[Respiratory problems in children after severe pneumonia]. / Problemy oddechowe u dzieci po przebytym zapaleniu pluc o ciezkim przebiegu.

In the course of complicated pneumonia in children diffuse inflammatory infiltrations with the risk of durable destruction of lung parenchyma are confirmed clinically and radiologically. The aim of the study was an evaluation of the general health state and respiratory problems in 55 children who had been earlier hospitalized for pneumonia with signs of localized changes and severe symptoms. The evaluation was done 2-10 years after the onset of the disease. In 89.1% of children a planned treatment was continued after hospital discharge. The period of recovery lasted over 6 weeks in 50.8% of examined children, and it was shorter than 2 weeks only in 23.6% of children. The relapses of the lower respiratory tract inflammation occurred in 43.6% of children in the form of bronchitis and in 9.1% of children a recurrent pneumonia was diagnosed. Only 12.7% of children needed subsequent hospitalization for respiratory problems. In 34.5% of children a limitation of physical activity was noted. 40 children underwent a functional examination of the respiratory system. In this group 35% of children ventilation problems of restrictive character were stated, whereas in 17.5% spirometry revealed bronchial obstruction. Presented results suggest the necessity of the specialistIc care of children after severe pneumonia including the monitoring of clinical and spirometric parameters of respiratory function and adequate rehabilitation.

[Studies of microbiological contamination of ultrasonic apparatus used in pediatric aerosol therapy]. / Badania zanieczyszczen mikrobiologicznych aparatury ultradzwiekowej stosowanej w aerozoloterapii pediatrycznej.

It was found that inflating tube is most rarely contaminated with microorganisms during the use of ultrasonic inhalator TUR USI 70. Glass cylinder is contaminated more frequently whereas a diaphragm, aerosol preparation, inhaling mask and a pipe joining it with the device are contaminated most frequently. Sporadic contamination of the inflating tube indicate an efficient work of air filters while frequent contamination of the diaphragm, aerosol preparation and glass cylinder prove that the contamination is caused by a coupling fluid. It was also found that ultrasound exerts a destructive effect on microorganisms in the aerosol preparation. The investigations have shown that the inhaling mask and tubes joining it with the device should be changed before each use while the other parts of an inhalator and aerosol preparation may be changed once per 15 inhalations. It was also noted that disinfection of different parts of the device by a 2% aqueous glutaric aldehyde (30 minutes at room temperature) is efficient in about 95%.