A random double-blind trial of the combination of nebulized atropine methylnitrate and albuterol in nocturnal asthma

The combination of nebulized atropine methylnitrate (AMN) and a beta-agonist has been shown to produce greater and longer lasting bronchodilation than either drug alone. We examined the efficacy of the combination in diminishing the "morning dipping" in PEFR in eight hospitalized but stable asthmatics. The patients received nebulized albuterol along with either AMN (AMN + ALB) or placebo (ALB) in a random double-blind cross-over fashion at 10 PM on four nights. PEFR and FEV1 were recorded at 6 PM, 10 PM, and 6 AM before the administration of bronchodilators. There was no statistically significant difference between ALB and AMN + ALB in reducing the morning dipping in these patients.

Efficacy of atropine methylnitrate alone and in combination with albuterol in children with asthma

The bronchodilator effect of nebulized AMN, albuterol and their combination was evaluated in 16 steroid-dependent asthmatic children. In phase 1, maximal bronchodilation was determined by dose-response studies on separate days. Maximal bronchodilator dose of each drug was administered either alone or in combination during phase 2. In phase 1, 0.11 +/- 0.01 mg/kg of albuterol and 0.03 mg/kg of AMN produced maximum bronchodilation. In phase 2, the peak response to albuterol occurred within 30 min and to AMN, at 60 min. Maximal FEV1 achieved after AMN was 90 percent of the maximal achieved after albuterol. AMN FEV1 response was better than for placebo for 3 h; that for albuterol was better for 4 h. Combination therapy produced a peak response similar to that of albuterol but was better than albuterol by 6 h. Thus, the maximum bronchodilator effect of AMN is less than that of albuterol in asthmatic children, but the combination may extend the period of bronchodilatation.

Modified method of open laparoscopy

A modified method of open laparoscopy was performed on 175 patients. The operations were done from July 1978 through March 1983 at Orange Memorial Hospital, Orange, Texas. All the surgical laparoscopies were performed under general anesthesia with intubation. A double incision was used in all cases. There were no complications during surgery and no major postoperative problems. Cellulitis of the umbilicus was noted in three cases and stitch abscess of the second incision in one case. The majority of the patients were discharged from the hospital within 24 hours of surgery. This modified open method seems to be simple, safe and uncomplicated.

Demodicidosis Involving Human Face

From the face of each of 9 patients having rosacea-like lesions the follicle mites identified as Demodex folliculorum (DF) (Simon) were in varying numbers. In our control cases no mites were demonstrated from similar sites. Treatment with one percent lindane (Cosmascab lotion-Napha) applied locally for seven consecutive days improved the condition in all patients.

Delusory Parasitosis

A retrospective analysis of 26 cases of delusory parasitosis is recorded.