The HSD-hCG vaccine prevents pregnancy in women: feasibility study of a reversible safe contraceptive vaccine.

Problem: To develop a vaccine for reversible control of fertility in women. MATERIALS AND PROTOCOLS: Purified beta subunit of hCG annealed to purified alpha subunit of ovine LH linked chemically to tetanus toxoid (TT) and diphtheria (DT); vaccine employed at 300 micrograms gonadotropin equivalent per injection adsorbed on alhydrogel with 1 mg SPLPS added in the first injection; Phase I safety trials in 47 women with elective tubal ligation; Phase II efficacy studies in 148 proven fertile women (2 children), sexually active, desirous of family planning using IUD; IUD removed when anti-hCG titres exceed 50 ng/ml hCG bioneutralization capacity; boosters given to maintain above threshold antibody levels; post coital tests conducted in 8 volunteers; sera of protected women analysed for immuno-determinants recognized by competitive enzyme immunoassays employing a panel of monoclonal antibodies and by direct binding to synthetic peptides; recombinant vaccines expressing beta hCG as a secreted product or as a fused protein anchored on membrane.

Results: Immunization was well tolerated with no significant changes in endocrine, metabolic and hematological indices.

Bilateral recurrent spontaneous pneumothoraces in sarcoidosis.

A case of recurrent bilateral pneumothoraces is described in a young patient with sarcoidosis. An intercostal tube drainage was done for right sided pneumothorax. Patient was put on corticosteroid treatment and with this treatment there has been no recurrence of pneumothorax.