[Effect of a synthetic detergent (Syndet) on the pH of the skin of infants]. / Der Einfluss eines synthetischen Detergens (Syndet) auf das pH der Haut von Säuglingen.

The long- and short-term effects on the skin of infants of a synthetic detergent (syndet) with an acid pH were investigated and compared to ordinary soap. The short-term effect was determined by measuring the skin pH on different parts of the body before and 20 min after washing with syndet. The long-term effect was tested in a second group, in which the infants were washed either with ordinary soap or with syndet for 3 days. The skin pH was measured 4-5 h after washing. The results were evaluated statistically. The results show that for a short time syndet displaces the skin pH towards acid pH in younger infants; however, the skin pH is not influenced in older infants. Syndet keeps the skin pH in the physiological range for a longer time after washing than ordinary soap.

Oto-spondylo-megaepiphyseal dysplasia (OSMED).

Four personal longitudinal observations and two cases from the literature are used to introduce the concept of oto-spondylo-megaepiphyseal dysplasia (OSMED). The condition may be recognized at birth. The main clinical findings are sensoneurinal deafness, enlarged 1st interphalangeal joints of the hands, relative short extremities with abnormally large knees and elbows but still normal total body length. In the second decade of life, backpain and decreased mobility of the joints may follow. 4/6 patients had a cleft palate. The diagnostic radiological findings are the big epiphyses combined with a moderate platyspondyly, most marked in the lower thoracic region. The occurrence of OSMED in two sisters suggests an autosomal-recessive transmission. No biochemical anomaly could be detected.

[Modern detergents and their application in pediatrics]. / Sind die neuen Waschmittel in der Pädiatrie von Vorteil?

During the past half of this century there has been a tremendous development of chemical products. Their application in every day life is widespread, and problems arose summarized under the term of civilisation damages. An important aspect is the effect of detergents on human skin. Every day more than 100 million people have contact with surface active substances--an influence on the physiologic steady state of the skin or its protective mechanisms was thought to be possible. After reviewing the relevant literature of the past ten years following conclusions can be drawn: As to the problem of tolerance we can say that there is no objection against the use of anionactive detergents. Under extreme conditions, e.g. constitutional anomalies, or intense application on previously damaged skin, injury of the skin can be observed. In the age group between 6 and 12 years there exists no difference in the resistance against alkali or acids in comparison to adults. It has not been demonstrated yet, however, whether the buffering capacity is already active in the skin of the newborn, or when it becomes effective after birth. We can recommend the use of modern detergents in pediatrics, they represent an important part of modern hygiene in childhood, especially in infancy. For optimal efficacy one has to adjust the substance to every constitutional skin type and to preexisting skin damages.

[Omphalocele and gastroschisis: clinical differences and surgical considerations. A ten year review (author's transl)]. / Omphalozele und Gastroschisis: Klinische Unterschiede und chirurgische Konsequenzen.

31 infants with anterior abdominal wall defects were treated over the past 10 years. Despite the falling birth rate gastroschisis occurred almost twice as often as omphalocele (19 and 12 cases, respectively). The mortality rate of 71% in omphalocele were related to large defects, rupture of the sac and associated cardiac malformations. The 73% incidence of prematurity, additional malformations and sepsis contributed to the mortality rate of 58% in gastroschisis.

[So-called Friedreich's foot (author's transl)]. / Der sogenannte Friedreich-Fuss.

Friedreich's foot represents a conspicuous, but diagnostically nonspecific, symptom of neurologic disorder in children. The importance of the differential diagnosis for this symptom is illustrated with the help of observations made by the authors.

[Training and further education in pediatrics: experience and models in Austria (author's transl)]. / Formen und Gestaltung der Aus- und Fortbildung in der Kinderheilkunde. Erfahrungen in Osterreich

A new legal standard was destined for the postgraduate medical training in Austria in 1973. Details and the practical application of this regulation concerning the pediatric specialty are discussed. Special emphasis is given to the need for better integration of the didactic technics in the teaching methods of university hospitals. A special board examination is still point at issue, but should be established in the near future.