Resolution of atopic dermatitis in a patient treated with cyclosporine

There are theoretical reasons to anticipate a beneficial action of cyclosporin in atopic dermatitis. We describe a patient with severe atopic dermatitis who responded dramatically while receiving cyclosporin for the treatment of lymphoma. Cyclosporin may have a useful role in patients with resistant atopic dermatitis.     

Catecholamine responses to changes in posture during human pregnancy

Summary. Human pregnancy may induce changes in the sensitivity of the cardiovascular system to endogenous catecholamines. This was investigated in multigravid women with little likelihood of unsuspected vascular disease. Txe responses of blood pressure, pulse rate, plasma noradrenaline and adrenaline to a change in posture from semi-decumbency to standing were assessed in six normotensive women at 36 weeks gestation and in six non-pregnant control subjects. Standing for 10 min caused a surge in blood pressure, pulse rate and plasma noradrenaline in non-pregnant women. The pregnant women, whose basal levels of noradrenaline were higher than those in non-pregnant women, showed a slower noradrenergic response to postural change, and this response had less effect upon the cardiovascular indices. Blood pressure dropped immediately on standing and pulse rate remained unaffected throughout. It is suggested that some women may maintain a non-pregnant level of pressor sensitivity during pregnancy and thereby become hypertensive.     

Multicentric reticulohistiocytosis

A case of multicentric reticulohistiocytosis associated with a pleural mesothelioma is reported. The cutaneous and joint manifestations resolved after treatment with cyclophosphamide, and the remission persisted until the patient's death 3 years later. As corticosteroids have such an unpredictable effect on this condition, cyclophosphamide may be regarded as the treatment of choice until more cases can be assessed.     

Plasma cholinesterase changes during the puerperium

Changes in plasma cholinesterase activity during the puerperium were studied in 16 women who received epidural analgesia for labour followed by vaginal delivery, and in five women who underwent elective Caesarean section under epidural analgesia. A consistent fall in cholinesterase activity was demonstrated during the first 2 to 3 days post partum, followed by a rise to approximately normal nonpregnant values by the end of the puerperium. An additional patient who manifested prolonged paralysis following an emergency Caesarean section under general anaesthesia, including a suxamethonium infusion, was also studied. Possible mechanisms by which the transient decrease in cholinesterase activity is produced, and its clinical significance, are discussed.