Haemodynamic response to intrapulmonary verapamil in bilharzial cor-pulmonale

Eleven patients with bilharzial cor pulmonale were subjected to right sided cardiac catheterization for the determination of pulmonary artery pressure [PAP], pulmonary vascular resistance [PVR], and cardiac output before and 5 minutes after intrapulmonary administration of 5 mg verapamil. This was accompanied by slight reduction of PAP, PVR, with a subsequent slight increase in cardiac output. Such effects resulting from the vasodilator properties of verapamil point to the presence of a potentially reversible vasospastic element in bilharzial cor pulmonale. However, the chronic effects as well as the clinical application of Ca channel blockers in such cases have to be evaluated

Tuberculin sensitivity in BCG vaccinated children

This work has been carried out in order to evaluate the waning of tuberculin sensitivity after BCG vaccination in three age groups: 2 years, 6 years and 10 years. Each group included 1000 children. The study revealed an unexpected high figure of negative reaction in all groups, denoting early waning of tuberculin sensitivity with maximum waning at age of 2 years, with a slow progression. It was recommended to boost primary vaccination during early infancy by revaccination earlier than the present policy of giving the vaccine at the age of 6