[The study of biohumoral parameters during surgical limb lengthening]. / Studio di alcuni parametri bio-umorali in corso di allungamento chirurgico degli arti.

The authors report a series of 7 patients undergoing surgical limb extension with a total of 9 segmentary extensions. The study focuses on the trend of 4 biohumoral parameters (ESR, PCR, leukocytes, neutrophil percentage) during the various stages of surgery. The authors conclude that, in conjunction with clinical assessment, these parameters represent a valid tool for monitoring infections during the course of extension. Of these parameters, PCR was found to be the most sensitive marker. If evaluated using the general trend of these markers, surgical limb lengthening is not dissimilar to the fracture healing process.

[Diagnostic contribution of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in the pleural fluid and serum of patients with metastatic pleural effusion caused by neoplasm of the breast]. / Contributo diagnostico dell'antigene carcino-embrionario (CEA) su liquido pleurico e su siero di pazienti affette da versamento pleurico metastatico da neoplasia della mammella.

The problem of the diagnosis of pleural exudates in breast cancer is examined. It is pointed out that cytology is very little help and it is suggested that carcinoembryonic antigen could be used for assays of the serum and pleural fluid given its high sensitivity even when the cytological examination is negative.