[Multicenter study on bronchopneumonia treated in a hospital environment in Friuli-Venezia Giulia: 1) Epidemiology]. / Indagine policentrica sulle broncopolmoniti trattate in ambiente ospedaliero in Friuli-Venezia Giulia: 1) Epidemiologia.

Results are presented of a vast analysis into Bronchopneumonia (B.P.) conducted in North East Italy as activity of the Regional Section of the Italian Paediatric Society. The survey of the 14 Paediatric Centres in the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, produced a total of 536 cases of B.P. in the period January-December 1982. Some significant connections between the several epidemiologic parameters investigated, with special interest in length of hospitalization, are commented. Bed occupancy, short vs. long stays, efficient management are discussed having also in consideration specific possible necessities of some local communities.

[Multicenter study on bronchopneumonia treated in a hospital environment in Friuli-Venezia Giulia: 2) Antibiotic therapy]. / Indagine policentrica sulle broncopolmoniti trattate in ambiente ospedaliero in Friuli-Venezia Giulia: 2) Antibioticoterapia.

An analysis of a year's admissions for Pneumonia in all the Paediatric Department of the Region Friuli Venezia Giulia is presented. The study was conducted as activity of the Regional Section of the Italian Paediatric Society. The survey of the 14 Paediatric Centres produced a total of 536 cases of Pneumonia in the period January-December 1982 and was focused on antimicrobial therapy adopted pre and after hospitalization. General and specific therapeutic choices are discussed. Drawing the attention on the differences among centres.

A two-year survey of mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome in northeastern Italy. Epidemiological and clinical findings.

A two-year retrospective survey of cases of mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome (MLNS, Kawasaki disease) was conducted by a collaborative research group in Northeastern Italy (Friuli Venezia-Giulia) by reviewing the records of all patients admitted in the paediatric wards of this area from January 1, 1981 to December 31, 1982. 19 cases of MLNS were identified representing an overall incidence in the two-year period of 14.7 cases per 100,000 children younger than 5 years of age. Seasonal clustering of cases was observed, 17 out of 19 cases occurring either in spring or autumn (P = 0.0004, binomial distribution) and 11 out of 19 cases occurring in spring alone (P = 0.0023). No evidence for direct contact between cases or common source exposure emerged, and no risk factors were identified. The clinical spectrum of the disease was similar to that described elsewhere, carditis, uveitis, arthritis and urethritis being the most frequent complications. One infant died, and in this case coronary artery aneurysms were demonstrated by two-dimensional echocardiography. In the remaining cases recovery was complete without sequelae. This study suggests that MLNS is more frequent than expected and that the real incidence of the disease is probably underestimated. The evidence of seasonal clustering of cases strongly suggests the presence of a yet unidentified exogenous factor playing a role in the etiology of the disease.