Journal of clinical laboratory analysis
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J. Clin. Lab. Anal. · Sep 2019
Comparative StudyNeurofilament levels in patients with neurological diseases: A comparison of neurofilament light and heavy chain levels.
Neurofilaments are the major cytoskeletal components of neurons, and cell injury leads to their release into the surrounding area. The aim of this study was to compare the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum (S) concentrations of neurofilament light chains (NFLs) and phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chains (pNFHs). ⋯ The CSF NFL and CSF pNFH assays gave clinically consistent results that reflected the degree of axonal damage, independent of any particular neurological diagnosis. The S pNFH assays had a lower predictive value due to the low correlation coefficient and the kappa index of the CSF pNFH method.
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J. Clin. Lab. Anal. · Jun 2019
Evaluation of global laboratory methods and establishing on-therapy ranges for monitoring apixaban and rivaroxaban: Experience at a single institution.
Apixaban and rivaroxaban are approved for the prevention and treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and embolic stroke in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. The aim of this study was to find appropriate methods of monitoring the anticoagulant effects of are direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and establish on-therapy ranges using conventional tests. ⋯ Apixaban concentrations were well correlated with PT (%), antithrombin, and dRVVT confirm test. Rivaroxaban concentrations showed good correlation with PT (sec), PT (%), and dRVVT confirm test.
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J. Clin. Lab. Anal. · May 2019
Clinical features and disease severity of Turkish FMF children carrying E148Q mutation.
Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is the most common hereditary monogenic autoinflammatory disease caused by mutations in the MEFV gene. It is controversial whether E148Q alteration is an insignificant variant or a disease-causing mutation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical features and disease severity of FMF patients carrying E148Q mutation. ⋯ Familial Mediterranean fever patients with only E148Q mutation are presenting with late-onset and milder disease course despite having similar clinical findings as compared with patients who had other mutations. Finally, we imply that E148Q is a mutation and colchicine treatment should be given.
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J. Clin. Lab. Anal. · May 2019
The potential value of red blood cell distribution width in patients with invasive hydatidiform mole.
Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) has attracted increasing attention in cancer. The aim of this study was to assess the changes of RDW in patients with invasive hydatidiform mole and analyze the relationship between RDW and invasive hydatidiform mole. ⋯ This study reveals the potential value of RDW in invasive hydatidiform mole.
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J. Clin. Lab. Anal. · Mar 2019
Development and validation of an advanced fragment analysis-based assay for the detection of 22 pathogens in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with meningitis and encephalitis.
Meningitis and encephalitis (ME) are central nervous system (CNS) infections mainly caused by bacteria, mycobacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites that result in high morbidity and mortality. The early, accurate diagnosis of pathogens in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and timely medication are associated with better prognosis. Conventional methods, such as culture, microscopic examination, serological detection, CSF routine analysis, and radiological findings, either are time-consuming or lack sensitivity and specificity. ⋯ In conclusion, the AFA-based assay provides a rapid, sensitive, and accurate method for pathogen detection from CSF samples.