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The week's noteworthy events from the television broadcasting industry are presented including the use of Disneyland's use of Tim Burton's 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' characters in its Haunted Mansion; marketing the DVD release of 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer'; singer-turned-actor Loudon Wainwright III; and singer Petula Clark's television documentary.

Acetaminophen is being used more and more frequently to reduce fever in infants and children, and as a consequence the incidence of overdose is rising. Overdose of acetaminophen causes liver toxicity (hepatotoxicity) and can lead to liver and kidney failure and even death. Two case studies of children ages 11 and 22 months are discussed. Both had been referred to a children's hospital after initial medical evaluation for possible Reye syndrome. Both were lethargic, irritable, had enlarged livers, abnormal liver enzymes, and toxic levels of acetaminophen in both blood and urine samples. Both children had received the acetaminophen via rectal suppositories of 650 milligrams each in repeated doses. The correct dose for children of this age is 65 milligrams, and these cases were a result of documented prescription errors. Both of these children had a complete recovery. Other cases are cited that ended in death. The authors suggest that the current recommended dose could provide an opportunity for chronic, repeated acetaminophen overdosing and significant hepatotoxicity. Acetaminophen suppositories that are available over the counter should be used only a few times, and with great caution, especially with a child who is vomiting. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)