A randomized controlled trial of the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) versus lidocaine in the relief of episiotomy pain.

The aim was to compare the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and local infiltration of 2% lidocaine in the relief of episiotomy pain measured using a pain visual analog scale (VAS). A randomized, double blind, controlled clinical trial was conducted from January 1 to May 15, 1998, in the Labor-Delivery Complex of Chong Hua Hospital, Cebu City. Skin electrodes were attached to two acupoints.

Pattern of C3, iC3b, and C3d in patients hospitalized for acute asthma.

Twenty-three patients hospitalized for acute asthma were studied for a peripheral blood complement profile consisting of C3, C4, C3d, iC3b, C4d, and Bb concentrations. Compared with normals (n = 22) and patients (n = 10) with acute bacterial infections (ABI), asthmatic patients had significantly higher serum C3 concentrations (P less than .001).

Assessment of platelet antibody by flow cytometric and ELISA techniques: a comparison study.

Two different methods for evaluating platelet antibody were used to study 12 normal subjects and 24 patients consisting primarily of intravenous drug users (IVDUs) who were positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Total platelet-associated immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) were measured by enzyme-lined immunosorbent assay on platelet lysate, and platelet surface-associated IgG and IgM were measured by semiquantitative flow cytometry. IgG and IgM values showed significant correlations between the two measurement methods.

Close relationships between neopterin and beta-2-microglobulin levels in intravenous drug abusers.

Serum from 36 intravenous drug abusers without acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or AIDS-related complex were tested for concentrations of neopterin and beta 2-microglobulin. The seroprevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibody in this group was 50%. Previous studies of this group showed that the HIV antibody positive patients had significant increases in HLA-DR expression on peripheral blood lymphocytes and increases in serum soluble CD8 antigen.