The present paper is a concise summary of contemporary knowledge of lipoprotein(a). Increased lipoprotein(a) concentration is an independent risk factor for atherogenesis. The treatment of choice of increased lipoprotein(a) concentration is causal - for example treatment of the nephrotic syndrome or renal transplantation. If this is not amenable, careful monitoring and elimination of additional risk factors of atherogenesis are mandatory.
Contrast-induced nephropathy remains one of the most serious adverse event of contrast imaging. Patients with existing renal impairment, with or without diabetes, those with congestive heart failure or myeloma, and patients who receive nonsteroidal antyinflammatory drugs may be at higher risk. The pathogenesis of contrast-induced nephrotoxicity probably involves renal ischemic injury, tubular obstruction and direct tubular toxicity. Some prophylactic procedures based on these pathogenetic hypotheses have been proposed. Up-to-date knowledge on incidence, pathogenesis, risk factors, preventive procedures and therapeutic approaches of radiocontrast nephropathy is reviewed