Meckel Gruber syndrome--a single gene cause of recurrent neural tube defects.

Meckel Gruber syndrome (MGS), an autosomal recessive disorder characterised by posterior encephalocoele, multicystic kidneys and post-axial polydactyly should be recognised by obstetricians and paediatricians to counsel parents regarding the 25% recurrence risk. We report a consanguineous family with MGS affecting three infants.

Reducing tobacco use in Sri Lanka.

Tobacco use is steadily declining in wealthy countries, whereas it is increasing in poor countries. Approaches found successful in wealthy countries should be applied vigorously in Sri Lanka too. This requires sustained and active lobbying, especially by doctors. Some promising strategies are already being used in Sri Lanka which indicate that countries such as ours could develop appropriate local approaches in addition to those found useful in rich countries. These have evolved with little active support from the medical profession. If doctors actively complement these efforts, Sri Lanka could provide a model in successful smoking control for poor nations.

Acceptance of a psychiatric screening questionnaire by general practice attenders.

The general health questionnaire (GHQ) is a self-reporting psychiatric screening questionnaire which has been tested and validated in a number of languages and cultural settings. The translated and validated 30 item GHQ was given to a selected sample of women between 15 and 49 years attending a suburban general practice, as a part of a study on emotional disorder. The acceptance of the questionnaire was high with a compliance of 91.5% from those who were invited to participate. The majority of respondents showed much interest and willingness in filling in the questionnaire.