Total and differential leukocyte counts in clinically well children

Article Abstract:

The total leukocyte count refers to the total number of white blood cells, whereas the differential leukocyte count is a measure of the number of each type of white blood cell in a given volume of blood. These measurements are included in a complete blood cell count (CBC) and are often used as a method for monitoring illness in adults and children. However, two studies have shown that these tests were not useful in screening adults, in that they did not help to diagnose any unsuspected disease. The value of total and differential leukocyte counts as a way of detecting disease in children was assessed. Because no data from patients had been previously reported in the literature, medical charts were reviewed for all CBCs ordered by one group of pediatricians over a one-year period. There were 387 CBCs from children who were clinically healthy; most the children were preschoolers but the ages ranged from 1 month to 17 years. One or more of the values for the total or differential leukocyte count was shown of be out of the normal range in 75 percent of these children, who appeared clinically well and were not found to have any medical problem. It is concluded that abnormal values on total and differential leukocyte counts did not represent unsuspected illness in these healthy children. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Evaluation, Measurement, Medical screening, Health screening, Leukocytes, White blood cells, Blood chemical analysis, blood

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Morbidity and mortality in children with pyogenic liver abscess

Article Abstract:

Pyogenic liver abscess, a collection of infected pus in the liver, is potentially life-threatening. Symptoms include fever, abdominal pain and an enlarged liver. Improved diagnosis and treatment has lowered the death rate from pyogenic liver abscess in adults. To determine the incidence and mortality of pyogenic liver abscess among children, a review of 109 cases was conducted. The advent of computed tomography, a detailed cross-sectional X-ray of internal structures, has improved diagnosis. Most patients were able to have the abscess drained without surgery. The most common type of bacteria was staphylococcus aureus, while 27 percent of the organisms were anaerobic, unable to live in the presence of oxygen. One patient with such an infection caused by a wound from a cat developed multiple liver abscesses. The overall mortality rate of the 109 patients was 15 percent, compared with 36 percent in 1977. Diagnosis can be made by ultrasonography, the use of high frequency sound to visualize internal structures, or computed tomography. Drainage followed by antibiotic therapy is the usual treatment. A test for cat scratch disease should be performed when more than one abscess is observed. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Patient outcomes, Mortality, Liver diseases, Liver, Abscess

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Ultrasonic imaging in the differential diagnosis of diffuse thyroid disorders of children

Article Abstract:

Ultrasonography, the use of high-frequency sound to visualize internal organs, is a sensitive noninvasive method of detecting disorders of the thyroid gland in adults. The effectiveness of this method in children was compared with other diagnostic tests such as biopsy and antibody testing. Autoimmune thyroid disorder was detected by ultrasound in 10 out of 10 patients, while antibody testing was positive in nine out of the same 10 patients. Ultrasound indicated normal thyroid patterns in seven patients with colloid goiter, whereas two antibody tests were positive. It is unknown whether these were false positive results. Therefore, this noninvasive, easily tolerated test is a useful tool in diagnosing thyroid disorders in children. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Usage, Thyroid diseases, Thyroid gland, Diagnosis, Ultrasonic, Diagnostic ultrasonography

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