Drugs

Tibbutt, D.; Chesterman, C.

doi: 10.2165/00003495-197611030-00001pmid: 776578

Pulmonary thromboembolism is a widespread problem and is an important cause of death in patients with a variety of medical and surgical conditions. There have been few significant advances in the understanding of the aetiology beyond additional evidence confirming the importance of Virchow’s triad. An impressive list of epidemiological associations has been compiled, however.

Sneddon, I.

doi: 10.2165/00003495-197611030-00002pmid: 776579

The action of topical corticosteroids is anti-inflammatory and antimitotic. By the use of laboratory and clinical trials they can be divided into four grades of potency. Weak steroids may be made more potent by better penetration which can be achieved by plastic occlusion or by alteration of the vehicle in which they are suspended. Local side-effects of topical corticosteroids are described and attention is drawn to the face as a particularly vulnerable area. Use of large amounts of the most potent steroids has produced Cushingoid states normally associated only with systemic steroids, and this is more likely if the patient has liver damage. Practical advice on the choice of steroid for particular disorders is given and the importance of intermittent treatment both for safety and effectiveness is stressed.

Roberts, M.

doi: 10.2165/00003495-197611030-00003pmid: N/A

Burrows, G.

doi: 10.2165/00003495-197611030-00004pmid: 6241

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doi: 10.2165/00003495-197611030-00005pmid: N/A