Prediction of clinical remission in systemic lupus erythematosus

The possible laboratory test[s] that could predict clinical remission was investigated in a group of 33 active systemic lupus erythematosus patients [SLE] in a prospective randomized study. The results showed a significant positive correlation between the duration of the treatment and SLE disease activity index [SLEDAI] score. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis revealed that urine neopterin and C3 correlate with SLEDAI score during remission. Logistic regression analysis showed that patients had decline in the values of urine neopterin and urine neopterin/creatinine ratio was more likely to enter clinical remission than those with persistent higher values

Chronic toxicity of perchloroethylene [PCE] in workers of dry-cleaning shops

Twenty-four male workers in dry-cleaning shops were investigated for effects of chronic exposure to perchloroethylene in their work places. A control group [n=24] matched by age and sex with the workers was also studied. Systemicexamination, chest X-rays, pulmonary function test, EEG, EMG and liverfunction tests [ALT, AST, GGT, LDH and serum bilirubin, bile acid and albumin]were done to both groups [workers and controls]. The results revealedneuropsychic and gastrointestinal manifestations in all workers [100%] andchest manifestations in 79.17%. X-ray showed chronic bronchitis in 6 workersand emphysematous changes in ten cases; a significant reduction of pulmonary function test was observed with a significant correlation between the duration of PCE exposure, FEV1 and FVC, normal EEC, abnormal EMG finding in 83.33% ofworkers. Increased activities of liver enzymes, serum bilirubin and bile acidand hypoalbuminemia were found in PCE exposed workers

Pituitary adrenal axis status in children with protein calorie malnutrition [PCM]

Thirty six children suffering from various forms of protein calorie ma1nutrition [PCM] [15 with marasmus, 9 with kwashiorkor and 12 with marasmic kwashiorkor] Their ages ranged in between 4 to 20 months, beside 10 healthy children of matched age and sex were similarly taken as a control group. The following investigations [serum Na and K. plasma ACTH, serum cortisol and aldosterone] were performed. There were: [1] Increased serum cortisol levels with loss of diurnal variation in all groups of PCM [2] Increased plasma ACTH levels in all groups of PCM. [3] Incomplete dexamethasone suppression [4] variable changes in the levels of serum aldosterone among various forms of PCM. In marasmic group mean serum aldosterone level was within normal, but the mean levels were significantly higher in both kwashiorkor and marasmic kwashiorkor groups. After nutritional rehabilitation the levels of these hormones returned to normal indicating that these changes are protective mechanisms as well as easy reversibility of the axis