Measles outbreaks in the Kyeongin area of the Republic of Korea, 2013-2014: A single-center experience in a country of measles elimination.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the source of infection and determine the clinical features and laboratory finding of measles infection. METHODS: In 27 measles patients, except for 3 adult patients, the rest of 24 pediatric measles cases were analyzed with regard to age, sex, immunization status, transmission routes and molecular genotyping of measles virus. Eighteen measles patients who admitted in isolation ward were set apart to investigate clinical findings and its correlation with laboratory characteristics. Retrospective analysis of cases was conducted in this study. RESULTS: Of the 24 pediatric patients, 23 (95.8%) had not received any measles-containing vaccine (MCV). Sixteen of the patients (66.7%) were aged <12 months. The suspicious index case of a girl aged 34 months was not vaccinated with MCV1 and got measles after a trip to Philippines, and molecular genotype was revealed as B3. Measles outbreaks in the community such as a restaurant were followed by this one imported case. According to analysis of 18 patients admitted in isolation ward, the median level of C-reactive protein (CRP) was 0.38 mg/dL and that of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was 1200 IU/L. All of the 18 patients had LDH levels above the normal range. Age correlated with CRP (ρ = 0.528, P = 0.024) and LDH (ρ = 0.501, P = 0.034). The duration of fever was correlated with the duration of fever before rash (ρ = 0.898, P < 0.01). The duration of hospitalization was correlated with CRP (ρ = 0.586, P = 0.011). The white blood cell counts were correlated with the levels of LDH (ρ = 0.505, P = 0.033), aspartate aminotransferase (ρ = 0.507, P = 0.032), and alanine aminotransferase (ρ = 0.481, P = 0.043). CONCLUSIONS: Early weaning of maternally derived measles antibodies therefore vaccination of MCV1 at a young age from 9 months to 12 months should be considered in situations of early exposure. Furthermore, there is a call for consideration of scheduling an earlier age for the first dose of MMR vaccine in Europe. It is necessary for Korea to investigate the duration of the presence and quantitative analysis of maternal measles antibodies in infants and to reconsider the timing of MCV1.

Henoch-Schonlein purpura: ultrasonography of scrotal and penile involvement.

Testicular or scrotal involvement has been reported in children with Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP), but there are very few reports on penile involvement. We report the initial and follow-up ultrasonographic findings of scrotal and penile involvement of HSP in a 5-year-old boy. On ultrasonography, scrotal soft tissue thickening and epididymal swelling with increased vascularity were noted, and on the penis, a focal mass-like lesion appeared on the dorsal surface of the distal penis, having a hypoechoic mass-like appearance without visible vascular flow on a Doppler study. After 2 days of treatment, follow-up ultrasonography showed normal scrotum and penis with a resolved soft tissue mass-like lesion. Therefore, we think that HSP ultrasonographic findings involving the scrotum and penis might help to diagnose scrotal and penile involvement in a case of HSP and to avoid unnecessary medication and/or surgical procedures.

A case of cytomegalovirus-negative Ménétrier's disease with eosinophilia in a child.

Ménétrier's disease is a rare form of acquired gastropathy characterized by giant rugal folds in the stomach and protein-losing gastropathy. Children with Ménétrier's disease tend to follow a benign self-limited course with symptoms typically completely resolving within 2 to 10 weeks in contrast to the chronic course in adults. A 9-year-old girl presented with a history of gradually worsening abdominal distension, increasing body weight, and abdominal pain for 2 weeks. Physical examination on admission indicated periorbital swelling, pitting edema in both the legs, and abdominal distension with mild diffuse tenderness and shifting dullness. Laboratory tests on admission showed hypoalbuminemia, hypoproteinemia, and peripheral eosinophilia. The test result for anticytomegalovirus immunoglobulin M was negative. Increased fecal alpha 1 anti-trypsin excretion was observed. Radiological findings showed massive ascites and pleural effusion in both the lungs. On gastroscopy, large gastric folds, erythema, erosion, and exudation were noted in the body and fundus of the stomach. Microscopic findings showed infiltration of eosinophils and neutrophils in the gastric mucosa. Her symptoms improved with conservative treatment from day 7 of hospitalization and resolved completely.