Hemorrhage and shock associated with invasive pneumococcal infection in healthy infants and children - New Mexico, 1993-1994

Article Abstract:

The cases of four children who developed septic shock with hemorrhage into their internal organs or skin illustrates that this condition may be caused by a systemic pneumococcal infection caused by the Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) bacterium. Between December 1993 and May 1994, four children between four months and four years of age developed septic shock and hemorrhage into the internal organs or skin. Laboratory tests were positive for S. pneumoniae. Two of these children died from this illness, both of whom attended the same child care center (CCC). Investigators took nasopharyngeal samples from 38 CCC staff members and enrolled infants and children to determine how many carried the pneumococcal bacteria. Cultures from six children and two staff members were positive for pneumococci. To prevent additional cases of pneumococcal infection, health officials recommended pneumococcal vaccinations or penicillin injections for all CCC staff members and children.

Pediatric diseases, Children, Hemorrhage, Day care centers, Septic shock, Streptococcus pneumoniae

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Sleeping prone and the risk of sudden infant death syndrome

Article Abstract:

Infants younger than six months who sleep in the prone sleeping position (on their stomach) appear to be more at risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) than those who sleep in other positions. An analysis of studies published in the medical literature finds that a higher risk of SIDS was associated with the prone sleeping position. Infants who sleep on their side have a higher risk of SIDS than those who sleep on their back, but it is not as high as for those who sleep on their stomach. Educating mothers of infants about the risks of the prone position is associated with a 20% to 67% decrease in the number of SIDS deaths. Infants who sleep on their stomach may have a higher risk of suffocating or overheating. Use of excessive bed clothes also increases the risk of SIDS for infants who sleep in the prone position. Infants under six months should not sleep on their stomachs, unless they have a medical condition that requires sleeping in this position.

Sudden infant death syndrome, Sleep positions

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Congenital syphilis and necrotizing funisitis

Article Abstract:

The incidence of necrotizing funisitis, a deep-seated inflammatory process within the umbilical cord, has increased significantly since 1984. Neocratizing funisitis creates a characteristic twisting, or 'barber pole' effect in the umbilical cord that makes the condition easy to diagnose. Researchers looking for concrete evidence linking congenital syphilis with necrotizing funisitis found that necrotizing funisitis appeared only in those infants and fetuses with congenital syphilis. The appearance of the 'barber poled' umbilical cord that characterizes necrotizing funisitis should be considered a symptom of congenital syphilis.

Complications and side effects, Inflammation, Umbilical cord, Syphilis, Congenital, hereditary, and infantile, Congenital syphilis

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