The slide rule: a new method for the assessment of acid-base equilibrium disorders.

AIM: Maps and nomograms are routinely used to evaluate acid-base equilibrium (ABE), but often require previous skilled practice and time to be used in the clinical setting; moreover, some definite alterations may be missed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the new slide rule (patented by Authors) for the rapid, precise and complete assessment and diagnosis of altered blood gas analysis (ABG) parameters and compare it to traditional methods. METHODS: Once pH, bicarbonate and PaCO(2) values are known by arterial blood gas analysis (ABG), the slide rule can calculate, show and instantly diagnose the related alteration, including possible mixed partial compensated ones. In this regard, 330 patients coming from 6 (4 national and 2 foreign) clinics were studied; each patient underwent evaluation of ABG alterations using traditional methods and the slide rule immediately thereafter. RESULTS: The results of consecutive evaluations on involved patients made by specialists in all clinics were in agreement; nonetheless, the slide rule was far more user friendly, rapid and complete in the ABE alterations' diagnostic range, in comparison with traditional methods. CONCLUSION: All involved specialists confirmed that the new slide rule was able to rapidly diagnose ABE alterations, including mixed or partially compensated ones that may be missed by traditional methods.

[Tubercular spondylodiscitis with multiple abscesses in a teenager: clinical and diagnostic considerations]. / Su di un caso di spondilodiscite tubercolare con ascessi paravertebrali in un adolescente: considerazioni clinico-diagnostiche.

We describe a case of TBC spinal column infection complicated by vertebral abscesses in an immigrant teenager. We underline the importance of always suspecting a tubercular illness when fever has unknown origins, and when patients come from countries where TBC is still endemic. We reaffirm, for early and accurate diagnosis, the importance of abdominal echography and spinal tomography.

[Bilobectomy in a brazilian infant suffering from extensive monolateral pulmonary TBC] / Bilobectomia in un divezzo brasiliano affetto da estesa tubercolosi polmonare monolaterale.

As there has recently been a significant increase in childhood tuberculosis, we considered an important contribution the clinical case of an infant from Brazil, who underwent right bilobectomy to treat a previously poorly cured enlarged pulmonary tubercular infiltrate.

Hemodynamic and ventilatory effects of intravenous salbutamol in patients affected by cold.

Hemodynamic and ventilatory effects of i.v. administration of salbutamol (3 micrograms/kg body weight) have been studied in 6 patients affected by chronic obstructive lung disease. A fall of mean pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP), pulmonary vascular resistances index (PVRI), left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) and systemic vascular resistances index (SVRI) have been found significant. Furthermore, heart rate (HR), cardiac index (CI) and left ventricle dp/dt max (LV dp/dt max) were early and remarkably increased. At 30 min after drug administration such effects disappeared in all patients. Regarding the ventilatory data, the authors assume that a significant and precocious FEV1 and vital capacity increase was still present at 30 min. Hemodynamic effects can be related to either an increased venous return due to peripheral vasodilatation or to a beta 1-cardiac receptor stimulation.