[Kawasaki disease. Description of a case with atypical onset and course]. / La malattia di Kawasaki. Descrizione di un caso ad esordio e decorso atipici.

The authors, pointing out this case, intend to lay emphasis upon the possibility that, within a clinical-nosological entity complex itself, there were atypic forms (persisting pulmonary infiltration, marked hepatosplenomegaly, noticeably delayed thrombocitosis), for which only a careful estimate of all the elements permits the diagnosis.

[Hepatitis B in pediatrics. Considerations on vaccination in leukemia]. / Epatite B in pediatria. Considerazioni sulla vaccinazione in corso di leucemia.

The A.A. after briefly describing the epidemiology of B hepatitis in Italy, outline its particular incidence among all the leukemic children in Campania and stress its negative effects on the course and prognosis of the disease. A study on 50 children affected by Acute Leukemia shows that 30/50 appear to be constantly seronegative for HBV. Nine of them received vaccination against B Hepatitis (HB VAX, MS & D) in order to reduce the risk of infection in the course of the chemotherapy. Among the vaccinated children, only two (22%) were found positive for HBsAb after the third inoculation. The fail in response is probably due to the light immunodepressed condition of most of these patients. The achieved results are not very encouraging, but further investigations are needed to decide whether the vaccination can be advisable for these children.

[Schönlein-Henoch syndrome. Clinico-statistical analysis of 60 cases (1978-1984)]. / Sindrome di Schonlein-Henoch. Analisi clinico-statistica su 60 casi (1978-1984).

Schonlein-Henoch purpura is a systemic, immunocomplex-mediated vasculitis which involves skin, joints, gastrointestinal and urinary system. This is a retrospective study on 60 S.H.S. admitted in our Division from 1978 to 1984. The most affected age range seems to be included between 2 and 7 years, with a maximum at 6. The Male/Female ratio is 35/25. Clinically we found skin (100%), joint (63%), abdominal (48%), and renal (25%) manifestations. Laboratory data are not characteristic: C3 and C4 are always in the normal range. 27% showed an elevation of IgA, 81% a rise of sedimentation rate and 45% a rise of Anti-O-Streptolysin Title. The main problem to face is prevention of glomerulonephritis. Salicylates, piridamol and cyproheptadine have been suggested to be effective. Prednisone is recommended in all cases with abdominal pain in order to prevent surgical complications. In our experience we could not demonstrate any difference between treated and not treated cases. It is important anyway to perform a correct follow-up of these children to early show a possible relapse or a renal complication.