This paper summarizes the scientific basis, explains the diagnostic rationale and proves the concept by analyzing 5669 samples, where GFR and proteinuria work-up were

available. 63% (1446 of 2287) of the samples with a GFR above 60 showed either glomerular (37.8%, n = 865) or tubular proteinuria (25.4%, n = 581). The quantity of proteinuria increased severely with decreasing kidney function. The rate of glomerular proteinuria remained nearly constant in the different GFR groups, while primarily learn more tubular proteinuria increased from 23% to 63%. A proteinuria pattern indicating a good response to therapy was frequently combined with a high GFR (selective glomerular proteinuria/ incomplete tubular proteinuria), while the severe forms of unselective or complete tubular proteinuria associated with a severe

GFR decrease. Regression analysis showed a better inverse correlation of GFR with tubular (r = -0.643) than glomerular markers (r = -0.360; combined r = -0.646). We believe that this complex interrelated laboratory information must be delivered most effectively, i.e. with the use of a knowledge based system in combination with improved, visual oriented laboratory output. (C) 2009 European Federation of Internal Medicine. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“Aims: To assess visual outcome, tumour control and Emricasan chemical structure treatment-related morbidity in patients with optic nerve sheath meningiomas (ONSMs) treated with fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT).\n\nPatients and methods: A retrospective

analysis of 45 patients (13 men and 32 women, median age 46 years) with ONSMs (51 optic nerves involved) treated in a single institution between 1997 and 2010 was carried out. FSRT was delivered to a dose of 50 Gy in 30 or 33 fractions as primary treatment in 39 patients and after surgery in six patients.\n\nResults: At a median follow-up of 30 months (range 1-13 years), the tumour control in 41 evaluable patients (four were lost to follow-up) was 100% at 5 years with no subsequent Selleck GDC-941 local or distant recurrence. Of the 46 evaluable optic nerves treated, 41 had residual vision (38 with impaired vision) before radiotherapy and five were blind in one eye. There was no recovery of vision in any of the blind eyes. Of 41 optic nerves with residual vision, 13 had improvement, 24 remained stable and four deteriorated; two patients (4%) developed radiation retinopathy. One patient developed a central retinal artery occlusion in the untreated eye 10 years after treatment.\n\nConclusion: FSRT is highly effective at controlling the growth of ONSMs with improvement or stabilisation of visual deficit in 89% of the optic nerves retaining some vision, albeit with a small risk of radiation-induced retinopathy. The results support the use of FSRT as an effective approach in the management of ONSM.