Infection with minute-colony-forming beta-haemolytic streptococci

One hundred and thirty-one strains of minute-colony-forming beta-haemolytic streptococci were isolated during the course of routine investigations in clinical bacteriology. Each strain was examined for the presence of polysaccharide antigens of Lancefield's groups A, C, G, and F and characterized in detail as to biochemical and cultural features. On the results of these tests it is concluded that the strains should be placed in the species Streptococcus milleri. The clinical details relevant to the various strains are summarized according to the site of isolation, and their pathological significance is discussed.     

Gluteal compartment syndrome: case report

A compartmental syndrome can occur in any space limited by fascia or skin. A case of a gluteal compartment syndrome is reported, apparently from prolonged pressure after a drug overdose. Clinical features were a painful expanding gluteal mass with sciatic nerve dysfunction. Fasciotomy of the tensor fascia lata and the overlying fascia of the gluteus maximus resulted in rapid relief of symptoms.     

Further observations on carbamazepine plasma levels in epileptic patients. Relationships with therapeutic and side effects

Plasma levels of carbamazepine, phenytoin and phenobarbital were monitored weekly over a period of 9 weeks in 20 epileptic patients unresponsive to treatment. No attempts were made to modify phenytoin and/or phenobarbital plasma levels; emphasis was on achieving carbamazepine plasma levels of 4 to 10 mug per milliliter. A remarkable drop in seizure frequency was attained within 2 to 3 weeks of monitoring, with carbamazepine plasma and concentrations within the desired range. Children disposed of the drug faster than adults. No effects of phenytoin and phenobarbital on carbamazepine plasma levels could be observed, while phenobarbital on carbamazepine plasma levels fluctuated remarkably without any relationship to carbamazepine levels. Transient leukopenia was present in most of the patients, while a significant reversible drop in red blood cells was observed in eight patients. The data reported confirm that with a careful monitoring of drug plasma levels, carbamazepine may exert a definite passive effect on seizure frequency in epileptic patients poorly responsive to therapy.     

Intravascular coagulation with use of human prothrombin complex concentrates

Prothrombin complex concentrates are used in the treatment of the congenital bleeding disorders associated with Factors II, VII, IX, and X deficiencies. They have also been extensively used to treat acquired coagulation abnormalities secondary to vitamin K deficiency, warfarin ingestion, and various types of liver disease. The reported complications of prothrombin complex concentrates administration include hepatitis, anaphylaxis, and thrombosis. This paper documents the development of disseminated intravascular coagulation in association with the administration of prothrombin complex concentrates to patients with liver disease.     

Diseases of yearling feedlot cattle in Colorado

During all of 1974 we surveyed, for illnesses and deaths, about 407,000 yearling feedlot cattle. The morbidity was 5.1%, with a case mortality of 18.9% and a population mortality of 1.0%. Both morbidity and mortality were higher during fall and winter than during spring and summer. Of the 3,943 dead cattle, 1,988 were necropsied. The most prevalent diseases were: pneumonia, 48%; diphtheria, 6%; brisket disease, 6%; hemorrhagic colitis, 5%; riding injury, 4%; bloat, 3%; calculosis, 2%; endocarditis, 2%; abomasal ulcers, 2%; bovine viral diarrhea, 2%; embolic pulmonary aneurysm, 1%; and pulmonary edema, 1%.     

Predilection of occlusive disease for the left iliac artery

Eighty-six consecutive patients operated on for atherosclerotic occlusion of the aortoiliac segment were examined regarding the severity of the disease in the left or right iliac arteries. Sixty-nine percent of 78 patients were found to have predominantly more severe lesions on the left side. A study of the geometric anatomy of the aortoiliac region in 14 male and 12 female cadavers revealed that the right common iliac take-off angle was wider than the left and the radius of curvature of the right osculating circle at the aortoiliac bifurcation was smaller than the left, with the asymmetry of the region being much more marked in males than in females. The predilection of occlusive disease for the left iliac artery is explained on the basis of these differences in local geometric anatomy and their effect on the local hemodynamics.