SummaryThe clinical impression that spinal cord injured and traumatic lower limb amputees are more prone to develop degenerative diseases was investigated by comparing the prevalance of hypertension, ischaemic heart disease, and diabetes mellitus in these two patient groups with the prevalence of these diseases among a group of healthy age matched controls. Seventy seven spinal cord injured patients and 53 amputees ful filled the criteria for inclusion in this study. Our results show a significant increased incidence of hypertension and ischaemic heart disease among those with spinal cord injuries compared with their controls; and among the amputees, a significant in creased incidence of ischaemic heart disease and of diabetes mellitus.

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Retained products of conception (RPOC) occur in up to 1% of deliveries. 1 Although uncommon, surgical procedures for removal of RPOC may be required in these parturients, associated with the long-term sequelae of intrauterine adhesions, abnormal placentation, and infertility. 2,3 Consequently, Asherman's syndrome following postpartum surgical procedures for removal of RPOC has emerged as a major cause for litigation. 4 With the aim of optimizing the postpartum management of women considered at risk for RPOC while reducing the rates of surgical interventions for RPOC removal, we previously described a postpartum clinical and ultrasound follow-up protocol, whereby women considered at risk for RPOC underwent sequential ultrasound scans. 5,6 In cases of persistent abnormal ultrasound findings suspicious for RPOC between 6 and 8 weeks from delivery, hysteroscopy for diagnosis and RPOC removal was offered. However, some women required earlier surgical interventions, by hysteroscopy or by suction curettage, because of