Aplasia cutis congenita of the scalp: therapeutic modalities.

Agenesis of scalp is an uncommon but well-recognized clinical entity. Congenital scalp and skull defects can be either obvious or occult; over 300 cases have been reported in literature. Aplasia cutis congenita (ACC) is recognized as a heterogeneous disorder, all characterized by focal absence of the epidermis, dermis and sometimes the calvarium and/or dura. We present a case of ACC in an infant whose mother was exposed to a teratogenic drug (Methimazole--an antithyroid drug) during pregnancy. This case report is presented to highlight the steps to successful management. Definitive full thickness scalp cover at the earliest avoids secondary infection, eschar formation and exsanguination.

Surgery in spontaneous intra-cerebral haematoma.

Twenty-six patients of intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) were treated by surgical evacuation of clot. Six patients were operated within 24 hour, four on the second day, seven between the third and fifth day and nine after five days. Their therapeutic out-come was compared with an equal number of age, location and severity matched group of patients of ICH who did not undergo surgery. Mortality in surgically treated group (16/26) was comparable to control group (20/26), however, follow up of survivors showed slightly reduced morbidity in operated group. Patients in grade III (level of consciousness) were the only ones who were benefited from surgery. The timing of the surgery did not affect the immediate mortality.