Pediatric neurology
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Pediatric neurology · Dec 2008
High incidence of electrocardiogram abnormalities in young patients with duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Electrocardiogram abnormalities are reported to be complicated in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Although Duchenne muscular dystrophy can be genetically diagnosed in young patients, extensive electrocardiogram studies have not been reported. Here, electrocardiogram abnormalities were examined in Duchenne muscular dystrophy cases with dystrophin gene mutations. ⋯ These results indicate that electrocardiogram abnormalities in Duchenne muscular dystrophy are a result of dystrophin deficiency, regardless of types of gene mutations. The disease can be divided into two types: age-dependent and age-independent. Deep Q-waves and low RV5 + SV1 are proposed as markers of age-dependent cardiac complications.
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Pediatric neurology · Dec 2008
Methods of investigation and management of infections causing febrile seizures.
The management of febrile seizures is reviewed, with emphasis on methods of investigation and treatment of associated infections. Records of 100 consecutive febrile seizure patient-visits were examined retrospectively at an East Carolina University-affiliated hospital. Causes of fever and infection, viral and bacterial studies, antipyretic, antibiotic, and antiviral treatments, and indications for lumbar puncture were analyzed. ⋯ Clinical manifestations and complex seizures are the principal indications for lumbar puncture, and not patient age. Viral infection is the most common cause of fever, and bacterial infection is infrequent. Early viral diagnosis should lessen the emphasis on bacterial cultures, and lead to reduced use of empiric antibiotics.