bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Erythrocyte Sodium Transport in Bartter's Syndrome
Authors: UCHIYAMA M. , SHAH V. , WILLEMS C. DAMAN , DILLON M. J.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Erythrocyte sodium transport was evaluated by measurement of intracellular Na concentration (ICNa), 22Na efflux rate constant (NaERC) and 3H‐ouabain binding (BMax) (reflecting the number of Na/K ATPase pump sites) in 9 children with Bartter's syndrome compared to controls (children and adults) and children with various forms of salt wasting disease. There were no differences between control children and adults. In untreated Bartter's syndrome ICNa was significantly increased with NaERC and BMax significantly decreased compared to findings in controls and patients with other salt wasting disease. On prostaglandin synthetase inhibitor (Indomethacin) therapy, ICNa decreased but remained higher than in controls, NaERC increased to normal values but BMax remained low. These data support the view that there is a widespread defect in membrane electrolyte transport in Bartter's syndrome but suggest that the benefit of indomethacin therapy is not manifest via an effect on Na/K ATPase.
Follow‐up of the Antibody Response to Measles Vaccine in a Rural Area of Guinea‐Bissau
Authors: SMEDMAN LARS , GUNNLAUGSSON GEIR , NORRBY ERLING , SILVA MARIA CLOTILDE , ZETTERSTRÖM ROLF
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. One hundred and fourty‐four children who either were already immune or had been successfully immunized against measles were reexamined after 16 months. All still had circulating Elisa antibodies at a clearly detectable level. Titres were higher in the group of children stated to have had measles prior to the immunization. None of the children had measles after immunization. Boostering by the wild virus may have occurred, whereas no evidence of a booster effect from the vaccine was found. About one third of the children were underweight. Plasmodium falciparum parasitaemia rate, and also its seasonality, varied with the location of the child's homestead. Even children exposed to mesoendemic P. falciparum malaria and moderate malnutrition can be successfully immunized with a conventional live attenuated measles vaccine from 8 months of age, which probably results in a lasting protection.
A Case of Complete Trisomy 2p/Triploidy Mosaicism
Authors: DAHL N. , ELIASSON I.‐L. , GUSTAVSON K.‐H.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. This report describes a newborn male infant with complete trisomy 2p in 80% and triploidy in 20% of cultured cells from peripheral blood. The boy was delivered by Caesarean section after 32 weeks of gestation because of signs of intrauterine asphyxia. The infant, who was utterly small for his gestational age, showed an aberrant motoric pattern and a high forehead, low‐set ears, a prominent occiput and scoliosis, an extension defect in the knee joints and flexed, ulnar‐deviated wrists. He had flexed thumbs, sandal gap bilaterally and syndactyly between toes III and IV bilaterally. Autopsy revealed multiple internal malformations.
Are There Tests Predictive for Prolonged Apnoea and SIDS?: A Review of Epidemiological and FunctionaI Studies
Authors: BENTELE K. H. P. , ALBANI M.
Published: January 2008

Bentele, K. H. P. and Albani, M. (Department of Pediatrics, University of Hamburg, Germany). Are there tests predictive for prolonged infantile apnoea and SIDS? Acta Paediatr. Scand. Suppl. 342.

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) remains the predominant cause of postneonatal mortality. Epidemiological studies have led to the definition of populations with an increased risk for SIDS: subsequent siblings of SIDS victims, infants with near miss for SID episodes, prematurely born infants with perinatal risk factors, and infants of drug dependent mothers. Furthermore, a variety of additional although rarely independent factors regarding both mothers and infants have been found to be associated with an increased risk for SIDS. Despite of this, the majority of infants still dying from SIDS do not belong to one or more of these risk groups and even within a group considered to be at increased risk it is impossible so far to identify individual infants at highest risk on the basis of an infant's history and clinical data. Therefore, different methods have been applied during the last several years in order to detect functional abnormalities of cardiorespiratory control during sleep with the aim of obtaining more specific and sensitive predictors of subsequent severe apnoea and SIDS.

In an attempt to evaluate the predictive power of these various methods the present article reviews their results in relation to the follow up data of the infants under study. The results of the meanwhile innumerous studies were found to be at variance and often controversial. At the present time, none of these tests may be looked at as virtually improving our ability to predict the risk for prolonged apnoea and SIDS. One of the reasons for this may be the lack of standardisation of the particular methods with respect to both definition of study groups and conditions of testing infants. Since all of these tests have mainly been performed in infants of epidemiological risk groups, the definition of which is an indispensable prerequisite for the evaluation of both the indication and the results of such tests, an updated survey of the more recent epidemiological studies is given as an introduction. Key words: SIDS, prolonged apnoea, infants at risk, predictive tests.
PSYCHIC VULNERABILITY AS A SEQUEL TO PERINATAL MORBIDITY: A longitudinal twin study with special reference to psychiatric morbidity and inter‐twin dependency
Authors: MOILANEN IRMA
Published: January 2008

Abstract. In this follow‐up study 497 twins from 335 twin deliveries were examined between the ages of 12‐20 years to ascertain late effects of perinatal complications and mild neurological abnormalities on mental health, by means of questionnaires filled in by the parents and by the twins themselves. One third of the twins had not suffered from any perinatal complications, while one third had been small for gestational age, one third had been born prematurely and one third had suffered from respiratory disorders. Neonatal hypoglycemia had been found in 22% and hyperbilirubinaemia in 7% of the twins.

Perinatal complications had occurred in almost all those twins who later underwent inpatient psychiatric treatment.

Most perinatal problems were reflected in the twin's dependency on his co‐twin, showing in particular a cumulative effect when occurring simultaneously. Those twins who are currently more dependent learned to walk and speak later than the non‐dependent ones, and their EEG background activity of ten years ago, at the age of 2–10 years, was more abnormal than that of the non‐dependent ones, indicating brain organic, i.e. probably perceptual, factors enhancing the development of inter‐twin dependency. The dependent twins were more submissive and had the most frequent feelings of inferiority.

The neurological, psychological and family international factors that cause a twin to distrust himself and depend on his co‐twin are also discussed in this study.
Size at Birth of Infants in a Saudi Maternity Hospital
Authors: SERENIUS F. , EDRESSEE A. W. , SWAILEM A. R.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. The size at birth was assessed of Saudi infants who were delivered in the main Maternity hospital in Riyadh and who represented a large proportion of infants born in the city. The mean (SD) weight, length and head circumference at birth of Saudi singletons were 3226 (534) g, 49.5 (2.0) cm and 34.5 (1.5) cm, respectively. Of all infants 5.9 percent were born preterm. The proportion of low birthweight infants was 7.9 percent, of which 44 percent were born at or past term. Teenage mothers had a low birthweight rate of 15.2 percent and primipara of 13.9 percent, however. Of all singletons 2.2 percent were small for gestational age and 3.7 percent of term infants had a Ponderal index <3rd percentile of the standard. During the final weeks of gestation the fetal growth rate was similar to that of Western populations. Compared with other developing countries the birth weight distribution was favorable and seemed to be influenced to a smaller extent than in these countries by socioeconomic and environmental factors.
Attained Grawth of Privileged Saudi Children During the First Three Years of Life
Authors: SERENIUS F.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. The attained growth was assessed in privileged Saudi children 0–36 months of age. Birth weights were measured on all children but subsequent measurements were cross‐sectional. The mean (SD) birth weight of boys, 3362 (445) g, and that of girls 3186 (490) g, did not differ significantly from the means of the NCHS reference. Individual data on weight, height, weight for height and head circumference of older children were standardized according to Western standards. When the material was stratified according to age groups, the differencies were trivial between the standardized means of attained weight, height and weight for height of Saudi children and those of the NCHS reference. Similarly, the standardized mean head circumference was nearly identical with that of the standard of Westrup and Barber. Except for weight for height, the differencies in the distribution of SD scores were trivial compared with the standards. The data indicated that Saudi children have the genetic potential to grow according to Western standards, and that poor growth found in other groups of Saudi children are likely to be caused by environmental rather than by ethnic factors.
Neonatal Septicaemia in Finland 1981–85
Authors: VESIKARI TIMO , ISOLAURI ERIKA , TUPPURAINEN NINA , RENLUND MARTIN , KOIVISTO MAILA , JANAS MARTTI , IKONEN R. S. , KERO PENTTI , HEINONEN KIRSTI , NYMAN RALF , KUNNAS MARJATTA
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. A survey of blood culture‐confirmed neonatal septicaemia was carried out in seven delivery hospitals in 1981–85, for a second successive five‐year period. The total number of cases was 377, to compare with 410 in the previous five‐year period. Group B streptococcus (GBS) was throughout the major pathogen (29%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus (15%) and Escherichia coli (14%), while Staphylococcus epidermidis (10%) has emerged as a significant new causative agent. Septicaemia with very early onset was predominant: 49% of the cases had onset within the first 24 hours; in the majority the symptoms were present from birth. GBS was responsible for 49% of the cases detected in the first 24 hours of life. The overall mortality was 20% as compared to 23% in the previous five‐year period, whereas in the very early onset septicaemia mortality was now 18%, down from the preceding 30%. Despite the modest progress, GBS septicaemia with very early onset remains a significant problem, and effective preventive measures are needed.
Staphylococcus aureus Bacteraemia in Children below the Age of One Year
Authors: ESPERSEN F. , FRIMODT‐MØLLER N. , ROSDAHL V. THAMDRUP , JESSEN O.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. The bacteriology, epidemiology, infection types and mortality were reviewed in 407 cases of Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia in the period 1967–1984 in children less than one year old. The number of bacteraemia cases in this age group increased in the seventies, but only 4% of the bacteraemias seemed to be due to epidemic spreading. Neonates might be at higher risk for 5. aureus bacteraemia than older children less than one year old, and nearly all infections in the neonatal period were hospital‐acquired. The mortality was 24%, and did not correlate with type of infection, but in neonates it correlated with low birthweight.
The Prevalence of Bacteriuria among High Risk Neonates in Nigeria
Authors: OLUSANYA O. , OWA J. A. , OLUSANYA O. I.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Among the 446 high risk neonates studied for significant bacteriuria and pyuria in the neonatal wards of the Obafemi Awolowo University teaching hospital Complex, lle‐lfe, 7.6% and 5.8% were positive for significant bacteriuria and pyuria respectively, while none of the 81 infants in the control group were positive. Males and females were similarly affected and there was no seasonal variation in the prevalence of pyuria or bacteriuria. It is noteworthy that 25 (96%) of the 26 pyuria neonates also had bacteriuria emphazising the significance of pyuria as a possible screening method for urinary tract infections in neonates. The clinical problems in the neonates studied included prematurity, low birthweight, neonatal jaundice, fever, CNS symptoms, ophthalmia neonatorum, prolonged rupture of the membranes (PROM), respiratory distress, septic cord/skin, diarrhoea, vomiting and feeding problems. Only prematurity and low birthweight were significantly associated with bacteriuria in the neonates studied. The organisms encountered in this study were Escherichia coli (58.4%), Klebsiella species (35.3%) and Proteus species (5.9%). Of the bacterial isolates, 67% were sensitive to Ampicillin and 97% to Gentamycin. The combination of these antibiotics was effective in all cases in the present study. The study has highlighted the need for routine urine culture in our high risk neonates.
Influence of Malnutrition on Cognitive Development Assessed by Piagetian Tasks
Authors: AGARWAL D. K. , UPADHYAY S. K. , AGARWAL K. N.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Cognitive development of 1336 children (6–8 yr) was studied in relation to their nutritional status. Seven Piagetian tasks covering the mental process of a concrete operational period were given to each child to assess the cognitive development. Weschler intelligence scale for Indian Children was used to assess the IQ of each child. The percentage of malnourished children in stage I of development (preoperational) was significantly higher as that of wellnourished children. A higher percentage of children in the latter group was in stage III of development (concrete operation). In boys performance on all the tasks was influenced by undernutrition except for class inclusion. In girls this was true only for conservation of liquid, substance and ordinal relation. “he results of the regression analysis showed that nutrition was the only thctor weakly assdated with the poor performance of the children En various tasks. Further, the effect of nutrition was more pronounced in conservation tasks indicating poor verbal reasoning aud comprehension in malnourished children. Information was also collected regarding the parental education and occupation, socio‐economic status, caste, economic sufficiency, psychosocial stimulation and home environment. However, these environmental factors did not inflnence the development of rnl children. This might be due to the fact that the population in the present study did not vary much with regard to these variables.
Pituitary Enlargement, Hypertrichosis and Blunted Growth Hormone Secretion in Primary Hypothyroidism
Authors: NISHI Y. , HAMAMOTO K. , KAJIYAMA M. , FUJITA A. , KAWAMURA I. , KAGAWA Y. , KAJIMA T. , YAMANAKA M. , UOZUMI T.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Pituitary hyperplasia, hypertrichosis and blunted growth hormone (GH) secretion were observed in three children with untreated primary hypothyroidism. These abnormalities disappeared and improved after thyroid hormone therapy. The recognition of these associations may eliminate unnecessary surgery and GH therapy and lead to the choice of thyroid hormone replacement therapy.
Measurement of Ventilation and Respiratory Mechanics during Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Treatment in Infants
Authors: ANDRÉASSON BENGT , LINDROTH MAGNUS , SVENNINGSEN NILS W. , DREFELDT BJÖRN , JÖNSSON GERT‐INGE , NIKLASON LISBET , JONSON BJÖRN
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. A new method has been evaluated for measuring ventilation and lung mechanics in spontaneously breathing infants by means of a face chamber. Airway flow is measured with a pneumotachograph inserted between the face chamber and a stable pressure source. Oesophageal pressure is measured via a water‐filled oesophageal catheter. The method is suitable for use in conjunction with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment in neonatal intensive care. A flat frequency response curve up to 15 Hz for the two measuring systems (i.e., airway flow and oesophageal pressure), and a time shift between the two respective signals of less than 2 msec are prerequisites for correct evaluation of respiratory mechanics. In preterm infants with chest distortion, the inhomogeneity of pleural pressure affects the significance of resistance and compliance values, as calculated from oesophageal pressure. Supra‐diaphragmatic pressure variations reflect the resistive and elastic load on the diaphragm exerted by the lungs and thorax. Thus, oesophageal pressure is still useful in studies of respiratory mechanics in preterm infants.
The Evolution of a Simplified Method for Interpretation of EEG in the Preterm Neonate
Authors: ELLISON P. , FRANKLIN S. , BROWN P. , JONES M. G.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. We describe the evolution of a simplified method for the interpretation of serial EEG in preterm enonates which was tested in a first sample and revised and unproved in a second sample of preterm neonates. There were 185 EEGs in the first sample and 206 EEGs in the second sample. The interpretation of the EEGs was related to mental, motor and neurological outcome in late infancy. Serial EEG is an excellent indicator of brain function in the preterm neonate.
Influence of Sex and Gestational Age on Cord Blood IgE
Authors: KIMPEN JAN , CALLAERT HERMAN , EMBRECHTS PAUL , BOSMANS EUGÈNE
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Cord blood IgE (CB‐IgE) is widely used as a screening parameter for atopy. Therefore it is necessary to define the normal values accurately. In this study influence of sex and gestational age on CB‐IgE is evaluated. 5305 cord blood samples were analysed. Boys had a higher CB‐IgE than girls (p<0.001). Using a cut‐off value for normal of 2.4 μg/11, boys had significantly more abnormal values than girls (p=0.0475). Using a lower cut‐off value (2.16, 1.92, 1.68 μg/ l) the difference became more significant (p=0.0029, p=0.0036 and p=0.0019 respectively). Gestational age (in the range from 34–42 weeks of gestation) had no influence on the absolute CB‐IgE concentration nor on the number of abnormal values. From this study we may conclude that, when CB‐IgE is used in prediction and prevention programs for atopic disease, the sex of the newborn should be taken into consideration when evaluating the results, in particular when the cut‐off limit is lowered. No correction needs to be made for gestational age if the baby is bom after the 34th week of gestation.
Plasma Amino Acids in Relation to Metabolic Control in Insulin‐Dependent Diabetic Children
Authors: HAGENFELDT L. , DAHLQUIST G. , PERSSON B.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. The influence of metabolic control (estimated by blood glucose, 3‐hydroxybutyrate and glycosylated hemoglobin levels) on plasma amino acids was determined in a group of 56 insulin‐dependent diabetic children. A multiple correlation analysis revealed significant positive partial correlations between most amino acids and blood glucose. Alanine, methionine, tyrosine, phenylalanine and arginine showed negative partial correlations to the 3‐hydroxybutyrate level. The results are consistent with the postulate that ketone body inhibition of muscle proteolysis is one of the factors regulating substrate flows during insulin deficiency.
Peritoneal Dialysis in the Treatment of Metabolic Crises Caused by Inherited Disorders of Organic and Amino Acid Metabolism
Authors: GORTNER L. , LEUPOLD D. , POHLANDT F. , BARTMANN P.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Four neonates who presented with coma secondary to hyperammonaemia resulting in central respiratory failure were treated with peritoneal dialysis for between 16 and 120 hours. Underlying diseases were maple‐syrup‐urine disease, propionic acidaemia and citrullinaemia in two patients. Clinical improvement was observed in three patients within 16 to 72 hours after institution of peritoneal dialysis. Biochemical analysis revealed a rapid reduction in plasma concentrations of leucine, isoleucine and valine as well as their alpha‐keto‐analogues in the infant suffering from maple‐syrup‐urine disease. Correction of ammonia, glycine, alanine and propionic acid concentrations was observed in the infant with propionic acidaemia 24–72 hours after institution of peritoneal dialysis. Severe hyperammonaemia (1000–2500 μmol/1) in two infants with citrullinaemia before peritoneal dialysis was treated successfully in one infant; whereas the second infant showed no clinical improvement despite amelioration of biochemical parameters. Glucose‐absorption from peritoneal dialysis solution was in the range of 216–441 mg/kg/h.
Transient Hypogammaglobulinemia of Infancy Five New Cases, Review of the Literature and Redefinition
Authors: DRESSLER F. , PETER H. H. , MÜLLER W. , RIEGER C. H. L.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. The clinical and immunological data of 5 patients with transient hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy (THI) are presented and compared to published data. In THI, there is a distinction between patients who can mount a specific immune response, by producing specific antibodies to bovine serum albumin, diphtheria toxin, and isohemagglutinins, and patients with more severe forms of immunodeficiency. With only 5 reported cases of THI in 11 years and analysis of more than 8000 sera, our data support the notion that THI is a relatively rare disorder. THI can only be diagnosed with certainty in retrospect, although the ability to mount an active, specific immune response is a strong indicator for the diagnosis. We propose a more accurate definition of THI to help avoid clinical misjudgement.
Severe Acidosis in a Neonate with Pulmonary Valve Stenosis: A Possible Stress Inducer of a Fatal Syndrome of Fructose‐1,6‐Biphosphatase and Aldolase Deficiency
Authors: MENAHEM S. , ADAMS A.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. A neonate is described whose clinical condition rapidly and irreversibly deteriorated on day two. He developed a profound acidosis, hypoglycaemia and a shock‐like syndrome. The infant was centrally cyanosed and had a systolic murmur from a moderately severe pulmonary valve stenosis and a small atrial septal defect. The overwhelming acidosis was inconsistent with the severity of the congenital heart defects and as no infection was found a metabolic cause was sought. Liver tissue obtained at autopsy shortly after death on day four, showed deficiencies of fructose‐l,6‐biphosphatase and aldolase.
Esophageal Atresia Complicating the Goldenhar Anomalad
Authors: NAGAR H. , GROSSMAN T. , MUHLBAUER B.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. A 2200 g male infant was found to have esophageal atresia and esophageal fistula in addition to truncus arteriosus and oculo‐auriculo‐vertebral dysplasia. The presence of facial asymmetry in an infant with esophageal atresia should prompt a search for additional anomalies before surgery is contemplated.
The Promotion of Breastfeeding and Maternal Attitudes
Authors: KOCTURK T. , ZETTERSTRÖM R.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Research on infant feeding practices indicate distinct social class‐ and country‐specific patterns for breastfeeding. In industrialized countries educated upper class women breastfeed more often than women from lower classes and discriminated ethnic minorities. The reverse is true for developing countries, with high rates among traditional groups and low rates among the educated upper class women. The reasons for these discrepancies need to be studied to find more effective promotional messages for these groups of mothers in which the current rate of breastfeeding is low. Possible reasons leading to different attitudes toward breastfeeding in different socioeconomical and cultural environments are discussed.
Investigation of the Effects of Paralysis by Pancuronium on Heart Rate Variability, Blood Pressure and Fluid Balance
Authors: GREENOUGH A. , GAMSU H. R. , GREENALL F.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. The effects of pancuronium bromide on the cardiovascular system and fluid balance in preterm ventilated neonates was investigated. Infants were selectively paralysed if actively expiring. Their results were compared to a control group of similar gestational age, ventilated during the same study period, but who received no paralysing agent. There was no significant difference in the blood pressure of the two groups. Treatment with pancuronium was not associated with differences in blood pressure variability. All paralysed infants showed a significant reduction in heart rate variability which persisted during treatment. This was not present in the control infants. Paralysed infants, despite fluid restriction, had evidence of fluid retention, being significantly heavier than the control babies from day 3 onwards and above their birthweight by day 7. No paralysed or control infant developed a pneumothorax or renal failure. We conclude that selective treatment with pancuronium is without adverse effects on blood pressure but strict attention to fluid balance is essential.
Transcutaneous Bilirubinometry Interinstrumental Variability of TcB Instruments
Authors: YAMAUCHI YOSHITADA , YAMANOUCHI ITSURO
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. We studied the interinstrumental variability of the transcutaneous bilirubin meter (TcB) in 35 high risk neonates, using eight commercially available TcB instruments. Our study showed that commercially available TcB instruments were stable and had little interinstrumental variability for repeated TcB measurements at the forehead, chest, and sternum.
Increased Plasma and Erythrocyte Selenium Concentrations but Decreased Erythrocyte Glutathione Peroxidase Activity after Selenium Supplementation in Children with Down Syndrome
Authors: ANNEREN G. , GEBRE‐MEDHIN M. , GUSTAVSON K.‐H.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. An investigation was made of the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) in erythrocytes and the levels of selenium in plasma and erythrocytes before, during and after selenium supplementation in children with Down syndrome (DS). This subject is of interest since it has been suggested that selenium supplementation could enhance the GSH‐Px activity in erythrocytes, probably leading to unproved protection against oxygen radicals, which might cause damage by lipid peroxidation, especially in the brain. Forty‐eight children with DS were treated with selenium‐rich yeast tablets (10 μg/kg body weight/day) for 6 months. The supplementation was well tolerated and no side effects were observed. Selenium supplementation resulted in increased concentrations of selenium both in plasma and erythrocytes, but decreased GSH‐Px‐activity in erythrocytes. Plasma and erythrocyte selenium levels had almost regained the initial values 12 months after termination of the supplementation. Erythrocyte GSH‐Px activity, on the other hand, remained reduced and did not return to the presupplementation levels. Until we gain more knowledge about the biological functions of selenium in man and the role of oxygen metabolism in the development of presenile dementia in DS, universal selenium supplementation in DS patients cannot be recommended.
Atopy in Children with and without a Family History of Atopy
Authors: POYSA L. , REMES K. , KORPPI M. , JUNTUNEN‐BACKMAN K.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. The influence of a family history of atopy on atopic morbidity, and relationships between diet in infancy and allergic manifestations at the ages of one and five years were prospectively studied in 91 children. A control group consisted of 72 children with no family history of atopy. At the age of one year, atopic manifestations were found in 19 % of 163 children, in 23 % of those with a family history of atopy and in 14 % of those with no such history. Skin problems were more common in children with a family history of atopy (43 %) than in the control children (19 %). Of the children with a family history of atopy, 23 % had prolonged rhinorrhoea during infancy. The corresponding figure in children with no family history of atopy was 10 %. Prolonged rhinorrhoea during infancy correlated with parental smoking only in children with a family history of atopy (47 % vs. 18 %). At the age of five years, atopic disease was found in 17 % of 128 children, 24 % of those with a family history of atopy and 9 % of those with no such history. Atopic eczema was more common in children with a family history of atopy, irrespective of the diet consumed during infancy. Atopic signs were found in about half of all the children with a family history of atopy. If atopy had been present in the family, the child usually exhibited the same manifestation. Onset of atopic manifestations was not prevented or delayed.
A Prospective Study of Children with First Acute Symptomatic E. coliUrinary Tract Infection Early 99mTechnetium Dimercaptosuccinic Acid Scan Appearances
Authors: TAPPIN DAVID M. , MURPHY ANNA V. , MOCAN H. , SHAW R. , BEATTIE T. JAMES , MCALLISTER THOMAS. A. , MACKENZIE J. RUTH
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Between 1985 and 1987102 children, age 0–14 years, presented with a first acute symptomatic E. coliurinary tract infection. Investigations included early 99mtechnetium dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scan (which was performed at a median of 27 days), ultrasonography, micturating cysto‐urethrography and indirect voiding radionuclide cystography using 99mTc DTPA. Follow‐up DMSA scan was carried out after 6 months. Twenty‐one of 102 of initial DMSA studies showed diminished uptake of radionuclide and 12 showed cortical scarring. Twenty‐nine patients had significant vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). The finding of diminished uptake on the initial scan was significantly associated with fever, systemic upset, length of symptoms and a peripheral blood leucocytosis, (p<0.05). In addition the finding was associated with fever and loin pain in the older child. Both diminished uptake and scarring were more common in refluxing kidney units. We propose that, in children with UTI, diminished uptake on early DMSA scan localises infection in the renal parenchyma.
The Infancy‐Childhood‐Puberty Model of Growth: Clinical Aspects
Authors: TSE W.Y. , HINDMARSH P.C. , BROOK C.G.D.
Published: January 2008

Tse, W.Y., Hindmarsh, P.C. and Brook, C.G.D. (Endocrine Unit, The Middlesex Hospital, London WIN SAA, UK). The infancy‐childhood‐puberty model of growth: clinical applications. Acta Paediatr Scand [Suppl] 356; 38, 1989.

The infancy‐childhood‐puberty (ICP) growth model describes human growth from the latter half of the intrauterine life to maturity as three additive and partly superimposed components — infancy, childhood and puberty. Each component can be analysed mathematically and appears to be controlled by distinct biological mechanisms. The infancy component is largely nutrition dependent, the childhood component is mostly dependent on growth hormone (GH) and the pubertal component depends on the synergism between sex steroids and GH. The ICP model offers a method for detecting abnormalities in the three components, so that early intervention can be targeted and therapy monitored.
Molecular Genetics of Turner's Syndrome
Authors: CONNOR J.M. , LOUGHLIN S.A.R.
Published: January 2008

Connor, J.M. and Loughlin, S.A.R. (University Department of Medical Genetics, Duncan Guthrie Institute, Yorkhill, Glasgow G3 8SJ, UK). Molecular genetics of Turner's syndrome. Acta Paediatr Scand [Suppl] 356: 77, 1989.

Recombinant DNA technology now allows an analysis of sex chromosomal abnormalities at the molecular level. X chromosomes differ in respect of their pattern of cutting sites for particular restriction enzymes; these differences can be used to determine which X chromosomes or which part of an X chromosome has been inherited from a parent. Furthermore, these techniques can be used to define the presence or absence of particular regions of the X chromosomes with a higher level of resolution than it is possible to achieve using light microscopy. Thirty‐eight families in which there was a child or fetus with Turner's syndrome were studied using a series of DNA probes that detect differences (restriction fragment length polymorphisms) among X chromosomes. Analysis of the origin of the normal X chromosome was possible in 27 families. In 14 families with 45,X the observed X was maternal in each, whereas in 13 children with other karyotypes (46,X,i(Xq); 45,X/46,X,i(Xq); 45,X/46,XX; 45,X/46,X,r(X)) the origin of the normal X was paternal in six and maternal in seven patients. In two other families, mosaicism, which was unsuspected at chromosomal analysis, was revealed. DNA probes studied in the remaining nine families were uninformative. These results suggest that different pathogenic mechanisms operate for pure 45,X when compared with the other karyotypes associated with Turner's syndrome. The presence of unsuspected mosaicism in some of these families has clinical implications in relation to prognosis and management.
Abstracts of the XXll Nordic Paediatric Congress: Reykjavík, Iceland, June 12–16, 1988
Authors: Arnoarsson VikingurH. , Luaviagsson Peatur
Published: January 2008

The congress was held under patronage of Mrs Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, President of the Republic of Iceland
Postocclusive Reactive Hyperaemia of Cutaneous Blood Flow in Premature Newborn Infants
Authors: BEAUFORT‐KROL G. C. M. , SUICHIES H. E. , AARNOUDSE J. G. , OKKEN A. , JENTINK H. W. , GREVE J.
Published: January 2008

Beaufort‐Krol, G. C. M., Suichies, H. E., Aarnoudse, J. G., Okken, A., Jentink, H. W. and Greve, J. (Departments of Obstetrics and Paediatrics, University Hospital, Groningen, and Department of Applied Physics, Enschede, The Netherlands). Postocclusive reactive hyperaemia of cutaneous blood flow in premature newborn infants. Acta Paediatr Scand Suppl 360: 20, 1989.

Reactive hyperaemia, which occurs after a period of arterial occlusion is the result of an autoregulatory mechanism, involving local factors and autonomic nerve system control. To determine this autoregulatory mechanism in cutaneous blood flow in premature newborns we measured the cutaneous reactive hyperaemia response after a 1 min occlusion, using a diode laser Doppler flowmeter applied to the skin. Twenty‐four infants with a gestational age ranging from 25 to 37 weeks and a postnatal age of 0.3 to 72 days were studied. The reactive hyperaemia response is described by the parameters maximal cutaneous blood flow (Vmax), the time to reach maximal flow (tmax), the time taken for blood flow to return to baseline following Vmax (tend) and the % increase in cutaneous blood flow above preocclusional level (overshoot). A cutaneous reactive hyperaemia response could be elicited in all infants. Following occlusion the Fmax was 2 640 ± 1050 mV (mean ± SD), the tmax was 7.6 ± 3.9 sec (mean ± SD), the tend was 35.6 ± 14.6 sec (mean ± SD) and the overshoot was 74.6 ± 34% (mean ± SD). A negative correlation was found between hematocrit and tmax (r = ‐0.62, p < 0.01). No influence of postconceptional age, postnatal age, skin and rectal temperature, incubator temperature, weight, and transcutaneous oxygen tension on the reactive hyperaemia parameters could be found. We conclude that reactive hyperaemia of cutaneous blood flow can be elicited in premature newborn infants irrespective of postconceptional age, and that the hematocrit is inversely related to the time to reach maximal flow after occlusion.
Postnatal Weight Loss in Preterm Neonates <1500 g is Due to Isotonic Dehydration of the Extracellular Volume
Authors: BAUER K. , VERSMOLD H.
Published: January 2008

Bauer, K. and Versmold, H. (Division of Neonatology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Munich, Munich, FRG). Postnatal weight loss in preterm neonates < 1 500 g is due to isotonic dehydration of the extracellular volume. Acta Paediatr Scand Suppl 360: 37, 1989.

Weight, extracellular volume (ECV, distribution volume of sucrose) and renal function were studied in 13 preterm infants at birth (age 6 h (2–12); median, range) and again when postnatal weight loss exceeded 5% of birth weight (age 84 (64–97) h). Gestational age was 28 (26–32) weeks, and birthweight was 1170 g (810–1455). The infants were nursed in incubators and mechanically ventilated. Fluid therapy allowed a weight loss of up to 10% of birthweight. Body weight decreased significantly from 1101 ± 2202g at birth to 1016 ± 2198 g at day 3 and ECV from 499 ± 155 ml to 413 ± 118 ml. Mean weight loss of 85 ± 50g was the same as mean ECV loss of 86 ± 48 ml, suggesting that postnatal weight loss is water loss from the ECV. Weight loss was preceeded by a marked increase in diuresis, exceeding fluid intake on day 2. Creatinine clearance did not change. The increased urine output led to a significant increase of sodium excretion without inducing hyponatremia but resulted in an isotonic reduction of ECV.
Infants Weighing 1 000 g or Less at Birth Outcome at 8–11 Years of Age
Authors: VEKERDY‐LAKATOS Z , LAKATOS L. , ITTZÉS‐NAGY B.
Published: January 2008

Vekerdy‐Lakatos, Z., Lakatos, L. and Ittéez‐Nagy, B. (Follow‐up Clinic, Department of Paediatrics, University Medical School, 1 Kenézy Gyula County Hospital, Debrecen, Hungary). Infants weighing 1000 g or less at birth. Outcome at 8–11 years of age. Acta Paediatr Scand Suppl 360: 62, 1989.

34 long‐term survivors of a five‐year period (1977–1981) weighing 1 000 g or less at birth were followed‐up at 8–11 years of age. Three (8.8%) children had severe functional handicap, 7 (20.6 %) had moderate impairments with the need of special schooling. Twenty‐four (70.6%) attended normal school but 7 (20.6%) with need of special help. The rate of survival was 30 % at the single regional intensive centre where this cohort of infants were cared for. Handicapped infants differed significantly from infants with good prognosis in their neonatal requirements for oxygen therapy and in pathological conditions such as birth asphyxia and recurrent apneic spells but no differences in birthweight, gestational age, route of delivery, maternal age, social class, proportions below the tenth percentile and sex were found.
Cerebral Complications Detected by EEG‐Monitoring during Neonatal Intensive Care
Authors: HELLSTRÖM‐WESTAS L. , ROSÉN I. , SVENNINGSEN N. W.
Published: January 2008

Hellström‐Westas, L., Rosén, I. and Svenningsen, N. W. (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Departments of Paediatrics and Clinical Neurophysiology, University Hospital, Lund, Sweden). Cerebral complications detected by EEG‐monitoring during neonatal intensive care. Acta Paediatr Scand Suppl 360: 83, 1989.

The report describes the clinical use and value of continuous EEG‐monitoring during different clinical circumstances that are not usually related to changes in EEG. Three infants with pneumothorax, hypoglycaemia, and severe hyaline membrane, respectively, are presented.
Neonatal Jaundice in Infants of Diabetic Mothers
Authors: JÄHRIG D. , JÄHRIG K. , STIETE S. , BEYERSDORFF E. , POSER H. , HOPP H.
Published: January 2008

Jährig, D., Jährig, K., Stiete, S., Beyersdorff, E., Poser, H. and Hopp, H. (Department of Paediatrics, the Data Centre of the Ernst Moritz Arndt University of Greifswald, Greifswald, and the‘Gerhard Katsch’Central Research Institute for Diabetes, Karlsburg, G.D.R.). Neonatal jaundice in infants of diabetic mothers. Acta Paediatr Scand Suppl 360: 101, 1989.

357 IDMs and 20 healthy newborns of non‐diabetic mothers were examined at term for body measurements, red blood cell count, serum bilirubin, cord blood insulin and blood glucose during the first postnatal week. The stage of maternal diabetes did not influence the course of neonatal bilirubin levels, but the IDMs had prolonged and higher bilirubinaemia compared with the controls. Hyperbilirubinaemia was found to be most prominent in newborns with an increased birthweightllength ratio and was not simply related to macrosomia (LGA). These infants had significantly lower blood glucose concentrations immediately after birth, whereas cord blood insulin was found to be identical between the IDM sub‐groups. Bilirubinaemia in heavy for length infants was slightly correlated to haematocrit. For the pathogenesis of hyperbilirubinaemia in IDMs induction of heme oxygenase (due to a lack of energy provision following a phosphory lation disorder) is discussed. Nutritional support (early feeding, glucose infusions) does not affect the course of bilirubinaemia.
Dexamethasone in the Treatment of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
Authors: BENINI FRANCA , RUBALTELLI F. F. , GRIFFITH P. , SALA MARIELLA , ZORZI C.
Published: January 2008

Benini, F., Rubaltelli, F. F., Griffith, P., Sala, M. and Zorzi, C. (Department of Paediatrics, University of Padova, Italy). Dexamethasone in the treatment of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Acta Paediatr Scand Suppl 360: 108, 1989.

Sixteen chronically ventilator‐dependent newborns with BPD were treated with one or more cycles of dexamethasone (0.5 mg/kg/day). In 11 cases extubation was possible during the therapy period. Ventilatory parameters were lowered in 3 other newborns. FIO2, respiratory rate, PIP, and PEEP, assessed before and after dexamethasone administration, decreased in a statistically significant way. Our data confirm the utility of dexamethasone in the extubation in chronically ventilated infants with BPD.
Septicaemia with Coagulase Negative Staphylococci in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Risk Factors for Infection, and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of the Bacterial Strains
Authors: ESHALI H. , RINGERTZ S. , NYSTRÖM S. , FAXELIUS G.
Published: January 2008

Eshali, H., Ringertz, S., Nyström, S. and Faxelius, G. (The Department of Paediatrics, Karolinska Hospital and St. Göran's Children's Hospital and the Department of Clinical Microbiology, Karolinska Hospital, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden). Septicaemia with coagulase negative staphylococci in a neonatal intensive care unit. Risk factors for infection, and antimicrobial susceptibility of the bacterial strains. Acta Paediatr Scand Suppl 360: 127, 1989.

Septicaemia caused by coagulase negative staphylococci is a problem in the neonatal intensive care units (NICU). The very low birthweight (VLBW) infants are at a special high risk because of their immature host defense. In this study the potential risk factors were compared between the VLBW septicaemia patients and the VLBW infants who had not contracted septicaemia in the NICU. The factor most clearly related with septicaemia was the use of umbilical artery catheters. The strategy against neonatal septicaemia includes restriction of the use of intravascular catheters. Also enhancement of the host defense by immunoglobulin therapy is considered. The coagulase negative staphylococci were multiresistant to antibiotics. The combination of netilmicin and benzylpenicillin covered the bacteria found in septicaemia cases in the NICU, and is now the standard treatment in suspected cases. Coagulase negative staphylococci are treated with vancomycin or netilmicin.
Congenital Malformations and the Environment
Authors: ROKICKI W. , LATOSZKIEWICZ K. , KRASNODEBSKI J.
Published: January 2008

Rokicki, W., Latoszkiewicz, K. and Krasnodehski, J. (Department of Paediatric Cardiology, Silesian Medical School, Katowice, Poland). Congenital malformations and the environment. Acta Paediatr Scand Suppl 360: 140, 1989.

The aim of the work was to search for the correlation between the environmental pollution and the ratio of congenital malformations found in the population of 54 493 newborn infants of three Silesian towns: Bielsko‐Biala (situated in the mountains, close to a recreation part of the country), Bytom (situated in the center of an old industrial district, where industry is responsible for very high environmental pollution), and Tarnowskie Gory (situated close to vast woodlands, where very high environmental concentration of heavy metals is caused by an outdated, big zinc plant). In spite of big differences of environmental pollution indices between the three towns, the percentage of major congenital malformations diagnosed within the first three days of extrauterine life was almost identical (1.12% in Bielsko‐Biala, 1.3% in Bytom, and 1.1 % in Tarnowskie Gory).
Dioxins and Furans in the Mother and Possible Effects on the Fetus and Newborn Breast‐fed Baby
Authors: KOPPE JANNA G.
Published: January 2008

Koppe, J. G. (Department of Neonatology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands). Dioxins and furans in the mother and possible effects on the fetus and newborn breast‐fed baby. Acta Paediatr Scand Suppl 360: 146, 1989.

Due to pollution of the environment with PCBs, dioxins and furans these highly poisonous chemicals have accumulated in the adipose tissue of human beings. In breast milk of 14 mothers concentrations of dioxins and furans were found in milk fat, close to or in the range of the concentrations necessary to induce enzymes in “in vitro” rat liver cells (80–132 ppt). The hypothesis is that the above mentioned chemicals can be responsible for a vitamin K deficiency in the babies resulting in a bleeding analogous with phenobarbital. Both the pure TCDD content in milk fat and the content of dioxins and furans expressed as toxic equivalents (Nordic model) were higher in milk given to babies that presented a bleeding (4 out of 14). However, the sample size is too small for statistical analysis. No relation with age, parity, overweight, fish eating or smoking of the mother and dioxin content of her breast milk was seen in our small sample size.
Optimising Oral Rehydration Solution Composition for the Children of Europe: Clinical Trials
Authors: da CUNHA FERREIRA R. M. C.
Published: January 2008

da Cunha Ferreira R. M. C. (Department of Paediatrics. Hospital de Santa Maria, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal). Optimising oral rehydration solution composition for the children of Europe: Clinical trials. Acta Paediatr Scand Suppl 364: 40, 1989.

Clinical trials testing different oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are reviewed. The effects of individual components and their concentrations are analysed in order to establish margins of safety for the composition of the ideal ORS for children in Europe. Glucose is the solute of choice for ORS and concentrations of 70–140 mmol/l are adequate. Glucose may he replaced by sucrose or glucose polymers. “Low” sodium concentrations (35–60 mmol/l) are advised for rehydration and maintenance in acute non‐cholera diarrhoea, for children of all ages, including neonates, and for any degree of dehydration except shock. Although intended for children who are not malnourished, the European ORS should have an adequate potassium concentration (20–30 mmol/l), namely the same concentration as found in WHO‐ORS. Chloride concentration depends upon other constituents of ORS, namely sodium and potassium, hut the range of 30–90 mmol/l is considered to be adequate. Base or base percursors are not required for correction of acidosis except in the severe cases that always need intravenous replacement. A relatively low osmolality seems advisable.
Fetal Growth: an Endocrine Perspective
Authors: GLUCKMAN P.D.
Published: January 2008

Fetal growth is generally considered in terms of birth weight and it is consequently often difficult to make comparisons with postnatal growth. Nevertheless, there are fundamental differences between the regulation of growth before and after birth, and the significance of endocrine regulators of growth differs greatly. Retardation of fetal growth is a major clinical concern: there is an exponential relationship between the degree of growth retardation and perinatal morbidity and mortality.