Retrospective analysis of abnormal 24-h urinary free catecholamine concentration in screening for phaeochromocytoma.

Background: Patients with hypertension often have increased 24-h excretion of urinary free catecholamines (UFCA) compared with normotensive patients, but the extent to which beta-blockade and other antihypertensive agents affect 24-h UFCA concentrations remains unclear. Consequently, many patients with slightly elevated 24-h UFCA concentrations are not adequately investigated for the presence of phaeochromocytoma.

Method: We undertook a retrospective study on patients with at least one abnormal 24-h urinary collection of adrenaline (Adr), noradrenaline (NA) or dopamine (DA) between July 1997 and December 1999 to assess these issues.

Systemic activity of inhaled and swallowed beclomethasone dipropionate and the effect of different inhaler devices.

Inhaled glucocorticoids such as beclomethasone dipropionate, which are used in the treatment of asthma, may be associated with systemic adverse effects. To determine whether any systemic absorption following the inhalation of beclomethasone was a result of drug being absorbed from the lung (inhaled fraction) or the gastrointestinal tract (swallowed fraction), we studied normal subjects after the inhalation or swallowing of 2 mg beclomethasone dipropionate. Systemic activity was assessed using early morning cortisol suppression.

Frequency of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia following large loop excision of the transformation zone.

Aim: To determine the frequency of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) following large loop excision of the transformation zone of the cervix (LLETZ) according to grade and completeness of excision of CIN.

Methods: A retrospective study of 669 patients who had LLETZ biopsies showing CIN 1, 2, or 3. The patients were subdivided according to the grade and completeness of excision of CIN.