14 (67%) of cases including significant fluctuations of S-EtOH in 9; aspiration pneumonia in 3 and delirium tremens in 2 cases. Other complications included sepsis, bleeding, acidosis rebound, intolerance and set clotting. The outcomes were: 11 survivors free of health impairment, 7 with sequelae and 3 deaths. There was no significant difference in mean duration of sub-therapeutic and supra-therapeutic concentrations of serum ethanol in patients who survived without sequelae and those with poor outcome (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Administration of ethanol according to the present guidelines of the AACT/EAPCCT is effective and relatively safe in the treatment of methanol poisoning during a mass outbreak31. Physicians have to be most aware of fluctuations in serum ethanol at the end of short sessions of IHD and after changes in route from intravenous to oral. Rigorous monitoring of serum ethanol concentrations is pivotal for severely poisoned patients with PSS 3 and where there is suspected conversion of significant amounts of methanol to formic acid.

This study investigated approaches to continuing professional development (CPD) for specialists in laboratory medicine within four European countries: Croatia, the Czech Republic, Malta and the UK.The research questions focussed on ascertaining if continued registration/licence was linked to CPD and if so, were there requirements for certain amounts and types of CPD and for CPD activities to meet specified accreditation criteria. The Professional Associations Research Network (PARN) model of CPD measurement was applied to each country’s registration/licencing body’s CPD requirements.Our results indicate a spectrum of approaches to CPD within participating countries.It will be necessary for European employers to be familiar with these differences and to take them into account for this increasingly mobile European workforce.

During an outbreak of methanol poisonings in the Czech Republic in 2012, we were able to study methanol and formate elimination half-lives during intermittent hemodialysis (IHD) and continuous veno-venous hemodialysis/hemodiafiltration (CVVHD/HDF) and the relative impact of dialysate and blood flow rates on elimination. Data were obtained from 11 IHD and 13 CVVHD/HDF patients. Serum methanol and formate concentrations were measured by gas chromatography and an enzymatic method. The groups were relatively comparable, but the CVVHD/HDF group was significantly more acidotic (mean pH 6.9 vs. 7.1 IHD). The mean elimination half-life of methanol was 3.7 and formate 1.6 h with IHD, versus 8.1 and 3.6 h, respectively, with CVVHD/HDF (both significant). The 54% greater reduction in methanol and 56% reduction in formate elimination half-life during IHD resulted from the higher blood and dialysate flow rates. Increased blood and dialysate flow on the CVVHD/HDF also increased elimination significantly. Thus, IHD is superior to CVVHD/HDF for more rapid methanol and formate elimination, and if CVVHD/HDF is the only treatment available then elimination is greater with greater blood and dialysate flow rates.

Aim. The aim of this study is to compare markers of glomerular filtration rate (GFR), estimated GFR (eGFR), and metabolic parameters between admission and recovery in 13 patients of Tomas Bata hospital with methanol poisoning during methanol problems in the Czech Republic in 2012. The impact of methanol concentration and age on metabolic parameters were discovered at the time of admission to hospital. Materials and Methods. The serum osmolality, methanol, ethanol, creatinine, cystatin C, Troponin I, ALT, plasma pH and lactate were measured in these 13 patients. The eGFR from serum creatinine (creatnine eGFR) and from cystatin C (cystatin C eGFR) were also determined. Results. Increased serum osmolality and markers of metabolic acidosis are key indirect laboratory findings in patients with methanol poisoning. There were no significant changes in eGFR in our patients between admission and recovery. Increased serum troponin I concentration was confirmed as an indicator of myocardial necrosis in four patients. Two patients developed acute kidney injury (AKI) before admission. Conclusions. We found statistically significant differences in serum osmolality concentration, plasma pH and lactate between admission and recovery. We found no changes in eGFR between admission and recovery. One patient had vision problems due to damage to the occipital lobes. Methanol poisoning may cause increase in markers of cardiac damage.

BACKGROUND Cyproterone acetate is associated with hepatotoxicity during prostate cancer treatment. The information about its toxic mechanism and risk factors is limited, based on pharmacovigilance reports and published case reports only. CASE We describe a case of a patient treated with cyproterone acetate (200 mg/day for 9 months) for adenocarcinoma of the prostate. The 75-year-old patient was admitted for the development of jaundice and loss of appetite to the T. Bata Regional Hospital in Zlin, Czech Republic. Laboratory values ALT 994 U/l, AST 1,046 U/l, ALP 193 U/l, GGT 1,128 U/l, bilirubin 177 µmol/l, conjugated bilirubin 138 µmol/l, albumin 26 g/l, Quick time INR 1.23. The concomitant medication included atorvastatin 10 mg daily. Clinical and laboratory outcomes showed acute fulminant liver failure caused pre-dominantly by hepatocellular damage. Hepatotoxicity induced by cyproteron acetate was diagnosed after exclusion of other causes, with a gradual improvement after discontinuation of the respective drug treatment. CONCLUSION All patients treated with cyproteron acetate for prostate cancer are in risk for the development of liver failure and therefore should be monitored and well educated. More information is needed to sufficiently identify risk factors and explain mechanism of damage.

BACKGROUND The aim of the study is to compare measured glomerular filtration rate by technetium radiolabled diethylene tiamine pentaacetic acid (mGFR DTPA) to estimated GFR (eGFR). Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is estimated from serum creatinine (eGFRcreatinine), serum cystatin C (eGFRcystatin C) and by combined equation (eGFRcreatinine+cystatin C). This study focuses on oncology patients considered for treatment with cisdiamminedichloroplatinum (cisplatin). We evaluated the impact of different GFR methods on the reduction of cisplatin dose. PATIENTS AND METHODS The study population consisted of 112 consecutive oncology patients from oncology center treated in the town of Zlin in the Czech Republic, who were considered for cisplatin treatment. mGFR DTPA was performed by dynamic renal 99mTc scintigraphy method using diethyltriaminepentaacetic acid. Creatinine and cystatin C were determined by newly standardized tests. Estimation of GFR was calculated using The Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology (CKD EPI) equations which were established in 2009 and 2012. RESULTS The median (interquartile range) of mGFR DTPA was 1.335 ml/s/1.73 m2 (1.070-1.725). The median of eGFRcystatin C 1.195 ml/s/1.73 m2 (0.885-1.625) was lower than mGFR DTPA (p