We report eight patients with the craniofacial defects and limb anomalies of the (amniotic deformity, adhesions, mutilations) ADAM complex. Facial abnormalities comprise clefts and distortion and dislocation of craniofacial structures; limbs show various combinations of amputation, secondary syndactyly, and constriction. From previous reports and our cases it is obvious that the clinical picture of the ADAM complex varies enormously; a less severe type combines cleft lip and palate with amputations or amniotic bands. Clinical and experimental data suggest that these malformations are of symptomatic (exogenous) origin. Nosologic differentiation from other conditions phenotypically similar but of genetic etiology is important for genetic counseling. Observation of the ADAM complex in two members of a family suggests that genetic factors might operate in some cases.

A new glucosephosphate isomerase (GPI) variant is described which is characterised by very low specific activity in erythrocytes, granulocytes and muscle tissue, nearly normal stability, normal kinetic properties and a decreased electrophoretic mobility. The propositus suffers from a complex syndrome involving erythrocytes (congenital haemolytic anaemia), granulocytes (decreased production of superoxide anion and reduced bactericidal activity in vitro) and the neuromuscular system (myopathy, mental retardation). It is suggested that the clinical syndrome results from generalised GPI deficiency due to a decreased specific activity of the variant enzyme, which cannot be compensated by an increase of de-novo synthesis of GPI protein even in cells exhibiting active protein synthesis such as granulocytes and muscle cells.

Anticyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies have been detected in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JRA), particularly in those with polyarticular JIA. We analyzed the presence of anti-CCP antibodies of the IgG class in sera of patients with defined juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) of various subgroups. One hundred and fifty-nine serum samples were investigated. Forty-five patients were diagnosed with JIA (15 male and 30 female) aged 1.9-17.3 years (median 12.9, mean 11.0). Thirty-eight samples were taken from patients suffering from other autoimmunopathies and 34 patients with other underlying diseases were taken at different time points in their disease course. Under 42 samples were taken from patients with noninflammatory diseases. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for the detection of anti-CCP antibodies. Anti-CCP antibodies were found in 6.9% of all samples and in 4.4% patients with JIA. Disease duration and medication did not differ significantly between anti-CCP positive and negative patients. A review of the literature and our own results shows that anti-CCP antibodies can be detected in the sera of only some patients with JIA. Routine determination of anti-CCP cannot be recommended.

Due to its significantly shorter recovery time, gamma-hydroxybutyrate is a reasonable sedative drug for children undergoing non-invasive diagnostic procedures, and is superior to chlorprothixene/phenobarbital. In pediatric oncology patients gamma-hydroxybutyrate appears to be associated more often with vomiting. The long recovery time and its great variability make chlorprothixene/phenobarbital a less valuable alternative.

Anticyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies have been detected in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JRA), particularly in those with polyarticular JIA. We analyzed the presence of anti-CCP antibodies of the IgG class in sera of patients with defined juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) of various subgroups. One hundred and fifty-nine serum samples were investigated. Forty-five patients were diagnosed with JIA (15 male and 30 female) aged 1.9-17.3 years (median 12.9, mean 11.0). Thirty-eight samples were taken from patients suffering from other autoimmunopathies and 34 patients with other underlying diseases were taken at different time points in their disease course. Under 42 samples were taken from patients with noninflammatory diseases. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for the detection of anti-CCP antibodies. Anti-CCP antibodies were found in 6.9% of all samples and in 4.4% patients with JIA. Disease duration and medication did not differ significantly between anti-CCP positive and negative patients. A review of the literature and our own results shows that anti-CCP antibodies can be detected in the sera of only some patients with JIA. Routine determination of anti-CCP cannot be recommended.