Lumbar disc herniation in three patients with cystic fibrosis: a case series.

Introduction: To date, lumbar disc herniation has not been reported in the context of cystic fibrosis even though back pain and musculoskeletal problems are very common in patients with cystic fibrosis.

Case Presentation: We report on three patients with cystic fibrosis who experienced lumbar disc herniation in the course of their disease at ages 19 to 21 years (a 22-year-old Caucasian man, a 23-year-old Caucasian man, and a 21-year-old Caucasian woman). Our third patient eventually died because of her deteriorated pulmonary situation, which was influenced by the lumbar disc herniation as it was not possible for her to perform pulmonary drainage techniques properly because of the pain.

A new method to analyse the pace of child development: Cox regression validated by a bootstrap resampling procedure.

Background: Various perinatal factors influencing neuromotor development are known from cross sectional studies. Factors influencing the age at which distinct abilities are acquired are uncertain. We hypothesized that the Cox regression model might identify these factors.

Intrathecal synthesis of anti-viral antibodies in pediatric patients.

Introduction: Detection of intrathecal synthesis of specific antibodies (antibody index (AI)) is an established method to prove cerebral viral infection. Experience on its clinical application in large patient groups, however, is sparse.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of pediatric patients with positive viral AI treated at RWTH Aachen University Hospital between 1999 and 2005.

[Prevalence of optic atrophy and associated ocular and systemic diseases in a department of paediatric ophthalmology].

Background: Optic atrophy is one of the most common causes of severe visual impairment in children. So far an analysis of ocular and systemic findings comparing patients with and without optic atrophy has not performed.

Patients And Methods: Ocular and systemic findings of a total of 1042 patients (examination of all patients in May 1995 [N = 485] and May 2001 [N = 557]) of the department of paediatric ophthalmology in Homburg/Saar were retrospectively evaluated and diagnoses of patients with and without optic atrophy were compared.