The spine and polytopic hyperostoses in gout and hyperuricemia

Investigations were made on a total of 92 patients with gout and hyperuricemia. 30% had no clinical signs of spinal involvement. The remaining 70% were examined radiologically and by xero-radiography. Examination revealed signs of erosion of vertebral bodies, spondylodiscitis, osteopenia, manifestations of Forestier's disease and changes on sacroiliac joints. In 35% of subjects there were polytopic hyperostoses including an increased incidence of calcifications around the large joints and periosteal appositions at the periphery, particularly on the finger and toe tips. The hypothesis was raised that massive calcifications and manifestations of hyperostosis and ossification of the ligaments and tendons (osteodesmosis) in gout may correlate with a latent glycide metabolism disorder like in Forestier's disease.     

Contribution to the issue of essential drugs in Czechoslovakia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the ratio represented by essential drugs (EDs) in the total consumption of drugs in Czechoslovakia in 1989. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of the assortment and consumption of EDs in 1989. SETTING: Department of the Organization and Management of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Bratislava. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Consumption of drugs and/or pharmacotherapeutic groups, expressed by the number of formulations, number of units, and in financial terms. RESULTS: EDs constitute approximately one-third of the total consumption of drugs in Czechoslovakia (both in terms of volume and finances); almost 60 percent of EDs have dosage forms and concentrations identical to those shown in the World Health Organization Model List of Essential Drugs (Sixth List). CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained indicate that there is need for a regular updating of the drug policy within the public health branch of the government to more effectively regulate the production and import of drugs.     

Osteochondrome und Exostosen bei bestrahlten Kindern

Zusammenfassung Es werden 4 eigene Beobachtungen von Exostosenbildung an den während des Wachstums bestrahlten Knochen beschrieben und ihr Auftreten in Zusammenhang mit der Strahlenwirkung gebracht; es wird auf die Notwendigkeit aufmerksam gemacht, die Benignität solcher Befunde regelmäßig zu kontrollieren.Mit 4 Textabbildungen