Clinical aspects of ocular leptospirosis in New Caledonia (South Pacific).

Purpose: The incidence of leptospirosis is very high in New Caledonia (average annual incidence rate: 180/100 000 of the population). To investigate the role of pathogenic leptospires as an aetiological agent of ocular diseases, we report the results of a 5-year survey in New Caledonia.

Methods: We reviewed 13 patients (corresponding to 17 investigated pathologic eyes) retrospectively.

[Vacuum mattress for positioning patients with severe kyphoscoliosis in eye surgery under loco-regional anesthesia].

Severe kyphoscoliotic patients cannot be positioned in a safe way for eye surgery. We use a device created for prehospital care, vacuum mattress. This device allows a comfortable position for the patient and surgeon, leading to better loco-regional anaesthesia possibilities.

[Intraosseous infusions in pediatric life-threatening emergencies].

As the bone marrow is a vascular tissue which cannot collapse, it may be used as a vascular access to treat life-threatening emergencies especially in children. Two cases reported here underline the value of this life-saving procedure. Both children were 9 months old, and were admitted for severe dehydration, having lost 15 and 10% of body weight respectively.