'Low-dose' corticosteroid prophylaxis against fat embolism.

The effect of 'low-dose' corticosteroids (9 mg/kg methylprednisolone), given after skeletal trauma, on the incidence of the fat embolism syndrome and isolated arterial hypoxemia was studied in 42 controls and 40 steroid-treated subjects. Fat embolism occurred in ten controls (23.8%) and one steroid-treated subject (2.

Severe deficiency of alpha 1-antitrypsin associated with cutaneous vasculitis, rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis, and colitis.

The association of vasculitis with severe deficiency of alpha 1-antitrypsin is rare. This report describes a 44-year-old man with severe deficiency of alpha 1-antitrypsin associated with diffuse vasculitis involving skin, kidney (rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis), and colon (colitis). Colitis has not previously been reported in association with deficiency of alpha 1-antitrypsin.

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis complicating influenza A pneumonia in a previously healthy patient.

A rare occurrence of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis complicates influenza pneumonia in a previously healthy adult. Five other similar cases are reported in the literature. Both transient depression of cell-mediated immunity and loss of ciliary function in the tracheobronchial tree occurs during acute influenzal illness and may predispose to fungal superinfection.

Neurotoxicity due to the bite of the shield-nose snake (Aspidelaps scutatus). A case report.

The bite of the elapid snake Aspidelaps scutatus has previously been regarded as medically unimportant. We report a case in which its bite resulted in neurotoxicity.

Experience at an adolescent and adult cystic fibrosis clinic. An analysis and overview.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common serious genetic condition in the White population groups. Thirty-three White patients (mean age 20 years, range 14-32 years) seen at an adult CF clinic at the Johannesburg Hospital between January 1980 and January 1983 are reviewed. All had elevated sweat chloride levels.