Arthroscopy in spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee

Eight knees with spontaneous osteonecrosis were investigated through arthroscopy, and in seven the intra-articular findings were rechecked at arthrotomy performed one to two weeks later. Anbormalities in the articular cartilage were observed in detail under arthroscopy that could not be seen in roentgenograms. In the early stage of osteonecrosis, flattening and fissures in the articular surfaces, with and without formation of a cartilage flap, were useful findings in choosing intra-articular surgical procedures. In the late stage, free bodies such as cartilage plates in the joint and regeneration with fibro-cartilaginous tissue over the necrotic lesion were also important in selecting surgical treatment. In addition to roentgenographic classification of developmental stages in osteonecrosis, arthroscopy is necessary in differentiating osteoarthroses, in observing the articular surface of the femoral condyles, and in determining the stage of disease when roentgenography provided insufficient information to justify intra-articular procedures such as drilling and bone grafting.

Laboratory and field assessment of the molluscicidal activity of gogo (Entada phaseoloides) against the amphibious snail intermediate host of Schistosoma japonicum

A molluscicidal fraction occurs naturally in the bark of a vine (gogo in Tagalog), Entada phaseoloides, which grows indigeneously and abundantly in the Philippines. Butanol fraction of the methanol extracts of the bark was most toxic against Oncomelania quadrasi with the LC50 of 3.6-5.8 ppm. Analytical work on the butanol fraction by thin layer chromatography indicated that the active molluscicidal agents contained at least two kinds of saponins. The potency of E. phaseoloides remained rather stable over a wide range of pH values, in the presence of minerals and yeast cells and after ultraviolet irradiation of solutions. Our preliminary field trials, however, showed that doses as higher than 40 g per square meter would be needed to produce a satisfactory molluscicidal effect under field conditions.

Aortic cannulation for cardiopulmonary bypass

The surgical technique and complications of aortic cannulation for arterial return in total body perfusion utilizing oxygenator were presented based on our experience of 400 patients. Major complications encountered were laceration and bleeding (1 case), hematoma formation and bleeding (2 cases), and malpositioning of the catheter resulting in mild brain damage (1 case). All underwent re-operation with 4 survivals. Aortic cannulation is simple to perform, easy to maintian stability in cardiopulmonary bypass and with much less risk of retrograde dissection in all ages.

Effect of athrombogenic therapy, especially high dose therapy of dipyridamole, after prosthetic valve replacement

In order to prevent thrombo-embolism after prosthetic valve replacement, a high dose therapy with 450 mg/day of Dipyridamole and 3,000 mg/day of Aspirin was carried out for 1 year and 2 months in 91 cases (26 cases with aortic valve replacement, 40 cases with mitral valve replacement and 25 cases with multiple valve replacement). In the treated group, the incidence was 1.9% in cases more than 5 years after valve replacement and 2.9% in cases less than 5 years after valve replacement. In contrast, in the control group of 89 cases (47 cases of aortic valve replacement, 30 cases of mitral valve replacement and 12 cases of multiple valve replacement), the incidence was 9.1% and 14.7%, respectively. Thus, in both time intervals following prosthetic valve replacement the incidence of thrombo-embolism in the treated group was significantly lower than in the control group.