bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relapse of Hodgkin's Disease with Anaemia and Weight Loss
Authors: CHOONARA I. A. , ESSEX‐CATER A. , BAILEY C. C.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Two children previously treated for Hodgkin's disease had relapse associated with anaemia and weight loss but no other abnormal clinical findings. It was not possible to confirm the diagnosis by bone marrow aspirate or trephine and in each case laparotomy was required in order to establish a histological diagnosis.
Prematurity‐Associated Morbidity during the First Two Years of Life
Authors: HAKULINEN A. , HEINONEN K. , JOKELA V. , LAUNIALA K.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Two‐year patterns of postneonatal morbidity, both chronic and non‐chronic, are reported for all liveborn preterm infants (n=612; malformations excluded) delivered in the province of Kuopio, Finland, between 1978 and 1982. The overall readmission rate was 30%, the commonest causes being respiratory infections, surgical disorders (inguinal hernias) and neurological problems. The higher readmission rate in preterms born at ≦33 weeks of gestation was due to a larger proportion of children being admitted with chronic prematurity‐associated conditions; preterms without chronic disabilities had similar rates of readmission irrespective of gestational age. Neonatal treatment variables were of little help in the identification of children requiring readmission after neonatal care. Instead, intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) or being of the male sex significantly increased the risk of subsequent read‐mission.
Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia. Evidence for a Role of the Erythrocyte Enzyme Activities Involved in the Detoxification of Oxygen Radicals
Authors: BRACCI R. , BUONOCORE G. , TALLURI B. , BERNI S.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Determinations of erythrocyte enzyme scavengers of oxygen radicals (glutathione‐peroxidase, superoxide‐dismutase and catalase) and determinations of erythrocyte age‐dependent glycolytic activities (glucose‐6‐phosphatedehydrogenase, pyruvate‐kinase and glucose‐phosphate‐isomerase) were carried out in cord blood and in the blood taken on the 4th day of life in 152 newborn infants with different peak bilirubin levels. The enzyme activities scavenging oxygen radicals, glutathione‐peroxidase and superoxide‐dismutase were significantly lower in infants with peak bilirubinemia higher than 214 μmol/l, compared to less‐jaundiced neonates, both at birth and on the 4th day of life; their values correlated negatively with peak bilirubinemia at birth and on the 4th day of life. Glycolytic age‐dependent enzyme activities were significantly higher in more jaundiced newborn infants only on the 4th day of life, when their values correlated positively with peak bilirubinemia. The results of this investigation suggest that a deficiency of factors protecting from oxygen toxicity, may play a role in the development of neonatal hemolysis and jaundice.
Head Circumference and Developmental Ability at the Age of Seven Years
Authors: OUNSTED M. , MOAR V. A. , SCOTT A.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Data on 365 children who had been small (SGA) average (AGA) or large (LGA) for gestational age at birth were analysed at the age of seven years. Significant positive correlations were found between head circumference and developmental scores in the SGA and LGA groups. These were mainly due to associations between relatively small heads and low scores. Familial factors, social class and sex affect both head circumference and developmental ability at this age. Their influences on these two parameters differ in degree; and in the case of sex, in direction. When account was taken of these other factors the contribution of birth‐weight group to the variance in head circumference remained high; but its contribution to developmental scores was reduced.
Longitudinal Analysis of Infantile Growth in an Urban Area of Lahore, Pakistan
Authors: KARLBERG J. , JALIL F. , LINDBLAD B. S.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Supine length has been registered longitudinally in 302 infants surviving to at least two years of age in an urban area of Lahore, Pakistan. According to the “ICP‐growth model”, normal linear growth can be represented during this age period by a combination of a sharply decelerating Infancy component with the addition of a slowly decelerating Childhood component, the latter acting from the second half of the first postnatal year. Between birth and 24 months of age the Pakistani children grew about 7.5 cm less than expected according to the Swedish standard. The difference in the gain was mainly related to the late onset of the Childhood component found in 56 % of the infants. The onset of the Childhood component in the Pakistani children occurred on an average some 5 months later than in the Swedish controls, which explains the age‐dependent reduction in the gain at about 1 year of age. Children with late onset showed no “catch‐up growth” during the observation period after the onset. This might very well indicate the functional implications of stunted height in populations of developing countries.
Abnormalities of Functional Residual Capacity in Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Young Asthmatics
Authors: POOL J. B. , GREENOUGH A. , PRICE J. F.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Functional residual capacity (FRC) was measured by helium gas dilution in 186 young asthmatics, aged between 2 and 9 years. The majority were hyperinflated, as evidenced by an increase in FRC, regardless of symptom status. Symptomatic children and those hospitalized with an acute asthma attack (15) had significantly elevated FRC when compared to asymptomatic children (p<0.01). Eight symptomatic children, following treatment modification, became asymptomatic. This was associated with a reduction in FRC. We suggest that an FRC result greater than one standard deviation from the mean of asymptomatic asthmatics could be used to predict inadequacy of treatment.
Asthma from Childhood to Adult Age
Authors: FRIBERG S. , BEVEGÅRD S. , GRAFF‐LONNEVIG V.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Twenty young men with a mean age 24.9 years, who had moderate to severe asthma during childhood, underwent a follow‐up examination of their clinical status and pulmonary function. Comparison was made with data obtained at a mean age of 10.9 years. Eight of twenty showed a clinical improvement and 12 no change in their asthma. During childhood 12 of 20 boys had been on longterm ACTH or corticosteroid treatment. In the present study no one was given systemic steroid treatment. The static lung volumes (VC, TLC, FRC RV) were within normal limits for children and adults. In spite of clinical improvement, the expiratory flow rates (FEV1, FEV%) were still significantly reduced (p<0.005). Thus, the clinical improvement was not accompanied by a corresponding improvement in expiratory flow rates.
Long‐term Use of Somatostatin Analogue SMS 201–995 in the Treatment of Hypoglycaemia Due to Nesidioblastosis
Authors: WILSON D. C. , CARSON D. J. , QUINN R. J. M.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. An infant presented with hypoglycaemia secondary to nesidioblastosis. Subtotal pancreatectomy failed to prevent recurrent post‐operative hypoglycaemia. Subcutaneous somatostatin analogue (SMS 201–995) was shown to increase the blood concentrations of glucose and B‐hydroxybutyrate while lowering serum insulin levels. Regular use of somatostatin analogue was helpful in long term management without causing significant side effects.
Infection by Multiple Viruses and Lymphocyte Abnormalities at the Diagnosis of Diabetes
Authors: SURCEL H.‐M. , ILONEN J. , KÄÄR M.‐L. , HYÖTY H. , LEINIKKI P.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Evidence for an ongoing adenovirus infection and preceding EB and Coxsackie B virus infections was found in a 2‐year‐old boy at the diagnosis of insulin‐dependent diabetes. An inverted T‐helper/T‐suppressor lymphocyte ratio and activation of T cells with a suppressor‐cytotoxic phenotype were detected. A combination of multiple viral infections may be responsible for the rapid destruction of pancreatic beta cells in this case.
Non‐Enzymatic Glycation of Fetal Tissue in Diabetic Pregnancy
Authors: POLLAK A. , SALZER H. R. , LISCHKA A. , HAYDE M.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Non‐enzymatic glycation of fetal tissue was studied by determining the glucitollysine content of umbilical cord extracts from twelve infants of diabetic mothers and fourteen infants of healthy, non‐diabetic women (controls). The single, glycated amino‐acid glycitollysine, which reflects the extent of glycation processes in biological samples, was measured by a standard amino acid ion exchange chromatography followed by reverse phase high pressure liquid chromatography. Infants of diabetic mothers had significantly higher cord glucitollysine levels than infants of control mothers (14.3+4.6 vs. 5.5+2.1 ng/mg dry tissue; M+SD, p<0.001). Moreover, five infants of diabetic mothers with congenital anomalies had strikingly high glucitollysine levels, higher than the mean +4 SD of the controls. We conclude, that non‐enzymatic glycation of fetal tissue does occur as a result of an in utero exposure to cumulative glycemia. Major congenital anomalies in diabetic pregnancies are associated with a greater extent of non‐enzymatic glycation of umbilical cord tissue.
Possible Etiological Factors in Extensive Periventricular Leukomalacia of Preterm Infants
Authors: IKONEN R. S. , KUUSINEN E. J. , JANAS M. O. , KOIVIKKO M. J. , SORTO A. E.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. During a twelve‐month period five cases of extensive periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) in preterm infants with a gestational age of 31–32 weeks were diagnosed by routine ultrasound screening of preterm infants. The perinatal courses and later development of these infants were compared with 12 other infants with a comparable gestational age born during the same time period. PVL babies were delivered more often by the vaginal route (p=0.0034), and their mean highest serum total bilirubin value was significantly higher (p=0.0054) than that of the control infants. The mean value of the highest blood pH during the first 72 hours of life was also significantly higher (p=0.0311) in PVL babies than in control babies. On the basis of these results we speculate that in addition to ischaemia in the periventricular area, bilirubin toxicity may play an additional role in the severe damage seen in extensive periventricular leukomalacia.
Partial Splenic Embolization in Hypersplenism
Authors: ESTÉVEZ J. VAZQUEZ , LASSALETTA L. , PEREZ‐HIGUERAS A. , UTRILLA J. , DIEZ‐PARDO J. A.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Four patients with portal hypertension, oesophageal varices and severe hypersplenism were treated by partial splenic embolization. All showed improvement of blood and platelet counts early in the postoperative period. Three months after embolization IgA and C3 levels increased significantly. All patients had a decrease in the incidence of variceai bleeding and this procedure provides an acceptable alternative to splenectomy.
Neurological Condition of Large‐for‐Gestational‐Age Infants during the Newborn Period
Authors: OTAMIRI G. , FINNSTRÖM O. , LEIJON I. , RYDÉN G. , SELBING A.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Thirty‐two large‐for‐gestational‐age (LGA) infants and 46 appropriate‐for‐gestational‐age (AGA) infants used as controls, were investigated. LGA and AGA infants did not differ regarding instrumental deliveries or asphyxia. The infants were examined on the 1st and 5th days after birth with a standardized neurological assessment. The LGA infants showed a significantly delayed neurological adaptation with fewer optimal responses on day one as compared to the AGA infants. These differences were not observed on day five. There were no neurological differences between prenatally and postnatally detected LGA infants. No significant differences were observed regarding parity on maternal complications, neonatal course, and neurological scores of the LGA infants.
Effect of Prophylactic Acetaminophen Administration on Reaction to DTP Vaccination
Authors: UHARI M. , HIETALA J. , VILJANEN M. K.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. The effectiveness of acetaminophen in preventing post‐vaccination fever was studied in a double‐blind randomized manner. Healthy five‐month‐old infants vaccinated with diphtheria‐tetanus‐pertussis (DTP) or DTP‐inactivated polio vaccine were randomly allocated to receive either placebo (n=130) or 75 mg of acetaminophen (n=133) four hours after the vaccination. Rectal temperatures of the infants were measured in the post‐vaccination evening and next morning by the parents. The mean values of rectal temperatures were equal in both groups, i.e. 37.6°C, both in the evening and in the morning. No significant difference was found in the occurrence of other minor adverse reactions. Antibody titres to diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and pertussis bacteria of the placebo (n=25) and acetaminophen (n=34) groups did not differ significantly from each other. It is concluded that acetaminophen in a single dose schedule is ineffective in decreasing post‐vaccination fever and other symptoms.
Asthma in Schoolchildren
Authors: BRÅBÄCK L. , KÄLVESTEN L.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. In a survey of asthma among schoolchildren, a questionnaire was sent to the parents of 10 527 children aged 7–16 years. A group of 420 children with asthma was thereafter identified. Their asthma symptoms had caused little absence from school (none in the past 6 months in 60% of the group, and >5 days in only 13%). During the preceding year 40% of the group had had more than 10 days of restricted physical activity due to asthma. Severe symptoms due to undertreatment were uncommon. Although 68 children were receiving no medication, most of them appeared to have only mild symptoms, and the parents requested aerosol inhaler in only ten cases. Symptoms at school were usually related to sporting activities. In 40% of the total asthma group the symptoms were unknown to the school health service before the survey. Dissatisfaction with the service was expressed by 24% of the parents of asthmatic children.
TRENDS IN TEMPERAMENT RESEARCH
Authors: TURUNEN MERJA‐MAARIA
Published: January 2008

Abstract. The paper focuses on current concepts of temperament that has led to different approaches within the field of temperament research.

The concept of temperament has interested scholars from ancient Greece until modern European and American research teams (1). Also in Soviet psychology temperament is getting attention (2). In Finland temperament research has advanced on two different lines.

There is widespread agreement that temperament is a group of related traits and not just one trait attributed to the child. Controversy exists as to what extent temperament is an inborn characteristic of the child and to what extent temperament is born in the interactions between the child and his environment. Although there is controversy between structural and functional approaches, there is consensus of some points. First: temperament is generally regarded as a tendency existing over long periods of time rather than being visible in single behavioral acts. Second: temperament traits are genetically transmitted and this biological basis has been shown in several twin studies. Temperament concerns differences between individuals and not species‐general characteristics.

Temperament research has a tradition of putting emphasis on infancy. In adulthood temperament traits are more difficult to pin down. Pioneering researchers in the field, Chess and Thomas, have suggested that pure temperament traits might in adult personality be seen only in situations where new environmental challenges render former coping skills ineffective. Temperament research is still very scarce concerning adult personality though there are some studies about the role of affect in adult personality.

Two basic temperament traits are generally accepted: activity level and emotionality, for the rest there are disagreements. The best known classification comes from Chess and Thomas and consists of nine categories: rhytmicity of biological functions, activity level, approach to or withdrawal from new stimuli, adaptability, sensory trees hold, predominant quality of mood, intensity of mood expressions, distractibility and persistence/attention span. They have identified three clusters of temperament: easy, difficult and slow‐to‐warm‐up. Especially the concept of difficult temperament has aroused discussion high lightening the difficulties in extracting what is supposed to be biologically inherited trait of personality and what is born in the interaction with the environment. These
The Ecological Context of Child Health in Saudi Arabia
Authors: SERENIUS F. , HOFVANDER Y.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT.The general background to child health in Saudi Arabia is reviewed. Information is provided on the social and demographic characteristics of the population, on common health indicators, on the health care system and its utilization, and on the general pattern of childhood morbidity and mortality. The unprecendented socioeconomic development has transformed the health care system. In 15 years the number of nurses have increased from 3261 to 29896, physicians from 1172 to 14335, primary health care centers from 591 to 1821, and hospital beds from 9036 to 30707. In spite of this progress, the disease pattern seems to resemble that of some developing countries with more limited resources. Parasitic diseases are still widespread, and sample surveys have indicated suboptimal nutrition of rural preschool children. Recent estimates on the infant mortality rate have ranged from 65 to 120 per 1000 live births. The preferred marriage partner is a close relative, and genetic diseases, such as hemoglobin disorders, are common in certain areas. Thus, the prevalence of alpha thalassemia is reported at 50 percent, and the sickle cell trait at 4.4–20 percent in sample surveys from the Eastern Province. The modest educational attainment of the mother, the heavy reliance on foreign manpower in all sectors, including the health sector, and the further development of the primary health care system are key issues today. It is emphasized that demographic and epidemiological information from Saudi Arabia is scarce and frequently uncertain, and that further studies are needed to identify the health needs of Saudi children.
Hypoxia Reinforces Laryngeal Reflex Bradycardia in Infants
Authors: WENNERGREN G. , HERTZBERG T. , MILERAD J. , BJURE J. , LAGERCRANTZ H.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. The laryngeal chemoreflex involves bradycardia, apnea, swallowing and peripheral vasoconstriction. This reflex was studied in twelve infants, aged 5 days‐28 weeks, who had sustained an apparent life‐threatening event or were siblings of infants who had died of the sudden infant death syndrome. The bradycardic and apneic components of the reflex were found to be significantly, and sometimes powerfully, reinforced when elicited by pharyngeal water instillation during acute, mild hypoxia (transcutaneous Po2 4.6–8.3 kPa). Apnea duration during normoxia was 0.7–15 sec, and during hypoxia 2–30 sec. Heart rate change ranged from +26% to −21% during normoxia, as compared with −4% to −63% during hypoxia. The percentage change in heart rate was found to inversely correlate with the transcutaneous Po2;‐level prevailing when the reflex was elicited. The conclusion is that there is a significant reinforcement of the cardiorespiratory adjustments when the laryngeal reflex is activated during simultaneous excitation of the peripheral arterial chemoreceptors. One infant, showing a particularly strong increase of the cardiorespiratory response to laryngeal receptor stimulation during hypoxia, later died of sudden infant death syndrome.
Flavobacterium meningosepticum Infections in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: ABRAHAMSEN T. G. , FINNE P. H. , LINGAAS E.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. An outbreak of nosocomial infections by Flavobacterium meningosepticum in a neonatal intensive care unit is described. During a period of eleven weeks two patients presented with septicaemia and meningitis. In addition, nine patients were found to be colonized and three of these neonates developed septicaemia. The infected patients were treated with clindamycin and piperacillin. All the patients survived, but the neonates with meningitis developed hydrocephalus. An extensive bacteriological screening of the staff was negative, but in the ward environment, F. meningosepticum was found around sinks, on rubber stoppers for milk bottles and on “cleaned” teats. Several infection control measures were instituted. Established routines were revised, with particular emphasis on the handling of objects containing or in regular contact with water.
Aetiology of Congenital Hypothyroidism in Finland
Authors: VIRTANEN M. , Mäenpää J. , PIKKARAINEN J. , Pitkänen L. , PERHEENTUPA J.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. In Finland a nationwide screening programme for congenital hypothyroidism (CHT) has operated since 1980 with complete coverage. Among the total of 307000 newborns screened, the incidence per 100 000 was 24.6 for thyroid dysgenesis and 4.0 for dyshormonogenesis. We conclude that, when screening is based on cord serum TSH, the false‐positive results are caused mainly by difficult delivery. The most important factors associated with dyshormonogenesis were CHT in the family, origin from a geographic risk area, and origin of both mother and father from the same community. These reflect the autosomal recessive inheritance. The risk factors for dysgenesis were female gender, CHT in the family, birth in a geographic risk area, and birth during a risk period of the year
Dental Caries in Turkish Immigrant Primary Schoolchildren
Authors: MEJARE I. , MJÖNES S.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Dental caries and the utilization of the Public Dental Service in Sweden were investigated in 84 Turkish immigrant children born in Sweden, 69 Turkish children bom in Turkey and 85 Swedish age‐ and sex‐matched controls. Dental fear was also studied. The mean age of the children was 8.3 years. Turkish immigrant children had more caries both in the primary and in the permanent teeth than Swedish children. Children born in Turkey had more caries in the primary dentition than those born in Sweden. Turkish children came more often for emergency visits than Swedish children and expressed dental fear more frequently. Turkish immigrant children therefore constitute a high risk group for caries and need supervision early after immigration.
Cardiac Involvement in Postnatal Rubella
Authors: THANOPOULOS BASIL D. , ROKAS STELIOS , FRIMAS CONSTANTINE A. , MANTAGOS STEPHANOS P. , BERATIS NICHOLAS G.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Two cases of rubella myocarditis are reported: a 6‐year‐old boy who developed a complete, distal to His, atrioventricular block, during the third day of illness; and a 12‐year‐old boy who developed myocarditis with congestive heart failure 20 days following rubella infection. Although permanent pacing was required in the first patient, six years later he showed a normal growth and maintained normal activity. The second patient has deteriorated markedly and 6 months after the initial illness he had severe heart failure. It should be noted that myocarditis with abnormalities of the conduction system or congestive heart failure may be a complication to postnatal rubella.
Neonatal Outcome of Extremely Small Low Birth weight Liveborn Infants Below 901 g in a Swedish Population
Authors: SVENNINGSEN N. W. , STJERNQVIST K. , STAVENOW S. , HELLSTRÖM‐WESTAS L.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. In a regional population of 32120 liveborn newborn infants 65 (0.2%) had a birthweight ≤900 g (extremely small low birthweight = ESLBW) with mean gestational age 26.4 (range 22–31) completed weeks of gestation. The total 0–1 year survival rate was 48%. For the 42 infants treated in the Level III regional neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) the 0–1 year survival rate was 55% versus 34% for 23 infants not transferred to the Level III unit. In the ESLBW infants treated in the regional NICU the major complications were respiratory disorders requiring artificial ventilation (73%), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (26%), intracranial haemorrhages (40%), symptomatic persistent ductus arteriosus (36%) and sepsis (14%), persistent retinopathy of prematurity (8%). Duration of NICU treatment was 51 days (range 10–95) for survivors. Mode of delivery and rate of perinatal complications did not differ between survivors and non‐survivors. Previous legal abortion occurred in 24%, fertility problems in 29% and 21% of the mothers, were immigrants. Otherwise no significant abnormalities were found in maternal or socioeconomic conditions. Factors deciding neonatal outcome in the tiniest babies seem to be a combination of prenatal circumstances and neonatal minute fine care procedures.
Safety and Efficacy of Three Oral Rehydration Solutions for Children with Diarrhoea (Edinburgh 1984–85)
Authors: CUTTING W. A. M. , BELTON N. R. , GRAY J. A. , BRETTLE R. P. , WELSBY P. D. , TODD W. T. A. , ELTON R. A. , WESTWOOD A. , DAVIDSON S.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Of 357 children with acute diarrhoea admitted to the City Hospital, Edinburgh, over a 12‐month period, only 5 (1.4%) required IV infusions. Three hundred and nineteen were treated with oral rehydration (OR). Of these 269 were studied in detail and 43% had signs of dehydration, but in none of them was it severe. There were no fatalities. Patients were randomly allocated to treatment with one of three OR solutions in a double blind trial. The solutions had sodium concentrations of 35, 50 and 90 mmol (mEq)/l, and dextrose of 200 (36 g/l), 111 (20 g/l) and 110 (19.8 g/l) mmol/l, respectively. Hypematraemia was not a clinical problem and only 5 children (2%) were biochemically hypematraemic on admission. Treatment did not cause clinical hypematraemia. At the second assessment only 3 children were biochemically hypematraemic, one from each treatment group, and no one had clinical signs. All three solutions were safe and effective in the relatively mildly dehydrated patients currently seen in the UK.
The Effect of the Number of Fractions of Cranial Irradiation on Growth in Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia
Authors: BRÄMSWIG J. H. , WEGELE M. , VON LENGERKE H. J. , MÜLLER R.‐P. , SCHELLONG G.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Growth was documented over a period of 7 years in all long‐term survivors treated for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) with the DAL‐70‐ (n=15) and BFM‐70‐protocol (n=27). Normal growth was documented in patients of the DAL‐70‐protocol during and after therapy. In contrast, in children treated with the BFM‐70‐protocol the mean height standard deviation score (SDS) decreased significantly from 1.21 SDS prior to therapy to 0.80 SDS at the end of therapy (p<0.001) and remained unchanged thereafter. Prophylactic cranial irradiation was given in total doses of 15 to 30 Gy. Ten children of the DAL‐70‐ and 20 children of the BFM‐70‐protocol received 24 Gy of cranial irradiation. No significant change in height‐SDS was observed in any patients of the DAL‐70‐ and in 8 patients of the BFM‐70‐group, who received 24 Gy of cranial irradiation in 16–26 fractions. Adult height in 7 girls and 6 boys was normal and 3.15 cm and 5.06 cm above target height. In the remaining 12 patients of the BFM‐70‐protocol the total dose of 24 Gy of cranial irradiation was applied in 11–14 fractions. Their height‐SDS had faUen significantly from 1.24 SDS before to 0.66 SDS (p<0.001) at the end of therapy. Adult height in 4 girls and 6 boys was also normal, but the height increase was comparatively smaller, –2.20 cm below target height in the girls and 1.91 cm above in the boys. We conclude, that the loss of height‐SDS in patients with ALL receiving 24 Gy of cranial irradiation is most probably due to the number of fractions of irradiation and not to the total radiation dose or the type of chemotherapy.
Non‐Tropical Pyomyositis in Children–with Report of Severe Neurological Complications
Authors: BRIK RIVA , BRAUN JACOB , BIALIK VIKTOR , ZUCKERMAN NECHAMA , BERANT MOSHE
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Pyomyositis appears to occur rarely in temperate climate areas, compared with the incidence of the disease in the tropics. Three young adults with pyomyositis have previously been described in Israel, two of them were newly arrived Ethiopian immigrants. We report three Israeli children with pyomyositis, who presented initially with nonspecific abdominal pain; in one child the course was complicated by spinal cord compression due to extension of the infected mass into the spinal canal. All three patients attained full recovery after antibiotic therapy and surgical drainage. Computed tomography was most valuable in establishing the diagnosis and defining the extent of the process.
Persisting Glomerular Hyperfiltration in Short‐term Diabetic Children without Microalbuminuria
Authors: LEVY‐MARCHAL C. , LABORDE K. , KINDERMANS C. , DECHAUX M. , CZERNICHOW P.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. The renal function in a group of diabetic children (n=29; age: 4–17 yr; IDDM duration: 1.5–13 yr) was studied with a 3 year interval. At the first evaluation glomerular filtration rate (GFR) as assessed by inulin clearance was significantly increased compared to control values (167±32 vs. 124±18 ml/min/1.73 m2; p≤0.01). Eighteen out of 29 children exhibited a glomerular hyperfiltration (GFR ≥ 160). Three years later mean GFR was identical (169±25 ml/min/1.73 m2) and 16 children were hyperfiltrating. Among them, 11 have had a persisting glomerular hyperfiltration over the 3‐year period. Renal plasma flow (RPF) was positively correlated to GFR (r=0.7; p≤0.01) and remained elevated at both evaluations (794±163 and 812±157 ml/min/1.73 m2, p≤0.01 vs. control values). When the children were separated into 3 groups according to IDDM duration no significant differences were observed in the results for GFR and RPF. Mean urinary albumin excretion was comparable at the 3‐year interval, and not significantly different from the control values (5.2±3.7 and 8.2±6.6 respectively vs. 8.65±4 |ig/min). None of the children demonstrated a persistent microalbuminuria. This study reveals a high proportion of diabetic children with a persisting glomerular hyperfiltration, without any other symmptom of incipiens nephropathy. If elevated GFR plays an important role in the development of diabetic nephropathy, this study emphasizes the value of regular evaluation of renal function in diabetic children.
Outpatient Orchiopexy and Herniotomy in Children
Authors: KVIST EBBE , GYRTRUP HANS JØRGEN , MEJDAHL STEEN , RØNNEBECH JESPER
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. In 497 children with 528 hernia and 190 boys with 241 maldescended testes, outpatient operation was performed in 96.5% and 92.6% of the patients with an immediate surgical complication rate of 1.5% and 0% respectively. No wound infection was observed and the long term result was satisfactory with 3.7% hernia recurrences and 90% of the testes localized in the bottom of scrotum. Orchiopexy at about two years of age and early herniotomy, irrespective of age, is recommended and surgery may safely be carried out on an outpatient basis.
Response to RIT 4237 Oral Rotavirus Vaccine in Human Milk, Adapted‐ and Soy‐Formula Fed Infants
Authors: ZOPPI G. , MANTOVANELLI F. , PITTSCHIELER K. , DELEM A. , TEUWEN D. E.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. During the first month of life 28 full‐term newborns were breast‐fed (18 males and 11 females). Thereafter 8 infants continued breast‐feeding while the remainder were randomly fed on either an adapted milk formula (n=13) or a soy‐formula (n=7). At five months, after an oral dose of RIT 4237 rotavirus vaccine of bovine origin was given, growth and IgM/IgG type antibodies against rotavirus were measured. Weight gain was similar in all infants. There were 2 IgM and 1 IgG responders out of 7 soy fed infants, compared with 4 out of 8 human milk fed (both IgM and IgG) and 7 out of 13 IgM and 6/12 IgG formula fed infants responding to vaccination. This observation confirms previous results obtained with polio, diphtheria tetanus and pertussis vaccines indicating that soy‐protein formulas may interfere with immunization processes.
Role of Atrial Natriuretic Peptide in the Diuresis of a Newborn Infant with the Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion
Authors: KOJIMA T. , HIRATA Y. , UMEDA Y. , SATO Y. , FUKUDA Y. , MATSUZAKI S. , IWASE S. , KOBAYASHI Y.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. A fullterm infant had fetal distress and stained amnion. He underwent an exchange blood transfusion at 12 hours after birth because of hyperbilirubinemia. He developed oliguria combined with high urine osmolality during the first 27 hours of life despite normal creatinine clearance. The diagnosis of the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) was made on the basis of high urine osmolality, low plasma osmolality and elevated plasma arginine vasopressin (AVP) concentration. We determined the plasma atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) concentration for the first 4 days of life. After 27 hours after birth, urine volume increased while plasma AVP concentration remained high. On the other hand, plasma ANP concentration gradually increased after 27 hours of life. We speculate that ANP may play an important role in producing the spontaneous diuresis in the newborn infant with SIADH.
Three Nutrition Surveys in a Northern Swedish County
Authors: PERSSON L. Å. , SAMUELSON G. , SJOLIN S.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. In 1930 a nutrition survey was made of 1675 school children in the county of Västerbotten in northern Sweden. In 1967 a second survey was carried out in the same area, covering 1411 children aged 4, 8 and 13 years. A third survey was carried out in 1980 of 572 children in the same age groups. In the first survey questionnaires concerning food consumption were used, in the two later surveys 24‐hour recall of food intake was recorded. Underweight and iron deficiency anaemia were prevalent in 1930. Since then socio‐economic conditions have improved dramatically and dietary habits have become more diversified. In the last study the average energy intake had decreased from 100 to 87 % of the RDA. A slight increase in the prevalence of overweight among 13‐year‐old children was also noted. The fat intake was lower in 1980 than in 1967, but the P/S‐ratio was still low (0.23). The iron intake reached a satisfactory level in the two later studies and no case of iron‐deficiency anaemia was found in 1980. In spite of a relatively frequent sucrose intake dental health had improved as a consequence of other prophylactic activities. The malnutrition problems of 1930 have been eradicated but new nutritional problems, linked to the risk of developing obesity and health problems in adulthood such as coronary heart disease, call for new preventive strategies.
Ectopic Thyroid: Residual Function after Withdrawal of Treatment in Infancy and Later Childhood
Authors: GRANT D. B. , HULSE J. A. , JACKSON D. B. , LEUNG S. P. , NG W. K.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Plasma thyroxine (T4) and thyrotrophin (TSH) were estimated in 34 children identified by neonatal hypothyroid screening and subsequently found to have ectopic thyroid tissue on isotope scan. Before treatment plasma T4 ranged from 8–143 nmol/1 and TSH from 39–1230 mU/l. After one week off treatment during their second year, repeat T4 in 26 of these cases showed a significant correlation with the pre‐treatment values (r= 0.57). However, only 3 of the 5 children with pre‐treatment T4 levels over 100 nmol/1 at diagnosis had normal T4 values when retested. Similarly, when 10 children with pre‐treatment T4 values over 65 nmol/1 were retested off treatment at the ages of 5.8–8.2 years, only 4 had plasma T4 levels in the normal range. These results illustrate the wide range of thyroid function which can occur in children with ectopic thyroid tissue and indicate that some continue to have near‐normal thyroid function for considerable periods. However, pre‐treatment T4 results do not allow accurate identification of these latter cases.
Cytotoxicity of Galactose, Tyrosine and Methionine in Cultured Suckling Rat Hepatocytes: Relation to Liver Immaturity
Authors: OKAYASU T. , NAGANO S. , TAKADA K. , TOMITA M. , ARASHIMA S. , MATSUMOTO S.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Monolayers of suckling rat hepatocytes cultured for 24 hours were treated with galactose, I tyrosine and I‐methionine. The purpose was to study the reasons for the clinical improvement of patients with neonatal hepatitis after dietary restriction of these nutrients. Galactose, tyrosine, and methionine was cytotoxic on suckling rat hepatocytes, yet had no effect on adult rat hepatocytes. Furthermore, the pretreatment of suckling rat hepatocytes with dexametha‐sone ameliorated the cytotoxicity and induced a differentiation of the cells. These results suggested that the cytotoxicity resulted from the immaturity of suckling rat hepatocytes and therefore dietary restriction of galactose, tyrosine and methionine might be a useful treatment for patients with neonatal hepatitis.
Spondyloepiphyseal Dysplasia Tarda in Turner Syndrome
Authors: MASSA G. , VANDERSCHUEREN‐LODEWEYCKX M.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. A girl with short stature is described in whom chromosomal analysis revealed a 45,X/46,XX mosaicism and in whom radiological investigations disclosed the diagnosis of X‐linked spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia tarda. This is the first report of the occurrence of X‐linked spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia tarda in a child with Turner syndrome.
A Biologically‐Oriented Mathematical Model (ICP) for Human Growth
Authors: KARLBERG J.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. A new approach to modelling the individual human linear growth curve from birth to maturity is presented in detail. The model, which is also suitable for other measurements, breaks down growth mathematically into three additive and partly superimposed components —Infancy, Childhood and Puberty (the ICP‐model). A key feature of this approach is that these components of the human growth curve from birth to adulthood strongly reflect the different hormonal phases of the growth process. As a result, the model provides an improved instrument for detecting and understanding growth failure. The model also sheds light on some central facets of human growth. For instance, the dramatic change in body proportions during the first years of life is found to be related to an enhanced influence of the Childhood component on the legs as compared with the trunk. The size of the Puberty component is shown to be time‐invariant and to be superimposed on the decelerating Childhood component during adolescence. Early pubertal maturation is known to give a higher peak velocity than late maturation, so this variation in pubertal gain must be explained by the shape of the Childhood component alone.
Quality of Life of Adults with Growth Hormone Deficiency: a Controlled Study
Authors: BJORK S. , JONSSON B. , WESTPHAL O. , LEVIN J.‐E.
Published: January 2008

Björk, S., Jönsson, B., Westphal, 0. and Levin, J.‐E. (Center for Medical Technology Assessment, Linkoping University, and the Department of Paediatrics II, University of Gothenburg, Sweden). Quality of life of adults with growth hormone deficiency: a controlled study. Acta Paediatr Scand [Suppl] 356: 55, 1989.

The quality of life of 23 adults with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) who had received growth hormone (GH) therapy was compared with that of 47 normal individuals in a control group. The GHD group had a poorer quality of life than the control group. Statistically significant differences were found between the groups for social isolation, physical mobility, sleep, and emotional status. More individuals in the control group had a driving licence and were married than in the GHD group.
Quality of Life Assessment Before and After Growth Hormone Treatment in Adults with Growth Hormone Deficiency
Authors: McGAULEY G.A.
Published: January 2008

McGauley, G.A. (Department of Medicine, United Medical and Dental Schools of Guy's and St Thomas's Hospitals, St Thomas's Hospital, London, UK). Quality of life assessment before and after growth hormone treatment in adults with growth hormone deficiency. Acta Paediatr Scand [Suppl] 356: 70, 1989.

The effect of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) treatment on the quality of life w'as studied in adults with growth hormone deficiency (GHD). Twenty‐four adults who satisfied strict criteria for GHD took part in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, 6‐month trial.‘Quality of life’assessment was performed at entry into the trial and after 1 month and 6 months, by means of self‐rating questionnaires. Entry data were also compared with a control group of healthy subjects matched for age, gender, ethnic origin, socio‐economic class and area of residence. Significantly lower scores on‘quality of life’assessment in the growth hormone (GH) deficient patients were reported at entry into the trial compared with matched controls, indicating that patients with GHD may be psychologically compromised. Preliminary analysis of the results shows that after 6 months patients receiving human growth hormone (hGH) treatment experienced less perceived illness than the placebo group. Significant psychological improvement was noted in the hGH‐treated patients’perception of their energy level and mood compared to the placebo group.
Effect of PaCO2 and Haemoglobin Concentration on Day to Day Variation of CBF in Preterm Neonates
Authors: PRYDS O. , GREISEN G.
Published: January 2008

Pryds, O. and Greisen, G. (Department of Neonatology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark). Effect of PaCO2 and haemoglobin concentration on day to day variation of CBF in preterm neonates. Acta Paediatr Scand, Suppl 360: 33, 1989.

The CBF was measured on the first three days of life in 22 mechanically ventilated, preterm neonates (mean gestational age 29.5 weeks) with simultaneous recordings of arterial carbon dioxide tension (PaCO2), arterial oxygen tension (PaO2), haemoglobin concentration (Hgb), haemoglobin oxygen saturation and mean arterial blood pressure (MABP). CBF ± tended to increase slightly with age. The intra‐individual variation of CBF ± was positively related to changes in PaCO2 (p=0.0004) and inversely related to changes in Hgb (p=0.029). Neither PaO2 nor MABP achieved a significant relation to changes in CBF ± Thus, the mean CBF ±‐CO2 reactivity was calculated to 22.1 % per kPa whereas CBF increased by a mean of 11.9% per mM decrease of Hgb thereby providing a constant oxygen delivery to the brain. It is concluded that PaCO2 and Hgb have the expected effect on CBF ± in preterm neonates even during respiratory distress shortly after birth.
Perinatal Growth Retardation in Preterm Infants
Authors: GREISEN GORM , PETERSEN MINNA BLOCH
Published: January 2008

Greisen, G. and Petersen, M. B. (Department of Neonatology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark). Perinatal growth retardation in preterm infants. Acta Paediatr Scand Suppl 360: 43, 1989.

Perinatal and 4‐year follow‐up data were analysed for 137 children born after 26 to 35 weeks of gestation. All were free of severe prenatal or neonatal illness and of major handicaps. Infants who were light‐for‐gestation at birth were approximately 0.6 SDS smaller at 4 years than the appropriate‐for‐gestation infants as regards height, weight, and head circumference (p< 0.005). The McCarthy general cognitive score was reduced (p = 0.03). Motor scores, standardised for cognitive function, were also reduced (p = 0.02) indicating that motor—perhaps cerebellar—function is particularly vulnerable to perinatal growth retardation.
Neonatal Septicaemia—Incidence, Etiology and Outcome A 6‐year Analysis
Authors: GRAUEL E. L. , HALLE E. , BOLLMANN R. , BUCHHOLZ P. , BUTTENBERG S.
Published: January 2008

Grauel, E. L., Halle, E., Bollmann, R., Buchholz, P. and Buttenberg, S. (Department of Neonatology, Pediatric Clinic and Institute of Medical Microbiology, University‐Hospital (Charité), Berlin, GDR). Neonatal septicaemia—incidence, etiology and outcome. A 6‐year analysis. Acta Paediatr Scand Suppl 360: 113, 1989.

Between 1983 and 1988 we observed altogether 222 cases of neonatal septicemia and/or meningitis in our Department of Neonatology. The incidence was 8.46 per 1000 liveborn infants. The case fatality rate amounted to 45.9 Yo. The most frequently isolated causative agents were Escherichia coli (23,4 %) followed by group B Streptococci (16.7%), Staphylococcus aureus (9.9%), Klebsiella pneumoniae species (8.8%), Serratia marcescens (7.9 %), Pseudomonas aeruginosa and coagulase‐negative Staphy‐lococci each 5.9%. The report includes information about serotypes of Escherichia coli, group B Streptococci and plasmid patterns of Serratia marcescens. The latter was responsible for an outbreak of septicemia and meningitis with high mortality. The changing infection pattern reflects changes in the newborn population, especially in the patient structure of the neonatal intensive care unit, changes in the antibiotic policy and organizational problems.
Physiological Growth Hormone Secretion and Response to Growth Hormone Treatment in Children with Short Stature and Intrauterine Growth Retardation
Authors: STANHOPE R. , ACKLAND F. , HAMILL G. , CLAYTON J. , JONES J. , PREECE M.A.
Published: January 2008

Stanhope, R., Ackland, F., Hamill, G., Clayton, J., Jones, J. and Preece, M.A. (Department of Growth and Development, Institute of Child Health, London and Serono Laboratories, UK). Physiological growth hormone secretion and response to growth hormone treatment in children with short stature and intrauterine growth retardation. Acta Paediatr Scand [Suppl] 349: 47, 1989.

Physiological growth hormone (GH) secretion was examined in 31 children (8 girls, 23 boys) with short stature secondary to intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). Seventeen (4 girls, 13 boys) had dysmorphic features of Russell‐Silver syndrome. Four of the 31 children had GH insufficiency with peak GH levels of < 20 mU/I during the night. Nine of the patients (8 of whom had Russell‐Silver syndrome) had a single nocturnal GH pulse. Twenty‐three children (6 girls, 17 boys) were randomized into two groups treated with either 15 or 30 U/m2/week of GH by daily subcutaneous injections. Age, sex distribution, pretreatment height velocity SD score (SDS), and distribution of dysmorphic and non‐dysmorphic children were similar in both groups. The group treated with 15 U/m2/week for a mean of 0.82 years showed an increase in mean height velocity SDS from ‐ 0.61 to +1.09, and the group treated with 30 U/m2/week for a mean of 0.92 years showed an increase in mean height velocity SDS from ‐0.69 to +3.48. The results suggest that physiological GH insufficiency is probably common in children with Russell‐Silver syndrome and that both dysmorphic and non‐dysmorphic children with short stature secondary to IUGR will respond to GH treatment. Initial evidence suggests that the increase in short‐term growth velocity does not result in an improved final height prognosis.