Characteristics of oxygen affinity (P50) were determined in various cardiopulmonary disorders. An attempt was made to correlate these with PO2, PCO2, HCO3, COHb, HbA2. 2-3 DPG and glutathione measurements. In cardiac disorders P50 was higher when PaO2, pH or cardiac output were low. In pulmonary disorders, P50 was higher with lower PaO2. P50 values did not relate significantly with 2-3 DPG or glutathione levels.

Nasobronchial allergy forms one of major respiratory disorders. Environmental factors both abiotic and biotic are found to be responsible for causing allergy. lntradermal skin testing is one of the approaches to determine common allergens. In the present study the profile of allergens and their seasonal variations in causing nasobronchial allergy in a patient population of Hyderabad was determined by intradermal skin testing. House Dust Mite formed the predominant allergen in all the seasons. Dusts are the next common allergens. Within the Dusts group prevalance of House Dust was largest. The number of positive reactions to pollen increased significantly in the winter and rain season groups and decreased to a bare minimum in the summer group. Positivity of the tests to fungal antigens was more in rain and in perennial groups, whereas danders were more in the winter group.

Branhamella catarrhalis was first described in 1896 and has been generally regarded as a nasopharyngeal commensal. There has been a recent increase in incidence of the organism associated with purulent sputum and respiratory infection. The current literature is reviewed. The authors studied in detail the clinical histories, bacteriological findings including antimicrobial sensitivity and bacteriological environment of 81 patients with symptoms of acute respiratory infection caused by B. catarrhalis. Of concern was the increasing high incidence of β lactamase producing strains. The importance of this development concerns the choice of routine antibiotic therapy. There was evidence of cross infection. Just over 50% of patients were infected in hospital. The authors conclude B catarrhalis is a significant lower tract pathogen which may be under reported and should be investigated and treated.

Serial Forced Expiratory Volume in first second (FEV1) changes were studied in 30 patients of bronchial asthma following oral, inhalational and introvenous salbutamol administration. The maximum improvement following oral administration of drug was observed at four hours, while maximum improvement following inhalational and intravenous administration occurred at 90 minutes. On inter group comparison, inhalational and intravenous routes were found to be superior to oral route upto 90 minutes, but the difference was statistically non-significant at four hours in inhalational group (P>0.1) and significant in intravenous group (P<0.02). On the other hand, on comparison of inhalational and intravenous routes no significant difference was observed at 15, 45, 90 minutes and at four hours. A high incidence of side effects was observed with intravenous administration of salbutamol, the inhalational route was found to be remarkably free from side effects. Oral route stood in between the two. lnhalational route of salbutamol is recommended for long term management of stable bronchial asthma because of its superior bronchodilatation effect with only minor side effects. For the control of nocturnal exacerbation of asthma, an oral dose may be given in addition and intravenous route may well be kept reserved for patients of acute severe asthma.

Clinical spirometry in 17 untreated patients of thyrotoxicosis revealed mild to moderate degree of restrictive defect in 41% of cases. Very mild degree of airways obstruction was also observed in three cases. Subclinical involvement of respriatory muscles in thyrotoxicosis is suggested.

This, previously healthy, 45-year-old man came to a physician with a two-month history of fever. loss of weight and night sweats. A skiagram chest showed nodular infiltrates. Does the patient have tuberculosis or does he have cancer? It is probable that he might have something entirely different! Find out! !