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Biomedical subjects

L L Weckx

Publications and source records attributed to L L Weckx.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

Abnormal maxillary sinus radiographs in children: do they represent bacterial infection?

Thirty-three children with chronic tonsillitis and/or adenoid enlargement and without previous diagnosis of sinusitis were studied regarding the bacterial flora of their maxillary sinuses. Puncture of maxillary sinus was performed at surgery (adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy) and aspirates were cultured. Streptococcus pneumoniae was isolated from 8 of 12 (66.7%) patients whose x-rays showed completely opacified maxillary sinus. Streptococcus viridans, Streptococcus faecalis, and Staphylococcus epidermidis were recovered from 6 (28.6%) of the 21 patients with normal maxillary sinus radiographs. Bacterial titers were greater than 10(4) colonies/mL in all but one of the positive cultures. No anaerobic bacteria were isolated. History of bronchial asthma, presence of nasal purulent secretion, elevated blood eosinophils, and elevated serum IgE were found more frequently in children with complete opacification of maxillary sinus. Serum levels of IgG2 were low in 29% of the children, but no correlation was found between low IgG2 levels and positive cultures from maxillary sinus aspirates. We concluded that children with complete radiologic opacification of maxillary sinus had bacterial infection in almost 70% of the cases with symptoms that did not prompt their physicians to consider the diagnosis of sinusitis.

Child↗

Hypoglossia congenita.

Hypoglossia and aglossia are rare congenital malformations, especially when found as isolated abnormalities. In view of their usual association with other anomalies of the face, oral cavity, and distal extremities, an accurate investigation is required. We describe a 2-year-old girl with isolated hypoglossia and severe dental disease. Clinical understanding of the changes in the mechanisms of oral suction, mastication, swallowing, and speech, as well as the existing dental occlusion, requires a multidisciplinary team approach so that a more effective treatment can be administered.

Child, Preschool↗

Oral manifestations of leukemia.

Signs and local symptoms of leukemia in the oral cavity include paleness of the oral mucosa with gingival bleeding that develops into painless gingival hyperplasia, hemorrhages, and ulcerative necrotic lesions. These findings are common clinical manifestations of leukemias and frequently herald the onset of the disease. Because of their clinical importance, all such lesions deserve the full attention of dentists and physicians.

Adolescent↗

Serum levels of immunoglobulins in children with recurrent otitis media.

Seventy-seven children with recurrent otitis media took part in the study at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Pediatrics of the University of São Paulo from February 1992 to March 1995. They were administered serum immunoglobulins and the relationship between recurrent otitis media and immunodeficiency was evaluated. No total IgG and IgM values were detected below the normal level; however, seven children with low levels of subclasses of IgG were detected and a below normal IgA value was detected in a child.

Acute Disease↗