Three patients with hemiballism-hemichorea caused by non-ketotic hyperglycaemia are presented, two of whom had hyperosmolar non-ketotic hyperglycaemic syndrome. In two of the three patients, the hyperkinesia was the initial presenting symptom of their diabetes mellitus. The hypersensitivity of the postmenopausal dopamine receptor, decreased gamma-aminobutyric acid in the brain in non-ketotic hy...

A 4-month-old girl presented with myoclonic seizures and an electroencephalogram showing hypsarrhythmia. Hyperglycinuria and a cerebrospinal fluid to plasma glycine ratio of 0.2 suggested the diagnosis of non-ketotic hyperglycinaemia. Propionic acid and methyl citric acid were present in the urine, and propionyl coenzyme A carboxylase was deficient in leucocytes and fibroblasts. The ketotic and...

Hyperosmolar non-ketotic crises occur chiefly in mild, maturity-onset diabetics, yet present a medical emergency carrying a high mortality. This may in part be due to a lack of awareness of the clinical presentation, and of the principles of treatment. Five cases are described, in all of which excessive consumption of Lucozade, a proprietary 'glucose' drink, played an important part in the deve...

Hemichorea-hemiballism (HCHB) syndrome, which is most commonly related to non-ketotic hyperglycemia, is a rare type of chorea. Here, we present an unusual case of HCHB syndrome who was not a known case of diabetes. This case highlights the importance of recognising underlying non-ketotic hyperglycemia, as control of hyperglycemia is helpful in the quick relief of symptoms.

Intoxications in pediatric age represent a frequent cause of visit to the hospital emergency unit. Herb-made products can be toxic for the infant. The neurotoxic properties of the star anise (Illicium verum) have been widely described, although it is a classic product used to treat the infantile colic. Hepatic failure due to the consumption of anise herb elaborated infusions is presented as an ...