New aspects of exanthematous diseases of childhood

A review of measles virus

Measles virus is an epidemic disease with a worldwide distribution. Since the development of the live attenuated vaccine, the incidence of reported measles cases has declined by greater than 99% in the United States. Measles causes a systemic illness manifested by a characteristic prodrome and pathognomonic rash. Although usually a self-limited disease, measles can cause severe complications, especially in adults and the immunocompromised. We discuss a vaccination schedule for preschool and school-aged children. Recent research has demonstrated clinical benefit in patients with severe measles virus infections that are treated with ribavirin and vitamin A supplementation.

Head and neck manifestations of Kawasaki disease

Kawasaki disease, also known as acute infantile febrile mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, is a self-limited vasculitic disease of infants and young children. The cause of the disease remains uncertain. Within the constellation of signs and symptoms, there are numerous otolaryngologic manifestations. The following represents the largest series of patients in the otolaryngology literature, involving 155 confirmed cases of Kawasaki disease as treated at our institution during the last 10 years. The demographic data, clinical pictures of the typical and atypical forms of the illness, as well as the laboratory values, therapy and complications are discussed.

Infectious diseases

Approximately 5% of the general population develops a skin infection each year, leading to a significant number of outpatient visits to the primary care physician. Bacteria, infestations, fungi, yeasts, and viruses are organisms that present with a myriad of cutaneous findings that pose a challenge to the investigating clinician. This article provides a contemporary review of these skin infections, with particular emphasis on clinical features, and a concise, updated review on therapies.