Diabetes in the elderly in a developing country.

In developing countries diabetes in the elderly is thought to be uncommon and is consequently ignored by health planners. We assessed the prevalence of complications of diabetes mellitus and frequency of hospital admissions in patients aged 60 and over in a hospital diabetic clinic in Sri Lanka. Elderly diabetic patients, though comprising only 23% of clinic patients, accounted for 46% of admissions. The prevalence of coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, hypertension and visual handicap was increased in the diabetic patients when compared to age and gender matched controls. We conclude that diabetes in the elderly is a significant cause of morbidity in Sri Lanka.

Subdural Empyema.

Subdural empyema is a distinct clinical entity not uncommon in Ceylon. Forty-seven cases have been analysed. The commonest sources of infection are otitis media and frontal sinusitis. These empyemas are often complicated by cortical thrombophlebitis, meningitis and intracerebral abscesses. The symptomatology is difficult to differentiate clinically from that of other forms of intracranial suppuration. Percutaneous carotid angiography is the investigation of choice. The treatment consists of surgical evacuation of pus combined with correct antibiotic therapy and skilled nursing. Our mortality of 25·5% was due to uncontrollable associated infections, usually the result of late referral.