The efficacy of low-dose UVA phototherapy in the treatment of localized scleroderma is mainly obtained by the increased production of MMP-1 and IFNgamma, and to a lesser extent by decreasing TGF-beta and collagen production. Concerning the use of 10 or 20 J/cm(2)/session those effects are dose dependent, but the clinical response does not significantly differ.

One hundred and three children with kerosene poisoning were studied. The majority of the patients were under five years of age and included a newborn baby. More patients were seen in spring and fewer in winter months. Most of the patients were children of poor families living in overcrowded conditions. Negligence and ignorance were the main causes of poisoning. Respiratory and central nervous systems were mainly involved. Chest X-ray abnormalities were frequently seen. The patients were treated symptomatically. Only one patient died, he had been in a coma on admission to the hospital. All other patients had rapid and complete recoveries.

Summary Seventeen infants with nodular purpura are reported. All these infants suffered from a coagulation abnormality due to vitamin K deficiency. Contributing factors were breast-feeding, the use of milk substitutes, diarrhoea and antimicrobial therapy. The patients responded rapidly and completely to parenteral vitamin K. In the management of infantile diarrhoea use of antibiotics should be restricted to specific bacteriologically proven cases. Vitamin K administration is suggested in infants with prolonged gastroenteritis and limited milk intake and particularly those receiving antibiotics.

Summary Two Iraqi sisters and a female cousin developed diabetes insipidus (DI), diabetes mellitus (DM), optic atrophy (OA), and deafness (D), (the ‘DIDMOAD’ syndrome) before the age of 12 years. One girl exhibited all the features of this disease complex only 3 months after an unusually late onset of recognizable symptoms at 11 years 9 months. Another girl died suddenly and unexpectedly. This family study illustrates the recessive inheritance pattern of the syndrome.

Summary A 10-month-old female infant with purpura fulminans is reported. The patient had clotting abnormality compatible with consumption coagulopathy. Histopathological examination revealed the presence of microthrombi. Heparin was effective in correcting the clotting defects. The infant also suffered from microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia. She died 17 days after the onset of the illness from infection in spite of antibiotic therapy.