Structural changes and variations of uric acid in normal pregnancy.

Fifteen normal pregnant women were studied. Serial measurements of serum total, free and bound uric acid and their clearances were done in early (10-20 weeks), mid- (20-30 weeks) and advanced (30-40 weeks) pregnancy, and after delivery (4-5 weeks). The following was observed. 1. A decrease in early and mid-pregnancy of total and free uric acid (p less than 0.001). 2. A gradual increase from the early to advanced pregnancy of bound uric acid (p less than 0.001). 3. An increase in early and mid-pregnancy of total uric acid clearance and a similar but more pronounced increase of free uric acid clearance (p less than 0.001). These findings explain many differences in previous conflicting reports concerning the metabolic behavior of uric acid, and place future investigation thereof on a more promising basis in normal and abnormal pregnancy.

Extracranial angiopathology, within the scope of justified surgical aggression and particular emphasis upon "impending stroke". Surgical considerations with 1-10 years follow-up report of 300 operated cases.

Overall surgical experience in dealing with extracranial angiopathology on the basis of 300 cases submitted to surgical reconstitution is hereby presented, together with long term observations covering a period of 1-10 years. Particular emphasis is given to the concept of prophylaxis which has to be considered as the major goal of contemporary operative approach, by means of "preventing" ischemic episode rather than "reducing" an already established infarct. Spectrum of surgical indications covers mainly transient attacks of brain ischemia with attention focused upon the selective group of patients with "impending stroke" semiology, who although considered asymptomatic, are by no means as such if carefully investigated. "Avant garde" philosophy of operative approach as instituted is fully outlined, with all merits of a fully justified surgical aggression, accordingly discussed.