Ethanol Interferes With the Measurement of Extracellular Ionized Calcium

Abstract

Ethanol can interfere with the measurement of iCa using ion selective electrodes, but this interference depends on the analyzer used. This is a significant methodological issue that has largely been unrecognized in the field of alcohol research. Although this interference does not explain entirely the relationship between iCa and BAC observed in vivo in studies on chronic ethanol consumption, it complicates investigations designed to assess the effect of ethanol on Ca homeostasis.

A Case of Hypervascular Hyperplastic Nodules in a Patient with Alcoholic Liver Cirrhosis

“…Prussian blue stain showed focal iron deposits in the nodule, but was absent in the cirrhotic nodules. These features were very similar to previous cases of hypervascular hyperplastic nodules;2-6,10 however, scar-like fibrosis was not found in this case.…”

“…Regarding a strategy for the management of hyperplastic nodules in heavy drinkers, Suzuki et al10 suggested the following considerations: (1) hyperplastic nodules are often present as multiple lesions in relatively young patients with portal hypertension, negative hepatitis virus markers, and normal tumor marker values, (2) dynamic CT and MRI studies of hypervascular lesions often show no evidence of decreased portal blood flow; however, there are patients in whom imaging studies reveal findings similar to those in classical HCC, (3) differential diagnosis of hyperplastic versus dysplastic nodules from fine-needle biopsy results can be difficult in some patients, and (4) in patients positive for the hepatitis virus, hyperplastic nodules should be more cautiously diagnosed. In the present case, it was difficult to rule out the possibility of neoplastic lesions, such as HCC or dysplastic nodules, based on the radiological features even though the histological features of the first liver biopsy did not favor a neoplastic lesion.…”

Diagnostic and Treatment Algorithm of the Japanese Society of Hepatology: A Consensus-Based Practice Guideline

“…5). When the hypovascular nodule was detected, it was difficult to obtain an accurate diagnosis without a needle biopsy and the strategy that was reported [4]. Since hypovascular nodules sometimes converted from malignant progression to overt HCC [5], it seems necessary to undertake a needle biopsy of the nodule.…”

Repercussões minerais ósseas no alcoolismo crônico associado à deficiência hormonal em ratos

“…Níveis plasmáticos de cálcio e fosfato inorgânico são alguns destes indicativos, uma vez que estes minerais compõem a estrutura da hidroxiapatita e suas alterações refletem na qualidade da microarquitetura óssea (Pinto Neto et al, 2002;Saraiva;Lazzareti-Castro, 2002;Keiver, 2004;Vieira, 2007;Vasikaran, 2008).…”

“…Através de mecanismos distintos, o alcoolismo é capaz de alterar os três principais reguladores da homeostasia mineral óssea (Keiver, 2004;Moe, 2008).…”