Dextrose and sorbitol as diluents for continuous intravenous heparin infusion.

A comparison of 5% dextrose and 5% sorbitol as diluents for heparin given by continuous intravenous infusion indicated that neither impaired the potency of the heparin. Previous suggestions that heparin becomes unstable in dextrose solution have not been confirmed.

Long-term control of bacteriuria with trimethoprim-sulphonamide.

Long-term antibacterial therapy with the drug combination trimethoprim-sulphonamide has been used for the treatment of 52 patients with persistent or recurrent bacteriuria. Hypersensitivity or gastrointestinal intolerance was observed in six. Bacteriuria was controlled in 36 out of 38 patients with organisms sensitive to trimethoprim-sulphonamide, 28 having received treatment for periods ranging from 6 to 49 months.

Plasma concentrations of digoxin after oral administration in the fasting and postprandial ste.

After the oral administration of 0.5 mg of digoxin in tablet form to fasting subjects peak plasma levels were reached in 30 to 60 minutes. Levels then fell to reach a plateau at six to eight hours.

Plasma digoxin concentrations in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Plasma digoxin concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay in 116 patients with atrial fibrillation on long-term oral treatment with the drug, and in 23 patients with digoxin toxicity. The mean concentrations were 1.4 ng.

Potassium depletion in severe heart disease.

Exchangeable sodium and potassium, total body water, and sulphate space were measured in 42 patients with severe valvular heart disease who were free of oedema. Compared with normal subjects of the same height, no increase in exchangeable sodium was found but a mean potassium depletion of 27% was shown. This depletion was not related to diuretic therapy, and no relationship between the degree of depletion and postoperative arrhythmias was found.