Lecithin treatment in Friedreich's ataxia.

Abstract

haemolysis (which may affect the rate). Serum is fibrinogen-free, and it is simple to measure the viscosity of plasma and serum separately. We investigated the value of paired plasma viscosity and serum viscosity measurements in predicting the development of chronic rheumatic disease in a population with acute symptoms attending a special early-arthritis clinic. Patients, methods, and resultsWe investigated 115 consecutive patients attending a clinic specifically for patients with early rheumatic complaints. All had had symptoms for less than three months, and in most cases it was impossible to make a diagnosis at the initial attendance. The group was reassessed at a minimum six-month follow-up and a diagnosis established. Plasma and serum viscosities were estimated at first attendance and then related to the subsequent diagnosis. Blood was collected into two tubes; one plain, the other containing EDTA. Both samples were spun simultaneously and the viscosity of the supernatants measured on a Harkness viscometer under standard conditions. Normal plasma viscosity is 1-52-1-72 mPa s (cP) and normal serum viscosity 1-40-1-60 mPa s (cP).Plasma viscosity was raised in 72 patients, 35 of whom subsequently developed chronic arthritis (table). The remaining 37 did not develop chronic arthritis but had varied diagnoses, including polymyalgia rheumatica, synovitis associated with infection, etc. Only 29 patients showed raised serum viscosity. Of these, 28 subsequently developed chronic arthritis. The remaining patient had an underlying carcinoma of the bronchus.Of those patients with chronic arthritis, eight had Reiter's disease and 29 classical or definite rheumatoid arthritis (ARA criteria), of whom five were seronegative. Fifteen patients (eight with an increased plasma viscosity) included in the group with transient synovitis could have been diagnosed as possible rheumatoid arthritis by ARA criteria at presentation, but at sixmonth follow-up were completely asymptomatic. The diagnosis of infectionassociation synovitis was based primarily on a strong clinical history and where possible supported by appropriate laboratory tests. On occasions, however, diagnosis was based on a strong history alone, and we suspect that many of the "transient synovitis" group would also have had precipitating infection.From the clinical standpoint, plasma viscosity was normal in two patients who subsequently developed chronic arthritis, and serum viscosity in eight. Serum viscosity is highly specific in predicting subsequent chronicity but has a higher false-negative rate.

Treatment of Heredo-Degenerative Ataxias with Amantadine Hydrochloride

“…31 The GABA transaminase inhibitor, gamma-vinyl GABA, has no effect in OPCA and FA patients, 32 and lecithin, a precursor of acetylcholine, is not beneficial in FA. 33 Dopaminergic mechanisms probably play a role. HVA levels are low in both FA an OPCA patients, and AH is known to release dopamine from neurons.…”

A comparison of different surfactants on foam stability in foam sclerotherapy in vitro

“…Their in vivo responses have been evaluated previously. [22][23][24][25] For each surfactant, the foam samples were divided into five experimental groups and one control group. The other apparatuses used in this study included a cylinder of CO 2 gas, medical gloves, medical three-way valves, 5-mL syringes, a black backplane, a camera, and a set of stents.…”

Oral Lecithin and Linoleic Acid in Friedreich’s Ataxia: II. Clinical Results

“…In a recent publication, Livingstone et al, (1981) reported some functional improvement in upper limb coordination in three of seven patients with Friedreich's Ataxia, four of six patients with primary cerebellar degeneration and three of seven patients with mixed ataxia, after twelve weeks of oral choline chloride supplements. More recently, Pentland et al, (1981) failed to demonstrate any significant difference in upper limb functions (timed handwriting, spiral drawing and rapid repetitive finger movements) in twelve patients with Friedreich's Ataxia supplemented with pure lecithin during the first and the third month of a threemonth period.…”