Glucose tolerance in lichen planus

Glucose tolerance has been investigated in twenty-one patients with lichen planus. 62% of these patients have shown abnormal results, suggesting impaired tolerance.     

The relative role of 'A' level chemistry, physics and biology in the medical course

The performance of 209 students in the 2nd MBBS, first clinical year and final MBBS examinations has been compared retrospectively with their grades in chemistry, physics and biology at 'A' level. The mean grade has also been determined for students from different social classes and secondary education.
Significant differences in marks for biology were found between successful and not so successful students, especially in the pre-clinical part of the course. Significant differences in marks and significant correlations were also found for physics but not to any great extent for chemistry. The relative role of these three basic sciences in the medical course is discussed. The suggestion is made that there is a need for a re-appraisal of the privileged position of chemistry as an unquestioned science requirement for entry to medical school.     

THE DIURETIC RESPONSE TO THE INTRAVENOUS ADMINISTRATION OF FRUSEMIDE

Observations were made on the effect of frusemide given by intravenous injection on the glomerular filtration rate and the water and electrolyte excretion in 12 subjects. The intravenous administration of frusemide caused either no change or slight reduction in the glomerular filtration rate. The basis for the “washout” effect in causing false clearance results is discussed. Changes in free water clearance suggest that the drug has an action on the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle. Onset of diuresis was detectable in the third minute and the volume and saline diuresis reached a peak as early as the fifth minute after administration of the diuretic. A mean of 22% (range, 4·7% to 34·5%) of the glomerular filtrate, and 14·5% (range, 5·4% to 23%) of the filtered load of sodium, was excreted in the 45 minutes after the intravenous administration of frusemide.     

A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL TO ASSESS THE INCIDENCE OF NEW ONSET HYPERTENSION IN PATIENTS AFTER SHOCK WAVE LITHOTRIPSY FOR ASYMPTOMATIC RENAL CALCULI

Purpose

To answer the question of whether extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL*) induces hypertension, a prospective, randomized controlled trial of normotensive patients with asymptomatic renal calculi was designed.

Materials and Methods

Patients were randomized to receive immediate ESWL versus observation, reserving ESWL for the onset of symptoms. The rates of new onset hypertension were evaluated for both groups.

Results

There was no observed difference in the incidence of hypertension between the treatment and observation groups.

Conclusions

The risk of hypertension in patients undergoing ESWL therapy is similar to that of a control cohort of initially observed asymptomatic patients.     

KNOTTED URETERAL STENT: A MINIMALLY INVASIVE TECHNIQUE FOR REMOVAL

Purpose

We describe a useful technique for untying a knotted ureteral catheter.

Materials and Methods

An Amplatz super stiff guide wire was advanced through the lumen of the stent and with uniform force the knot was untied.

Results

The knot was untied and the stent was removed. A nephrostomy tube or other more invasive techniques for removal were avoided.

Conclusions

An Amplatz super stiff guide wire passed retrograde via the ureteral stent lumen should be considered as a valid alternative to percutaneous removal of a knotted ureteral stent.