South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde
-
Coagulation profiles of serum fibrinogen, factors V and VIII and haemoglobin in normal pregnancies during labour, delivery and the early puerperium are presented. These factors were also studied in patients with abruptio placentae, in intra-uterine death, and in patients whose pregnancies were terminated with intra-amniotic saline and prostaglandin F2alpha. An assessment of fibrinolytic activity in these patients was made using qualitative (euglobulin lysis time) and quantitative (FR-antigen) tests. The coagulation findings presented form a basis for the rational management of defibrination in obstetrics.
-
A series of 115 consecutive cases of acutely injured knee, occurring mainly as a result of rugby-football, is analysed. It is suggested that the successful management of an acute knee injury often depends on the doctor of first contact. A scheme of diagnosis and early management is outlined. Acute subluxation of the patella is shown to be a definite entity in the differential diagnosis of an acute knee injury, and a classification for the purposes of the doctor of first contact is proposed.