Two Cases of Toxic Shock Syndrome(TSS) in Infants

Much has been learned of the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of the toxic shock syndrome (TSS) since the initial description in 1978 by Dr. James K, Todd. The clinical illness is defined by the criteria listed in the case definition formulated for epidemiologic studies. With the advent of widespread recognition of TSS, there have been numerous published reports describing the clinical and laboratory findings, primarily in menstruating females. And there have been also reported about six cases in Korea. Moreover, TSS is uncommon in the prepubertal age group and no case report in infant in Korea. We experienced two cases of TSS in infants aged 11/2 yrs and 9 months associated with respiratory infection-pneumonia, pyopneumothorax and localized skin abscess that were confused with Kawasaki disease (KD). The diagnosis was made on the basis of clinical features and laboratory findings, and the cases met the Centers of Disease Control case definition of TSS. And thus we report these cases and review related literatures.

A Case of Hydranencephaly Combined with Twin Pregnancy

Hydranencehaly is an abnormality consisting of complete or almost absence of the cerebral hemispheres, which are replaced by a large fluid-filled cavity. The midbrain and brain stem are relatively intact, and rudiments of frontal, temporal and occipital cortex may be present. We diagnosed it through the evaluation of clinical features, prenatal US (intrauterine pregnancy, 37 wks) and brain CT. Authors have experienced a case of hydranencephaly combined with twin pregnancy and reported with a brief literature review.

Clinical Approach of Ultrasonography in the Diagnosis of Intussusception in Infant and Children

Thirty consecutive patient seen in a pediatric out patient and emergency department, in whom the diagnosis of intussusception was considered, had an ultrasound examination of the abdomen before the barium enema. The peak age was 5~12 month (range 4~34 month). Intussusception was detected by ultrasonography in all 25 cases proved by barium enema (sensitivity 100%). Normal findings on ultrasonography correlated with a negative barium enema results in 5 of 5 cases (negative predictive value=100%). No intussusception was missed by ultrasonography. To determine which patient would most benefit from ultrasonography, we divided patients into either a high risk group (100% intussusception) or a low risk group (37.5% intussusception) on the basis of clinical symptoms. We conclude that ultrasonography can be used as a rapid sensitive screening procedure in the diagnosis or exclusion of childhood intussusception. Probability of surgical reduction was associated with size of of total thickness and external rim thickness.