Inhibition of natural killer cell activity by retroplacental sera as compared to peripheral sera. Lack of influence of immune complexes.

A decrease of natural killer cell activity (NKCA) during human pregnancy might contribute to the acceptance of the allogeneic fetus by the maternal host. The inhibition of NKCA might be due to serum factors derived from the trophoblast. We focused especially on the role of immune complexes, as it has already been described that these complexes depress NKCA and as they are found frequently in retroplacental serum.

Management and outcome of 21 triplet and quadruplet pregnancies.

The course of gestation and the outcome of fifteen triplet and six quadruplet pregnancies are reviewed. Twenty pregnancies followed induction of ovulation and only one was spontaneous. Bed rest, the use of beta-mimetics and betamethasone, and prolonged hospitalisation were part of the management.

Carbohydrate metabolism during hormonal substitution therapy.

Oestrogens and progestogens are known to influence glucose tolerance. Impairment of glucose tolerance is seen in particular among users of progestogens with androgenic properties. Dydrogesterone is frequently used as the progestogen adjunct during oestrogen substitution therapy for the management of climacteric complaints in post-menopausal women.

Renal failure in pregnancy, treated by hemodialysis.

A patient with renal failure in pregnancy is presented. Prior to pregnancy she was known to have impaired renal function due to chronic pyelonephritis. Renal insufficiency was successfully treated by hemodialysis.

Equine estrogen-dydrogesterone therapy in the management of postmenopausal women.

The clinical and metabolic effects of equine estrogen and dydrogesterone combined therapy were investigated in twenty healthy women aged 45 to 59 years with menopausal complaints. Equine estrogens (0.625 mg per day) were given for 2 months, then dydrogesterone (20 mg daily) was cyclically added for 12 days per month, during an additional period of 6 months.

Paranasal sinus pathology in allergic and non-allergic respiratory tract diseases.

Two hundred and seventy patients with asthma and/or rhinitis (162 or 60% allergic, 108 or 40% non-allergic) were studied for sinus pathology by means of standard X-rays and tomograms. Sinus pathology was defined as abnormal sinus X-rays, either on standard or tomography. Fifty-four percent of the X-rays were classified as abnormal based on mucosal thickening, loss of translucency of the cavities of polyps.