Effects of dexamethasone on IL-1beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha production by mononuclear cells of newborns and adults

The effects of dexamethasone on the production of interleukin (IL) 1beta, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha were studied in preterm newborns, term infants, and adults. Twenty preterm and 22 term newborns and 30 healthy adults were included in the study. Mononuclear cells (MC) isolated from cord blood of newborns and peripheral blood of adults were incubated without or with lipopolysaccharide in the absence or presence of dexamethasone at concentrations between 10(-8) and 10(-5) M. The cytokine concentration in the supernatants was tested using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Although a dose-dependent inhibition of the cytokine production was observed at pharmacological doses of dexamethasone in individuals of the three groups, differences in the intensity of the effect were observed between the groups. Spontaneous secretion of IL-1beta or IL-6 by MC of preterm neonates was less inhibited by dexamethasone as compared with cells from adults. In contrast, the inhibitory effect of the drug on lipopolysaccharide-induced IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha production was more pronounced on neonatal cells. As for term newborns, MC were more sensitive to the inhibitory effect of the drug on LPS-induced IL-6 production than cells of adults. The results suggest that dexamethasone treatment of preterm newborns may affect cytokine production with a consequent modulation of the host's immune response.

Successful treatment of rheumatic chorea with carbamazepine

Carbamazepine has been used successfully in the treatment of different movement disorders and was recently reported to be effective for nonhereditary chorea. In view of the significant side effects associated with the drugs currently used to treat chorea, we sought to further evaluate the efficacy of carbamazepine in children with rheumatic chorea. The study was prospective and included 10 children with chorea (eight females and two males; age range = 7-16 years) referred to our Pediatric Rheumatology Clinic between 1995 and 1999. Nine had rheumatic fever and one had antiphospholipid antibody syndrome that later evolved to systemic lupus erythematosus. All were treated with carbamazepine. Improvement was evident within 2-14 days of initiation of low doses of carbamazepine (4-10 mg/kg daily). The plasma drug levels were 2.8-8.2 microg/mL (therapeutic antiepileptic range = 8-12 microg/mL). The chorea disappeared within 2-12 weeks. The duration of treatment was 1-15 months. No side effects were observed. Recurrence was observed in three patients who received a second trial of carbamazepine with a good response. We suggest that carbamazepine may serve as a first-line treatment for rheumatic chorea.

Effect of diazepam on the immune response of rats exposed to acute and chronic swim stress

To examine the effect of the anti-stress agent diazepam on the immune response, rats were exposed either to acute swim stress, i.e., swimming once only for 30 minutes (non-trained swimmers), or to chronic stress with gradual progressive training for 6 weeks (trained swimmers). Both groups of animals were divided into subgroups treated before swimming with and without diazepam, 1 mg/kg, administered i.m. The phagocytic capacity and superoxide anion generation of the peritoneal macrophages was examined. In addition, the proliferative response of the splenic cells (splenocytes) to concanavalin A (Con A) and phytohemagglutinin (PHA), as well as the serum corticosterone levels were investigated. Diazepam abolished increased superoxide anion production in both non-trained and trained swimmers. In non-trained swimmers, the number of latex particles internalized by each cell was decreased and further reduced by the drug. In trained rats treated with diazepam, the percentage of phagocytosing cells remained reduced compared to controls, whereas the drug prevented a decrease in the engulfing capacity of individual cells. Diazepam lowered the suppressed proliferative response of the splenocytes to PHA found in non-trained swimmers. It is concluded that diazepam modifies the immune response of rats exposed to acute and chronic swim stress.

Carbamazepine-induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome treated with IV steroids and IVIG

A 17-year-old female is presented who developed antiepileptic drug hypersensitivity syndrome after treatment with carbamazepine. The initial diagnoses were idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and toxic shock syndrome. The patient was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin and intravenous steroids. After a severe climax on days 2-4 she recovered completely and was discharged on the eighth day of hospitalization. Although we do not have direct proof, we believe that these treatment modalities, especially the IVIG, shortened and ameliorated the clinical course of the disease.

Raynaud's phenomenon as a manifestation of parvovirus B19 infection: case reports and review of parvovirus B19 rheumatic and vasculitic syndromes

Infection with human parvovirus B19 is manifested as erythema infectiosum, transient aplastic crisis, or hydrops fetalis. Rheumatic manifestations include arthropathy and various vasculitic syndromes. Isolated Raynaud's phenomenon due to parvovirus B19 has never been described. We report on 2 previously healthy sisters with new-onset Raynaud's phenomenon accompanied by severe generalized polyarthralgia. A full workup was negative, except serology for parvovirus B19, which was positive. All symptoms gradually subsided within 3-5 months, and no recurrence has been noted during the 3 years since onset. We review all the studies in the English-language literature on parvovirus B19-induced rheumatic and vasculitic syndromes. We hypothesize that the pathogenesis of Raynaud's phenomenon in our patients involved immune-mediated endothelial damage leading to platelet activation and vasoconstriction. We recommend that in cases of unexplained Raynaud's phenomenon, serology for parvovirus B19 be included in the evaluation.

Phototherapy for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia affects cytokine production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells

The capacity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) to produce interleukin (IL) IL-1beta, IL-2, IL-3, IL-6, IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) was examined in term newborns with hyperbilirubinemia after 24 hours' exposure to phototherapy (wave length 425-475 nm). The results were compared with those from untreated neonates. Fifty newborns spontaneously delivered at term were included in the study. Blood samples were collected from 20 newborns before and 24 h after phototherapy. The control group consisted of 30 neonates examined on two consecutive days. PBMC isolated from blood samples were incubated in vitro for cytokine production. The concentration of cytokines in the supernatants was tested using ELISA kits (for IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-10 and TNFalpha), or by bioassays (for IL-2 and IL-3). Phototherapy caused a 70% increase in IL-2 secretion (123 +/- 27 vs 208 +/- 30 units/ml, P < 0.01) and 56% in IL-10 production (1.07 +/- 0.19 vs 1.67 +/- 0.33 ng/ml, P < 0. 03), whereas the spontaneous secretion of IL-1beta was reduced by 43% (13.7 +/- 2.3 vs 7.3 +/- 1.7 ng/ml, P < 0.02). In the control group the secretion of these cytokines was similar on the two consecutive days and did not differ significantly from secretion in the other group before phototherapy. On the other hand, lipopolysaccharide induced TNFalpha production was higher on the second day in the two groups of newborns irrespective of phototherapy (388 +/- 58 vs 683 +/- 88 pg/ml, P < 0.001, in the control group and 384 +/- 75 vs 588 +/- 91, P < 0.05, before and after phototherapy). The synthesis of IL-3 and IL-6 did not change significantly between the two days of the study. The results demonstrate that in addition to the well-known positive effect of phototherapy on the neonate serum bilirubin level, this treatment affects the function of the immune system in newborns via alterations in cytokine production.

Autosomal recessive microcephaly with neonatal myoclonic seizures: clinical and MRI findings

We describe an infant who was born to a consanguineous couple of Palestinian origin. The patient had severe microcephaly, myoclonic seizures, hypsarrythmia, spasticity, hypertonicity, and profound mental retardation. A similar case was reported in another unrelated Palestinian family, suggesting that this condition may be endemic. The condition resembles early onset myoclonic seizures and spasticity described by Tolmie et al.: Am J Med Genet 27:583-594 [1987]. To the best of our knowledge, only four pairs of sibs have been described with this syndrome; however, to date no magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings were reported for this condition. We present the clinical and radiological findings in the patients, including the first report of MRI findings.

Colchicine-induced myoneuropathy in childhood

Colchicine is used in the treatment of gouty arthritis, familial Mediterranean fever, amyloidosis, Behcet disease and dermatoses. Myoneuropathy is a rare side-effect reported either with intoxication or in elderly patients with chronic renal insufficiency causing elevated plasma drug levels. We report the first two cases of myoneuropathy in children, both taking appropriate doses of colchicine, and having normal renal function. The myoneuropathic changes were reversible after stopping treatment. The cause of colchicine myoneuropathy is unclear.

CONCLUSION

In children treated with colchicine, neuromuscular phenomena of unknown aetiology may be related to the drug, even with a lack of intoxication or renal insufficiency.

Spontaneous decrease of spleen size in a patient with type 1 Gaucher's disease

We present a patient with type 1 Gaucher's disease in whom the spleen size during 34 years of follow-up reached a maximum of 6 cm. below the costal margin, but in 1993 began to decrease spontaneously and presently can no longer be felt by abdominal palpation.

3-Methyl glutaconic aciduria in Iraqi Jewish children may be misdiagnosed as cerebral palsy

It is generally accepted that patients with cerebral palsy suffer from a static encephalopathy causing a non-progressive disorder of posture and/or movement. We describe 7 patients from 5 families who were initially diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Eventually, excessive excretion of urinary 3-methyl glutaconic acid (3-MGA) was found. The data of our 7 patients are quite similar to the clinical description of Costeff et al (1989): Jewish-Iraqi origin (7/7), consanguinity (2/7), involuntary movements (5/7), ataxia (6/7), pyramidal involvement (6/7) and optic atrophy (6/7). The cognitive functions were intact in 5/7 and 2/7 showed mild to moderate mental retardation. The mean delay in the definitive diagnosis was 9 years. Cerebral palsy-like symptoms accompanied by optic atrophy and extrapyramidal signs should call for extensive metabolic evaluation including the determination of urinary 3-MGA.

Reversible cortical atrophy and cognitive decline induced by valproic acid

An 18-year-old male suffered from familial progressive myoclonic epilepsy from the age of 7 years. In addition to seizures, there was a marked decline in school performance. At the age of 14 years, sodium valproate was started as add-on therapy; 2 weeks later he was hospitalized in a stuporous state. The serum level of valproate was within the therapeutic range. Cognitive evaluation disclosed moderate mental retardation. No metabolic abnormalities were detected. Valproate was discontinued and during the 4 following months, a slow but significant improvement was documented in cognitive functions. Repeated assessment was within the range of mild mental retardation. Initially, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed mild cortical atrophy. A subsequent MRI study performed 2 years later was normal.

Ultrastructural observations on the cells of a patient with Fanconi's anemia transforming to acute leukemia

The ultrastructural findings in the bone marrow and peripheral blood cells of a patient with Fanconi's anemia transforming to acute myelo-monocytic leukemia are presented. They consisted of an unusual large number of nuclear pockets, bridges and appendices observed in the nuclei of the polymorphonuclear cells, monocytes and to a lesser extent in the mature normoblasts. Since the mother and two younger brothers of the propositus were found to have macrocytic anemia and pancytopenia, most probably Fanconi's anemia, their peripheral blood cells were also examined with the electron microscope. The cells of all of them showed similar nuclear alterations, although in lesser quantity. The possibility that these findings are consistent with the diagnosis of Fanconi's anemia, or they herald an evolution of the disease to acute leukemia is considered.

Ultrastructure of human colostral cells

The ultrastructural architecture of colostral cells of mothers of pre- and full-term infants is described. The polymorphonuclears were engaged in vivid phagocytosis of fat droplets. Similar findings were observed on the macrophages. The lymphocytes appeared normal in size and ultrastructure. A small number of eosinophils and basophils were also detected. The number of colostral cells was higher in the colostrum of mothers of preterm newborns. The number of the cells in the colostrum in mothers of both groups decreased with advancement of lactation.

Effect of lipid emulsion on IL-2 production by mononuclear cells of newborn infants and adults

The in vitro effect of a lipid emulsion (intralipid) on interleukin-2 (IL-2) production by cord blood mononuclear cells (CBMC) of preterm and term newborn infants was examined and compared to that of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of adults. Intralipid, added at concentrations accepted in clinical practice, caused a dose-dependent inhibition of IL-2 activity tested by bioassay. IL-2 levels, tested by radioimmunoassay (RIA), were found to be reduced only in supernatants derived from CBMC of term infants and not in those derived from MC of preterm infants or adults. The capacity of the IL-2 dependent cell line CTLL-2 to respond to IL-2 was abolished in the presence of intralipid, suggesting an interference with the binding of IL-2 to its receptor on these cells. It is conceivable that administration of intralipid to preterm infants may interfere with the binding of IL-2 to the specific receptors on their activated lymphocytes, with a possible subsequent suppression of their immune response.

Lymphedema praecox seen as isolated unilateral arm involvement: case report and review of the literature

Lymphedema praecox, a type of primary lymphedema, becomes evident at puberty, occurs mostly in girls, and is usually confined to the lower extremities. Arms tend to be involved in either congenital or secondary lymphedema. We describe a unique localization in an 11-year-old girl who had primary lymphedema of the right hand and arm. The pertinent literature is reviewed.

Congenital intractable diarrhea of infancy in Iraqi Jews

We report on five patients who presented with intractable diarrhea starting during the first days of life. The patients belonged to four families of Iraqi Jewish origin. Autosomal recessive inheritance is suggested by parental consanguinity in three families and recurrence in another sib in one family. The patients were all born after uneventful pregnancy and labor, with birth weight in the normal range. There were no dysmorphic features. Three patients were breast fed. Diarrhea started between the first and eighth day of life. Diarrhea was of the secretory type. No pathogen was cultured from the stool. Jejunal biopsies performed on all patients ranged from normal to severe partial villous atrophy. The patients received different drug regimens with no beneficial effect and all are dependent on TPN. These findings and the common ethnic origin of the patients suggest that these patients have the same syndrome of congenital intractable diarrhea. No similar cases are known in other ethnic groups in Israel, suggesting a possibility of high gene frequency among the Jews of Iraqi origin.

A new autosomal recessive syndrome of pachygyria

Pachygyria is a rare development disorder resulting from impaired neuronal migration. Usually, it is a sporadic phenomenon, but rare dominant or autosomal recessive syndromes are known. This report describes a family in which the parents are first cousins and three of the siblings suffer from moderate mental retardation, pachygyria and strabismus. It is suggested that this is a distinct type of autosomal recessive pachygyria.

The effect of acyclovir on the proliferative capacity of mononuclear cells from patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia

The cellular response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia to increasing doses of acyclovir was examined by their capacity to incorporate 3H-TdR, and their response to phytohemagglutinin, concanavalin A and pokeweed mitogen. PBMC from healthy donors served as controls. Acyclovir caused a dose-dependent inhibition of 3H-TdR incorporation and mitogenic response in both leukemic and control cells, the effect on the latter being more pronounced. Although the results suggest that leukemic cells are less vulnerable than the controls, the toxic effect of acyclovir on the cellular immune response should be considered in the treatment of leukemic and other immunosuppressed patients.

Effect of dexamethasone on IL-2 and IL-3 production by mononuclear cells in neonates and adults

The effect of dexamethasone on interleukin 2 (IL-2) and interleukin 3 (IL-3) production by mononuclear cells in preterm and term infants and adults was evaluated. The capacity of mononuclear cells to produce these cytokines, in preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and treated with dexamethasone, was compared with that before treatment. Twenty six preterm and 36 term neonates and 24 healthy adults were included in the study. Mononuclear cells isolated from neonatal cord blood (CBMC) and adult peripheral blood (PBMC) were stimulated with phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) in the absence or presence of dexamethasone at concentrations between 10(-8)M and 10(-5)M. IL-2 and IL-3 activities in the supernatant fluids were tested using bioassays. The in vivo effect of the drug on the production of these cytokines by PBMC in 10 preterms was determined before and 24 hours after dexamethasone administration (0.5 mg/kg/day). The production of both cytokines was inhibited in a dose dependent manner. A difference in the sensitivity of mononuclear cells to the inhibitory effect of the drug was found between neonatal cord blood cells and adult PBMC, the former being more sensitive. PBMC from preterm infants treated with dexamethasone for BPD produced significantly less IL-2 and IL-3 as early as 24 hours after the initiation of the treatment (43% and 31%; P < 0.05, respectively). It is concluded that mononuclear cells from preterm and term neonates are more sensitive to the inhibitory effect of dexamethasone on IL-2 and IL-3 production.

Tethered cord syndrome presenting as a nonhealing cutaneous ulcer

The usual clinical presentations of tethered cord syndrome include pain in the lumbosacral region, gait difficulty, weakness, and bladder abnormalities. We describe an unusual presentation of tethered cord - a nonhealing gluteal ulcer in an anesthetic cutaneous territory supplied by the S2-4 segments. Unexplained cutaneous lesions may be the presenting sign of an underlying neurological condition.

Epileptic blindness in children: a localizing sign of various epileptic disorders

The ictal manifestations, EEG, CT, and MRI correlates, as well as the management and outcome of 11 children with epileptic blindness are presented. Seven males and four females, aged 3 months to 12 years, experienced single or recurrent episodes of acute visual obscuration. Ictal blindness was the solitary epileptic phenomenon in only two children. The rest had other focal or generalized motor epileptic manifestations. Six children had either focal motor phenomena and/or unilateral EEG disturbances, with a normal head CT. The drug of choice in this group was carbamazepine and all became asymptomatic. Two patients had structural abnormalities of the brain, of which one had a low-grade occipital astrocytoma which was resected. His blindness abated shortly following initiation of carbamazepine, even prior to surgery. Status epilepticus amauroticus and focal motor seizures, secondary to focal cortical dysplasia, was detected in another 3-month-old infant. These required cortical resection and she regained full vision. Three patients had generalized epileptiform discharges on EEG, of which two were photic-induced. Blindness was accompanied with motor seizures and myoclonic jerks. Full seizure control could be achieved in only one child.

CONCLUSION

our data suggest a relatively benign nature and a favorable outcome in most children with ictal blindness. Resection of a secondary temporo-parietal focus, as occurred in an infant with status epilepticus amauroticus which originated in the occipital region, may result in complete cessation of seizures and visual recovery.

Serum-sickness-like reaction associated with minocycline therapy in adolescents

OBJECTIVE

To describe a serum-sickness-like reaction in five adolescents treated with minocycline.

CASE SUMMARY

Five adolescents developed a rash and arthralgias/arthritis after taking minocycline for 10-30 days. Symptoms resolved gradually after the medication was stopped.

DISCUSSION

Serum sickness is not described in the pharmacology literature as an adverse effect of minocycline, and in the English literature there are only two case reports. The migration inhibitory factor assay and mast cell degranulation test were positive in four of the five patients. The results of these assays were consistent with a role for minocycline in causing these reactions.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of serum-sickness-like reaction as an adverse effect of minocycline.

Effect of oral chemotherapy on the mitochondrial size of mouse intestinal cells

Since orally given cytotoxic agents may cause intestinal disfunction, the effect of oral administration of three cytotoxics, i.e., methotrexate (MTX), cyclophosphamide (CPA), and ftoral, a derivative of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), on the gastric, liver, and small-intestine cells of C57B1 mice was studied by transmission electron microscopy. Although no ultrastructural alterations could be detected in the cells of the first two organs, the epithelial cells of the small intestine showed a marked increase in size of their mitochondria. In the control animals the mitochondrial size was in the range of 0.04-1.8 micron (mean +/- SE 0.54 +/- 0.01 micron). In the treated animals the size of the mitochondria ranged between 0.15 and 4.33 micron (mean +/- SE 0.73 micron) for those treated with MTX, 0.24-2.88 micron (mean +/- SE 0.80 +/- 0.02 micron) for those given CPA, and 0.28-5.3 micron (mean +/- SE 1.18 +/- 0.48 micron) for those treated with 5-FU. These findings were significantly different from those obtained in controls (P < 0.0001). In addition, in animals treated with MTX the mitochondria of the jejunal cells were surrounded by channels of rough endoplasmic reticulum. The cytoplasm contained long, winding channels of smooth endoplasmic reticulum, vacuoles, and myelin figures. Fluid retention in the small intestine due to administration of cytotoxic drugs is suggested as a possible mechanism for distention of the mitochondria.

Parental presence during lumbar puncture: anxiety and attitude toward the procedure

We evaluated the anxiety state of 57 parents whose children required lumbar puncture (LP) as part of a diagnostic workup. We also examined parental attitude about their presence during the procedure. The parents were randomly divided into two groups: 29 (51%) were present during the LP (group A) and 28 (49%) remained outside (group B). There were no differences in the anxiety scores between the two groups. All parents in group A and seven in group B (25%) reported a preference for staying with the child should he/she need LP in the future. The results also showed that allowing the parents to be present during LP does not aggravate their anxiety compared with controls.

Human colostrum stimulates cytokine production

The effect of human colostrum on the production of IL-1, IL-3 and IL-6 by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) has been investigated. The aqueous phase of human colostrum significantly stimulated the production of these three cytokines. These findings show the importance of breast feeding not only as a well-balanced nutrient supply but also as a source for growth-promoting factors. It is suggested that the enhanced secretion of IL-1, IL-3 and IL-6 induced by human colostrum may compensate for the lower capacity of neonatal PBMCs to produce these cytokines. It is also possible that, by stimulating the secretion of these cytokines, breast feeding may provide an additional mechanism for the regulation of the neonatal immune system and hematopoiesis.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy and idiopathic hyperCKemia segregating in a family

A 7-month-old boy with gross motor delay and failure to thrive presented with rhabdomyolysis following an acute asthmatic episode. During hospitalization an electrocardiographic conversion to a Wolff-Parkinson-White type 1 (WPW) pattern took place. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) was suspected based on elevated creatine kinase (CK) serum levels, muscle biopsy, and family history. The diagnosis was confirmed by molecular analysis, which documented a deletion corresponding to cDNA probe 1-2a in the dystrophin gene, in the propositus and in an affected male cousin of his mother. "Idiopathic" hyperCKemia was found in the propositus, his father, and 5 of his relatives. We suggest that the unusually early and severe manifestations of DMD in this patient may be related to the coincidental inheritance of the maternal DMD gene and of a paternal gene, causing hyperCKemia.

Effect of human colostrum on interleukin-2 production and natural killer cell activity

The effect of human colostrum on the production of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and on natural killer (NK) cell activity by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was investigated in 50 healthy women. At concentrations as low as 0.5%, human colostrum stimulated IL-2 production; at a higher concentration (10%), IL-2 secretion was inhibited. A time and dose dependent inhibitory effect of colostrum on NK cytotoxicity was also observed. This inhibition could be reversed by the addition of human recombinant IL-2 (hrIL-2). The stimulation of IL-2 production induced by human colostrum might compensate for its inhibitory effect on NK cell activity. These findings suggest an additional mechanism by which breast feeding may affect the neonatal immune system.

Ultrastructural alterations of the amniocytes in 2 patients with rubella during the first trimester of pregnancy

The amniotic fluid cells of 2 patients with rubella at the 18th week of pregnancy were obtained during therapeutic abortion and examined with a transmission and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). In comparison with amniocytes of healthy women, those of rubella patients showed marked alterations, consisting of lack of heterochromatin, almost complete disappearance of the electron-dense cytoplasmic layer and membrane changes. The membrane damage was clearly demonstrated by SEM and was expressed by a decrease in the number and size of microvilli. Although more experience is needed for evaluation of the ultrastructure of the amniotic fluid cells in rubella patients, these findings may serve as an additional tool for the intrauterine diagnosis of rubella.

Phagocytosis-promoting factor in human colostrum

The effect of colostrum of mothers of preterm and full-term newborns on the phagocytic activity for latex particles by normal peripheral blood polymorphonuclear cells was examined. The results showed that human colostrum contains a phagocytosis-promoting factor(s), which not only increases the number of phagocytic cells, but also stimulates the phagocytic activity of the individual cell. This factor(s) was more active in preterm colostrum. Thus, while term colostrum increased the number of phagocytic cells by 95% in comparison with the control, preterm colostrum enhanced the number of phagocytic cells by 300%. Similarly, term colostrum increased the phagocytic capacity of the individual cell by 51%, whereas preterm colostrum by 137%. The difference between the results in all experimental points was statistically highly significant.

Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome

Four patients with recurrent upper lip and facial swelling and lingua plicata together with peripheral facial nerve palsy involvement were diagnosed as having Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome. Because of the rarity of this syndrome in children, we present the results of follow-up evaluations of our patients and review the literature.

Embedded earrings

Techniques used to pierce ears include needles, safety pins, sharpened studs, self-piercing kits, and spring-loaded guns. The spring-loaded gun requires minimal personnel training and because it is easy to use, it has a widespread popularity. We report twenty-six cases of embedded earrings following ear piercing with the spring-loaded gun.

Delayed parkinsonism associated with hypotension in a child undergoing open-heart surgery

An eight-year-old boy developed acute parkinsonism four days after open-heart surgery for repair of a ventriculo-septal defect. During the procedure he experienced a hypotensive episode which required administration of positive-inotropic agents. Complementing the clinical signs of parkinsonism, CT scan showed symmetrical hypodensities in the basal ganglia, and decreased regional cerebral blood flow was demonstrated using 99mTc HMPAO SPECT. These findings were suggestive of a hypoxic-ischaemic insult to the basal ganglia. The child was treated with levodopa/carbidopa and subsequently completely recovered within a follow-up period of eight months. CT scan appearances and cerebral blood flow findings returned to normal. Parkinsonism secondary to a hypoxic-ischaemic insult to basal ganglia in children is a rare but reversible disorder, in contrast to its progressive course which results in severe disability in adults.

Benign paroxysmal torticollis in infancy

Benign paroxysmal torticollis in infancy is characterized by periods of torticollic posturing of the head. The onset of the episodes usually occurs during the first month of life and may recur at varying intervals until the age of 1-5 years. This appears to be a self-limited disorder. The follow-up of 7 patients with benign paroxysmal torticollis is presented.

Benign abducens nerve palsy of childhood

Benign acquired isolated abducens nerve palsy in infants and children is a rare condition and recurrence is even less common. The diagnosis is essentially one of exclusion. Six children (1 male, 5 females) are reported with benign isolated abducens nerve palsy, ranging in age from 8 months to 12 years (median: 5.5 years). The left side was affected in all patients. Recovery occurred within 18-55 days, but 3 patients developed recurrence with complete resolution of symptoms within 10-21 days.

The reliability of midstream urine culture from circumcised male infants

The reliability of midstream urine culture from circumcised male infants was studied in 60 infants aged 1 to 21 weeks. A midstream urine specimen was collected after cleansing the penis. When the bladder was full again, a suprapubic bladder aspiration (SPA) was also performed. The results of the urine cultures were almost identical in specimens obtained midstream and by SPA. In 37 infants the cultures were sterile and in 13 positive, with the same microorganism being cultured in both instances. In one case, few colonies of Staphylococcus epidermidis grew only from the midstream culture. In nine infants, only midstream specimens were obtained because three attempts at SPA were unsuccessful. These results suggest that in circumcised male infants, the midstream method of obtaining urine for a culture is as reliable as SPA.

Extraordinary daytime urinary frequency in children

BACKGROUND

Sudden onset of daytime urinary frequency of a small amount of urine in a previously toilet-trained child can be a disturbing problem. Psychosocial problems, problems at school, or problems within the family have to be taken into consideration.

METHODS

Fifteen children with sudden onset of isolated daytime urinary frequency were evaluated and followed for a period of 12 to 18 months. A thorough medical and family history was obtained for each child, with special attention given to any psychosocial problems the child had experienced. All the children underwent a physical examination, complete urinalysis, and ultrasonography of the kidneys and bladder.

RESULTS

In all of the patients, the urinalysis and ultrasonographic findings were within normal limits. A trigger factor was identified as the cause of urinary frequency in each case.

CONCLUSIONS

Because urinary frequency is usually a benign self-limited condition, an extensive urological evaluation is not indicated. In most cases, providing reassurance to the parents and the child is the only intervention necessary.

Knee-chest position as a sign of increased intracranial pressure in children

In three young children a newly acquired clinical sign--the knee-chest position--was associated with increased intracranial pressure. This sign may serve as an additional marker to suggest increased intracranial pressure in young children.

X-linked mental retardation with bilateral clasped thumbs: report of another affected family

A Sephardi Jewish family is reported in which the two brothers had mental retardation, lower limb spasticity and bilateral clasped thumbs anomaly. This X-linked recessive disorder has only been reported twice. We believe this syndrome comprises a distinct entity among the X-linked mental retardation syndromes.

A newly recognized partial alopecia syndrome associated with distinct personality traits

Upon examining two double first cousins who presented with a newly recognized partial alopecia syndrome, previously reported in one, we discovered that the two shared almost identical personalities. This prompted us to search the literature for other genetic syndromes which are characterized by distinct personality traits. The article reports on two affected members of a family with a syndrome associated with definite somatic and behavioral characteristics most probably transmitted as an autosomal recessive disorder.

Skin mastocytosis with short stature, conductive hearing loss and microtia: a new syndrome

A 5 1/2-year-old Sephardic Jewish girl, born of consanguineous parents, is described. She has short stature, microcephaly, conductive hearing loss, skin mastocytosis and microtia. Since this constellation of findings has not been reported previously, we think that these findings represent a new congenital malformation, most probably of genetic etiology.