Effect of Tetraethyl Thiuram Disulphide (Disulfiram) on Metabolism of Trichloroethylene in Man

The amounts of trichloroethanol and trichloroacetic acid excreted in the urine of four subjects who inhaled trichloroethylene in a concentration of about 1 mg./l. for a period of five hours in a laboratory experiment were determined. This experiment was repeated under the same conditions after tetraethyl thiuram disulphide (disulfiram) had been given in divided doses, totalling 3 or 3·5 g. The elimination of trichloroethanol in urine was decreased by 40 to 64%, and of trichloroacetic acid by 72 to 87%. The trichloroethylene excreted by the lungs in two of the subjects increased up to 65% of that retained within five hours. It is concluded that tetraethyl thiuram disulphide (disulfiram) strikingly inhibits the oxidation of trichloroethylene. The possible therapeutic use of this substance in cases of severe peroral trichloroethylene intoxication is discussed

Scapular body fractures: results of operative treatment

The authors operated on 22 patients with scapular body fractures, with a mean age of 35 years. The minimal follow-up was 12 months. All patients were treated from the Judet posterior approach. The study included 14 cases of an isolated body fracture, three of scapular body fracture combined with fracture of the scapular neck and five of glenoid fossa fracture. In all 14 cases where a 3D computed tomography (CT) reconstruction was performed prior to operation, intraoperative findings corresponded to this reconstruction. In eight cases without preoperative 3D CT reconstruction, the correct type of fracture was identified in only two cases. We also identified three basic types of fractures of the lateral border of the scapula. The anatomical relationship between the glenoid fossa and scapular body, congruency and stability of the shoulder joint was achieved in all cases. The average constant score was 94

Ipsilateral fractures of the femoral neck, shaft and distal end: long-term outcome of five cases

Out of 52 cases of ipsilateral femoral fractures treated at a level I trauma centre between June 1994 and March 2008, the diaphyseal fracture was accompanied by a intracapsular neck fracture in only 20 cases. In the rest of the cases, the diaphyseal fracture was combined with either an extracapsular or pertrochanteric fracture. Five of these patients also had fractures of the distal femur. In three of those patients we began treatment with osteosynthesis of the femoral neck and shaft, using a reconstruction nail, then stabilized the distal fracture with a 95° blade plate or with lag screws. In the other two cases, initial treatment dealt with the distal femoral fracture, stabilizing it with a 95° blade plate, which was also used for stabilization of the diaphyseal fracture. In these patients, the proximal fracture was treated using dynamic hip screws (DHS). All fractures healed, two after initial treatment, while the other three needed one reoperation. The follow-up period was 2–13 years after the injury. The order in which fractures are treated is best left to the discretion of the physician and the circumstances. In our experience, two implants are sufficient for osteosynthesis, one for stabilizing one end of the femur together with the shaft, and the other is used for treating the other end of the femur