bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adolescent Diabetic Amyotrophy
Authors: SEDDON P. C. , SMITH C. S.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. A 16‐year‐old boy with insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus since age five years was admitted with severe ketoacidosis, and suffered a cardiorespiratory arrest from which he made a full recovery. He subsequently developed the typical clinical picture of diabetic amyotrophy with painful asymmetrical weakness and wasting of proximal lower limb muscles. Cerebrospinal fluid protein was elevated, and electromyography showed typical changes. Diabetic amyotrophy has not previously been reported in this age group.
Severe Child Abuse Presenting as Polymicrobial Bacteremia
Authors: KOCH CHRISTIAN , HØIBY NIELS
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Life‐threatening polymicrobial bacteremia in a 71/2‐year‐old boy, was found to be caused by willful contamination of i.v. drips by the mother. The boy, as well as his diseased twin sister, had histories of long‐lasting chronic otitis of unknown etiology. The importance of obvious pathologic psycho‐social factors was overlooked, and diagnosis was only reached by close collaboration with clinical microbiologists.
VERY LOW BIRTH WEIGHT AND “DISSOCIATION OF MATURATION”: THE HAZARDS OF THE SENSORI‐MOTOR DEVELOPMENT
Authors: RAEYMAECKER DIRK MJ DE
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT:“Very low birth weight” and “Dissociation of Maturation” are two conditions with great impact on the sensor motor development. Data from our own research into the development of VLBW infants, clinical experience and insight, taken from the scientific literature, are the starting‐point for intellectual reflex ion on the significance of motor development for the sense of competence, growing autonomy, vigor and vitality. Moreover, the muscle tone of the infant has a profound impact on the mother‐infant relationship: especially the holding function of the mother and the playful togetherness between baby and care‐giver.

“Anticipatory guidance” for mother and infants, by professionals, should be based on firm knowledge of neuromotor growth. “Prone progression”, truncal balance and upright posture are of the utmost importance even for psychological individuation.
Growth and Nutritional Status of Rural Preschool Children in Saudi Arabia
Authors: SERENIUS F. , FOUGEROUSE D. , SEBAI Z.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. The attained growth was assessed in a cross‐sectional study of Saudi children 0–71 months of age, from 3 different geographical areas of rural Saudi Arabia. individual data on weight, height, weight for height and head circumference were expressed in SD scores of international standards, and data on upper arm muscle and fat areas in percent of the reference median values. The mean (SEM) weight, height, weight for height and head circumference of the entire material were ‐1.7 (0.05), ‐1.6 (0.06), ‐0.9 (0.05) and ‐1.6 (0.06), respectively. The median upper arm muscle area was 79 percent, and fat area 57 percent of the reference medians. The differencies in mean weight, height and weight for height were trivial between the 3 geograhical areas. All mean values, except that of weight for height were clearly below the means of the reference in children 0–5 months. All mean values declined significantly, however, during the next 6 months. The growth deficits thus obtained remained unchanged or increased slightly up to 6 years. According to WHO criteria, 41 percent were classified as chronically, and 12 percent as acutely undernourished. The growth pattern of rural Saudi children was similar to that of children in most developing countries and distinctly different from that of privileged Saudi children, whose growth pattern resembled that of Western reference populations.
Cow's Milk Allergy in the First Year of Life An Italian Collaborative Study Working Group on Cow's Milk Protein Allergy—Italian Working Group for Pediatric Gastroenterology of the Italian Society of Pediatrics
Authors: Ventura A. , Greco L. , Balli F. , Barbera C. , Bernini G. C. , Bertolani P. , Bianchi C. , Capano G. , Cardi E. , Castro M. , Cucchiara A. , D'Adamo G. , Filippo P. De , Manzini A. De , Seta L. De , Ferrario E. , Gentile T. , Iacono G. , Lucarelli S. , Papadatau B. , Parente C. , Prampolini L. , Roggero P. , Scotta M. S. , Tedeschi A. , Viola F.
Published: January 2008

The diagnosis of Cow's Milk Protein Allergy was considered in 303 infants aged less than 1 year, who presented with one or more of the following symptoms: acute reaction related to cow's milk proteins (CMP) ingestion, severe colics, persisting vomiting, protracted diarrhea with or without blood and mucus, failure to thrive, eczema, respiratory symptoms, such as chronic rhinitis and wheezing. A diagnosis of CMPA was confirmed in 148 cases (60%): 125 relapsed on milk challenge, 23 were not challenged because of acute reactions at onset, presence of specific IgE (RAST and prick), and improvement on milk free diet. Familial atopy, familial history of CMPA and previous acute gastroenteritis were significantly more frequent in cases than in 191 age matched controls. Breast feeding was not more common or of longer duration in controls, compared to cases. Mean IgE serum levels were higher (46.3 U/ml) in cases than in controls (17 U/ml), while specific Cow's Milk Protein IgE were found in 71/148 cases (48%). 15 infants entered the study while on breast milk, because of the confirmed relation between their symptoms and CMP on the maternal diet. These infants had a higher prevalence of IgE mediated problems. All cases improved on a milk free diet but in 26 (17.8%) a further modification of the diet was required after the first prescription. Milk challenge was monitored by simple laboratory tests: all cases who had symptoms on challenge showed at least one test modification. Six infants, with no history of acute reaction, showed severe self‐limited clinical symptoms at challenge.
Growth and Plasma Amino Acid Concentrations in Very Low Birthweight Infants Fed Either Human Milk Protein Fortified Human Milk or a Whey‐Predominant Formula
Authors: MORO G. , FULCONIS F. , MINOLI I. , POHLANDT F. , RAlHA N.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. In a prospective, study involving 20 VLBW‐infants (AGA), divided into two study groups of 10 infants, we have evaluated the effects on growth and metabolism of human milk fortified with ultrafiltrated human milk protein and a whey‐predominant (whey/ casein = 60/40) formula containing 2 g/dl of protein. The study was initiated at a mean age of 30 days when an oral intake of 180 ml/kg/d was tolerated and continued until a weight of 2 kg was reached. The protein intake in both groups was about 3.7 g/kg/d. All infants in both groups reached intrauterine rates of growth for the age, weight gain 18.0 g/kg/d, and length 1.2 cm/week. BUN, acid‐base status, total protein and albumin were normal and similar in the two groups. Plasma levels of threonine, glycine, citrulline and methionine were significantly greater in the formula‐fed infants. Taurine and proline had higher concentrations in the protein fortified human milk group. There was good tolerance of protein from both sources but the differences in plasma amino acid profiles suggest that the dietary protein quality in formulas for preterm infants must be further modified, if the goal of formula feeding is to achieve metabolic indices of protein metabolism similar to those found when human milk protein is used.
Relationship between Plasma Atrial Natriuretic Peptide Concentrations and Cardio‐Thoracic Ratio during the Early Neonatal Period
Authors: KOJIMA T. , FUKUDA Y. , HIRATA Y. , ONO A. , KINOSHITA Y. , MATSUZAKI S. , IWASE S. , KOBAYASHI Y.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Twenty‐seven neonates were examined at 2.6±1.5 hours of age (stage 1) and 21 ±4.9 hours of age (stage 2) to clarify the relationship between cardio‐thoracic ratio (CTR) on chest roentgenograms and plasma atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) concentration. Among 22 infants who showed elevated plasma ANP, 14 had gained body weight (group A), while 8 other infants had lost weight (group B) at stage 2. The remaining 5 infants had decreased plasma ANP concentrations combined with weight loss at stage 2 (group C). All infants of group B had a patent ductus arteriosus. The plasma ANP concentration and CTR of groups A and B increased during the study period, while those of group C decreased. A linear relation was found between plasma ANP concentration and CTR in all cases (p<0.02). This study indicates that increased plasma levels of ANP are associated with an increased CTR.
Protein C Activity and Antigen in Premature and Fullterm Newborn Infants
Authors: BENNHAGEN R. , HOLMBERG L.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Blood was obtained from 23 premature infants (birthweights 950–2910 g at 26–35 gestational weeks), and 27 fullterm infants (birthweights 2930–4900 g at 37–42 gestational weeks). Protein C concentration and activity were analysed. In preterm infants, protein C concentrations were 2.9–24% of adult values, and those of protein C activity 6–32%, the corresponding figures for term infants being 16–60% and 8.5–60%. Protein C concentrations were below 10% of adult values in four low birthweight infants, three of whom had significant haemorrhages. Protein C activity was below 10% of adult values in three infants, all of whom suffered from major haemorrhages.
Rotavirus Serology and Breast‐Feeding in Young Children in Rural Guinea‐Bissau
Authors: GUNNLAUGSSON GEIR , SMEDMAN LARS , SILVA MARIA CLOTILDE DA , GRANDIEN MONICA , ZETTERSTRÖM ROLF
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. One hundred and forty‐four children aged 9–20 months living in 14 villages in a rural area of Guinea‐Bissau were examined for circulating rotavirus antibodies twice in a 15‐month period. An immunofluorescence technique was used. About 3/4 of the children serocon‐verted, independent of age on entering the study. The age‐specific proportion of seroposi‐tivity increased from 4/40 (10%) at 9–11 months to 26/29 (90%) at 33–35 months of age. All the initially seropositive children retained detectable antibodies to rotavirus. The relative risk of seroconversion was 1.4 times (95% confidence interval 1.0–2.0) more common among children living in villages by the mainroad as compared to those living off the road. Contact rate is probably dependent on population density and mobility but not on age. Breast‐feeding, decreasing sharply through the age interval covered by the follow‐up (9–35 months), had no apparent influence on seroconversion at the ages concerned.
Dysfunction of the Monocyte‐Macrophage System in the Idiopathic Minimal Change Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: ESTEVEZ M. E. , VOYER L. E. , CRAVIOTTO R. J. , BALLART I. J. , GOICOA M. A. , PALACIOS F. , QUADRI B. , CORTI S. , WAINSTEIN R. E. , SEN L.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. We studied the function of phagocytes and the distribution of lymphocyte subpopulations in 23 patients with Idiopathic Minimal Change Nephrotic Syndrome. All the patients were in relapse at the time of the study. The latter was performed before specific therapy was started. Our control group consisted of 26 normal children who were studied while undergoing routine analysis prior to plastic surgery. Polymorphonuclear leukocytes from the patients showed no alterations in their ability to ingest and to kill Candidas. On the contrary, peripheral blood monocytes had a normal phagocytic function with a decreased candidacidal activity when compared to normal controls (p<0.001). No correlation was found between serum immunoglobulin levels and the monocyte lytic function. The absolute number of B lymphocytes was significantly increased
A Population‐Based Study of Children with Standard Risk Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in the Five Nordic Countries
Authors: GUSTAFSSON G. , BERGLUND G. , GARWICZ S. , HERTZ H. , JONMUNDSSON G. , MOE P. J. , SALMI T. T. , SEIP M. , SIIMES M. A. , YSSING M.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Two hundred and thirty children with standard risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) were diagnosed during a period of 3 years from July 1, 1981 to June 30,1984 in the five Nordic countries. Criteria for standard risk ALL were age above 2.0 and below 10 years, WBC <20×109/l, no evidence of CNS‐involvement, mediastinal mass or T‐ or B‐cell leukemia. The children were treated without prophylactic CNS irradiation, the majority (200 patients) according to two treatment programs. Follow‐up of the entire group after a minimum of 30 months showed 64% of the children living in complete continuous remission with a probability of event‐free survival of 0.60. The treatment results are not entirely satisfactory and intensification of therapy is required. A subgroup of patients with WBC between 10 and 20×109/I and with adverse prognosis was identified, justifying a change of the present criteria for risk grouping.
Does Caffeine Affect Cerebral Blood Flow in the Preterm Infant?
Authors: VAN BEL FRANK , VAN de BOR MARGOT , STIJNEN THEO , BAAN JAN , RUYS JAN H.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Caffeine, used for treatment of idiopathic apnea in preterm infants, may have a vasoconstrictive effect on cerebral vessels. The ensuing reduction in cerebral blood flow may play a role in the pathogenesis of ischemic brain damage. In 25 preterm infants possible changes in cerebral blood flow due to caffeine administration were assessed using Doppler ultrasound. During caffeine treatment PaCO2 was reduced. However, no changes were found in cerebral blood flow velocity suggesting absence of major changes in cerebrovascular resistance and actual cerebral blood flow following caffeine medication.
Secular Trends of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and Other Causes of Post Perinatal Mortality in Norwegian Birth Cohorts 1967–1984
Authors: IRGENS L. M. , SKJÆRVEN R. , LIE R. T.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Lack of positive diagnostic criteria and increasing professional concern, probably causing increasing ascertainment, have rendered reported increases in SIDS‐rates controversial. However, these problems related to cause specific mortality do not apply to the total mortality. Due to the exceptional age‐at‐death distribution of SIDS cases, the SIDS fraction of all deaths increases during the first year of life to reach a maximum, in the present study of 56%, from the 105th through the 125th day of life. During these days, the total mortality rate in Norway increased from 0.24 per 1000 in 1971–72 to 0.46 in 1983–84. Thus, the observed trend, with an increase in the SIDS rate from 1.02 per 1000 in 1971–72 to 2.34 in 1983–84, is considered true. Observed in a country where perinatal and neonatal mortality have decreased for a long period of time and still remain very low in a global perspective, the increasing SIDS rate is a matter of great concern.
Increased Faecal Alpha‐1 ‐Antitrypsin Excretion in Children with Persistent Diarrhoea Associated with Enteric Pathogens
Authors: BHAN M. K. , KHOSHOO V. , CHOWDHARY D. , JAIN R. , RAJ P. , JAYASHREE S. , KUMAR R.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. The random faecal alpha‐1‐antitrypsin (AT) excretion (mg/g dry weight of stool) was measured in 30 infants and children (mean age 10.8±8 mo.) with protracted diarrhoea (duration ≥21 days) and failure to thrive and 27 normally nourished children (mean age 13±4.5 mo.) without any gastrointestinal symptoms in the preceding 12 weeks. The associated factors in patients with protracted diarrhoea and their mean faecal AT during active disease and 3–4 weeks after recovery were as follows: Enteropathogenic E. coli 5 (7.9±5.5; 3.2±0.6), Giardia lamblia 4 (3.9±1.8; 2.5±0.7), Salmonella typhimurium 3 (4.0±0.2; 3.8±0), secondary carbohydrate intolerance 11 (2.5±0.9; 2.4±0.8), and others 7 (3.4±0.7; 3.0±0.5), respectively. Of all the patients with protracted diarrhoea the mean AT in the E. coli, Giardia and Salmonella groups were significantly higher than the mean in the control group (2.1±0.8) and following treatment and recovery the values were comparable to that in the controls. All the 6 patients with very high faecal AT (> mean + 3 SD of controls) were associated with an enteric pathogen.
The Changing Panorama of Cerebral Palsy in Sweden
Authors: HAGBERG B. , HAGBERG G. , OLOW I. , VON WENDT L.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. The prevalence of cerebral palsy (CP) in Swedish infants born in the four‐year period 1979–82 is reported and related to the prevalence in infants bom during the twenty‐year period 1959–78. In 1979–82 it was 2.17 per 1000 livebirths, 1.23 for children bom at term and 0.94 for preterms, which means that the rising trend since the beginning of the 1970s persisted. The most pronounced rise, from 0.18 per 1000 livebirths in the period 1967–70 to 0.67 in 1979–82 was found in the subgroup of preterms with spastic/ataxic diplegia. The severity of motor disability and the relative frequency of mental retardation, infantile hydrocephalus and epilepsy among preterm CP children successively increased over the same period of time. The livebirth prevalence of CP in term infants increased slightly but non‐significantly during the period 1967–82. The birthweight‐specific prevalence of CP per 1000 newborns surviving the first week of life increased in all birthweight groups during the period 1967–82, significantly for birthweights below 1500 g and over 2 500 g. The rising prevalence of CP was concomitant with a parallel fall in perinatal mortality, especially in very preterm infants. In the 1980s, severely multi‐handicapped, very preterm children, only exceptionally seen among CP children born in the 1960s and 1970s, has become a matter of concern.
Vitamin D Status of Hong Kong Chinese Infants
Authors: LEUNG S. S. F. , LUI S. , SWAMINATHAN R.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Vitamin D deficiency is a common nutritional problem of weaning infants in many parts of the world. Hong Kong infants, who are fed with traditional rice‐based weaning foods and live in crowded high rise fiats, might be expected to suffer from this nutritional problem. Yet a study of 150 bottle fed infants revealed that the vitamin D intake from fortified milk and cereals was more than half of the recommended amount throughout the first 18 months and that the serum 25‐OH vitamin D concentration of the infants at 18 months was normal. The effect of sunlight was also evident.
How Do Carriers of Hemophilia Experience Prenatal Diagnosis (PND)?Carriers’Immediate and Later Reactions to Amniocentesis and Fetal Blood Sampling
Authors: TEDGARD U. , LJUNG R. , MCNEIL T. , TEDGÅRD E. , SCHWARTZ M.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. A semistructured personal interview was performed with 29 carriers of hemophilia A or B, 1–5 years after a pregnancy in which prenatal diagnosis (PND) was performed by fetal blood sampling. Fetal blood sampling by fetoscopy was significantly more often reported by the women to be more trying than expected than was ultrasound‐guided heart puncture. Of 29 women 13 were classified as having experienced the PND process (amniocentesis and fetal blood sampling) as distressing, having had mental or psychosomatic symptoms associated with it. All of the women who had abortion/miscarriage after PND reported a very high frequency of psychological sequelae during the 6 months that followed PND. Of 22 women who continued their pregnancy with a healthy fetus after PND 8 experienced the period until delivery as trying and felt that their emotional and somatic status influenced their daily life activities. This was particularly common among women who after fetoscopy received routine profylactic terbutalin treatment and had continuous sickleave until the 36th gestational week. 17/29 would consider going through PND in the future. Qualified psychological assistance must be offered both before and after PND.
Oculocerebral Hypopigmentation Syndrome (Cross Syndrome) in a Gipsy Child
Authors: COURTENS W. , BROECKX W. , LEDOUX M. , VAMOS E.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. A boy aged 2 years, born prematurely to Gipsy parents, presented with hypopigmentation, severe encephalopathy with athetoid movements, bilateral ocular anomalies including cloudy comeas, iris atrophy and cataracts, as well as dental defects. Ultrastructural examination of the skin disclosed scarce melanosomes. Although the neurologic and ocular anomalies might have been accounted for by bis extreme prematurity, their association with hypomelanogenesis and dental defects support, in this patient, the diagnosis of the oculocerebral hypopigmentation syndrome (Cross syndrome).
Human Immunodeficiency Virus‐Associated Thrombocytopenia in Infants
Authors: LABRUNE P. , BLANCHE S. , CATHERINE N. , MAIER‐REDELSPERGER M. , DELFRAISSY J. F. , TCHERNIA G.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Severe thrombocytopenia was the initial manifestation of human immunodeficiency virus infection in 5 infants under 15 months of age. In only 2/5 cases maternal seropositivity was previously known while in the other 3 it was discovered after the onset of the infants’thrombocytopenia. One infant died, due to intracranial hemorrhage, and the other 4 developed to disease stage IV. Human immunodeficiency virus infection must be considered in the diagnosis of thrombocytopenia.
Difference in TcB Readings between Full Term Newborn Infants Born Vaginally and by Cesarean Section
Authors: YAMAUCHI YOSHITADA , YAMANOUCHI ITSURO
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. We studied the influence of method of delivery on TcB readings at the forehead and sternum in full term neonates in the first week of life. Our present study demonstrated that TcB readings at the forehead and sternum of the infants delivered by cesarean section were significantly lower than readings from infants delivered vaginally without complications, from day 1 to day 7 of life (p<0.05). This is probably due to the decreased placental transfusion at cesarean section. The present study suggests that the degree of placental transfusion or time of cord clamping may be more influential than meconium passage or weight loss on serum bilirubin levels in the first week of life.
Bone Mineral Content of Appropriate and Light for Gestational Age Preterm and Term Newborn Infants
Authors: POHLANDT F. , MATHERS N.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Bone mineral content was measured by single photon absorptiometry at the right mid humerus of 122 appropriate and 35 light for gestational age newborn infants born after 26 to 42 weeks of gestation. Bone mineral content was 2.4 times greater at the mid humerus than at the distal radius. Even in extremely low birth weight infants reproducible measurements were possible at the mid humerus. Light for gestational age infants showed a lower bone mineral content than appropriate for gestational age infants when bone mineral content was related to gestational age. When related to birthweight (g) bone mineral content showed a similar linear relationship in light for gestational age (mg/cm = 44.2+0.037 weight) and appropriate for gestational age (mg/cm = 39.4+0.040 weight) infants. For all 177 infants the relationship was mg/cm = 32.3+0.045 weight (r=0.91). It is concluded that in growing preterm infants bone mineral content should be assessed in relation to weight rather than to age.
Auditory Function after Continuous Infusion of Gentamicin to High‐risk Newborns
Authors: COLDING H. , ANDERSEN E. A. , PRYTZ S. , WULFFSBERG H. , ANDERSEN G. E.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Audiometry was performed at four years of age in 69 of 105 surviving children who had received continuous intravenous infusion of gentamicin during neonatal intensive care. A hearing loss of 20 dB was found in 2 of them (3 %), corresponding to that shown in other studies of survivors following neonatal intensive care. Free field audiometry performed in another 7 children and questionnaires returned from 13 of the remaining 29 gave no suspicion of hearing loss. Thus there is no indication that continuous 24 hours intravenous infusion of gentamicin causes more hearing impairment than intermittent intravenous or intramuscular administration.
Pharmacologically Active Levels of PGE‐, in Neonates with Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: LEONHARDT A. , KÜHL P. G. , SCHWEER H. , WOLF D. , SEYBERTH H. W.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. In general, prostanoids act as local mediators, not as circulating hormones. A specific exception to this rule is the infusion of prostaglandin E1 in patients with ductus arteriosus‐depend‐ent pulmonary or systemic blood flow associated with congenital heart disease. We therefore measured prostaglandin E, plasma levels by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry during effective infusion of prostaglandin E1 in 10 neonates. Prostaglandin E1 plasma levels ranged from 22 to 530 (median 56) pg/ml in these patients. Since prostaglandin E1 is not synthesized endogenously to any significant extent, these plasma concentrations constitute genuine circulating levels not confounded by the common problem of e vivo artifacts. If endogenous prostanoids (e.g. prostaglandin E2) are suspected as circulating mediators, plasma levels detected by reliable methods ought to be in the same range as prostaglandin E1 plasma levels in the present investigation.
Soft Neurological Signs and EEG Pattern in Rural Malnourished Children
Authors: AGARWAL K. N. , DAS D. , AGARWAL D. K. , UPADHYAY S. K. , MISHRA S.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. The present study was carried out in 208, 8–10 yr old male, rural, primary school children of Kashi Vidyapith Block, Varanasi. These children were examined for anthropometry, soft neurological signs and electroencephalographic pattern. It was found that the presence of soft neurological signs was related to the severity of malnutrition. The relationship between nutritional status and motor tasks showed that the performance in successive finger tapping, toe tapping, heel toe tapping, hand patting and alternating hand pronation supination in both hands while finger tapping with the right, was significantly affected. The EEG pattern in 16 children with soft neurological signs showed abnormalities in the form of slow and sharp waves, particularly in the frontal lobe, but also in the parietal and temporal lobes. The motor deficits were more marked on the contralateral side of the EEG abnormality.
Atopy in Children with and without a Family History of Atopy
Authors: PÖYSÄ L.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. The influence of prolongation of breast feeding and postponement of introduction of solid food during infancy on skin reactivity at the age of five years was studied. At least one positive skin prick test result was observed in 23 % of the 70 children with a family history of atopy and in 17 % of the 58 children with no such history. Of the 26 skin‐test‐positive children, 54 % exhibited positive reactions to cat dander and 42 % to birch pollen. Of the 6 children with asthma, 6 with rhinitis and 17 with eczema, skin reactivity was observed in 66 %, 66 % and 35 %, respectively. Contact with a cat during the first three to four months of life did not correlate with skin test positivity at the age of five years. Skin test positivity to birch pollen was more common in children born in January to February, probably because they were at a vulnerable age in their first birch pollen season in May. No preventive effect by the diet consumed during infancy was seen on subsequent skin test results in relation to common allergens.
C1q and C1 Subcomponent Complexes in Otitis‐Prone and Non‐Otitis‐Prone Children A Prospective Study of Children during their First Years of Life
Authors: PRELLNER K. , SJOHOLM A. G. , HARSTEN G. , HELDRUP J. , KALM O. , KORNFALT R.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Children with recurrent acute otitis media (rAOM) often show reduced C1q concentrations and an excess of (C1r‐C1s)2 complexes. It is not known if such C1 aberrations precede development of rAOM or are a consequence of the infections. For this reason, serial investigation of C1q and C1 subcomponent complexes from birth until the age of three was performed in 113 children, 13 of whom developed rAOM. Clq concentrations at birth were found to be lower in the rAOM group than in children who did not experience acute otitis media, and were also correlated with age at the time of the first AOM episode. However, the wide variation of C1q within the groups precluded the use of C1q as a predictive marker. Excess (C1r‐C1s)2 complexes were consistently absent at birth. High concentrations were found in children with established otitis media and the complexes persisted in association with recurrent disease. In conclusion, the C1 aberrations characteristic of rAOM were mainly acquired as a result of infection.
Borrelia Infection in Children
Authors: NAGLO ANNA‐STINA , WIDE KATARINA
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. All children (15 years) admitted during 1986 to Sachs Children's Hospital and presenting signs of facial palsy and/or meningitis, or with a history of known tick bite followed by headache, fatigue and muscle pain, were investigated for antibodies to Borrelia in serum and cerebrospinal fluid. (The hospital's catchment area has a high incidence of tick‐borne Borrelia infections.) Significantly elevated antibody titre was found in 15 of the 33 patients, in three cases only in cerebrospinal fluid. Eight of the 15 children had facial palsy, which was concomitant with meningitis in six cases. Intravenous penicillin was given to all 15 patients with positive antibody titre, and additionally to three severely ill small children with facial palsy and meningitis. Furthermore, two cases of erythema chronicum migrans, which is considered pathognomonic for Borrelia infection, were treated with penicillin perorally. Cases of Borrelia infection occurred throughout the year, but with a peak in August. To emphasize the variety of symptoms, three cases are presented in some detail.
Physical examination
Authors: LINDBLAD F. , ORMSTAD K. , ELINDER G.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Twenty‐nine children were subjected to physical examination as part of a population‐based study comprising 41 children, aged 0–17 years, all assumed to be victims of sexual abuse. The hymenal opening was measured with transparent test tubes of known diameters using a new, simple and reproducible method. The examination was in no case performed under anaesthesia. A dilated hymenal opening and/or other physical evidence of trauma or disease were found in 19/29 children. Examination results evaluated in the light of anamnestic information indicated that sexual abuse had occurred in 10 cases but in only 3 of these cases the suspect was convicted. Additional studies are required to shed light on age‐related normal variations in genital anatomy.
Health and Development of 8‐Year‐Old Children Whose Mothers Abused Amphetamine during Pregnancy
Authors: ERIKSSON M. , BILLING L. , STENEROTH G. , ZETTERSTROM R.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Sixty‐five children whose mothers were addicted to amphetamine during pregnancy were followed prospectively until eight years of age, when they were tested in their homes. Only 21 children (30 %) remained in the custody of thier biological mothers. Their physical health, including growth, was normal. Their IQ and their performance in several psychometric tests were within normal limits. Increased incidences of aggressive behaviour and peer‐related problems were found, especially in the groups that had been exposed to amphetamine throughout pregnancy. No correlation was found with socio‐environmental factors.
Vomiting as the Main Presenting Symptom of Acute Asthma
Authors: OSUNDWA V. M. , DAWOD S. T.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Vomiting as a dominant symptom in a patient with acute asthma is reported. The traditionally recognized triad of cough, tachypnea and wheezing were absent or trivial whenever this patient presented with persistent vomiting. A careful history, laboratory evaluation and a course of bronchodilators eventually ascertained that the episodes of vomiting were due to attacks of acute asthma. It is suggested that acute asthma be included in the differential diagnosis of recurrent and/or severe vomiting in children.
Longitudinal Study of Growth of African Babies: An Analysis of Seasonal Variations in the Average Growth Rate and the Effects of Infectious Diseases on Individual and Average Growth Patterns
Authors: HAUSPIE R. C. , PAGEZY H.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. The aim of the present study is to produce standards of weight for age and to analyse the effects of seasonal variation and of infectious disease on the rate of growth in weight of Central African babies. The study is based on longitudinal data of 4030 babies, aged 0–4 years, living in the North Western tropical forests of Zaire. The growth rate in weight shows a cyclic pattern which appears to be synchronized with the alternations of rainy and dry seasons, the rainy seasons slowing down the growth velocity below average. The interactions of genetic and nutritional factors are discussed. Infectious diseases such as measles and whooping cough tend to slow down growth in varying degrees. The effects were studied in terms of loss in weight and the amount of time needed to fully catch‐up.
Modelling of Reference Values for Size at Birth
Authors: LAWRENCE C. , FRYER J. G. , KARLBERG P. , NIKLASSON A. , ERICSON A.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Data from the Swedish Medical Birth Registration, 1977–1981 were used to apply methods of constructing reference standards for size at birth. Using clinical information a ‘healthy’ sub‐population was extracted. The conditional distributions of birthweight (BW) and birth‐length (BL) for each week of Gestational age, and the conditional distribution of birthweight given birthlength were modelled using truncated Normal distributions, after making use of Box‐Cox power transformations. Spline functions were then used in conjunction with a multiplicative method to obtain appropriate percentage point curves. Examples of this analysis are given.
Effect of Recombinant Human Growth Hormone Therapy on Bone and Clinical Parameters in Girls with Turner's Syndrome
Authors: FERRANDEZ A. , MAYAYO E. , ARNAL J.M. , GARCIA C. , BURUEL C. , LASARTE J.J. , ANTON R. , PUYUELO P.
Published: January 2008

Ferrández, A., Mayayo, E., Arnal, J.M., Garcia, C., Buduel, C., Lasarte, J.J., Anton, R., hyuelo P., and The Spanish Collaborative Group (Endocrine Unit, Children's Hospital, Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, Spain). Effect of recombinant human growth hormone therapy on bone and clinical parameters in girls with Turner's syndrome. Acta Paediatr Scand [Suppl] 356: 87, 1989.

Forty‐eight girls with Turner's syndrome were assigned to one of three treatments; recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) alone, rhGH plus oxandrolone, and rhGH plus ethinyloestradiol. Treatment with rhGH alone or in combination with oxandrolone induced catch‐up growth. Older girls treated with rhGH plus ethinyloestradiol showed less marked improvement. The gain in height was associated with a gain in bone diameter and cortical thickness (reflecting increased bone mass). There was a rapid loss of subcutaneous fat. These effects of growth hormone are similar to those observed in patients with growth hormone deficiency.
What More Can Be Done for Girls and Women with Turner's Syndrome and Their Parents?
Authors: NIELSEN J.
Published: January 2008

Nielsen, J. (Cytogenetic Laboratory, Aarhus Psychiatric Hospital, Risskov, Denmark). What more can be done for girls and women with Turner's syndrome and their parents? Acta Paediatr Scand [Suppl] 356: 93, 1989.

More should be done for Turner's girls/women and their parents. There is a need for early diagnosis, provision of information to Turner's parents, girls and women, provision of a support system in the form of Turner's contact groups, relevant treatment of all Turner's related disorders and problems at the appropriate age. More information is needed, including information given by physicians and Turner's women in journals, radio and television. This has been happening in Denmark during recent years. Turner's contact groups should be available in all countries, and all Turner's girls and women and their parents should be encouraged to join such groups. More research should be undertaken concerning growth, growth stimulating treatment, oestrogen treatment andin vitrofertilization in Turner's syndrome; more social‐psychological studies are also needed.
Socio‐economic Variables and Pregnancy Outcome Birthweight in Singletons
Authors: ERICSON A. , ERIKSSON M. , KÄLLÉN B. , ZETTERSTRÖM R.
Published: January 2008

Ericson, A., Eriksson, M., Källén, B. and Zetterström, R. (The National Board of Health and Social Welfare, Department of Paediatrics, St. Göran's Hospital, Stockholm, and Department of Embryology, Lund, Sweden). Socio‐economic variables and pregnancy outcome. Birthweight in singletons. Acta Paediatr Scand Suppl 360: 48, 1989.

The effect of various social indicators on birthweight in singletons was studied in Sweden with the use of a medical birth registry to which census information was linked. Two years were studied: 1976 births linked to the 1975 census, and 1981 births linked to the 1980 census. The strongest social indicator affecting birthweight was family situation: whether the woman cohabited or not. After standardization for this variable, effects were still seen for occupation and type of housing. They were not secondary to maternal age or parity. By using cohabitation status, enhanced with other social indicators, two groups were selected: one privileged and one underprivileged. Distributions of birthweight and pregnancy duration in the two groups were compared with those formed in women being neither privileged nor under privileged and also working outside the home (because occupation entered the definitions of the two former groups). There were marked differences: underprivileged women had shorter pregnancy duration and, at term, their infants weighed slightly less than those of privileged women. These differences remain after standardization for maternal age and parity.
Intellectual Impairment with Regional Cerebral Dysfunction after Low Neonatal Cerebral Blood Flow
Authors: LOU HANS C. , SKOV HANNE , HENKIKSEN LEIF
Published: January 2008

Lou, H. C., Skov, H. and Henriksen, L. (Department of Neuropaediatrics, J. F. Kennedy Institute, Glostrup, and Departments of Paediatrics and Neurology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark). Intellectual impairment with regional cerebral dysfunction after low neonatal cerebral blood flow. Acta Paediatr Scand Suppl 360: 72, 1989.

12 children, in whom neonatal CBF had been measured, were examined at the age of 9 to 10 years by means of clinical neurological examination, neuropsychologic tests and observations, and 133Xe single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Performance on most neuropsychologic tests or observations correlated with neonatal CBF but only rarely with other neonatal parameters (birthweight, gestational age, Apgar score at 5 min). Poor performance on each test or observation was in most instances correlated with a distinct pattern of regional cerebral dysfunction as assessed by SPECT. The dysfunctional region tended to be located periventri‐cularly and in the watershed regions between major cerebral arteries. It is concluded that low neonatal cerebral perfusion may be an indicator, and possibly a determinant, of later intellectual dysfunction in stressed neonates, and that specific neuropsychologic deficits are associated with specific patterns of cerebral dysfunction in the present patient group.
A 15‐Year Survey of Chronic Lung Disease of Prematurity
Authors: BURNARD E. D. , JOHN E. , TODD D. A. , GRATTAN‐SMITH P.
Published: January 2008

Burnard, E. D., John, E., Todd, D. A. and Grattan‐Smith, P. (Foundation 41 and Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia). A 15‐year survey of chronic lung disease of prematurity. Acta Paediatr Scand Suppl 360: 120, 1989.

The in‐hospital findings for infants of 500–1 500 g birthweight admitted for intensive care over the years 1971–87 were reviewed at four intervals. Survival rate improved substantially. The incidence of chronic lung disease (CLD) in survivors at 28 days of age was unchanged though severity diminished in terms of both mortality and degree of radiographic change. Mean conceptual age for ceasing supplemental oxygen was 32 weeks for those with normal X‐rays and 37 weeks for abnormal X‐rays regardless of initial degree of immaturity. CLD was diagnosed twice as often when supplemental oxygen beyond 28 days was used as an indicator as against an abnormal X‐ray and was hence unreliable for this purpose. Since candidates for CLD are a heterogeneous group care is needed in analysis or selection of material in forming conclusions which concern etiology or management.
The Role of Oral Rehydration Solutions in the Children of Europe: Continuing Controversies
Authors: WALKER‐SMITH J. A.
Published: January 2008

Walker‐Smith, J. A. (Academic Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital for Children, London, U.K.). The role of oral rehydration solutions in the children of Europe‐ Continuing controversies. Acta Paediatr Scand Suppl 364:13, 1989.

Controversy remains concerning ORS composition in Europe. This centres chiefly upon the sodium level. Solutions with a low sodium content continue to be widely used in Europe. ORS with Na 90 mmol/l when given correctly is safe and effective. However when this solution is prepared incorrectly there is a risk of hypernatraemia. In most of Europe mortality and morbidity from gastroenteritis is now very low. Therefore any change from current formulation must not carry any risk in this regard. The need for bicarbonate or indeed any base in ORS is also controversial. There is a clear need in Europe for controlled trials of ORS solutions of various composition to determine the ideal solution for the children of Europe who have acute diarrhoea.
Long‐Term Growth in Small‐for‐Date Children
Authors: FITZHARDINGE P.M. , INWOOD S.
Published: January 2008

Fitzhardinge, P.M. and Inwood, S. (Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada). Long‐term growth in small‐for‐date children. Acta Paediatr Scand [Suppl] 349: 27, 1989.

The growth patterns of 158 infants with significant intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) were studied for the first 2 years of life. Eighty‐four infants were born after 36 completed weeks. All these full‐term infants survived; complete follow‐up data were obtained for 78. Acceleration of growth in weight began soon after birth and continued for an average of 6 months. Acceleration of linear growth began somewhat later, but was limited to the first 9 months. Twenty‐three infants (29%) were still below the 5th centile for both weight and height by 2 years of age. There was a negative correlation between the neonatal ponderal index and length at 18 months for females only. Seventy‐four infants were born prematurely, before 37 weeks’gestation. Mortality in this group was 18% and complete follow‐up data were obtained for 49 of the 61 survivors. Birth weight was regained on average at 11 days; accelerated weight velocity began 4–6 weeks before the expected date of delivery (term date). The potential for catch‐up growth lasted up to 9 months after the term date. By 18 months, however, 44% of these pre‐term infants were still below the 5th centile for weight. Size at 18 months post‐term was correlated with weight at the term date and length at 3 months post‐term, but not with the degree of IUGR or with the ponderal index.
Investigation of Growth Hormone Secretion in Patients with Intrauterine Growth Retardation
Authors: ROCHICCIOLI P. , TAUBER M. , MOISAN V. , PIENKOWSKI C.
Published: January 2008

Rochiccioli, P., Tauher, M., Moisan, V. and Pienkowski C. (Department of Paediatrics, CHU Rangneil, Toulonse Cedex, France). Investigations of growth hormone secretion in patients with intrauterine growth retardation. Acta Paediatr Scand [Suppl] 349: 42, 1989.

Growth hormone (GH) deficiencies have rarely been reported in intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). This study has investigated GH secretion using GH provocation tests, 24‐hour GH secretory profiles, and insulin‐like growth factor I (IGF‐I) measurements in 24 children with intrauterine growth retardation. The criteria for diagnosis were a birth length and weight below the 10th percentile for gestational age. The average age at investigation was 5.5 years, and the average growth retardation was ‐3.3 SD. Twenty children had shown catch‐up growth between the ages of 6 months and 3 years, followed by varying decreases in growth velocity. Studies of GH secretion demonstrated GH deficiency in 16 patients, with neurosecretory dysfunction in six. Treatment with pituitary GH in nine children increased mean growth velocity from 3.5 cm/year to 7 cm/year. GH therapy should thus be effective in improving the height prognosis of children with intrauterine growth retardation.
The Wessex Growth Study: First Report
Authors: VOSS L. , WALKER J. , LUNT H. , WILKIN T. , BETTS P.
Published: January 2008

Voss, L., Walker, J., Lunt, H., Wilkin, T. and Betts, P. (Department of Paediatrics and the Endocrine Section, Department of Medicine II, General Hospital, Southampton, UK). The Wessex growth study: first report. Acta Paediatr Scand [Suppl] 349: 65, 1989.

The Wessex Growth Study is a community‐based longitudinal survey of short children recruited from two Health Districts in Wessex during 1985–86 (cohort I) and 1986–87 (cohort II). Screening of new school entrants during 1985–86 identified only 1.3% who were at or below the 3rd centile for height as defined by Tanner and Whitehouse, suggesting a strong secular trend and an urgent need for updated height charts. After exclusion of the small number of children with underlying organic pathology and those from ethnic minorities, there were 84 children in cohort I on whom this report is based. These apparently normal, short children were sex‐ and age‐matched with normal controls (10th‐90th centile) from the same school class. Forty‐two per cent of cohort I had a delayed bone age, and 34% lay above the 3rd centile after correction for parental height. Forty‐four per cent were of low birth weight. The correlation between two successive height velocities measured at 6 and 12 months was only ‐0.14 for cohort I and ‐0.15 for their controls. Twelve‐month mean height velocity SD scores (SDS) were ‐0.45 and +0.25, respectively, corresponding to the 33rd and 60th centiles, and rather higher than the 25th and 50th centiles expected in view of the heights of these children. Thirty‐eight per cent of cohort 1 had a 12‐month height velocity below the 25th centile, and in 16% height velocity was below the 10th centile. As a group, the children in cohort I grew more slowly than their controls, hut the height velocity in 88% of cases lay within the control range. For any individual, therefore, 12‐month height velocity was not a useful discriminant of growth failure. Repeated measurements are indicated.