Liver functions of workers occupationally exposed to soluble nickel compounds

The present study investigates the liver functions among workers exposed to nickel during nickel-plating process. The liver functions were assessed in 57 workers who are exposed to nickel during nickel plating and considered as nickel-exposed workers; and 48 unexposed workers from administrative department away from the place of work of study group, were considered as control group. workers with a known history of liver disease, blood transfusions and diabetes mellitus were excluded of the study. The level of urine nickel was measured by using a flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometer, we determined serum markers of liver function tests. urine nickel levels were significantly increased in high-and moderate-exposure groups as compared to unexposed group. The levels of serum transaminases -viz, alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase were significantly increased in nickel-exposed workers, who had high urine nickel levels as compared to unexposed group. The level of serum albumin was negatively correlated with urine nickel levels. The levels of serum transaminases and serum y- glutamyl- transpeptidase were positively and significantly correlated with urine nickel levels in exposed group. Results indicate that workers who had high urine nickel levels >10 micro g/g of creatinine, had a consistent effect on hepatocellular function

Dental emergency needs during Hajj

The religious ritual Hajj or Pilgrimage is one of the five pillars of Islam. A significant improvement has been made in the facilities provided for the pilgrims. Providing further, sufficient facilities for an ever increasing number of pilgrims from all over the world will require thorough planning and large sums of money. The aim of this study was to obtain and analyse data pertaining to dental services offered to the pilgrims during the 3-day Hajj period of 1 987. A questionnaire was designed to include the majority of dental emergencies with added information pertaining to certain medical and personal data. A total of 1079 patients who attended different satellite clinics for dental emergencies were included in the study

Serum prolactin and thyroid stimulating hormone levels and polytomography in cases of secondary amenorrhea without galactorrhea

Serum prolactin [PRL] and thyroid stimulating hormone [TSH] were determined in 50 patients, presenting with secondary amenorrhea without galactorrhea, as well as 20 women with normal menstrual function as control. There was a significant increase of serum PRL in amenorrheic patients [42.09 +/- 9.63 ng/ml], when compared to that of control [11.1 +/- 4.9 ng/ml] at P < 0.0025. Serum PRL also showed a significant positive correlation to body weight and duration of the complaint in the amenorrheic group. Serum TSH values in both amenorrheic and control groups did not show any significant difference [P > 0.05]. Plain X-ray confirmed the presence of pituitary macro-adenoma in one out of ten hyperprolactinemic patients. When radiological examination was again performed using hypocycloidal polytomography, two further microadenomata were discovered. In the present study, the incidence of hyperprolactinemia and pituitary adenoma in non-galactorrheic amenorrheic patients was 20% and 6 respectively. Thirty percent of hyperprolactinemic patients had pituitary adenoma. In conclusion, serum PRL determination is essential in the diagnostic work-up of amenorrhea, even without galactorrhea. A combination of hyperproclactinemia and positive hypocycloidal polytomography of the sella turcica is specific for the diagnosis of prolactinoma