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This review aims to update the reader on advances in the understanding of haematological conditions that may arise in neurological practice. Thrombophilia, antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, sickle cell and clonal disorders associated with neuropathy are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To investigate whether infants who died of SIDS were more likely to have higher acute and lifetime average exposures to outdoor carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) than comparison healthy infants. Methods: A total of 169 case and 169 matched control infants born between 1988 and 1992, were studied. CO and NO2 concentrations, averaged for all days within the infant's lifespan, and the last 30 days, 7 days 3 days and 1 day of life were obtained from air pollutant data provided by the California Air Resources Board. Results: Based on monthly aggregated data, average CO and particularly NO2 were associated with SIDS count, even after adjustment for seasonal trends. SIDS outcome was not significantly associated with high average outdoor CO levels for any time period. However, high average outdoor NO2 levels on the last day of the infant's exposure period were significantly associated with SIDS; the adjusted odds ratio was 2.34 (95% CI 1.13 to 4.87). Conclusions: SIDS may be related to high levels of acute outdoor NO2 exposure during the last day of life. Further studies ore needed to replicate this finding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusions: The heterogeneity between the trials and the limited data result in considerable uncertainty about the value of long term anticoagulation compared with antiplatelet treatment. The risks of bleeding and the higher cost of anticoagulation make it an even less convincing treatment option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determines whether treatment with low dose of aspirin and heparin leads to a higher rate of live births than that achieved with low dose of aspirin alone in women with history of recurrent miscarriage associated with phospholipid antibodies. Intervention; Main outcome measures; Results.

The article focuses on the factors associated with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) as well as the development of non-invasive repositioning exercises and maneuvers. On the other hand, researchers have found the need for better training about vertigo for primary care and specialty physicians. Key information about the link between migraine and BPPV among women is presented.

Background: Amyloidosis refers to a heterogeneous group of disorders associated with the deposition of chemically distinct amyloid fibril proteins. Precise determination of chemical amyloid type has diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic relevance. Although immunohistochemical techniques are used routinely to determine the amyloid type, the results can be negative or inconclusive, so that biochemical characterisation is often required. The development and application of new biochemical microtechniques suitable for examination of extremely small tissue samples is essential for precise identification of the deposited amyloid proteins. Aims: To investigate biochemically the amyloid proteins present in a formalin fixed paraffin wax embedded orbital tissue from a patient with localised orbital amyloidosis in whom immunohistochemistry was not helpful in the determination of amyloid type. Methods: Extraction of amyloid proteins from fixed tissue and their identification was carried out by a recently developed microtechnique. An extremely small tissue sample was dewaxed and extracted with formic acid. The extracted material was analysed using electrophoresis, western blotting, and amino acid sequencing. Results: Biochemical examination of the extracted proteins showed the presence of immunoglobulin (Ig) derived amyloid proteins, which were composed of the N-terminal fragments of the Ig light chain κIII subtype (AL-κIll) (16, 8, and 3 kDa). Conclusions: This is the first chemically proved AL case reported in association with primary localised orbital amyloidosis. The biochemical microtechnique used was useful in achieving a precise diagnosis of amyloid disease, in a case where the results of routine immunohistochemical examination of amyloid were inconclusive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information about a survey of 100 patients suffering from coronary heart disease. Each set of medical and nursing records was assessed independently by two specialist registrars. Pro-formas were then compared, differences discussed and, with further reference to the case notes, resolved. Questionnaires were then sent to surviving patients requesting a current medication list, details of aspirin use, smoking status and involvement in coronary rehabilitation. Three hundred and fifty six patient records were examined.