William Parson

Epidemiology of Osteoporosis

A survey of hospital records at two mental institutions permitted analysis of the sex, race, and age incidence of patients with hip fractures during a period of three years and two months. Fractures due to minimum trauma occurred more frequently among the white population and among confined institutional patients than among a previously studied non-hospitalized population. Environmental factors, particularly physical activity, seem to be important in senile osteoporosis.

Effect of parathyroid hormone administration on bone composition in guinea pigs.

Summary Administration of parathyroid hormone to guinea pigs caused a consistent significant decrease in the femoral concentration of calcium, but no change in concentration of collagen (measured as hydroxyproline), DNA, or polysaccharide (measured as uronic acid). A small but not significant decrease in bone hexosamine concentration occurred. These data indicate that mineral can be mobilized from bone without a concomitant decrease in concentration of matrix constituents.

Alterations of protein metabolism in myxedema.

W I’IYH the exception of the reduction in total energy exchange, perhaps the most conspicuous alteration in the athyrotic state is that in protein metabolism.“’ This statement by Means clearly poses the problem which is the subject of this presentation. Protein abnormalities in myxedematous patients have interested investigators for some time, and it is the purpose of this communication to summarize some of these studies. An attempt will be made to correlate studies from our laboratory with those in the literature in an effort to formulate a working concept of abnormalities of protein metabolism in patients with myxedema. Experimental investigations in animals which apply to this problem will also be reviewed.

Successful pregnancy after bilateral adrenalectomy for Cushing's syndrome

Abstract The diagnosis of Cushings syndrome in a multigravida and subsequent treatment by total adrenalectomy and radioactive cobalt therapy to the pituitary is discussed. Management of a successful pregnancy which began 7 months later is presented. Labor and delivery were uncomplicated and with proper hormonal support were managed in the usual manner. Puerperal sterilization was carried out 38 hours post partum. The patients early and late course was satisfactory.