Application of the CPM splint in the continuing care of patients with injuries to the cervical and thoracic spine.

The paper presents the authors' experience in the application of CPM (continuous passive motion) splints in the rehabilitation of patients with injuries to the cervical and thoracic spine. The observation period averages 3-4 weeks. The authors discuss the construction principles of the splint, the relevant treatment methods, and the advantages if the CPM splint. The results achieved by patients with para- and tetraplegia are presented.

Effects of docosahexaenoic acid on serum lipoproteins in patients with combined hyperlipidemia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of daily dietary supplementation with 1.25 g or 2.5 g of docosahexaenoic (DHA), in the absence of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), on serum lipids and lipoproteins in persons with combined hyperlipidemia (CHL) [serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) 130 to 220 mg/dL and triglycerides 150 to 400 mg/dL]. METHODS: After a 6-week dietary stabilization period, subjects entered a 4-week single-blind placebo (vegetable oil) run-in phase. Those with adequate compliance during the the run-in were randomized into one of three parallel groups (placebo, 1.25, or 2.5 g/day DHA) for 6 weeks of treatment. Supplements were administered in a triglyceride form contained in gelatin capsules. Primary outcome measurements were plasma phospholipid DHA content, serum triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). LDL-C and non-HDL-C. RESULTS: The DHA content of plasma phospholipids increased dramatically (2 to 3 fold) in a dose-dependent manner. Significant (p < 0.05) changes were observed in serum triglycerides (17 to 21% reduction) and HDL-C (6% increase) which were of similar magnitude in both DHA groups. Non-HDL-C [+1.6 (NS) and +5.7% (p < 0.04)] and LDL-C [+9.3% (NS) and +13.6% (p < 0.001)] increased in the DHA treatment groups. All lipid effects reached an apparent steady state within the first 3 weeks of treatment. CONCLUSION: Dietary DHA, in the absence of EPA, can affect lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride levels in patients with combined hyperlipidemia. The desirable triglyceride and HDL-C changes were present at a dose which did not significantly increased non-HDL-C or LDL-C. These preliminary findings suggest that dietary supplementation with 1.25 g DHA/day, provided in a triglyceride form, may be an effective tool to aid in the management of hypertriglyceridemia.

Event-related potentials in human immunodeficiency virus infection. A prospective study.

P3 event-related evoked potentials (ERP) were recorded from 47 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive subjects examined twice and 29 HIV-positive subjects examined three times at 6-month intervals. The P3 latency significantly increased over time for asymptomatic subjects and subjects with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and AIDS-related complex. N2 latency was prolonged relative to control values in both HIV-positive groups but did not increase with time. The P3 latency correlated with neuropsychologic measures of motor control and speed of mental processing. Confounding factors (active or previous substance abuse, developmental disabilities, and history of closed head injury or epilepsy) did not significantly affect ERP latencies. Endogenous ERP components are frequently abnormal in HIV-positive subjects and the P3 latency progressively increases over time. Continued follow-up is required to determine the clinical utility of ERP studies in the HIV-positive population.