In order to study the role played by the dopaminergic system on the secretion of ACTH, we evaluated the influence of bromocriptine on the response to metyrapone. Levels of serum cortisol and 11-deoxycortisol and of urinary 17-OH-corticosteroids and 17-ketosteroids were measured both before and after stimulation with metyrapone in ten normal adults. This was followed by a week of administration with bromocriptine (5 mg/die) after which the above measurements were repeated. The results obtained did not differ significantly. Thus it may concluded that, under these conditions and at this dose, bromocriptine does not modify the response to metyrapone.

17-Hydroxycorticosteroids↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Granulocytic sarcoma in nonleukemic children: report of two new cases successfully treated by local radiation therapy and systemic chemotherapy.

Granulocytic sarcoma (GS) is a rare tumor composed of immature myeloid cells. Exceedingly rare in childhood, it has more commonly been described in association with acute myeloid leukemia. Occasional nonleukemic patients generally go on to develop overt leukemia in a mean period of 10.5 months from diagnosis of GS. We report here two new cases of GS diagnosed in nonleukemic children. They were successfully treated with local radiation therapy and conventional systemic chemotherapy. The need to suspect more often this all too frequently misdiagnosed disease is emphasized. The role of optimally delivered radiation therapy in achieving and maintaining local control of the tumor is discussed.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Effects of propylthiouracil on intestinal transit time and symptoms in hyperthyroid patients.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Gastrointestinal disturbances such as diarrhea and malabsorption with steatorrhea may show up in hyperthyroid patients. The aim of our study was to evaluate oro-caecal transit time (OCTT) and gastrointestinal symptoms in hyperthyroid patients before and after propylthiouracil administration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty hyperthyroid patients (15 Females and 5 Males, mean age 47 years) were studied. Eight of them had diarrhea and 10 steatorrhea. The control group was composed of 20 healthy volunteers (13 F and 7 M, mean age 49 yrs). OCTT and fecal fat excretion were measured before and after propylthiouracil administration (300 mg/day for 10 day and then 200 mg/day for 30 days). RESULTS: Before the treatment in hyperthyroid patients had began the mean OCTT was significantly lower than in the control group (64 min. versus 107 min; p < 0.0001). After treatment mean OCTT became similar to the controls (p = ns); diarrhea disappeared in all affected patients and mean fecal fat excretion was reduced from 7.9 gr/24h to 3.4 gr/24h, with a statistically significantly difference (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The treatment with propylthiouracil induces the normalization of thyroid hormone status and consequently of OCTT with the disappearance of gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea and steatorrhea, with a better efficacy if compared to other drugs utilized in the treatment of hyperthyroidism.

Administration, Oral↗