RESUMEN
Acute purulent pericarditis caused by haemophilus influenzae is an unusual condition, especially in childhood. In most cases, respiratory symptoms are the presenting features, and children aged less than 4 years are most often affected. A high index of suspicion and aggresive micorbiological and cardiological evaluation are often warranted to make an early diagnosis. We herein reported two cases of pericarditis caused by H. influenzae in children aged less than two years. Pericardiocentesis was performed in each case. Early recognition, rapid diagnosis and aggressive medical and surgical therapy are paramount in the successful treatment of this condition.
Asunto(s)
Humanos , Lactante , Pericarditis/etiología , Haemophilus influenzae/patogenicidad , Infecciones por Haemophilus/complicaciones , Pericarditis/terapia , Haemophilus influenzae/análisis , Técnicas de Ventana PericárdicaRESUMEN
Acute purulent pericarditis caused by haemophilus influenzae is an unusual condition, especially in childhood. In most cases, respiratory symptoms are the presenting features, and children aged less than 4 years are most often affected. A high index of suspicion and aggresive microbiological and cardiological evaluation are often warranted to make an early diagnosis. We herein report two cases of pericarditis caused by H.influenzae in children aged less than two years. Pericardiocentesis was performed in each case. Early recognition, rapid diagnosis and aggressive medical and surgical therapy are paramount in the successful treatment of this condition (AU)
Asunto(s)
Humanos , Lactante , Infecciones por Haemophilus/complicaciones , Haemophilus influenzae/patogenicidad , Pericarditis/etiología , Haemophilus influenzae/análisis , Pericarditis/terapia , Técnicas de Ventana PericárdicaRESUMEN
Of 4,272 paediatric medical admissions to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital between April, 1975 and March, 1980, 471 (11.5 percent) were diagnosed as cases of poisoning. Fifty-seven per cent were males and 43 percent were females. The ages ranged between 2 weeks and 12 years with a mean of 2 years. The ages of the patients and the incidence of various types of poisoning were analysed. Kerosene, tranquilizers, bleaches, alcohol, aspirin and rat poison were among the most commonly ingested substances. In all cases, poisoning was accidental. Seventy per cent of children who ingested poisons were less than three years of age. The mortality in this series was 0.2 percent. Our findings indicate that there is a high incidence of childhood poisoning in Barbados and emphasize the need for better methods for the prevention of childhood poisoning in our region (AU)