In order to clarify the usefulness of the filter paper absorption method in the measurement of urinary minerals, urea nitrogen and creatinine, recovery and preservation rates were assessed.
Recovery rates of minerals and urea nitrogen were low using distilled water and 5ml HCl/l respectively and the extraction with 1 ml HCl/l proved the best method for measurements of minerals, urea nitrogen and creatinine from a single sample.
Preservation assessment showed that with the filter paper absorption method minerals, urinary nitrogen and creatinine can be expected to keep itslevels without significant change of condition for sixteen weeks.

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From the aspect of Evidence Based Medicine, a number of epidemiological surveys and many extensive clinical trials have established that serum lipid lowering therapy prevents primary and secondary atherosclerosis. However, since the anti-atherosclerotic effect of lipid lowering therapy has yet to be clarified, in Japan as well as in the West, the prediction of the individual effect in each patient is difficult. Currently in Japan, some clinical studies are being conducted to clarify the effect of lipid lowering therapy for Japanese patients. but there have been no studies on the patient's attitude towards receiving lipid lowering drugs. In this study we used a questionnaire for patients being treated at our outpatient clinic. Of 150 outpatients, 59% knew their serum cholesterol level, 27% were receiving anticholesterol agents of their own free will, and 75% of patients expressed a wish for the continuous administration of the drug, due to feelings of concern about the discontinuation of drug therapy. The widespread use of lipid lowering therapy may be restricted due to concerns about health insuarance : although an analysis of the medical costs per patient shows that the increase in cost to the patient may be between 0 3000 yen per month by the addition of one lipid lowering agent. Among parients over 70, the fixed charge system of 530 yen a month means that the number of patients receiving medication is proportionally high and that the cost of additional medication is oorne by the health insurance system. The choice of patient oriented therapy is the most important point for improving the prognosis, quality of life and health life expectancy, and better information and education about lipid metabolic disturbance should be made available to patients.

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[in Japanese]

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[in Japanese]

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