Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations were determined in 67 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, 12 patients with non-tuberculous respiratory disease and 12 each of healthy contacts of tuberculous patients and healthy volunteers. The mean serum CRP concentration was appreciably higher in the tuberculous patients than in the other three groups. Moderate or markedly elevated concentrations (³1 mg/dl) were observed in 58 (87%) of the 67 tuberculous patients whereas the concentrations were low in all the healthy volunteers and the healthy contacts, and in seven of the 12 patients with non-tuberculous respiratory disease. The correlation between CRP concentrations and viable counts of tubercle bacilli isolated from sputum of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, though statistically significant, was week (r = 0.41, p<0.01).

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Twenty-four patients with obstructive airway disease consisting of 14 Asthmatics and 10 Chronic bronchitis were studied for the bronchodilator effects of inhaled Salbtamol (SAL) and Ipratropium Bromide (IPRA) both individually and in combination. The individual drugs and their combination all produced equally significant bronchodilation in asthmatics (p<0.05). The asthmatics aged more than 30 years, showed a significantly greater bronchodilator effect (p< 0.05) with ipratropium alone or in combination with salbutamol. In Chronic Bronchitics, ipratropium was significantly more effective (p<0.05) than salbutamol and the combination more so. There were no major side effects.

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Broncho pleural fistula (BPF) continues to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality. In India, the major aetiology is tuberculosis. The clinical and radiological features, the differential diagnosis, management (surgical and medical) and prevention are discussed.

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One thousand and twenty seven healthy adults were assessed with an electronic spirometer. Regression equations were formulated using multiple regression technique to predict the values of various pulmonary function parameters. The predicted values were in general than those from southern and western parts of India, comparable to those from northern India and Pakistan but lower than those reported from western countries.

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Two high density road traffic areas and two other areas of Bombay city were studied in 1986-88. Sulphur dioxide (SO2), suspended particulate matter (SPM), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and carbon monoxide (CO) were monitored. After matching the study population, NO2 and SPM were found to be similar in concentration in all four areas. SO2 was highest at Parel; Kings Circle and Peddar Road areas exhibited higher CO levels. Cough, bronchitis and cardiorespiratory disorders were higher in King Circle and Peddar Road areas. In Khar area, chest pain, allergic history and eye irritation were lower than in other areas (p £ 0.005). Headache and eye problems were more in dwellers of smaller flats. Dyspnoea was found oftener in those who use cooking gas and headache and eye irritation in those using kerosene. Mortality rates indicated a falling trend for tuberculosis and respiratory diseases. Cardiac toll had increased and cancer deaths had maintained. Automobile exhaust added significantly to mortality and morbidity form ambient air pollution in Bombay.

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In 123 stable patients with chronic bronchitis, three spirometric parameters FVC, FEV1 and RV/TLC% were correlated with arterial PO2 and PCO2. while PCO2 was minimally related to FVC (r = 0.23; p<0.01), PO2 was more related to FEV1 (r =0.43: p<0.001); both PO2 and PCO2 showed a good inter-relationship (r = 0.70; p<0.001). There was no significant relation of blood gases to RV/TLC or pH. FEV1 is a useful predictor of arterial oxygen tension.

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A case of pleural mesothelioma with atypical presentation of inguinal nodal metastasis is reported. This appears to be the first such report.

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Rifampin, isoniazid and ethambutol (RHE) were administered on a daily basis to 20 patients of pulmonary tuberculosis with diabetes mellitus. After nine months of therapy 60% of patients had satisfactory response. Extending the therapy to 12 months improved response rate to 90%. Preliminary results suggest that nine months of RHE may not be fully effective for pulmonary tuberculosis associated with diabetes mellitus.

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Primary endobronchial leiomyosarcoma in a 67 year old male is reported. The histological pattern and differential diagnosis are briefly reviewed.

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A rare association of digital clubbing with pulmonary metastases from renal-cell carcinoma is reported. To the best of our knowledge, only one case of similar association has been reported in the medical literature so far.

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Seventy patients with Extrinsic Bronchial Asthma were allocated to two treatment groups in random manner. Group I (47 patients) received Ketotifen and Group II (23 patients) Disodium cromoglycate. Other antiasthmatic drugs except antihistamines were continued as required. Clinical status and spirometric lung functions were recorded every two weeks. Significant increase in FVC (2.89 L to 3.09 L in ketotifen, 3.11 L to 3.24 L in cromoglycate group) and FEV1 (1.98 L to 2.29 in ketotifen, 1.99 to 2.28 in cromoglycate group) were observed. The differences between the two groups were not statistically significant.

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There is an intense debate on the claims of authors for the first published sarcoidosis report in India. A report on an early publication is relevant.

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