A report of three cases of craniosynostosis in X-linked hypophosphataemic rickets (XLH) is presented. The literature is reviewed, suggesting that craniosynostosis is relatively common in XLH and that boys may be more at risk than girls. It is recommended that radiological screening be offered to all patients with XLH.

Between 1979 and 1985, six of 26 patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis developed fungal peritonitis. All had received antibacterial therapy with cefamandole and/or netilmicin prior to the diagnosis. The causal organisms were Candida albicans (three), Candida glabrata (one), Cryptococcus laurentii (one) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (one). Treatment comprised catheter removal preceded by antifungal drugs (flucytosine and/or amphotericin B) in four patients and catheter removal alone in two. All patients were transferred to haemodialysis and five of the six developed extensive intra-abdominal adhesions. The most prudent management of fungal peritonitis in children would seem to be early cannula removal.

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Two infants with a chronic salt wasting state secondary to a rare defect in mineralocorticoid synthesis are described. Management difficulties are illustrated highlighting the need for early definitive diagnosis based on measurement and correct interpretation of plasma renin, plasma aldosterone and urinary steroid metabolite concentrations.