Computers in rheumatology.

The results of a nationwide survey of the use of computers in rheumatology departments in the UK is presented. The survey revealed a widespread interest in the various possible uses of computer hardware and software in the specialty, and highlighted the difference between the experience of those who use computers and the aspirations of those who hope to.

Constrictive pericarditis in rheumatoid arthritis.

Constrictive pericarditis is an unusual complication of rheumatoid arthritis, and its development appears to be uninfluenced by second-line therapy. Five patients are described who developed the disease, with possibly two more. Medical treatment is ineffective: the treatment of choice is surgical, and the postoperative prognosis is good.

Costs of health care: experience of one department of rheumatology.

Little or no information exists about the costs of providing services in the National Health Service. A study was commissioned to measure the costs of running the department of rheumatology in Cornwall. The results emphasised the relative cheapness of outpatient care compared with inpatient care.

Arthritis in Roman Britain.

The pattern of arthritis in Roman Britain was investigated by examining the skeletons of 416 adults from the Roman cemetery at Poundbury Camp near Dorchester, Dorset. The mean height of the people was not much less than that of the current British population, and the prevalence of right handedness was similar to our own. There was a high prevalence of osteoarthritis for such a relatively young community, with particularly severe changes in the vertebral column.

Gastric microbleeding studies in patients with haemophilia taking benoxaprofen.

The incidence of peptic ulceration and gastrointestinal blood loss in patients treated with benoxaprofen is low. Haemophiliac patients frequently suffer recurrent bleeding into their joints with resulting severe arthritis. Their choice of drugs for pain relief and with anti-inflammatory action is limited because of the risk of gastro-intestinal bleeding.

Effects of influx of holidaymakers on an acute medical unit in Cornwall.

This paper illustrates the effect of a large influx of holidaymakers on a medical unit in Cornwall. Increasing numbers of visitors are coming to Cornwall and, unless adequate resources are allocated for their efficient medical care, the medical facilities available to the residents will suffer greatly.

Arsine toxicity aboard the Asiafreighter.

Eight sailors on board the Asiafreighter were exposed to arsine that had escaped from a cylinder in the cargo hold. Four suffered severe toxicity and within a few hours had developed fever, weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and haemoglobinuria. These patients had pronounced intravascular haemolysis, which in one patient was complete.