Serum copper in long-term users of copper intrauterine devices

A study was undertaken to determine whether long-term use of a copper intrauterine device (IUD) was associated with any alteration in the serum copper levels and thereby whether absorption of copper from the device in utero could result in copper toxicity. Serial estimations in copper IUD wearers showed that there was no alteration in serum copper levels for a period of up to 24 months. The mean range and frequency distribution of serum copper levels in long-term copper IUD wearers was similar to that seen in the normal population. There was no difference in the mean 24-hour urinary copper excretion between the control group and the copper IUD wearers. Data suggest that the copper released from a copper IUD may not be readily absorbed from the uterine fluid. This hypothesis needs verification.

Serum copper and zinc in hormonal contraceptive users

There has been a growing awareness of possible alterations in the trace element profiles of hormonal contraceptive users and their consequences. A study of serum copper and zinc levels in users of combined estrogen-progestogen contraceptives and in users of injectable progestogen was undertaken. Use of combined estrogen-progestogen contraceptives resulted in a significant decrease in serum zinc levels within 3 days and an increase in serum copper levels within 10 days. In users of combined estrogen-progestogen contraceptives the magnitude and time of occurrence of the decrease in zinc levels and the increase in copper levels was unaltered by chemical composition, dosage, route of administration, and duration of use beyond 3 months. With injectable progestogen (norethindrone enanthate, 20 mg/month), a significant decrease in serum zinc levels occurred within 24 hours after injection. Serum copper levels were not altered. With injectable progestogen, the type of drug, the dosage, and the duration of use beyond the 1st month had no effect on the magnitude of the decrease in serum zinc levels.

Plasma alpha-feto protein levels and its relation to duration of oral contraceptive use

Plasma alpha-feto protein (AFP) levels were measured by radioimmunoassay in 73 women using oral contraceptive pills for varying durations of time. The levels were significantly higher at 6 months of pill use and tended to return to normal after 12 months. In none of the women was plasma AFP higher than 25 ng/ml which is considered to be indicative of liver damage.

Planned extra-anatomic cerebral revascularization for carotid artery ligation

Cerebral revascularization, using extra-anatomic bypass grafts of autologous saphenous vein, was performed in three patients to prevent or to compensate for ischemic effects of emergency ligation of a carotid artery. These ligations were required after spontaneous disruption of common carotid arteries in patients with previous irradiation and radical head and neck surgery. External-carotid-to-external-carotid cross-over (submandibular) bypass graft was performed once, and ipsilateral axillointernal carotid bypass grafts twice. The role of infection in carotid artery rupture, the unpredictable nature and different mechanisms of cerebral malfunctions after carotid ligation, technical details of extra-anatomic bypass grafts, and anatomic considerations in the prevention of recurrent infection and bleeding are discussed. A planned approach of cerebral revascularization at the time of ligation appears to be preferable to a fortuitous outcome. Neurological disability and death from cerebral ischemia can be prevented by using extraanatomic bypass vein grafts.

Availability of folates from some foods

Availability of folic acid from seven commonly used Indian foods and from yeast was studied in normal human subjects. The method consisted of measuring urinary excretion of folate after the ingestion of a known amount of food folate. The mean availiability of folic acid from different foods was more than 50%, except from brewer's yeast wherein approximately only 10% of folate was available.

Folic acid absorption in pregnancy

Folic acid absorption was studied in six non-pregnant women, and nine pregnant women undergoing therapeutic termination of pregnancy between 10 to 26 weeks, using 2 mg. of folic acid labelled with 10 muCi of tritiated folic acid. Absorption varied between 65 and 95 per cent, with a mean absorption of 80 per cent, in both pregnant and non-pregnant subjects. Similarly, there was no difference of retention between the groups. The results indicate that there is no change in the absorption of folic acid in the first 26 to 28 weeks of pregnancy.