The effect of balneotherapy on osteoarthritis. Is an intermittent regimen effective?

Background: Balneotherapy is used as a treatment modality for various musculoskeletal disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of intermittent balneotherapy in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: Seventy-two patients with knee OA were included in the study.

Isolated sternal fracture--a benign condition?

Background: Fractures of the sternum may be associated with major injuries to thoracic organs, with serious consequences.

Objective: To assess the hospital course of patients diagnosed with isolated sternal fracture.

Methods: We reviewed 55 medical records of patients who were admitted with isolated sternal fracture to the emergency department during the period January 1990 through August 1999.

Congenital muscular dystrophy in Israeli families.

Twelve patients from 11 Israeli families with congenital muscular dystrophy were evaluated between 1991 and 2001. There were six males and six females, of whom six were merosin negative and six were merosin positive. Serum creatine kinase levels were highly elevated in the merosin-negative group.

[The approach to a patient with hypokalemia].

Potassium is the most important intracellular cation in a humans body. Potassium gradient between the intracellular fluid to the extra cellular fluid is crucial for normal nerve-muscle activity. Hypokalemia is a frequent abnormality among patients, exposing them to fatigue and arrhythmia.

Eardrum perforation in explosion survivors: is it a marker of pulmonary blast injury?

Study Objectives: To determine whether isolated eardrum perforation is a marker for concealed blast lung injury in survivors of terrorist bombings.

Methods: Survivors who arrived at hospitals after 11 terrorist bombings in Israel between April 6, 1994, and March 4, 1996, were examined otoscopically by ear, nose, and throat specialists. All patients with eardrum perforation underwent chest radiography and were hospitalized for at least 24 hours for observation.

Influence of ritodrine on plasma steroids and human placental lactogen levels in third-trimester pregnancies.

The effects of ritodrine, administered by intravenous, intramuscular or per os routes, upon plasma levels of unconjugated estriol, estradiol, progesterone and human placental lactogen (HPL) were investigated in 24 third-trimester pregnancies. Ritodrine administered at a constant rate of 200 micrograms/min for 3 h, injected intramuscularly 8 x 10 mg/day for 5 days or given orally in doses of 6 x 20 mg/day for 10 days resulted in a significant decrease in the steroid hormone concentration and a significant elevation of HPL levels.