[Plasma concentration of PGE2, PGA2 and PGF2 alpha in the course of pregnancy (author's transl)]. / Plasmakonzentrationen von PGE2, PGA2 und PGF2 alpha im Verlauf der Schwangerschaft.

Plasma levels of PGE2, PGA2 and PGF2 alpha were determined by radioimmunoassay in maternal cubital vein blood of 210 women and once during pregnancy. In the course of pregnancy plasma levels of these prostaglandins varied considerably: 0,09-1,83 ng PGE2/ml, 0,12-2,8 ng PGA2/ml and 0,04-0,5 ng PGF2 alpha/ml. At term (40 and 41th week) prostaglandin levels were found to be low and within a range of: 0,15-0,25 ng PGE2/ml; 0,12-0,23 ng PGA2/ml and 0,2-0,3 ng PGF2 alpha/ml. Determination of prostaglandin levels in numerous samples from different women during pregnancy did not show continuous changes nor in the pattern of the distribution of PGE2, PGA2 and PGF2 alpha.

[Investigations carried out to ascertain the dose-effect relationship of a BCG vaccine, strain 1331 Copenhagen, in neonates and young infants (author's transl)]. / Untersuchungen zur Ermittlung der Dosis-Wirkungsbeziehung eines BCG-Impfstoffes, Stamm 1331 Kopenhagen, bei der Neugeborenen- und Säuglingsimpfung.

1405 neonates and infants were vaccinated with BCG Vaccine (strain 1331 Copenhagen) at five clinics in the Federal Republic of Germany. Doses in logarithmic increments from 22000 to 250000 VU (viable units)/0.1 ml were given by strictly intradermal injection. Carrying out the post-vaccinal tuberculin test by the MENDEL-MANTOUX technique, the dose-effect relationship could be demonstrated (Fig. 3). Conversion rates raised from 43% to 76% (Tab. 1); they are furthermore depending from the tuberculin dose and the assessment of the skin reaction. Tests with up to 50 I.U. of purified tuberculin were resulting in conversion rates over 90% for vaccination doses of 100 000 VU and more, any palpable infiltration regarding as a positive result (Fig. 4). The vaccine showed good safety in all concentrations employed concerning reactions at the site of injection. Lympnode enlargement, palable even 12 weeks postvacc., was common. In the course of the trial there was one case of suppurative lymphadenitis among the 262 children who were given the vaccine in the highest concentration (250000 VU). Subsequent trials revealed a rate of this complication in the 1:1000 range. The approval for the vaccine with 100000-300000 VU/dose has subsequently been given by the Federal Bureau for Sera and Vaccines.

[Symptomatic therapy of primary dysmonorrhea by inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis with indomethacin (author's transl)]. / Symptomatische Therapie der primären Dysmenorrhoe durch Prostaglandinsynthesehemmung mit Indomethacin.

In a controlled trial the effect of indomethacin was studied in 54 patients with primary dysmenorrhea. 34 patients were treated with 3 X 25 mg indomethacin per day orally for 5 days starting 2 days before onset of menstruation. Treatment was continued for 4 months, 20 patients received a placebo preparation. Symptoms of dysmenorrhea were reduced by 66-73% over the control group during all 4 treatment periods. 18 patients of the treated group reported complete relief from symptoms, 10 a marked improvement. Only 3 patients reported no effect of the drug, while in 3 other patients the treatment had to be discontinued due to the well-known untoward effects of indomethacin (nausea, vertigo). The therapeutic efficacy of indomethacin supports the concept of an essential role of prostaglandins in primary dysmenorrhea. The use of prostaglandin-synthetase inhibitors (aspirin-like drugs) is discussed for patient with primary dysmenorrhea who cannot be treated by contraceptive steroids.

[Report of clinical testing of BCG vaccine (Strain "1331 Copenhagen") for vaccination of newborns against tuberculosis (author's transl)]. / Bericht über die klinische Prüfung der BCG-Vakzine Stamm "1331 Kopenhagen" zur Impfung von Neugeborenen gegen Tuberkulose

BCG vaccination with the vaccine "1331 Copenhagen" in various concentrations was carried out in 129 newborns. Control examinations were conducted to establish the complication rate and the percentage of tuberculin-positive children. Complications, either locally or in regional lymphatic areas, did not appear. The conversion rate increased with the number of viable units pro dose of vaccine. A vaccine with a concentration of about 250,000 units of vaccine pro dose is recommended for additional clinical testing.