OBJECTIVE This study investigated retrospectively whether three laboratory investigations--testing for leucocyte levels, C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)--can be used to guide the decision of when to discontinue larval therapy. METHOD Between 1999 and 2002 we administered larval therapy to 16 inpatients. In all cases the decision to discontinue therapy was a c...

and Fabry's diseases, as well as metachromatic leucodystrophy). Leucocyte studies of families have done much to increase our knowledge of the genetics of the inherited metabolic disorders and in many cases the heterozygous state can be clearly delineated using these readily available cells. Direct enzyme assay on the isolated cells is usually satisfactory, although in some cases the white cell ...

BACKGROUND Airway inflammation, with recruitment of neutrophils to the airway lumen, results in purulent secretions and a variety of potential adverse consequences for patients with chronic bronchitis and bronchiectasis. We hypothesised that gradations of sputum colour would correlate directly with the myeloperoxidase content of sputum and with various other indicators of the activity and conse...

We have examined if sevoflurane anaesthesia per se modified the number of circulating leucocytes in humans. Fifty-nine patients undergoing elective surgery were anaesthetized with sevoflurane in oxygen. The inhaled concentration was increased gradually to 5% and maintained for 20 min. Arterial blood samples were obtained before induction of anaesthesia and at 20 min. While the total number of l...

Urinary tract infections are common in infancy and childhood and may indicate an underlying urological problem requiring treatment. The standard method for the diagnosis of urinary tract infection remains the microscopic examination and quantitative culture of a clean catch specimen of urine, but recently a dipstick has become available that tests for two markers of infection-leucocyte esterase...