Dental chairside test for the diagnosis of ascorbic acid deficiency

There is a strong correlation between gingival inflammation and clinical and sub-clinical ascorbic acid deficiency. This has created a demand for a handy diagnostic test to detect the ascorbic acid deficiency. The aim of this work was to find out the efficacy of one such test, i.e. the modified Lingual Ascorbic Acid Test (LAAT). To find out the significance of ths LAAT, it was compared with plasma ascorbic acid levels and then confirmed statistically. Our findings suggest that with this simple, reliable and inexpensive method, the dental practitioners can conveniently assess the ascorbic acid status of their patients.

Pulmonary tuberculosis in Ahmedabad: epidemiology, diagnosis and short course chemotherapy

Five hundred children below the age of 12 years suffering from lung tuberculosis viz., primary complex (PC) or progressive primary complex (PPC) were studied. Diagnosis was based on Kenneth Jones criteria; selected cases having score of 5 or more. One hundred and eighty cases of PC were given A-1 (6 RH) regimen, while 312 cases of PPC were given A-2 (2SHRZ/4 RH) or A-3 (2 SRH/4 RH) or A-4 (2 RHE/4 RH) regimen. Follow-up was done for 6 months after completing the treatment to observe the relapse rate. In cases of PC, 6 RH regimen appeared adequate and cheaper with no relapse rate. In cases of PPC with short course chemotherapy, compliance of patients had been very good. Relapse rate was up to 13% which is acceptable. Drug toxicity was very low.

Evaluation of endoscopic variceal sclerotherapy in various grades of liver disease

Forty four patients with portal hypertension of varying etiology, including 25 patients with an acute episode of variceal bleeding and 19 with past history of hematemesis, were followed up for eighteen months following endoscopic variceal sclerotherapy (EVS). Of 11 patients in Child's A group, two died of acute bleed, three were subjected to shunt surgery and the remaining six survived the follow-up period. Ten of 11 cases in Child's C did not survive more than six months in spite of sclerotherapy. We conclude that rebleed and death due to rebleed following EVS occur more commonly in patients with poor hepatic reserve (Child's C) as compared to patients in Child's A and B.

Polyethylene glycol as a binder for tablets

Polyethylene glycol 6000 was evaluated as a binder for the direct compression of 11 tablet formulations. Six formulations compressed quite well, and the resulting tablets were satisfactory in all respects. To evaluate stability, actual shelflife studies were considered more appropriate than the accelerated studies. After a shelflife of 3 years, five of the six formulations were stable. The ascorbic acid formulation was stable for up to 18 months.

Acute mesenteric vascular occlusion: A review of thirty-two patients

High mortality rates associated with mesenteric occlusion are a tremendous challenge. We reviewed 32 patients admitted to Beckley Appalachian Regional Hospital during the years 1965 to 1974. The majority of the patients were men. There was quite a variation in the symptoms and physical signs, with heart disease commonly associated with mesenteric occlusion. Massive gangrene involving the small and large bowels had the worst prognosis. Thrombectomy and anticoagulation did not prove beneficial in our series. Patients who survived massive resection are having intermittent diarrhea, responsive to medical treatment. The mortality rate in this series of 32 patients was 81.3 percent. It is hoped that with increased use of mesenteric angiography, early diagnosis, and prompt management the mortality rate can be brought down to acceptable levels.