[Guillain-Barre syndrome in children. Analysis of 23 cases]. / El síndrome de Guillain Barré en el niño. Análisis de 23 casos.

A group of 23 children aged 5 months to 6 years a diagnosis of Guillain Barré syndrome has been analysed. In 2/3 of our patients the illness appeared in autumn-winter period. We considered muscle weaknesses, pain and impairments of cranial nerves to be the main characteristics of the disease. The presence of denervation activity was an indication of worse evolutive prognosis. Hormone treatment was started in 21 cases and plasma exchange in one more, with rapid reduction of the vegetative and the motor symptoms. The progress was considered to be highly favourable in all of them. One child had a recidivant form of this disease.

[Cerebral abscess in childhood]. / Absceso cerebral en la infancia.

The brain abscess is not frequent in childhood. However, they have important and serious consequences. We have studied the natural history of fifteen cases, emphasizing the situations in which they appear with the purpose to avoid them. Our results are similar to those of other series in regard to the etiology, manifestations, diagnosis and treatment. The incidence was greater in males (66.6%) and between 10 to 15 years of age (53.3%). ENT infections and meningoencephalitis were the main origin in the same proportion (33.3%), followed by cyanotic congenital heart diseases (13.3%). Mortality rate was 20% and two survivors (13.3%) showed very important motor sequel. One of them (6.6%), also had a partial epilepsy. Our results recall the need for a better knowledge of pathogenesis and treatment of these patients.

[Abdominal echography in recurrent abdominal pain: study in 100 cases]. / Ecografía abdominal en el dolor abdominal recurrente: estudio en 100 casos.

Abdominal ultrasound imaging performed in 100 children with recurrent abdominal pain have been reviewed. Organic abnormalities were found in 7% of cases. It is emphasized the importance of a careful clinical history, physical examination as well as biological and bacteriological investigations before abdominal echography. In spite of that we believe abdominal ultrasonography is useful in this type of patients, even when non-organic causes are suspected, because of its harmlessness. If the study were normal, others more aggressive explorations could be avoided.