Therapeutic experience with infliximab in a patient with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis and uveitis

A pediatric patient with prolonged seronegative polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and concomitant aggressive, anterior uveitis refractory to any conventional antirheumatic therapy was treated with infliximab. Arthritis and C-reactive protein (CRP) values showed prompt positive effects but, after 6 weeks, returned gradually to initial values despite ongoing therapy. In contrast, a more sustained therapeutic effect was observed on the uveitis, with increased visual acuity and reduced inflammatory signs of the affected eye. However, this benefit was also lost at week 30, after which infliximab had to be discontinued due to side effects. To conclude, in polyarticular seronegative JIA, infliximab showed a transient beneficial effect which was more pronounced on uveitis than arthritis.

Danaparoid sodium (Orgaran) in four children with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia type II

We report on four children with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia type II. In three patients, therapy with unfractionated heparin was associated with development of cardiac thrombi or with thrombosis progression up to the inferior vena cava or with aggravation of peripheral arterial occlusion. In the fourth child, the disease was recognized early on, and no complication occurred. Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia type II was confirmed by heparin-induced platelet activation assay and/or heparin/platelet factor 4-ELISA. Concomitant elevated antiphospholipid antibodies were seen in all patients. Danaparoid sodium applied at a dosage of between 1.2 and 7.1 U/kg/h stopped the disease progression in each patient. Three children had a clinical recovery with partial recanalization, but for the child with peripheral arterial occlusion disease, amputation of some of the toes became necessary.

CONCLUSION

Our data indicate that heparin-induced thrombocytopenia type II is a potential life-threatening disease in children and danaparoid sodium is beneficial in this age group.

Controlled mechanical hypoventilation in a paediatric burn patient as treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome

The paediatric patient we are describing suffered a scald injury covering 83 per cent of the total body surface area (TBSA). This injury was complicated by Klebsiella pneumoniae septicaemia resulting in multiorgan failure (MOF). Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), gastrointestinal insufficiency, hepathopathy and wound conversion to full thickness posed the main problems. The boy was ventilated with pressure-controlled mechanical ventilation. The concept of permissive hypercapnia (PHC) resulted in a complete resolution of ARDS within 4 weeks. From our experience, further lung injury among infants and children suffering from severe ARDS can be avoided by using controlled mechanical hypoventilation. It is a simple and safe technique that allows adequate oxygenation.

Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (Ondine's curse syndrome) in two siblings: delayed diagnosis and successful noninvasive treatment

Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS, Ondine's curse syndrome) is a rare respiratory disorder; less than 100 cases have been reported. Familiality of the disease has been discussed, but only few familial cases have been reported so far. In this report we describe the occurrence of CCHS in two male siblings. Diagnosis was established only at the age of 4 years in the first case, although the patient had disease related symptoms since early infancy. The second patient was one of dizygotic twins, he was diagnosed with CCHS at the age of 8 months. Up to that age only moderate desaturations had been observed. The other twin was unaffected by the disease. Both patients were successfully treated by nocturnal positive-pressure ventilation via a specially adapted face mask. They show satisfactory physical and neurologic development.

CONCLUSION

Our cases support the assumption of familiality in CCHS although the mode of inheritance remains to be clarified. Polygraphic recordings including capnography should be performed in siblings of CCHS patients early in life in order to avoid secondary complications. Noninvasive treatment by ventilation via special face masks is feasible.

Procel burn cover used as a total body dressing in burns

A 26-month-old boy sustained a scald injury covering 83 per cent of his total body surface area (TBSA). He also developed sepsis and multiorgan failure (MOF). Locally he was treated with Procel burn cover and silver sulphadiazine cream (SSD) for 23 days. By using Procel, the dressing-change time was shortened significantly. Procel burn cover controlled core and skin temperature more effectively compared to conventional dressing, and the staff acceptance increased because of its easy and fast use. Based on our observation, this material can be used successfully as a total body dressing with children with extensive partial thickness burns or temporarily in full thickness burns until wound excision can be performed.

[Ultrasound diagnosis of parapharyngeal abscess in infancy]

An ultrasound examination in a 18-month old boy with sudden respiratory obstruction revealed a huge parapharyngeal abscess which was confirmed via magnetic resonance tomography and on operation. Even in young infants high resolution sonography can nicely visualize neck pathology and should therefore be integrated in the diagnostic workup of undefined symptoms of upper respiratory tract obstruction.

[Ceftriaxone-induced cholelithiasis--a harmless side-effect?]

43 children suffering from borreliosis, meningitis and septicemia were treated with ceftriaxone. A six year old boy with acute jaundice due to ceftriaxone induced cholelithiasis encouraged us to reevaluate the frequency of ceftriaxone induced cholelithiasis and its' sequelae in children in a prospective study. Out of 43 children (age 6.3 years, 4 months to 16 years, male: female 25:18), 20 children (46.5%) showed sonographical evidence for ceftriaxone induced cholelithiasis after a treatment of at least 10 days. Two of them even had signs of intrahepatic cholestasis, 3 kids suffered from severe abdominal pain, non of them showed serologic abnormalities. Another 5 children (11.6%) had sludge in the gallbladder without evidence for cholelithiasis. In all patients the "pseudocholelithiasis" spontaneously resolved within at most 2 months. We suggest a sonographical examination of the gallbladder at the end of the ceftriaxone treatment in order to detect cholelithiasis, which might call for further monitoring and maybe dietary treatment.

Prospective evaluation of clinical scoring systems in infants and children with cardiopulmonary insufficiency after cardiac surgery

OBJECTIVE

To document severity of illness and to evaluate the predictive value of clinical scoring systems in infants and children with cardiopulmonary insufficiency after cardiac surgery.

DESIGN

Prospective study with follow up to hospital discharge.

SETTING

A multidisciplinary pediatric ICU in a University Hospital.

PATIENTS

Between 1/1989 and 4/1992 441 infants and children with congenital heart disease underwent open heart surgery. 128 of these patients developed postoperative cardiopulmonary insufficiency and were entered into this study.

METHODS

Data relevant to the Acute Physiologic Score for Children (APSC), Pediatric Risk of Mortality (PRISM), Therapeutic Intervention Scoring System (TISS) and Organ System Failure (OSF) score were collected in all patients during the first 4 days of postoperative intensive care.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 1.5 +/- 0.2 years. The mean duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU care was 6.2 +/- 0.6 and 8.1 +/- 0.7 days, respectively. On the first postoperative day the mean APSC and PRISM scores of survivors and nonsurvivors were 13.9 +/- 1.3 vs 24.5 +/- 1.3 (p < 0.001) and 6.1 +/- 0.5 vs 19.6 +/- 1.9 (p < 0.001), respectively. The mean TISS and OSF scores of survivors and nonsurvivors were 46 +/- 0.8 vs 57.8 +/- 1.4 (p < 0.001), and 2.2 +/- 0.2 vs 3.4 +/- 0.2 (p < 0.001), respectively. The overall hospital mortality rate was 9.9%, the hospital mortality rate of patients with postoperative cardiopulmonary insufficiency 34%. Patients with an APSC score < 10 and a PRISM score < 5 had a survival rate of 100%, whereas patients with an APSC score > 30 and a PRISM score > 25 had a mortality rate of 100%. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for APSC, PRISM and TISS was 0.847, 0.826 and 0.793, respectively.

CONCLUSION

APSC, PRISM and TISS describe accurately severity of illness in infants and children with cardiopulmonary insufficiency after cardiac surgery and all scores identify those patients at increased risk for mortality.

Late-onset miliary pneumonitis after near drowning

We report a 7-year-old pediatric patient with an apparently self-limiting, subacute miliary pneumonitis that occurred 6 weeks after a near-drowning accident in shallow, muddy water. After biopsy, histological examination revealed aspirated foreign bodies (algae and pollen grains) in the affected lung areas and a foreign body reaction in the form of a granulomatous inflammation. The lack of any detectable infectious agents suggested a causative role of these aspirated algae and pollen grains in the development of lung disease.

Tick-borne encephalitis in a 3-month-old child

Tick-borne encephalitis has not been reported in infants younger than 12 months of age. We report a 3.5-month-old child with a serologically proven tick-borne encephalitis. The infant had a history of a tick bite 3.5 weeks before the first symptoms of encephalitis appeared. The family lives in an endemic area of the disease. There were no prodromal signs and the course of the disease was monophasic. In an endemic area, prophylactic treatment with hyperimmunoglobulin after a tick bite should be considered even in very young infants, but in most children active immunization is probably not necessary because of infrequent exposure. Active immunization is still recommended after the 1st year of life.

[Epigastric colic after ceftriaxone therapy]

The following article describes a girl with right upper quadrant abdominal colic following Ceftriaxon therapy for purulent meningitis. Ultrasound made it possible to demonstrate sludge-balls, floating in the gallbladder, a follow up examination was normal. Moreover the features of gallbladder precipitations following Ceftriaxon therapy will be described, and the clinical consequences will be discussed.

Reduction of colonization and infection rate during pediatric intensive care by selective decontamination of the digestive tract

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effects of two different antibiotic regimes on the colonization and infection rates of critically ill pediatric patients.

DESIGN

A prospective randomized trial.

SETTING

A pediatric ICU in a university hospital.

PATIENTS

Fifty critically ill pediatric patients who required intensive care for at least 4 days were randomly allocated to either the selective parenteral and enteral antisepsis regimen (treatment group, n = 25) or the control group (n = 25).

INTERVENTIONS

The treatment group received oral nonabsorbable antimicrobial agents (polymyxin E, gentamicin, and amphotericin B) and parenteral cefotaxime, whereas the control group received either perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis or antibiotic therapy according to clinical or microbiological evidence of infection.

RESULTS

Both groups were comparable for age, body weight, sex, and severity of illness. Colonization with Gram-negative microorganisms and yeasts in the oropharynx, and digestive and respiratory tracts increased rapidly up to 52% in the control group, whereas there was no colonization with these microorganisms in the treatment group. The occurrence rates of acquired secondary infections in the control and treatment groups were 36% and 8%, respectively (p less than .025). There were no differences between groups in the duration of intensive care or mortality rate.

CONCLUSION

Selective oropharyngeal and gastrointestinal decontamination combined with systemic cefotaxime application allows for a significant reduction of the colonization rate with Gram-negative bacteria and yeasts in critically ill pediatric patients undergoing prolonged intensive care. In addition, it significantly reduces the Gram-negative infection rate of the respiratory system. However, this therapeutic approach does not alter ICU length of stay or mortality rate.

[Ultrasonography findings in a case with infantile herpes encephalitis]

We present the case of an eleven months old infant, who suffered from herpes simplex type I encephalitis. Cerebral ultrasound examination showed on 5th day of disease signs of focal echodensity. At that time CT showed a focal meningeal enhancement and CSF findings were normal. Suspicions changes were also obtained by MR-Imaging and EEG on the same day. Herpes simplex virus was identified in the CSF with Polymerase chain reaction days later. There are no typical clinical signs for herpes encephalitis, CT, NMR, EEG findings as well as antigen and antibody-tests do naturally take their time. Cerebral sonography in infants offers to be the best bed-side method for early suspicion of herpes encephalitis, which may support diagnostic workup and can help to start a specific therapy (Acyclovir) as soon as possible.

Five years experience with continuous extracorporeal renal support in paediatric intensive care

Continuous arterio-venous haemofiltration (CAVH) and continuous veno-venous haemofiltration (CVVH) were used as renal support in 52 critically ill infants and children with acute renal failure. The majority of the patients were on mechanical ventilation (90%) and needed vasopressor support (85%). Uraemia was satisfactorily controlled with both treatment modes. Post-treatment serum urea levels were not different between survivors (94 +/- 8.8 mg/dl) and non-survivors (99.5 +/- 8.8 mg/dl). There were significant differences between survivors and non-survivors in the mean arterial pressure (64.7 +/- 3.8 vs 48.0 +/- 2.2 mmHg, p less than 0.001), the number of organ system failures (2.9 +/- 0.16 vs 3.8 +/- 0.21, p less than 0.025), and the severity of illness assessed by the acute physiologic score for children (APSC 19.4 +/- 1.9 vs 26.3 +/- 1.9, p less than 0.01). The overall mortality was 48%. The mortality in the CVVH group (65%) was higher than in the CAVH group (40%). Death was significantly related to sepsis (p less than 0.005) and multiple system organ failure (p less than 0.005). A major complication during CAVH was one femoral artery thrombosis after 12 days of treatment. Technical problems were only observed during CVVH. CAVH and CVVH are safe and effective methods of continuous renal support for critically ill paediatric patients with multiple system organ failure. CAVH is simpler, needs no specially trained staff and seems to the ideal renal replacement system for critically ill infants.

[A clinical score system for children with ARDS]

In a retrospective study we developed a simple acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) scoring system in order to analyze the severity of ARDS as precisely as possible. From March 1983 to May 1990, 17 children with ARDS were admitted and treated at the pediatric intensive care unit of the University Hospital of Graz. The ARDS score was evaluated as a predictor of outcome. The score is based on four variables: mean airway pressure, oxygenation index, additional number of organ system failure and a radiological score, each of which was assigned a score between 0 and 3 (Table 3). The score was recorded on admission or immediately after respiratory failure and after 24, 48 and 72 h. The patients were divided into survivors and non-survivors. After 24 h of mechanical ventilation the ARDS score was 7.16 +/- 0.79 in survivors and 10.4 +/- 0.4 points in non-survivors (P less than 0.0006). Similar differences were found after 48 and 72 h of therapy. In addition, the predictive power of the ARDS score after 24 h was tested at a level of 8 points. The sensitivity and the positive predictive value were 90%, while specificity and negative predictive value were 85.7%. The correct prediction was 88.2%. We conclude that this simple ARDS score can be an useful prognostic factor in patients with ARDS.

Haemophilus influenzae epiglottitis occurring simultaneously in two siblings

Intrafamilial spread of Haemophilus influenzae type B disease has often been described for meningitis, but rarely for epiglottitis. Here we report for the first time epiglottitis occurring simultaneously in two siblings and comment on the value of chemoprophylaxis and vaccination to prevent secondary and primary disease.

Ceftriaxone monotherapy for bacterial meningitis in children

A total of 33 patients with bacterial meningitis were treated with single daily doses of ceftriaxone (CTR 100 mg/kg/day i.v.) for a median duration of 13 days. Pathogens isolated by culture and/or determined by latex agglutination were 15 Haemophilus influenzae b, 7 Neisseria meningitidis, 2 Streptococcus pneumoniae, 1 group B streptococcus, 2 Streptococcus viridans and 2 Staphylococcus epidermidis. In 4 cases a diagnosis of purulent meningitis could only be made by means of the inflammatory liquor parameters. All cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drug levels even at the end of the dosing interval were at least 10-fold higher than the MICs of the respective bacterial isolates. The average penetration of CTR into the CSF was 6.6%. Within 12-46 h after the first dose, control spinal taps were performed. Cultures were sterile in all cases. Side effects encountered were diarrhea, exanthema, neutropenia and transient elevation of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, but none caused a change of therapy. One patient developed a biliary concrement. No patient died; 5 patients had prolonged fever (greater than 5 days), and 2 were left with persistent hearing deficiencies. CTR can be recommended as a safe and effective antibiotic agent for once daily treatment of bacterial meningitis in children.

Evaluation of clinical scoring systems in critically ill infants and children

Four scoring systems, the Acute Physiologic Score for Children (APSC), the Physiologic Stability Index (PSI), the Paediatric Risk of Mortality (PRISM) and the Therapeutic Intervention Scoring System (TISS), were evaluated for 103 critically ill infants and children according to the Clinical Classification System (CCS) class IV. The admission scores were higher for children who died than those who lived (APSC, PSI, PRISM p less than 0.001, TISS p <0.025). In addition, the mean APSC and PSI showed significant differences (p less than 0.01) between survivors (S) and nonsurvivors (NS) in all patients, mean PRISM showed significant differences (p less than 0.01) between S and NS in all but renal failure patients and the mean TISS showed only significant differences (p less than 0.01) between S and NS with primary cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. The mortality rate was 30%. Using the 0.5 predicted risk rate, total correct prediction of admission APSC, PSI, and PRISM was 80%, 80.5% and 80% respectively. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves drawn for each severity index were in a discriminating position. There were no significant differences between the areas under the ROC curves of the physiological scores. However, there was a significant difference between the physiologic scores and TISS (p less than 0.001). Admission APSC, PSI and PRISM excellently describe severity of illness and give prognostic information in critically ill paediatric patients. In addition, TISS gives information about the therapeutic support needed.

[Respiratory insufficiency in acute bronchiolitis in infancy]

Forty-one infants with acute viral bronchiolitis were hospitalized in our paediatric intensive care unit during the seven year period from 1980 to 1987. In 14 out of 27 evaluated patients, Respiratory Syncitial Virus (RSV) was detected in the nasal secretions. Twenty-three children required only supportive care and monitoring. Eighteen infants had to be ventilated because of respiratory failure. The major indication for mechanical ventilation was an arterial or capillary pCO2 of more than 64 mmHg; other criteria were repeated apnoea, respiratory acidosis, and clinical deterioration. In all cases the type of the mechanical ventilation was an intermittent mandatory ventilation (IMV) with flow and time cycled respirators; muscle relaxation was not required in any case. The average duration of mechanical ventilation was 40 hours. All the children recovered uneventfully. These data suggest that even the most severe cases of acute bronchiolotis can be treated successfully, and that the mortality rate of this disease entity can be reduced to zero.

[Control of breathing in the central alveolar hypoventilation syndrome with and without a phrenic pacemaker]

Primary central alveolar hypoventilation (CAHV) is a rare disorder described in newborns, children, and adults. We report a 2 9/12 year old child with CAHV of unknown etiology. The evaluation of her ventilatory control system showed abnormalities awake and in the different sleep states. Hypoventilation was found to be more severe during non-REM sleep than during REM sleep and awake state. She had central apnea, an irregular respiratory rhythm in the non-REM sleep too, and diminished ventilatory response to inhaled 5%-6% CO2 in both REM and non-REM sleep. Her ventilation decreased when she was breathing 50% and 100% oxygen. During breathing 15% oxygen she did not arouse in spite a transcutaneous pO2 of 10 mmHg. She was first treated with mechanical ventilation during sleep and has now received bilateral simultaneous phrenic pacemaker support during quiet sleep for about one year. With the phrenic pacemaker she has normal minute volume and transcutaneous blood gases during sleep. During a respiratory infection she needed again mechanical ventilation via her tracheostoma 24 hours a day for one week. This case of a CAHV demonstrates a dysfunction of the central and partially also of the peripheral chemoreceptors. The abnormalities of the ventilation were demonstrable not only in the non-REM sleep but also in the REM sleep and awake state.

[Tasks and organization of a pediatric intensive care unit]

Paediatric intensive care medicine mainly involves infants during the neonatal period and, in particular, premature babies. 70% of the children on assisted ventilation at the paediatric hospital of Graz University in 1985 and 1986 were neonates. Older children needing mechanical ventilation comprised only 1.6% of the total number of patients at our paediatric hospital. Paediatric intensive care units are therefore almost exclusively neonatal care units. Otherwise when serving the needs of children beyond the neonatal period these units are mostly required by paediatric subspecialities (i.e. cardiology, burns unit etc.). In view of the small number of patients in this group a high-standard paediatric intensive care unit should be multidisciplinary and preferentially attached to a university hospital rather than a regional hospital so as to maximise experience in the management of these children and ensure optimal care.

Suction-supported continuous arteriovenous hemofiltration in children

Spontaneous continuous arteriovenous hemofiltration (CAVH) may fail to control azotemia in small patients with renal failure due to poor blood flow. To produce adequate ultrafiltrate a continuous negative pressure was added to the ultrafiltrate line. Two hemofilter systems of different membrane and surface area were used. Suction support approximately doubled ultrafiltration rate in both hemofilters. No side effects such as severe hypotonia or early hemofilter clotting occurred. Added suction can serve as a useful support of spontaneous CAVH in children with renal failure and too poor a blood flow to control azotemia.

Arteriovenous hemofiltration in children with multiple organ system failure

In the last year nine critically ill children with multiple organ system failure (MOSF) were treated by continuous arteriovenous hemofiltration (CAVH). The mean number of organ systems involved was five per patient (range 4 to 7). Mean duration of hemofiltration was 136 hours (range 10 to 432 h.). Mean ultrafiltration rates of 6.4 +/- 3.0 ml/m2 b.s./min achieved mean serum creatinine levels of 2.39 +/- 1.49 mg/dl. Hypervolemia and pulmonary edema were corrected rapidly by CAVH. Total parenteral nutrition with a mean caloric intake of 62 +/- 15 kcal/kg b.w./day was provided throughout the hemofiltration period. In addition high ultrafiltration rates allowed delivery of large amounts of i.v. medications. CAVH is an ideal extracorporeal renal replacement system to control azotemia, fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base status in critically ill children. It carries the potential to improve survival rate in children with MOSF.

Continuous arteriovenous hemofiltration in critically ill children with acute renal failure

Last year, five critically ill children with acute renal failure were treated by continuous arteriovenous hemofiltration. Mean treatment duration was 326 +/- 89 (SD)h, for a total of 1632 h. Mean ultrafiltration rates of 5.4 +/- 1.7 ml/min X m2 achieved mean serum urea levels of 150 +/- 25 mg/dl and a decline of mean prehemofiltration serum creatinine level of 3.5 +/- 3.6 to 2.9 +/- 2.0 mg/dl posthemofiltration. Continuous arteriovenous hemofiltration allowed adequate parenteral nutrition with a mean caloric intake of 79.6 +/- 9.2 kcal/kg X day. In the four surviving patients, urinary output started between 12 and 42 days after the onset of acute renal failure. Continuous arteriovenous hemofiltration is a very effective extracorporeal therapeutic system to control azotemia, fluid, and electrolyte balance in critically ill children with acute renal failure and hemodynamic instability.

[Use of continuous arteriovenous hemofiltration in diuretic-resistant hypervolemia and electrolyte disorders]

CAVH was carried out in 10 olig/anuric children with diuretic resistant hypervolemia. In addition, three children had hypercalcemia and one child hypernatremia. All but one needed artificial ventilation for pulmonary edema and positive inotropic cardiac support. Mean duration of CAVH for correction of fluid- and electrolyte imbalance was 51.5 hours (range 20-144 hours). The mean fluid removal of 1715 +/- 1479 (SD) ml decreased mean body weight from 21.4 +/- 18.9 (SD) kg to 19.2 +/- 17.0 (SD) kg. The electrolyte disorders were corrected within 18-24 hours. After correction of fluid overload and electrolyte imbalance 7 children could be extubated and cardiac support could be stopped. Two children died because of multiple organ system failure. CAVH was well tolerated by all children, no hemofiltration related complications occurred. CAVH is an effective and safe extracorporal renal replacement therapy system to correct fluid- and electrolyte imbalances in critically ill children. It can be installed easily and quickly, can be performed in every pediatric intensive care unit and is well tolerated even by small children.

[Continuous arteriovenous hemofiltration in childhood. Indications and technics]

CAVH is an extracorporal treatment modality by which fluid and solutes can be removed from the body by convective transport. Without using a blood pump the blood passes through the hemofilter driven only by the arteriovenous pressure gradient. From May 1985 to October 1986 18 critically ill children with a mean age of 5.1 years (range 10 days to 18 years) and a mean body weight of 20.8 kg (range 3 to 80 kg) were treated by CAVH. Indications for CAVH were: acute renal failure, multiple organ system failure, diuretic-resistant hypervolemia, interstitial pulmonary edema, electrolyte disorders, and metabolic crisis in maple syrup urine disease. Five different hemofilter systems with a membrane surface of 0.015 m2 to 0.6 m2 and an extracorporal filling volume of 9 to 70 ml were used. Mean duration of CAVH was 132 h (range 10 to 432 h), for a total time of 2344 h. Mean ultrafiltration rates ranged from 0.34 +/- 0.1 (SD) ml/min (Amicon Minifilter 0.015 m2) to 9.1 +/- 1.47 (SD) ml/min (Gambro FH55 0.6 m2). The application of a continuous negative pressure of 200 mmHg onto the ultrafiltrate line the ultrafiltrate increased from 3.96 +/- 0.62 (SD) ml/min to 13.4 +/- 1.63 (SD) ml/min. CAVH allowed good compensation of azotemia in critically ill children with acute renal failure, rapid correction of severe hypervolemia, interstitial pulmonary edema, electrolyte disorders, and metabolic crisis in maple syrup urine disease. It was well tolerated by all children. The only complication due to hemofiltration was a femoral artery thrombosis which needed surgical revision.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Arteriovenous haemofiltration in hypervolaemia

Arteriovenous haemofiltration was used for removal of fluid overload in a 9 month old burned infant with diuretic resistant hypervolaemia. After 60 hours of arteriovenous haemofiltration hypervolaemia had disappeared. Arteriovenous haemofiltration proved to be a safe and simple extracorporal method of managing severe fluid overload.

Demonstration of Epstein-Barr virus DNA in a previously healthy boy with fulminant hepatic failure

A previously healthy 9-year-old boy died from acute liver failure during an acute Epstein-Barr virus infection. Epstein-Barr virus DNA could be demonstrated in the liver by Southern blot--and by in situ hybridization techniques. The identification of the virus in the liver suggests a causal relation between the Epstein-Barr virus and the acute massive liver cell necrosis.

[Combined propyphenazone and codeine poisoning in childhood (analysis of 6 patients with Spasmoplus poisoning)]

The case histories are presented of 6 patients with accidental poisoning by Spasmoplus suppositories. The main toxic constituents are codeine and the pyrazolone derivative, propyphenazone. All patients had symptoms of codeine intoxication with somnolence, miosis and oedema, 2 patients had also symptoms of prophyphenazone intoxication with hypotension, coma and convulsions. 1 patient died during the acute stage in a state of shock, with arrhythmia, and asystole.

[Purulent pericarditis during abscess-forming pneumonia]

The case is described of a 6 months old infant who developed purulent pericarditis during the course of pneumonia. Pericarditis probably developed in this condition by contiguous spread from the pleura. Diagnosis of impending cardiac tamponade was masked by the occurrence of massive unilateral empyema. The management of this condition is discussed by open surgical drainage. Real-time two-dimensional echocardiography is useful for diagnosis and surveillance in this disease.

[Risk factors in suppurative meningitis in children (author's transl)]

Retrospective studies of the case histories of 237 children suffering from bacterial meningitis at the department of pediatrics, university of Graz, show the significant difference between cured, deceased and children with permanent sequels. The risk factors for the fatal outcome of meningitis were: age (less than 1 year), bacteria (pneumococcus), concomitant disease (pneumonia), low initial white cell count in the blood (less than or equal to 5000/cmm) as well as in cerebrospinal fluid (less than or equal to 4000/cmm), high cerebrospinal fluid protein (greater than or equal to 336 mg%) and a high bacterial inoculum (greater than or equal to 10(7) CFU/cmm). With all these risk factors at the time of diagnosis of purulent meningitis the chance for recovery is poor.

[Chest physiotherapy in childhood respiratory disorders (author's transl)]

The effect of chest physiotherapy in the treatment of pediatric pulmonary disorders was evaluated for one year by means of a specially devised progress chart. A high percentage of atelectases was successfully reopened. The right upper lobe was most frequently involved, followed by the left upper, right lower and left lower lobe. The incidence of postextubation atelectasis in neonates with hyaline membrane disease was significantly lower when chest physiotherapy was commenced before extubation. The value of chest physiotherapy in chronic respiratory disorders remains uncertain, whereas it does constitute an essential part of therapy in acute conditions.

[Mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome in Austria. Four cases with one fatal outcome. 2. Pathological findings]

First pathoanatomic case report of mucocutaneous lymph-node syndrome (MCLS) from Austria: A 3 1/2 year old boy was admitted to the Pediatric Department with a six day history of fever and bilateral conjunctivitis. He showed a maculous exanthema, red and fissuring lips, reddened tonsils and a coated tongue. Submandibular lymph nodes were swollen (1 cm diameter); ESR 128/138; peripheral leukocytosis 17 x 10(9)/l. On the tenth day of illness membranous desquamation from the fingertips and a strawberry tongue was observed. The ECG showed a myocardial infarction in the apical portion of the left ventricle. The boy died on the 25th day of illness. Pathological findings were found predominantly in the heart: Coronary arteries showed fibrous thickening of intimal layer, focal destruction of elastic membrane and aneurysms in both arteries. The aneurysm in the descending branch of the left coronary artery was 15 mm long and had a maximum diameter of 8 mm. It was completely occluded by a thrombus. Recurring anteroseptal myocardial infarction. Other investigated arteries were not affected. Tonsils as well as (paratracheal and parapancreatic) lymph-nodes showed a few ceroid pigment containing histiocytes.

[External ventricular drainage: a possible method of treating cerebrospinal shunt infections and ventriculitis (author's transl)]

Infectious complications of hydrocephalus shunts are serious problems. A possible method of treating such infections is by external ventricular drainage (EVD). 20 patients - 17 with infected shunts, 3 with neonatal meningitis, ventriculitis and subsequent hydrocephalus - were treated by EVD and the results are presented in this report. The advantages of the procedure are control of the intraventricular pressure to bring it within normal limits and the possibility of intraventricular antibiotic instillation to supplement systemic therapy. Furthermore, the optimal operation time for the definitive shunt can be assessed by EVD once the infection has been overcome.

[Influenzae type B infections. Quick identification by countercurrent-immuno-electrophoresis (author's transl)]

Countercurrent immunoelectrophoresis (CIE) was performed in 16 patients with Haemophilus influenzae type b infection. Compared with the conventional methods CIE is a more accurate and rapid diagnostic tool. Even in patients already receiving antibiotics bacterial antigen can be detected by CIE in a high percentage. The methods are uncomplicated, inexpensive and possible to perform in any laboratory.

[Isolated endocarditis of the tricuspid valve in early infancy]

A newborn baby is admitted in the second week of life with osteomyelitis and septicemia due to Staph. aureus infection. In his tenth week of life--the osteomyelitis nearly overcome--the infant shows signs of heart failure with a murmur and cyanosis. Cardiac catheterization reveals tricuspid insufficiency and thrombosis of the right pulmonary artery. Postmortem examination shows isolated polypous endocarditis of the tricuspid valve together with thrombosis of the right and recent embolus of the left pulmonary artery. A similar case has to the best of our knowledge not been described.

[Spinal fluid lysozyme levels in childhood meningitis (author's transl)]

Lysozyme was determined with a turbidimetric assay in blood and cerebrospinal fluid. There were 17 children without CNS-disease, 30 patients with viral meningitis, 5 patients with encephalitis, 3 with symphatetic meningitis, 3 with Guillain Barré syndrome, 25 children with bacterial meningitis, 1 patient with tuberculous meningitis and two with intracranial tumors. The lysozyme level was below 0.5 microgram Hl/ml in patients without CNS-disease, in viral and symphatetic meningitis, Guillain Barré syndrome and encephalitis. Elevated lysozyme levels were found in bacterial meningitis, in the one case with tuberculous meningitis and in brain tumors (Ependymoma and Medulloblastoma). In our opinion the lysozyme level is a valuable aid in the differentiation of viral meningitis to bacterial meningitis.

[Mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome in Austria -- Report of four cases; one with cardiac arrest. First of two parts: clinical observations (author's transl)]

Since October 1978, four cases of mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, a disease previously not yet described in our country were observed in our childrens hospital. This particular disease has been described quite frequently in Japan since 1967. It has a characteristic manifestation being mostly benign and self limited. In a few cases however acute cardiac arrest has been described. The first case we observed expired as a result of acute coronary infarction on the twentyfifth day of illness although clinical improvement had been previously noted. At post mortem examination the coronary arteries showed changes consistent with arteriitis. The following three cases presented the more typical benign course of this disease one of them with deformities of the coronary arteries. The clinical synopsis describes the above mentioned cases.

[Congenital atrial flutter with hydrops fetalis caused by tocolytic therapy (author's transl)]

A 31-year-old healthy woman received Ritodrine (Pre-Par) from the 26th week of gestation because of twin pregnancy. Three weeks before birth continous intravenous medication with the same drug was commenced because of premature uterine contractions. Five days later a heart rate of over 200/minute was noted in one of the twins. This tachycardia persisted until birth while the heart rate of the other twin remained normal. At 33 weeks monozygotic female twins were delivered after artifical rupture of membranes. One twin was normal, birth weight 1.6 kg. The other baby showed persistent atrial flutter, was hydropic (weight 2.75 kg) and suffered from gross cardiac failure. Atrial flutter was converted to sinus rhythm one hour after birth by DC-countershock. Digoxin was commenced, the child rapidly improved and now still remains in sinus rhythm six month later.

[Silver-Russell syndrome with panhypopituitarism (author's transl)]

This is a report on a 14 years old boy suffering from the unusual combination of Silver-Russell syndrome with panhypopituitarism. The Silver-Russell syndrome is a special form of primordial dwarfism characterised by congenital asymmetry, craniofacial dysmorphy and other anomalies. Its cause is unknown, intrauterine noxes and genetical factors are discussed. In the most cases results of hormone determinations are normal, but also cases with elevated or very low hormone levels were published. This is the first report about a Silver-Russell syndrome combined with panhypopituitarism.