[Effect of phenytoin on peripheral motor neurons]. / Wplyw fenytoiny na obwodowy neuron ruchowy.

The author reports the results of investigations on the effect of Phenytoin Polfa on the peripheral motor neuron in relation to the serum drug levels. The investigated group included 42 epileptics treated for 7 to 30 years with phenytoin in daily doses of 300--400 mg. In all cases neurological examination was done, the serum phenytoin level was determined, basic EMG investigation, conduction velocity measurement in motor fibres of peripheral nerves, and stimulation test for disclosing myasthenic fatiguability were performed. In the conclusion the author states that phenytoin in the doses used caused no changes in conduction velocity in the motor fibres. Changes suggesting possible lesion of the peripheral motor neuron were found in only 7.1% of basic EMG records. Evidence of fatiguability in stimulation test was found in 28.6% of cases, they were not correlated with the serum drug level duration of treatment, subjective changes and objective findings.

[Case of extraocular muscle paralysis with changes of the ragged-red fiber type]. / Przypadek porazenia miesni zewnetrznych oczu ze zmianami typu "regged-red fibers" w miesniach.

The authors describe a case of progressive paresis of the extraocular muscles in a 57-year-old woman followed up since 1974. There were no abnormalities in the biochemical investigations, EEG, EMG, ECG, pneumoencephalography and tests for myasthenia. Only in fragments of the biceps brachii muscle histological and histochemical investigations showed mitochondrial changes of the type of "ragged-red fibres". The authors review the literature pertinent to different syndromes of paralysis of the external eye muscles. This is the first case published in the Polish literature.

[Case of Behcet's disease]. / Przypadek choroby Behçeta

The author reports a case of Behçet's disease in a 45-year-old man with eye lesions, changes on the skin and in the nervous system with inflammatory changes in the cerebrospinal fluid. The course of the disease was chronic, with periodic exacerbations. Steroid treatment gave good results.