beta-Thalassaemia and factors affecting the metabolism of lipids and lipoproteins.

Total cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, alpha-lipoprotein (LP) (HDL-LP), pre-beta-LP (VLDL-LP) and beta-lipoprotein (LDL-LP) were measured in the blood of 104 patients with major and intermedia form of beta-thalassaemia and 112 control subjects, mean age +/- SD 10.2 +/- 3.5 and 9.1 +/- 3.8 years, respectively. Cholesterol, LDL- and HDL-cholesterol were significantly decreased and TG was significantly increased in the patients compared to the control subjects. TG values in male patients were significantly higher than in male control subjects, but no differences were found in females. Patients with major and intermedia forms of beta-thalassaemia and chronic hepatitis C have significantly lower values of cholesterol and beta-LP and higher values of HDL-cholesterol than patients without hepatitis C. An increase of HDL-cholesterol and alpha-LP was found in patients with diabetes mellitus or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) compared to patients without IGT. In the thalassaemic patients there was an increase of TG and pre-beta-LP and a decrease of HDL-cholesterol and alpha-LP with increasing ferritin values. There was a positive correlation of the patients' age with TG and pre-beta-LP whereas no such correlation was found in the control subjects. It appears, therefore, that many factors as iron overload, liver injury, hormonal disturbances and aging affects lipids and LP pattern in patients with major and intermedia form of beta-thalassaemia.

Azlocillin and serum uric acid.

Uric acid levels in serum were observed to fall significantly in a group of 23 patients with cerebrovascular disease receiving azlocillin and vasodilators. Our findings suggest that the hypouricemic effect of azlocillin is dose-dependent and can be demonstrated mainly after the first 24 h of treatment.