Relative frequency of norovirus infection in children with acute gastroenteritis.

AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of norovirus among children with acute gastroenteritis in 2009 and 2010. We also aimed that, to detecting the possible clinical and laboratory differences among cases in 2009 and 2010. METHODS: Fecal samples were collected from children under 16 years of age who were admitted for acute gastroenteritis. Norovirus was detected using immunochromatography. For the comparison of seasonal distribution, clinical manifestations, and laboratory results between cases, we divided subjects into two groups by year. RESULTS: Norovirus infection was detected in 112 of the 1027 collected samples (10.9%). In three cases with norovirus, other enteric viruses like rotavirus and adenovirus are detected concurrently, and these were excluded. After the exclusion of three cases with co-infections, statistical analysis was made in 109 cases. Most of the positive cases were between 1-24 months of age (N.=75, 67%). The rate of norovirus infection peaked in winter in 2010 (P<0.05). However, the rates were not significantly different between seasons in 2009 (P>0.05). We did not detect any positive cases in late summer and autumn in 2010. Diarrhea (97.2%), vomiting (95.4%), and abdominal pain (65.1%) were most frequently encountered symptoms of patients with norovirus. Leukocytosis and neutrophilia were significantly higher in 2010 than 2009 (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The prevalence and clinical characteristics of norovirus in our study group is similar but seasonal distribution is different between two years. Most of the cases were <24 months of age. Like rotavirus, norovirus vaccine can be developed to prevent infection.

Neu-Laxova syndrome: a case report and review of the literature.

Neu-Laxova syndrome (NLS) is a rare autosomal recessive syndrome, characterized by severe intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), microcephaly, abnormal brain development, oedema and ichthyosis. It was first reported in 1971 by Neu et al. (Pediatrics 47: 610-612) and since then no more than 60 cases have been reported. A newborn girl delivered from a 29-year-old healthy mother was admitted to hospital with a thick membrane covering her body and dismorphic appearance. The diagnosis of NLS was made according to characteristic features. The syndrome is known to have a poor prognosis and the baby lived for 9 weeks. This case is one of the longest living cases of NLS and the fourth case reported from Turkey.