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Inhibition of platelet function plays an important role in the treatment and secondary prevention of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular ischemic diseases. Established antiplatelet agents use different pharmacological targets for this role. Acetyl salicylic acid achieves a reduction of thromboxane A2 formation by inhibition of COX-1. Ticlopidine or clopidogrel are ADP-P2Y12 receptor antagonists. Tirofiban, abciximab or eptifibatid are used for the inhibition of the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor which is activated at the surface of platelets preceding the final step of their aggregation. The mechanism of dipyridamole is based on the inhibition of adenosine uptake and of phosphodiesterase-5. Efforts are made to improve antiplatelet therapy with the aim to find agents with favorable clinical outcome and lower bleeding risk. Current clinical studies focus on a new generation of ADP receptor antagonists (prasugrel, cangrelor and ticagrelor) as successors of ticlopidine and clopidogrel after coronary arterial interventions. Developments using platelet targets different from established drugs are thrombin receptor antagonists (like SCH530348) or thromboxane receptor antagonists (like S18886/terutroban) in patients with cerebrovascular events. Results from recent experimental studies could lead to new strategies for antiplatelet therapy (like inhibition of GP Ib receptor, GP VI receptor, platelet-leukocyte interaction, factor XII and others) in the future.

In the framework of a case report the difficulty caused by splenic rupture after a minor trauma is discussed. In the case reported considerable asymptomatic bleeding into the abdominal cavity took place, which was only diagnosed accidentally by intravaginal ultrasound performed to exclude the tentative diagnosis of an endometrial carcinoma.

Problem: Owing to its frequency and severe consequences for the women affected, urinary incontinence poses a considerable problem. Our knowledge about its pathophysiology, as also the diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities, remain remarkably limited., Types of Incontinence: The main types of incontinence are stress, urge, reflex and overflow incontinence. Other forms are rare. A major diagnostic and therapeutic problem is posed by the mixed type, which can account for up to 60 percent., Diagnostic Evaluation: Owing to the morphologically and functionally complex nature of the lower urinary tract, the diagnostic approach to incontinence must involve various levels, and comprises careful history taking, a thorough physical examination, and special urodynamic evaluation., Therapeutic Concepts: Abundant therapeutic approaches, both pharmacological and surgical, are available, but opinion as to what constitutes the best therapeutic concept varies greatly., Conclusion: Despite the only moderate chances of successful treatment under realistic conditions, our present knowledge about the diagnosis and treatment of female urinary incontinence needs to become more widespread.