An unknown risk group of lead poisoning: the gypsy children.

The differences in average blood lead levels (PbB) between iron-deficient children of both gypsy and Caucasian origin were determined. PbB were assayed in 89 iron-deficient children (Group ID): 25 gypsies and 64 Caucasians. Two sub-groups were established: sub-group ID1, 57 iron-deficient children without anaemia (11 gypsies, 46 Caucasians), and sub-group ID2, 32 children with iron deficiency anaemia (14 gypsies; 18 Caucasians).

[Maturation of proteins C and S in childhood].

The antigenic concentrations of protein C, total protein S (TPS), free protein S (FPS) percentage of protein S that corresponds to the free form (PFPS), C4BP and factor II throughout childhood (values in cord blood, at 48 hours, at 15 days, 1-6 months, 6 months-2 years, 2-7 years and 7-14 years) have been studied. The maturation of these factors is variable, reaching average values similar to those of adults at between 1 to 6 months for protein C and TPS; at 15 days for factor II; and at between 6 months and 2 years for C4BP, whose development occurs latest. Vitamin K increases the values of protein C, factor II and FPS at 48 hours after birth, but does not modify the figures for TPS or C4BP.

[Deficiency of prostacyclin stimulating factor in type I diabetes mellitus. Correlation with the duration of the disease].

The prostacyclin stimulating plasma factor (PSPF) was studied in 40 children affected by insulin dependent diabetes (type I), using smooth muscle cells of rat aorta as substrate. The patients were divided into three groups according to the duration of the disease; recently diagnosed patients (n = 10), patients with less than 5 years of evolution (23 cases), and patients with more than 5 years duration (n = 7). The most significant data were that all the patients with more than 5 years duration had decreased PSPF with values below I SD (p less than 0.

[Cystic angiomatosis of bone with hematologic involvement. Report of a case].

A case of cystic angiomatosis of bone without visceral involvement is presented. Lesions were noted in: skull, ribs, pelvis, long bones and phalanges. Besides clinical and radiological findings, the case, associates pancytopenia and coagulation disorders.

[Leukemic infiltration in the anterior chamber of the eye].

Leukaemic infiltration of the anterior chamber of the eye (hypopyon and corneal opacity) was the only sign of relapse in two girls with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia who had been off treatment for one and three years. The malignant cells had probably been present in the eye since the onset of the disease. The anterior segment of the eye may be a pharmacologycal "sanctuary" in patients with ALL.

[Correlation between maternal glycohemoglobin values and insulin secretion in children of diabetic mothers].

Monthly determination of glycohaemoglobins from the 5th month until delivery were determined in a group of diabetic pregnant women, and insuline and peptide-C levels were measured in their newborns. Women with pathological babies had higher glycohaemoglobin values at the end of gestation (8.92 +/- 1.