A total of 279 adults with cerebral palsy from across Australia responded to a survey which sought information about their health, modes of communication, access to information and perception of their own ageing process. Results indicated that 77% of the respondents believed that their physical condition was changing and 78% were taking medication. All but 11% indicated that the ageing process was having some effect on their lifestyle. A total of 22% had made retirement plans. Respondents discussed their health concerns with their family or attendants and 57% judged their general practitioner knowledgeable about cerebral palsy. The implications of the results for future service planning and delivery are considered.Although little is known about the life expectancy and ageing process of adults with cerebral palsy (Janicki, 1989; Pellegrino, 1995; Turk, Overeynder, & Janicki, t995), there has been some suggestion that the number of adults with cerebral palsy might be growing due to advances in medical care, particularly gastrostomy feeding, antibiotic treatment, and better management of respiratory infections, coupled with an increase in life expectancy for adults overall (Crichton, Mackinnon, & White, 1995; Murphy, Molnar, & Lankasky, 1995). Crichton et al. (1995) noted that the overall survival rate at 30 years of the 3,187 cases in their study was at least 87%, while Turk et al. (1995) concluded that most adults with cerebral palsy were generally healthy and could remain so as they aged if given better access to preventative health practices. However, Janicki (1989) noted that there is little clinical information on individuals with cerebral palsy who are ageing.In a study of 883 individuals with cerebral palsy and an intellectual disability aged 45 years and over, Janicki (1989) concluded that the life expectancy of individuals with severe cerebral palsy is less than that of individuals with intellectual disability or conditions other than those involving severe motor impairments. Kailes (1993) supported Janicki's (1989) observation that there was little information on individuals with cerebral palsy who were ageing. She also noted that there was little knowledge among health professionals on the issues faced by such individuals. Kailes (1993) reported that she had searched long and hard to find a medical practitioner who specialised in adults who had cerebral palsy. Anecdotal information concerning ageing with cerebral palsy has suggested that individuals with cerebral palsy are experiencing changes in their levels of fitness and ability which are both unexpected and unwelcome (Barrett, 1993;Kailes, 1993;Schwartz, 1994 ;Williams, 1993). Indeed, adults with cerebral palsy and those who deliver services to this population have both expressed some concern that individuals with cerebral palsy may experience negative effects of the ageing process earlier than nondisabled individuals (Barrett, 1993;Kailes, 1993;Turk et al., 1995). The results of a study of the medical and functional status of 101 adults with cereb...

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In a woman aged 22, herpes gestationis appeared to be perpetuated for 6 months by a contraceptive drng prescribed to prevent a further pregnancy which might involve the risk of a recurrence of the eruption.The literature relating such eruptions to the progestational steroids is reviewed. Pruritus and erythema secondary to liver damage induced by these drugs are also discussed.