Assessment of an abbreviated odorant identification task for children: a rapid screening device for schools and clinics

To validate the level of olfactory performance of children, we tested 825 volunteers, aged 4–17 years, with an abbreviated form of our pediatric odorant identification task. The test consisted of sniffing and identifying five odorants (baby powder, bubble gum, candy cane, licorice and peach). Mean olfactory scores increased as a function of age, reaching a plateau of about 94–95% correct at 8 years of age. In general, girls out–performed boys. Physicians require a test instrument such as the one we have devised to allow them to diagnose olfactory dysfunction in children. The present task is particularly applicable in screening large numbers of children in clinics or schools because it can be administered easily and rapidly. Adult subjects with olfactory dysfunction also performed poorly on this odorant identification task designed for children. Therefore, we expect that our odorant identification task will also detect children with severe olfactory dysfunction.     

Seizures in children with low-grade tumors： outcome after tumor resection and risk factors for uncontrolled seizures

OBJECT： The goals of this study were to define the incidence of seizures in children with low-grade tumors, study seizure outcome after lesionectomy in these children, and identify risk factors for poor seizure outcome, METHODS： The authors performed a retrospective chart review of children who harbored low-grade brain tumors, experienced seizures, and were treated in a single institution, Statistical analyses included step-wise as well as single-variable binary logistic regression analyses.     

Use of antivenom serum in snake bite: a prospective study of hospital practice in the Gampaha district

OBJECTIVE: To record current practices in hospital management of snake bite, especially with regard to use of antivenom serum (AVS). METHODS: Management of all snake bite victims admitted to the four main hospitals of the Gampaha district was prospectively studied during a 5-month period. A pretested data collection sheet was used. Relevant information was obtained from patients, accompanying persons, medical staff and hospital records. RESULTS: 466 patients (M:F = 7:3; 402 adults and 64 children) were admitted following snake bite during the study. The offending snake was identified in 357 (76.6%) cases [172 (36.9%) by examining the dead snake, 185 by identification of the snake in a photograph]. 273 (76.5%) of the 357 admissions were due to hump nosed viper bite. AVS was given to 184 (39.5%) patients, including 99 (36.3%) with hump nosed viper bite. A sensitivity test of AVS was used in all 184 patients. Premedication with hydrocortisone and/or antihistamines before AVS infusion was given to 89 patients. Acute adverse reactions to AVS occurred in 102 (55.4%) patients given AVS. There was no significant difference in the rate of reactions whether premedication was given or not. CONCLUSION: Precise identification of the offending snake was not possible in many instances. Practices that are of no benefit in the treatment of snake bite are still widely used. Acute adverse reactions to AVS are common, and neither hydrocortisone nor antihistamines seem to be of benefit as prophylaxis. Evidence based management guidelines, especially with regard to AVS therapy, are urgently required.