GAIT ANALYSIS: A PILOT STUDY--A POSSIBLE MODE OF ASSESSMENT OF LOWER LIMB FUNCTION IN JUVENILE CHRONIC ARTHRITIS

There is a need for some form of objective assessment of gaitwhich can be used clinically. A method which measures the temporaland distance factors has been employed to assess the gait ofpatients. Variables have been selected which reflect the gaitsymmetry and others have been chosen which show the speed ofwalking and how this is achieved. The method of presentationof results is discussed with particular attention to the useof these results in monitoring the progress of the patient.     

HEMATOPOIESIS IN PANTOTHENIC ACID-DEFICIENT RATS

Rats fed a purified diet low in pantothenic acid developed granulocytopeniaand anemia singly or in combination. In the former, the marrow showed markeddepletion of granulocytes, particularly of the more mature cells, and a slight increase in erythroid cells. In combined granulocytopenia and anemia the granulocytes of the marrow were still further reduced and the erythroid cells were alsodepleted. Marked reduction in the number of megakaryocytes occurred both inthe granulocytopenic and in the granulocytopenic and anemic rats. Purpura wasnoted grossly in about 25 per cent of the rats of both groups. In anemia withoutaccompanying granulocytopenia the marrow granulocytes showed slight tomoderate depletion, whereas the erythroid index (mean) was not significantlylowered. Megakaryocytes were moderately reduced.

Lymphoid tissue—spleen, thymus, and cervical nodes—showed atrophy ofvariable degree, most marked in the thymus.

Adrenal glands showed marked depletion of cortical lipoids and rarely hemorrhage and necrosis.

Following treatment with combined folic acid, pantothenic acid, and niacinamide, granulocytopenic rats responded by showing a prompt rise in lymphocyteand polymorphonuclear leukocyte count, marked granulocyte response of thebone marrow, increased splenic hematopoiesis, lymphoid hyperplasia, and increased lipoid content of the adrenal glands.