The bromsulphalein test in liver dysfunctions

This report is necessarily limited, because of certain difficulties encountered during the last few years. In fact, it was only by sheer luck that we received the dye for this test just before the outbreak of the war and that we were able to save it from destruction during the warWe intend to carry on this work further, and supplement our clinical and laboratory evidences with histo-pathological examinationsHowever, from the interesting observations we have so far made, we can safely say with others who have used the test, that "it is both simple and valuable." No untoward reactions are producedWe have felt the urge to report our findings, however limited they may be, not only because of the interesting results that we obtained, but also because our experiments were the first performed in this country. We would like to offer these findings to our colleagues, in the hope that they may carry on the investigation on the subject a little further. For, as MacDonal says, "the very complexity of the livers functions makes it an organ so difficult to test normally and in disease." (Summary)

Clinical observations on the value of Speranskys treatment of spinal pumping in infectious arthritis

In a small series of 17 cases of rheumatoid, gonococcic, and rheumatic arthritis, it was observed that spinal pumping, following the technic of Gillman and Gillman, afforded prompt and lasting beneficial results, producing complete recovery from the joint affection in 14 of the cases. These results tend to confirm the observations of Gillman and Gillman, and of the original author himself, Speransky, in his series of 100 cases with various forms of polyarthritisAll subjective and objective manifestations improved and disappeared as early as from 2 to 6 hours in certain cases, although as a rule it took 24 to 48 hours after the pumping for the remarkable effects to be well appreciated. The excellent results are less likely to be obtained in cases with marked bone involvement and ankylosis. The most frequent side-effect was headache, at times with chill and fever and even vomiting. It is our impression that these side-effects are sometimes due to incidental trauma, when the procedure cannot circumstancially be finished smoothly. Patients who have been bedridden for months, can be made to walk again in one to three days and be discharged walking perfectlyWith due regard to difficulties of evaluation, and considering the uniform results so far obtained in this small series, it seems that this apparently unorthodox form of treatment can be a valuable addition to our therapeutic armamentarium for various forms of arthritis, principally the infectious group. It is recommended, therefore, that it be given further trials, so that its benefit to arthritis seeking relief could be better evaluated. (Summary and Conclusions)

Experiences with the use of deproteinated pancreatic extract (Depropanex") in cardiovascular conditions

A total of 19 patients are here reported, suffering from various muscular conditions, mainly hypertensive and arteriosclerotic, with or without cardiac involvement as well as peripheral vascular manifestations, on whom Depropanex, a deproteinated pancreatic tissue extract, was found clinically effective in relieving some troublesome and even alarming manifestations of these ailments. The dizziness and heaviness of the head in arteriosclerosis and the evidences of cerebral as wll as coronary manifestations of hypertensive disease, especially if mainly angiospastic, all reacted favorably to this drug, disappearing promptly and rapidlyAlthough this series is as yet comparatively small, the constancy and uniformity of the clinical benefits observed strongly indicate the real therapeutic value of this tissue extract, an impression that is in complete conformity with that of foreign observers. Furthermore, these observations tend to indicate an actual spasmolytic action of Depropanex, inasmuch as in those with coronary pathology, not only was the pain abated but even the actual myocardial reserve was much improved, as proven by their increased capacity to work, enabling them to walk and climb stairs without any discomfortIt is to be mentioned, however, that this extract is not a curative measure in these conditions, inasmuch as the basic pathology, hypertensive vascular disease, and arteriosclerosis, are as yet without any definite curative treatment. The present extract is, nevertheless, a very effective remedy for some greatly discomforting manifestations of these diseases. (Summary and Comments)

Further observations on generalized schistosomiasis japonica

A case of generalized schistosomiasis in a 14-year old girl with emphasis on jaundice and digital clubbing is presented, with the anatomic findings at autopsy. The pathogenesis of such clinical manifestations is briefly discussed. A brief survey of local literature on schistosomiasis japonica is made.(Summary)

Bacto-hemoglobin (DIFCO) agar used for the screening differentiation of pneumococci from streptococci

The procedure and methods of cultivating the throat swabbing obtained from patients in University of Santo Tomas Hospital is reported. Bacto-hemoglobin was used to facilitate the differentiation of alpha streptococcus from pneumococcus. The diagnostic characteristics of the following common bacteria in the oropharynx of sick persons are described: beta-streptococci, gamma streptococci, alpha streptococci, pneumococci, streptococcus fecalis, and hemolytic Micrococcus pyogenes

Office clues in the recognition of congenital heart malformation

Diagnostic tools in the evaluation of patients with congenital heart disease, namely physical examination, electrocardiography, and roentgenology are presented. Physical signs indicative of cardiac defect such as cyanosis and clubbing, chest deformity, precordial activity, cardiac murmurs, and weak pulses are discussed

Acute thrombo-embolic occlusions of the aorta and major arteries complicating arteriosclerotic heart disease (report of four cases)

The patho-physiology of mural thrombi and resulting peripheral systemic thrombo-embolic occlusions is presented. Four cases are discussed to demonstrate that embolectomy, carried out as early as possible, is probably the procedure of choice. All cases occurred in patients with serious cardiac or cardio-renal conditions. All patients were geriatric the oldest being 94 years old. The fact that they have lived this long probably indicate above-average constitutions, and age per se should not deter the properly trained and equipped surgeon from performing these life- or limb-saving procedures. (Summary)