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A combined experience of 37 cases ofsubacute hepatic failure encountered in five major gastroenterology centres over a period of ten years is discussed. Majority (65%) were males with average age of 38 years. Maximum (54%) were in 5th decade. Jaundice (100%), abdominal distention (38.7%), swelling feet (64%), fever (54%), abdominal pain (54%), exhaustion (78.3%) were the major presenting features. Jaundice and ascites were present in all cases. Pedal oedema (78.3%), hepatomegaly (54%), splenomegaly (32.4%) and encephalopathy (27%) were the other important clinical features. Hypoalbuminemia and prolonged prothrombin time were significant laboratory findings in addition to hyperbilirubinemia and elevated ALT and AST. Hbs Ag was detected in 46%. Major complications encountered were renal failure (48.7%), spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (43.2%), other infections (43.2%), encephalopathy (43.2%) and upper gastrointestinal bleed (22%). 54% died during stay in hospital. To conclude subacute hepatic failure is potentially fatal condition. MJAF11998; 54: 335-336

Thirty consecutive cases of Takayasu's arteritis (TA) admitted over a period of four years in a large referral hospital were analysed. The extent of aorta and its branches involvement was assessed by a Duplex Doppler study and aortography. The mean age of patients was 24.7 years with the male to female ratio of 1:1.2. The vascular involvement was, Type I (10%), Type II (40%) and Type III (50%). Renal artery (76.6%), Coeliac and superior mesenteric arteries (46.6%) and right common carotid artery (30%) were the commonly involved branches of aorta. Systemic features were seen in 25 per cent cases. Hypertension (83.3%), unequal pulses (80%) and arterial bruit (66.6%) were common clinical features. Stroke (20%), cardiac failure (10%) and renal failure(10%), were the complications seen. Hypertensive retinopathy was common, but Takayasu's retinopathy was not seen.

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