Amyloid in intervertebral discs of surgery and autopsy material. A new class of amyloid?

Intervertebral discs from 82 consecutive operations on herniation and 59 autopsies (one case with generalized amyloidosis) were studied. Amyloid deposits observed in surgical and autopsy specimens increased with age in both series. Degenerative changes were related to age and to amyloid deposits in autopsy, but not in surgical cases.

Cholesterol in pleural effusions. A diagnostic aid.

In this prospective study of 70 patients with pleural effusion, the underlying disease could be identified in 62 cases. By predefined criteria, 31 of these effusions were classified as transudates and 31 as exudates. Pleural fluid protein content, LDH activity and cholesterol level were measured to investigate their utility in differentiating the exudates from the transudates.

Amyloidosis as a complication of cystic fibrosis.

Amyloidosis appears to be a rare complication of cystic fibrosis. We discuss three patients with amyloidosis complicating cystic fibrosis to add to the six patients previously recorded. The presenting problem was proteinuria in five patients, thyromegaly in three patients, and hepatosplenomegaly in one patient.

Tuberculin and dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) tests in cancer patients before and after cytostatic drug therapy.

In 137 patients with different kinds of cancer and different cancer stage, cell-mediated immunity was investigated by DNCB (dinitrochlorobenzene) and tuberculin test. These two skin tests were performed before and after cytostatic drug combination therapy. For a collective of cancer patients we found a positive correlation between skin reactions and prognosis and a negative correlation between skin reactions and cancer stage.