bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationships between serum aminotransferase levels, liver histologies and virological status in patients with chronic hepatitis C in Taiwan
Authors: LUO JIING‐CHYUAN , HWANG SHINN‐JANG , LAI CHIUNG‐RU , LU CHING‐LIANG , LI CHUNG‐PIN , TSAY SHYH‐HAW , WU JAW‐CHING , CHANG FULL‐YOUNG , LEE SHOU‐DONG
Published: March 2008

In patients with chronic hepatitis C, the relationships between serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, histological liver injury and serum hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA titres remain controversial. To evaluate these relationships, 93 Chinese patients with histological diagnosis of chronic hepatitis C were enrolled for this study. Serum ALT levels, HCV‐RNA titres and HCV genotypes were examined. The histology was evaluated according to a modified histological activity score based on the degree of periportal necro‐inflammation, intralobular necro‐inflammation, portal inflammation, total necro‐inflammation and fibrosis. The mean serum ALT level was significantly higher in patients with severe intralobular necro‐inflammation activity than in patients with mild or no activity (P= 0.013). However, scores of intralobular activity were only weakly correlated with serum ALT levels (r= 0.27) and could not be used to adequately predict ALT values. Serum ALT levels showed no significant correlation with the scores of portal inflammation, periportal necro‐inflammation, total necro‐inflammation and fibrosis. Also, there was no significant difference in the mean serum ALT level among different serum HCV‐RNA levels and HCV genotypes. Serum HCV‐RNA titres and genotypes showed no significant correlation with liver histology and serum HCV‐RNA titres were only weakly correlated with the total necro‐inflammatory score (r= 0.27). In conclusion, although serum ALT levels were higher in patients with more severe intralobular necro‐inflammatory activity, the correlation was not strong enough to adequately predict ALT values. Serum HCV‐RNA titres and genotypes also showed no significant correlation with serum ALT levels and liver histologies.
Induction of CINC (interleukin‐8) production in rat liver by non‐parenchymal cells
Authors: OHKUBO KEIJI , MASUMOTO TOSHIKAZU , HORIIKE NORIO , ONJI MORIKAZU
Published: March 2008

The production of interleukin‐8 (CINC: cytokine‐induced neutrophil chemo‐attractant) from different cell populations in the rat liver was studied and cells related to the initiation of CINC production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐injected endotoxaemic rats were characterized. Sinusoidal endothelial cells (16.4 ± 10.6 ng/mL) produced significantly higher amounts of CINC in 24 h primary cultures compared with hepatocytes (0.9 ± 0.9 ng/mL; P < 0.05) and Kupffer cells (6.5 ± 5.1 ng/mL; P < 0.05). Lipopolysaccharide, tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and interleukin‐1α (IL‐1α) stimulated different liver cell populations to produce CINC; LPS mainly stimulated Kupffer cells, TNF‐α stimulated hepatocytes and IL‐1α stimulated all three types of cells. Intraperitoneal injection of LPS (4 mg/kg) caused CINC accumulation in non‐parenchymal cells of the rat liver within 1 h of injection, as shown by immunohistochemical staining. In contrast, CINC‐positive hepatocytes were not seen until 3 h after injection of LPS. Ethanol was not a direct inducer of CINC production by rat hepatocytes in vitro. These findings strongly suggest that non‐parenchymal liver cells, including sinusoidal endothelial cells, are the main source of CINC. Our data also suggest that during endotoxaemia, CINC production is initiated by non‐parenchymal cells and this is followed by production from hepatocytes.
FK506 promotes liver regeneration by suppressing natural killer cell activity
Authors: TAMURA FUSAKO , MASUHARA ASAAKI , SAKAIDA ISAO , FUKUMOTO ETSUO , NAKAMURA TOSHIKAZU , OKITA KIWAMU
Published: March 2008

We examined the mechanism of promotion of liver regeneration by tacrolimus hydrate (FK506), a potent immunosuppressant, after partial hepatectomy. The administration of FK506 significantly increased the bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) labelling index at 36 and 48 h after 70% hepatectomy compared with the placebo group. Using the same model, we examined the effect of FK506 on the expression of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) and found no changes in HGF and TGF‐β1 mRNA expression in the liver or in the HGF protein concentration in plasma. We found that pretreatment with FK506 markedly reduced the activity and number of liver‐resident natural killer (NK) cells at the time of partial hepatectomy. Our observations suggest that the promotion of liver regeneration by FK506 may be attributable to a reduction in the number of liver‐resident NK cells and to inhibition of their activity.
Isolation and primary culture of rat Kupffer cells
Authors: OLYNYK JOHN K , CLARKE SHARON L
Published: March 2008

The aim of this study was to describe a reproducible method for the isolation, purification and primary culture of rat Kupffer cells. Kupffer cells were isolated following sequential pronase/collagenase digestion of the liver and enrichment of a non‐parenchymal cell fraction by a single‐density gradient centrifugation step using 30% metrizamide. Kupffer cells were isolated and further purified from this cell fraction by centrifugal elutriation. Kupffer cells were isolated at 1017 g at 48–110 mL/min. All Kupffer cell fractions exhibited phagocytosis of 3 μm latex beads. Kupffer cell fractions isolated at 48 and 60 mL/min were predominantly ED2 negative while later fractions (80–110 mL/min) were ED2 positive. Kupffer cells were adherent in culture after 2 h. This method for Kupffer cell isolation resulted in a yield of 80–120 times 106 Kupffer cells per liver.
Non‐specificity of messenger RNA of α‐fetoprotein in peripheral blood in detecting early spread of hepatocellular carcinoma in black Africans
Authors: KEDDA MARY‐ANNE , KEW MICHAEL C , SKELTON MICHELLE , HODKINSON JOHN
Published: March 2008

Awareness of early spread of hepatocellular carcinoma is crucial in selecting patients for surgical intervention. α‐Fetoprotein is widely used as a serum marker for hepatocellular carcinoma. Our aim was to evaluate the specificity of α‐fetoprotein‐mRNA transcription in cells in the peripheral blood for diagnosing early spread of hepatocellular carcinoma in black Africans. α‐Fetoprotein‐, albumin‐ and prothrombin‐mRNA were detected in peripheral blood mononuclear cells by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. α‐Fetoprotein‐mRNA was shown in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in 53% (35/66) of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, but also in 45% (10/22) of healthy blacks, 64% (14/22) of black patients with acute hepatitis, 55% (11/20) of those with chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis and 75% (9/12) of those with hepatic metastases (from a number of primary sites). Specificity of albumin‐ and prothrombin‐mRNA was better than that of α‐fetoprotein‐mRNA, although the sensitivity was reduced. The corresponding prevalence of albumin‐mRNA for each group of patients or controls was 30% (20/66), 9% (2/22), 41% (9/22), 10% (2/20), and 17% (2/12), respectively, and for prothrombin‐mRNA 27% (18/66), 4.5% (1/22), 27% (6/22), 20% (4/20) and 17% (2/12), respectively. We conclude that the non‐specificity of α‐fetoprotein‐mRNA transcription in peripheral blood in recognizing malignant hepatocytes in the circulation severely limits its usefulness in diagnosing the early spread of hepatocellular carcinoma in black Africans.
Effects of the anti‐ICAM‐1 monoclonal antibody on dextran sodium sulphate‐induced colitis in rats
Authors: TANIGUCHI TAKAO , TSUKADA HIDEAKI , NAKAMURA HIROSHI , KODAMA MASANOBU , FUKUDA KAZUHITO , SAITO TATSUHIKO , MIYASAKA MASAYUKI , SEINO YUTAKA
Published: March 2008

Increased expression of intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) in the colon of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been reported. We evaluated the effects of monoclonal antibodies to ICAM‐1 on acute colitis induced by dextran sodium sulphate (DSS) in rats. Colitis was induced by feeding rats 3% DSS for 7 days. Anti‐ICAM‐1 antibody or vehicle alone was injected intraperitoneally in rats daily from day 0 to day 6. On day 7 the rats were killed and colitis was evaluated histologically. Prophylactic treatment with anti‐ICAM‐1 significantly attenuated colonic damage, neutrophil infiltration and the shortening of the colon in DSS colitis. Our findings demonstrate that ICAM‐1 plays an important role in this model of inflammatory bowel disease. Although this study does not directly address the effect of anti‐ICAM‐1 therapy in IBD, our findings encourage experiments using therapies that target ICAM‐1 in rats with already developed disease.
Transcutaneous Measurement of Oxygen Tension in Infants with Hyaline Membrane Disease
Authors: BARR P. A.
Published: March 2008

Barr, P. A. (1979). Aust. Paediatr. J., 15, 3–6. Transcutaneous measurement of oxygen tension in infants with hyaline membrane disease. Transcutaneous oxygen tension (tcPO2) using the Roche electrode, was compared with arterial oxygen tension (PaO2) from an indwelling arterial catheter or cannula in thirty‐two infants with hyaline membrane disease. tcPO2 monitoring was performed by neonatal intensive care nurses for as long as seven days. Although the correlation of tcPO2 with PaO2 was good (r 0.713, P <.001), the tcPO2 monitor frequently failed to detect hypoxaemia and hyperoxaemia. Seventy‐eight per cent of recorded PaO2 values < 50 mmHg were associated with tcPO2 values ≥ 50 mmHg and 41% of PaO2 values > 90 mmHg were associated with tcPO2 values ≤ 90 mmHg. tcPO2 measurement was not an acceptable alternative to PaO2 measurement. The incidence of hyperoxaemia in seven tcPO2 monitored infants with severe hyaline membrane disease (HMD) (5%) was significantly less than in five unmonitored infants with equally severe HMD (32%) (X2, P < .001). tcPO2 monitoring was useful as a PaO2 trend recorder.
Growth Characteristics of Preschool Aboriginal Children
Authors: COX J. W.
Published: March 2008

Cox, J. W. (1979). Aust. Paediatr. J., 15, 10–15. Growth characteristics of preschool Aboriginal children. Many Australian Aborigines appear small for age when they start attending school. The growth records of over 500 Aboriginal children born since 1970 and living on five Aboriginal communities in Cape York, Queensland are analysed. For the first two to three months of life, the Aborigines appear to have similar measurements for weight and head circumference as British children. Growth retardation occurring at 3 to 12 months of age is partially compensated by a “catch‐up” spurt during the following 1–2 years. This does not fully compensate for the check during the critical period of head growth and the resultant mean head circumference remains below the British average.

It seems that the small head circumference and light weight, characteristic of the Aboriginal school child is primarily attributable to growth failure and is not a racial characteristic.
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation Due to an Exchange Transfusion With Over‐heated Blood
Authors: SESHADRI R.S. , BLAKE G.P.
Published: March 2008

Seshadri, R.S. and Blake, G.P. (1979). Aust. Paediatr. J., 15, 33–35. Disseminated intravascular coagulation due to an exchange tranfusion with over‐heated blood. A newborn baby accidentally received over‐heated blood (> 50°C) during an exchange transfusion. The baby developed severe disseminated intravascular coagulation following the accident. The management of the problem is discussed.
Stage IV‐S Neuroblastoma: Disseminated Malignancy With a Favourable Prognosis Three Case Reports
Authors: STEVENS M.M.
Published: March 2008

Stevens, M.M. (1979).
Aust. Paediatr. J., 15, 39–43. Stage IV‐S neuroblastoma: disseminated malignancy with a favourable prognosis. Three cases reports. The case histories of three children with stage IV‐S neuroblastoma are presented to illustrate the clinical features and unusual behaviour of this form of neuroblastoma. The staging requirements for this specific pattern of disease are presented and possible mechanisms of aetiology and regression and recommended management are discussed.
Imerslund's Syndrome A Case From Australia and Review of the Literature
Authors: MARSDEN K. A. , NEWMAN N. M. , MARSDEN D. E.
Published: March 2008

Marsden, K.A., Newman, N.M., and Marsden, D.E. (1979).
Aust. Paediatr. J., 15, 49–52. Imerslund's syndrome. A case from Australia and review of the literature. A second Australian case of Imerslund's syndrome is reported, and the literature on the condition reviewed. The patient showed the typical features of specific malabsorption of vitamin B12 in the presence of normal intrinsic factor, and in the absence of generalised intestinal malabsorption, together with non‐specific proteinuria. The age at presentation was greater than the majority of previous cases.
Nutritional Studies During Early Childhood Incidental III. Observations of Temperament, Habits, and Experiences of III‐Health
Authors: BOULTON T. J. C. , ROWLEY M. P.
Published: March 2008

Boulton, T. J. C. and Rowley. M. P. (1979). Aust. Paediatr. J., 15, 87–90. Nutritional studies during early childhood. III. Incidental observations of temperament, habits, and experiences of ill‐health. The mothers of 391 normal 3‐month‐old and 266 one‐year‐old babies were asked standard questions about their child's motor activity, sleeping, and thumb‐sucking habits, and whether the child had had colic, regurgitant vomiting, or an episode of ill‐health during infancy. By one year 36.5% of the mothers considered their babies to be very active, compared to only 4% considering them placid. At 3 months of age 20% of babies were waking at least once a night, and significant ethnic differences were present, with babies of Itaiian‐born parents waking more frequently.

Colic was reported in 40% of babies, occurring frequently in 24.5%. It occurred slightly more frequently in babies of mothers with higher educational attainment, and in first‐born. Fifty‐nine percent of the babies had no episode of ill‐health, or only one or more episodes of upper respiratory infection. Prevalence figures are reported for wheezing episodes, bronchitis and vomiting with diarrhoea.
Prognostic Criteria, Treatment and Survival in Disseminated Histiocytosis X
Authors: TOOGOOD I. R. G. , ELLIS W. M. , EKERT H.
Published: March 2008

Toogood, I. R. G., Ellis, W. M., and Ekert, H. (1979) Aust. Paediatr. J., 15, 91–95. Prognostic criteria, treatment and survival in disseminated histiocytosis X. Twenty‐five children with disseminated histiocytosis X, diagnosed between 1969–75, were clinically grouped into those without organ dysfunction (Group I) and those with organ dysfunction (Group II). They were treated with either oral chlorambucil (CBL) or combination chemotherapy with vinblastine and other agents. Children less than three years of age at the commencement of treatment had Group II disease more frequently (p = 0.02), and children with Group I disease had significantly longer survival (p = 0.04). Oral histiocytosis X was present in 10 children and is frequently associated with diabetes insipidus (p<0.001). Initial response to chemotherapy did not predict prognosis (p = 0.38). Treatment with CBL alone was effective in all children with Group I disease over the age of three years at the onset of symptoms. However, combination chemotherapy appeared to be necessary in children with Group II disease from the time of diagnosis. and in children with Group I disease whose symptoms occur before the age of three years. Chemotherapy is associated with minimal toxicity and has resulted in a survival rate of 80% with a 37‐month median follow‐up of survivors (range 2–118 months).
A Comparison of Nasojejunal with Nasogastric Feedings in Low‐birth‐weight Infants
Authors: DREW J. H. , JOHNSTON R. , FINOCCHIARO C. , TAYLOR P. S. , GOLDBERG H. J.
Published: March 2008

Drew, J. H., Johnston, R., Finocchiaro, C., Taylor, P. S., and Goldberg, H. J. (1979) Aust. Paediatr. J., 15, 98–100. A comparison of nasojejunal with nasogastric feedings in low‐birth‐weight infants. A controlled, prospective comparison of the nasojejunal feeding route with the nasogastric feeding route was performed in 44 low‐birth‐weight infants. No benefits in growth occurred in Infants fed via the nasojejunal route, and, in fact, less calories were administered to these infants. No detrimental effects were observed on many biochemical and haematological parameters measured, except, serum total protein and albumin concentrations which were lower in infants fed via the nasojejunal route. An increase in complications occurred in infants fed via the nasojejunal route, and, in particular, two infants fed via that way developed fatal necrotizing enterocolitis compared with one infant fed via the nasogastric route. The only infant that died due to the massive milk‐aspiration syndrome was fed via the nasojejunal route. Because of the lack of significant benefits and because of the potential increase in complications of feedings given via the nasojejunal route, this method cannot be recommended as the routine method of feeding low‐birth‐weight infants.
Metabolic Acidosis and Renal Solute Load in Relation to the Protein Intake of Low Birth Weight Malaysian Neonates
Authors: JOHNSON R. O. , JOHNSON B. H. , RAMAN A. , LEE E. L. , LAM K. L.
Published: March 2008

Johnson, R. O., Johnson, B. H., Raman, A., Lee, E. L., and Lam, K. L. (1979) Aust. Paediatr. J., 15, 101–106. Metabolic acidosis and renal solute load in relation to the protein intake of low birth weight Malaysian neonates. Thirty‐one low birth weight Malaysian neonates were divided into two groups for the purpose of comparing two different dilutions of modified cow's milk. One dilution supplied 2.4 g protein/100 kcal (16.9 g/l) and the other 3.3 g/100 kcal (22.5 g/l). The two milks were iso‐caloric at 69 kcal/100 ml. Clinical observation and weekly estimations of acid‐base status, plasma sodium, chloride, potassium, urea and osmolality and of urine osmolality were made during the first three weeks of life. Metabolic acidosis was observed in both groups of infants, being significantly more severe in the higher protein group. Most acidotic babies remained asymptomatic. Plasma urea and plasma and urine osmolalities were all significantly higher in the higher protein group. No case of hyperosmolality occurred. Caution is recommended when feeding cow's milk of protein density greater than 2.4 g/100 kcal to low birth weight infants.
Physical Growth and Development in a Sample of Autistic Girls from New South Wales
Authors: HARPER J. F. , COLLINS J. K.
Published: March 2008

Harper, J. F., and Collins, J. K. (1979)
Aust. Paediatr. J.
15, 110–112. Physical growth and development in a sample of autistic girls from New South Wales. Height, weight, and other anthropometric data, age incidence for onset of menarche and the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics were examined in a sample of 28 autistic girls. Growth and development appeared to be significantly retarded in the autistic group when compared with normative data. There was a tendency for menarche and the appearance of secondary sexual characteristic to be delayed. A significantly large proportion of the group were found to be either left‐handed or ambidextrous.
The Treatment of Peritonitis by Post‐operative Peritoneal Lavage in the Small Infant
Authors: WYNNE J. M.
Published: March 2008

Wynne, J. M. (1979) Aust. Paediatr. J., 15, 118–119. The treatment of peritonitis by post‐operative peritoneal lavage in the small infant. Peritonitis in early life is a highly lethal condition. Continued post‐operative peritoneal lavage with large quantities of fluid containing antibiotics has been shown to be beneficial in adults. Two small infants with peritonitis were successfully treated in this way. No problems were experienced due to the small size of the abdomen when a modified technique was employed.
Prepubertal Cyclophosphamide Therapy and Gonadal Dysfunction. A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: ALFILER CARMELO A.
Published: March 2008

Alfiler, C. A. (1979) Aust. Paediatr, J., 15, 120–122. Prepubertal cyclophosphamide therapy and gonadal dysfunction: A case report. Hypogonadism in a 17‐year‐old boy who received cyclophosphamide at the age of 8 years is described. He had nephrotic syndrome with focal sclerosing glomerulopathy. He received cyclophosphamide for 96 days, total dose of 7200 mg or 240 mg/kg, which is less than 3 mg/kg/day.

It is suggested that his hypogonadism is a direct result of cyclophosphamide therapy. The response of the prepubertal gonad to this drug appears to be highly variable.
Adolescents in Hospital
Authors: REDDIHOUGH DINAH S. , COURT J. M.
Published: March 2008

Reddihough, Dinah S. and Court, J. M. (1979).
Aust. Paediatr. J.
15, 170–172 Adolescents in Hospital. A study was undertaken to explore the needs of adolescents cared for in a large children's hospital. A questionnaire was given to one hundred teenaged patients, and time was also spent in discussion with them. Problems perceived by the adolescent patient in a children's hospital included disturbance at night by younger children, inadequate provision for secondary schooling, inadequate privacy, inappropriate meal times and insufficient recreational activities. Teenagers wanted a suitably furnished room set aside for recreation and also expressed need for opportunity to discuss their illness and treatment with staff.

It is concluded that there should be greater awareness of the needs of adolescents in hospitals originally designed for younger children, and that even quite minor changes in ward design and hospital routine could meet these needs.
The Intellectually Handicapped Mother and Her Child
Authors: HOCKEY ATHEL , BAIN JILL
Published: March 2008

Hockey, Athel, and Bain, Jill (1979).
Aust. Paediatr. J., 15, 173–176. The intellectually handicapped mother and her child. This paper presents information on the intellectually handicapped mother with regard to numbers, mode of ascertainment, diagnosis, intelligence, number of children born, intelligence and outcome for the child. It assesses the role of genetic counselling and its limitations in this field. It defines the most appropriate form early intervention for the offspring to offset or prevent handicaps. Cases are used to illustrate and discuss the effect of assortive mating: the difficulty of defining risk to a person, herself affected, and of expecting a reasoned decision; joint plans to follow up and assist in the care of the children by Child Health Services and the Division for the Intellectually Handicapped.

Reasons are given for the conclusion that an eugenic approach is inappropriate here. Instead, genetic counselling and family planning, with practical training in child rearing are the main resources.
Antibody Responses to Influenza Virus Vaccine in Patients With Acute Lymphocytic Leukaemia
Authors: FEERY B. J. , MATTHEWS R. N. , EVERED M. G. , GALLICHIO H. A.
Published: March 2008

Feery, B. J., Matthews, R. N., Evered, M. G., and Gallichio, H. A. (1979).
Aust. Paediatr. J., 15, 177–180. Antibody responses to influenza virus vaccine in children with acute lymphocytic leukaemia. Antibody responses to influenza immunization in children with acute lymphocytic leukaemia in remission were studied in two successive years. Initial antibody levels, the response to immunization, and final antibody levels were lower than in a group of children with cystic fibrosis. The results indicate that both primary and anamnestic antibody responses are depressed in children with acute leukaemia when they are on immunosuppressive therapy. Despite this depression the majority of the patients reached protective antibody levels to the A/Victoria/3/75 and A/Texas/1/77 (H3N2) antigens but not to the recent A/USSR/90/77 (H1N1) antigens.
Antibody Responses to Influenza Virus Vaccine in Patients With Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: FEERY B. J. , PHELAN P. D. , GALLICHIO H. A. , HAMPSON A. W.
Published: March 2008

Feery, B. J., Phelan, P. D., Gallichio, H. A., and Hampson, A. W. (1979).
Aust. Paediatr. J., 15, 181–182. Antibody responses to influenza virus vaccine in patients with cystic fibrosis. Patients with cystic fibrosis were immunized with subunit influenza vaccine, and their haemagglutination‐inhibiting (HI) antibody responses were compared with responses in young healthy adults. There was no significant difference in the antibody levels reached after immunization and no evidence of any impairment of responses in the patient group.
The Effect of Cranial Irradiation on Blood‐Brain Barrier Permeability to Methotrexate
Authors: SESHADRI R. S. , RYALL R. G. , RICE M. S. , LEAHY MARGARET , ELLIS R.
Published: March 2008

Seshadri, R. S., Ryall, R. G., Rice, M. S., Leahy, Margaret, and Ellis, R. (1979). Aust. Paediatr. J., 15, 184–186. The Effect of cranial irradiation on blood‐brain barrier permeability to methotrexate. Methotrexate (MTX) was given orally (30 mg/m2) to 14 patients with leukaemia/lymphoma before and soon after cranial irradiation (Cl). The MTX levels in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid were measured three hours after the administration of MTX. Markedly increased blood‐brain barrier (BBB) permeability of MTX was found in both asymptomatic and symptomatic patients with central nervous system (CNS) disease even before Cl. Successful treatment of the CNS disease decreased the BBB permeability to MTX. Cl per se did not increase the BBB permeability.
Distant Family Treatment: A Case of School Phobia
Authors: WHITE M.
Published: March 2008

White, M. (1979). Aust. Paediatr. J., 15, 187–189. Distant family treatment: A case of school phobia. This paper presents a specific approach to the problem of chronic school phobia when geographical distance precludes regular ongoing psychotherapy. The approach includes a brief inpatient phase to enable certain groundwork to be undertaken and from thereon irregular outpatient contact. After reviewing and relabelling the problem a series of family tasks are established which are reinforced on a local level by the general practitioner. A case study is utilised to describe the method.
Three‐Year‐Old Twins and Singletons: a Comparison of Some Perinatal, Environmental, Experiential, and Developmental Characteristics
Authors: McDIARMID J. McK. , SILVA P. A.
Published: March 2008

McDiarmid, J. McK. and Silva, P. A. (1979).
Aust. Paediatr. J., 15, 243–247. Three‐year‐old twins and singletons: a comparison of some perinatal, environmental, experiential, and developmental characteristics. Twenty‐four 3‐year‐old twins were compared with 1013 singletons on an array of perinatal, experiential, and developmental parameters. More mothers of the twins had moderate hypertension during pregnancy. The twins experienced significantly more birth hypoxia, had reduced gestational ages, lower birth weight, and more neonatal apnoea than the singletons. The twins had fewer experiences as preschoolers than the singletons. They were slower to smile, talk, feed themselves with a spoon, and attain bladder control. The twins were shorter, lighter, had smaller head circumferences, and were about 3 months slower than the singletons in both receptive and expressive language development. The 24 twins were matched with singletons with similar perinatal histories, gestational age and birth weight, and compared for developmental characteristics. The only significant difference remaining was the age at which the children first talked. By age 3 years, language development was no longer significantly delayed. The results were interpreted as suggesting that developmental disadvantages in preschool twins result from perinatal rather than postnatal disadvantages.
Breast Feeding Success and Failure
Authors: STARLING JEAN , FERGUSSON D. M. , HORWOOD L. J. , TAYLOR B.
Published: March 2008

Starling, J., Fergusson, D. M., Horwood, L. J. and Taylor, B. (1979). Aust. Paediatr. J., 15, 271–274. Breast feeding success and failure. The factors influencing the success or failure of breast feeding were assessed in 1121 mothers. Of the 81% who intended to breast feed, 52% failed to achieve their desired duration. Over three quarters of the failures occurred in the first 3 months of life, and the major explanation given for failure was inadequate lactation. Among the factors associated with failure to achieve breast feeding intentions were complementary feeding in the maternity hospital and limited mother/child contact in the first few days after birth. Better educated mothers, those in two parent families and older mothers were more likely to succeed, as were those who received encouragement from family, professional and lay support groups. Factors that showed no relation to success or failure were mother/child contact at birth, antenatal education, maternal race, and parity or discouragement from any source.
Idiopathic Intussusception Occurring in Father and Son, with a Post‐operative Intussusception in the Son
Authors: THOMAS M. PAULA , McKAY D. G.
Published: March 2008

Thomas, M. P. and McKay, D. G. (1979). Aust. Paediatr. J., 15, 281–282. Idiopathic intussusception occurring in father and son, with a post‐operative intussusception in the son. Idiopathic intussusception occurring in father and son is uncommon, as is the occurrence of an ileo‐ileal intussusception following operative reduction of the ileo‐caecal intussusception. The original ileo‐caecal intussusception was treated operatively in both father and son, because of failure of attempted hydrostatic reduction. The father's post‐operative convalescence was uneventful. The son developed a mechanical obstruction 36 hours after operation, due to an ileo‐ileal intussusception which was easily reduced at a further laparotomy. Six weeks later he was re‐admitted with a recurrent ileo‐colic intussusception and this was successfully treated by hydrostatic reduction.
Hormonal profile of puberty in South Australian children I
Authors: PENFOLD J. L. , BOULTON T. J. C. , THOMSETT M. J. , HARVEY G. , CROMPTON S. E. , VIMPANI A. , PREECE M.A.
Published: March 2008

Serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH) and testosterone (T) concentrations in 118 boys aged 8 to 17.9 years were related to chronological age (CA), bone age (BA), genital development (G1–5+), pubic hair development (PH1–5 +) and mean testicular volume (MTV).

A progressive rise in serum FSH, LH and T was noted in relation to CA, BA and all pubertal parameters studied.

FSH showed an approximate twofold increase, LH an eight to tenfold increase and T a fourfold increase from pre‐puberty through to full adult maturity.

The FSH/LH ratio decreased with advancing CA, BA and pubertal development.
Hormonal profile of puberty in South Australian children II
Authors: PENFOLD J. L. , BOULTON T. J. C. , THOMSETT M. J. , HARVEY G. , CROMPTON S. E. , VIMPANI A. , PREECE M. A.
Published: March 2008

Serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH) and oestradiol (E2) concentrations in 117 girls aged 8 to 17.9 years were related to chronological age (CA), bone age (BA), breast development (B1–5+) and pubic hair development (PH1–5+).

A progressive rise in serum LH and E2 was noted in relation to CA, BA and pubertal development. Serum FSH levels reached a peak in mid‐puberty and fell thereafter.

The FSH/LH ratio decreased with advancing CA and BA.

In comparing the data in girls (Part II) with that in boys (Part I) serum FSH and LH levels began to rise earlier in girls and were generally higher than levels seen in boys throughout puberty. Similarly, an earlier rise in serum E2 in girls compared with T in boys supported the concept of an earlier activation of the female gonad.
Bacterial infection in preterm infants during xanthine therapy for idiopathic apnoea of prematurity
Authors: BARR PETER A. , O'LOUGHLIN EDWARD V. , ANDERSON DONALD G.
Published: March 2008

Three preterm infants who acquired systemic bacterial infection during xanthine derivative therapy for idiopathic apnoea of prematurity are described. Apnoea, despite therapeutic serum levels of theophylline, was the presenting symptom of infection in two of the infants. Apnoea did not develop in the third infant, despite co‐existent hyponatraemia and intraventricular haemorrhage, though sepsis was diagnosed from other signs. All three infants, including one with Pseudomonas aeruginosa meningitis, responded rapidly to antimicrobial therapy and survived. An increase in the frequency and/or severity of apnoea in a preterm infant being treated with xanthines should alert the physician to symptomatic apnoea such as that associated with bacterial infection. Conversely, the development of symptomatic apnoea may be suppressed by concurrent xanthine derivative therapy for idiopathic apnoea of prematurity.
Neonatal mortality and cerebral palsy: the impact of neonatal intensive care
Authors: STANLEY FIONA J. , HOBBS M. S. T.
Published: March 2008

Neonatal deaths and cases of cerebral palsy amongst West Australian infants born between 1968–75 were analysed by birthweight and in relation to other factors. Both mortality and cerebral palsy incidence fell over time. Male rates fell selectively more than those for females.

A shift in the birthweight distribution of total live births to heavier babies accounted for 22% of the fall in neonatal mortality, and 56% of the fall in cerebral palsy incidence over this time. Although selective changes in the maternal age and parity of mothers delivering occurred, they were responsible for only a small per cent of the falls in either neonatal mortality or cerebral palsy. Other parameters of improved maternal health contributing to the falls could not be ascertained. Maternal age and parity are still strongly associated with mortality. Cerebral palsy incidence was not associated with age, but was markedly higher at the high parities.

The most important findings related to neonatal mortality and cerebral palsy rates by birthweight. Neonatal mortality improved in all weight groups, only slightly more in the low, compared with the high birthweight babies. Cerebral palsy incidence however, improved most markedly in the heavier babies and thus those of low birthweight contributed relatively more to the cerebral palsy population recently than before neonatal intensive care was introduced. Thus the impact of neonatal intensive care on the low birthweight population in Western Australia has been mainly in terms of neonatal mortality. Other factors besides intensive care have obviously contributed to the observed falls in both mortality and cerebral palsy.
Hexachlorophene preparations and the newborn infant
Authors: PLUECKHAHN VERNON D.
Published: March 2008

The various incidences of staphylococcal skin disease recorded in 43876 newborn infants nursed in the maternity wing of the Geelong Hospital between January 1959 and June 1979 are given. Of these infants, 39270 underwent routine skin cleansing or care with one or other of three differing hexachlorophene preparations. The benefits and possible risks, if any, of the topical use of such hexachlorophene preparations as prophylactic aids against staphylococcal cross infection in maternity hospitals are discussed, and compared with the various blood hexachlorophene concentrations which occurred in 1100 infants during their routine skin cleansing or care.
A cost‐benefit analysis of videotape teaching in paediatrics.
Authors: PEARN JOHN , NIXON JAMES
Published: March 2008

A cost‐benefit analysis of medical videotape teaching is reported. Two colour videotapes, used in teaching a seg‐ment of tropical paediatrics, have been prepared for this study, using a minimum budget, but with accurate costing. Anonymous appraisal forms have been used to quantify perceived benefit. Current minimum costs for a completed standard half‐hour teaching tape are $48 per minute, or $31 per minute if the medical producer's time is not costed. Perceived worth by consumers (audience of medical subjects either undergraduate or postgraduate) does not exceed a median of $2 per subject per teaching tape. (The basic cost reference unit, a loaf of bread, cost 50 cents at the time of this study). These current estimates indicate that a medical videotape has to be shown to over 2,000 students to justify expense; if programmes become obsolete within three years, then a tape must be shown to at least 800 students a year, to justify expenses. Indiscriminate use of videotapes should be tempered by anonymous consumer appraisal studies, especially where producers are teaching captive audiences.
Respiratory allergy in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Van ASPEREN PETER P. , MELLIS CRAIG M. , SOUTH RAYMOND T.
Published: March 2008

Allergen skin testing has been used to define allergy in cystic fibrosis. The incidence and significance of allergy, particularly the presence of co‐existent asthma, remains controversial. We performed allergen skin prick tests on 78 children with C.F. and most had measurement of pulmonary function: Fifteen of those with positive skin tests and fifteen with negative skin reactions were selected for further analysis. Although we confirmed that there was a higher incidence (42%) of positive tests in the C.F. population than in a general population, the allergen distribution was different from that seen in asthma, with a much higher incidence of reactions to moulds. This probably represents passage of allergens through damaged bronchial mucosa rather than a genetically inherited atopic tendency. There was no correlation between positive allergen skin tests and objective evidence of asthma. We conclude that allergen skin tests are an unreliable guide to the presence of co‐existent asthma in children with C.F.
Kawasaki disease in Melbourne. A report of eleven cases.
Authors: NEWTON‐JOHN H. F.
Published: March 2008

Eleven children with Kawasaki disease were seen in a single Melbourne Hospital, all but one within a five‐year period. There is at present no confirmatory laboratory test for the disease, the diagnosis of which is based on clinical criteria alone. The finding that most cases had respiratory involvement strengthened the view that Kawasaki disease and infantile periarteritis nodosa (IPN) are identical, a conclusion supported by all the clinical and pathological data currently available. It is possible that immunological abnormalities found in these cases could provide a basis for a future diagnostic test for the disease.
Gastric perforation associated with indomethacin therapy in a pre‐term infant.
Authors: GRAY PETER H. , PEMBERTON PATRICK J.
Published: March 2008

This is a case report of a pre‐term infant who developed a gastric perforation fifteen hours after receiving oral indomethacin treatment for the pharmacological closure of a patent ductus arteriosus. This observation of a possible causal relationship between indomethacin and gastric perforation reaffirms the need for caution when using this drug in pre‐term infants.
Patterns of management responsibility in the care of children with cystic fibrosis and leukaemia
Authors: FRYDMAN MICHAEL I.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT. Eighty‐one parents of children with cystic fibrosis (CF) and 139 parents of children with leukemia were asked which of a range of health care providers had played the major role in nine areas of comprehensive paediatric care. Specialist paediatricians were reported to play the dominant role in the areas of diagnosis, ongoing medical treatment, genetic counselling and education concerning the illness and treatment. General practitioners were infrequently involved in the care of these children, other than for episodic and acute illness care. Parents in both disease categories and whose children were managed at different hospitals reported similar patterns of management responsibility and neglect. Consistent with theoretical expectations, the areas which were perceived by parents as neglected were in the psychosocial sphere: advice, future planning, co‐ordination and support.
Urinary β2 microglobulin in the newborn
Authors: DAWSON K. P. , YEOMAN D.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT. Twelve full‐term, healthy newborn infants had daily urinary β2 microglobulin, albumin and creatinine levels measured during the first five days of life.

A marked elevation in urinary β2 microglobulin was demonstrated. There was a marked variation from day to day with a range of 20–11,000μg/l. The relatively steady creatinine and albumin excretion levels suggest there is a true increased excretion of β2 microglobulin in the neonatal period with a tendency for the excretion rate to rise during the first five days of life.
Fatty acid composition of infant formulae1
Authors: GIBSON ROBERT A. , KNEEBONE GARRY M.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT. The fatty acid composition of the fats extracted from 27 infant formulae were examined in detail using gas chromatography. The results obtained enabled certain conclusions to be made. These include (1) confirmation that raw cow's milk and unmodified cow's milk preparations are low in essential fatty acids, (2) several of the formulae designed for normal infants contained fatty acids in different proportions to that found in breast milk, and (3) many of the ‘special’ formulae designed for use when certain specific metabolic or dietary intolerances exist were found to contain either an excess of certain fatty acids considered not beneficial to man such as lauric acid or insufficient essential fatty acid. It is concluded that there is a need for closer scrutiny of the composition of infant formulae.
The tube spacer in children with asthma
Authors: VAN ASPEREN PETER P. , MELLIS CRAIG M. , SOUTH RAYMOND T. , SIMPSON SYLVIA J.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT. We compared the use of a standard metered aerosol actuator with the tube spacer in delivering 500 micrograms of terbutaline sulphate to the airways of seven children with clinical asthma. Each child used the standard metered aerosol in his usual way and the tube spacer with a 5 second delay between actuation and inhalation on separate occasions. Response was measured by change in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1). We found no significant difference in bronchodilatation between the two methods of aerosol delivery. We conclude that the tube spacer is an effective way of delivering a metered aerosol and that it has the advantage of allowing up to 5 seconds between actuation and inhalation. The tube spacer has particular application in young children who have difficulty in co‐ordinating their inspiration with metered aerosol actuation.
Recurrent brainstem dysfunction preceding systemic manifestations of childhood lupus erythematosus
Authors: LUI W. Y.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT. Clinical details are described of a 6‐year‐old girl who had recurrent episodes of brainstem dysfunction interposed with spontaneous remissions for 5 years before the appearance of characteristic systemic manifestations of lupus erythematosus. The difficulty of establishing the diagnosis is discussed.
Real‐time scanning of the neonatal brain
Authors: de CRESPIGNY LACHLAN CH , ROBINSON HUGH P. , MURTON LAURENCE J. , O'HERLIHY COLM
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT. Forty‐five high risk infants were examined in a neonatal nursery with a real‐time ultrasound scanner. The relevant normal and abnormal intracranial features are described. There was a good correlation betwen the site and size of the 12 intraventricular haemorrhages (IVH) found on ultrasound scanning with subsequent computerised axial tomography (CAT) scans and postmortem results. There was also close agreement between CAT and ultrasound scan assessment of ventricular size. Our data suggest that IVH occurs within the first 48 hours of life. In the light of our experience and because of its convenience and safety we have largely abandoned CAT scanning in favour of real‐time ultrasound scanning in the investigation of neonatal IVH and hydrocephaly.
Intravenous cephamandole pharmacokinetics and intramuscular bioavailability in neonates
Authors: BUCHANAN N. , DOYLE P. , CVEJIC M.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT. Cephamandole pharmacokinetics during the first week of life, in term neonates, have been defined. The results of these studies allow a dosage recommendation of 25 mg/kg 12 hourly intravenously or 8 hourly intramuscularly. Cephamandole when administered intramuscularly was shown to be bioavailable (80.9 ± 16.4%).
The treatment of malabsorption in cystic fibrosis with pancreatic extracts and inhibition of gastric acidity by antacids and cimetidine
Authors: MITCHELL E. A. , WESLEY ALISON W. , ELLIOTT R. B.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT. Pancreatic extracts even in high doses usually fail to completely control steatorrhoea in cystic fibrosis (CF). Trypsin and lipase are rapidly and irreversibly inactivated by acid. Twenty‐two patients with CF entered a cross‐over trial where they received their usual dose of pancreatic extracts for four weeks, cimetidine plus pancreatic extracts for four weeks, and antacid plus pancreatic extracts for four weeks. There was a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in mean faecal fat excretion of 15.36 ± 8.54 g/day, and an improvement of the coefficient of absorption 78.2 ± 12.1% (p < 0.02) during the treatment period with pancreatic extracts alone to 12.48 ± 7.26 g/day and 83.2 ± 8.0% respectively with pancreatic extracts plus cimetidine. There was a significant improvement of the coefficient of absorption during the pancreatic extracts alone treatment period from 78.2 ± 12.1% to 82.6 ± 7.2% during the treatment period with pancreatic extracts plus antacid (p < 0.05). None of the treatments differed in their effects on weight gain, stool frequency and subjective variables (stool odour and consistency, abdominal pain and flatus).
Broken and retained rectal thermometers in infants and young children
Authors: LAU JAMES T. K. , ONG G. B.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT. Fifteen patients with broken, and one patient with retained, rectal thermometers were reviewed. All were below the age of five. Histories of struggling in older children and difficult insertion of the thermometers in infants were often present. Rectal examination was definite in identifying the foreign bodies in seven patients. X‐ray was diagnostic in eight patients. None had any peritonitis or perforation. Five patients had rectal bleeding which subsided in three days. In the three patients who had procto‐sigmoidoscopic examination, all showed abrasions of the anterior rectal wall.
Cor triatriatum associated with unilateral anomalous pulmonary venous drainage in an infant
Authors: ROPER P. C. , WRIGHT J. S. , McCREDIE R. M. , SWINBURN M. J.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT. A nine‐week‐old infant presented with failure to thrive and heart failure. She was found to have left hemi‐anomalous pulmonary venous drainage in association with a cor triatriatum membrane and cardiac surgery was successful in correcting these two congenital malformations.