Amenorrhea and oligomenorrhea are often related to heavy exercise, but these conditions can signal a serious pathologic condition. Tests to pinpoint causes of menstrual dysfunctions are listed, and treatments to establish a proper hormone balance are described. (MT)

Measured were the free erthrocyte protoporphyrin levels (a blood component) in 29 Ss with alpha thalassemia (a hereditary anemis), 19 Ss with iron deficiency anemia, and 24 normal control Ss. (DB)

Urinanalysis was performed on 24-hour samples of 11 iron deficient children (1 to 13 years of age) to determine levels of monoamine oxidase (an enzyme). (DB)

Serum of five children ages 1 to 19 months with congenital pure red cell aplasia (incomplete or defective development of red blood cells) was injected in normal mice to determine possible inhibition of red blood cell formulating stimulants. (CL)

A young woman diagnosed as having Tourette Syndrome as an adult recounts the years of misunderstanding and humiliation prior to correct diagnosis and therapy. The importance of parents sharing family medical history with children and physicians is emphasized. (DB)

Reviewed are diagnostic tests of symphocyte subgroups which identify immuno deficiency disorders (such as DiGeorge's Syndrome) and malignant cells in lymphoproliferative disorders (such as lumphoid leukemia). (CL)

Evaluated were two techniques (the conventional method and the new transcutaneous method) of measuring arterial oxygen tension in 20 severely ill preterm and term infants and in 70 healthy infants. (Author/CL)