Mineral oil lipoid pneumonia in a child with anoxic encephalopathy: treatment by whole lung lavage.

We describe a case of exogenous lipoid pneumonia in a child with anoxic encephalopathy who was taking mineral oil for constipation. Computed tomography produced images suggesting this condition, and the diagnosis was confirmed by demonstrating the presence of lipid-laden alveolar macrophages in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Despite discontinuing the offending agent, the pulmonary infiltrates did not improve; however, successful resolution was obtained by whole lung lavage.

[Neonatal characteristics in the physiopathology of shock].

In this work we tried to analyse the different factors which cooperate to produce and maintain a shock condition; we considered in particular pathophysiology and haemodynamic features of the different types of shock and the pathophysiology of MOSF (multiple systems organ failure). Furthermore, we remembered peculiarities and effects of the "reperfusion syndrome" which can occur after cardiopulmonary resuscitation of the patient due to superoxides. Finally we outlined the substantial and significant differences between newborn and not newborn concerning the haemodynamic responses and the cardiocirculatory management in the newborn during shock treatment.

[Role of extracorporeal circulation in reversible acute cardiorespiratory insufficiency in neonatal and pediatric intensive care].

In the present study we try to analyze indications, contra-indication, side effects and limits of the use of extracorporeal circulation in neonatal and pediatric patients affected by reversible acute cardiorespiratory failure. The greatest experience on this technique has been achieved in the neonatal age (about 6000 newborns have been treated until now), while the employment in the pediatric age appears more recent (about 500 patients). Moreover, we focused on the drop-in criteria for neonatal and pediatric patients and on the clinical aspects and laboratory findings which can anticipate the surviving rate; the latter appears in any case much greater in the neonatal patient compared to the other pediatric ages.

Clinical application of bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage in the immunocompromised host.

Pulmonary complications are the most frequent cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. The speed of clinical assessment and the initiation of appropriate therapy is critically related to survival. Fibreoptic bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) had proved useful in making the diagnosis of pulmonary complications in a high proportion of immunocompromised patients, where less invasive techniques, such as blood cultures or sputum induction, have failed to establish a diagnosis.

[The clinical assessment and intensive treatment of meningoencephalitis in newborns and children of subsequent ages].

We focused on the best timing and management when admitting into intensive care unit a pediatric patient with central nervous system infection. The modified scales for pediatric patients did not prove satisfactory and reliable for making such decision. In fact the final score is obtained by adding the partial scores regarding the different clinical aspects.