Beta-endorphin concentrations were determined in the cerebrospinal fluid and blood before and after lumbar tap in 19 patients with lumbosacral pains. No statistically significant difference was observed in this concentration before and after lumbar tap, although in individual cases a significant rise of beta-endorphin occurred. The mean beta-endorphin concentration in blood was about twice as high as in the cerebrospinal fluid. No correlation was noticed between the concentration of beta-endorphin in blood and in CSF.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Serum diphenylhydantoin in epileptic patients (preliminary report)].

Serum DPH level was determined in previously untreated epileptics who were receiving one dose of 300 mg of DPH daily (Phenytoin--Polfa) during 21 days. The DPH level was determined on the 1st, 10th and 21st days after starting treatment. The obtained results show significant individual differences in absorption of DPH. In 5 patients lower therapeutic range was achieved, in one patient the level was very high and in two cases the therapeutic concentration could not have been achieved. This indicates the necessity of control serum DPH determinations for establishing the individual therapeutic dose of the drug.

Administration, Oral↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Ceruloplasmin and copper in the serum of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)].

The serum level of ceruloplasmin and copper were determined in 14 patients with ALS, 9 with Wilson's disease and 10 with other brain diseases. The enzyme level in 8 patients with ALS (57%) was decreased, similarly as in 8 with Wilson's disease (89%), and 2 (20%) in the control group. The mean ceruloplasmin level in the group of patients with Wilson's disease was 50% that in ALS patients. The copper level was decreased in only 1 ALS patient and 1 in the control group, while in patients with Wilson's disease it was low in 8 cases. These changes may be an effect as well as a cause of motor neuron disease.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis↗