Clinical Assessment of Gestational Age

There is disagreement among authors as to what criteria are most reliable in assessing postnatal fetal age. A comparison–for objectivity, accuracy, and frequency of use– of specific criteria was made using three independent examiners at different educational levels: a second-year medical student, a perinatal nurse practitioner, and a pediatrics resident. It was shown that trained examiners develop favorite criteria which differ among examiners and thus sacrifice accuracy; however, accurate assessment of fetal age can be accomplished by an examiner with minimum clinical knowledge.     

Working With Parents Through a Devastating Experience-The Birth of a Mongoloid Child

The author believes that professional advice given the parents of a mongoloid infant determines their initial decision on institutionalization. Multidisciplinary counseling by the health team can help parents decide on a course of action that will prove satisfactory in the long run. Consultation should include health t e r n efforts to help parents work through the mourning process and presentation of a) an objective, comprehensive view of the child's condition, b) information on integrating a mongoloid into the family unit, and c) outside resources available to the parents. Deliberation with the parents to help them reach their own decision is essential.     

Difficulties in Immunohaematology : The Weak D Antigen

Background

The Rh blood system is one of the most polymorphic and immunogenic systems known to humans. The expression of Rh blood group antigen is complex. The Rh D antigen is the most important of the antigens that constitute the Rh antigen system. In most cases, D antigen can easily be detected. However, due to variability of expression, weak forms antigen are encountered. The reactivity of weak D with antisera is variable and presents as a problem in blood banking.

Methods

A retrospective analysis for a five-year period was done. Blood samples that were negative for Rh D by immediate spin tube method were tested for weak D antigen by additional lab tests.

Result

Of 34932 serial Rh grouping tests done in our Blood Bank, the incidence of weak D Rh antigen was 0.189%. All these were confirmed by the antiglobulin test.

Conclusion

These patients present as a problem for the blood banker and a curiosity to the clinician. Although uncommon, all health care workers should be aware of this entity to avoid anti D alloimmunisation.Key Words: Weak D, Rh Blood Group     

Autologes131J-Humanfibrinogen zur Thrombosefrühdiagnostik

Zusammenfassung Es wird eine Herstellungsmethode von autologem¹³¹J-Humanfibrinogen angegeben.Das Präparat wird charakterisiert in vitro durch Fibrinogengehalt, Proteingehalt, Plasminogengehalt, Gerinnbarkeit und Molekulargewicht der Einzelketten. In vivo werden Verlaufskurven der Gesamtplasmaaktivität, der spezifischen Aktivität, der nicht proteingebundenen Aktivität, der biologischen Halbwertszeit und des Verhaltens am Ort der Thrombose dargestellt.An diesen Kriterien gemessen, erwies sich das autologe¹³¹J-Humanfibrinogen zur Thrombosefrühdiagnostik als voll geeignet.Mit Unterstützung der Deutschen Forschungsgemeinschaft Wu 77/2