Journal of paediatrics and child health
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We report a six-year-old boy who presented with swelling of the forehead, and had calvarial tuberculosis, a rare form of tuberculous osteitis.
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J Paediatr Child Health · Oct 1998
ReviewIntra-abdominal manifestations of Henoch-Schönlein purpura.
Gastrointestinal involvement occurs in approximately two thirds of children with Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (HSP) and usually is manifested by abdominal pain. Abdominal symptoms precede the typical purpuric rash of HSP in 14-36%; the symptoms may mimic an acute surgical abdomen and result in unnecessary laparotomy. Major complications of abdominal involvement develop in 4.6% (range 1.3-13.6%), of which intussusception is by far the most common. ⋯ Ultrasonography complements serial clinical assessment, clarifies the nature of the gastrointestinal involvement and reduces the likelihood of unnecessary surgery. Bowel ischaemia and infarction, intestinal perforation, fistula formation, late ileal stricture, acute appendicitis, massive upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage, pancreatitis, hydrops of the gallbladder and pseudomembranous colitis are seen infrequently. Earlier diagnosis and prompt treatment of intra-abdominal complications has reduced the mortality from 40% to almost zero.
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Foreign body ingestion is seen commonly in paediatric surgical practice and the vast majority of ingested foreign bodies will pass spontaneously once they have made their way into the stomach. Lead foreign body ingestion in children represents a special case in view of the potential for acute lead intoxication secondary to dissolution and absorption of the ingested lead. ⋯ This case stimulated a review of the relevant literature and the formulation of a management plan for lead foreign body ingestion in children. The principles of this management plan are observation of the child in hospital and use of a protein pump inhibitor until the foreign body has passed out of the stomach.
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The pathogenesis of chronic neonatal lung disease involves the combined iatrogenic insults of oxygen toxicity and barotrauma in addition to lung inflammation. Newer ventilator strategies using smaller tidal volumes (3-7 mL/kg) in order to avoid overdistension, higher positive end-respiratory pressure and lower peak inspiratory pressures decrease barotrauma. Earlier reduction of FiO2 through the use of surfactant, high frequency ventilation and nitric oxide reduce oxygen toxicity. Other measures include careful fluid balance, avoidance of prolonged paralysis and early steroids to decrease inflammation.
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Neonatal hypoglycaemia remains a controversial issue. Uncertainty surrounds what constitutes the optimal safe blood glucose for newborn babies. ⋯ Since 1986 neonatal paediatricians have changed in their definition of neonatal hypoglycaemia. Ideally, screening of blood glucose in neonatal intensive care units should be done with an on-site glucose analyzer.