Extrarenal Wilms' tumor of the uterus.

Wilms' tumor (nephroblastoma) is rare in adults. Its occurrence as a primary tumor outside the kidney is exceptional. Only 4 cases [1-4] have occurred in the uterus. This report adds the fifth instance of primary uterine Wilms' tumor. The patient, a 77-year-old woman (G2P2), is the oldest ever described with a Wilms' tumor.

Endocervical prostaglandin E2 gel for preinduction cervical softening.

A single, endocervical application of a new commercial preparation of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) gel, 0.5 mg of PGE2 in 2.5 ml (3 g), was evaluated for preinduction cervical softening. Safety and efficacy were assessed in a comparison with a 2.0 mg PGE2 vaginal tablet and placebo in normal nulliparous women at term, with low Bishop scores. Treatment was administered in randomized, double blind fashion. Overall success, defined as a progression in Bishop score of at least 3 points within 12 hours, was achieved in 22/40 (55%) of the gel group, 15/41 (37%) in the tablet treated women, and 8/40 (20%) in those receiving placebo. Of interest was the observation that of women with very unfavorable induction features (Bishop score 0-2), the cervical gel treatment resulted in a 6/8 (75%) success rate compared with 2/13 (15%) success for the vaginal tablet and 0/17 (0%) for placebo. In as much as a very low incidence of side effects accompanied this treatment scheme, expanded multi-center testing is recommended.

Use of chloroprocaine for obstetric analgesia.

The effects of low concentration chloroprocaine in continuous lumbar epidural analgesia during labor and delivery, were evaluated in 21 subjects. The final analysis was made on 18 parturientis, 9 receiving 1.5% (group A) and 9 1.33% chloroprocaine (group B), in a standard dose of 7-8 ml (first test dose 2-3 ml), and of 12 ml for the second stage of labor. Onset of analgesia occurred 7.4 +/- 1.2 (mean +/- S.D.) (group A) and 9.6 +/- 1.8 min. (group B) after injection (difference significant). Mean interval between first and second doses was 50.5 +/- 6.3 (group A) and 47.5 +/- 10.8 (group B) min. (difference N.S.). In group A 6 patients and in group B only 1 patient had a temporarily decrease in bloodpressure below 100 mm Hg. During routine monitoring, pathological F.H.R. patterns were recorded in 2 cases. Apgar scores and acid-base parameters were within normal limits in both groups (difference N.S.).

Steroid excretion in anorexia nervosa patients.

Seven anorexia nervosa (A.N.) patients had reduced urinary excretion values of tetrahydrocortisone (THE), androsterone (A) and 5alpha-tetrahydrocortisol (5alpha-THF). THE to tetrahydrocortisol (THF), A to aetiocholanolone (Ae) and 5alpha-THF to THF ratios were all significantly reduced. Six A.N. patients had oral metyrapone tests with quantitatively normal but delayed urinary 3alpha,17alpha,21-trihydroxy-5beta-pregnan-20-one (THS) response. The steroid determinations were done by capillary gaschromatography, which proves to be of value in the study of the above mentioned metabolic abnormalities.