bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polymyositis Presenting with Severe Weakness Involving Only One Arm
Authors: Stark R. J. 
Published: March 2008

Summary: Polymyositis presenting with severe weakness involving only one arm. R. J. Stark, Aust. N.Z. J. Med., 1978, 8, pp. 544–546A woman presented with severe weakness and wasting involving only one arm. A definite diagnosis was not made until almost six years later when she developed proximal weakness in the legs as well, and a muscle biopsy showed changes of polymyositis.Asymmetry of weakness in polymyositis has been noted previously in the literature, but is rare. In previous reports asymmetry as marked as in the present case has not been noted.
Evaluation of Radiochromium Blood Loss Studies in Unexplained Iron‐Deficiency Anaemia
Authors: St. John D. J. B. , Young G. P. 
Published: March 2008

Summary: Evaluation of radiochromium blood loss studies in unexplained iron‐deficiency anaemiaRadiochromium measurement of gastrointestinal (Gl) blood loss was performed on an outpatient basis on 57 patients with unexplained iron‐deficiency anaemia. With the exception of pre‐menopausal women, patients were only selected for study if the anaemia remained unexplained after careful Gl radiological and endoscopic examination. Occult Gl blood loss was confirmed in 31 patients and further investigation including laparotomy in some cases, led to a diagnosis in 17 of the 31. Carcinoma was present in five (colon four, stomach one) and benign lesions of the small intestine in five. There was no correlation between the severity or pattern of bleeding and the nature of the lesion. Of the 26 patients without demonstrable occult bleeding, anaemia was aspirin‐induced in five and caused by menorrhagia in six. With the pre‐menopausal women, measurement of both Gl and menstrual blood loss resulted in detection of silent Gl lesions in four and gynaecological disease in six. The cause of anaemia has not been elucidated in 23 of the 57 patients, including seven of 11 with aortic valve disease, even after follow‐up for an average of 30 years. These results indicate that radiochromium studies effectively identify the patients with unexplained iron‐deficiency anaemia who require continued active investigation for a focal Gl lesion.
Raynaud's Disease: Reduced Hand Blood Flows with Normal Blood Viscosity
Authors: McGrath M. A. , Peek R. , Penny R. 
Published: March 2008

Summary: Raynaud's disease: Reduced hand blood flows with normal blood viscosity.Hand blood flows and the blood and plasma viscosities were measured in patients with Raynaud's disease in an attempt to identify the mechanism of the episodic vascular insufficiency.Using venous occlusion plethysmography the following observations were made: (1J the hand blood flows were significantly less than in normals at 32°, 27° and 20°C; (2) the percentage decrease in flow with cooling was greater than in normals and (3) cooling of one hand from 32° to 27°C caused an abnormal decrease in flow through the contralateral hand. Using a rotational viscometer the blood and plasma viscosities were found to be normal at both high and low shear rates. The percentage increase in the blood viscosity with cooling from 35° to 25° was also normal.These studies demonstrate an increased constrictive response of the cutaneous vasculature of the hand to both local and reflex stimulation, and exclude a rheological abnormality, under conditions similar to those of the present study.
Early Diagnosis of Addison's Disease; Pigmentation as sole symptom
Authors: Strakosch C. R. , Gordon R. D. 
Published: March 2008

Summary: Early diagnosis of Addison's disease; pigmentation as sole symptom.A diagnosis of primary adrenocortical insufficiency was made in a shapely, suntanned girl whose sole complaint was increasing pigmentation. Plasma Cortisol was low in spite of markedly elevated levels of ACTH. Plasma Cortisol, urinary 17‐oxogenic steroids and urinary aldosterone did not respond to three days of ACTH stimulation. Addison's disease can be diagnosed and treated before development of anorexia, weight loss, weakness and other classical symptoms.
Hypertension Due to 17α‐Hydroxylase Deficiency
Authors: Wang C. , Yeung R. T. T. , Coghlan J. P. , Oddie C. J. , Scoggins B. A. , Stockigt J. R. 
Published: March 2008

Summary: Hypertension due to 17α‐hydroxylase deficiency.A female patient with hypertension, hypogonadism and hypokalemia due to 17α‐hydroxylase deficiency is described, in whom the diagnosis was initially based on the finding of low urinary 17‐ketosteroids and 17‐hydroxycorticosteroids, in the presence of high plasma f/uorometric 11‐hydroxy ‐corticoids. Later studies confirmed the diagnosis by demonstrating low circulating levels of 17u‐hydroxyprogesterone and the steroids derived from this precursor: 11‐deoxy‐cortisol, Cortisol, oestradiol and testosterone. Plasma progesterone, corticosterone and deoxycorticosterone (DOC) were greatly increased, but plasma and urine aldosterone were very low. The initial subnormal Cortisol and 11‐deoxyCortisol levels responded to tetracosactrin administration, suggesting that the adrenal was not maximally stimulated by endogenous ACTH and indicating that the 17α‐hydroxylase deficiency was incomplete. Plasma and urinary aldosterone levels were still suppressed after 12 months treatment with prednisone despite normalization of the previously suppressed renin levels. The findings indicate that this uncommon cause of medically‐controllable juvenile hypertension can be identified without specific steroid assays.
Clinico‐Laboratory Aspects of Anti‐Nuclear and Anti‐Native DIMA Antibody Tests
Authors: Webb John 
Published: March 2008

Summary: Clinico‐laboratory aspects of anti‐nuclear and anti‐native DNA antibody tests. John Webb, Aust. N.Z. J. Med., 1978, 8, Suppl. 1, pp. 61–67. Available techniques for detection of anti‐nuclear antibodies are here briefly reviewed. The relatively insensitive LE cell test has been largely supplanted by the indirect immunofluorescent ANA test which should be reported in terms of titre and pattern. Specific measurement of nDNA antibodies is now a regular technique in SLE diagnosis and management.
Effects of Anti‐Rheumatic Drugs on Immunological Parameters
Authors: Penny R. 
Published: March 2008

Summary: Effects of anti‐rheumatic drugs on immunological parameters. R. Penny, Aust. N.Z. J. Med., 1978, 8, Suppl. 1, pp. 109–113. A short review is presented of the immune and inflammatory sites of action of the more common agents in use by rheumatologists–in particular, corticosteroids, the non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs.
Scleroderma: Pathogenic Factors and Current Management
Authors: Penny R. 
Published: March 2008

Summary: Scleroderma: Pathogenic factors and current management. R Penny, Aust. N.Z. J Med., 1978, 8, Suppl. 1, pp. 143–148.The aetiology of scleroderma remains unknown. Pathogenetic mechanisms may originate from vascular, collagen or immune abnormalities. These are reviewed and the current management although in the main unsatisfactory may alleviate a number of the distressing symptoms.
A Controlled Trial of Cervical Manipulation for Migraine*
Authors: Parker G. B. , Tupling H. , Pryor D. S. 
Published: March 2008

Summary: A controlled trial of cervical manipulation for migraine. G. B. Parker, H. Tupling and D. S. Pryor, Aust. N.Z. J. Med., 1978, 8, pp. 589–593.The efficacy of cervical manipulation for migraine was evaluated. In a six‐month trial, 85 volunteers suffering from migraine were randomly allocated to three treatment groups. One group received cervical manipulation performed by a medical practitioner or by a physiotherapist, another received cervical manipulation performed by a chiropractor, while the control group received mobilization performed by a medical practitioner or by a physiotherapist. For the whole sample, migraine symptoms were significantly reduced. No difference in outcome was found between those who received cervical manipulation, performed by chiropractor or orthodox therapist, and those who received the control treatment. Chiropractic treatment was no more effective than the other two treatments in reducing frequency, duration or induced disability of migraine attacks, but chiropractic patients did report a greater reduction in pain associated with their attacks.
Labetalol: Bioavailability, Drug Plasma Levels, Plasma Renin and Catecholamines in Acute and Chronic Treatment of Resistant Hypertension
Authors: Louis W. J. , Christophidis N. , Brignell M. , Vijayasekaran V. , McNeil J. , Vajda F. J. E. 
Published: March 2008

Summary: Labetalol: Bioavailability, drug plasma levels, plasma renin and catecholamines in acute and chronic treatment of resistant hypertension. W. J. Louis, N. Christophidis, M. Brignell, V. Vijayasekaran, J. McNeil and F. J. E. Vajda, Aust. N.Z. J. Med., 1978, 8, pp. 602–609.The antihypertensive effects of labetalol have been studied in 30 patients with severe hypertension.In seven of these patients acute administration was associated with falls in blood pressure which were maximal at two minutes, for intravenous injection and one hour for oral administration. The bioavailability of acute oral administration was studied and varied between 11 and 76%. There were no statistically significant changes in plasma renin and plasma catecholamines following acute administration.In 30 patients labetalol was administered, usually together with a thiazide diuretic, on a chronic basis over a period of ten months. There was a significant relationship (r = 0–517, P & lt; 0001) between drug dosage and plasma levels and in four cases poor response could be attributed to low peak plasma levels of the drug. Improved blood pressure control was associated with a substantial reduction in the number and type of tablets patients were taking and an overall reduction in side effects. The commonest side effect was mild postural hypotension. In addition, one patient in the trial and another more recently have shown hyper‐reactivity to the drug and developed profound postural hypotension with the initial dose.We conclude that labetalol when combined with a thiazide diuretic is an important therapeutic advance in the treatment of the difficult hypertensive subject.
Some Observations on the Immunological Status in Scleroderma (Progressive Systemic Sclerosis)
Authors: Barnett A. J. , Cauchi M. N. , Hosking C. S. , Sharp A. H. 
Published: March 2008

Summary: Some observations on the immunological status in scleroderma (progressive systemic sclerosis). A. J. Barnett, M. N. Cauchi, C. S. Hosking and A. H. Sharp, Aust. N.Z. J. Med., 1978, 8, pp. 622–627.A variety of tests were performed to determine the immune status of a group of patients with scleroderma (progressive systemic sclerosis). Sera of 11 of 35 patients showed autoantibodies by an immuno‐fluorescent technique. There was no significant difference between the C3 and C4 components of complement in 12 patients tested and laboratory controls. IgM levels were raised in 24 of 34 sera. Four of ten patients showed some deficiency of phagocytic function in the leucocyte iodination test. B cell and T cell numbers were normal in the eight patients tested. Reactivity to mitogens was usually normal in ten patients tested with a deficient response to one of the three mitogens in two patients. In skin reactivity tests in 23 patients, only one was anergic to all of the four antigens tested. It is concluded that although some immune abnormalities are common in scleroderma there is no consistent abnormality in any of the tests used. This does not exclude the possibility that immune factors may be involved in systemic manifestations of the disease, or that there may be some subtle specific abnormality not revealed by the tests performed.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Diabetes and Pyridoxal
Authors: McCann V. J. , Davis R. E. 
Published: March 2008

Summary: Carpal tunnel syndrome, diabetes and pyridoxal. V. J. McCann and R. E. Davis, Aust. N.Z. J. Med, 1978, 8, pp. 638–640.Serum pyridoxal concentrations were estimated in 13 patients who had both diabetes and carpal tunnel syndrome. The clinical features and response to treatment in these patients did not differ from that seen in non‐diabetic patients with this syndrome. No significant difference in mean serum pyridoxal concentrations was noted between diabetics with carpal tunnel syndrome, diabetics without neuropathy, and normal subjects.These results indicate that carpal tunnel syndrome in diabetics is distinct from polyneuropathy in that it is not associated with a reduction in serum pyridoxal levels which is a feature of diabetic polyneuropathy.
Serial Exercise Thallium Myocardial Perfusion Scanning and Exercise Electrocardiography in the Diagnosis of Coronary Artery Disease*
Authors: Dunn R. F. , Kelly D. T. , Bailey I. K. , Uren R. , McLaughlin A. 
Published: March 2008

Summary: Serial exercise thallium‐201 myocardial perfusion scanning (exercise and 4‐hour redistribution) was compared to rest and exercise electrocardiography (ECG) for the detection of coronary artery disease in 125 patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease. All patients underwent coronary arteriography and 108 were found to have significant coronary artery lesions.The serial exercise thallium scan was significantly more sensitive than rest and exercise ECG in detecting coronary artery disease (94% v. 83% P <0.01). The sensitivity of a reversible thallium perfusion scan abnormality and a positive exercise ECG for detecting exercise induced myocardial ischaemia in coronary artery disease was similar (69% v. 63%). The exercise thallium scan complemented the exercise EGG, and the sensitivity of the combined test was significantly greater than the exercise ECG alone (84% v. 63% P<0.001).The specificity for coronary artery disease of the exercise ECG was 65% and that of the exercise thallium‐201 myocardial perfusion scan was 82% (P = NS).Thallium‐201 myocardial perfusion scanning complements the rest and exercise ECG in the non‐invasive detection of coronary artery disease.
Haemoglobin A1 in Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Bartley P. C. , Hambling T. E. 
Published: March 2008

Summary: Haemoglobin A1 in diabetes mellitus. P. C. Bartley and T. E. HamblingHbA1 was measured by a rapid method in a routine hospital laboratory. The normal range of 5·0–8·5% compares favourably with other studies. Patients with uncontrolled diabetes had levels of HbA1 of up to 20·5% while well controlled patients had levels of HbA1 in the normal range. The level of HbA1 is relatively stable in normal subjects and does not correlate with age, sex or weight. There was a correlation (p < 0·001) with a 1–2 hour postprandial, post‐insulin blood sugar in insulin dependent diabetics. There was a relationship between type of therapy and HbA1 level at presentation. From the study of two ketoacidotic patients, it is apparent that the level of HbA1 decreases about six weeks after the decrease in blood sugar. It is concluded that the measurement of HbA1 is a useful adjunct in the assessment of diabetic control.
Acute Non‐lymphocytic Leukaemia in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy
Authors: Manoharan A. , Leyden M. J. 
Published: March 2008

Summary: A 28‐year‐old woman with acute myeloblastic leukaemia was effectively treated with cytosine arabinoside and 6‐thioguanine during the third trimester of pregnancy and a complete remission achieved. A normal infant was delivered at term. The patient survived for 27 months and the baby is now 2½ years old with normal physical and mental development.The literature on management of acute non‐lymphocytic leukaemia during the second and third trimester of pregnancy is reviewed and it is concluded that effective combination chemotherapy improves fetal survival.
Immune Complexes in Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Charlesworth J. A. , Campbell L. V. , Quin J. , Lazarus L. , Macdonald G. J. 
Published: March 2008

Summary: Immune complexes in diabetes mellitus. J. A. Charlesworth, L. V. Campbell, J. Quin, L. Lazarus and G. J. Macdonald, Aust. N.Z. J. Med., 1979, 9, pp. 370–373.Sera from 86 well controlled diabetics were examined for the presence of immune complexes. Thirty‐six patients were receiving standard insulins, 19 monocomponent preparations, 24 oral hypoglycaemic agents and seven dietary restriction alone. Three methods were used to detect complexes: measurement of complement components, a Clq binding assay (BA) and the Raji cell radioimmunoassay (RIA). Complement components were normal in all patients. Eleven (31%) of the group on standard insulins had a positive Raji cell RIA; none had an abnormal Clq‐BA. One patient on monocomponent therapy had a mildly positive Raji cell RIA; Clq‐BA was negative in each patient of this group. Thirteen (54%) of the patients on oral hypoglycaemic agents were positive on one or both assays while one patient on diet alone was abnormal on both assays. These data show that immune complex production is common in both insulin‐requiring and non‐insulin‐requiring diabetics and that this phenomenon is strikingly less frequent in patients on mono‐component insulins. Such observations could bear relevance to the pathogenesis of microvascular complications in diabetes.
The Cardiovascular System in Paget's Disease of Bone and the Response to Therapy with Calcitonin and Diphosphonate
Authors: Henley J. W. , Croxson R. S. , Ibbertson H. K. 
Published: March 2008

Summary: The cardiovascular system in Paget's disease of bone and the response to therapy withcalcitonin and diphosphonate. J. W. Henley, R. S. Croxson and H. K. Ibbertson, Aust. N.Z. J. Med., 1979, 9, pp. 390–397.The cardiovascular status of 39 patients with Paget's disease of bone was studied before and after treatment with porcine calcitonin or diphosphonate (disodium etidronate).Cardiovascular abnormalities were detected in 32 patients. Systemic hypertension was present in four, ischaemic heart disease in five, cardiac enlargement in ten and evidence of valvular and/or arterial calcification in 14.Before treatment the cardiac index was elevated in 27 of 39 patients (69%) and there was a significant direct correlation with the serum alkaline phosphatase (r = 0·68, P < 0·001), urine total hydroxyproline (r = 0·51, P<0·001) and percentage skeletal involvement (r = 0·51, P<0·001). After 24 weeks' treatment with either diphosphonate or calcitonin, there was a fall in cardiac index in 17 of 18 patients; the mean reduction being 12·7% for the calcitonin group and 27% for the diphosphonate treated patients. There was a rise in mean arterial pressure and peripheral resistance in both groups (P< 0·025) and a fall in cardiothoracic ratio (P<0·005) but no change in heart rate.In 17 patients studied 24 weeks after the end of therapy, similar, though less marked changes were observed. The cardiac index was lower than the pretreatment value in all eight diphosphonate treated patients but cardiac index and biochemical indices were higher than basal levels in three of nine patients who had received calcitonin.This study confirms a high incidence of cardiovascular complications and an increased cardiac output in most patients with moderate or severe Paget's disease of bone. There was a significant correlation between these abnormalities, the biochemical indices of disease activity and the radiological evidence of skeletal disease.Treatment with either diphosphonate or calcitonin caused partial or complete biochemical remission and a reduction in cardiac index in most patients studied.
Bundle Branch Block after Myocardial Infarction—A Long Term Follow‐up*
Authors: Woo K. S. , Norris R. M. 
Published: March 2008

Summary: Bundle branch block after myocardial infarction‐a long term follow‐up. K. S. Woo and R. M. Norris. Aust. N.Z. J. Med., 1979,9, pp. 411–416.Fifty‐two patients with myocardial infarction complicated by bundle branch block (27 RBBB and 25 LBBB) survived the hospital period (1967–1972), and were followed up to December 1976. Actuarial survival curves revealed a worse mortality up to five years (P < 0·05) for LBBB (68%) than for RBBB (33%). All deaths occurred in the first four years.In RBBB, additional hemiblock (seven patients) did not increase the risk of heart block nor worsen the prognosis—one death in seven patients (14%) compared to eight in 20 patients with isolated RBBB (40%).The previous literature on long term survival of BBB was reviewed. Recommended treatment for BBB, a marker of severe myocardial damage, includes antiarrhythmic prophylaxis for anteroseptal infarction with RBBB, aneurysmectomy in selected subsets of patients, and possibly prevention of RBBB or its complications by treatment for reduction of infaret size during the very early phase after onset of infarction.
Necrotising Enterocolitis Associated with Invasion by Clostridium septicum Complicating Cyclic Neutropaenia
Authors: Bignold L. P. , Harvey H. P. B. 
Published: March 2008

Summary: Necrotising enterocolitis associated with invasion by clostridium septicurn complicating cyclic neutropaenia. L. P. Bignold and H P B. Harvey, Ausf. N.Z. J. Med., 1979, 9, pp. 426–429.A fatal case of necrotising enterocolitis complicating cyclic neutropaenia in a 17‐year‐old boy is reported. The episode of enterocolitis was characterised by fulminant, generalised peritonitis associated with necrosis and gas formation in the wall of the ileum and caecum. Clostridium septicum was grown from pre‐mortem blood cultures and Gram positive bacilli typical of this organism were present in histological sections of the bowel wall. Necrotising enterocolitis in this and previously reported cases of cyclic neutropaenia resembles the agranulocytic form of intestinal necrosis which occasionally complicates leukaemia.
A Study of Synovial Fluid and Cytology in Arthritis Associated with Herpes Zoster
Authors: Cunningham A. L. , Fraser J. R. E. , Clarris B. J. , Hobbs J. B. 
Published: March 2008

Summary: A study of synovial fluid and cytology in arthritis associated with herpes zoster. A. L. Cunningham, J. R. E. Fraser, B. J. Clarris and J. B. Hobbs, Aust. N.Z. J. Med., 1979, 9, pp. 440–443.A case of herpes zoster complicated by acute arthritis with effusions is described. The white cell count in the synovial fluid was low, with a predominance of neutrophils. The synovium showed superficial deposits of fibrin, slight intimal hyperplasia, and subintimal polymorph infiltration. Varicella virus was not detected by culture or electron microscopy, but varicella antigen was demonstrated in the cytoplasm of macrophages in the effusion. Other findings did not determine whether the antigen had appeared in the joint from circulating immune complexes, or following synovial phagocytosis or proliferation of virus.
Inhibitory Epilepsy
Authors: Sinniah D. , Lin H. P. , Loh T. G. 
Published: March 2008

Summary: Inhibitory epilepsy. D. Sinniah, H. P. Lin and T. G. Loh, Aust. N.Z. J. Med., 1979, 9, pp. 448–450.Unlike post‐epileptic paralysis, inhibitory epilepsy is rare and not well known. Differentiation between the two phenomena is usually difficult because both may have associated seizures. A satisfactory physiological explanation has yet to be advanced to account for the paralysis. The present is a report of such a case together with the results of electro‐encephalographic, electromyographic and nerve conduction studies both during and after an attack of paralysis. The results suggest that inhibitory impulses originating from higher centres acting on the upper motor neurone itself leaving the anterior horn cell and possibly the upper motor neurone input to the gamma efferents switched off, are probably responsible for the paralysis.