[The sweat test in cystic fibrosis].

The high concentration of Na and Cl in the sweat of patients with Cystic Fibrosis is directly due to the primary pathogenetic defect, the reduced transport of Cl-Ions through cell membranes of exocrine glands. The most reliable method for the sweat test is by Gibson and Cooke. In good correlation are the results of the Wescor Macroduct System.

[Cefaclor in the treatment of respiratory tract infections in children].

61 children up to the age of 14 years with respiratory tract infections underwent therapy with Cefaclor. 52 patients (89%) had satisfactory results. 4 patients (7%) experienced prolonged signs of infection.

[Sonography of the upper abdomen in cystic fibrosis (author's transl)].

Ultrasound scans of the upper abdomen were carried out in fifty patients with cystic fibrosis (age 2 to 26 years). 38% showed an abnormal hepatic sonogram. On eight occasions it was possible to confirm these changes by a liver biopsy.

[Current use of the sweat test (author's transl)].

A positive sweat test is still the principal diagnostic feature of cystic fibrosis. Repeated tests are mandatory in positive, borderline and any suspect cases. Pilocarpine iontophoresis and quantitative evaluation of sodium and/or chloride are the only acceptable test methods.

[Aerophagia - case history and differential diagnosis (author's transl)].

Meteorism is a nonspecific symptom and it is difficult to exclude organic causes. In one of our patients, a 6 years old girl, the accumulation of gas had caused changes of the normal abdominal situs. Finally psychogenic aerophagia could be detected by exact analysis of the case history and the daily rhythm of meteorism.