[Bilateral eye injuries by external transversal force].

A 49-year-old female victim of violent crime with an acute bilateral loss of vision was referred to our hospital. The ophthalmological evaluation showed complete subconjunctival hemorrhage of both eyes, bilateral hemophthalmos and hypotonia of the left eye. These raised the suspicion of an occult scleral rupture.

[Differential diagnosis of juvenile normal pressure glaucoma].

The case of a 50-year-old female patient with autosomal dominant optic atrophy is described, which was initially misinterpreted and treated as normal pressure glaucoma. Bilateral partial optic atrophy can be diagnosed by chance with mild manifestation of symptoms and can initially be misinterpreted as glaucoma. Taking a detailed medical history and performing a thorough optic nerve head examination can raise the suspicion of hereditary optic atrophy.

[Universal newborn hearing screening in Marien Hospital Hamburg from September 1999 till April 2002].

Background: With a prevalence of 5 in 1000 newborns with a hearing disorder, the congenital hearing disorders apparently constitute a serious health problem. The aim of this study was the introduction of a universal newborn hearing screening at our clinic. We also investigated if a universal screening only on parents' demand is possible.

Binding of activated platelets to WBCs in vivo after transfusion.

Background: During preparation and storage of apheresis concentrates, platelets are being activated. One of the alterations that occur during this process is an increased expression of P-selectin (CD62p) on the cytoplasmic surface of platelets. This neoepitope represents a ligand for the binding of platelets to WBCs.

Platelet function testing in apheresis products: flow cytometric, resonance thrombographic (RTG) and rotational thrombelastographic (roTEG) analyses.

During storage of platelet concentrates, quality control of the units is mandatory. This includes the important testing of the hemostatic function of platelets. So far, mostly platelet aggregation analyses have been performed.