An automatic method for the determination of amylocaine and bromhexine hydrochloride by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) is proposed. The drugs were determined indirectly by formation of reineckates, extraction into 1,2-dichloroethane and measurement of chromium in the organic phase. The chemical conditions and experimental variables influencing the performance of the flow system of the liquid-liquid extractor were established. The proposed method allows the determination of amylocaine and bromhexine at concentrations between 3 and 120 micrograms ml-1 with a relative standard deviation of 1 and 3%, respectively, even in the presence of other synthetic drugs.

Autoanalysis↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Chemotherapy during pregnancy and its effects on the fetus--neonatal myelosuppression: two case reports.

Cancer during pregnancy is infrequent. It presents an ethical dilemma--remission may be obtained with chemotherapy, but it has potential harmful effects to the fetus. We report a case of a very low birth weight preterm female infant born to a 21-year-old mother diagnosed with leukemia and given chemotherapy up to 1 week before delivery. In the laboratory, initial findings included severe pancytopenia, and bone marrow aspiration demonstrated complete aplasia. She was given blood product transfusions, erythropoietin, and granulocyte colony stimulating factor. The hematologic derangement was resolved without documented infections. The second case is a preterm male infant whose 30-year-old mother was diagnosed with lymphoma and had received chemotherapy during the third trimester. The infant presented with moderate leukopenia. He had an uneventful course without documented infection. Exposure of the fetus to transplacental chemotherapy must be considered when evaluating therapy options and timing of delivery in hematologic malignancies diagnosed during pregnancy.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Slurry atomization of wheat-milled fractions for electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometric determination of nickel and chromium.

A slurry electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometric technique was used to determine Ni and Cr in wheat flour and its by-products. Slurries (3%, w/v) were prepared in a mixture of 15% HNO3-10% H2O2 as suspended medium. Differences in Ni and Cr contents due to origin and texture of the wheat and to the effects of the milling process were studied. Ni and Cr levels were more markedly influenced by the geographical origin of the wheat than by its texture. Both metals were related to the amount of bran present in each milled fraction and varied over the ranges of 212-298 ng/g (Ni) and 34-85 ng/g (Cr) in flours (with minimal bran contents); 297-460 ng/g (Ni) and 67-118 ng/g (Cr) in shorts; and 424-723 ng/g (Ni) and 106-165 ng/g (Cr) in brans. The Ni and Cr contents were not significantly affected by the technological processes typically performed in a flour-producing factory.

Chromium↗