Hypertension studies in the Soviet Union.

Arterial hypertension control trials conducted during the last decade in the Soviet Union are reviewed. Epidemiologic data illustrating a considerable prevalence of arterial hypertension in various regions are presented. The results of population hypertension control programs are discussed, and the feasibility of reducing total mortality in the intervention vs reference groups at the community level is demonstrated, with the mortality and morbidity due to stroke showing a two-fold decrease.

Cerebral abnormalities in the Neu-Laxova syndrome.

Cerebral abnormalities are considered an obligatory manifestation of the Neu-Laxova syndrome and include lissencephaly, severe microcephaly, aplasia of the corpus callosum, hypoplasia of the cerebellum, and other pathological changes. We present data on 3 cases with central nervous system anomalies, two of which have not been described previously, and summarize the literature on the subject. The problem of distinguishing type III lissencephaly is discussed.

Partial trisomy 5q and partial monosomy 5q within the same family.

The observation of partial trisomy for 5q31-5qter and partial monosomy for the same segment in two offspring within the same family is presented. Their normal mother was a balanced carrier of a reciprocal translocation 46,XX,t(5;10) (q31.3;q26).

The Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome. A detailed pathological study as a clue to a etiological heterogeneity.

An analysis of 33 autopsied cases with the Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (including 8 cases from our practice) is presented. Polydactyly in dead SLOS children was found in 51% (17/33) of cases and occurred significantly more often in this group than in the whole group of SLOS (20-22%). Certain morphological differences in the type of renal, cerebral, pulmonary and pancreatic anomalies indicate the existence of two phenotypically similar SLOS: 1) with polydactyly; 2) without it.

Results of long-term propranolol treatment in myocardial infarction survivors with advanced grades of ventricular extrasystoles.

204 patients with established ischaemic heart disease, aged up to 62 years, were divided at random into two groups according to the matched pairs principle with respect to factors influencing long-term prognosis. Before randomization, the patients' ECG was monitored for 24 hrs, a treadmill exercise test and roentgencardiography were performed. The follow-up period was about 1.