Cell therapy: a cruel and dangerous deception. A drama in three acts.

'Cell therapy' is a long-standing quack remedy used in Germany and adjacent countries. Organ extracts from fetal or young animals, fresh or lyophilized, are injected, with the intention of achieving 'cure' or at least 'treatment' of postulated organ deficiencies or failures. In Germany and in Australia 'cell therapy' has been administered in Down syndrome, cancer and for traumatic and other brain injuries. The preparation is banned in Germany, and can be lawfully imported into Australia only with express Ministerial permission. Even so its illicit use has been widespread. Morbidity and mortality have been reported since 1956, mostly in the German literature. There is a finite risk of infection with slow viruses of animal origin. This possibility should be considered in otherwise unexplained spongiform encephalopathy or leuco-encephalitis. Legal problems are considerable when quack practitioners (medically qualified or otherwise) administer such a preparation to children or legally incompetent adults.

First experiences with ICIDH in Australia's largest nursing home.

In Australia's largest home of 625 available beds, coding has been undertaken for 102 residents, using the International Classification of Impairments. Disabilities, and Handicaps (ICIDH). This has proved simple and effective as a means of categorising impairments and disabilities, with a few modifications to meet local needs. A computer program allows storage and retrieval of up to 8 ICD diagnoses, 6 impairments, 30 disabilities, and 6 handicaps. Experienced nurses can code a dependent person in 30 minutes or less, and periodic review every 6 months is now planned. This system will allow efficient surveillance of progress of individual residents, will highlight those calling for clinical review, and will identify those who may be suitable for specific management and research programmes.

Health politics and the aged.

Politicians seeking office respond to sectional interests. Dr Last's paper discusses how our federal system allows division of responsibility and authority between Commonwealth, State and Local Governments, with none accepting responsibility for the system as a whole. Repeated Committees of Enquiry have recommended remedial action but no government has yet made a major commitment. Dr Last discusses how institutions may become the advocates whereby recommendations are implemented and health care services developed.