Life satisfaction in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis of the spine.

This exploratory-descriptive study was undertaken to determine what combination of variables was the best predictor of life satisfaction in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis of the spine and vertebral fractures. A sample of 93 women, drawn from private osteoporosis clinics, completed the four research questionnaires. Data were analyzed using means, standard deviations, product-moment correlations, and stepwise multiple regression analysis. Analysis of the data revealed that there were significant predictors of life satisfaction in this group. Life satisfaction was best predicted by the following combination of variables: income level, frequency of back pain, perceived internal control over health, and perceived social support.

The relationship of health beliefs, health locus of control, and self concept to the practice of breast self-examination in adult women.

This descriptive-correlational study was undertaken in order to determine if there were differences in the health beliefs, health locus of control, and self concept of adult women who practice breast self-examination (BSE) as compared to those women who do not. A sample of 207 women, drawn from a variety of settings, completed the four questionnaires, which were the research instruments. Data were analyzed using means, standard deviations, point biserial correlations, multiple regression, and Pearson product moment correlations. Analysis of the data revealed there were differences between the practicer and nonpracticer groups in terms of health beliefs, health locus of control, and self concept. Specifically, analysis revealed that being a practicer of BSE was correlated with higher levels of health beliefs and higher self-concept levels. practicers tended to be less inclined to have a health locus of control that depended upon a powerful other.

Resolution of primary amyloidosis during chemotherapy. Studies in a patient with nephrotic syndrome.

A patient with primary amyloidosis with evidence for a plasma cell dyscrasia but no abnormal immunoglobulin components had nephrotic syndrome with severe renal impairment. Kidney and bone marrow had extensive amyloid infiltration. She was treated with penicillamine, malphalan, prednisone, and fluoxymesterone; through 6 months renal function gradually improved; urine protein excretion dropped dramatically, serum albumin rose; liver size decreased; the bone marrow returned towards normal. During the next 4 1/2 years melphalan, prednisone, and fluoxymesterone treatment was continued with further improvement in renal function to normal levels. The morphologic characteristics and cellular relations of amyloid fibrils in the bone marrow were studied before, during, and after successful chemotherapy; the findings are evidence for a dual role for the reticuloendothelial cell in the formation and destruction of primary amyloidosis. This patient's response suggests that a multi-agent chemotherapy approach should be further studied.