The Mantoux test, (Mx) immunoglobulin levels, and indirect haemagglutination test (IHA) for the presence of anti purified protein derivative antibodies were performed in 70 asymptomatic “normal� children. IgG and IgA were significantly higher in Mx reactors. No children who were Mx reactors were negative for the IHA test. Seventy five percent of the Mx non-reactors, had positive IHA titre. Mantoux is not a reliable indicator of post-vaccination allergy.

The bronchodilator effects of nebulized terbutaline, atropine sulphate and the combination of atropine and terbutaline were studied in 12 chronic asthmatic children. The combination of terbutaline and atropine was better than either of the drugs alone (p<0.001). The side effects did not increase when both the drugs were combined.

Fifty subjects (25 asthmatics and 25 healthy controls) were subjected to clinical examination, cutaneous sensitivity reaction with common allergens by prick method and serum total IgE estimation by ELISA methods. Patients were categorised into four grades according to clinical history. Serum total IgE were found proportionately increased with increasing grades of asthma. Similarly linear relationship of serum total IgE and skin reactions was observed. There was positive correlation between severity of asthma, skin sensitivity 3+and 4+and serum total IgE levels.

Fifty extrinsic asthmatics were studied. Results of skin tests were tabulated and compared with other studies. Ninety-two percent gave positive reaction to insects; 90% to pollens, 80% to dusts, 30% to fungi, 22% to dander, 10% to feather and 76% to food allergens.

Over 15 years, symptomatic clinic patients with chronic obstructive airway disorders were evaluated in six planned series with clinical assessment, spirometric functions, blood gases and chest radiography. Asthmatic subjects were younger with more females and 20% began in childhood against 7% in other categories (p<0.05). While there were symptom differences in nasal (‘N’) asthmatic (‘A’) bronchitic (‘B’) and emphysematous (‘E’) clinical presentations, 22 t o 25% had seasonal variations and 44% had frequent (8+/yr) colds (similar in four categories). There was in four categories, an increasing prevalence of chest deformity, finger clubbing, with overinflation in radiographs, and an increasing disability of spirometric functions (except bronchoreversibility); (p<0.05). With longer history PEFR declined more consistently. The annual FEV1 declines (21 to 43 ml) were similar in three categories but these were larger in those with cough and dyspnoea and a shorter history. The declines were larger with a higher initial FEVl particularly at ages above 45 years. In 258 (B+E) COPD group (series D), followed for 10 years, 31.8% developed congestive cardiac failure (CCF.) oftener with longer history: (P<0.05) Bronchoreversibility with a higher initial FEVl was lower in males. Abnormalities in PO2, particularly on exercise were seen below 1250 ml FEVl and PCO2 also, below 750 ml FEV1 (p<0.01): Of 85 COPD (Series E) reassessed after five to 12 years. 10% had died; 34% were working in dusty jobs. Those treated regularly showed smaller declines. Only in 60% the decline was steady while others showed larger fluctuations. The results are discussed.

Primary lung cancer is being diagnosed with increasing frequency in Northern India. In 1009 patients seen over the last 10 years we found important differences in clinical spectrum from those in the West. Both the mean and peak ages of lung cancer were lower. The smoker: non-smoker ratio was 2.7:1. Most of the patients had advanced disease and 51.8% had evidence of metastases. The commonest presentation was mass lesion with or without collapse, 25% had pleural effusion and 16.7% superior caval compression syndrome. Comparative analysis of important features and cell-typo patterns, as reported in different clinical studies from this country, generally reveal an uniform pattern.

A Case of primary lymphosarcoma of the lung in lung in an lung in an 11 year old boy is presented in view of its rarity. Relevant literature is reviewed.

A neurofibrosarcoma occupying practically the whole of hemithorax is reported and relevant literature reviewed.

Pulmonary involvement in Progressive Systemic Sclerosis is well documented. A case of progressive systemic sclerosis with lung involvement followed up for a period of 29 months with lung function studies is reported. The rate of deterioration of lung function in Progressive Systemic Sclerosis is discussed and compared with reports from elsewhere.