Fibromatosis of bone in children

Radiographs, computed tomograms, and radionuclide bone scans were obtained preoperatively in three children with fibromatosis involving the bones and soft tissues of the extremities. Two of the children had identical scar-like bone lesions of the proximal tibia, which, to the authors' knowledge, have not been reported before in this disease. The lesions recurred in two children.     

Potentially toxic serum concentrations of desipramine after discontinuation of valproic acid

Pharmacological interventions in the treatment of various cognitive, behavioural and neurological problems after brain injury often may involve combinations of medications from various drug classes. This carries the implication of potentially new or previously undereported drug interactions. A case report is presented in which a commonly used anticonvulsant drug, valproic acid, and a commonly used antidepressant, desipramine, interacted in such a manner as to cause potentially toxic serum concentrations of desipramine. This case demonstrates the important point that it is not simply the addition of one drug to another that may cause interaction, but the withdrawal of a particular drug which may then adversely impact the remaining drug regimen.     

Emphysema in the renal allograft

Two diabetic patients in whom emphysematous pyelonephritis developed after renal transplantation are described. Clinical recognition of this unusual and serious infection is masked by the effects of immunosuppression. Abdominal radiographic, ultrasound, and computed tomography findings are discussed. The clinical presentation includes urinary tract infection, sepsis, and acute tubular malfunction of the allograft in insulin-dependent diabetics.     

Wear of enhanced ultra-high molecular-weight polyethylene (Hylamer) in combination with a 22.225 mm diameter zirconia femoral head

We have prospectively studied the wear of enhanced ultra-high molecular-weight polyethylene (Hylamer) in combination with a zirconia femoral head of 22.225 mm diameter on a cemented, triple-tapered, collarless, polished stem, the C Stem. The 71 patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty had a mean follow-up of six years (3 to 8). No patient died or was lost to follow-up. The clinical results were excellent with 96% of patients satisfied. There were no revisions. Two cups were considered to be loose radiologically. One was avulsed from the cement in a skiing accident, with a periprosthetic fracture of the femur, but has remained stable for more than seven years. One femur shows radiological appearances which are compatible with a healing infection. One femoral component is at risk of loosening. The mean rate of penetration of the cup was 0.22 mm/year (0.06 to 0.55). Our results appear to be within the guidelines set by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. We have discontinued the use of Hylamer despite excellent clinical results and no revisions to date because the high initial rates of penetration did not settle to the expected low levels within the anticipated time.     

Outcomes of children after bronchial foreign body inhalation

Bronchial foreign body inhalation is a frequent and potentially serious accident in children. It can provoke long-term complications such as bronchiectasis. These complications occur especially if the delay between inhalation and extraction is long (above 7 days) and in case of vegetal foreign body. To decrease the risk of complications, one must emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and the potential role of fiberoptic bronchoscopy to help the diagnosis in case of suspected inhalation without clinical or radiological signs. Rigid bronchoscopy is the only procedure that allows diagnosis and removal of the foreign body.