Coexistence of AIDS and lupus nephritis: a case report

We report the first case of membranous lupus nephritis occurring in a child with congenital AIDS. Hypocomplementemia, elevated titers of anti-nuclear antibody and antibody to double-stranded DNA supported the diagnosis of associated systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The pathogenetic implications of this coexistence of AIDS and SLE are discussed.     

Correction of hypercholesterolemia and dyslipoproteinemia by plasmapheresis in patients with stenocardia resistant to drug therapy

Plasmapheresis was used to correct blood lipid composition in patients with angina at rest and angina of effort (functional classes 3-4). In addition to a drop in total cholesterol and triglycerides, cholesterol in low and very-low-density lipoproteins fell abruptly, while high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol, on the contrary, increased considerably. Clinical improvement of the patients was also recorded.     

Total shoulder replacement

It appears that total shoulder replacement can be performed with a high degree of patient satisfaction, with few complications, and with long-term results which certainly appear to rival the success of other arthroplasties. However, the technique is extremely demanding and requires an experienced shoulder surgeon, who must successfully resolve numerous intraoperative variables and problems, must be able to deal with factors which may affect the stability and strength of the implant, and must individualize the postoperative rehabilitation according to quality of bone and soft tissue, as well as the specific needs and desires of the patient. However, when performed technically satisfactorily with proper patient selection, with meticulous attention to the details of the soft tissue surrounding the implant, and with attention to the postoperative rehabilitation, the results have been impressive. Total shoulder replacement has successfully taken its place in the armamentarium of other total joint replacements which have dramatically altered the quality of life in the arthritic patient.     

Teaching school health to undergraduate medical students

This paper describes a teaching programme for final- (sixth-) year undergraduate medical students during their 10-week term in child health. Students attend schools on two occasions and are actively involved in the physical, educational and emotional assessment of children. The advantages of the programme include active participation by the students, contact with children in a less threatening environment, learning new skills in the assessment of children, and knowledge of common screening procedures. Student evaluation of the programme has been positive.