THESIS REVIEW

Thesis review in this article:
TINEA VERSICOLOR AND PITYROSPORUM ORBICULARE: MYCOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS, EXPERIMENTAL INFECTIONS AND EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SURVEYS . Jan Faergemann, M.D.     

Percutaneous absorption of I,3-bis (2-chloroethyl)-I-nitrosourea (BCNU, carmustine) in mycosis fungoides

The total percutaneous absorption of I,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-i-nitrosourea (BCNU, carmustine) in 5 patients with mycosis fungoides, based on the 5 day urinary excretion of ¹⁴C-labelled BCNU, ranged from 5 to 28%. Absorption through diseased skin was greater than through uninvolved skin.     

The effect of amniocentesis and drainage of amniotic fluid on lung development in Macacafascicularis

Summary. Amniocentesis and withdrawal of amniotic fluid was performed on pregnant monkeys ( Macaco fascicularis ) at two stages in development, either between 47 and 64, or between 85 and 95 days gestation. After birth the lungs of each infant monkey were studied using precise morphometric techniques, and compared with those in a control group of animals. The lungs after amniocentesis had alveoli of normal maturity but reduced in number and increased in size, features which both reduce the relative area for gas exchange. There was also a reduction in the number of respiratory airways. These changes occurred regardless of the time of amniocentesis, the amount of fluid removed and even if the membranes were simply punctured with no fluid removal. There is some evidence to suggest that similar sublethal effects may be present in human infants after maternal amniocentesis.     

Plasma lorazepam levels

Plasma lorazepam levels were studied following single doses of 2 mg and 4 mg in patients and volunteers. There was a slightly more rapid uptake of drug following deep intramuscular injection than when taken by mouth. Plasma levels declined rapidly following intravenous injection (t1/2 of approximately 2-3 hours). Two hours after giving the drug the plasma levels were similar irrespective of the route of administration. The second phase decline was very slow and one third of the peak concentration was still in the blood at 24 hours.