Birbeck granules: contribution to the comprehension of intracytoplasmic evolution.

We investigated the ultrastructure of Birbeck granules which are found in some malignant histiocytoses such as histiocytosis X, Letterer-Siwe disease, Hand-Schüller-Christian disease, eosinophilic granuloma of the bone and self-healing reticulohistiocytosis. The research is based on the systemic study of Birbeck granules, from their formation to intracytoplasmic development, examining with the electron microscope at regular intervals ultrathin sections derived from biopsies of two cases of Langerhans cell histiocytosis.

Acquired hyperoxaluria and haematuria in children.

Two children with extensive ileal resection are reported. They developed gross haematuria of "non-glomerular origin", without stones or nephrocalcinosis. Previous reports indicate that acquired hyperoxaluria is common in children with a variety of intestinal disorders. Our patients had hyperoxaluria. We think that hyperoxaluria may be the cause of haematuria through a pathogenetic mechanism similar to the one ascribed to haematuria secondary to hypercalciuria and hyperuricosuria.

[Contribution to the study of some plasma protein clearances in children]. / Contributo alla conoscenza della clearance di alcune plasmaproteine in eta' pediatrica.

Renal clearances of transeferrin, IgG and C'3 were determined by the immunodiffusion method in 51 healthy children. Statistical elaboration shows the great dispersion around the mean values. The results of other Authors in healthy adults are confirmed.