Pregnancy outcome after in utero exposure to itraconazole: a prospective cohort study.

Objective: This study was undertaken to determine whether itraconazole use during the first trimester of pregnancy was associated with increased risks of major malformations, spontaneous abortions, premature deliveries, and neonatal complications.

Study Design: In a prospective cohort study pregnant women exposed to oral itraconazole were matched with control subjects not exposed to any known teratogens. Primary outcome was the rate of major malformations.

Reporting bias in retrospective ascertainment of drug-induced embryopathy.

The rate of congenital malformations after first-trimester exposure to itraconazole was four times higher when ascertained retrospectively than prospectively (13.0 vs 3.2%, p=0.

Caterpillar induced kerato-conjunctivitis.

Caterpillar hairs disseminated by the wind can cause serious ocular problems in man. Although this ocular injury was already described in the past century, caterpillar keratoconjunctivitis remains occasional. A recent case of caterpillar keratoconjunctivitis will be described.

Near fatal subacute thallium poisoning necessitating prolonged mechanical ventilation.

The authors describe a case of severe sensory-motor polyneuropathy caused by subacute thallium-intoxication rapidly progressing to respiratory failure due to complete muscle paralysis. After more than 2 months of mechanical ventilation, weaning from the ventilator was possible. Further intensive physical rehabilitation required an additional 6 months hospital stay, and 18 months later, neurological recovery was complete except for the distal lower limbs muscles.

Hypothermia: an unusual side effect of paracetamol.

We report 4 cases of children who presented hypothermia after normal therapeutic doses of paracetamol. Possible mechanisms of the antipyretic action of paracetamol are reviewed in an attempt to explain this rather exceptional description. Comparison is made with other cases in the literature and the experiences of other Poison Control Centers.

Mercury intoxication after topical application of a metallic mercury ointment.

Two cases of mercury poisoning with predominantly dermatological symptoms are reported. The mercury intoxication was caused by the application of an over-the-counter metallic mercury ointment. The calculations of mercury excretion suggest strongly that cutaneous absorption could have been a significant route of entry.