Generic solid phase extraction-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for fast determination of drugs in biological fluids.

A generic method was developed for the fast determination of a wide range of drugs in serum or plasma. The methodology comprises generic solid-phase extraction, on-line coupled to gradient HPLC with tandem mass spectrometric detection (SPE-LC-MS/MS). The individual components of the SPE-LC-MS/MS system were optimized in an integrated approach to maximize the application range and minimize the method development time.

High throughput on-line solid phase extraction/tandem mass spectrometric determination of paclitaxel in human serum.

The feasibility of high throughput on-line solid phase extraction/tandem mass spectrometry (SPE/MS/MS) is tested for target analysis of paclitaxel in human serum. The use of a dual Prospekt system, with parallel SPE and elution directly to the mass spectrometer, resulted in a cycle time of 80 seconds for the entire, fully automated assay. The assay proved to be linear from 1 to 1000 ng/mL.

Preliminary experience with a 'sub-50' combined oral contraceptive, containing 35 micrograms ethinyl oestradiol and 1 mg norethisterone ('NeoCon').

The present trend in oral contraception is clearly in favour of the 'sub-50' pills, taking into consideration the recent publications on the association between cardiovascular affections and pill intake. 'NeoCon', a combination pill containing 1 mg norethisterone and 35 micrograms ethinyl oestradiol, has been investigated in the United States, Mexico, Germany, Belgium and the United Kingdom. From all these studies, it could be concluded that it is an effective and well-tolerated oral contraceptive.

Clinical report about some cases with retrograde ejaculation.

The incidence of retrograde ejaculation may be expected to increase by factors as a higher incidence of vascular- and colon-surgery, the increase of road accidents with as a result transversal lesions as well as the increased use of medicines particularly hypotensive drugs. After some remarks about the mechanism of ejaculation and the closing mechanism of the sphincter internus, some cases-histories are dealt with. After these case-histories, a survey is given about the etiology of the retrograde ejaculation.

Double-blind trial of prostaglandin F2alpha and oxytocin in the induction of labour.

In a random double-blind trial in 28 pregnant women at term, labour was induced with either prostaglandin F2alpha or oxytocin given by intravenous infusion. The results showed that prostaglandin F2alpha was as active as oxytocin and induction was successfully carried out in 24 patients; 3 patients had a caesarean section because of an obstructed labour and 1 patient on oxytocin did not have regular contractions after 10-hours' infusion although she delivered spontaneously 2 days later. No difference was found in the induction--delivery interval in the 8 patients in each group who had early amniotomy (first 90 minutes).