Postoperative electromyographic monitoring of small intestine function in patients with peritonitis and acute intestinal obstruction

In 49 patients with general peritonitis and acute ileus, the authors used the method of direct electromyography. On the basis of analysis of the results, the functional state of the intestine, dynamics of its motor activity, effectiveness of the treatment performed were assessed and outcome of the disease was predicted.     

Instability in the ATCT variable number tandem repeat locus VWF.VNTR I in intron 40 of von Willebrand factor gene

The von Willebrand factor gene intron 40 variable number tandem repeat VWF.VNTR I exhibits 10 alleles making it highly polymorphic and useful for parentage and forensic testing, 45 unrelated families (210 meiotic events) were tested for VWF.VNTR I alleles. One spontaneous mutation was observed in a family member. Haplotype analysis demonstrated that this mutation was due to a gain of one motif repeat by a paternal allele. Sequence analysis confirmed the difference in the number of motif repeats between the proband and the alleles expressed by the parents. This instability emphasizes the importance of demonstrating exclusion in at least two separate loci in parentage testing.     

The therapeutic efficacy of interferon-alfa-2a (Roferon-A) in chronic hepatitis C

THE AIM OF THE STUDY: Evaluation of 6-month treatment with roferon-A of patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and comparison of the treatment regimens. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 79 CHC patients received roferon-A for 3 months in a dose 6,000,000 IU 3 time a week. In case of the response to treatment was continued for the next 3 months (3,000,000 IU 3 times a week). Clinical-laboratory findings, results, of EIA and liver biopsy histology were examined. RESULTS: Primary remission was achieved in 71.8% of cases. 36.9% of patients developed recurrences including 14.1% recurrence arising in the course of therapy. Stable remission was obtained in 32.4% of patients. 28.2% patients were non-responders. Side effects were mild, discontinuation of the treatment was necessary only in 7% of cases. CONCLUSION: Roferon-A administration in a dose 6,000,000 IU for 24 weeks is optimal both as related to cost and efficacy of the treatment.     

Treatment products and approaches for phenylketonuria: improved palatability and flexibility demonstrate safety, efficacy and acceptance in US clinical trials

A new amino acid formulation and a variety of treatment products incorporating it were evaluated for long-term safety, efficacy, and acceptance in 25 subjects with phenylketonuria over a period of 5 years. Palatability of the treatment was improved by reducing the required intake of amino acids, reformulating the mixture to have better taste, and providing vitamins and minerals as tablets. The hypotheses were that these strategies would improve compliance and metabolic control and maintain nutritional status in subjects. Compliance with treatment was determined from mean reported intakes (4-day diet records) and from mean 'received' intakes using receipts of treatment products actually shipped to individuals upon request. Mean amino acid intakes prescribed were significantly reduced from study entry to end, from 1.2 g/kg to 0.7 g/kg (p < 0.001). Reported intakes were similarly reduced from 1.3 g/kg to 0.7 g/kg (p < 0.001). While actually 'received' intakes of amino acid formula were also significantly reduced (p < 0.001), intakes by this measure were much lower than either prescribed or reported, 0.9 g/kg at entry and 0.4 g/kg at the end of the study, suggesting that acceptance of the treatment (usage of products), even when made more palatable, is below clinical expectations. In spite of these findings, mean serum proteins and minerals, height and weight were not significantly reduced during the study, supporting the safety of lowered intakes of amino acids and of nutritionally incomplete products. While the increase in mean serum phenylalanine concentration from 0.38 to 0.48 mmol/L was significant (p < 0.03), this mean rise of 0.1 mmol/L during a corresponding mean age increase of 4.2 years (from 6.9 to 11.1 years) is lower than in other recent reports from longitudinal studies of outcomes during this age range in subjects treated with traditional products. These data support the safety and efficacy of a more palatable and flexible approach to treatment.