Relative frequency of glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in icteric newborn infants

Quantitative erythrocyte G6PD enzyme activity was assessed in 100 mature jaundiced neonates in the first week after delivery, in order to estimate the frequency of G6PD deficiency in the icteric neonates as well as the severity of hyperbilirubinemia among G6PD deficient group. The G6PD deficiency was detected in 5 of the patients [equivalent to a frequency of 5%]. The total bilirubin level was significantly higher in G6PD deficient group compared to a jaundiced group with normal G6PD activity [P 0.02]. A strong positive significant correlation was found between the reticulocytic count and G6PD enzyme activity [r 0.87, P <0.05]. These findings suggest the necessity to establish this screening test as a routine for all icteric newborns, in order to have an opportunity detection and appropriate counseling

Does anticardiolipin antibodies predict therapeutic response of nephrotic syndrome patients?

Anticardiolipin antibodies [aCL] were measured in 29 patients with nephrotic syndrome [NS] showing different underlying kidney pathology. 8 healthy volunteer persons were taken as a control group. A significantly higher levels of both IgG and IgM aCL were detected in NS patients compared to control. However, no relation was found between aCL levels and age, renal histological pattern or renal function. Unlike serum creatinine level which appear to have predictive value for response to therapy, no association was detected between aCL level and therapeutic response of NS patients

Soluble interleukin-2 receptor in patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

Serum soluble interleukin-2 receptor [sIL-2R] concentrations were determined in 20 children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis [JRA] and 10 healthy children of matched age and sex utilizing ELISA method. The results showed that serum sIL-2R concentrations in JRA patients were significantly higher than in healthy controls. There was a highly significant difference between the active and the inactive group. Concentration of sIL-2R correlated positively with morning stiffness [MS], articular index of Ritchi [AIR], joint count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR] and C-reactive protein [CRP] and correlated negatively with grip strength and hemoglobin concentration [Hb. conc.]

Prothrombotic markers in NIDDM

The present work comprised the study of 50 cases besides 10 controls. The necessary clinical and laboratory investigations had been carried out for all subjects. In addition, PC was assayed. A significant prolongation of PT, APTT has been observed in all diabetic group as compared to the control group. Insignificant decrease in fibrinogen level has been observed in all diabetic group as compared to control group. Insignificant increase in PC activity has been observed in all diabetic group as compared to control group. This may be an attempt by the body to overcome hypercoagulability [Vigano et al. 1984]. Significant decrease in PC activity has been observed in diabetic bilharzial group as compared to the diabetic non bilharzial group

Iriodid glucosides of ligustrum ovalifolium

Two iridoid glucosides, auroside =5-hydroxy-8-epiloganin=8-desoxylamiide] and lamiide, were isolated from the water-soluble part of the ethanolic extract of Ligustrum ovalifolium Hassk aerial parts [Oleaceae]. The isolated compounds were identified by UV, IR, [1]H-, [13C-NMR and 2D-NMR. It is the first time that iridoids have been isolated from ligustrum ovalifolium Hassk

Pharmacological study of a new synthetic potential diuretic

A new synthetic disulfamyl compound with pyrimidine nucleus was studied for its oral diuretic action in both rats and dogs and it was found to have directic activity comparable to that of hydrochlorothiazide, but with the advantage of less augmentation of potassium excretion. Acute toxicity studies revealed that this compound has exceedingly high oral and intraperitoneal LD[50] [>8000 mg/ Kg and 325.6 mg/ Kgm] respectively. Again the subacute toxicity studies confirmed the very low toxicity of this compound as is induced no significant changes in all the parameters studied and was devoided of the hypokalaemic effect produced by hydrochlorothiazide. Pharmacological in vivo and in vitro studies pointed to the potential parasympathomimetic activity of the test compound