X-linked hydrocephalus: another two families with an L1 mutation

X-linked hydrocephalus is a variable condition caused by mutations in the gene encoding for L1CAM. This gene is located at Xq28. Clinically the spectrum ranges from males with lethal congenital hydrocephalus to mild/moderate mental retardation and spastic paraplegia. Few carrier females show minimal signs of the syndrome. Although most cases are familial, de novo situations have been reported. We report two new families with the syndrome and a L1 mutation. Family 1 has two patients and family 2 a single patient. Clinical diagnosis in all three affected boys was beyond doubt. Prenatal testing through chorionic villus biopsy is possible only with a demonstrated L1 mutation. In lethal sporadic cases neuropathology is very important in order to evaluate for features of the syndrome. We stress the importance of further clinical reports including data on neuropathology and DNA analysis in order to further understand the mechanisms involved in this disorder.

[Epidemiologic study of accidental poisoning cases treated at a pediatric hospital]

A prospective study, by epidemiological survey, was carried out in the 447 children with acute poisoning attended in our hospital between February 1, 1990 and January 31, 1991. All data was processed to analyze the possible associations that would help to better understand the factors that take part in poisoning. We observed a predominance in male infants, with a greater incidence between two and three years of age, and the accidents occurred almost exclusively at home, mainly in the kitchen or bedroom. The child is often not adequately watched and the toxic elements are usually within easy access. There was neither a seasonal nor daily predominance. We noticed an hourly predominance with most accidents occurring between 12 a.m. and 4 p.m. Drugs are the most common agents, followed by household cleaning products. Morbidity was scarce and there was no mortality.

[Renal malformations in the authors' community. General considerations]

The aim of this work was to study kidney malformations in infants. For this purpose, a study team was formed with two principal goals: to study the anatomic and histologic aspects, and then to correlate them to familial and clinical characteristics as well as to radiologic and echographic studies. We studied 129 cases of kidney malformations found during a study of 4,800 necropsies that had been carried out on infants, as well as of nephrectomized kidneys and biopsy samples. As a result of this study, we have compiled a mixed criteria (anatomic and clinical) classification of kidney malformations, complete with a glossary of equivalent terms to denominate different types of kidney malformations which have been called by a wide variety of nomenclatures in the bibliography.