Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in immunocompetent children

Objective. The purpose of this paper is to present our experience withMycobacterium tuberculosis infections in immunocompetent children. Subjects and methods. Radiology, pathology, microbiology, and discharge records at two institutions identified the study population. Children who were immunocompromised and those with a positive skin test and no radiological or clinical evidence of active infection were excluded. Active mycobacterial infection was defined by a positive culture, biopsy, or a reactive purified protein-derivative skin test (PPD) with an appropriate clinical presentation and response to therapy and/or known exposure to an adult with active tuberculosis. Results. There were 22 children in whomMycobacterium tuberculosis (MTb) was identified. Fourteen of the patients with MTb were 5 years of age or younger. The most common sites of radiological involvement were the lungs (15 cases) and the hila (eight cases). Four patients had evidence of extrathoracic MTb infection. Three cases of miliary tuberculosis were identified, all in children less than 9 months of age. Conclusion. Although pulmonary and/or hilar disease remains the most common radiological presentation of childhood tuberculosis, the radiologist must be aware of the many radiological presentations of childhoodMycobacterium tuberculosis infection, and should have a high index of suspicion with the increasing incidence in both normal and immunocompromised children.     

One-Year Prospective Study of Community Acquired Influenza and Parainfluenza Viral Infections in Hospitalized Egyptian Children with Malignancy: Single Center Experience

Background: Respiratory viruses are widespread in the community and easily transmitted to immunocompromised patients. Aims: Assess the prevalence of community-acquired respiratory viral infections among children with cancer presenting with clinical picture suggestive of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs), and evaluate its risk factors and prognosis. Methods: Over a year, 90 hospitalized children with malignancy and LRTIs recruited, subjected to clinical assessment, investigated through hematology panel, blood culture, chest x-ray, CT chest and PCR for influenza A and B, parainfluenza (PIV) types 1 and 3 viruses, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and prospectively followed up for the clinical outcome. Results: Viral pathogens were identified in 34 patients (37.7%), with a seasonal peak from April to May. The most frequently detected virus was influenza virus [type A (16 cases; 47%), type B (4 cases; 12%)] followed by parainfluenza virus [PIV1 (9 cases; 26%), PIV3 (3 cases; 15%)], and none had RSV. Bacteria were identified in 26 patients, fungi in four, mixed infections [bacterial/viral and bacterial/fungal] in 13, and 36 cases had unidentified etiology. The majority of patients with influenza and parainfluenza infections had hematological malignancy, presented with fever, and had mild self-limited respiratory illness. Five patients with mixed viral and bacterial infection had severe symptoms necessitating ICU admission. Six patients died from infection-related sequelae; two had mixed PIV and Staphylococcal infections. Conclusions: Community acquired influenza and parainfluenza infections are common in pediatrics patients with malignancy, either as isolated or mixed viral/bacterial infections. Clinical suspicion is essential as hematological and radiological manifestations are nonspecific. Rapid diagnosis and management are mandatory to improve patients’ outcome.     

Critical Review of Visual Perceptual Tests Frequently Administered by Pediatric Therapists

Context. Controversy exists about the most appropriate seating position for children with cerebral palsy (CP) to promote energy conservation and maximize upper-extremity function.

Evidence Acquisition. Sixteen journal articles published after 1980 were identified by searching allied health, medical, and occupational and physical therapy data bases and evidence-based medicine reviews using specific key terms (positioning, wheelchair, postural control, posture, adaptive seating devices, patient positioning, cerebral palsy, movement disorders, upper extremity, reaching, grasping, and occupational therapy) and reviewing bibliographies of retrieved articles.

Evidence Synthesis. The majority of the evidence supports the positive effects of a neutral to slightly forward orientation (whole chair tilted) on upper-extremity function. Only one study did not demonstrate such effects. Of the supporting studies, one suggested the addition of an abduction orthrosis (AO), one recommended the entire functional sitting position (FSP) package (this orientation plus a hip-belt, footrests, AO, and cutout tray), and one established the long-term effects of the FSP. One less rigorous study opposed the addition of an AO. With the exception of one study, most of the evidence states that seat angle does not affect functional abilities. However, some of these studies contain faulty methodology and/or their results demonstrate clinical significance.

Conclusion. Evidence supports that children with CP should be fitted for wheelchairs that place them in a FSP, which includes; orientation in space of 0°-15°, a hip-belt, an AO, footrests, and a cutout tray, with the addition of a sloped forward seat of 0°-15°, to improve upper-extremity function. The exact seat angle and orientation in space within the 0°-15° range should be determined on an individual basis.     

Septic arthritis in childhood

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to determine whether there was a difference between septic arthritis (SA) combined with osteomyelitis and SA alone with regard to clinical and laboratory findings, such as symptoms on admission, age, sex, joint involvement and isolated micro-organisms, and a relationship between age and joint involvement in SA. In addition, we also aimed to determine the prognostic factors in SA. METHODS: The clinical and laboratory findings of 40 patients who were diagnosed with SA in our hospital were reviewed retrospectively. The diagnosis of SA was made according to the following criteria: immediate joint fluid aspiration (culture and Gram's stain positive, leukocyte count markedly elevated and glucose level low), blood culture positive and positive cultures from other possible sites of infection. RESULTS: Of the 40 patients, 22 were boys, 18 were girls and the male to female ratio was 1.2/1. Patient ages ranged from 6 months to 14 years (mean (+/- SD) 8.44 +/- 4.18 years). The most observed symptoms were fever (52.5%), arthralgia (50%) and joint swelling (45%). Thirty-four (85%) patients had only one joint and six patients (15%) had more than one joint involved. In total, arthritis was diagnosed in 49 joints. The joints diagnosed as having arthritis were the following: knee (n = 18), hip (n = 12), ankle (n = 12), elbow (n = 3), shoulder (n = 2), wrist (n = 1) and interphalangeal joint (n = 1). Of the 40 patients, 21 (52.5%) had SA alone and 19 (47.5%) had arthritis together with osteomyelitis. While arthritis was diagnosed in 27 joints in the group of patients with SA, it was diagnosed in 22 joints in the group of patients with SA combined with osteomyelitis; in the latter, an increase was not observed in the number of joints involved. Joint fluid culture was positive in 22 (55%) patients; the growth of Staphylococcus aureus was observed in 20 cases and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus epidermidis were isolated in each patient. In contrast, in one patient, arthritis occured during meningococcal meningitis (in this patient, Gram-negative diplococci was isolated from a cerebrospinal fluid culture). Patients with SA combined with osteomyelitis and those with SA alone were compared for symptoms on admission, the history of trauma and antibiotic use, sex, age, fever, joint involvement, anemia, leukocytosis and micro-organisms isolated from joint fluid and blood; there were no significant differences for these parameters between the two groups (P > 0.05). In addition, we found that there was no relationship between age and joint involvement in SA and there was no effect of micro-organisms on mortality. Three of 40 patients died; the mortality rate was 7.3%. Of the three patients who died, two had SA alone and one had SA combined with osteomyelitis. The primary disease was sepsis in these three patients; S. aureus was cultured from blood in two patients and Gram-positive cocci was observed following examination of the joint fluid in the other patient. CONCLUSIONS: We would like to emphasize that SA is mono-articular, frequently localized in the knee, hip and ankle in 85% of patients, joint fluid culture was positive in 55% of patients, bacteria was isolated from one or more cultures of blood, joint fluid, pus or bone in 70% of patients and the most common isolated micro-organism was S. aureus. In addition, it must be pointed out that children younger than 2 years of age with fever, a positive trauma history and/or abnormal joint findings should be carefully examined for SA because the rate of SA was lower (7.5%) than expected in this age group. We also found that the mortality of SA was not influenced by age, joint involvement and bacterial agents, and there was no significant difference in symptoms on admission, the history of trauma and antibiotic use, sex, age, fever, joint involvement,anemia, leukocytosis and micro-organisms isolated from joint fluid and blood between patients with SA     

Patterns of recurrence of intussusception in children: a 17-year review

Purpose. Patterns of recurrence of intussusception (INT) were reviewed to determine whether changes in management have affected the rate and patterns of recurrence as well as long-term outcome in children with multiple (i. e., 2 or more) recurrences. Materials and methods. Review was done of 763 children with 876 intussusceptions, including (1) recurrence rate, (2) patterns of recurrence (number of and interval between recurrences), (3) reducibility, (4) pathologic lead points (PLP), (5) operative findings and (6) long-term follow-up in those with multiple recurrences. Results. Above features (1)–(6) were the same in those managed with barium enema (1979–1985) and those managed with air enema (1985–1996). Overall recurrence rate was 9 %; 11 % with barium enema and 8 % with air enema. Sixty-nine patients had 113 recurrences: 47/69 (68 %) and 1 recurrence and 22/69 (32 %) had multiple recurrences. Multiple recurrences presented as isolated episodes or in clusters up to 8 years. Reducibility was 100 % for initial INT and 95 % for recurrent episodes; there were no perforations. Surgery, in 4 with irreducible recurrence, revealed no PLP. PLP were present in 5 (8 %): 2 (4 %) with 1 recurrence and 3 (14 %) with multiple recurrences. No pattern of recurrence was predictive for PLP. Long-term follow-up (up to 15 years) available in 11 with multiple recurrences revealed a favourable outcome. Conclusions. Rates and patterns of recurrence did not change with altered management. Because of the high reduction rate of recurrences, lack of perforation and favourable long-term follow-up, we recommend radiological reduction for recurrent INT. Multiple recurrences are not a contraindication. A careful search for PLP is mandatory. Surgery should be reserved for irreducible recurrences or for demonstrated PLP. Received: 30 December 1997 Accepted: 1 May 1998     

A study on clinical and radiological features and outcome in patients with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES)

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is characterized clinically by headaches, seizures, vomiting, nausea, visual abnormalities, and altered mental function and is often (but not invariably) accompanied by parieto-occipital imaging features. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical and radiological features and outcome following PRES in a paediatric cohort. From a retrospectively identified cohort, case records were studied to confirm a diagnosis of PRES. Neuroimaging was reviewed again to assign to recently described radiological subtypes parieto-occipital pattern, holohemispheric watershed pattern, dominant superior frontal sulcus pattern, and asymmetrical or partial expression of the three primary patterns (A/P). Patient outcome was measured by the modified Rankin scale (mRS) scores. Nine boys and three girls with mean age of 12 were identified. Hypertensive episodes (n?=?11), tacrolimus toxicity (n?=?4), and autoimmunity (n?=?1) were identified as potential risk factors/etiologies. Their median mRS at the peak of illness was 2 (range 2–5); three children required intensive care support. After mean follow-up of 35 months (median 37 months; range 3–60 months), all patients improved significantly with mean mRS of 1 (median 1; range 0–1). Conclusion: PRES is easily recognizable by the clinical and radiological features. Although severe at presentation, the outcome from this condition is favorable.     

Obstructive sleep apnoea presenting as failure to thrive in infancy

Objectives: To study the postoperative outcome of infants under the age of 18 months in whom an adenotonsillectomy had been performed, with particular emphasis on the pre- and postoperative weight gain and linear growth velocities, and the resolution of symptoms of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Methodology A retrospective study of all infants in whom an adenotonsillectomy had been performed during the 5 year period to January 1990. Details of pre- and postoperative outcome variables were obtained by review of hospital and office records and by telephone calls to the parents. Results Complete data were available for 29 (76%) of the 38 infants in whom an adenotonsillectomy had been performed. The data from these infants are reported. Pre-operatively, all infants had clinical symptoms of OSA, and 52% of infants also presented with failure to thrive (FIT). Seven infants were dysmorphic: three had Down syndrome, three had a craniofacial anomaly and one infant had Mobius syndrome. Following adenotonsillectomy, 23 infants (79%) had complete resolution of their OSA symptoms. Two infants with Down syndrome required a tracheostomy to relieve persistent upper airway obstruction. Eighty-seven per cent of the infants with pre-operative FTT had a significant increase in weight gain velocity postoperatively (mean 195.1 ± 80.8 s.d. vs 509.8± 249.1 g/month; P<0.001), including the infants with mild persistent symptoms of OSA. The weight gain velocity of infants who were not failing to thrive pre-operatively did not change significantly following adenotonsillectomy (328.1 ± 106.9 vs 333.2±146.4 g/month; P= 0.82). The linear growth velocity of all infants did not change significantly postoperatively. Conclusions: SA should be considered in infants with FTT, as adenotonsillectomy is an effective treatment for OSA in infancy, and the weight gain velocity of these infants may increase significantly postoperatively. Overnight oximetry or other physiological studies may be required if the clinical signs and symptoms of OSA are equivocal.     

琥珀酸对惊厥幼鼠小脑浦肯野细胞的保护作用

目的 探讨琥珀酸(SA)对惊厥幼鼠小脑浦肯野细胞(PC)的保护作用。方法 将健康新生7 d Sprague-Dawley(SD)幼鼠120 只随机分为新生期组和发育期组,两组再随机分为正常对照组、惊厥模型组、小剂量苯巴比妥(PB)组(30 mg/kg)、大剂量PB 组(120 mg/kg)、小剂量琥珀酸(SA)组(30 mg/kg)、大剂量SA 组(120 mg/kg)。利用腹腔注射戊四氮制备幼鼠惊厥模型,正常对照组应用生理盐水替代。新生期各组大鼠分别在注射PB 或SA 或生理盐水后30 min 处死取小脑,发育期各组大鼠分别在注射PB 或SA 或生理盐水后养至30 d 时处死取小脑。采用全细胞膜片钳技术,在各组幼鼠小脑脑片上记录PC 动作电位(AP);采用低频刺激平行纤维(PF)诱发兴奋性突触后电流(EPSC),观察SA 对各组大鼠PC 长时程抑制(LTD)的影响。结果 与对照组相比,新生期和发育期惊厥幼鼠PC AP 频率均明显增高(P<0.05),发育期惊厥幼鼠PC AP 阈刺激明显降低(P<0.01),且PC EPSC 的幅值抑制程度明显增强(P<0.05);与对照组相比,新生期和发育期大剂量PB 组惊厥幼鼠PC AP 阈刺激明显降低(P<0.01),PC AP 频率明显增高(P<0.05),PC EPSC 抑制程度明显增强(P<0.05);新生期和发育期大剂量SA 组惊厥幼鼠PC AP 频率与惊厥组相比均明显降低(P<0.05);发育期两种剂量SA 组AP 产生的阈值与惊厥组相比均明显增高(P<0.05)。结论 SD 幼鼠新生期惊厥导致的小脑PC 兴奋性增高和PF-PC 突触可塑性异常可持续至发育期,PB 可能加重这种异常,而SA 能降低惊厥幼鼠小脑PC 的兴奋性,并对惊厥造成的PC LTD 的近期和远期异常有明显的修复作用。     

Tuberculous meningitis and HIV

Objective : To identify factors associated with HIV-infected status in children admitted with tuberculous meningitis (TBM), and to find out whether HIV co-infection affects in-hospital outcome.Methods : This prospective hospital-based study was conducted from May 2000 to August 2003. All consecutive children, aged 1 month to 12 years of age, admitted with a diagnosis of TBM were enrolled. Relationship between 35 featuresviz., two demographic factors, nine clinical features, 13 neurological features, five laboratory (including cerebrospinal fluid) parameters, six radiological (including computed tomography scan brain) features, and the two outcomes (disabled survivor or death); with HIV-infected status was assessed.Results : Of a total 123 TBM cases enrolled, eight (6.5%) were HIV-infected. There was no significant difference between the two groups, except that more children in the HIV-infected group had Hb< 8 gm/dl: both on bivariate analysis, (OR, 12.0; 95% CI, 2.6–55.9; P = 0.001) and on multivariate analysis (OR, 12.30; 95% CI, 1.9–79.6; P = 0.008). Outcome was similar in both the groups.Conclusion: Only presence of Hb< 8 gm/dl was associated with HIV-infected status. HIV co-infection did not affect the outcome.     

儿童暴发性心肌炎的临床特点及预后的影响因素

目的 调查儿童暴发性心肌炎的临床特点及预后的影响因素,为临床诊治及预后评估提供参考。方法 回顾性分析24例暴发性心肌炎患儿的临床资料。根据患儿预后分为存活组(n=12)和死亡组(n=12)。应用logistic回归分析筛选出影响暴发性心肌炎患儿预后的危险因素。结果 24例暴发性心肌炎患儿中,入院首发症状为消化系统症状者14例,神经系统症状12例,呼吸系统症状1例,循环系统症状2例。入院时血清肌酸激酶MB同工酶、肌钙蛋白I、脑钠肽水平均升高;左室射血分数减低22例(92%);心胸比值增大10例;Ⅲ度房室传导阻滞8例,ST段改变11例,室性心律2例。死亡组患儿左室射血分数低于存活组(PPOR=7.418,P结论 儿童暴发性心肌炎临床特点缺乏特异性。左室射血分数减低是暴发性心肌炎患儿预后不良的危险因素。     

儿童结核性脑膜炎抗结核治疗中发生类赫反应的危险因素

目的探讨儿童结核性脑膜炎(TBM)抗结核治疗中出现类赫反应(PR)的临床特征、危险因素及对预后的影响。方法回顾性分析2013年1月至2018年12月在遵义医科大学附属医院儿科收治的TBM患儿的临床资料及随访情况;根据是否发生PR分组,采用单因素分析选出PR的影响因素后,引入多因素Logistic回归分析找出PR的独立危险因素;评估PR对随访≥9个月预后的影响。结果纳入87例TBM,其中31例(35.6%)发生PR,男16例,女15例,中位年龄92个月(8~168个月)。在抗结核治疗中位时间33 d(15~180 d)出现PR,表现为原有症状加重或复现(22/31例,71.0%),脑脊液(CSF)恶化(25/31例,80.6%)及脑影像恶化(16/31例,51.6%)。单因素分析显示PR与临床分期Ⅱ期、肢体瘫痪、颅神经损害、结核感染检测(T-SPOT)阳性、CSF乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)水平升高、基底脑膜强化、中枢神经系统外结核有关(均P<0.05);多因素Logistic回归分析显示肢体瘫痪、颅神经损害、LDH水平升高及T-SPOT阳性是PR的独立危险因素(均P<0.05)。PR与预后无关(P=0.165)。结论TBM患儿抗结核治疗中35.6%发生PR,与肢体瘫痪、颅神经损害、CSF-LDH水平升高、T-SPOT阳性有关,与预后无关。识别PR极其重要,可避免一些临床误区。     

Outcome of resuscitated apparently stillborn infants: A ten year review

This study addresses the dilemma of whether to attempt resuscitation of the previously undiagnosed fresh stillborn infant and evaluates factors predictive of survival and long-term outcome. We reviewed the clinical spectrum, immediate complications and long-term outcome of 45 successfully resuscitated apparently stillborn infants (34 term, 11 preterm) who were admitted to the Intensive Care Nursery. Significant obstetric and intrapartum events were identified in 34 (75%) infants while 11 (25%) had no apparent risk factors. Of the 39 infants with neonatal complications, 37 had hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE; Sarnat stage 1 in 5, stage 2 in 15, stage 3 in 17); 12 (27%) had oliguria, 10 (22%) had hypotension, 7 (16%) experienced hypoglycaemia, 4 (9%) had disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC) and 1 (2%) had persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). Fourteen infants (31%) died in the neonatal period and four (9%) died during infancy. Risks of death and adverse neurodevelopment were significantly increased in infants with stage 2 or 3 HIE ( P <0.005). Follow-up assessment of 24 of the 27 surviving infants revealed a normal outcome in 15 (63%), severe disability in six (25%), moderate disability in two (8%) and mild disability in one (4%) infant. The positive predictive value of stage 2 or 3 HIE was 70% for mortality and 80% for morbidity. One-third (15/45) of successfully resuscitated apparently stillborn infants were normal at follow-up assessment and the outcome for these infants was predicted with complete accuracy by the stage of HIE present during the neonatal period.     

Intracranial meningiomas of childhood and adolescence

Meningiomas are rare intracranial neoplasms in childhood and adolescence, representing 0.4-4.1% of the pediatric-age tumors and 1.5-1.8% of all intracranial meningiomas. The goal of this study was to determine epidemiology, clinical and radiological features, and long-term outcome of childhood and adolescence meningiomas. Patients operated for intracranial meningiomas of childhood and adolescence between 1983 and 2003 at Gazi University School of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, were evaluated retrospectively. This study presents 11 cases (6 male, 5 female), ranging in age from 14 months to 17 years. Age and sex distribution, presenting symptoms, neurological examination results, location of meningiomas, radiological and histopathological findings, and prognosis were reviewed. The results were compared with those reported in the existing literature. Atypical and malignant meningiomas seem to be more common in childhood and adolescence with respect to adult meningiomas. Tumor location, completeness of tumor removal, and pathological grade are the most important prognostic factors.     

Is peptic ulcer a common cause of upper gastrointestinal symptoms?

 The aim of the study was to investigate retrospectively a cohort of children with peptic ulcer disease during a period that covers the recent changes in diagnosis and management of the disease. Over a period of 9 years, 2550 children underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for various reasons. All children, in whom a diagnosis of primary peptic ulcer was established, were included in the study. Previous and current medical history, family history, endoscopic and histological outcome were evaluated and the children were regularly followed-up on an out-patient basis. Primary peptic ulcer was diagnosed in 52 (10 gastric and 42 duodenal, 2%) out of 2550 children. The median age of children with gastric ulcer was 6.5 years, whereas of those with duodenal ulcer was 10.5 years (P=0.04). With regard to clinical symptoms no significant difference was found between children with and without ulcer. The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection was significantly higher in children with duodenal ulcer (62%) compared to those with gastric ulcer (20%; P<0.001). At first follow-up visit, 1 month after the end of treatment, 19 symptomatic children underwent a repeat endoscopy, which showed ulcer healing in 95% and failure in H. pylori eradication in 27%. During the long-term follow-up (median 3.5 years), six children became symptomatic. Two of them had duodenal ulcer associated with positive H. pylori. Conclusion Peptic ulcer disease is an uncommon disorder in childhood with non specific clinical features; it seems that efficient treatment and successful Helicobacter pylori eradication result in clinical improvement and cure as well as in long-term healing of ulcers. Received: 25 September 2000 and in revised form: 22 February and 28 March 2001 / Accepted: 29 March 2001     

Acute osteomyelitis of the distal fibula in children: Treatment options and long-term follow-up

IntroductionAcute osteomyelitis of the distal fibula is a rare disease in children and is characterized by special features compared with other sites. The objective of this study was to report the functional outcome at long-term follow-up.MethodsWe reviewed retrospectively, between January 2000 and December 2010, all cases of acute osteomyelitis of the distal fibula. Epidemiological and bacteriological data as well as therapy and outcome factors were analyzed. At the last follow-up, functional outcome was studied based on ankle motion, growth disturbance, and radiological sequelae.ResultsSeven cases of acute osteomyelitis of the distal fibula were found. The mean age was patients was 7.71 years and the sex ratio was 2.5. The portal of entry of the pathogen was a skin injury in 57% of cases. Staphylococcus aureus was identified in 71% of cases. The mean duration of antibiotic therapy was 33.2 days. At a mean of 12.85 years of follow-up, no growth disturbance was found. The mean plantar and dorsal flexion was 41° and 27.7°, respectively. The mean postoperative American Orthopedics Foot and Ankle score (AOFAS) was 96.71 points.ConclusionAcute osteomyelitis of the distal fibula in children is scarce and rarely reported in the literature. It occurs more often in boys at an average age of 7 years. Local symptoms are usually more obvious than general symptoms. Surgical debridement of the subperiosteal abscess without bone trepanation seems to lead to a satisfactory outcome.Level of evidenceLevel IV – case series.IRBSahloul Hospital Human Research Ethics Committee.     

Radiological analysis of hyaline membrane disease after exogenous surfactant treatment

Background. Exogenous surfactant treatment of hyaline membrane disease is known to modify the pattern of radiological changes on the chest radiograph. Objectives. To analyse and attempt to explain the radiological changes observed after exogenous surfactant treatment. Materials and methods. Thirty-nine premature infants with typical hyaline membrane disease. Results. Transient asymmetrical clearing with better aeration of the right lung in the absence of malposition of the tip of the endotracheal tube was observed in nine cases (23 %). This asymmetry was patchy in one case. It was due to a complication of mechanical ventilation in three cases [pneumothorax (n = 2) and pneumomediastinum (n = 1)]. In the other six cases, asymmetrical clearing could be related to the anatomical position of the right main bronchus, which facilitates distribution of surfactant to the right lung. However, the course of these premature infants was similar to that of infants with symmetrical chest radiological findings after treatment. Conclusions. Asymmetrical clearing of chest radiographs, sometimes patchy, after surfactant treatment requires exclusion of pneumothorax or infection but has no influence on clinical outcome. Received: 30 December 1997 Accepted: 15 June 1998     

Lyme disease with lymphocytic meningitis, trigeminal palsy and silent thalamic lesion

We describe a follow-up in a 15-year-old boy with neuroborreliosis diagnosed by clinical symptoms, CSF and serum analysis. MRI revealed a thalamic lesion and an enhancement of the right trigeminal nerve clinically associated with mild hypasthesia in the right maxillary region. Both, clinical symptoms and radiological findings disappeared within 2 months after treatment. Borrelia burgdorferi specific IgM and IgG in CSF and IgG in serum became negative between 6 and 12 months after diagnosis. We show that neuroborreliosis at an early stage may present only with moderate neurological deficits and that at this stage MRI reveals distinct cerebral lesions which might even precede clinical manifestation. Thus, early diagnosis and treatment of neuroborreliosis may prevent persistent neurologic lesions.     

Clinical and laboratory features, complications and treatment outcome of brucellosis in childhood and review of the literature

Brucellosis, whether in an endemic region or not, remains a diagnostic puzzle due to occasional misleading unusual presentations and non-specific symptoms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and laboratory findings, complications and treatment outcome of brucellosis in children in southeastern Anatolia, Turkey. This study focuses on the frequency of clinical and laboratory findings and complications in cases with brucellosis. Of 22 patients, 8 (36.3%) were female and 14 (63.7%) were male. Fever, malaise, lack of appetite, arthralgia, and night sweating were the main presenting symptoms overall. Hematologic complications (n=13, 59.1%) were most common, followed by skeletal (n=7, 31.8%) and cutaneous system (n=1, 4.5%). Brucellosis may affect any organ system and imitate a variety of clinical entities. Diagnosis of brucellosis should be considered whenever there is a febrile illness associated with rheumatological complaints. Consequently, early recognition of the infection, prolonged antibiotic treatment and careful long-term follow-up should improve the patient outcome.     

Clinical profile and outcome of acute respiratory failure

Objective : To examine the etiological factors, clinical features, treatment modalities and outcome of acute respiratory failure in children.Methods : This hospital-based prospective observational study was conducted over 15 months. Fifty children with acute respiratory failure, diagnosed by serial arterial blood gas analysis, were consecutively enrolled. Ventilation therapy was initiated when the FiO₂ requirement went above 0.6.Results : Pulmonary diseases accounted for majority (68%) of cases, followed by nervous system (12%); and cardiovascular and skeletal muscle system diseases (10%, each). Bronchopneumonia was the commonest cause of acute respiratory failure (11 cases). The majority of cases were in the age group 1 month to < 1 year (26 cases). The commonest signs were altered depth and pattern of respiration (100%), chest wall retractions (88%), flaring of alae nasae (88%), tachypnea (84%), tachycardia (82%), and irritability (64%). Cyanosis was noticed in only 26 (52%) cases. Thirty-six (72%) children required ventilation therapy. The overall mortality was 58%. The mortality was high (55.9% to 66.7%), irrespective of the primary system involved. Significantly higher mortality was associated with co-existent malnutrition (p<0.001), Type I failure (p=0.039) and ventilation therapy (p<0.0001).Conclusion : Acute respiratory failure has varied etiology and clinical manifestations, and a high mortality. Its outcome is independent of age of the child and the primary system involved. Malnutrition and Type I failure are factors associated with a poor outcome.     

Cerebral sinovenous thrombosis and idiopathic nephrotic syndrome in childhood: report of four new cases and review of the literature

Introduction Nephrotic children are prone to develop thromboembolic complications secondary to an acquired hypercoagulable state. Cerebral sinovenous thrombosis (CSVT) is increasingly recognised in this population, but clinical characteristics and outcome are not well documented.Patients and methods The database of the Canadian Pediatric Ischemic Stroke Registry (Toronto Site) containing prospectively enrolled children from 1992–2004 with CSVT identified four children with NS. A pooled literature analysis retrieved 17 additional cases reports.Results CSVT presented in the majority of cases during the first flare or within 6 months after the onset of NS and was found to occur more often in SSNS/SDNS (n=13) than in SRNS (n=4). Clinical manifestations were non-specific and consisted primarily of seizures (n=8) and signs of raised intracranial pressure (n=16). Imaging studies revealed a predilection for superior sagittal sinus involvement (n=21) and rare parenchymal lesions (n=4). The most consistent biological risk factors were a severe hypoalbuminaemia (n=14) and, to a lesser extent, decreased antithrombin (AT) levels (n=9/16). Deficiency of other coagulation inhibitors (protein S, protein C) was not identified. Inherited thrombophilia was documented in a single case, suggesting that acquired, more than genetic, coagulation factors are involved. Anticoagulation was safe, and the outcome was good in most patients, and no recurrence of thrombotic event was reported.Discussion In conclusion, CSVT is now a well-described complication of NS with potential morbidity. A high index of suspicion is required, especially in young children with NS presenting neurological symptoms. Reliable biological predictors of CSVT are lacking.