In 50 Escherichia coli strains obtained from the bladder puncture urine of patients with chronic pyelonephritis, determinations of virulence properties were performed. All of the E. coli strains isolated from 26 acute episodes of pyelonephritis were found in the smooth form. 30% possessed K 1 antigen, 77% showed the ability to form hemolysin and 30% produced colicin V (aerobactin). Fimbriae (detected by mannose-resistant hemagglutination) were registered in 81%, and plasmids ranging between 50 and 70 Md were demonstrated in 70% of the bacteria. In contrast to this, only 70% of the E. coli strains isolated from 24 patients at an inactive stage of pyelonephritis were found in the smooth form; 10% of these encoded K 1 antigen, 20% hemolysin and 10% colicin V. Plasmids in the range 50 to 70 Md could be found in 30%. On the basis of multivariate analysis of variance and discriminant analysis, it was confirmed that uropathogenic strains possess several virulence properties, mannose-resistant hemagglutination being of particular importance.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Pulmonary manifestations of lupus erythematodes visceralis].

Eight patients with SLE were found on clinical and roentgenological grounds or by respiratory function tests to have evidence of lung involvement. Great discrepancies were noted between clinical findings and the results of the respiratory function tests on the one hand and lacking or discrete radiological changes on the other hand. Four patients with pulmonary fibrosis without auscultatory signs showed decreased compliance values and decreased diffusion and vital capacities were noticed in two. In only 2 out of 4 patients with abnormal clinical signs could fibrotic changes be detected roentgenologically. Corresponding to the general diagnostic experience the measurement of compliance, diffusion capacity and vital capacity are the most appropriate methodes for assessing these visceral manifestations of SLE.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[State of the art and tasks of complex rehabilitation of patients with rheumatic diseases in East Germany].

Rehabilitation activities belong to tertiary prevention. The latter includes all measures that aim at avoiding the progression of a physical disability to a handicap, or those that diminish the extent of the handicap. Complex rehabilitation programs represent a cooperation of medical, occupational, and social reintegration. The pertinent state of the art and the unsolved problems are reviewed in this work. In this context, special emphasis is placed on the appropriate division of tasks among rheumatology specialists and general practitioners, as well as others working in the rehabilitation field. In the present decade, worldwide, the need for expanded complex rehabilitation programs will increase markedly.

Activities of Daily Living↗