The diagnostic and therapeutic approach to acute bronchiolitis in hospitalized children in Israel: a nationwide survey.

BACKGROUND: Bronchiolitis caused by respiratory syncytial virus is one of the major causes of hospitalization in young children, especially during the winter. Recent evidence has shown that pharmacological treatment, especially nebulized epinephrine, in addition to the traditional supportive treatment, can alleviate symptoms and shorten hospitalization, but this approach is not yet widespread. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether the management of bronchiolitis in Israel is moving toward a stronger emphasis on pharmacological care. METHODS: A questionnaire on the diagnosis and management of bronchiolitis was completed by 27 heads of pediatric departments throughout Israel. The questionnaire dealt with the frequency of usage of diagnostic and selected therapeutic procedures. RESULTS: Chest X-ray and arterial blood gases are commonly used as a diagnostic aid in more than 75% of the departments, and antibiotics are prescribed routinely in 24%. Corticosteroids are still in use: 48% use systemic steroids, and 19% nebulized steroids. Nebulized epinephrine is used in 22% of the departments, while nebulized beta-agonists are used frequently in two-thirds of the departments. CONCLUSIONS: Despite convincing data that beta-agonists and steroids have no positive effect on the outcome of bronchiolitis on the one hand, and that nebulized epinephrine has advantages in children on the other, we found significant use of the former two agents and sparse use of the latter. Greater awareness is needed among pediatricians, and measures should be introduced to incorporate the new recommendations, with further study of the effect of the old and new drugs on bronchiolitis.

[Benign intracranial hypertension following minocycline].

A 15-year-old girl, who had been treated with minocyclin for acne for 2 months, was admitted for investigation of headache, nausea and papilledema. A space-occupying lesion was ruled out by computerized brain tomography. The diagnosis of benign intracranial pressure (pseudo-tumor cerebri) was made because of elevated cerebrospinal fluid pressure with normal biochemistry and cytology. Tetracyclines, especially minocyclin, commonly used for treating acne in adolescents, can cause benign intracranial pressure.

Erythema multiforme and hypersensitivity myocarditis caused by ampicillin.

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of erythema multiforme and hypersensitivity myocarditis caused by ampicillin. CASE SUMMARY: A 13-year-old boy was treated with ampicillin and gentamicin because of suspected septicemia. Medications were discontinued when erythema multiforme and congestive heart failure caused by myocarditis occurred. The patient was treated with methylprednisolone and gradually improved. Macrophage-migration inhibition (MIF) test with ampicillin was positive. DISCUSSION: After most infections causing erythema multiforme and myocarditis were ruled out, a drug-induced allergic reaction was suspected. Positive MIF test for ampicillin showed sensitization of the patient's lymphocytes to ampicillin. CONCLUSIONS: Hypersensitivity myocarditis is a rare and dangerous manifestation of allergy to penicillins.

Prolonged croup due to herpes simplex virus infection.

UNLABELLED: Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is an uncommon cause of acute laryngitis in immunocompetent patients since it mostly occurs in immunocompromised subjects. We present two previously healthy children with prolonged gingivostomatitis and stridor (lasting 3 and 4 weeks) in whom HSV-1 was isolated from subglottal ulcers. CONCLUSION: HSV should be considered a possible pathogen in cases of prolonged or atypical croup not only in immunocompromised or elderly patients but also in otherwise healthy children.

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis associated with visceral leishmaniasis.

A 2-year-old child presented with fever and hepatosplenomegaly. Laboratory findings showed pancytopenia, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperferritinemia, and high levels of soluble-IL2 receptors. Initial bone marrow aspiration and biopsy revealed mild hemophagocytosis. A diagnosis of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis was made and appropriate treatment was begun. Repeated marrow aspiration performed because of lack of clinical response revealed Leishmania amastigotes in macrophages in addition to active hemophagocytosis. Treatment with liposomal amphotericin resulted with rapid recovery. Visceral leishmaniasis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of hemophagocytic syndrome.