[Physicians' opinions and practices on the use of medical referrals at hospitals].

This work aims to take stock of the actual utilisation of medical standards (references), through a study of opinions and practices of the medical managers working in the clinical services of a university hospital centre. A survey through interviews was proposed to 103 medical managers, 101 responded to the questionnaire (38 Unit directors and 63 directors of "UF" units). Medical standards are used essentially as a teaching aid by 80% of doctors.

[Spinal cord injuries in infants in traffic accidents].

The authors report on three cases of spinal cord injury in 11, 14 and 21-month-old infants, involved in motor vehicle accidents. Neurologic lesions were caused by a forcible flexion of the head over a fixed trunk. Pathomechanics management problems and therapeutic considerations are discussed.

[A fatal respiratory form of type C Niemann-Pick disease].

An unusual case of Niemann-Pick disease type C is reported. The disease was first manifested in utero with hepatomegaly and ascitis. At the age of 3 months, respiratory signs were noted due to diffuse alveolar and interstitial pneumonia.

[Fusobacterium necrophorum septicemia in an infant].

In a 9 month-old infant admitted to hospital for a fever with chilles, anaerobic blood cultures isolated Fusobacterium necrophorum. On the 5th day of intravenous treatment with amoxicillin and metronidazole clinical signs of mastoiditis, the likely source of the sepsis, became apparent. Septicemias with Fusobacterium necrophorum are usually observed in teenagers and young adults during an acute bout of tonsilitis.