Virological investigations of acute encephalopathy in India

Article Abstract:

Acute encephalopathy, or impaired function of the brain, is a public health problem in India, and a major cause of hospitalization and death. This disorder may be associated with a variety of unrelated conditions. However, the causes of childhood encephalopathy in India have not been extensively investigated. The clinical and laboratory characteristics of 740 children aged six months to 12 years with encephalopathic illnesses were assessed over a three-year period. The cerebrospinal fluid, which surrounds the brain and spinal cord, was examined for the presence of cells or abnormal elements, and any microorganisms detected were isolated and grown under laboratory conditions. The numbers of white blood cells and blood levels of hemoglobin (the oxygen-carrying pigment of the blood), urea (a nitrogen-containing substance produced by the liver), glucose, electrolytes, and the enzymes alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, were measured. A diagnosis was confirmed in 278 patients, including 134 cases of pyogenic meningitis, the inflammation of the membranes of the brain and spinal cord associated with pus formation; 38 cases of measles-related encephalopathy; 23 cases of electrolyte imbalance; and four cases of cerebral malaria, the infection of the brain with the protozoan parasite Plasmodium falciparum. An underlying cause could not be determined in the remaining 462 cases of encephalopathy. Ninety-two patients had evidence of infection with the arbovirus, which causes Japanese encephalitis. Fourteen patients had evidence of infection with various types of viruses, including adenovirus, parainfluenza, influenza, poliomyelitis, Coxsackie, and echovirus. These findings suggest that Japanese encephalitis is a major cause of childhood encephalopathy in India. This viral infection may share similar clinical features with several disorders. Thirty-four of 92 patients with Japanese encephalitis died. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Infection, India, Brain, Encephalitis

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Recurrent wheezy bronchitis and viral respiratory infections

Article Abstract:

Wheezy bronchitis, or asthmatic bronchitis, is a recurrent illness distinguished by cough, rhonchi (rattle-like sounds in the throat), and distress during expiration (breathing out). Affected children tend to have hyperreactive airway disease, in which the airways are overly sensitive to various stimuli. Viral infections contribute significantly to the attacks, but it is not clear how they do so. Opinion is divided as to whether wheezy bronchitis and asthma are different or identical disease entities. Both diseases are generally treated with the same medications, but some children do not benefit from treatment with adrenalin-like drugs, and the best treatment for children needing daily medication is disputed. The role of viral infections and the medical course of wheezy bronchitis were evaluated in 54 patients under the age of six years. Sixty-nine healthy subjects were also studied. Forty-three percent of wheezy children were classified as highly atopic, having a significant contribution of allergic reactions to the disease, and they had a more significant history of inhalation allergy (reaction to animals, pollen, or dust) or general allergy. The atopic group was older than other studied children. Wheezing children had a higher incidence of respiratory infections than controls. Infection susceptibility was not related to atopy, and although wheezing was associated with viral infections, not all such infections led to wheezing. One-third of wheezing episodes required hospital treatment, and of those children hospitalized, 60 percent were routinely taking medication to prevent attacks. Wheezing was associated with parental smoking and with more than one sibling, probably indicative of the importance of infections. Further study is needed of the factors underlying wheezy bronchitis and the best treatment for this disorder in children. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Pediatric diseases, Asthma in children, Childhood asthma, Allergy in children, Pediatric allergy, Bronchitis in children, Virus diseases in children

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Large spontaneous coronary artery dissections: a study of three cases, literature review, and possible therapeutic strategies

Article Abstract:

The clinical course of three patients having large spontaneous coronary artery dissections is studied. The patients were found ascertained with the risk factor of diabetes mellitus, smoking and hypertension in them.

United States, Science & research, Care and treatment, Research, Coronary heart disease, Heart surgery, Human dissection

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