Acute phase response and immunofluorescence test in differentiation between viral and bacterial respiratory infections in children

In this work, the value of the clinical presentation and host responses [erythrocyte sedimentation rate, white blood cell count and C-reactive protein] in distinguishing viral from bacterial respiratory infections was studied in 240 infants and children. An etiologic diagnosis was carried out by cultures of pharyngeal secretions, antibody assays and antigen detection techniques. The results indicated that immunofluorescence [IF] test is the most appropriate rapid, accurate and reliable diagnostic technique for the detection of respiratory viral pathogens. Respiratory syncytial virus [RSV] was the most commonly isolated viral agent, while S. pneumoniae was the most commonly incriminated bacterial agent

Transcranial doppler sonography in neonates with instrumental delivery

This controlled study was conducted on 35 neonates delivered by vacuum extraction delivery [VED] and forceps, and 20 neonates delivered by spontaneous vaginal delivery and cesarian section [control group] to evaluate clinical and sonographic effects of instrumental delivery. Poor suckling, lethargy with sluggish neonatal reflexes and cephalhematoma were found in 31.4%, 22.9% and 45.2% of neonates with instrumental delivery respectively. In addition 34.3% of this group showed sonographic evidence of brain edema. Resistive index [RI] for both anterior and middle cerebral arteries was found to be significantly higher in the instrumental delivery group than controls indicating defects in cerebral perfusion and tendency to high intracranial pressure that may predispose to further cerebro-vascular and ischemic brain injuries- We recommend that neonates delivered by VED and forceps should be carefully supervised and evaluated with Doppler sonography particularly if there is any clinical abnormality. The attitude towards instrumental delivery without strict indication is to be revised