Clinical evaluation of the perception of post-trauma paresthesia in the mandible, using a biomimetic material: A preliminary study in humans.

There is a great effort from numerous research groups in the development of materials and therapeutic strategies for the functional recovery of patients who have suffered peripheral nerve injuries (PNI). In an article in vivo, the formation of a nerve bridge was observed, reconnecting the distal and proximal stumps, in the sciatic nerve of rats, indicating the effective participation of the biomaterial in the recovery of peripheral nerve injuries. For the current pilot study, 15 cases of multiple fractures of the mandible, with involvement of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) were selected and studied: JC (control cases) n = 6 with conventional treatment, and JT (treated cases) n = 9, with the use of biomimetic biomaterial. The evaluation of the return to sensitivity was measured through a self-assessment, where the patients assigned scores from 0 to 10, where zero (0) represented the complete absence of sensitivity and ten (10) the normality of the perception of local sensitivity. Patients were evaluated from the preoperative period to the 360th day. The statistical results obtained by the t-Student, Shapiro-Wilk normality and non-parametric One-Way ANOVA tests indicated statistically significant differences (p < 0.005; 0.005 e 0.5 respectively), between the two treatments, which were reflected in the clinical results observed, we also calculate the size of the effect represented by ϵ2, calculated by Cohen's d. The results indicate a great difference between the treatments performed,ϵ2 = 1.00. In the 6 cases followed up in the JC group, four remained with a significant deficit until the end of the evaluations and two indicated the remission of the lack of sensitivity in this period. In the JT group, in 28 days, all cases indicated complete remission of the lack of sensitivity with healing concentration. In one of the cases where there was a complete rupture of the mental nerve, the (score-10) was observed in 60 days. The observed results indicate the existence of a statistical significance between the groups and an important relationship when using the biomimetic biomaterial during the recovery of the perception of sensitivity in polytraumatized patients, compatible with the results observed in laboratory animals, which may indicate its clinical feasibility in the reduction of sequelae in PNI.

Which oilseed meal provides a higher yield and better nutrient profile of milk in grazing cows?

This study aims to verify which of the oilseed meals will provide a higher milk production efficiency and milk nutrient profile in grazing cows to optimize the production system and improve milk nutrients for the benefit of nutrition and human health. A Latin square experiment was conducted with 12 cows for 84 days, fed Tanzania grass, and concentrated with cottonseed meal (CotM), sunflower meal (SunM), soybean meal (SoyM) and peanut meal (PeaM). SunM tended to have a higher production of 3.5% fat milk and higher milk urea nitrogen compared with the other treatments. SunM tended to have higher amount of fat in the milk compared with SoyM. PeaM tended to have lower fatty acids C13:0, C15:0 anteiso, C15:0 in milk compared with SunM. PeaM tended to have lower C16:0 and C17:0 iso compared with SoyM and CotM. PeaM had lower C18:1trans in comparison to the other meals. The addition of SoyM tended to have higher C18:1 cis15 compared with PeaM and tended to have lower thrombogenicity index compared with CotM and PeaM. Aiming at milk health in pasture production systems, SoyM presented the best nutritional quality of the lipid fraction. For productivity and fat yield, SunM had better results.

Paternal exposure to bupropion affects postnatal development in the offspring.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether paternal exposure to bupropion hydrochloride (BUP), an inhibitor of dopamine and noradrenaline reuptake, would affect the postnatal development of offspring. Male mice were divided into a BUP-treated (40mgkg-1day-1 by gavage, 45 days) or control (saline by gavage, 45 days) group (n=20 in each group). From Day 35 to Day 45 of treatment, males were allowed to mate with drug-naïve female mice. Postnatal development of the offspring (both sexes) was evaluated from Postnatal day (PND) 1 to PND60. Physical development parameters (weight gain, body length, incisor eruption, pinna detachment), anogenital distance, vaginal opening, reflexes (palmar grasp, surface righting, negative geotaxis and adult gait) and some behavioural parameters (locomotor activity and anxiety-like behaviour) were altered in the offspring of BUP-treated males. The results demonstrate that paternal exposure to BUP induces long-lasting changes in the postnatal development of the offspring.

Semen variables and sperm membrane protein profile of Saanen bucks (Capra hircus) in dry and rainy seasons of the northeastern Brazil (3°S).

The Saanen is a highly productive breed, and for this reason, it has been raised in Brazil, but mostly under climate conditions completely different from where the breed originated. The objective of this study was to investigate variations in semen parameters and sperm membrane proteins from Saanen bucks (n = 7) raised in Northeastern Brazil, during dry season (September, October, and November) and rainy season (March, April, and May). We showed that during the dry season, sperm motility, concentration, and the percentage of normal sperm decreased as compared to the rainy season. Rectal temperatures of bucks had no significant (p > 0.05) variations during the dry and rainy seasons. However, temperatures of left and right skin testis were higher (p < 0.05) during the dry as compared to the rainy season. Expression of three proteins (lysine-specific demethylase 5D, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthase subunit d, and radial spoke head protein 9 homolog) in sperm membrane were more intense in rainy season and only one protein (cytosol aminopeptidase) had greater expression in the dry season of the year. Our results show that mechanisms of testicular thermoregulation of Saanen bucks did not prevent a decrease in seminal parameters during the dry season. This deterioration may be related to reduced expression of proteins associated with important functions in sperm membrane.

Improvement in the outcome of invasive fusariosis in the last decade.

Invasive fusariosis (IF) has been associated with a poor prognosis. Although recent series have reported improved outcomes, the definition of optimal treatments remains controversial. The objective of this study was to evaluate changes in the outcome of IF. We retrospectively analysed 233 cases of IF from 11 countries, comparing demographics, clinical findings, treatment and outcome in two periods: 1985-2000 (period 1) and 2001-2011 (period 2). Most patients (92%) had haematological disease. Primary treatment with deoxycholate amphotericin B was more frequent in period 1 (63% vs. 30%, p <0.001), whereas voriconazole (32% vs. 2%, p <0.001) and combination therapies (18% vs. 1%, p <0.001) were more frequent in period 2. The 90-day probabilities of survival in periods 1 and 2 were 22% and 43%, respectively (p <0.001). In period 2, the 90-day probabilities of survival were 60% with voriconazole, 53% with a lipid formulation of amphotericin B, and 28% with deoxycholate amphotericin B (p 0.04). Variables associated with poor prognosis (death 90 days after the diagnosis of fusariosis) by multivariable analysis were: receipt of corticosteroids (hazard ratio (HR) 2.11, 95% CI 1.18-3.76, p 0.01), neutropenia at end of treatment (HR 2.70, 95% CI 1.57-4.65, p <0.001), and receipt of deoxycholate amphotericin B (HR 1.83, 95% CI 1.06-3.16, p 0.03). Treatment practices have changed over the last decade, with an increased use of voriconazole and combination therapies. There has been a 21% increase in survival rate in the last decade.

[Evaluation of ownership of an implantable medical device by patients]. / Évaluation de l'appropriation d'un dispositif médical implantable par les patients.

INTRODUCTION: In order to improve the care of patients with pacemakers or defibrillators, a survey was realized to assess the adherence of the cardiac implant of patients PATIENTS AND METHOD: A survey was proposed to assess the level of information assimilation of patients' implant (indication of installation, precautions and conduct...) by patients presenting within the Cardiology Department concerning a first implantation or a change in the device. RESULTS: Early results show that 84% of patients have an indication of implant placement. Only 55% know that they must notify to the medical team they have a cardiac implant, especially when needing MRI. In case of a shock, only 35% of patients with defibrillator know how to behave. The majority of patients say they consult when signs of infection occur or when symptoms reappear. DISCUSSION: The results show that patients are generally well informed about the main precautions and have a good knowledge of their implant. Nevertheless, messages about "what to do if" are not well known. Patients with defibrillators have better assimilated the information than patient with pacemakers. CONCLUSION: Our approach has to account for the level of information and the degree of assimilation of information by patients. It is part of the development of patient's therapeutic education.

Resistant gram-negative infections in the outpatient setting in Latin America.

Latin America has a high rate of community-associated infections caused by multidrug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae relative to other world regions. A review of the literature over the last 10 years indicates that urinary tract infections (UTIs) by Escherichia coli, and intra-abdominal infections (IAIs) by E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, were characterized by high rates of resistance to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, quinolones, and second-generation cephalosporins, and by low levels of resistance to aminoglycosides, nitrofurantoin, and fosfomycin. In addition, preliminary data indicate an increase in IAIs by Enterobacteriaceae producing extended-spectrum ß-lactamases, with reduced susceptibilities to third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins. Primary-care physicians in Latin America should recognize the public health threat associated with UTIs and IAIs by resistant Gram-negative bacteria. As the number of therapeutic options become limited, we recommend that antimicrobial prescribing be guided by infection severity, established patient risk factors for multidrug-resistant infections, acquaintance with local antimicrobial susceptibility data, and culture collection.

Gestational exposure to yellow fever vaccine at different developmental stages induces behavioral alterations in the progeny.

The most effective method to prevent yellow fever and control the disease is a vaccine made with attenuated live virus. Due to the neurological tropism of the virus, preventive vaccination is not recommended for infants under 6 months and for pregnant women. However there is a paucity of data regarding the safety for pregnant women and there are no experimental studies investigating adverse effects to the offspring after maternal exposure to the vaccine. This study aimed to investigate, in mice, the effects of maternal exposure to the yellow fever vaccine at three different gestational ages on the physical and behavioral development of the offspring. Pregnant Swiss mice received a single subcutaneous injection of water for injection (control groups) or 2 log Plaque Forming Units (vaccine-treated groups) of the yellow fever vaccine on gestational days (GD) 5, 10 or 15. Neither maternal signs of toxicity nor alterations in physical development and reflex ontogeny of the offspring were observed in any of the groups. Data from behavioral evaluation indicated that yellow fever vaccine exposure induced motor hypoactivity in 22-day-old females independent of the day of exposure; and in 60-day-old male and female pups exposed at GD 10. Moreover, 22-day-old females also presented with a deficit in habituation memory. Altogether, these results indicate that in utero exposure to the yellow fever vaccine may induce behavioral alterations in the pups that may persist to adulthood in the absence of observed maternal toxicity or disruption of physical development milestones or reflex ontogeny.

Alterações histopatológicas da glândula mamária e qualidade do leite de cabras naturalmente infectadas com o CAEV / Histopathological changes in the mammary gland and milk quality of goats naturally infected with CAEV

Avaliou-se a influência do vírus da CAE nas características físico-químicas de amostras de leite de 54 cabras, sem predileção racial, distribuindo-as em dois grupos: cabras positivas e negativas para o teste de imunodifusão em gel de agarose. As amostras de leite foram submetidas à análise ultrassônica para obtenção de parâmetros físico-químicos - gordura, extrato seco, proteínas, lactose e densidade; realização de microbiologia - bactérias mesófilas (UCF/mL). Foram coletadas amostras de tecido mamário para exame histopatológico e imunohistoquímica. Não houve diferença significativa das características avaliadas entre os dois grupos; no microbiológico, não houve relação direta da presença de mesófilas associada à infecção pelo CAEV. Na histopatologia, observaram-se áreas com infiltração celular de monócitos, polimorfonucleares, plasmócitos, fibrose, ausência de morfologia normal do parênquima mamário, denotando processo inflamatório crônico; e foi confirmada a presença do vírus na glândula pela imunohistoquímica. Os resultados não mostraram relação direta da incidência da CAE como fator negativo no desenvolvimento do rebanho.

Aiming to evaluate the influence of CAE viruses in the chemical and physical characteristics of milk, the samples were collected from 54 goats, without racial predilection, these were divided into two groups: goats positive and negative according results of test Agarose Gel Immunodiffusion. Milk samples were ultrasonic analyzed to obtain physicochemical parameters (fat, solids, protein, lactose and density); performance microbiology (mesophilic bacteria - CFU/mL) and mammary gland samples were collected for evaluation histopathology and immunohistochemistry. The results of physical-chemical analysis showed no significant difference between the milk samples of two groups. In the microbiological analysis showed the presence of aerobic mesophilic bacteria, but this change is not associated with the presence of CAEV infection. On histopathology, there were areas with infiltration of mononuclear-leukocyte and polymorph nuclear, plasma cells, fibrosis and absence of normal morphology of the mammary tissue, indicating a chronic inflammatory process; and confirmed the presence of virus, in the gland, by immunohistochemistry. The results showed no direct relationship between incidence of CAE in the herd as a negative factor for its development, however it is known that the disease in its chronic nature, causes reduction in the productivity of the herd.

Antibody response to the non-adjuvanted and adjuvanted influenza A H1N1/09 monovalent vaccines in renal transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: The 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus spread rapidly throughout Brazil. Non-adjuvanted and the adjuvanted influenza A H1N1/09 monovalent vaccine were recommended as a single dose to persons at risk including renal transplant recipients (RTR). We analyzed the safety and the immune response of 2 influenza A H1N1/09 monovalent vaccines in RTR, and identified factors influencing the immune response. METHODS: A total of 78 RTR received a single dose of either influenza A H1N1 2009 monovalent AS03-adjuvanted vaccine or a non-adjuvanted vaccine, and 58 healthy controls received a single dose of non-adjuvanted vaccine. Antibody responses to influenza A H1N1 were measured by hemagglutination inhibition assay and were compared between groups on the day of vaccination and 21-30 days thereafter, using geometric mean titer (GMT), and seroprotection (SP) and seroconversion (SC) rates. RESULTS: Among RTR, after adjuvanted and non-adjuvanted H1N1 vaccination, the SP rate increased from 16.7% to 61.7% (P < 0.001) and to 50% (P < 0.001), and SC rates were 61.7% and 50%, respectively. For healthy controls, SP rate increased from 25.8% to 89.7% (P < 0.001), and SC rate was 87.9% after vaccination. Pre-vaccination GMT for the adjuvanted and non-adjuvanted RTR vaccine groups and healthy controls was 9.7 (95% confidence interval [CI] 7.3-13.1), 8.9 (95% CI 5.4-14.7), and 12.5 (95% CI8.7-18.2), and significantly increased to 49.8 (95% CI 31.3-79.4, P < 0.001), 43.2 (95% CI 16.3-114.4, P < 0.001), and 323.8 (95% CI 213.9-490.2, P < 0.001), respectively. Deceased-donor type transplant significantly reduced SP (odds ratio [OR] = 4.62, 95% CI 1.36-15.69, P = 0.014) and SC (OR = 6.29, 95% CI 1.89-20.98, P = 0.003) rates, and younger age positively affected SP (OR = 0.11; 95% CI 0.03-0.04, P = 0.001). Adverse events were mild, and renal function showed no change post vaccination. CONCLUSION: RTR vaccinated with either an adjuvanted or non-adjuvanted monovalent influenza vaccine presented poor response compared with healthy controls. Post-vaccination adverse events were mild, and no rejection episode or renal dysfunction was observed.

Management of young children in contact with an adult with drug-resistant tuberculosis, France, 2004-2008.

SETTING: Drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) is increasing worldwide and may be a source of diagnostic and therapeutic problems in young exposed children. In France exposed children are systematically treated with 3-month isoniazid-rifampicin prophylaxis. OBJECTIVE: To describe the characteristics and management of children aged <2 years in contact with an adult case of DR-TB in France over a 5-year period (2004-2008). METHODS: Children were retrospectively identified by sending questionnaires to all the members of the Paediatric Infectious Diseases Group and the Paediatric Pulmonology Group of the French Paediatric Society. RESULTS: Ten children, all infants, in contact with an adult case of DR-TB were identified: six cases of DR-TB (mean age 4.6 months), one case of TB infection and three cases of exposure (mean age 3.1 months). The children were mainly in contact with poly- or multidrug-resistant TB. Time to initiation of appropriate treatment was 39 days for TB disease and 58 days for TB infection or exposure. One child with TB infection developed TB disease due to failure to adapt prophylaxis. Treatment was variable and centre-dependent. Short-term follow-up showed complete recovery of all children. CONCLUSION: Management of young children in contact with adult DR-TB requires rapid identification of the drug resistance profile. Molecular techniques should be used to reduce delays in initiating appropriate treatment.

Efeitos da fonte de enxofre sobre a população de protozoários e degradabilidade no rúmen / Effects of sulfur source on protozoa population and ruminal degradability

Estudaram-se os efeitos de fontes de enxofre na dieta sobre os parâmetros ruminais de bovinos Nelore, utilizando-se oito novilhos canulados no rúmen e submetidos a quatro tratamentos, segundo a fonte de enxofre. Os animais do grupo-controle não receberam suplementação de enxofre. Os dos outros três grupos receberam flor de enxofre ou metionina ou carboquelatado, como suplementação. Os animais foram arraçoados com dieta total, utilizando cana-de-açúcar picada como volumoso. O período experimental foi de 76 dias, dividido em quatro subperíodos de 19 dias, dos quais 14 eram para adaptação à dieta e cinco para as colheitas. Não foram encontradas diferenças entre as fontes de enxofre na degradabilidade da matéria seca, proteína bruta e fibras em detergente ácido e neutro e no pH ruminal. O tratamento com carboquelatado resultou em maior número de protozoários ciliados e o tratamento metionina em menor contagem. O carboquelatado pode ser uma boa alternativa para a suplementação de enxofre para bovinos em confinamento.

This research was carried out at FZEA/USP to compare the effects of different sulphur sources in diets of Nellore cattle on ruminal parameters. Eight steers were rumen cannulated and submitted to four treatments, using the following sulphur sources: control (no supplement), elemental sulphur, methionine, and carboquelated. Animals were fed a total ration using sugarcane as the roughage. The proportion roughage:concentrate was 40:60. The experimental period lasted 76 days, divided in four 19-days sub-periods. The first 14 days of each sub-period were used to adapt the animals to the diet and the last five days to collect the samples. During the sample period, ruminal liquid was sampled to protozoa count and pH determination. Also, nylon bags were incubated in rumen to determinate the degradability of dietary dry matter, crude protein, and acid and neutral detergent fiber. Treatments did not affect dietary dry matter, crude protein, acid and neutral detergent fiber degradability, and the ruminal pH. However, carboquelated provided the higher total amount of ciliate protozoa and methionine provided the lowest values. Carboquelated can be a good alternative to supplement sulphur to bovines in a feedlot.

Comparative animal study on hard tissue integration and bone formation of different Nobel Biocare implants.

Dental implantation aims at optimal and long-term hard tissue integration. Beside primary stability, loading time and other factors, e.g. the surface of the endosteal part of the implant, is a matter of special importance. In this animal trial, hard tissue integration of two different implant types was studied using radiological, histological and histomorphometric analysis. Two different implants with an oxidized surface (TiUnite; Nobel Biocare AB, Goteborg, Sweden, NobelReplace Tapered Groovy 4.3 x 10 mm and Replace Select Tapered 4.3 x 10 mm) were inserted into the right and left mandibles of 10 German domestic pigs between canine and premolar and immediately provided with a ceramic crown. The primary implant stability was determined using resonance frequency analysis. After 70 days, the test animals were killed and specimens were collected for histological and histomorphometric examination. All implants showed good primary stability after surgery. Histological and histomorphometrical analysis revealed no significant differences in the bone apposition. The immediate loading of the different implant types don't have any negative effects on the bone apposition in the period of 70 days. The long-term effects of immediate loading of these types of implant requires further studies.

[Nebulized corticosteroids and pediatricians: results of the NUAGES survey]. / Prescription des corticoïdes nébulisés par les pédiatres : résultats de l'enquête NUAGES.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to analyze the data of the NUAGES survey (a survey on the practice of nebulization in France), concerning the prescriptions of nebulized steroids from 514 pediatricians. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The reason why nebulization was chosen as a delivery route, the diseases motivating the prescription, the age of the patients, the kind of drug used, and the prescription and device modalities were studied. RESULTS: Efficacy in treating various respiratory diseases was the main reason cited for using nebulization, in particular severe persistent asthma (76%). Pediatricians prescribed nebulization mainly to infants (60%). The most frequently used drug was budesonide suspension (89%), but the intravenous route for steroids (18%) and drug admixtures (62%) were also proposed by nebulization. A specific prescription for the nebulizer was given in 75% of the cases, with the type of interface to use specified in 66%. DISCUSSION: Pediatricians consider that nebulization is well adapted to young children. Although the proper steroid is usually chosen, unfortunately, it is often prescribed with other drugs, with 1 prescription out of 4 not following the recommendations. Prescription of the device is not optimal and may compromise the efficacy of the treatment. CONCLUSION: Nebulization is a potential mode of delivery for steroids that is difficult to prescribe and warrants improved pediatrician training.

Antitumor necrosis factor-induced neutropenia: a case report with double positive rechallenges.

A 50-year-old man with ankylosing spondylitis who developed neutropenia after treatment of etanercept, with two positive rechallenges, and after the first infliximab infusion, is described. Although leukopenia and neutropenia related to etanercept and infliximab have been described as rare adverse events from clinical trials data, their mechanism of action are unknown. This patient developed recurrent mild neutropenia after exposition of two different antitumor necrosis factors; therefore, it seems to be an adverse reaction related to the therapeutic group. Doctors should be aware of this potentially severe adverse effect in patients treated with antitumor necrosis factor.

[Diagnosis and treatment of congenital bronchopulmonary malformations. A review of 32 cases]. / Diagnostic et traitement des malformations bronchopulmonaires congénitales : analyse de 32 observations.

OBJECTIVES: Analysis of our experience and propositions on the diagnosis and treatment of congenital bronchopulmonary malformations (BPM). POPULATION AND METHODS: Retrospective study of BPM diagnosed between 1997 and 2001. Analysis of clinical spectrum, diagnosis tools, treatment, and clinical outcome. RESULTS: Thirty-two cases of BPM have been investigated (11 cystic adenomatoid malformations, 7 pulmonary sequestrations, 7 bronchogenic cysts, 4 congenital lobar emphysema, and 3 complex emphysematous malformations). Nineteen patients had a prenatal diagnosis. For 9 others, symptoms occurred before 4 years of age. Evaluation included a CT-scan in all patients (BPM involution in one). Surgical treatment was performed in 30 patients (lobectomy in 18), with a mean age of 7 months for asymptomatic patients. During the follow-up (mean: 3 years), respiratory symptoms were reported in 10 cases, 3 of them were related to the BPM. DISCUSSION: Improvement in prenatal ultrasound diagnosis modified the management strategy. Considering the risk of pulmonary complications, surgical treatment is required during the first months of life. For congenital lobar emphysema, and some pulmonary sequestrations or small cystic adenomatoid malformations (<3 cm), conservative attitude may be preferred. BPM justify a multidisciplinary management.

Influência do balanco cátion-aniônico da dieta no rúmen e no desempenho de ovinos / Influence of dietary cation-anion balance on rumen and performance variables in sheep

Estudou-se o efeito do balanco cátion-aniônico da dieta (BCAD) no desempenho animal e na fermentacão ruminal, utilizando-se 25 carneiros machos, da raca Santa Inês, durante 75 dias. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso, com cinco tratamentos. Para a manipulacão do BCAD, foram adicionados sulfato de amônio e bicarbonato de sódio, obtendo-se os seguintes tratamentos: -160, -40, 140, 250 e 500 mEq/kg de matéria seca. O aumento do BCAD resultou em aumentos da ingestão de matéria seca, do ganho diário, da eficiência alimentar e do pH ruminal (P<0,05). O perfil de ácidos graxos ruminais não foi afetado pelo BCAD.

[Mefloquine versus halofantrine in children suffering from acute uncomplicated falciparum malaria]. / Méfloquine versus halofantrine dans le traitement de l'accès simple à Plasmodium falciparum de l'enfant voyageur.

AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate mefloquine versus halofantrine in children suffering from acute uncomplicated falciparum malaria. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective non randomized study in hospitalized children during one year. Acute falciparum malaria was defined by fever and a positive thin and/or thick smear. Malaria was presumed to have been contracted in Comoros archipelago and/or Madagascar 6 months previously. Patients were excluded, when quinine had to be used, according to World Health Organization's severity criteria. RESULTS: Forty-nine children were included: 29 were treated with halofantrine and 20 with mefloquine. Patients features in the two groups of treatment were identical, with exception for the mean time between first clinical signs and diagnosis (shorter in mefloquine group). Fever's and hospitalization's duration under treatment were similar. An increase in QTc interval was frequently observed in patients treated with halofantrine (56 versus 0%), although patients with mefloquine experienced vomiting (45 versus 0%). Relapses seemed to be more frequent with halofantrine (14 versus 0%). DISCUSSION: Halofantrine and mefloquine are efficient for falciparum malaria treatment in our pediatric series, despite a high rate of adverse events. Mefloquine's tolerance may probably be improved with changes in regimen and dose. Relapses are more frequent with a single first treatment of halofantrine, than with mefloquine. Unfortunately, features of a second halofantrine treatment are not defined.