Forearm blood flow, venous distensibility and various clotting factors were determined in 118 apparently healthy women (mean age 26 years), either during the menstrual cycle, or while taking a combined contraceptive (A) with high progestin:estrogen ratio (d-norgestrel 0.125 mg + ethinylestradiol 0.03 mg), or a sequential contraceptive (B) with low progestin: estrogen ratio (megestrol 0.1/1 mg + ethinylestradiol 0.1 mg), or in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy. Venous distensibility in women taking contraceptive A was higher than in other women during the follicular phase of a normal menstrual cycle. Venous distensibility was not affected by contraceptive B. Blood flow and blood pressure remained unchanged by contraceptives A and B. Fibrinogen concentration was increased by both contraceptives, factor VII was either decreased (A) or unchanged (B), and factor X was either unchanged (A) or increased (B). The oral contraceptive with the high progestagen component appeared to increase venous capacitance and may induce venous stasis, whereas coagulability was particularly enhanced by the estrogen-type contraceptive. Pregnant women differed from women on oral contraceptives in regard to peripheral circulation; they showed a tremendous increase of blood flow with secondary vasodilation.

SUMMARY A double-blind, randomized trial was performed with 51 patients suffering from focal ischemic lesions in the territory of the middle cerebral artery. Intravenous infusions of 10% glycerol in 0.9% NaCI -5% glucose solutions were administered twice daily for 6 days to 26 patients, and the same amount of NaCI -glucose solutions to 25 controls. Glycerol did not reduce mortality (9 deaths in each group). The functional recovery was assessed by repeated neurological examinations during the 4 month trial. Glycerol significantly improved global performances and motor and sensory functions in patients with moderate disability, but its effect on global performances was transient. The patients with severe disability were not improved at all.

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In 3 patients suffering from idiopathic orthostatic hypotension (Shy-Drager's syndrome) venous distensibility was measured by occlusion plethysmography in supine and upright position. In this latter position, venoconstriction was absent, contrasting with the marked venoconstriction observed in normal volunteers studied under identical conditions. Venous occlusion plethysmography therefore seems to be useful to detect the autonomic defect leading to venous pooling. These patients were also immersed in water to the mid-abdomen while standing. This maneuver fully abolished orthostatic hypotension. Immersion is useful in motivating these patients to accept treatment by counterpressure garments, and makes early active physiotherapy possible.