Reliability Assessment in Pseudo-Dynamic and Dynamic Tests

Primary aldosteronism (PA) causes a persistently elevated blood pressure (BP) due to excessive release of the hormone aldosterone from the adrenal glands. Classically, it is called Conn’s syndrome and is described as the triad of hypertension and hypokalemia with the presence of unilateral adrenal adenoma. It can be cured with surgical resection of the aldosterone-secreting adenoma leading to resolution of hypertension, hypokalemia and increased cardiovascular risk associated with hyperaldosteronism. We present a case of a man with previous ischemic heart disease (IHD) who presented with resistant hypertension. Investigations for secondary causes of hypertension revealed an elevated aldosterone level and saline suppression test confirmed the diagnosis of PA. Radiological examination revealed a left adrenal adenoma and a normal right adrenal gland. However, adrenal venous sampling showed lateralization of aldosterone secretion towards the right. He subsequently underwent a laparoscopic right adrenalectomy which improved his BP control promptly. This case highlights the importance of recognizing the need to investigate for secondary causes of hypertension. It also underscores the importance of dynamic tests, which may not be easily accessible to most clinicians but should pursue, to allow a definitive diagnosis and effective treatment.

Download Full-text

Analyzing the accuracy of bank reliability assessment based on official reporting

Finance and Credit ◽

10.24891/fc.26.2.327 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 26 (2) ◽

pp. 327-348

Author(s):

O.I. Razumova

Keyword(s):

Financial Reporting ◽

Financial Stability ◽

Systems Approach ◽

Reliability Assessment ◽

Financial Statements ◽

Rating Agencies ◽

Short Term Forecasting ◽

One Year ◽

Key Indicators ◽

Correct Forecast

Subject. The article considers ratings of banks' reliability. Objectives. The aim is to evaluate the accuracy of existing methodology for bank reliability assessment based on official reporting, to identify patterns between indicators and factors that can affect the financial sustainability of a bank. Methods. The study draws on the comparative analysis of key indicators of bank's financial statements one year prior to the introduction of provisional administration, and evaluates the results of existing methods for analyzing the financial standing of banks. Results. The findings show that those methods that use only official reporting to assess the reliability of banks are not sufficient for short-term forecasting of financial stability. Ratings of the majority of agencies that rest on official reporting have a high percentage of erroneous results, therefore, rating agencies are not able to predict the regulator's decisions regarding a credit institution. Conclusions. Currently, there are no universal methods to determine reliability, which would provide a correct forecast of deteriorated financial position of the bank. It is important to use a systems approach, where financial reporting is not a key component.

Download Full-text