Volume 101, Issue 3

The primary respiratory mechanism (PRM) as manifested by the cranial rhythmic impulse (CRI), a fundamental concept to cranial osteopathy, and the Traube-Hering-Mayer (THM) oscillation bear a striking resemblance to one another. Because of this, the authors developed a protocol to simultaneously measure both phenomena. Statistical comparisons demonstrated that the CRI is palpably concomitant with the low-frequency fluctuations of the THM oscillation as measured with the Transonic Systems BLF 21 Perfusion Monitor laser-Doppler flowmeter. This opens new potential explanations for the basic theoretical concepts of the physiologic mechanism of the PRM/CRI and cranial therapy. Comparison of the PRM/CRI with current understanding of the physiology of the THM oscillation is therefore warranted. Additionally, the recognition that these phenomena can be simultaneously monitored and recorded creates a new opportunity for further research into what is distinctive about the science and practice of osteopathic medicine.

A 38-year-old woman with human immunodeficiency virus who was recently diagnosed with gastric ulcer presented to the hospital with nausea and vomiting of 1 month's duration. Work-up of patient led to a diagnosis of diffuse, large B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The patient underwent six cycles of chemotherapy, and repeated endoscopy and biopsy failed to reveal malignancy. She remains in remission 23 months posttreatment. Management of patients with human immunodeficiency virus and concurrent malignancy remains a challenge. The primary care physician plays a central role by collaborating with infectious disease and oncologist specialists to formulate a management plan.