[RSV infections in children including managed cases in premature babies]. / Zakazenia wirusem rs u dzieci z uwzglenieniem wlasnych doswiadczen dotyczacych przebiegu infekcji u noworodków urodzonych przedwczesnie.

The authors assessed RSV infection issues within the Department of Neonatology during the year 2000/2001. The epidemiology, pathology, pathogenesis and the clinical course were discussed. The treatment and prevention patterns have been also presented. There were 5 cases of RSV infection of premature neonates within the Department of Neonatology. One of the mothers was probably the source of infection. The course of infection was described as severe in two infants (diagnosed respiratory insufficiency) and moderate in two other cases (respiratory disorders improved with n-CPAP). The symptoms of disease have been mild only in one case. Prematurity, age between 2-6 months, lung, and heart pathology and immunodeficiency must be considered as negative prognostic factors. Development of vaccination against RSV infection seems to be crucial solution for preterm neonates.

[Clinical and laboratory diagnosis of Listeria monocytogenes on the basis of own investigations]. / Diagnostyka kliniczna i laboratoryjna zakazen Listeria monocytogenes. Badania wlasne.

The authors have described the issues surrounding Listeria monocytogenes infection with reference to cases diagnosed and managed during the 5-year period (1995-2000) in the Clinical Department of Neonatal Pathology and Intensive Care of the National Institute of Mother and Child in Warsaw. Four cases of congenital listeriosis have been diagnosed. Some mothers presented with "flu-like" symptoms. All mothers delivered prematurely (29 hbd - 32 hbd). Among the 4 infants the most common clinical features were: perinatal asphyxia, respiratory distress, pathological icterus, haematologic abnormalities. Septicemia occurred in 50% of cases; pneumonia in 100%. Three of them presented skin manifestations; one of the neonates had mucosal abnormalities of the laryngopharynx. Cerebral sonography showed intracranial hemorrhage. One of the infants died within 7 days of birth. The other two neonates developed posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus. Only one infant has normal development. Although listeriosis appears to be not a frequent cause of perinatal infection, clinicians must be aware of Listeria, particularly in gravid patients who present with fever and "flu-like" illness and go into premature labour. Initial therapy implemented in our Department, with ampicillin and aminoglycosides seem to be the most appropriate.