Two hereditary spinal diseases producing kyphosis during adolescence

Familial accumulation of spinal osteochondrosis (Scheuermann's disease) and hereditary juvenile anterior fusion of the vertebral bodies in the thoraco-lumbal area are reported for the first time in the same family. Radiological examination of the spine in 2 planes of 73 persons formed the basis for the study. Nine cases of spinal osteochondrosis and 5 cases of hereditary juvenile anterior fusion were found. Proliferation and increased height of the anterior surface of the body of the vertebrae and pronounced reduction in the anterior aspect of the intervertebral spaces were characteristic during the early stages of the latter condition, similarly fewer back symptoms and a better prognosis were observed in these patients than was the case of patients with Scheuermann's disease.     

Urinary tract diseases in adolescence: A radiological and clinical view

A total of 2,003 adolescent in-patients aged 14–19 years were studied. Of these 801 (40 per cent) were found to have urinary tract disease. In 224 patients (28 per cent) a previously undetected urinary tract anomaly was diagnosed: this number including 59 per cent of girls and 41 per cent of boys. This is the first analysis showing such a high frequency of urinary tract anomalies in clinical and radiological investigations during the period of adolescence. Of particular importance are minor anomalies, in so far as these are responsible for disorders to the flow of urine. It is thought that urinary tract anomalies manifest themselves in adolescence because of increased stress and a different pattern of life, as compared with that in the preceding era of childhood. The present paper shows the cardinal importance of radiological examination and of the radiologist's role in evaluating the dynamics of the process and the prognosis of the disease and, in helping to assess the future potential for physical stress in either work or sport.     

Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease in Children

Indian Journal of Pediatrics - Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and its sequelae, Rheumatic heart disease (RHD), contribute significantly to the cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in developing...     

Rheumatic fever in childhood--today

Acute rheumatic fever in the young: a review of historical land marks and the current status of rheumatic fever are discussed. The follows are presented here: prevent-day epidemiology; the role of group A streptococcus and the reappearance of "rheumatogenic" serotypes; the host's susceptibility and the tantalizing possibility of a genetic basis; the basis of autoimmune pathogenesis (so-called molecular mimicry); the increasing diagnostic difficulties and the critical review of Jones criteria; the reassessment of primary prevention and the couvent possibility of a streptococcal vaccine.     

Rheumatic disease in childhood

The autoimmune diseases, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, are two of the more common acquired chronic diseases of childhood. In this article we will describe features of the diagnosis and treatment of these disorders. Particular emphasis is placed on the complications and how to anticipate them. The management of these diseases must include an appreciation of how chronic illness can affect family function and school relationships. With early attention to these nonmedicinal details, the majority of children can progress through childhood and adolescence with few physical or emotional handicaps.     

Rheumatic fever

Summary Sixty children with rheumatic manifestations were studied. The age ranged between 3 and 12 years; males predominated in the ratio of 2.16: 1; there were more cases in November–January and from poor socioeconomic families. A positive family history was elicited in 2 cases. There was an impression of an inverse relationship between migratory arthritis and carditis. The mitral valve was most frequently involved. From the Department of Pediatrics, K. G. Medical College, Lucknow.