[Atmospheric pollution and spirometry in healthy children of the Distrito Federal]. / Contaminación atmosférica y espirometría en niños sanos del Distrito Federal.

Investigation of the vital capacity, maximum expiratory flow and maximum mean expiratory flow was carried out in children living in two areas of Mexico City, one of them with a high degree (azcapotzalco) and the other one with low degree (Tizapán) of air pollution. Timed spirometry was carried out on children attending 4th, 5th and 6th grades in two official grammar schools so both groups were as uniform as possible in their social-economical level and nutritional and health conditions. This goal was attained quite satisfactorily and groups turned similar, after comparing results and analysing statistically somatometric data, together with scholarship of the parents, economical income, history of respiratory diseases and physical examination. However, quite a significant statistical difference (p less than 0.001) was found between the parameters involving measurements of ventilation in favor of Tizapán children. The difference between Azcapotzalco and Tizapán children in terms of the three ventilatory parameters analyzed was possibly due to the fact the former lived in a greater polluted area.

[Analysis of 50 cases of Lomotil poisoning in children]. / Análisis de cincuenta casos de intoxicación por Lomotil en niños

The authors reviewed the clinical histories of 50 children admitted to the Emergency Department of Hospital de Pediatría, C.M.N., I.M.S.S. from 1971 through 1975, with the diagnosis of lomotil intoxication. No differences were found as to sex. Frequency was greater at ages from 2 to 3 years from accidental mechanism, which increased between 1973 to 1975. Lethality was similar to that reported by other authors. In the clinical picture, the depressive action of diphenoxylate and the anticholinergic action of atropine were outstanding, without being possible to establish the limits between the two, with somnolence and flushness as main symptoms. The treatment given followed the purpose to eliminate the toxic: emesis, gastric washing and in cases of respiratory depression, naloxone was given. Therefore, it is concluded that since the value of lomotil in the treatment of diarrhea has not been proved and that the risk of its administration is greater than the benefit, this product should be proscribed, specially for pediatric use.