Chemical equivalence of two polyetherpolyurethane foams as a vehicle for povidone-iodine solution: kinetic model for the loss of available iodine

The loss of available iodine from povidone-iodine solution stored in contact with two different polyetherpolyurethane foams was monitored as a function of time and temperature. Statistical evaluation of the results for the four temperatures studied [ambient (25 degrees), 30, 45 and 55 degrees C] indicated the chemical equivalence of the two foams as storage and delivery systems for povidone-iodine solution in terms of solution stability. In addition, application of a first-order kinetic model to the data produced an acceptable fit. An Arrhenius-type evaluation of the resulting rate constants yielded a linear relationship which was shown to be useful for predicting loss of available iodine under ambient temperature conditions of storage.     

Trace element status in multiple sclerosis

We compared trace element status in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients (n = 27) with and without treatment with corticosteroids and groups of healthy subjects. Concentrations of plasma ceruloplasmin, selenium, and zinc and erythrocyte (RBC) glutathione peroxidase, Se, and Zn were similar in all groups. RBC copper concentrations were significantly lower in MS patients than in control subjects (mean +/- SEM: 0.048 +/- 0.005 vs 0.060 +/- 0.002 mumol/g Hb) because of decreased RBC Cu with steroid therapy. RBC Zn-Cu ratios were significantly higher (14.9 +/- 1.0 vs 10.1 +/- 0.3) in MS patients than in control subjects, differing in both groups of MS patients. In MS and control subjects, RBC Cu correlated significantly with RBC Zn (r = 0.56, 0.49). Disease acuity and disability had no effect on trace-mineral status. These data suggest that in MS there is altered Cu and Zn homeostasis that may cause or result from the disease and is influenced by corticosteroid therapy. Systemic trace element alterations might provide clinically useful markers of MS.     

Local hemostasis in subarachnoid hemorrhage

Fibrinopeptide A (FPA), platelet-secreted protein, platelet factor 4 and beta-thromboglobulin were determined in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients who had suffered from subarachnoid hemorrhage and were treated with 6 g tranexamic acid or 4 million KIU aprotinin to prevent rebleeding. Platelet-secreted proteins and FPA were cleared from the cerebrospinal fluid within 3 days after bleeding. Their vasoactive and thrombotic capability is limited to the initiation period of vasospasm that usually comes to clinical observation 3-8 days after bleeding. Increased thrombotic activity of the cerebrospinal fluid, as reflected by high levels of FPA and platelet-secreted protein, seemed to promote the occurrence of neurological deficits.     

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis. Apropos of 8 cases, with one developing over a 13-year period

The subacute sclerosing panencephalitis is one of the few child dementiae. An eight cases study is the opportunity of analysing the clinical, electrical and evolutive particularities of this very serious prognosis disease. The circumstantial comment of a thirteen-year-followed-case illustrates the clinical features, the electrical evolution, and the late C.T. scan aspects.     

Arterial complications of total knee replacement. The Australian experience

Arterial complications occurring in association with knee replacement surgery are rare, even though most patients having this operation are elderly and therefore more likely to have peripheral vascular disease. We report a patient who developed an arterial complication during the course of a knee replacement operation, as well as the results of a survey of Fellows of the Australian Orthopaedic Association. Recommendations to minimise this serious complication are proposed.