[Comparative biochemical studies in asymptomatic hyperuricemia and manifest gout with special reference to renal change].

It is reported on results of comparative biochemical examinations in asymptomatic hyperuricaemia and manifest gout. Restriction of the urate clearance of the kidney, which could be proved also in young patients with asymptomatic hyperuricaemia, and a disturbance of the lipid metabolism which appeared in most cases are discussed from the pathogenetic point of view, in which cases the hyperlipoproteinaemia is regarded as a possible partial pathogenetic factor. For the separation of serum and urine the polyacrylamide gel-pore gradient electrophoresis was used.

[Characteristics of the early phase of ankylosing spondylitis].

100 patients with several clinical and suspicious radiological symptoms of Bechterev's disease (Institute of Rheumatology Moscow) and 100 patients with the clinical symptoms of Bechterev's disease without radiological symptoms of a sacroiliacal arthritis (Medico-Policlinical Institute Leipzig) have been examined within a common research programme since 1976 and analysed concerning the frequency of the complaints as well as of clinical symptoms at the beginning of the disease. The main complaints at the beginning of Bechterev's disease are nocturnal pains in the lumbosacral region, pains in the joints, in which cases 50% of the patients spoke of swellings of the joints. 42% of the patients complained of the feeling of the morning rigidity in the lumbar spinal column and 22% spoke of increased temperatures.

[Protein-analytical studies on the serum and urine of patients with visceral lupus erythematosus].

Serum and urine of patients with ascertained lupus erythematodes visceralis were separated by means of the polyacrylamide gel pore gradient electrophoresis on the same experimental conditions. Deviations from the normal electropherogram were found in the serum within the gamma-globulins. For the demonstration of antinuclear factors the loose body test, the LE-cell test as well as the immunofluorescence test were carried out.

[Early recognition of adverse effects, especially of kidney lesions, in patients with progressive chronic polyarthritis under D-Penicillamine therapy].

A report is given on the control of the course of 36 patients with progressive chronic polyarthritis under treatment of D-penicillamine. Despite the favourable therapeutic effect side effects of various kinds are observed. As the severest complication the development of renal disturbances with proteinuria is to be regarded.