The results of combined cataract extraction and trabeculectomy using separate incisions

A method of combined cataract extraction with posterior chamber intraocular lens and trabeculectomy using separate incisions was tested in 44 operations on 38 patients. The mean preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) of 28.1 ± 11.7 (range 12 to 56) mmHg on maximum medication was lowered to 13.9 ± 3.4 (9 to 23) mmHg at one year, with half the eyes still requiring topical medication. The IOP was 40 mmHg or more preoperatively in eight eyes and 20 mmHg or more in only two patients at one year. There were no rises in IOP above 20 mmHg in the early postoperative period (days 1 and 2). Visual acuity was 6/9 or better in 27 and 6/12 in three eyes. There was an expulsive haemorrhage in one case, rupture of the posterior capsule in two eyes and a choroidal detachment in one eye, but no flat anterior chambers. The two-incision method allowed placement of an intraocular lens with good postoperative pressure control.     

Mental illness in Greek and Turkish adolescents

Summary Samples of 867 Greek adolescents in Munich, 2,702 Greek adolescents in Greece and 2,780 Turkish adolescents in Turkey were assessed concerning mental health in a two-stage procedure. In the first stage the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) was used for screening. Significant age differences in the GHQ 28-item scale and most of its subscales were observed mainly for the samples in the homeland. Male adolescents had lower scores than female adolescents in the GHQ 28-item scale and its sub-scales while social class appeared to be of little influence. Significantly higher GHQ-28 scores were obtained for Greeks and Turks in their homelands as compared to Greeks in Munich. The GHQ-28 correlations with the Anorexia Nervosa Inventory for Self-Rating were fairly high. A principal component analysis with Varimax rotation showed fairly consistent results for this age group when compared with the results of Goldberg and Hillier (1979). With the exception of the GHQ factor social dysfunction Greek adolescents in their homeland had significantly higher scores in the total GHQ-28 and its sub-scales than Greeks in Germany. Thus, our data do not confirm the acculturation-stress hypothesis. The data would be consistent with the hypothesis of selective migration which states that Greek adolescents in Germany constitute a positive selection with respect to risk for mental illness.     

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty: the treatment of choice for renovascular hypertension due to fibromuscular dysplasia

Twenty-three renal artery stenoses in 21 hypertensive patients, caused by fibromuscular dysplasia, were treated with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). Follow-up over a period of 1 to 30 months, including angiography, renal vein renin assay, and radionuclide flow studies, was performed in 8 patients, each with one stenosis. Dilatation was initially successful in all cases and was successfully repeated in 1 case. The mean systolic pressure decreased by 61.81 mm Hg and the mean diastolic pressure by 36.28 mm Hg in response to treatment. Thirteen patients were cured, 8 were felt to have better control of blood pressure on medication, and there was no failures. This study demonstrates that PTA is a clinically effective method of treating renovascular hypertension due to fibromuscular dysplasia.