Radiography after orthognathic surgery. Part II. Surgical complications

In a retrospective review of the radiographs from 100 patients who had undergone orthognathic surgery, the authors found that 10% of radiographs had evidence of surgical complications. These complications were fractures, temporomandibular joint dislocations, transected tooth roots, retained surgical devices, avascular necrosis, malunion or nonunion of osteotomy fragments, and osteomyelitis. Some of these complications are of little significance, while others require immediate intervention. Opacified maxillary sinuses and lucencies around tooth roots are frequent findings that may be confused with abnormalities; however, they represent postoperative blood in the sinuses and resorption of bone due to stress from orthodontic appliances, respectively.     

Effects of plasmapheresis on the course of experimental allergic neuritis in rabbits

Experimental allergic neuritis was induced in 30 rabbits with extract of bovine peripheral nerve in complete Freund's adjuvant. Of the 22 animals that completed the study, nine animals were plasmapheresed within two weeks of inoculation and 13 animals served as controls. The plasmapheresed animals developed a less severe form of EAN than the controls. Differences were apparent in clinical weakness, weight loss, degree of dispersion of the muscle action potential and histological changes.     

Normal sonographic appearance of the fetal neck late in the first trimester: the pseudomembrane

A linear specular reflection simulating a membrane was visualized along the back of the neck on sonograms of ten normal fetuses ranging in age from 10 to 14 menstrual weeks. Follow-up ultrasound studies of eight of the fetuses and postpartum clinical examinations of all subjects were normal, revealing no evidence of neck abnormalities. Although this pseudomembrane is similar in appearance to published examples of early cystic hygroma, it is a normal finding that can be distinguished from early cystic hygroma on the basis of its less bulbous appearance and the absence of underlying septations. This structure corresponds in distribution to the skin along the back of the fetus and likely represents a specular reflection from the skin surface.     

Maternal Commitment, Lactation Practices, and Breastfeeding Duration

A longitudinal study of 44 breastfeeding mothers was conducted to determine how strongly prenatal intention influenced breastfeeding duration, and whether postpartum events and practices had any additional effects. The subjects were interviewed three times between the third trimester and one year after birth. The strongest predictor of duration was prenatal intent. However, formula supplementation had an independent negative effect and was inversely related to social support. The practice implications for breastfeeding promotion include early supportive intervention and educational programs.