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The clinical and radiological features of 10 cases of congenital atlantoaxial dislocation have been studied. Ninety percent were male-The mean age at onset of symptoms was 9.3 years. Onset was gradual in 9 cases. The mean duration of symptoms was 3.3 years. A predisposing factor was seen in 150% cases. Progressive neurological deficit was the presenting symptoms in 7 patients while 3 had transitory attacks. Pyramidal involvement was seen in all. Occipitalisation, fusion of C and and A.A. dislocation was seen in 50%. The dislocation was reducible in 30 percent. Surgery was done in 3 and 7 patients were treated conservatively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood serum of twenty workers occupationally exposed to DDT for an average duration of 14 years was analysed for organochlorine pesticides by gas-liquid chromatography with an electron capture detector. Significant levels of BHC, p,p′-DDT, p,p′-DDD and p,p′-DDE were detected. A higher incidence of total DDT equivalent, about 10 times, was observed in DDT exposed workers when compared with a comparable sample of unexposed persons from the general population. Levels of DDT in serum of occupationally exposed workers were more than the permitted level of 200 ppb. The daily intake was computed to be about 10 mg/man/day as against 0.25 mg-the acceptable daily intale. Abnormal nerve conduction was encountered in a few cases of DDT sprayers. No significant correlation was observed between the total DDT equivalent in serum and duration of occupational exposure in workers. Levels of BHC in controls was 2.3 times the level in exposed workers, possibly due to induction of hepatic drug metabolising enzymes by high levels of DDT in the latter group. Findings are discussed in the light of existing knowledge of the bio-chemical effects evoked due to residual intoxication of DDT during occupational exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the effect of occupational organophosphate exposure on neuromuscular function, 24 workers exposed to fenthion [0,0-dimethyl-0(4-methyl mercapto-3 methyl phenyl phosphorothioate], whose mean age was 31.7 years (range 22-50) and mean duration of exposure to fenthion 8.5 years (range 1-19) were subjected to detailed clinical and neurophysiological evaluation after spraying. The neurophysiological tests included motor and sensory nerve conduction velocity; F response, H reflex and electromyographic neuromuscular synapse testing. Fenthion exposure was monitored by serum acetyl cholinesterase (AchE) levels. The observations were repeated after withdrawing the workers from fenthion exposure for 3 weeks to study the reversibility of the observed changes. There was no clinical evidence of peripheral neuropathy or muscle weakness. However, peroneal motor conduction velocity ( p<0.05) terminal motor latency of median ( p<0.1), and peroneal nerve ( p<0.05); F minimal latency and H reflex latency ( p<0.01) were significantly affected. Twenty-nine per cent of workers had repetitive muscle activity. Serum AchE levels also showed significant changes ( p<0.01). The clinical significance of these subtle neurophysiological changes requires further investigation and follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atypical petitmal epilepsy with the clinical and electroencephalographic findings in a child; with EEG changes alone in the identical twin are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A case of congenital atlanto-axial dislocation in a child, presenting with neck pain and torticollis only, has been described. The clinical picture and role of conservative treatment are discussed [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]