[The etiology of purulent meningoencephalitis in pediatrics. The therapeutic implications]. / Etiología de la meningoencefalitis purulenta en pediatría. Implicaciones terapéuticas.

In order to know the etiology of purulent meningitis in infant and children, a retrospective study was done; 709 cases of a pediatric infectious disease service were analyzed. Diagnosis was established either by antigen detection (coagglutination) or bacterial culture. In 334/709 (48%) the bacterial agent was identifies. Haemophilus influenzae type b (70%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (14%), Enterobacteriaceae (8%) and Streptococcus sp (6.5%) were the most frequent. According to our results the epidemiologic pattern of purulent meningitis has not changed. A therapeutic approach is suggested.

[Poisoning by nalidixic acid in children]. / Intoxicación por ácido nalidíxico en niños.

A review was made of the clinical histories of 18 children who were admitted to the Emergency Department of the Hospital de Pediatría del C.M.N. (IMSS) with the diagnosis of nalidixic acid intoxication. The study covered a period of 3 years, from 1976 through 1978. There were no differences as to sex; infants under one year were most frequently attached; iatrogenesis was the most frequent mechanism. The clinical manifestations were characterized by neurological disorders of the state of alertness, hypertensive cranial syndrome and neuronal damage; there was metabolic acidosis in other cases. Treatment included gastric lavage, general measures, correction of acid-base unbalance, control of convulsive crises. Indications for the use of nalidixic acid are reviewed stressing that it must be used in urinary infections and as second choice drug.

[Evaluation of racemic epinephrine with intermittent positive pressure in the treatment of acute infections laryngotracheitis]. / Evaluación de la epinefrina racémica con presión positiva intermitente en el tratamiento de la laringotraqueítis infecciosa aguda.

Fourteen children admitted to the Hospital de Pediatría of the C.M.N. of the I.M.S.S. with the diagnosis of acute infectious laryngotracheobronchitis were divided into two groups with similar conditions for their study. The benefit derived from the application of recemic epinephrine with intermittent positive pressure was confirmed 15 and 30 minutes later by means of a double blind study; the improvement was swift and spectacular, but temporary; therefore, such treatment must be given only in hospitals, since relapses may show up two to four hours later, making in dangerous to send the patients home or to apply to ambulatory cases. The use of racemic epinephrine is proposed for hospitals having equipment and personnel trained in its management and the convenience of further studies is set forth to determine the period of effectiveness of racemic epinephrine and the advantage of giving repeated doses.

[Supraventricular paroxysmal tachycardia as a pediatric cardiologic emergency]. / La taquicardia paroxística supraventricular como urgencia cardiológica pediátrica.

Seven cases with the diagnosis of supraventricular paroxysmal tachycardia, confirmed by the electrocardiogram were included in the study. Their ages fluctuated from 19 days to 14 years, with predominance of small infants. The etiology was varied. They were managed with digitalis and conversion to sinusal rhythm in a short term. The drug was maintained to prevent relapses and/or heart failure. No mortality issued. We recommend the use of digitalis as selective drug because it may be readily obtained and its appication and response are sure. The clinical findings and results agree with the literature reviewed.