The activity of different formulations of synthetic calcitonins on the prevention of bone loss was evaluated in young women after oophorectomy. In the 1st study patients were treated or with salmon calcitonin (CTs) intramuscularly (100 I.U. every second day; 10 patients) either with CTs nasal spray (100 I.U. daily; 10 patients). In the 2nd study patients received or CTs i.m. (100 I.U. every second day; 10 patients) either a synthetic analogue of eel calcitonin (eCT) given i.m. (80 I.U. every 2nd day; 10 patients). All calcitonins formulations were given for 9 months with oral calcium supplement (1 g daily). In the 1st study no significant changes of bone mineral content (BMC) was found at the end of the treatment in both groups. In the 2nd study a statistically significant decrease of BMC was observed in the group treated with eCT while non relevant changes were found in the CTs treated patients. Slight side effects were observed in some patients treated with calcitonin formulations given i.m. Since salmon calcitonin nasal spray was well tolerated and prevented bone loss after oophorectomy its use might be recommended in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Adult↗

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Aspiration of ovarian cysts: laparoscopy or echography?

The authors present their experience from 1970 to the present on the laparoscopic aspiration of ovarian cysts and compare it with the more recent echographic aspiration technique. Since the risks of the aspiration of neoplastic masses cannot yet be evaluated, a strict selection of patients was carried out in order to perform the diagnostic and therapeutic aspiration of presumably benign masses. In addition, endometrial cysts were not included in the follow-up since these will be the object of a future communication, nor were dermoid cysts, removed during surgery itself. Out of 45 cases of laparoscopic aspiration with a follow-up ranging from 6 months to 4 years, 5 recurrences were observed, while the 15 cases of echographic aspiration (follow-up from 6 to 18 months) had 8 recurrences. We therefore believe that the latter, less invasive method, should be employed for diagnostic purposes only, while the laparoscopic method, which is more invasive and more traumatic, should be used when it is desirable to obtain also a therapeutic result.

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PubMedDate not supplied

Laparoscopic ovarian biopsy in hypergonadotropic amenorrhea.

After reviewing the different etiopathogenetic hypotheses of hypergonadotropic amenorrhea, the AA. describe six clinical cases, four of which classifiable as early menopause and two as syndrome of resistant ovary. The basic role of laparoscopic ovarian biopsy in the attainment of a correct diagnosis is emphasized. Prognosis in terms of fertility is related to the residual follicular endowment which, even when extremely low, justifies a stimulating treatment, as demonstrated in the case reported in detail.

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