[A controlled clinical single-dose comparative study of suprofen and diflunisal]. / Eine klinisch kontrollierte Einzeldosis-Vergleichsstudie von Suprofen und Diflunisal.

In a single-dose, double-blind randomized study, the analgesic efficacy of suprofen 200, suprofen (alpha-methyl-4-(2-thienylcarbonyl)-benzene acetic acid; Suprol) 400 mg and diflunisal 750 mg capsules was determined in comparison to placebo capsules. A total of 130 patients participated in the study, all of them requiring analgesic treatment on the first post-operative day following meniscectomy. The treatment groups were homogeneous with respect to their demographic data. With the chosen pain model all active test substances were statistically significantly superior to placebo as far as pain intensity differences (SPID), pain relief (TOTPAR) and global evaluation of efficacy were concerned. Despite great differences in dosage and half-life, the active test substances must be regarded as equipment. Side effects were reported by 2 patients each in the diflunisal 750 mg and the placebo group, and by 1 patient treated with suprofen 200 mg.

First tuberculosis prevalence survey in KwaZulu.

The results of a prevalence survey undertaken during 1974 are presented. A stratified 3-stage sampling technique was used to select 3 789 people from 10 randomly chosen sites in KwaZulu. One Heaf test and 2 Mantoux tests were performed on each of 1 769 children under 18 years of age, of whom 28,7% were found to have BCG scars. Of the radiographs taken of persons 15 years of age and older, 893 were found to be negative, 25 (2,7%) disclosed active tuberculosis (TB) and 3 (0,3%) miliary TB. Of the 1 136 sputum specimens collected and examined by fluorescence microscopy, 15 (1,3%) were found to be positive and 9 of them were confirmed by culture. Culture of 1 149 specimens yielded 9 (0,8%) isolations of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and 17 strains of other mycobacteria. The annual rate of infection was calculated at 1,4% by applying Styblo's epidemiological model, and a downward trend was indicated. A follow-up survey after 5 years is needed to confirm this trend.

The significance of the tuberculosis infection risk and its application in Pretoria.

The value of the infection risk index for the determination of the TB situation and for the planning and evaluation of specific control measures is discussed. From tuberculin studies performed on schoolchildren in Pretoria since 1972, the annual risk of contracting a TB infection or of reinfection has been determined for all races in Pretoria; it is 0,05% for Whites, 0,53% for Coloureds, 0,68% for Asians, and 0,64% and 1,05% for Blacks in Atteridgeville and Mamelodi respectively. A downward trend of the risk could be shown for all population groups.