Role of naso-gastric aspirate in HIV-positive children presenting with respiratory symptoms.

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection predisposes to various opportunistic infections like tuberculosis, Pneumocystis carinii (P. carinii) pneumonia, toxoplasmosis and fungal infections. Naso-gastric aspirate (NGA) is utilized to demonstrate acid-fast-bacilli (AFB); similarly P.

Epilepsy with myoclonic absences.

Epilepsy with myoclonic absences is a rare seizure disorder with intellectual impairment and resistance to conventional anti-convulsants. It is essential to diagnose epilepsy with myoclonic absences earlier for a better outcome. The authors present a case report to highlight this fact.

Congenital TB associated with asymptomatic maternal endometrial TB.

Congenital TB has varied clinical manifestations, and may mimic septicaemia in neonates. Congenital TB is transmitted through the infected placenta via the umbilical vein or inhalation and ingestion of infected amniotic fluid. Endometrial TB usually manifests as infertility; however, congenital TB can be identified in the presence of asymptomatic maternal endometrial TB.

Wolman disease: diagnosis by leucocyte acid lipase estimation.

Wolman disease is a rare fatal autosomal recessive disorder caused by absence of acid lipase enzyme leading to accumulation of cholesterol ester. Hepatosplenomegaly is a constant feature and occurs as early as fourth day of life. Progressive mental deterioration may occur after few weeks of onset of symptoms.