Anti-chromium barrier creams

Disappearance measurements have been used for studying the inhibiting effect of barrier creams on chromate (⁵¹Cr) absorption in the guinea pig. The creams Bakosan, Dow (Silicones), Indulona, Ivosin, Kerodex 71 and petrolatum were applied in different volumes (0.05–0.15 ml/cm²) and the interval between application of cream and chromate was varied. Ivosin (ion exchanger) was the most effective absorption-inhibiting preparation. Only at 0.15 ml/cm² was Dow equally effective. The protective effect of Bakosan, Indulona, Kercdex and petrolatum diminished when the volume was raised to 0.15 ml/cm³. Increasing the interval resulted in no change (Ivosin), a decrease (Bakosan, Indulona), and an increase in absorption for the other creams. Film thickness and interval before exposure have clinical implications.

Silicone fluid and steroids in the prevention of adhesions

A standard method was developed in the rat for making peritoneal adhesions which could be measured. The method was used to measure the effect of silicone fluid and of hydrocortisone on the formation of adhesions. Locally applied hydrocortisone and silicone fluid both reduced significantly the number and area of adhesions. Parenteral hydrocortisone had no effect on the formation of adhesions.

Comparison between local injections of silicone oil and hydrocortisone acetate in chronic arthritis

One of three preparations-silicone oil, hydrocortisone acetate, and hydrocortisone acetate plus saline-was injected into 22 osteoarthritic and 49 rheumatoid knees. Silicone injected into stiff, dry, grating knees which were the site of chronic arthritis did not promote better movement than did hydrocortisone alone. Hydrocortisone plus saline, however, appeared to be more effective than silicone or hydrocortisone alone in increasing movement in rheumatoid knees. The maximum increase in movement was found to occur three weeks after each of the three different injection preparations.