Scottish Medical Journal

Skin rashes developed during ampicillin therapy in 10 of 12 patients with lymphatic leukaemia. This apparent susceptibility to ampicillin is similar to that previously described in patients with infectious mononucleosis. It is postulated that patients with lymphatic leukaemia and infectious mononucleosis have an alteration in immune response due to abnormal lymphocytic function. It is suggested that, in these patients with bacterial infection, initial antibiotic treatment should not include ampicillin.

The transport of injected thorotrast across the glomerulus of the frog kidney was studied following destruction of its mesangium. The results suggest that the mesangium contributes to the physiological integrity of the glomerular basement membrane and may therefore be a factor in the aetiology of glomerulonephritis.

A psychiatric and psychological follow-up assessment of 21 patients accepted for abortion on psychiatric grounds, 21 patients denied abortion on psychiatric grounds and 11 patients accepted for abortion on medical grounds was carried out.

A history of prior psychiatric illness appeared to be a pointer towards therapeutic termination of pregnancy when psychiatrically disturbed pregnant women were referred for assessment. Despite a high incidence of short-lived guilt reactions, this particular group of patients generally reported a beneficial effect on their lives 2 years later.

Many, but not all, of the psychiatrically disturbed patients who were refused abortion became reconciled to the decision.

The medical group who were aborted tended to view the operation as an unfortunate necessity.

A decision for or against termination of pregnancy must take account of many factors—previous psychiatric history, present mental state, patient's attitude towards the pregnancy, marital adjustment, personality structure and medical condition

Some recent findings, in respect of tuberculosis in Edinburgh, are presented and particular attention is given to the younger members of the population.

It is recognised that Heaf grade I tuberculin reactors at school may not all have been infected by tubercle bacilli, and it has been thought that some might benefit from B.C.G. vaccination.

The evidence given confirms the value of B.C.G. vaccination in the prevention of tuberculous disease in the community. Some Heaf grade I reactors have tuberculous disease, however, which is a contraindication to routine vaccination of this group.

Another contraindication is that Heaf grade I reactors, as a whole, have acquired a degree of immunity to subsequent tuberculous disease, approximating that conferred on tuberculin negative children by B.C.G. vaccination, and possibly less likely to diminish as the years progress.

Widening the scope of B.C.G. vaccination and employment of anti-tuberculosis drugs, might be advantageous and merits consideration.