[Evaluation of 3-year ultrasound screening in congenital hip dysplasia. Comparison of clinical examination, risk factors and ultrasonography. Interpretation of Graf type IIA grading and the most suitable age for 1st ultrasonography]. / Valutazione di tre anni di screening ecografico della displasia congenita delle anche. Confronto tra clinica, fattori di rischio ed ecografia. Interpretazione dei quadri IIA di Graf ed età più idonea per l'esecuzione del primo esame ecografico.

2237 infants (1210 females, 1027 males) aged two days-six months were screened by ultrasound for congenital dysplasia of the hip (CDH). 21 infants (0.93%) were detected having CDH by ultrasound examination. We have evaluated the concordance between ultrasonography, clinical examination (Ortolani's examination) and risk factors. Of the 21 infants with CDH, 10 (47.6%) had a positivity of Ortolani's examination, 13 (61.9%) had at least one risk factor, 3 (14.2%) had a negative clinical evaluation and no risk factors. Our data indicates the superiority of ultrasonography as compared with physical examination alone, for the diagnosis of CDH. Infants presenting any risk factors for CDH and/or a positive Ortolani's examination should have an early ultrasound evaluation in order to allow initiation of treatment early on, while in infants with negative clinical findings and no risk factors, it should be postponed to avoid the frequent finding of physiological immaturity of the hip. The finding of a high rate of infants that presented a grade IIA in the Graf's grading system during their first month of life and that evolved favourably in the absence of risk factors, and which required further sonograms, indicates the period between the second and the third month as the most desirable for ultrasound screening of CDH.

[Prevalence of HBsAg and anti-HBs in hospital personnel]. / Prevalenza di HBsAg e anti-HBs nel personale ospedaliero.

The prevalence of serum HBsAg and Anti-HBs was studied in 201 staff members from two Renal Dialysis Units, one Medical and one Dermatological Division from two Hospitals in the Milano area. The overall prevalence of HBsAg was significantly greater among staff members (8.9%) as compared to controls (4.9%). On the contrary, the prevalence of Anti-HBs was only slightly higher in hospital personnel than in controls. Non-medical staff members (nurses, technicians) showed a prevalence of HBV markers (HBsAg and/or Anti-HBs) twice as high as medical staff members (46.1% vs 23.2%). When the prevalence of HBV markers was correlated to the duration of work in the hospital, a steady increase in the prevalence of Anti-HBs was observed. On the contrary, the prevalence of HBsAg rose in the first 3 years and remained constant thereafter. The prevalence of HBV markers was significantly higher among staff members from Renal Dialysis Units (HBsAg+ and/or Anti-HBs+:50%) than in the personnel from the Medical and Dermatological Divisions (32.4%). However, the difference was solely related to a higher prevalence of Anti-HBs in the former (42% vs 23%). This may reflect a higher risk of infection in Dialysis Units as compared to other Hospital Divisions. However, the difference might be magnified by the frequent use of HBIG in the Dialysis Units personnel.

[The use of a new balsamic expectorant in bronchopulmonary pathology in children]. / Osservazioni sull'impiego di un nuovo espettorante balsamico nella patologia broncopolmonare del bambino.

The therapeutic effectiveness of a new antiinflammatory-expectorant drug, guacetisal (Broncaspin) has been compared with that of a well known mucolytic, bromexine, already available for therapy, in the paediatric suspension formula. The study was carried out on 26 children in the 1st Paediatrics clinic of Milan University. The children were suffering from inflammation of the respiratory apparatus. It is concluded that the new drug possesses greated clinical effectiveness.

[Treatment of inappropriate ADH secretion syndrome with demethylchlortetracycline]. / Traitement du syndrome de sécrétion inappropriée d'hormone antidiurétique par la déméthylchlortetracycline.

A sixteen month girl with inappropriate ADH secretion was treated with demethylchlortetracycline. On a dose of 20 mgs/kg/day the disorder resolved completely. Treatment was continued with a maintenance dose of 15 mgs/kg/day. No side effects were observed.