Our previous study found that most Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) pneumonia (MPP)patients had elevated serum total immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels.To determine components of MP that can cause an IgE increase in children, and to clarify its specific mechanism.The components of MP cells were isolated by serum IgE from patients with MP pneumonia. These components obtained through the prokaryotic expression were used as allergens to detect the proportion of allergen-specific IgE produced in MPP patients, and the clinical characteristics and related immune parameters of these patients who produced this allergen-specific IgE were also analyzed. In addition, a cell experiment was used to verify the biological effect of these components in vitro.P1-specific IgE was detected in serum of MPP children. An approximately 24-kDa polypeptide of P1 protein was obtained through prokaryotic expression purified by nickel agarose affinity chromatography. Approximately 9.2% of MPP patients produced IgE against this polypeptide of P1 protein, which was more likely to be produced in MPP patients with no history of allergies or family history of allergy-related diseases. P1-specific IgE-positive MPP patients had more severe clinical symptoms, with excessive secretion of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-5 and overdifferentiation of Th0 cells into Th2 cells. Tests also demonstrated that the P1 protein stimulated excessive secretion of IL-4 and IL-5 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from the peripheral blood of healthy donors.Mycoplasma pneumoniae is not only an infectious agent but also an allergen for certain individuals. The P1 protein of MP can induce the production of P1-specific IgE.

Transient alterations in pigmentation are frequently observed in black neonates, but to our knowledge, have not previously been reported in Caucasian infants. In 54 Caucasian newborns, we found at least mild periungual hyperpigmentation similar to the variation in coloration in the periungual region of many black newborns. This pigmentation should be added to the transient benign dermatoses of Caucasian infants.

L’endémie tuberculeuse mondiale reste très importante. Elle est aggravée par la co-infection par le virus de l’immunodéficience humaine. Trente pour cent des cas de tuberculose affectent le système nerveux central. L’expression clinique est très polymorphe. La tomodensitométrie et la résonance magnétique nucléaire sont une aide précieuse au diagnostic et au suivi des lésions intracrâniennes et médullaires. Les méthodes d’identification bactériologique rapide dont celle par la polymerase chain reaction sont en cours d’évaluation, il est nécessaire de les rendre accessibles aux pays en voie de développement. L’éventualité d’une tuberculose multirésistante, quoique faible, doit être systématiquement envisagée en raison de l’importance des flux migratoires des populations. Le traitement est souvent établi avec retard dans les pays de faible endémie par erreur de diagnostic, dans les pays en voie de développement par difficulté d’accès aux soins. La fréquence des séquelles neurologiques et psychiatriques est élevée et corrélée avec le score initial de gravité avant tout traitement.Tuberculosis remains at high levels in the world, accentuated by Human Immunodeficiency Virus co-infection, 30 % of the cases affecting the central nervous system. The symptoms are varied. The computerized tomography and magnetic resonance are of great use in the diagnosis and follow-up treatment of the lesion of brain and spinal cord. Rapid bacteriological diagnostic methods, among them by polymerase chain reaction are being studied and must be available to developing countries. The possibility of Multidrug resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis through low incidence must be considered in account of population movements. Treatment begins often late, in countries of low incidence because of diagnostic pitfalls, in countries of high incidence because of difficult access to medical care. Neurologic and psychiatric sequels are frequent and correlated to the score of severity evaluated before treatment.

UNLABELLED:Diagnosis of pustular dermatosis occurring during the first days of life is based on clinical findings. Erythema toxicum neonatorum (ETN) is the more frequent benign self limiting eruption in the newborn.CASE REPORTS:Three cases of ETN with localized pustules to the genitals and perineal area are described.COMMENT:When encountering a newborn with a localized pustulosis rash, it is important to separate benign condition as ETN from those that require prompt diagnosis and therapy. Atypical ETN and pustular dermatosis due to bacterial or viral infections or inflammatory diseases (e.g., eosinophilic pustulosis) can be differentiated by cytological and bacterial samples.

Diagnosis of pustular dermatosis occurring during the first days of life is based on clinical findings. Erythema toxicum neonatorum (ETN) is the more frequent benign self limiting eruption in the newborn.. Cases reports. - Three cases of ETN with localized pustules to the genitals and perineal ai ea are described. Comment. - When encountering a newborn with a localized pustulosis rash, it is important to separate benign condition as ETN from those that require prompt diagnosis ann therapy. Atypical ETN and pustular dermatosis due to bacterial or viral infections or inflammatory diseases (e.g., eosinophilic pustulosis) carl be differentiated by cytological and bacterial samples. (C) 1999 Elsevier, Paris.

UNLABELLED:We report our experience of the utilization of the 50% oxygen-nitrous oxide mixture (nitrous oxide 50%) in our general pediatric ward after one year of use.PATIENTS AND METHODS:Between 1st April 1997 and 31st March 1998, children who had to undergo a painful procedure were proposed to inhale 50% nitrous oxide before the procedure. We evaluate pain, restlessness and adverse effects.RESULTS:The procedures (127 of them) were carried out in 90 children (61 boys). They were aged from 5 months to 15 years (mean: 5.7 years; median: 4.1 years). Indications were: lumbar puncture (n = 45), burning dressing (n = 29), venous cannulation (n = 12), minor surgery (n = 27), and miscellaneous (n = 14). Inhalation time was between 2 to 70 min (mean: 14.4 min; median: 11 min). Pain was absent or low in 106 cases (83.4%). Restlessness was absent or low in 100 cases (78.8%). Averse events were observed 12 times, but they were always minor and quickly reversible.CONCLUSION:Nitrous oxide (50%) can be used successfully in a general pediatric ward. Other studies are necessary to define the best conditions.

We report our experience of the utilization of the 50% oxygen-nitrous oxide mixture (nitrous oxide 50%) in our general pediatric ward after one year of use.Patients and methods. - Between 1st April 1997 and 31st March 1998, children who had to undergo a painful procedure were proposed to inhale 50% nitrous oxide before the procedure. We evaluate pain, restlessness and adverse effects.Results - The procedures (127 of them) were carried our in 90 children (61 boys). They were aged from 5 months to 15 years (mean: 5.7 years; median: 4.1 years). Indications were: lumbar puncture (n = 45), burning dressing (n = 29), venous cannulation (n = 12), minor surgery (n = 27), and miscellaneous (n = 14). Inhalation time was between 2 to 70 min (mean: 14.4 min; median: 11 min). Pain was absent or low in 106 cases (83.4%). Restlessness was absent or low in 100 cases (78.8%). Averse events were observed 12 times, but they were always minor and quickly reversible.Conclusion - Nitrous oxide (50%) can be used successfully in a general pediatric ward. Other studies are necessary to define the best conditions. (C) 1999 Elsevier, Paris.

Le diagnostic des dermatoses pustuleuses dans la période néonatale est essentiellement clinique. L'érythème toxique néonatal est la plus fréquente des dermatoses néonatales bénignes.

We report our experience of the utilization of the 50% oxygen-nitrous oxide mixture (nitrous oxide 50%) in our general pediatric ward after one year of use.