The Sixth FESCC Continuous Postgraduate Course in Clinical Chemistry:
New Trends in Classification, Monitoring  and Management of Metabolic Syndrome

The initial description and several definition using different sets of criteria reflects contrasting views on pathogenic mechanisams of metabolic syndrome. The use of these definitions in diverse population the metabolic syndrome has resulted in different  prevalence rate, inconsistencies and confusion. Therefore in 2005 the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) has proposed a new word wide definition of metabolic syndrome. Renowned experts from European countries have participated in this specialized FESCC Course covering the clinical and laboratory aspects of metabolic syndrome. This eJIFCC contains the manuscripts prepared by these experts especially for this Course. The integrated knowledge of the authors, experts in different fields, is intended to provide the reader with optimal information.
The Journal contents is divided into three chapters. The chapter  Basic concepts covers topics such as Pathophisiology of Metabolic Syndrome (MS), Prediabetes and MS, Genetic Susceptibility to the MS. In the chapter Risk assesment, Dislipidemia, Coronary Disease, Insulin Resistance and MS, Pro-inflamatory and thrombotic factors are described. The last chapter is dedicated to Diagnostic exactaness of biochemical markers where Evidence Based Laboratory Medicine, Hypertension and Metabolic Syndrome, Approach to the treatment of MS are presented.

We do hope that this issue of the e-JIFCC meets the intended goals by presenting the state-of-the-art and contributing to harmonization of the new trends in diagnosis, monitoring and management of metabolic syndrome.

 
                                 Elizabeta Topić