Serum calcium balance during early phase of diphenylhydantoin therapy.

The timing of anticonvulsant-induced disturbances of calcium metabolism was investigated in ten epileptics before diphenylhydantoin therapy and during it for up to three years. There was a significant decrease in average serum calcium and an increase in average serum alkaline phosphatase one month after the commencement of the therapy, these values remaining constant thereafter. Decreased serum inorganic phosphate and elevated hydroxyproline levels were also seen in the patients during the followup.

Prevention of body fluid retention by furosemide during estrogen therapy of prostatic cancer.

The usefulness of prophylactic diuretic therapy with furosemide was investigated in 6 patients with stages III and IV prostatic cancer who were undergoing diethylstilbestrol therapy. A significant increase was noted in sodium and water excretion, whereas outputs of chloride and potassium, and serum electrolyte concentrations, blood volume, blood pressure and body weight remained unchanged. The results demonstrate the value of diuretics in preventing fluid retention whenever large doses of estrogen are to be used in the treatment of prostatic cancer.

Primary liver cancer associated with long-term oestrogen therapy.

A woman with primary liver cancer after nine years therapy with polyestradiol-phosphate is reported. The oestrogen was administered monthy by intramuscular injection for menopausal symptoms. This case suggests a possible association between long-term oestrogen therapy and the development of hepatic malignancy and also must direct attention to both hormone components in the evaluation of tumour development in users or oral contraceptives.