Pediatric ophthalmology: reasons for examination and disease pictures

A representative sample of 800 patients was taken from 15,000 children treated between 1972 and 1984 in the Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology of Frankfurt University Eye Hospital. Their charts were reviewed to answer two questions: what are the most frequent reasons for ophthalmological examination in children under 15 years old and what are the most frequent diagnoses? Ophthalmological examinations were most frequently scheduled because of strabismus, errors of refraction and trauma or inflammation of the anterior segment, though also in a large number of cases because of general diseases, most often neurologic diseases such as epilepsy or elevated intracerebral pressure. The diseases diagnosed ophthalmologically were classified as congenital or acquired eye diseases and congenital or acquired general diseases with ocular symptoms. The most frequent are indicated in the text. Acquired diseases were more frequent than congenital diseases, though this group proved to be much larger in pediatric patients than in adult patients.     

Direct opto-electronic analysis of the interaction of head and eye movements

To study interactions of head and eye during various motor tasks in a clinical environment, a recording system is needed which should be characterized by high precision and reliability. A computer-assisted optoelectronic method based on the SELSPOT system is described. All the equipment was specially designed for neuro-ophthalmologic purposes and fulfills the requirements. A range of programs was developed using several types of signal processing algorithms, allowing simultaneous one-dimensional and two-dimensional representation of motor acts of the head and eye, including separate analysis of slow and rapid movements. Thus, the method is suitable for analyzing physiologic and pathologic mechanisms of complex interactions. The quality of this novel SELSPOT application is demonstrated by recordings made during induced circular movements.     

The KID-syndrome in Finland. A report of four cases

We describe a rare syndrome in a Finnish family, in which the father and his two sons are congenitally deaf and also exhibit corneal vascularization, and hyperkeratosis of the skin of the palms, soles, elbows and knees. In addition, all 3 suffer from fungal infections of the skin and nails. We also describe a fourth, sporadic case of a 9-year-old girl with the same disease. The KID (k = keratitis, i = ichthyosis, d = deafness) syndrome is an ectodermal dysplasia that probably arises through mutation, and is transmitted as an autosomal dominant in the family described by us.     

Success and complications of pneumatic retinopexy

Fifty-eight consecutive patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment were treated by pneumatic retinopexy using intravitreal perfluoropropane gas. Reattachment was achieved in 29 of 35 eyes (83%) having single retinal breaks (up to 45 degrees in extent), including dialyses (up to 60 degrees), and groups of breaks within one clock hour. The cumulative reattachment rate was 37 of 58 eyes (64%), including eyes with detachments with multiple breaks 30 to 120 degrees apart and vitreous hemorrhage as well as aphakic and pseudophakic eyes. Pneumatic retinopexy was successful in 18 of 22 (82%) myopic eyes (-3 to -11 diopters). Virtually all complications developed in the inferior retinal quadrants, and included preretinal vitreous condensations or membranes in 27 of 58 eyes (47%), new retinal breaks in seven eyes (12%), and rhegmatogenous or tractional detachments in previously attached areas in 14 eyes (24%). Postoperative proliferative vitreoretinopathy occurred in six eyes (10%) and macular pucker in two (3%).     

Das CTG ante partum

Zusammenfassung In 2 F?llen von Wachstumsretardierungen wird die Wertigkeit des Stre?tests (Wehenbelastungstest) analysiert. Unzureichende Gewichtszunahme, reduzierter Symphysen-Fundus-Abstand und sonographisch nachgewiesene Stagnation des biparietalen Durchmessers und des Thoraxdurchmessers waren die Indikation zu intensiverer überwachung. Der Stre?test demaskierte die Borderline-Oxygenation des Feten bevor eine Zentralisation des fetalen Kreislaufs auftreten konnte.     

Influence of extracellular calcium in the effects of dibekacin and diltiazem on indirectly elicited tetanic responses in the rat phrenic-hemidiaphragm preparation

1. Dibekacin (70 microM-3 mM) produced a decrease of peak tetanic tension in a concentration-dependent manner and this effect was dependent on extracellular calcium (0.3-2.5 mM Ca2+). Only minimal fade was observed and it was not related with extracellular calcium concentrations. 2. Diltiazem (30-300 microM) decreased peak tetanic tension and produced tetanic fade. Both effects were independent of extracellular calcium, although a significant potentiation was observed at 0.3 mM calcium. 3. It is concluded that tetanic parameters are related differently to extracellular calcium.     

Synthesis and anticonvulsant properties of some arylsuccinate methylpyridylimides

In reaction of alpha-phenyl, alpha-p-chlorophenyl and alpha-m-chlorophenylsuccinic acid with various aminopyridines, N-pyridyl-substituted succinimides (compounds 1-14) were obtained. These compounds were investigated for their CNS activity. Compounds 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7 displayed anticonvulsant properties in the maximum electroshock test. Compounds 5 and 6 were also active in the pentetrazole test.     

Pathogenesis and changes in the aetiology of arterio-venous fistulae

There has been a marked shift in the causes of arterio-venous fistulae. Gunshot and stab wounds used to be the most frequent cause but iatrogenic fistulae, especially those arising as a result of reconstructive skeletal operations or following diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, are now becoming increasingly common. If morphological vascular changes have not yet occurred and cardiac volume overloading has not led to permanent damage, a recently established arterio-venous fistula can be easily corrected by resection and oversewing of the artery and vein. The special cases of arterio-venous fistulae arising as a result of catheter procedures in the groin have to be identified in terms of cause and morphology in order to facilitate early surgical correction.     

Biomonitoring of aromatic amines and alkylating agents by measuring hemoglobin adducts

Summary Analysis of hemoglobin adducts in blood samples is suitable for the biological monitoring of genotoxic chemicals. The method is specific because the compound to which the individual was exposed is identified. The sensitivity of the method depends on the analytical procedure applied, but is hardly limiting since large amounts of the protein can be obtained. The method provides not only information about the internal exposure to the environmental chemical, but also about the individual's capacity to generate ultimate genotoxic metabolites from it. Since macromolecular damage in blood cells is correlated to that in potential target tissues, this information is relevant to risk assessment, insofar as macromolecular damage produced by a specific chemical can be correlated with the development of tumors.