RESUMEN
Auditory brainstem responses (ABR) were studied in 35 children with neurological disorders and 24 controls. Abnormal results were obtained in 16 patients. All 5 of the patients with metachromatic leukodystrophy had evidence of peripheral and/or central delay in transmission in keeping with evidence of demyelination of both peripheral (i.e. auditory nerve) and central (i.e. brainstem) pathways as occurs in this disorder. Two children with lead poisoning had delayed conduction in the peripheral pathways only and in these there was good correlation between the degree of delay and the ulnar nerve conduction velocity; both improved after chelation therapy. One infant with lead poisoning had central delay only. One infant with osteopetrosis manifested progressive damage to the auditory nerves. Delayed conduction was also found in one patient each with hydrocephalus, spinal muscular atrophy, and in 2 infants with cerebral palsy. No responses were obtained in one infant with congenital rubella, one deaf-mute and one child with an undiagnosed degenerative neurological disease. Auditory brainstem responses are of value in detecting disturbances of the auditory nerve or brainstem in children with various neurological disorders.
Asunto(s)
Tronco Encefálico/fisiopatología , Potenciales Evocados Auditivos , Enfermedades del Sistema Nervioso/fisiopatología , Niño , Preescolar , Femenino , Humanos , Lactante , Intoxicación por Plomo/fisiopatología , Leucodistrofia Metacromática/fisiopatología , Masculino , Osteopetrosis/fisiopatologíaRESUMEN
A clinical study was undertaken using honey in oral rehydration solution in infants and children with gastroenteritis. The aim was to evaluate the influence of honey on the duration of acute diarrhoea and its value as a glucose substitute in oral rehydration. The results showed that honey shortens the duration of bacterial diarrhoea, does not prolong the duration of non-bacterial diarrhoea, and may safely be used as a substitute for glucose in an oral rehydration solution containing electrolytes. The correct dilution of honey, as well as the presence of electrolytes in the oral rehydration solution, however, must be maintained.
Asunto(s)
Gastroenteritis/dietoterapia , Miel , Niño , Preescolar , Diarrea/dietoterapia , Fluidoterapia , Humanos , Lactante , Recién NacidoRESUMEN
Eight children and adolescents with a predominantly motor neuropathy of which the most likely cause was n-hexane are described. n-Hexane is one of the impurities in highest concentration in benzine, a petroleum product freely available at most corner stores in South Africa. It is bought freely by a large number of Black children in Natal and sniffed to produce a state of euphoria. Benzine sniffing by children constitutes a major health hazard in Natal.
Asunto(s)
Alcanos/efectos adversos , Discinesia Inducida por Medicamentos/etiología , Enfermedades del Sistema Nervioso Periférico/inducido químicamente , Petróleo/efectos adversos , Adolescente , Niño , Femenino , Hexanos/efectos adversos , Humanos , Masculino , Trastornos Relacionados con Sustancias/etiologíaRESUMEN
Twenty-four-hour metabolic balance studies were performed in ten jaundiced preterm infants, five light-treated (phototherapy) and five controls. Each of the light-treated infants was studied twice, once during phototherapy (period I) and once 48 hours after phototherapy (period II). Control infants were similarly studied during the corresponding days. Compared to period II and control infants, during period I the light-treated infants had less weight gain. Intestinal transit time was decreased by 50%. Fecal excretion of nitrogen, sodium, and potassium was increased. Stool water loss was increased twofold to threefold with a decrease in water balance. Unmeasured water loss was increased. These studies underscore the need for careful attention to fluid and caloric supplementation during phototherapy.