[Effectiveness of piperacillin in childhood infections]. / Efficacia della piperacillina nelle infezioni dell'età pediatrica.

Piperacillin is a semisynthetic penicillin with a broad-spectrum: in particular it is active against Gram positive, Gram negative, aerobic and anaerobic bacteria often resistant to other antibiotics of the same group. We report a trial carried out on 38 children with severe and moderate infections treated with piperacillin. We have considered ESR, all leucocytes count and body temperature. No severe side effects have been reported. Piperacillin must be used as a first choice in pediatric age, mostly in case of mixed bacterial infections and in immunocompromised patients.

[Preliminary data on the endocrinologic evaluation of thalassemic adolescents]. / Dati preliminari sulla valutazione endocrinologica di adolescenti talassemici.

Endocrine disfunction are well known in young patients with thalassaemia major and are mainly due to iron overload. Gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) was administered to 13 boys aging more than 14 years and to 13 girls aging more than 13 years to assess pituitary function. Human Chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) was also administered to 13 boys to evaluate their gonadal function. Most of the patients had evidence of pituitary hypofunction and in 4 boys there was evidence of gonadic failure. This study is mandatory for a correct therapeutic approach.

[Chronic lead poisoning in childhood: clinical experience]. / L'intossicazione cronica da piombo in età pediatrica: esperienza clinica.

Since 1978, 818 children living near an industrial source of pollution have been screened for lead poisoning. Biochemical evidences of increased lead absorption have been found in 114 cases and in 62 of them it was of such degree to guarantee further investigations. Those 62 children received a thorough neuropsychologic evaluation revealing a significant reduction of IQ, learning difficulties, poor concentration and behavioral abnormalities. We also documented an increased rate of abnormal mathafases and breaks of chromatides in children with increased lead absorption compared with age and sex matched controls.