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Biomedical subjects

W J Barson

Publications and source records attributed to W J Barson.

46 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Survival following myocarditis and myocardial calcification associated with infection by Coxsackie virus B-4.

A Coxsackie virus B-4 was isolated from a neonate with clinical sepsis and clinical evidence of myocardial dysfunction. Radiographs demonstrated the presence and subsequent resolution of myocardial calcification. Electrocardiograms showed a left bundle branch block, presumably caused by calcification in the corresponding segment of the bundle of His. This case demonstrates an unusual complication of neonatal Coxsackie virus B infection.

Calcinosis↗

Acute septic arthritis caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W-135.

Neisseria meningitidis, serogroup W-135 was isolated from blood cultures of a 22-month-old child with acute septic arthritis of the left knee. Recovery was complete after treatment with penicillin G. Acute septic arthritis may be the initial presentation of disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W-135.

Acute Disease↗

Prospective comparative trial of ceftriaxone vs. conventional therapy for treatment of bacterial meningitis in children.

Fifty children with bacterial meningitis were prospectively evaluated in a randomized comparative trial of twice daily ceftriaxone with conventional ampicillin and chloramphenicol therapy. The groups were comparable in age, sex, days of illness before admission, severity of illness at admission, etiology and admission cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) parameters and bacterial colony counts. The pathogens were Haemophilus influenzae type b (34 beta-lactamase-negative, 8 beta-lactamase-positive); Streptococcus pneumoniae (4); Neisseria meningitidis (3); and Streptococcus agalactiae (1). Initial CSF colony counts ranged from 2.5 X 10(2) to 1 X 10(10) colony-forming units/ml. In 44 children a lumbar puncture was repeated 10.5 to 18 hours after starting treatment; 16 of 24 (67%) ceftriaxone patients and 12 of 20 (60%) conventional therapy patients had sterile cultures. The reduction in the CSF bacterial colony counts (6.3 log10 colony-forming units/ml) was similar in both groups. Ceftriaxone CSF levels ranged from 1.0 to 8.0 micrograms/ml, representing a mean CSF penetration of 11.3% (range, 3.0 to 24.5%) of the simultaneous serum concentration. The median ceftriaxone bactericidal titer in CSF was 1:1024 compared with 1:4 achieved with conventional therapy. There were no significant differences in clinical responses or in frequency of complications, except for diarrhea which occurred in 59% of the ceftriaxone group and in 22% of the other (P less than 0.01). Despite one H. influenzae type b relapse occurring in the ceftriaxone group, ceftriaxone appears to be safe and as effective as conventional therapy for bacterial meningitis in children older than 2 months of age.

Adolescent↗

Group C streptococcal osteomyelitis.

A case of hematogenous osteomyelitis due to a group C Streptococcus (Streptococcus equisimilis) is presented because of the unusual nature of the infecting organism. Group C streptococci are common pathogens in animals but are infrequent causes of human infections. Of therapeutic concern is the observation that these isolates are frequently penicillin-tolerant. For this reason, it is important to speciate beta-hemolytic streptococcal isolates and to perform antimicrobial susceptibility studies.

Bacteriological Techniques↗

Toxic shock syndrome occurring in children with abrasive injuries beneath casts.

Staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome has been reported in a number of nonmenstrual settings, including orthopedic patients with postoperative staphylococcal wound infections. We describe two cases of toxic shock syndrome in children with focal cutaneous staphylococcal infections occurring beneath casts placed for limb immobilization. These cases illustrate a new and potentially hidden site of staphylococcal infection leading to toxic shock syndrome.

Adolescent↗