Similarities in the release rates of different drugs from polyethylene glycol 6000 solid dispersions

The dissolution rates (mg min-1) of 10 drugs, solid dispersed by fusion in polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG 6000) have been examined by rotating disc methodology. The dispersions generally displayed release rates which were linearly dependent upon the drug concentration (% drug) at high polymer content. However the range over which this linearity was encountered varied unduly, e.g. 0-2% for phenylbutazone and 0-15% for paracetamol. The slope of this line (mean value: 0.451 mg min-1 % -1) was statistically the same for nine of the drugs studied, the exception being griseofulvin which did not form a true solid dispersion but was a microcrystalline dispersion of the drug within the PEG. During fusion, chain scission of the PEG 6000 occurred in the presence of several drugs. PEG 6000 was incompatible with disulfiram, frusemide, chlorothiazide and chlorpropamide.

Positive 67Ga-citrate scintigraphy: vertebral, satellite lymph node and gallbladder foci in a case of gastroenteritis with salmonella

We report a case of salmonella gastroenteritis with recurrent fever and sepsis, slight transient lumbar pain and positive 67Ga-citrate scintigraphy. The 67Ga scan made a major contribution to the positive diagnosis of a subclinical spondylodiscit and to the correct treatment leading to the disappearance of the infectious foci.

[Acute polyarthritis in Yersinia enterocolitica infection. 4 cases in Belgium]

Four cases in acute polyarthritis observed in Belgium, secondary to infection with Yersinia enterocolitica are reported. Apart from in Finland, where the frequency of yersinian rheumatism appears to be equal to that of Bouillaud's disease, these published cases are exceptional. This might appear surprising when it is realized that Yersinia is endemic in Western Europe and in other parts of the world and that alimentary manifestations are not rare and are now well known. This polyarthritis presents as an aspecific oligo-arthritis that is often preceded by acute enteritis and resolves itself spontaneously in several months. Determination of specific agglutinins is the basis of diagnosis. Twice the authors noted a temporary gonoreaction associated with an increase in the anti-Yersinia agglutinins. The few cases presented will help in the recognition of this new form of acute polyarthritis, which may be included among the infectious rheumatisms, and which is probably more frequent than it appears from reading the rheumatological literature.