Vascular function tests

The effects of raloxifene on the vascular endothelium have been studied in 19 subjects who underwent endothelial function testing at baseline and after treatment with placebo or raloxifene (60 mg/day for 6 weeks) (27). The findings in this small short-term study were entirely positive. Brachial artery diameter change (flow-mediated dilatation) increased 5.0% with placebo and 8.6% with raloxifene in response to a hyperemic stimulus. The ratio of AUC response to AUC reference with the use of laser Doppler measures was 1.18 for placebo and 1.28 for raloxifene. Flow-mediated dilatation and AUC ratio correlated significantly. The authors concluded that raloxifene enhanced endothelial-mediated dilatation in brachial arteries and digital vessels in these women, and they discussed the drug s possible cardioprotective effect. 

Verma S, Buchanan MR, Anderson TJ. Endothelial function testing as a biomarker of vascular disease. Circulation 2003 108 2054-2059. 

It is important that the preoperative examination is carried out meticulously and that the tumour can be adequately assessed by imaging techniques regarding its intrahepatic location, size, extent and segmental affiliation. When participation of vascular or biliary structures or involvement of extrahepatic organs is suspected, additional investigations are called for. The hepato-logical status is determined as follows enzymatic and mesenchymal activities, cholestasis and jaundice, functional test values (e. g. cholinesterase, albumin, coagula-... 

The kidney is the major excretory organ and also serves a role in blood pressure homeostasis. Ingredients new to infant formulas or their metabolites may be excreted by the kidney and may potentially damage the glomerular or reno-vascular function of the organ. Glomerular health is assessed by serum and urine chemical profiles in addition to the above mentioned histology. Abnormalities in level 1 assessments would lead to level 2 assessments, which should be tailored to the issues raised in level 1. Table 5-6 provides several examples of the types of tests that could be used in level 1 and level 2 assessments of kidney health. 

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