SUMMARYWe have compared the anti-inflammatory efficacy of 5% tolmetin sodium dihydrate, 05% prednisolone disodium phosphate, and 0-1% betamethasone disodium phosphate in 71 consecutive patients presenting with acute endogenous non-granulomatous uveitis randomly assigned to one of these treatment groups. Inflammatory symptoms and signs were scored during the course of the 21-day trial period. There was no statistically significant difference in the effect on the signs or symptoms of the three drugs tested. 90% of the Betnesol (betamethasone sodium phosphate, benzalkonium chloride) treated group were clinically judged cured compared with 68% of the Predsol (prednisolone sodium phosphate, benzalkonium chloride) treated group, and 57% of the tolmetin treated group.

Blood pressure and pulse rate measurements were recorded in 35 patients undergoing endotracheal intubation during general anaesthesia (Group A), and 35 patients who had an awake fibreoptic intubation under local anaesthesia (Group B). The mean arterial pressure in Group A rose by a mean of 35 mmHg immediately after intubation, compared with a mean fall of 9 mmHg in Group B. The mean pulse rate in Group A rose by 24 beats per minute (b.p.m.) immediately after intubation, compared with a rise of 3 b.p.m. in Group B. Both these differences were statistically significant (P less than 0.0001 and P less than 0.001 respectively, Mann Whitney U test). Postoperative discomfort was assessed 24 h later by means of linear analogue scales. There was a statistically higher mean score in relation to nose discomfort in Group B (P less than 0.002). Awake fibreoptic intubation successfully reduces the pressor response to endotracheal intubation in normotensive adults. It is suitable for use in those patients who are at risk from the pressor response.

Blood pressure and pulse rate measurements were recorded in 35 patients undergoing endotracheal intubation during general anaesthesia (Group A), and 35 patients who had an awake fibreoptic intubation under local anaesthesia (Group B). The mean arterial pressure in Group A rose by a mean of 35 mmHg immediately after intubation, compared with a mean fall of 9 mmHg in Group B. The mean pulse rate in Group A rose by 24 beats per minute (b.p.m.) immediately after intubation, compared with a rise of 3 b.p.m. in Group B. Both these differences were statistically significant (P< 0.0001 and P < 0.001 respectively, Mann Whitney U test). Postoperative discomfort was assessed 24 h later by means of linear analogue scales. There was a statistically higher mean score in relation to nose discomfort in Group B (P<0.002). Awake fibreoptic intubation successfully reduces the pressor response to endotracheal intubation in normotensive adults. It'is suitable for use in those patients who are at risk from the pressor response.

Significantly more general anaesthetics are being prescribed for mandibular third molar surgery at SJH than the EDI. This finding is not related to difficulty of the cases presenting at each site but may be related to the nature of a maxillofacial clinic compared to a dedicated oral surgery centre. The difference in socioeconomic deprivation may have had an impact on patient decisions.

No abstract