The Short Arthritis Assessment Scale: a brief assessment questionnaire for rapid evaluation of arthritis severity in research and clinical practice

OBJECTIVE

To develop a short, 4-item arthritis severity questionnaire that is simple to score, clinically useful and meaningful, and suitable for use in primary care, where osteoarthritis (OA) is the primary prevalent arthritis illness.

METHODS

Data and items from the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF-36), the Western Ontario McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC(c)), and visual analog scales (VAS) for pain and patient global severity were studied in 16,519 patients with arthritis. The Short Arthritis Assessment Scale (SAS) was developed by performing multivariable analyses that involved individually adding/subtracting items in differing regression models. The candidate items and scales were then studied by Rasch analysis, and tested for effect size, sensitivity to change, and reliability. The resultant scale was validated using data from a recent OA clinical trial.

RESULTS

The VAS pain and VAS global severity scales and 2 items from the WOMAC in the VAS format, difficulty going down stairs and difficulty shopping, were found to be the best predictors of change in health status. The 4-item SAS was reliable (Cronbach's alpha = 0.87), demonstrated good test-retest reliability (Lin's concordance coefficient = 0.85), was unidimensional, and was strongly correlated with other important clinical measures, indicating good construct validity. Using data from a recent randomized clinical trial in OA, the SAS performed better than the WOMAC pain scale and the SF-36 physical component score in detecting change, and at least as well as the clinical trial VAS pain scale.

CONCLUSION

The SAS is a 4-item arthritis severity questionnaire that can be easily administered in primary care for patients with OA, but is suitable for use across all arthritis illnesses. Scoring is simple, requiring only the addition of four 10-point scales, and interpretation is straightforward. The SAS may have a role in rapid assessment of the arthritis patient in primary care practice.

Distribution of radium in oil and gas industry wastes from Malaysia

Radium concentrations in 470 samples of the various types of waste from oil and gas industries were analysed using gamma spectrometers. The results showed that the radium concentration varied within a wide range. The highest mean 226Ra and 228Ra concentrations of 114,300 and 130,120 Bq/kg, respectively, were measured in scales. Overall, 75% of the waste, mostly sludge and extraction residue lies within the normal range of radium concentration in soils of Malaysia. However, some platform sludge can have radium concentration up to 560 Bq/kg.

Spectroscopic, spectrophotometric and potentiometric studies on 3-(naphthylazo)-5-phenylpyrazole dye and its metal chelates

The electronic absorption spectra of 3-(naphthylazo)-5-phenylpyrazole dye (L) are studied in some organic solvents of different polarities. The spectra comprise three absorption bands, which are assigned to the corresponding electronic transitions. The pKa value of (L) in ethanol-water mixtures have been determined pH-metrically at different temperatures. The thermodynamic parameters delta G zero, delta H zero and delta S zero have also been evaluated. The successive stability constants of some d-transition elements have been determined pH-metrically at 25 degrees C and mu = 0.1 in 60% (v/v) ethanol-water mixture. A 1:1 and 1:2 (M: L) complexes are formed and evidenced by conductometric studies. The solid complexes of Cu(II) have been isolated and characterized on the basis of elemental analysis, TGA and IR data. The complexes formed between (L) and Cu(II) were studied spectrophotometrically in solutions.

The adequacy of diabetic care for children in a developing country

A cross-sectional study was conducted over 4 months evaluating the quality of care provided to diabetic children in public children's hospitals in Alexandria, Egypt.

RESULTS

Adult diabetologists were the main healthcare providers (HCP) (60.4%) in the School Health Insurance Hospital followed by paediatric diabetologists in the University Hospital. Insured children had a significantly higher frequency of physical examination, investigations and diabetes education compared to uninsured children. One-quarter of insured and 22% of uninsured children were performing self monitoring of blood glucose, while 45.2% of insured children were checking glucosuria at home compared to 34.0% of uninsured children. Premixed suspensions of biosynthetic human insulin, administered mainly via a syringe, was the most commonly prescribed insulin type with little possibility for personal initiative. Acute diabetic complications were also higher in uninsured compared to insured children. The frequency of these life threatening acute diabetic complications in the school health insurance system is estimated to be approximately 12.7 severe hypoglycaemic and 57.2 hyperglycaemic/ketoacidotic episodes per 1000 diabetic children per year. Recurrence of diabetic emergencies was significantly higher among children of parents with lower educational levels and children living in semiurban and rural residence. Children with recurrent diabetic emergencies had lower educational achievement, and more grade repeating and school absence during the year.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study appear to reflect marked deficiencies in the provision of information to children with diabetes and their parents in a developing country. A need for public-education strategies, consensus about treatment recommendations, use of more flexible insulin regimens, and devices for home monitoring is identified.

Aqueous humor and serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha in clinical uveitis

OBJECTIVE

To study the local and systemic behavior of the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in patients with active uveitis.

METHODS

TNF-alpha levels were measured in aqueous humor and peripheral blood samples using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay from 23 patients with uveitis and 16 control patients who had been operated on for uncomplicated cataracts.

RESULTS

Aqueous humor and sera of patients with uveitis showed higher levels of TNF-alpha than those of controls (p < 0.001). A comparison of cytokine levels between aqueous humor and sera showed significantly higher levels of TNF-alpha in serum than aqueous humor (p < 0.001). Correlation studies using the regression test for successive steps showed that serum TNF-alpha levels correlated with recurrent uveitis (r = 0.4150; p = 0.0489).

CONCLUSIONS

TNF-alpha is a cytokine that participates actively in the pathogenesis of clinical uveitis. Our data emphasize the greater systemic than local participation of TNF-alpha. Finally, an elevated serum TNF-alpha seems to be associated with a recurrent pattern of uveitis.

Teeth and blood lead levels in Egyptian schoolchildren: relationship to health effects

The objective of this work was to study teeth and blood lead levels in Egyptian schoolchildren and to relate lead levels to sociodemographic and environmental factors, the degree of urbanization and suspected manifestations of possible lead exposure. The study was conducted on 60 children aged 6-12 years: 30 children living in an urban area at Alexandria City and 30 children living in a rural area at Kafr El-Sheikh Province. Both groups are matched for age and gender. Every child was subjected to history taking, clinical examination and IQ measurements. Laboratory investigations included measuring teeth and blood lead levels, haemoglobin, serum iron and total iron binding capacity. The results showed that the mean blood lead level of children in Alexandria was significantly higher than that of the children in Kafr El-Sheikh; also 56.7% and 6.7% of children from Alexandria and Kafr El-Sheikh had a blood lead level of >20 microg dl(-1), with the most frequent symptoms of headache, arthralgia and lack of school interest. The children in Alexandria had significantly lower mean teeth lead and haemoglobin levels than those of the Kafr El-Sheikh group. A history of wrapping sandwiches in newspapers, age and distance between the home and school were significant predictors of lead exposure. These findings support the concept that teeth lead concentration may be a valid addition to the indicators used for assessment of the body burden of environmental lead. In addition, children living in urban areas such as Alexandria need special consideration regarding protection from lead exposure, as well as teeth and blood lead evaluation.

[Aqueous humor and serum interleukin-6 in patients with uveitis]

PURPOSE

A study on local and systemic behavior of interleukin-6 in patients with active uveitis.

METHODS

IL-6 levels were measured in aqueous humor and peripheral blood samples using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) from 23 patients with uveitis and 16 control patients who had been operated for uncomplicated cataracts.

RESULTS

Aqueous humor of patients with uveitis showed higher levels of interleukin-6 than those of controls (p<0.001). A comparison of cytokine levels between aqueous humor and serum from patients with uveitis showed significantly higher levels of interleukin-6 in aqueous than serum (p<0.001). Correlation studies using regression test for successive steps failed to demonstrate any association between interleukin-6 levels and the different clinical characteristics of uveitis patients (laterality, onset, patterns, visual damage, localization, inflammatory activity, etiology, and association with the B27 + histocompatibility antigen).

CONCLUSIONS

IL-6 is a cytokine that actively participates in the pathogenesis of clinical uveitis. Our data emphasize the greater local than systemic participation of this cytokine.

Topical L-ascorbic acid: percutaneous absorption studies

BACKGROUND

Reactive oxygen species generated by ultraviolet light result in photocarcinogenic and photoaging changes in the skin. Antioxidants protect skin from these insults.

OBJECTIVE

This study defines formulation characteristics for delivering L-ascorbic acid into the skin to supplement the skin's natural antioxidant reservoir.

METHODS

L-ascorbic acid or its derivatives were applied to pig skin. Skin levels of L-ascorbic acid were measured to determine percutaneous delivery.

RESULTS

L-ascorbic acid must be formulated at pH levels less than 3.5 to enter the skin. Maximal concentration for optimal percutaneous absorption was 20%. Tissue levels were saturated after three daily applications; the half-life of tissue disappearance was about 4 days. Derivatives of ascorbic acid including magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbyl-6-palmitate, and dehydroascorbic acid did not increase skin levels of L-ascorbic acid.

CONCLUSIONS

Delivery of topical L-ascorbic acid into the skin is critically dependent on formulation characteristics.

[Interaction between low-income mother-infant and father-infant pairs: an exploratory study.]

Twenty-nine low-income parents and their infants participated in an explanatory study about parent-infant interaction - describing the level of interaction and the similarities and differences in mother-infant and father infant pairs. The Nursing Child Assessment Teaching Scale, a 73-item standardized observation instrument, was used to measure interaction. Results showed that although the majority (69%) of parent-infant dyads did not demonstrate risky interactive behaviors, nearly 31% of the sample was disorganized in their interactions. Further, results showed that while both mothers and fathers were sensitive and responsive to their infants' cues, mothers were more apt to respond to their infants' distress than fathers, and infants were clearer and more responsive with their fathers than with their mothers. With this information clinicians and researchers can better understand interactions within a family context and strengthen intervention programs aimed at maintaining and improving parent-infant interactions.

Development and implementation of a semester program in Mexico for senior nursing students

The College of Nursing (CON), Michigan State University (MSU), in collaboration with the School of Nursing and Obstetrics, University of Guanajuato, Celaya, Mexico, developed a semester-long study-abroad program for senior MSU nursing students offered for the first time in the fall of 1998. The program provides intensive Spanish language classes and allows students to take required nursing courses in Mexico with a substantial amount of course content provided by Mexican faculty without an MSU CON faculty member on site at all times. Students receive a broad perspective of nursing and health care in Mexico, and develop an appreciation for its language and culture as well. This program represents an innovative approach to the development and implementation of a study-abroad program in nursing.

Quality of care of children with chronic diseases in Alexandria, Egypt: the models of asthma, type I diabetes, epilepsy, and rheumatic heart disease. Egyptian-Italian Collaborative Group on Pediatric Chronic Diseases

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the quality of care delivered to children suffering from index chronic diseases using specific indicators of health care delivery and to study the predictors of suboptimal quality of care (SQC) and its outcome on children.

DESIGN

Over a 9-month period, guidelines for optimal care were formulated. A specific questionnaire for every studied chronic disease was prepared in collaboration with the clinicians in charge of the diseased children (66% pediatricians and pediatric specialists and 34% adult specialists). The clinicians were asked to write the details of daily practice, ie, how these children were managed on a routine basis as well as in an emergency situation. A cross-sectional study was conducted over a 4-month period and included 953 children suffering from bronchial asthma (BA), childhood epilepsy (CE), type I diabetes mellitus (IDDM), and rheumatic heart disease (RHD). A systematic random sample of children was selected from children visiting the ambulatory settings of all children's hospitals. Every fourth child was selected on 2 randomly chosen days each week, while all diseased children admitted in the hospital settings of the children's hospitals during the study were included. A general form describing the impact of the diseases on the child was prepared. A network of clinicians was created in all children's hospitals; seminars were held during which the content validity of the questionnaire was tested. Items were evaluated for their internal consistency using the Cronbach alpha. According to the degree of adherence to the recent therapeutic guidelines concerning selected indicators of the quality of care specific to every disease, children were categorized as receiving optimal quality of care or SQC. These indicators were: the use of inhaled bronchodilators in acute asthmatic attacks in mild asthma and the use of the prophylactic drugs (inhaled sodium cromoglycate or inhaled beclomethasone) in moderate to severe chronic BA in between acute asthmatic attacks; compliance with antiepileptic drugs in epileptic children; regular performance of self-monitoring of blood glucose and/or urine testing in diabetic children; and compliance with prophylactic antibiotics in children suffering from RHD. The records of the outpatient clinics for ambulatory and hospitalized cases were reviewed to assess the degree of compliance with the prescribed management before the index visit. Sociodemographic characteristics and health care system-related predictors of SQC were analyzed via stepwise logistic regression analysis. The impact of illness on the child was assessed by 7 items which were: dependence on parents in domestic activities, level of activity compared with peers, mood compared with peers, level of socializing, degree of discomfort attributable to illness, level of physical disadvantage, and urinary incontinence. Factor analysis with Varimax rotation was performed on items related to the impact of illness. Parental satisfaction with care was rated as excellent, very good, fair, or poor. Information on school outcome was obtained by asking the caretakers whether the child was able to attend school regularly despite his sickness. Scholastic achievement was also rated as excellent, very good, good, and acceptable. Parents were asked whether the child had ever repeated a grade because of his sickness.

SETTING

Ambulatory and hospital settings of all children's hospitals in Alexandria, Egypt.

RESULTS

Only 52% of mild asthmatics were given inhaled bronchodilators during acute attacks and 6.84% of moderate to severe asthmatics were taking prophylactic drugs (inhaled sodium cromoglycate and/or inhaled beclomethasone) between acute attacks. Similarly, only 53 of 134 (39.6%) of diabetic children were regularly performing self-monitoring of blood glucose and/or urine testing. In contrast, in epileptic children, 121 of 173 (69.9%) were judged as being compliant by their managing clinicians and more than two

Aqueous and serum interferon gamma, interleukin (IL) 2, IL-4, and IL-10 in patients with uveitis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the cytokine profile in aqueous humor and peripheral blood from patients with uveitis.

METHODS

Cytokines (interferon [IFN]-gamma, interleukin [IL] 2, IL-4, and IL-10) were measured in aqueous humor and peripheral blood samples from 23 patients with uveitis and 16 patients undergoing operation for uncomplicated cataracts (control group) by means of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

Aqueous and serum samples from patients with uveitis showed higher levels of IFN-gamma and IL-2 than those of controls (P<.001). Similarly, serum IL-10 levels were slightly higher in the uveitis group (P=.002). No differences were found between uveitis and control groups for aqueous and serum IL-4 or aqueous IL-10 levels. In patients with uveitis, IFN-gamma levels were significantly higher in serum than aqueous (P<.001), whereas IL-2 levels were higher in aqueous than in serum (P<.001). Serum IFN-gamma levels correlated with severe visual damage (r=0.44; P=. 03).

CONCLUSIONS

Aqueous and serum levels of IFN-gamma and IL-2 were elevated in patients with uveitis, suggesting a predominantly type 1 response (high IFN-gamma and low IL-4 levels). Elevated serum IFN-gamma level seems to predispose the patient to more serious loss of vision. Arch Ophthalmol. 2000;118:768-772

Developing strategies to control schistosomiasis morbidity in nonenrolled school-age children: experience from Egypt

Schistosomiasis is a major health problem in school-age children in much of the tropical world. They harbour the most intense infections for both Schistosoma mansoni and S. haematobium. In Egypt, the Ministry of Health and Population (MOHP) has implemented a successful school-based treatment programme in which children are screened and those found to be infected treated with praziquantel. High nonenrolment rates in some rural areas have a negative impact on the coverage of this programme and on its ability to reduce transmission in the community. The main aim of our study was to introduce and test a simple intervention to extend treatment to nonenrolled children using the routine MOHP schistosomiasis treatment programme. Twenty villages or ezbas in Tamia district, Fayoum governorate, with 8 schools and 1901 nonenrolled children were targeted. 88.5% of nonenrolled children attended schools to avail themselves of treatment. Coverage rates were significantly higher for girls (P < 0.001). These results are important for countries where schistosomiasis is endemic. They suggest that offering interventions in schools may not only improve the health of school attendees but also be an affordable way of extending services to out-of-school children.

Prostate specific antigen density of the transition zone for early detection of prostate cancer

PURPOSE

We compare the ability of several prostate specific antigen (PSA) parameters, including PSA density of the whole prostate and of the transition zone, percent free PSA and PSA velocity, to enhance the specificity for prostate cancer detection and to reduce unnecessary biopsies in men with serum PSA levels of 4 to 10.0 ng./ml.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective study included 559 consecutive men referred for early prostate detection or lower urinary tract symptoms who had a serum PSA of 4.0 to 10.0 ng./ml. All men underwent prostatic ultrasonography and sextant biopsy with 2 additional transition zone biopsies. Specific biopsies of abnormal findings on digital rectal examination were also performed. In all cases if first biopsies were negative an additional set of biopsies was performed within 6 weeks. The ability of PSA density, PSA transition zone, PSA velocity and percent free PSA to improve the power of PSA in the detection of prostate cancer was evaluated with univariate and multivariate analyses as well as receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves.

RESULTS

Of 559 patients 342 had histologically confirmed benign prostatic hyperplasia and 217 had prostate cancer. Mean serum PSA, PSA velocity, PSA density and PSA transition zone were statistically higher (p <0.018, p <0.037, p <0.0001 and p <0.0001, respectively) and percent free PSA was statistically lower (p <0.0001) in patients with prostate cancer than in those with benign disease. Multivariate analysis and ROC curves showed that PSA transition zone and percent free PSA were the most powerful and highly significant predictors of prostate cancer. Areas under the ROC curve for PSA transition zone and percent free PSA were 0.827 and 0.778, respectively (p=0.01 McNemar test). Combination of free-to-total PSA with PSA transition zone significantly increased the area under the ROC curve compared to PSA transition zone alone (p=0.020). With a 95% sensitivity for prostate cancer detection a PSA transition zone cutoff of 0.25 ng./ml./cc would result in the lowest number of unnecessary biopsies (47% PSA transition zone specificity) compared to all other PSA parameters. However, total prostate volume (greater than 30 cc in 422 men or less than 30 cc in 137) was an important factor in predicting the statistical performance of PSA transition zone. In fact, PSA transition zone did not outperform free percent PSA in sensitivity and specificity when the entire prostate gland volume was less than 30 cc (p=0.094 McNemar test).

CONCLUSIONS

PSA density of the transition zone enhances the specificity of serum PSA for prostate cancer detection in referred patients with a serum PSA of 4.0 to 10.0 ng./ml. compared to other PSA parameters currently available. While PSA transition zone was more effective in prostates greater than 30 cc and percent free PSA was more effective in prostates less than 30 cc, the combination of percent free PSA with PSA transition zone further increased prostate cancer prediction.

[Clinical and biological markers of secondary uveitis: results of a discriminant analysis]

BACKGROUND

The association of uveitis and systemic disease is well known. Patients suffering from uveitis often undergo a extensive battery of tests in order to detect underlying disease, but the efficiency of such screening is uncertain. The aim of this study was to investigate useful clinical data for recognizing secondary uveitis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a prospective analysis of 115 patients with uveitis of unknown etiology. All of them were included in an extensive protocol study. Four groups were considered: specific ocular disease (SOD), idiopathic uveitis, HLA-B27 associated uveitis without arthritis (HLA-B27-AU) and secondary uveitis. Groups were compared by analysis of variance for continuous variables, and chi 2 test or Student's t-test for discrete variables. A stepwise multiple discriminant analysis was performed for ranking the variables in order of their usefulness for distinguishing idiopathic and secondary uveitis.

RESULTS

We diagnosed 11 SOD (9.6%), 54 idiopathic uveitis (47%), 6 HLA-B27-AU (5.2%) and 41 secondary uveitis (35.7%). The discriminant analysis showed that age, an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, presence of cutaneous lesion, joint pain and genital ulcers are the strongest predictors of secondary uveitis. This model classification functions detected 92.5% of idiopathic uveitis and 72% of secondary uveitis. The global percentage of patients with a correct diagnosis was 84.6%.

CONCLUSIONS

Anamnesis, physical examination and basic laboratory tests are sufficient tools for the diagnostic approach of the majority of patients with uveitis. Subsequent diagnostic procedures must be planned in each patient to confirm a specific disease.

[Varicella complicated by pericarditis and pneumonia]

Varicella is a highly infectious disease mainly affecting young children under 14 years of age, and being generally mild. In adults immunodeficient children and neonates exposed in utero, the illness tends to be more severe with higher incidence of complications. The type of complication is linked to the age: in children, bacterial infection of skin lesions and acute cerebellar ataxia are more frequent while lower respiratory tract infection, Reye syndrome and encephalitis are less common. Varicella pneumonia is found typically in adult patients and diffuse encephalitis which course is worse than children could be less frequently. Acute pericarditis is an exceptional complication with a benign course, but only if myocarditis or pericardial effusion are not concurrent. It usually appears in teenagers and young adults; only a few times, it has been linked to other complications as pneumonia or arthritis. We report a varicella case in an adult patient who suffered from pneumonia and pericarditis, both of them were benign.

[Directional velocity of the arterial flow, systemic vascular resistance and urinary excretion of sodium in cirrhotic patients]

OBJECTIVES

We have studied the vascular resistance at the posterior tibial artery utilizing the Doppler reverse/forward flow ratio, and its relationship to systemic vascular resistance and renal function in 32 nonazotemic cirrhotic patients.

METHODS

Patients were divided into three groups. Group A comprised 10 patients without ascites or oedema; group B comprised 9 patients with ascites and a relatively high sodium excretion (40 +/- 34 mmol/day); and group C comprised 13 patients with ascites and very low sodium excretion (4.9 +/- 2 mmol/day).

RESULTS

No significant differences were found in urine flow, creatinine or creatinine clearance between the three groups. Renin and aldosterone levels were found increased in group C. Systemic vascular resistance differed significantly in the three groups, being lower in group C. Significant higher values in the Doppler reverse/forward ratio were observed in patients with markedly increased sodium retention and less systemic vascular resistance (group C). The Doppler reverse/forward ratio showed significant correlations with systemic vascular resistance (r = 0.65; n = 32; p < 0.001), urinary sodium excretion (r = 0.53; n = 32; p < 0.01), renin (r = 0.474; n = 32; p < 0.01) and aldosterone levels (r = 0.589; n = 32; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

These preliminary results suggest in patients with hepatic cirrhosis vascular resistance, assessed non-invasively, at the posterior tibial artery, increases with the severity of sodium retention and the impairment in systemic hemodynamics. Thus, this measurement may be useful for the evaluation and follow-up of patients with cirrhosis of the liver.

Interrelationships between systemic hemodynamics, urinary sodium excretion, and renin-angiotensin system in cirrhosis

We studied the interrelationships between systemic hemodynamics, sodium excretion and the renin-angiotensin system in 28 nonazotemic cirrhotic patients on a sodium restricted diet. Renal hemodynamics were also assessed. The patients were divided into three groups. Group A comprised 9 patients without ascites or edema; group B comprised 8 patients with ascites and relatively high sodium excretion (41.9 +/- 12.9 mmol/day); and group C comprised 11 patients with ascites and very low sodium excretion (4.8 +/- 12.9 mmol/day). There were no significant differences in urine flow, glomerular filtration rate or effective renal plasma flow between the three groups of patients, although renin and aldosterone levels were significantly increased in group C. Groups A and B did not differ in hemodynamic parameters and no differences were found between the three groups in heart rate or in plasma volume. Group C, however, showed significantly higher cardiac index and lower arterial pressure and systemic vascular resistance. Plasma volume was inversely related to systemic vascular resistance, and natriuresis correlated significantly with both cardiac index (inversely) and systemic vascular resistance (directly). In addition, renin and aldosterone levels were inversely correlated with both mean arterial pressure and systemic vascular resistance. The systemic hemodynamic disturbances in nonazotemic cirrhotics is paralleled by the impairment in sodium homeostasis, suggesting that the decrease in systemic vascular resistance is the primary event leading to hypotension, high cardiac output and the activation of the renin-angiotensin system in these patients.

Liver injury related to amoxycillin-clavulanic acid: interlobular bile-duct lesions and extrahepatic manifestations

We report eight cases of liver injury related to amoxycillin-clavulanate. Liver biopsy performed in seven patients revealed varying degrees of injury to interlobular bile ducts in all cases. Lesions included irregularity of the nuclei, vacuolization of the cytoplasm, lymphocytic infiltration, destruction and endothelialization of the bile duct epithelium. Ductopenia was not observed. In two patients liver injury was accompanied by prominent extrahepatic manifestations (acute interstitial nephritis in one and acute lacrimal gland inflammation and sialadenitis with prolonged xerostomia in the other). We conclude that interlobular bile-duct lesions of varying severity are a common feature in liver injury related to amoxycillin-clavulanate. Side effects of the drug include acute interstitial nephritis and sialadenitis.

[Apropos a case of primary meningococcal arthritis in an adult]

We present the case of a 52-years-old patient which was diagnosed of septic primary meningococcal arthritis, being acute arthritis the only form of presentation without any other manifestations of the meningococcal disease. We want to stress that despite the low frequency of this disease, especially in the adult, it must be taken into account for the assessment of acute mono-oligoarthritis.

Antibodies to certain arboviruses in humans from a flooded village in Egypt

A study was carried out on 180 sera collected from inhabitants of a seepage flooded village (Begiram) in a Nile Delta governorate in Egypt. The aim of the study was to monitor the prevalence of certain arboviruses; some of them are known to be endemic in Egypt. Sera were screened by ELISA except for the HTN by IF, and the results indicated that WN and SFS exhibited the highest prevalence 45.5% followed by SFN (21%). These 3 viruses are known to be endemic in Egypt. The high prevalence of W.N. and S.F.S viruses in Begiram village in comparison to lower rates detected in sera from nearby Sharkqiya governorate collected almost at the same time may reflect the adverse effect of the environmental change in the flooded village. RNF virus which caused a major epidemic in Egypt in 1977 and continued to be circulating until 1980, its antibodies were detected only in those above 20 years of age with a prevalence rate of 5%. Antibodies against two tick borne viruses viz QRF and CCHF were also detected with low prevalence rate 2.75% and 1.1% respectively; also antibodies to the rodent-borne HTN virus were detected with prevalence rate 1.1%. Antibodies to mosquito borne SIN and BAT viruses were not detected in the tested sera.

Extrahepatic biliary papillomatosis occurring after removal of a dysplastic gall bladder

A case is presented of a woman who developed obstructive jaundice secondary to dysplastic mucinous papillomatosis two years after she had undergone cholecystectomy and exploration of the common bile duct. The gall bladder was dysplastic. It is suggested that the dysplastic glands removed from the common bile duct at the second operation either represented seedlings from dysplastic areas of the gall bladder or were a manifestation of dysplastic field change.

[Bone involvement in systemic mastocytosis: report of 3 cases]

Systemic mastocytosis is a rare disease, with symptoms produced by the accumulation of mastocytes on skin and other tissues as well as the release of biologically active substances. Bone is the more frequent extracutaneous involvement, its being clinically difficult to detect, even though the radiological findings detects them in at least 70% of the cases. It is necessary to notice the great variety of presentation, from localized to disseminated and osteoporotic to condensed or mixed as it is in this cases. These are reasons for diagnosis delay. The elective test in those cases with general involvement is bone biopsy; its processing the sample with blue toluidine.

[Sleeping sickness in German travelers to the tropics]

A brother and sister (the latter having been resident in Ruanda for three years) fell ill with African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) after a two-day safari in the Akagera National Park. Cardinal symptoms were fever, lymphadenopathy and the typical primary lesion (trypanosomal chancre). The diagnosis was confirmed by demonstrating trypanosomes in the peripheral blood. There was no CNS involvement in either case. Administration of suramin, 1 g weekly intravenously for six weeks, quickly brought about regression of the symptoms and the parasitaemia. According to the number of cases reported since 1970, the risk for German travellers to certain African areas of contracting trypanosomiasis is about 0.3 per 100,000. Since in Africa the incidence of the disease is increasing, in some parts considerably, one must reckon with an increasing risk for tourists.

Chemical and toxicity studies of Trichodesma africanum L

Trichodesma africanum L. (Boraginaceae), a desert plant of Africa and Asia, was found to contain beta-amyrin, beta-methyl oleanate, potassium nitrate and a nitrogen-containing toxin, each producing a notable toxic response when injected in laboratory mice and rats. Muscle contraction and a blood pressure reduction caused by the toxin are described. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids, e.g., trichodesmine, present in other Trichodesma species were also identified in the material by tlc and spectrometric methods. These did not, however, produce the acute toxic effects observed for the nonalkaloid compounds mentioned above. beta-Sitosterol and stigmasterol were identified as the principal sterols in the plant.

Definitive decompression of the biliary tree-preferred approach to management of choledocholithiasis and/or associated pathology

The experience of the senior author in the management of biliary tract lithiasis and/or associated pathology is analyzed, retrospectively until 1976 and prospectively from then on, in an attempt to ascertain the most efficient manner of handling a duct requiring surgical exploration. Primary surgery was done on 245 patients, while 22 common bile duct reoperations were carried out on 20 patients. In the primary surgery group, 177 simple cholecystectomies were undertaken, and an indication for duct exploration was present in the other 68. Out of 90 common bile duct explorations, 68 primary ones plus 22 reoperations, two operative deaths occurred (one in each group). Fifteen patients had a choledocholithotomy with temporary T-tube decompression, with "normal' postexploratory and predischarge tube cholangiograms. Six of these (40%) required reoperation (recurrent stones in three, residual calculus in two, stenotic papilla in one). Of 70 ducts definitively drained (60 choledochoduodenostomies, nine sphincteroplasties, one Y-loop hepaticojejunostomy) only one (1.4%) of the patients who had a sphincteroplasty has had an episode of jaundice and cholangitis, a highly significant difference (p = 0.001). This experience suggests that a correct biliary fenestration, permanently decompressing the biliary tree, performed during the initial operation will avoid many unnecessary hospital admissions and should, therefore, be seen as the procedure of choice in the overwhelming majority of situations when a pathological common bile duct is encountered.

Hypothalamic-pituitary evaluation in patients with galactorrhea-amenorrhea and hyperprolactinemia

Twenty-two women with galactorrhea and/or amenorrhea were evaluated. Thyroxine (T4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and visual fields were normal. Hyperprolactinemia (22 to 440 ng/ml) was present in 19 patients. Evidence of tumor was found in 73.7% of the woemn, whereas 26.3% were classified as functional. Three patients with empty sella syndrome showed normal prolactin levels (12.2 to 18.5 ng/ml). There was a significant negative correlation between prolactin levels and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) (P less than 0.05), but not between prolactin and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels. Hypocyloidal polytomography was better than plain x-ray films in detecting early prolactin-secreting pituitary tumors (14 patients). Pituitary testing using an insulin tolerance test showed a statistically significant difference in human growth hormone (hGH) reserve between tumor and functional groups (P less than 0.0005), and none for the cortisol response. The 17-hydroxycorticoid response to metyrapone was impaired in the tumor patients (group 1). Serum prolactin levels showed various degrees of suppression with L-dopa (9.3 to 98.8%), with no significant difference between the various groups.

Gallstone ileus masquerading as a gastric outlet obstruction

We have described a patient with gallstone ileus who was initially believed to have a gastric outlet obstruction. Roentgenogram of the abdomen revealed a markedly distended stomach. None of the classic roentgenographic signs of gallstone ileus were present. Old age and diabetes mellitus probably contributed to her severe gastric retention.

The spectrum of colitis associated with lincomycin and clindamycin therapy

Ten cases of protracted diarrheal illness after the oral administration of lincomycin or clindamycin in standard dosages were observed in previously healthy subjects. An abrupt onset of diarrhea, crampy abdominal pain, fever, and leukocytosis was observed one to 12 days after discontinuation of the drug. Proctoscopic examination revealed erythematous friable mucosa covered with small raised, yellowish-white plaques that were sometimes confluent. Barium contrast studies of the colon demonstrated irregular shaggy mucosa, ulcerations, cobblestone appearance, and thumb printing. Rectal bipsy showed acute inflammation with pseudomembranes with focal or superficial ulcerations. All patients had a protracted course but recovered with supportive management. Follow-up barium enemas and proctoscopy were done on all patients and were normal. A history of diarrhea, fever, and mucosal changes seen on proctoscopy in a patient who has recently received one of these antibiotics should raise the possibility of colitis associated with clindamycin and lincomycin therapy.