[Frequency of detection of hepatitis B markers in various chronic diseases in children].

Overall 995 children with different somatic chronic diseases were examined for viral hepatitis B markers demonstration using up-to-date highly sensitive methods (hemagglutination inhibition test, EIA). In the control group (children with acute intestinal infections), HBV-infection markers were discovered in 4.3%.

[The pathogenetic significance of disorders in macrophage function in viral hepatitis B and delta in children].

Overall 180 children aged 3 months to 12 years with acute and chronic hepatitis B and delta were examined for macrophagal function. Chemotaxis, saturation with esterase, the content of nuclear RNA were estimated, antigens of HB virus in these cells were identified as well. The data obtained attest to the correlation between the degree of macrophagal function disorders and the gravity of acute virus hepatitis.

[The principles of the diagnosis of acute intestinal infections caused by opportunistic bacteria in children].

To specify criteria for the diagnosis of acute intestinal infections induced by opportunistic bacteria, the clinico-laboratory findings were compared in 3 groups of children: with acute intestinal infections induced by opportunistic bacteria (194 children); with shigellosis, salmonellosis and escherichiosis (260 children); with rotavirus gastroenteritis (133 children). It has been demonstrated that in the diagnosis of acute intestinal infections induced by opportunistic bacteria, one should be very careful in excluding the etiological role of pathogenic bacteria and viruses not only clinically but also with the aid of laboratory virological, bacteriological and serological methods; in considering changes in the quantitative content of the intestinal microflora to be seen over time. It is also necessary that the age and the premorbid condition of the patients examined may be taken into account.

[Significance of quantitative indicators of HBsAg in the pathogenesis and outcome of a malignant form of viral hepatitis B in children].

The paper is concerned with the time-course of changes in the HBsAg concentration in 31 patients with malignant hepatitis B. No relationship was discovered between the disease outcome and the HBsAg concentration. At the same time in lethal outcomes, the HBsAg concentration dropped significantly more swiftly as compared to that in convalescents.

[Endocrine changes in children with acute viral hepatitis].

The paper is concerned with the results of hormonal studies on virus hepatitis in 84 children aged 2 to 14, of them 28 had a mild form of disease, 50--medium grave and 6--a severe form of disease. A study was made of the blood content of ACTH, STH, TSH, cortisol, aldosterone, T3, T4, prolactin, and alpha-fetoprotein. The hormones were determined by a radioimmunoassay using Sorin kits (France).