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The effects of intravenous fluids on hematocrit are debated. We sought to determine whether maintenance or bolus fluid therapy causes a significant change in the hematocrit and other hematologic parameters included in the complete blood count. Nine subjects completed a randomized three-period crossover designed trial in which they were given no fluid, maintenance fluid, or a bolus of fluid followed by maintenance fluid. We measured complete blood counts at baseline, 1 hour, 4 hours, and 8 hours. In the bolus fluid trial, the hemoglobin and hematocrit values (mean +/- SEM) decreased by a maximum of 1.5 +/- 0.1 g/dL and 4.1 +/- 0.3% at 1 hour. There was no difference in hemoglobin or hematocrit during the no fluid or maintenance fluid treatments. No significant changes occurred in white blood cell or platelet counts. We demonstrated that maintenance fluid infusions do not significantly after the complete blood count. Saline bolus is associated with a significant decrease in hemoglobin and hematocrit, but these parameters trend toward baseline over time.

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In closing, the benefits of computerizing the equipment control information system have been assessed qualitatively and, to an extent, quantitatively. We have seen a drastic improvement in the operation of the clinical engineering department. Equipment repair and inspection results are readily accessible for technician use. Equipment service reports are typed and easy to read. Accountability of repair parts are immediately available for restocking and financial needs. Feedback reports are generated on a regular and timely basis. We have shown a reduction of around 12 minutes in the inspection procedure. This time has been directly linked to the automation of the inspection process using hand-held computers. The cost of automation was inexpensive, as the hand-held computers cost around 500 dollars per unit. Currently, the devices are used by any technician who performs inspections outside the department. The units time the inspection process and record the inspection result. We have interfaced the units to portable bar-code printers that produce an inspection label on-site. In the future, bar-code wands and guns will be used to streamline the data entry process of the inspection. A reduction in the number of incorrectly typed ECNs will improve the integrity of the database. The use of bar-codes will eventually spread to the parts' system. This will improve tracking, ordering, and inventorying repair parts. The plan is to improve the documentation of these parts and ease the analysis of new equipment needs, manufacturer reliability, and contract evaluations. At the present, we are addressing the problem of preparation time.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

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Recent articles have expressed concern over the increasing retreat to mentalism among behaviorists. The problem has been described elsewhere as a shift in verbal behavior resulting from the contingencies imposed by mentalistic verbal communities. Previous solutions have focused on strengthening our behavioral graduate programs to make the graduates' verbal repertoires more resistant to change. We suggest it is useful to analyze the problem in terms of inappropriate audience control and offer an approach by which behaviorists may assemble audiences to maintain their behavioral verbal repertoires within mentalistic verbal communities.

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Two cases of water intoxication assoicated with midtrimester induction of abortion with oxytocin are presented. Both patients recovered from this potentially fatal condition which is associated with acute hyponatraemia. Some of the pertinent literature is reviewed and the possible mechanisms of causation and measures for prevention and treatment are discussed.

PIP: Water intoxication during or following oxytocin induced labor, albeit a rare event, can nevertheless cause potentially fatal complications or risk of neurological damage. Large doses of oxytocin plus large volumes of electrolyte-free solutions are the prime factors associated with water intoxication. Suggested treatment consists of hypertonic saline. Although circulatory overload and pulmonary oedema can occur from saline treatment it is believed that the risk of cerebral oedema is greater than risk from saline treatment. Prevention of water intoxication includes: 1) restriction of fluid intake; 2) monitoring of analgesia given; 3) interruption of continuous infusion; 4) fluid balance with control of serum electrolytes and osmolality; and 5) use of electrolyte-containing fluid as a vehicle for the oxytocin.

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The case history and identification of the aetiological agent of a case of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis contracted from a natural thermal steam is presented. The diagnosis and treatment of suspected cases is discussed.

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