[Incidence of coronary, cerebral and lower-limb atherosclerosis in diabetics].

The literature data regarding the incidence of coronary, cerebral and lower extremity atherosclerosis in diabetes are reviewed. A retrospective assessment of data relating to in-patients of the Umberto I Hospital Medical Division during 1972-1975 showed that atherosclerosis occurs more often and earlier in diabetics. It is more frequent in women over 50, especially in the case of coronary forms.

[The coagulation picture and plasma clearance capacity in atherosclerotic diabetics].

An attempt is made to set out the complex question of the relations between plasma and wall factors in coagulation, platelets and lipids in atheroscderotic diabetes. The literature data show that this disease is associated the clotting and fibrinolytic systems as a result of the prevalence of thrombogenic factors and/or poor inhibitor activity. A survey is made of fibrinolysis activators and inhibitors, and of the part played by lipids in the aetiopathogenesis of thrombophilia, though the mechanisms responsible have not yet been fully established.

[Physiopathology and clinical aspects of respiratory tract infections. Review].

A topographical account is given of the (mostly viral) infections that strike the upper airways and the lung parenchyma sites caused by bacteria, Mycoplasma, Rickettsiae and fungi. The different features of the three main syndromes that ensue: obstructive and restrictive ventilatory insufficiency, and alveolo-capillary block, are examined. The need for care in the administration of antibiotics is stressed, since germ resistance must be restricted as far as possible.