Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa complicated by cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and pulmonary and renal amyloidosis

A 25-year-old woman with Hallopeau-Siemens recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa had generalized blistering, scarring and milia since birth. In the course of the disease, acral pseudosyndactyly developed, and the patient suffered from corneal erosions, oesophageal strictures, malabsorption, recurrent severe pneumonias and nephrotic syndrome. In addition, she had severe anaemia, sideropaenia, hypocalcaemia, heavy proteinuria and hypoalbuminaemia. A rapidly growing skin squamous cell carcinoma developed on the neck that spread to axillary and cervical lymph nodes. Recurrent hypocalcaemic tetanic convulsions and dyspnoea and a pneumonia refractory to antibiotics led to the premature demise of the patient. Autopsy revealed extensive amyloidosis of the renal, hepatic and splenic tissues. AA type amyloid deposits were detected in the renal glomeruli and in the lung, explaining the patient's unusually severe pulmonary infections. In essence, the patient had severe recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, complicated by squamous cell carcinoma, recurrent pneumonias and nephrotic syndrome due to secondary amyloidosis of the kidney and lung. The possibility of secondary pulmonary amyloidosis should be considered in severe dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa patients with recurrent pulmonary infections.

Woodchuck hepatocytes remain permissive for hepadnavirus infection and mouse liver repopulation after cryopreservation

Isolated hepatocytes represent a relevant model of the liver and are highly required both for research and therapeutic applications. However, sources of primary liver cells from human beings and from some animal species are limited. Therefore, cryopreservation of hepatocytes could greatly facilitate advances in various research areas. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether cryopreserved primary woodchuck hepatocytes could be used for woodchuck hepatitis B virus (WHV) infection studies, and whether they could maintain their regenerative potential in vivo after thawing. Critical steps for good quality of cryopreserved hepatocytes included the use of University of Wisconsin (UW) solution as a main component of the freezing medium, stepwise reduction of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) to avoid osmotic shock, and maintenance of low concentrations of DMSO in the culture medium. After cryopreservation, cell viability was still high (70% to 80%), and 50% to 60% of thawed cells attached to the plates. The appearance of covalently closed circular (ccc)DNA and of WHV-replicative forms a few days after in vitro infection demonstrated that thawed woodchuck hepatocytes were still susceptible to viral infection, thus proving maintenance of a very high hepatocyte-specific differentiation status. Furthermore, transplantation of woodchuck hepatocytes into the liver of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA)/recombination activation gene-2 (RAG-2) mice, a model of liver regeneration, demonstrated that cryopreserved cells retained the ability to divide and to extensively repopulate a xenogenic liver. Notably, in vivo susceptibility to infection with WHV and proliferative capacity of frozen/thawed woodchuck hepatocytes in recipient mice were identical to those observed by transplanting fresh hepatocytes.

Repopulation of mouse liver with human hepatocytes and in vivo infection with hepatitis B virus

Mice containing livers repopulated with human hepatocytes would provide excellent in vivo models for studies on human liver diseases and hepatotropic viruses, for which no permissive cell lines exist. Here, we report partial repopulation of the liver of immunodeficient urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA)/recombinant activation gene-2 (RAG-2) mice with normal human hepatocytes isolated from the adult liver. In the transplanted mice, the production of human albumin was demonstrated, indicating that human hepatocytes remained functional in the mouse liver for at least 2 months after transplantation. Inoculation of transplanted mice with human hepatitis B virus (HBV) led to the establishment of productive HBV infection. According to human-specific genomic DNA analysis and immunostaining of cryostat liver sections, human hepatocytes were estimated to constitute up to 15% of the uPA/RAG-2 mouse liver. This is proof that normal human hepatocytes can integrate into the mouse hepatic parenchyma, undergo multiple cell divisions, and remain permissive for a human hepatotropic virus in a xenogenic liver. This system will provide new opportunities for studies on etiology and therapy of viral and nonviral human liver diseases, as well as on hepatocyte biology and hepatocellular transplantation.

Keratin 9 mutations in the coil 1A region in epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma

The palmoplantar keratodermas (PPK) are a heterogeneous group of conditions, most frequently inherited in autosomal dominant fashion. A few are well-documented autosomal recessive disorders; other are acquired in association with certain metabolic disorders and malignancies. Recently different point mutations of the keratin 9 (K9) gene have been identified in unrelated families with epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma (EPPK). We investigated two unrelated Hungarian families with EPPK. In one, a mutation consisting of a G-->A transversion at nucleotide position 551, which changes codon arginine to glutamine at codon 162 (R162Q), was found. In the other, we observed a novel mutation at nucleotide position 571, which changes codon 169 lysine (AAG) into the amber stop codon (TAG) (K169X). Each found mutation is present in the highly conserved coil 1A region of the rod domain. In the case of a stop codon type of mutation, it is questionable whether it really results in a clinical phenotype, but segregation analysis revealed cosegregation of the PPK phenotype with the mutant allele.

Costello syndrome with decreased glucose tolerance

We report a case of Costello syndrome, which is an uncommon multisystemic condition with cutaneous manifestations on the palms and soles. In the literature there are 29 cases described, all the studies are published in the genetic literature with a few exceptions. We add a further case associated with impaired glucose tolerance. The diagnostic clinical signs are impressive, and highly characteristic. Cutaneous manifestations are: loose skin of the hands and feet "washer woman's hand", hyperkeratosis palmoplantaris, curly or sparse hair, acanthosis nigricans, papillomata nasi. Coarse, progeroid facial features with a bulbous nose, feeding difficulties in infancy, cardiac involvement with cardiomyopathy or conduction defect, and in our case impaired glucose tolerance also presented. Postnatal growth retardation, mental retardation, and a distinctive friendly personality is characteristic. Hyperextensible fingers with broad distal phalanges and joint contractures were observed, and peroneal hypertonicity required treatment by Achilles tendon lengthening. The decreased glucose tolerance is interesting in the view of the acanthosis nigricans. No storage disease and no chromosomal abnormality were observed. Only in one case is a balanced translocation described in the literature.

Families with multiple cases of gluten-sensitive enteropathy

Early detection of oligosymptomatic gluten-sensitive enteropathy (GSE) may contribute to the prevention of late complications, such as malignancy. Family members of known GSE patients are at higher risk of being affected. To evaluate the frequency and clinical significance of multiple occurrence, we routinely offered an antiendomysium antibody (EmA)-based non-invasive screening to affected families. Among 997 family members of 396 GSE patients, we identified 89 subjects with EmA positivity and/or severe jejunal villous atrophy. In 83 cases GSE has been verified, four patients refused the biopsy and two subjects are under further observation for latent celiac disease. Prevalence of GSE was 8.5% (80/943) among the first-degree relatives, with significantly higher values in the siblings (13.8%) and offsprings (12.0%) than in the parents (4.2%) of the probands (p < 0.001). In 55 families (13.9% of the families studied) two, in ten families (2.5%) three, in one family four and in one other family six members were affected. Combinations of the clinical presentations of index and screening-detected cases were highly variable, with a high percentage of silent and atypical forms in the relatives. GSE cases presenting both with and without dermatitis herpetiformis occurred in 15 families. Six GSE cases with atypical or mild dermatitis herpetiformis were detected in consequence of the screening.

CONCLUSIONS

EmA-assisted family screening resulted in the detection of a clinically significant number of additional GSE patients.

[Cefaclor therapy followed by serum sickness-like symptoms]

Cefaclor is an oral cefalosporin for a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative infection. A retrospective study of cefaclor toxicoderma cases at the Department of Dermatology of Heim Pál Children's Hospital found 11 cases. After the administration of the drug, serum sickness like syndromes were observed. The characteristic symptoms were: erythema multiforme like urticaria, polyarticular swelling and oedema of joints and fever. Laboratory findings were: arised activity of the liver enzymes. After the acute symptoms urticaria factitia appeared.

[Organization of liver transplantation--role of the transplantation coordinator]

The authors give a short overview about the background of the organisation of the liver transplantation and about the process of the "liver alarm". One of the most important work of the coordinator is to increase the number of organ donation. The other part of the preparation of liver transplantation is to create the recipient waiting list. The organisation of the "liver alarm" needs the work of two coordinators. The donor coordinator keeps contact with the donor hospital, harmonizes the travel of different transplant teams and organizes the organ explantation. In the same time, the recipient coordinator prepares the liver recipient for the liver transplantation and keeps contact with the donor coordinator in the donor hospital. If the donor liver macroscopically seems good for transplantation, the patient can be send to the operating room and the work of the anaesthesiologists and the surgeons starts.

Heat generated during preparation of titanium implants of the ITI Dental Implant System: an in vitro study

The aim of the present study was to assess in vitro the heat generated within the implant body when preparing titanium implants of the ITI Dental Implant System to estimate the potential risk of tissue damage of individual abutment preparation. The speed and the pressure were applied according to routine clinical procedures used in the patient's mouth. Much attention was paid to ensure optimal cooling at the point where the implant and secondary part were being cut. For each of 3 preparations the change from the original temperature was measured over a period of 40 s. Each type of preparation was repeated on 5 implants fitted with temperature probes. Three different preparatory procedures performed with rotating diamond burs and stainless steel finishing burs under cooling with spray from the dental unit may result in a maximal increase in temperature of 10 degrees, 7 degrees and 3 degrees measured coronally, both at the implant shoulder and at the coronal extent of the plasma-sprayed surface after 10 s. The use of additional spray and pressured air significantly reduced this maximal increase to 5 degrees C, 5 degrees C and 4 degrees C, respectively at 10 s. At the 30-s and 40-s time points, all the measured temperatures were significantly lower. Preparation of implants or abutments does not lead to detrimental effects on peri-implant tissues provided that adequate cooling with spray is used. However, without cooling, extreme overheating could be provoked, reaching the critical temperature that would lead to irreversible bone damage within only a few seconds.

Hungarian Isradipine Study (HIS): long-term (3-year) effects on blood pressure and plasma lipids

These are the preliminary data of an open multicenter trial of antihypertensive treatment with isradipine as monotherapy (dose, 4.55 +/- 0.56 mg twice daily; n = 11) or isradipine (7.5 +/- 0.63 mg twice daily) in combination with bopindolol (1.16 +/- 0.12 mg once daily; n = 30) administered for 3 years to patients with essential hypertension (WHO classification I or II). Blood pressure was significantly decreased in both treatment groups and there was no indication of resistance to therapy. Plasma levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides were decreased by the end of the second year of treatment, and there was a tendency toward increase in plasma levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL2 or HDL3). The atherogenic index (ratio between total cholesterol and HDL2 plus HDL3) was also decreased. Blood glucose levels remained unchanged in both normoglycemic patients and those with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) during 3 years of therapy. It is concluded that isradipine is safe and effective when administered long-term in the treatment of hypertensive patients with either hyperlipidemia or NIDDM.

Antihypertensive effect of the calcium antagonist isradipine and lipid profile

The hypothesis that plasma lipids may modulate the antihypertensive effect of the calcium antagonist isradipine was tested in 85 patients who had essential hypertension. Significant linear correlations were found between the antihypertensive effect of isradipine and plasma levels of total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL2 or HDL3) in normotriglyceridemic (n = 63), but not in hypertriglyceridemic (n = 22), patients. From this, we conclude that normal levels of plasma lipids may modulate the function of calcium channels and their interaction with calcium antagonists.

IgA class reticulin antibodies of human subtype in gluten sensitive enteropathy

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Immunoglobulin A deposition in jejunal mucosa of children with dermatitis herpetiformis

Previously we have shown by indirect immunofluorescence (IF) technique that a special IgA antibody in the sera of patients with dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) binds to the structures of the normal jejunum. Now we show by direct IF that specific IgA deposits are present in the proximal jejunum of 11/12 DH and 2/2 celiac patients before a gluten-free diet (GFD). The IgA deposition was in a tubular pattern underlying the villous and crypt epithelial basement membranes and in the lamina propria. This IgA deposition diminished or was not detectable in DH patients under a GFD for a year, and became detectable under gluten challenge in three DH patients. One patient with celiac disease and IgA deficiency, four with other intestinal diseases, and four without jejunal damage had neither jejunal IgA deposition nor circulating IgA anti-jejunal antibody. The deposition of IgA in the jejunum seemed to be correlated with the presence of IgA anti-jejunal antibody in the serum and with the presence of jejunal damage, but the degree of jejunal atrophy, the titer of the anti-jejunal antibody, and the intensity of jejunal IgA deposition in DH patient were not clearly related. Deposition of IgA in the jejunum in DH did not clearly correlate with the activity of the skin symptoms and thus may not be directly related to the pathogenesis of the skin disease of DH.

Comparison of urapidil and atenolol in hypertension

The antihypertensive efficacy of urapidil was compared with that of atenolol in a double-blind randomised parallel-group 10-week study. 44 patients with essential hypertension entered the study, and 43 with a supine DBP of 100 to 125 mm Hg after a 2-week placebo period were randomised either to urapidil (n = 22; 60 to 120 mg/day) or atenolol (n = 21; 50 to 100 mg/day) for 8 weeks. Blood pressure, heart rate, electrocardiogram (supine and standing) and side effects were recorded every week, and medical examinations and laboratory tests were done at the end of the placebo and active treatments. 36 patients completed the trial (17 on urapidil and 19 on atenolol). Patients' characteristics were similar in the two groups, and there were no differences between them in blood pressure and heart rate at the end of placebo period. Both drugs produced a significant fall in supine and standing blood pressure; urapidil decreased supine blood pressure from 164/109 to 150/96 (p less than 0.001), and atenolol decreased it from 167/111 to 146/94 mm Hg by week 8 (p less than 0.001). There were no differences in the blood pressure-reducing effects of the two drugs. There was no change in heart rate in the urapidil group, but a marked reduction occurred in the atenolol group, with significant differences from placebo and urapidil (p less than 0.001). Side effects were reported in 32% of the urapidil group and in 29% of the atenolol group; however, these were mild and transient in all but two patients (urapidil = 1, atenolol = 1) who were withdrawn.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

IgA class antibody against human jejunum in sera of children with dermatitis herpetiformis

Sera of 44 children with dermatitis herpetiformis with granular IgA deposits in the papillary dermis were investigated on cryostat sections of normal jejunum of three children aged 2 months, 1 year, and 10 years by indirect immunofluorescence. Eighteen of 25 patients on a normal diet had an IgA class antibody showing the following staining patterns on substrate jejunums: tubular positivity in the lamina propria--around the crypts, beneath the villous epithelial basement membrane, and in some instances in the middle of the villous also, following the capillary system of villi; coalescence of tubular positivity at the muscularis mucosae; and positive blood vessels and smooth muscle endomysium. Eleven of 18 children with positive sera were put on a gluten-free diet (GFD) and their sera became negative. One of these 11 patients was challenged with gluten and the antibody reappeared. Nineteen patients examined only on a GFD and 30 healthy blood donors did not have this antibody. There was no strict correlation between the titer of antibody and the severity of jejunal mucosal damage.

Gluten challenge in children with dermatitis herpetiformis: a clinical, morphological and immunohistological study

Twenty one children with dermatitis herpetiformis were studied in an attempt to evaluate the response in the skin, in jejunal morphology, and in jejunal immunoglobulin containing cell counts to gluten elimination and subsequent gluten challenge. In all of the 15 patients whose jejunal biopsy was studied after the eventual gluten challenge the jejunal lesion had returned in 2.4 to 28 months. The numbers of IgA- and IgM-containing cells were similarly raised in primary and postchallenge biopsies. In the 13 patients whose skin improved during a gluten free diet and who were challenged with gluten the rash worsened and the dapsone/sulphapyridine requirement increased. The jejunal deterioration was equally marked in the six patients whose gluten challenge was stopped because of an intractable rash as it was in those who completed the preplanned challenge. The specimens of the former, however, had significantly more IgA-containing cells than specimens of the latter. The number of intraepithelial lymphocytes clearly reflected the degree of intestinal damage. IgA-containing cells proved to be the most sensitive indicator of an immune reaction taking place in the gut of these patients. Even in the two children with initially normal or nearly normal jejunal mucosa, the IgA cell counts in the jejunal lamina propria were markedly raised.

HLA antigens, jejunal morphology and associated diseases in children with dermatitis herpetiformis

Forty-five Hungarian and Finnish children from 1.5 to 15 years with dermatitis herpetiformis were studied for HLA antigens, jejunal morphology on gluten-containing diet and associated diseases in the patients and their relatives. A strong association with HLA-B8 was found in patients of both nationalities, the relative risks were 12.8 and 9.6, respectively. The Hungarian patients were also typed for HLA-DR locus, and an association with DR3 but not with DR7 was observed. Patients with subtotal villous atrophy had slightly more often HLA-B8 and DR3 than those with milder intestinal lesions. Atopic eczema occurred in 20% of the patients and family history of atopy seemed to have an inverse correlation with HLA-B8 and DR3.

Prediction of stable high blood pressure in adolescents

We studied the relative importance of the initial BP and associated factors in adolescents to predict stable high BP. Out of 17,634 children aged 12-13 yrs an upper group/the upper 5% of the distribution curves for both SBP and DBP/a lower group/10% random from the remainder/were yearly followed for 4 yrs/boys: 1680, girls: 1643/. About 2/3 of children remained at the same percentile point: less than 30% and greater than or equal to 70% of SBP and half of them of DBP distribution. Significant positive tracking correlations were found both for SBP and DBP between the initial BP and follow-up BP readings in the same individual. Stepwise regression analysis showed that the SBP taken at the fourth follow-up can be explained by 29% in boys, 24% in girls on the basis of screening SBP and by 47% in boys, 42% in girls on the basis of SBP measured at the four previous examinations. Using discriminant analysis, 6-9 variables out of 18 studied could correctly allocate adolescents with stable SBP or DBP/less than 70% or greater than or equal to 70% at least 3 examinations/. Our study shows the importance of initial BP and a number of factors associated with stable high BP.

Incidence of side effects during the application of placebo and active therapy (Tobanum) in patients suffering from hypertension, angina pectoris and arrhythmia

In a single blind clinical trial the effects of Tobanum (chloranolol), a beta-adrenergic receptor blocker, on 450 patients were examined. The side effects were detected by placebo control. Complaints were recorded on a questionnaire in the placebo period as well as in the active treatment period. Every fourth patient reported complaints in the placebo period and every third had a new complaint in the active period. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the complaints indicated that Tobanum has mainly cardiorespiratory side effects judging from the beta-blocker characteristics. The study draws attention to the need for awareness of complaints in the placebo period for correct evaluation of side effects.

Factors associated with stable high blood pressure in adolescents

Our aim was to study the relative importance of the factors associated with stable high blood pressure (BP) in adolescents. Out of 17 634 children born in 1964 and screened in 1977, two samples, an upper group [the upper 5% of the distribution curves for both systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressures] and a lower group (a 10% random sample from the remainder), were chosen for yearly follow-up (1680 boys and 1143 girls) from 1978 to 1981. A multiple logistic function was used to analyse the factors associated with stable high SBP and DBP (with at least three different measurements of BP at or above the 95th percentile). Different sets of variables were studied. Of the boys with stable high SBP, 55% were found in the upper quintile of risk distribution when Quetelet's index was taken into consideration, 63% when Quetelet's index + age + heart rate+sexual maturation, 67% when Quetelet's index + age + heart rate + serum uric acid and 74% when Quetelet's index + age + heart rate + cardiothoracic index + heart volume index were taken into consideration. Of the girls with a stable high SBP, 68% were found in the upper quintile of risk distribution when any of the following variables was added to Quetelet's index + age + heart rate: R and S waves, serum cholesterol or post-load blood sugar. Similar but smaller effects of associated factors on DBP were observed. Our study shows that Quetelet's index and heart rate are the most important factors associated with stable high BP in adolescents.

Dermatitis herpetiformis in monozygous twins: discordance for dermatitis herpetiformis and concordance for gluten-sensitive enteropathy

A monozygous female twin pair discordant for dermatitis herpetiformis and concordant for gluten-sensitive enteropathy is reported. The diagnosis of dermatitis herpetiformis was verified by demonstrating granular IgA deposits in the uninvolved skin. Gluten-sensitive enteropathy was confirmed according to the ESPGAN criteria. Monozygosity was proved by the standard genetic characteristics.

Dermatitis herpetiformis: jejunal findings and skin response to gluten free diet

Fifty seven children with dermatitis herpetiformis, 18 from Finland and 39 from Hungary, were studied. Diagnostic criteria included the finding of granular IgA deposits in the skin of all patients. The mean age at onset of the rash was 7 X 2 years and favoured sites were the elbows, knees, and buttocks. Symptoms suggesting small intestinal disease were rare but in 35 (61%) of the children subtotal villous atrophy and in 16 (28%) partial villous atrophy were found on jejunal biopsy. Eighteen children underwent a second biopsy after a mean of 21 months on a gluten free diet; villous height was found to be increased and the intraepithelial lymphocyte count decreased in all these patients. Gluten challenge caused a reversal in the two children who underwent a third biopsy. The effect of the gluten free diet on the rash was examined in Finnish children by observing the daily requirements of dapsone, a drug used to control the rash at the beginning of the diet. Eight (67%) of the 12 children were able to stop taking dapsone after a mean of 11 months on the diet and all three patients treated with diet alone became asymptomatic after three to 6 months on the diet. These results confirm that most children with dermatitis herpetiformis have jejunal villous atrophy, though they rarely have gastrointestinal symptoms. The central role of gluten in childhood dermatitis herpetiformis is evidenced by the fact that a gluten free diet helps the damaged jejunal mucosa to recover and controls the rash even in those children who do not have an abnormal jejunal biopsy.

Comparison of methods to detect side-effect on clinical application of chloranolol, a beta-adrenergic receptor inhibitor

The incidence of side-effects on administration of chloranolol (Tobanum), a beta-adrenergic receptor blocking drug, to 2066 patients with hypertension, angina pectoris or arrhythmias was measured by three different methods. In 600 patients in an efficacy trial (Group 1) both spontaneously reported complaints and objective signs were tabulated. A side effect - directed method, utilising a questionnaire containing a list of possible side-effects was also used, with the questionnaire being completed by the physician. 35 questions referred to anticipated and other side-effects. The trial was performed in two groups: in 537 patients a placebo was also given (Group 2), and in another set of 929 patients (Group 3) the questionnaire inquiry was performed uncontrolled, without placebo. All three groups were comparable in their distribution of sexes, ages and diagnoses, the mean daily dose of chloranolol its use alone or in combination, and in a similar duration of treatment. 55% of all patients received chloranolol therapy for a period of more than 3 months. The ratio of in- and outpatients was 1:5. The side-effect incidence was independent of the age and sex of the patients and of the dose of chloranolol. The incidence was also unaffected whether chloranolol was used alone or in combination. The number of side-effects differed markedly between the three groups, their ratio was 1:10:24 in Groups 1, 2 and 3. Two-thirds of the side-effects subsided spontaneously within 1 month of their onset.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Chronic bullous dermatosis of childhood

A study of 16 patients with chronic bullous dermatosis of childhood (CBDC) is reported. They were followed up for 0.5 to 4.5 years. Histological and immunofluorescent (IF) study of the skin and local provocation of skin lesions by Trafuril test were carried out in every case, intestinal biopsy in twelve cases. Four patients were found to have IgG, and three IgA, along the skin basement membrane. In nine patients, no immunoglobulins were detectable; these IF negative cases seemed to be pseudonegative. Repeated biopsy and immunoelectronmicroscopic study of the skin may be helpful. In the three patient groups classified on the basis of skin IF studies, there was no difference in the clinical and histological picture, in reaction to Trafuril test and in the result of treatment. The small intestinal mucosa was abnormal in three of twelve patients. A gluten-free diet introduced in two patients had no effect on the course of the disease. CBDC with negative or positive IF, juvenile pemphigoid and IgA linear dermatosis seem to be a common clinical entity, different in severity and with individual variations. The condition is not identical with dermatitis herpetiformis Duhring.

International collaborative study on juvenile hypertension. 1. Study procedures and screening data

The study procedures and the results of blood pressure screening from 8 centres are reported. Data are also presented on age, sex, sexual maturity for girls, height, weight, Quetelet's index, smoking, and use of antihypertensive drugs for 92.1% of the 18 609 children born in 1964 in the 8 districts and surveyed in 1977. The girls who had reached sexual maturity had the highest means for blood pressure, height, weight, and Quetelet's index. The proportion of girls who had attained menarche differed geographically. Certain differences were found among the 8 centres in the variables measured, but when age-specific comparisons were made most of the differences in the variables disappeared. Nevertheless a lower systolic blood pressure and height and a higher pulse rate were observed in Havana, Cuba, than in the European cities. Using multivariate analysis, height, weight, pulse rate, age at survey, and sexual maturity together explained somewhat less than 20% and 10% of the variation of systolic and diastolic blood pressures, respectively. These screening data provide a baseline for a longitudinal study that will continue until 1982.

Ultrastructural features of canine kidneys after preservation with hyperthermic solutions and subsequent reperfusion

An analysis of the ultrastructural features of 35 canine kidneys after hypothermic preservation in Rheomacrodex, Collins3 and Sacks II solutions, and subsequent autologous reperfusion for 2 to 3 hours is presented. Signs of irreversibility (intramitochondrial crista fragmentation, cell membrane rupture, detachment of the brush borders in the area of the proximal tubular system) were confined to the Rheomacrodex-preserved kidneys. Other abnormal features (cytoplasmic vacuolation, mitochondrial swelling in the proximal tubules, vacuolation of the visceral epithelial cells, heteromorphism in the glomerular system) found in the acute stage of revascularization may be regarded as reversible and account for the transitory functional disorders of renal transplants.

Clinical-pharmacological evaluation of a new beta blocker, GYKI-41099 (tobanum)

The acute and chronic circulatory effects of a new beta adrenergic blocking drug, dl-1-(2,5-dichlorophenoxy)-3-tertiary-butylamino-2-propanol hydrochloride, GYKI-41099, have been assessed in patients with hyperkinetic circulation/or mild hypertension. The acute effects of GYKI-41099 2.5, 5 and 10 mg have been compared with those of propranolol 10, 20 and 40 mg using a cross-over design in 18 patients with elevated cardiac index. Each dose of both drugs produced a significant reduction in sitting and exercise heart rate. The potency of GYKI-41099 compared with propranolol proved to be 3:1. 13 patients with hyperkinetic circulation on GYKI-41099 5-15 mg daily for 2 months exhibited a significant reduction in resting heart rate and cardiac index. In 13 patients with mild hypertension the drug exerted marked antihypertensive effect. Side effects were minimal and short-lived.

Two-years' study with a combination of pindolol and clopamide ('Viskaldix') in patients with moderate hypertension

A study was carried out to evaluate the long-term effects and side-effects of a combination product containing the beta-blocker pindolol (10 mg) and the diuretic clopamide (5 mg) in 15 patients with moderate hypertension. All patients completed the 2-years' study. The dose of the combination was increased until blood pressure normalized or a maximum dose of 3 tablets (equivalent to 30 mg pindolol and 15 mg clopamide) daily was reached. Blood pressure and heart rate were recorded monthly and detailed medical examinations were done regularly throughout the study. A mean dose of 2 tablets of the combination product (20 mg pindolol and 10 mg clopamide) produced a significant reduction in blood pressure. In all but 1 patient, blood pressure control was achieved and maintained. No tolerance developed. Heart volume showed a marked decrease. No side-effects of clinical importance were noted.