We conclude that TcB measurements using the JM-103 jaundice meter correlate very closely with TSB levels over the range of TSB encountered in this study. Because only 3.3% of our infants had TSB values >15 mg/dL (257 micro mol/L), more data are needed in this range of TSB concentration. The correlation in black infants is not as close as in other groups, but because the tendency in blacks is for the JM-103 to overestimate serum bilirubin levels, dangerous clinical errors are unlikely to occur. The measurement technique is rapid and simple, and it is easy to perform repeated measurements over time, thus reducing the likelihood of error. TcB measurements with the JM-103 jaundice meter should obviate the need for most serum bilirubin levels in newborn infants > or =35 weeks of gestation, although serum bilirubin measurements are still required when treatment with phototherapy or exchange transfusion is being considered.

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Psychological factors are deemed important when considering patients for suitability for Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS). However, there is to date no consensus on which psychological characteristics or tests to undertake. This review analyses the literature to determine findings concerning the psychological characteristics observed and their impact on SCS efficacy for chronic pain. A search in the databases Cochrane, EBSCOhost (CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and PsycARTICLES) and a hand search of reference lists from selected articles were performed, resulting in nine relevant articles. The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory was the most commonly used tool for assessing psychological factors. Only one study used a semi-structured interview instead of questionnaires. Studies lacked long term followup. Depression was identified in six studies as a factor that reduces efficacy, also as a characteristic that can improve after successful SCS by two studies. One study did not include patients with depression, due to previous research indicating depression as a contra-indication. Hypochondriasis and hysteria had conflicting results for prediction of efficacy. Mania was predicted by only two studies as a positive indicator for success. Further long term studies of psychological factors on outcome from SCS are needed.

An approach using stepwise therapy with antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and neuromuscular agents can be successful in the majority of patients with long-standing chronic prostatitis.

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From 1972 to 1988, 108 patients underwent renal autotransplantation for renal artery disease (67), ureteral replacement (27), or renal cell carcinoma present bilaterally or in a solitary kidney (14). The most common indication for renal autotransplantation was to allow extracorporeal repair of complex branch renal artery lesions. Of the 54 patients in this group technically satisfactory branch renal arterial reconstruction and a successful clinical outcome were achieved in 52 (96%). Renal autotransplantation is the treatment of choice in these patients and also in selected children with main renal artery disease. Renal autotransplantation provided excellent results in 25 of 27 patients (92%) who required replacement of all or a major portion of the ureter. Over-all renal function was well preserved in these patients and only 1 has experienced chronic bacteriuria. Renal autotransplantation is a useful alternative to ileal interposition in this setting. Extracorporeal partial nephrectomy and renal autotransplantation were successful in 12 of 14 patients (85%) undergoing a nephron-sparing operation for renal cell carcinoma. In situ techniques are associated with less morbidity and currently are preferred in this group.

Identifiable fatigue problems are reported by short-haul pilots, but this cannot be attributed solely to the work schedules of low-cost airlines as regular use of discretion time appears to be associated with fatigue regardless of airline.

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