Mambu phone home

Mambu: A Melanesian millennium, by Kenelm Burridge. Princeton University Press, Princeton NJ, 1995 [reprinting of original 1960 edition with new preface]. 296pp., appendices, index. ISBN 0–691–00166–9 (paperback).     

Dissecting cellulitis of the scalp

Dissecting cellulitis of the scalp or perifolliculitis capitis abscedens et suffodiens is a rare, chronic, progressive, suppurative disease of the scalp of unknown etiology. It is characterized by painful nodules, purulent drainage, burrowing interconnecting abscesses, and cicatricial alopecia. The pathogenesis is unknown, although it is probably related to follicular occlusion, secondary infection, and deep inflammation. Black men in their second to fourth decade are predominantly affected. Treatment varies from systemic antibiotics to incision and drainage, x-ray epilation of the affected areas, systemic steroid administration, and surgical excision. Our experience with four patients with extensive scalp disease is presented. Wide excision of the affected areas and splitthickness skin graft are favored as our treatment of choice.     

Myocardial depression in streptococcal cellulitis.

A previously healthy woman developed streptococcal cellulitis of the leg after falling and lacerating her knee. On admission her blood pressure was unrecordable and her respiratory rate greater than 60 beats/minute. Mechanical ventilation was necessary, and plasma volume expansion was started, with little effect. Infusion of dopamine restored the blood pressure to 150/90 mm Hg, but interrupting the infusion for as little as 30 seconds resulted in profound hypotension. Insertion of a second central venous catheter allowed the dopamine to be given continuously, and the infusion was stopped successfully four days after her admission. She eventually made a complete recovery. This case highlights the need for intensive supportive treatment in many streptococcal infections and, in particular, the need for inotropic support.     

Orbital cellulitis and blindness following a blepharoplasty

An unusual case of orbital cellulitis following blepharoplasty, with resultant blindness in that eye, is presented. The cause is unknown, but the pathogenesis and treatment of this rare complication are discussed. Unilateral severe headache may alert one to the possibility of this rare, but grave, complication.     

Vibrio alginolyticus cellulitis following coral injury.

Infections associated with marine activities, particularly work or recreation in salt water, present unique diagnostic challenges for the infectious disease practitioner. Those caused by halophilic, non-cholera Vibrio species are increasingly being recognized in clinical practice. They typically follow saltwater injuries, especially those associated with coral. Because these infections can be both severe and life-threatening, a consideration of halophilic Vibrio species in the differential diagnosis of marine-acquired infections is important. In this case report, we discuss the diagnosis and treatment of cellulitis in a patient with a Caribbean coral injury associated with Vibrio alginolyticus cellulitis.     

Biological responses of mobile phone frequency exposure

Existence of low level electromagnetic fields in the environment has been known since antiquity and their biological implications are noted for several decades. As such dosimetry of such field parameters and their emissions from various sources of mass utilization has been a subject of constant concern. Recent advancement in mobile communications has also drawn attention to their biological effects. Hand held children and adults alike generally use mobile sources as cordless phones in various positions with respect to the body. Further, an increasing number of mobile communication base stations have led to wide ranging concern about possible health effects of radiofrequency emissions. There are two distinct possibilities by which health could be affected as a result of radio frequency field exposure. These are thermal effects caused by holding mobile phones close to the body and extended conversations over a long period of time. Secondly, there could be possibly non thermal effects from both phones and base stations whereby the affects could also be cumulative. Some people may be adversely affected by the environmental impact of mobile phone base stations situated near their homes, schools or any other place. In addition to mobile phones, appliances like microwave oven etc are also in increasing use. Apart from the controversy over the possible health effects due to the non-thermal effect of electromagnetic fields the electromagnetic interaction of portable radio waves with human head needs to be quantitatively evaluated. Relating to this is the criteria of safe exposure to the population at large. While a lot of efforts have gone into resolving the issue, a clear picture has yet to emerge. Recent advances and the problems relating to the safety criteria are discussed.