Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to W S Taor.
Twelve closely related members of one family were found to have small or absent patellae. Seven of these patients also had abnormalities of the pelvic girdle and upper femora. There was a resemblance to the nail--patella syndrome in the patellar abnormalities but not in the associated conditions, and it would therefore appear that the syndrome described is a new variety of congenital abnormality of the knee.
A 12-year-old boy developed renal wasting of magnesium, calcium, and potassium, with secondary hypomagnesaemia, hypocalcaemia, and hypokalaaemia (without hyperaldosteronism) after treatment with 14 400 mg gentamicin over 4 months. Gentamicin should not be given for prolonged courses if less toxic antibiotics are suitable. If it used, plasma magnesium, calcium, and potassium levels should be monitored during and after treatment.