An analysis of pathological causes of death in 417 children under two years of age in Kingston and St. Andrew Jamaica over a two-year period between 1968 and 1970 - abstract

An analysis has been made of the causes of death of 417 children on whom autopsies were done as part of the PAHO/WHO Inter-American Investigation of Mortality in Childhood. Only adequately documented autopsies are included. Sixty-three of the deaths occurred in the first 24 hours, 80 in the next 6 days and 50 between 7 and 27 days. There were 87 deaths between 28 days and six months of age. The remaining 137 deaths occurred between 6 months and two years. The cases dying under 7 days are not representative of the KSAC Area as the majority of deaths occurring in the Victoria Jubilee Hospital are not included. Infections accounted for 56 percent of the deaths in the age group 7-27 days. Congenital malformations were responible for 38 percent of the deaths in this age group. Of those dying under two years of age, there were four main causes: gastroenteritis in 34 percent, pneumonia in 16 percent and malnutrition in 10 percent and congenital malformations in 18.5 percent. Infections are major causes of mortality in 43.4 percent of all autopsied cases under 2 years of age (AU)

Tetanus neonatorum - a three year survey

A three-year survey of 24 cases of Tetanus Neonatorum in the Paediatric ward of the Kingston Public Hospital with the mortality of 62 1/2 percent. Treatment was standard throughout the series. (Summary)

Case of juvenile hypoparathyroidism in Jamaica

A case of juvenile hypothyroidism occurring in Jamaica is described. Reasons are given for believing that this is not a case of cretinism. Factors which may explain the apparent infrequency of these conditions in Jamaica are discussed (AU)

Haemophilia in Jamaica

Comment is made of the few cases of haemophilia reported among mixed and coloured populations, and the literature relevant to this is briefly surveyed. A brief account is given of the history of haemophilia and its recent separation from other coagulation defects. The main theories of blood coagulation are briefly presented. Three cases of haemophilia occurring in Jamaicans of predominantly Negro ancestry are presented with clinical and haematological data. Investigations with the thromboblastin generation test leave no doubt that these are bona fide haemophiliacs. Certain points in connection with the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of haemophilia are discussed. Despite the few case4s of haemophilia described in coloured populations, it is felt that the incidence of the disease in these racial groups is much higher than had been thought. Once medical facilities become more widely available in underdeveloped territories the incidence of haemophilia will probably be found to be equal or nearly equal to that found among the Teutonic races of Europe and America. (AU)

Salmonellosis in Jamaican children

The literature on salmonellosis, excluding typhoid and paratyphoid fevers, is briefly reviewed, with special reference to the age incidence, nutrition of the patient, geographical distribution, sources of infection, clinical picture and treatment. 40 cases of salmonellosis in Jamaican children are described. These comprised: (i) acute gastro-enteritis (20 cases), (ii) chronic relapsing gastro-enteritis (18 cases), (iii) 'Salmonella fever' (1 case), (iv) Salmonella meningitis (1 case). The clinical picture, bacteriology and response to treatment are described. (Summary)