Sleep disturbances in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a comparative study with healthy siblings.

The sleep profiles of 13 children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) who were treated with a fixed dose of methylphenidate for at least 1 month were compared with those of 16 healthy siblings. Sleep disturbances were assessed according to a structured sleep questionnaire, and the severity of ADHD was evaluated via the Conners Parents Teachers Rating Scale. The results indicated that significantly more children with ADHD demonstrated single or multiple sleep disturbances as well as higher rates of specific sleep disorders, such as initial and middle insomnia, compared with their siblings. No correlation was found between the severity of ADHD and disturbed sleep. Sleep duration and satisfaction with sleep were similar in the two groups. These findings raise important questions regarding the association between ADHD and disturbed sleep.

The treatment of hypertension by labetalol--a new alpha- and beta-adrenoreceptor blocking agent.

A new alpha- and beta-blocking agent, labetalol, was used to treat 50 hypertensive patients, 34 of them with refractory hypertension. A significant reduction in hypertension was achieved with relatively few adverse reactions. The combination of alpha and beta blockers in labetalol with their mutually opposing characteristics offers an interesting and promising approach to the control of hypertension.

Labetalol-induced toxic myopathy.

Labetalol has been successful in treating hypertension, and few side effects have been reported, although there have been cases of muscle pain during treatment. A patient with essential hypertension treated with labetalol 600 mg daily complained of muscle pains, particularly in the legs. No neurological abnormality was found, but the activity of muscle enzymes in the blood was high. Findings on electromyography were compatible with myositis and electron microscopical findings suggested toxic myopathy. Labetalol was stopped for 10 days, and the muscle pain disappeared and enzyme activity returned to normal. When labetalol was restarted the pain returned and enzyme activities rose. Myopathy should be considered in patients experiencing muscle pain after treatment with labetalol.

Minoxidil in the treatment of refractory hypertension.

Minoxidil, a powerful vasodilator, is a very effective antihypertensive drug. Twenty-two patients, who were mostly refractory to conventional anti-hypertensive medication, were treated with this drug. There was a swift and definite drop of blood pressure in all cases. In 7 patients with renal disease, renal function did not deteriorate during the administration of minoxidil, and it improved dramatically in the eighth patient. Side effects of the drug were hirsutism, fluid retention, and in 1 patient a pruritic bullous erruption which disappeared when the drug was discontinued.

Minoxidil in the treatment of refractory hypertension.

Minoxidil, a powerful vasodilator, is a very effective antihypertensive drug. It was used to treat 22 patients, most of whom were refractory to conventional antihypertensive medication. There was a swift and definite drop of blood pressure in all cases. In 7 patients with renal disease, renal function did not deteriorate during the administration of Minoxidil, and it improved dramatically in the eighth patient. Side effects of the drug were hirsutism, fluid retention, and in 1 patients a pruritic bullous eruption which disappeared when the drug was discontinued.

Minoxidil-induced bullous eruption.

A previously unreported side effect--serosanguineous bullae--was found in one patient receiving minoxidil. The eruption disappeared with cessation of the drug and reappeared on rechallenge. The question arises whether continuation of minoxidil treatment could have led to vasculitis.

A case of maternal hyperparathyroidism presenting as neonatal tetany.

A three-week-old infant presented with tetany and with serum calcium and phosphate levels compatible with the diagnosis of hypoparathyroidism. Investigation of the asymptomatic mother revealed serum calcium and phosphate levels and urinary phosphate clearance values diagnostic of hyperparathyroidism. The maternal hyperparathyroidism was treated by removal of a parathyroid adenoma.