Trace elements changes in Parkinson's disease

Copper and zinc levels in serum of thirty two patients with parkinsonism syndrome were estimated and were compared to those of thirty normal healthy individuals served as controls. Serum levels of copper but not that of zinc in patients with parkinson's disease were significantly lower than controls [P<0.001]. and this was reflected on the significant low ratio of copper to zinc. There was significant positive correlation between the serum copper and the duration of the disease. These results may give an indication of changes in serum trace elements associated with degenerative process in Parkinson's disease and reflect the duration and implying the prognosis

Influence of duration of diabetes mellitus on the nerve conduction velocity.

150 known diabetic patients [7 males and 79 females] were divided into three groups according to the duration of the disease [below 5,5-9 and 10 and above years], the number of patients in each group was 62,6 and 2 respectively. The sensory conduction velocity of the sural nerve and the sensory and motor conduction velocities of the median, ulnar, peroneal and posterior tibial nerves were measured and compared in the three groups and also with results obtained from a control group of 40 nondiabetic subjects. Results from diabetic patients showed a significant reduction in the nerve conduction velocities, and a clear correlation between the duration of the disease and the severity of the neuropathy. The lower limb nerves were more severely affected, and the sensory conduction velocity was the most sensitive parameter which was affected earlier in diabetes mellitus

case of guillain bare syndrome complicating typhoid fever

In this report a case of Guillain Barre syndrome complicating typhoid fever is presented in a male patient 14 years of age complaining from fever, sweating and generalized weakness for 13 days. He developed later acute and severe weakness of the lower and upper limb muscles. Clinical and laboratory tests[including Widal test and blood culture] confirmed the diagnosis of typhoid fever. Clinical and electromyographic examinations proved Guillain Barre syndrome. The patient was discharged improving after being treated with chloramphenocil intravenously and physiotherapy. To our knowledge this is the first case of Guillain Barre syndrome complicating typhoid fever recorded in Iraq