bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrasonography in Congenital Hypothyreosis
Authors: PÖYHÖNEN L. , LENKO H.‐L.
Published: January 2008

To our knowledge, ultrasonography has not so far been used as an additional source of information in the early screening for congenital hypothyreosis. This study demonstrated, firstly, that the normal neonatal thyroid gland could always be recognized by ultrasonography and, secondly, that in congenital hypothyreosis absence of thyroid tissue from the normal site could be detected by ultrasonography, whereas ectopic tissue in the tongue could not readily be identified. The findings may be useful in the diagnosis of congenital hypothyreosis.
Vitamin B12 Absorption in Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: LINDEMANS J. , NEIJENS H. J. , KERREBIJN K. F. , ABELS J.
Published: January 2008

Vitamin B12 absorption was measured in 30 patients with cystic fibrosis by means of the urinary excretion method and found to be impaired, i.e. less than 10%, in 25. The mean urinary excretion amounted to 4.7 ± 0.8 %. In all patients vitamin B12 absorption improved by the addition of trypsin (18.9 ± 2.1 %). Addition of the vitamin B12 analogue cobinamide, which prevents vitamin B12‐binding by R‐binders, raised the vitamin B12 absorption to 15.0 ± 2.2 %. A further improvement was obtained by the simultaneous addition of cobinamide and trypsin, 18.2 ± 2.6 %, the same value as with trypsin alone. Assuming that cobinamide addition was effective in suppressing all R‐binder activity, the additional effect of trypsin suggests a second, stimulatory function of trypsin on vitamin B12 absorption, separate from R‐binder‐inactivation. In 5 patients only marginal improvement of vitamin B12 absorption was gained by the addition of either trypsin or cobinamide. The deficient serum vitamin B12 (110 pmol/I) in one of them indicates that the normal pancreas‐substitution therapy not always implies sufficient restoration of vitamin B12 absorption.
Antibiotic Treatment of Haemophilus Influenzae and Haemophilus Parainfluenzae Infections in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: PRESSLER T. , SZAFF M. , HØIBY N.
Published: January 2008

During the period 1977–81, 188 Cystic fibrosis patients have been treated with 1254 anti‐haemophilus treatments in the Danish Cystic Fibrosis Center. On an average, each patient received 1.7 courses of chemotherapy per year. Haemophilus infections were more prevalent in the youngest age group of patients. The average number of H. influenzae precipitins increased with age, and this pattern was consistent throughout the whole study. The standard treatment was orally administered pivampicillin or amoxicillin given for 14 days. I case of allergy or ampiciUin‐resistant strains, erythromycin was given, in most cases alone, in some cases in combination with rifampicin. The overall results showed, that H. influenzae was eradicated from sputum by a single course of chemotherapy in 73 % of the courses and H. parainfluenzae in 100 % of the courses. Six per cent of the patients suffered from chronic H. influenzae infection in spite of repeated treatments. No decrease of treatment efficiency was found even after many repeated chemotherapy courses. The prevalence of patients habouring ampiciUin‐resistant H. influenzae increased in the beginning of the period (6 %‐20 %), but a slight fall was subsequently observed.
Intrauterine Lung Infection with Chlamydia Trachomatis in a Premature Infant
Authors: MÅRDH P.‐A. , JOHANSSON P. J. H. , SVENNINGSEN N.
Published: January 2008

The present study shows the probable intrauterine infection with Chlamydia trachomatis in a premature infant born in the 29th week of gestation. Chlamydiae were isolated from lung tissue collected at sterile autopsy and also demonstrated in sections of such tissue by immunofluorescence tests using monoclonal antibodies.
Lung Function after Repair of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia
Authors: FREYSCHUSS U. , LANNERGREN K. , FRENCKNER B.
Published: January 2008

To study lung development after repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia 20 patients operated on between 1960 and 1976 were followed‐up at 6–22 years of age. All had had an uneventful postoperative course, had no concomitant disease and were subjectively well with an ordinary physiological performance. The investigation showed a mean increase of residual volume by one third of predicted normal values. Fractional perfusion and ventilation were reduced by 20 % on the hernia side compared with the contralateral side. Functional impairment owing to pulmonary hypoplasia was ruled out by the existence of a normal working capacity and maintenance of a normal alveolar gas exchange during exercise on a high work load.
Clinical Course and Renal Function in Minimal Change Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: BOHLIN ANN‐BRITT
Published: January 2008

Thirteen unselected children with the minimal change nephrotic syndrome were followed for 11 months‐7.5 years, during which time 32 renal function tests were performed. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was determined as clearance of inulin using a standard clearance technique. The children had between zero and 34 relapses and three developed steroid resistance. Three patients had severe but reversible complications related to the corticosteroid therapy. Chlorambucil was given to four patients, of whom three with steroid resistance had lasting remissions, whereas one patient with frequent relapses had only transient improvement. The GFR was decreased at the first episode in six patients, whose clinical course did not differ from that of the others. None had a decreased GFR later in the course of the disease. It is concluded that reduced GFR at the onset of the minimal change nephrotic syndrome is reversible and does not imply an unfavourable outcome.
Cytogenetic Findings in Moderate and Severe Mental Retardation A Study of an Institutionalized Population of 1991 Patients
Authors: FRYNS J. P. , KLECZKOWSKA A. , KUBIEŃ E. , BERGHE H. VAN DEN
Published: January 2008

The cytogenetic data of a large scale study in an institutionalized population of 1991 moderately and severely mentally retarded patients are presented. In 21.3% of these patients a chromosomal aberration was diagnosed (14.9% Down syndrome patients and 3.5%“other chromosomal anomalies”). A fragile X screening was performed in 354 males, and was found to be positive in 57 (16.1% positive). Different chromosomal variants were present in another 6% of this population. Detailed results are presented on the different groups of chromosomal aberrations.
Regulation of Renal Water Excretion in Newborn Full‐term Infants
Authors: APERIA ANITA , HERIN PETER , LUNDIN STEFAN , MELIN PER , ZETTERSTRÖM ROLF
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. The renal response to low (45 ml/kg) and high (73 ml/kg) fluid intake was studied during an 8‐hour period in healthy 3–4‐day‐old full‐term infants. 20 infants received low fluid (LF) intake and 15 infants received high fluid (HF) intake. HF significantly increased urine flow and significantly decreased urine osmolality but did not influence glomerular filtration rate measured as the clearance of creatinine. Serum arginine vasopressin (s‐AVP) was not different in the LF and HF groups and did not correlate to urine osmolality. Urinary sodium excretion was significantly correlated to the diuresis. Conclusion: Following high fluid intake full‐term infants are capable to adaptively excrete larger urine volumes and more dilute urine by mechanisms independent of AVP. S‐AVP appears to relate differently to the state of hydration and to urine osmolality in infants than in adults.
Longitudinal Study of Calcium Metabolism in Male Puberty
Authors: KRABBE S. , HUMMER L. , CHRISTIANSEN C.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Height velocity, bone mineral content (BMC), serum concentrations of alkaline phosphatase (AP), testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and androstenedione (A‐dione) were determined as a part of a longitudinal study of calcium metabolism in normal male puberty. The time of maximal increase (Tm) in concentrations was calculated for 20 boys from a curve‐fitting analysis program. Highly significant correlations were found between Tm testosterone and Tm BMC (r=0.73, p<0.001); Tm AP and Tm BMC (r=0.68, p<0.001). The mean difference in time between Tm testosterone and Tm BMC was 4.7 months and between Tm AP and Tm testosterone 0.7 month. Our data indicate a very close relationship between testosterone, osteoblastic activity, and mineralization in normal male puberty, whereas the adrenal androgens do not seem to have a major influence on the mineralization at the male puberty growth spurt phase.
Early and Late Neutropenia in Children Treated with Cotrimoxazole (Trimethoprim‐Sulfamethoxazole)
Authors: PRINCIPI N. , MARCHISIO P. , BIASINI A. , VILLA A. DALLA , BIASINI G.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. The incidence of hematologic abnormalities was evaluated in 120 children with otitis media treated respectively with cotrimoxazole (trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole) (group 1), cotrimoxazole plus folinic acid (group 2) and amoxicillin (group 3) in therapeutic doses for ten days. Only eosinophilia (an absolute count ≥0.5×109/l) (group 1 = 10%, 2=5%, 3=7.5%) and neutropenia (polymorphonuclear neutrophilic leucocyte count ≤1.5×109/l) (group 1=35%, 2=17.5%, 3=13.3%) were noted. Early neutropenia (evident on the 5th day of therapy) occurred in all the treatment groups, thus it is not related to cotrimoxazole administration and in most cases neutrophil count reversed to normal in few days without drug discontinuation. Late neutropenia (evident after 10 days of treatment) appeared only in cotrimoxazole treated children (p<0.05). No superimposed bacterial infection was demonstrated in any case. Late neutropenia seems to be strictly related to the sequential blockage of folinic acid metabolism and can be prevented by the concomitant administration of folinic acid.
Neonatal Cerebral Blood Flow Velocity I
Authors: LUNDELL B. P. W. , LINDSTROM D. P. , ARNOLD T. G.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. A combined pulsed and continuous Doppler instrument was used to assess flow velocities in an in vitro model designed to simulate small deeply lying arterial vessels. Diameters of the model vessels, depth under the transducers and the pulsatile flow patterns were chosen to simulate the corresponding conditions that can be expected when cerebral blood flow velocities are measured with this technique through the anterior fontanel in newborn infants. Computer analysis of the space average velocity signal from the pulsed Doppler mode, showed that the area under this curve, which corresponds to distance, was closely correlated to true flow over a wide range of flows in vessels of different diameters. This variable is suggested to be the closest estimate of true flow, when the diameter of the vessel under study cannot be accurately measured.
Effect of Phosphate Supplementation to Breast Fed Very Low Birthweight Infants on Urinary Calcium Excretion, Serum Immunoreactive Parathyroid Hormon and Plasma 1.25‐Dihydroxy‐vitamin D Concentration
Authors: SANN L. , LORAS B. , DAVID L. , DURR F. , SIMONNET C. , BALTASSAT P. , BETHENOD M.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. The effect of two doses of Phosphorus (P) supplementation to pooled breast milk (BM): 0.48 and 0.800 mmol/kg/24 h given during the second month of life was evaluated in 22 very low birthweight infants. The concentration of calcium and phosphorus in serum and urine, the serum concentration of immunoreactive parathyroid hormon (iPTH) and the plasma 1,25‐dihydroxy‐vitamin D concentration (1,25‐OH‐D) were compared to the values in 19 control infants. The mean ± SD concentrations in control infants and adults are 63 ±18 ulEq/ml for serum iPTH and 85±pmol/l for plasma 1,25‐OH‐D. With 0.48 P supplementation, urinary Ca (UCa) excretion (median and range) 0.238 mmol/kg/24 h (0.105‐0.520) was lower than in the control group 0.288 (0.205‐0.679) (p<0.05); the reduction of UCa was larger with 0.8 P supplementation: 0.047 (0.023‐0.163) (p<0.01). P supplementation induced no change in serum Ca concentration but a slight and significant increase in serum iPTH was observed only with the 0.8 P supplementation: 55 μl Eq/ml (<25‐80) (p<0.05). With 0.8 P supplementation there was no significant change of plasma 1,25‐OH‐D concentration: 173 μmol/l (106‐271) vs. 255 (132‐293) in the control group. These data show that with 0.8 P supplementation, the hypercalciuria in BM‐fed infant disappears without secondary hyperparathyroidism, but without any change in plasma 1,25‐OH‐D concentration.
Insensible Weight Loss in Children under One Year of Age
Authors: HENDRIKSON EDWARD C. , SEACAT JOY M. , NEVILLE MARGARET C.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. A selected group of 12 breast‐fed infants were studied for insensible weight loss over the first year of life. The method used to determine the insensible weight loss was non‐invasive and based on a computerized weighing system. Findings indicate that the insensible weight loss in a one‐year‐old child reaches 36 % of the average insensible weight loss reached in adulthood (360 g/day). Furthermore, the insensible weight loss (g/h/kg) was constant at about 1.9 g per kilogram per hour over the first year of life. Insensible weight loss contains two components, insensible water loss (92 %) and metabolic losses (8 %).
Trials of High Frequency Jet Ventilation in Preterm Infants with Severe Respiratory Disease
Authors: PAGANI G. , REZZONICO R. , MARINI A.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Nine preterm newborn infants who were maintained on conventional mechanical ventilation for respiratory diseases were given high frequency jet ventilation in the same inspired FiO2 for short periods (10‐120 min). Lower mean airway pressures were used in high frequency jet ventilation (0.70±0.2 kPa versus 0.96±0.2 kPa in intermittent positive pressure ventilation), and peak inspiratory pressures were reduced from 2.06±0.4 to 1.38±0.24 kPa. Respiratory and haemodynamic data were compared with those obtained in intermittent positive pressure ventilation, Pa02 and Pc02 were similar, while an increase in pH and reduction of central venous pressure were observed during high frequency jet ventilation. This preliminary study indicates that high frequency jet ventilation provides good ventilatory support, at least for short periods, with reduced airway pressures, and could be a promising technique for prevention of acute and chronic pulmonary barotrauma.
Immunoreactive SOD‐1 in Amniotic Fluid, Amniotic Cells and Fibroblasts from Trisomy 21 Fetus
Authors: BAETEMAN M. A. , MATTEI M. G. , BARET A. , GAMERRE M. , MATTEI J. F.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Copper superoxide dismutase (Cu‐SOD or SOD‐1) was measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA) in amniotic cells and fluid as well as in fetal trisomy 21 fibroblasts. The significant increase of the SOD‐1 activity observed in amniotic cells and fetal trisomy 21 fibroblasts demonstrates the early physiopathogenic expression of the supernumerary chromosome 21 in affected patients.
Changes in Plasma Lipoproteins from First Day to Third Week of Life in Healthy Breast‐fed Infants
Authors: KIRSTEIN D. , JOHANSEN K. B. , CHRISTENSEN N. C. , ANDERSEN G. E.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. The fatty acid composition of plasma lipoprotein‐triglyceride (TG) and ‐cholesterol ester (CE) was studied in seven healthy breast‐fed infants three times during the first day and on the third, sixth and twenty‐first days of life. The major finding was a two‐fold increase in the linoleic acid weight percent of plasma lipoprotein‐TG and ‐CE between the first and third weeks of life. This increase could best be explained by the ingestion of breast‐milk rich in linoleic acid.
Acute Rheumatic Fever in Swedish Children 1971‐80
Authors: SCHOLLIN JENS , WESSTRÖM GORAN
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Hospital records from all Swedish children 0–15 years old diagnosed as having acute rheumatic fever (ARF) during 1971–80 were studied. Thirty‐one children fully met with Jones'modified criterias which gives an incidence of 0.2 cases per 100000 children and year. Carditis was the most common major manifestation of ARF. In most children the carditis was mild but in three cases there was a persistent cardial affection. 16 of the children received prophylactic antibiotic treatment. No recurrent attacks of ARF were found during the study period.
Acetylsalicylic Acid and Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: KVIEN T. K. , OLSSON B. , HØYERAAL H. M.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. A 2‐dose regimen and a 3‐dose regimen, both with the same daily dose of acetylsalicylic acid, were compared in 8 patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. The regimens were given according to a cross‐over design. The serum salicylic acid levels over 24 hours were studied at the end of each treatment period. As expected somewhat greater fluctuations in the salicylic acid levels were observed with the 2‐dose than with the 3‐dose regimen. However, therapeutically effective serum levels were observed for most of the 24 hour period with both regimens. It is suggested that a 2‐dose regimen has advantage with regard to simplicity and compliance. The pharmacokinetic findings indicate that a 2‐dose regimen may be useful in patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
Psychological Consequences of Neonatal Screening for α1‐Antitrypsin Deficiency
Authors: THELIN T. , McNEIL T. F. , ASPEGREN‐JANSSON E. , SVEGER T.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Medical record information and retrospective parental reports at interview indicated that the 61 families were typically first contacted about the child's α1‐antitrypsin deficiency (ATD) during its first 6 months of life, when a physician called the mother on the telephone and told her at least something about the child's ATD. Most parents felt they had received unclear or inadequate information. A majority initially conceived of ATD as representing an imminent, serious danger to the child's health. Most of the mothers (78 %) and many of the fathers (58%) reported having immediately had negative emotional reactions, most often worry, anxiety and fear. These reactions were often long‐lasting and, in mothers, typically strong.
Maple Syrup Urine Disease Variant Form: Presentation with Psychomotor Retardation and CT Scan Abnormalities
Authors: VERDU A. , LOPEZ‐HERCE J. , PASCUAL‐CASTROVIEJO I. , MARTINEZ‐BERMEJO A. , UGARTE M. , GARCIA M. J.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. A female infant with an intermediate variant of maple syrup urine disease is described. The patient had psychomotor retardation and high plasma levels of branched chain aminoacids. Leucine decarboxylation rate in leukocytes was diminished. Cranial computed tomography showed decreased density in the cerebral white matter. After starting dietary treatment the infant resumed her psychomotor development and the abnormal images previously seen on computed tomography disappeared.
Fusidic Acid Binding to Serum Albumin and Interaction with Binding of Bilirubin
Authors: BRODERSEN R.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Sodium fusidate, an antibiotic used in staphylococcal infections, is strongly bound to human serum albumin, competitively with bilirubin. It is given in molar amounts sufficient to occupy a considerable fraction of circulating albumin. In order to avoid a risk of bilirubin encephalopathy, induced by displacement of bilirubin, fusidate should be given with caution to newborn infants, particularly if patients are prematurely born, icteric or acidotic. Fusidate does not interfere with albumin binding of warfarin or diazepam.
The Significance of Focal Global Sclerosis in Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: QUERFELD U. , WALDHERR R. , SCHÄRER K.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. The clinical course of five pediatric patients with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome associated with focal global sclerosis in renal biopsy was analyzed retrospectively. The condition was defined as complete obsolescence of more than 15 % of glomeruli associated with tubular atrophy and interstitial fibrosis. At onset, all children had a steriod‐sensitive relapsing nephrotic syndrome. Two became steroid‐dependent and one steroid‐resistent. Cyclophosphamide or chlorambucil treatment was initially followed by remission in all patients; a second course was successful in one of two patients. After 12 to 18 years of observation, four patients are in remission for periods of 2 to 12 years. Glomerular filtration rate is slightly reduced in only one patient. This study suggests that the clinical course of children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome associated with focal global sclerosis is similar to that observed in patients with minimal glomerular changes but different from that in patients with focal segmental sclerosis.
Epidemiology of Bacteriuria during the First Year of Life
Authors: WETTERGREN B. , JODAL U. , JONASSON G.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Bacteriuria was studied in an unselected population of 3581 infants. Screening was performed at three time intervals during the infants’first year of life. The public Child Health Centers cooperated in the screening and bag samples were obtained from the infants with the parents help. Bacteriuria was verified by suprapubic aspiration. 94 % of the infants took part in the screening and bacteriuria was confirmed in 14 girls (0.9%) and 36 boys (2.5%). An additional 20 girls (1.1 %) and 20 boys (1.2 %) in the study population presented with symptomatic urinary tract infection before 12 months of age. Bacteriuria in boys was predominantly found early in infancy both with screening techniques and through symptomatic urinary tract infections.
Faecal Hydrogen Production in vitro as an Indicator for in vivo Hydrogen Producing Capability in the Breath Hydrogen Test
Authors: ROBB T. A. , GOODWIN D. A. , DAVIDSON G. P.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. In the assessment of carbohydrate malabsorption, it is important to determine if a flat breath hydrogen test is a false negative result. Currently, the only reliable way to do this is with a lactulose test. We determined the reliability of assessing faecal hydrogen production as an indicator of an adequate in vivo hydrogen producing colonic bacterial flora. Unfortunately, the results clearly show that the incidence of falsely positive and negative faecal hydrogen production, when compared with in vivo lactulose testing, is so high that the simple faeces screening test is unsuitable for routine use. Until a simpler alternative is found, centres using the breath hydrogen test to determine carbohydrate malabsorption must continue to rely on lactulose breath testing when it is necessary to exclude potential false negative results.
Herpes Zoster in a 2‐Week‐Old Premature Infant with Possible Congenital Varicella Encephalitis
Authors: BENNET R. , FORSGREN M. , HERIN P.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. This report concerns a case of neonatal herpes zoster associated with maternal gestational varicella. The child developed skin lesions at 18 days of age virologically confirmed to be varicella‐zoster. The baby also had encephalitis and aspiration probably due to bulbar paralysis. Multiple small necrotic areas were found in the thalamus at post‐mortem examination.
Birthweights in Iceland 70 Years Apart
Authors: BIERING G.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Birthweights of 389 babies born in 1901‐1910 and 6303 born in 1972‐1981 were compared. There had been a mean increase in birthweight of 85 g and the prevalence of low birthweight had fallen from 5.6% to 3.3%. It is unlikely that this apparent secular increse in birthweight is an artefact due to different methods of weighing. Probably an increase in maternal height accounts for much of the increase in birthweight rather than any other improvement in the quality of the intrauterine environment.
Estimation of the “Normal” Growth of Swedish Infants at Term Preliminary Report
Authors: ROOTH G. , MEIRIK O. , KARLBERG P.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Using the Swedish Medical Birth Registry for 1983 the birthweights were studied from the 38th to the 42nd week of gestation. Several criteria were used in order to retain a “normal” population of infants without signs of pathology. The mothers all negated smoking. Of about 93000 livebirths roughly 10% fulfilled the criteria. Both in the infants who were the firstborn child (n=5.640) and in those who were the second‐born child (n=3.599) there was a successively higher mean birthweight for each completed week until 41 weeks. After that a graph connecting the mean values showed a significant flattening.
Energy Expenditure in the Fetus and Neonate: Sources of Variability
Authors: BROOKE O. G.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. The paper discusses fetal and neonatal energy expenditure. The extent of the variation in fetal energy expenditure is unknown, but calculations are presented to show that an average value may be around 18 kcal/kg d, with the oxidative cost of growth being about 13% of the total. In the neonatal period there is apparently a large variation in total daily energy expenditure, perhaps as great as 70%. This is accounted for partly by methodological difficulties, but also by genetic variation in resting metabolism, and by variation in activity, nutritional state, growth rate and body composition. Data are presented from the literature to give some guidance as to the variability of energy expenditure at different weights and postnatal ages.
Immunologic Deficiencies in Small‐for‐Dates Neonates
Authors: XANTHOU M.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Health is dependent upon good nutrition because of the interactions of immunologic function with nutritional status. Full‐term neonates—and even more so prematures—present with various immaturities of their humoral and cellular immunologic mechanisms, particularly during the first days of life. Foetal growth retardation causes further deficiencies to the immature neonatal host defence mechanisms by decreasing thymic hormone activity and by reducing the numbers and activity of T and B‐lymphocytes in their peripheral blood. Furthermore, very low levels of IgG 1 immunoglobulin and reduced bacteriocidal capacity of polymorphonuclear neutrophils have been found in small‐for‐dates neonates. Impaired im‐munocompetence in growth‐retarded neonates is probably the main cause of the increased frequency and severity of infections they develop.
A Perinatal Growth Chart for International Reference
Authors: DUNN PETER M.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. The relation between weight and age in the two years following conception describes a gentle S‐shaped curve. Between 28 weeks’gestation and 18 weeks’postnatal age the relationship appears linear, indicating a uniform incremental weight gain. The linear part of this curve has been used to help select an arbitrary reference line to reflect the normal average growth of a healthy population during this period. The flattening in the fetal growth curve usually observed after 40 weeks’gestation is considered to be due to the constraint of fetal growth and is therefore ignored. Arguments are advanced for believing that there is a normal distribution of weight around the central tendency at this time, and that, for practical purposes, normally growing fetuses and infants have an almost identical potential growth velocity during this period and differ for the most part only in the weight they have achieved at 28 weeks’gestation. Using these assumptions a versatile reference chart for international use has been created that is easy to remember and to construct. Allowance may be made for biologic variables such as sex and maternal height. It may be used to categorize groups of infants, to study longitudinal growth following delivery, as well as to compare different populations.
Congenital Malformations in Diabetic Pregnancies Clinical Viewpoints
Authors: MOLSTED‐PEDERSEN LARS , PEDERSEN JAN FOG
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. A consecutive series of 2 587 newborn infants of diabetic mothers treated during pregnancy and delivery in the period 1926 to 1983 has been analysed. The malformation rate was 6.6%. The series has been divided into five consecutive periods each comprising around 500 infants. During the first four periods the frequency of congenital malformations (CM) was remarkably constant also when related to the severity of the maternal diabetes. During the latest period from 1979 to 1983 a significant decrease in the frequency and severity of CM in infants of diabetic mothers was seen, most marked in the group with more severe maternal diabetes (White's classes D + F). One hundred and thirty‐five insulin‐dependent diabetic women with regular menstrual histories were examined by ultrasonic scanning in the 7th to 14th week of pregnancy. As judged by the crown‐rump length 53 fetuses were smaller than normal. The term early growth delay is used for this phenomenon. Nine of the 135 fetuses had major CM and seven of them were smaller than normal in early pregnancy. These observations show that fetuses that are significantly smaller than normal in early pregnancy carry a higher risk of being malformed and suggest a common mechanism behind early growth delay and induction of abnormal embryogenesis.
Composition of Postnatal Weight Loss and Subsequent Weight Gain in Small for Dates Newborn Infants
Authors: WAGEN A. v. d. , OKKEN A. , ZWEENS J. , ZIJLSTRA W. G.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Using a sucrose and deuterium oxide dilution technique body water compartments and solids were serially determined in small for dates newborn infants at birth, at the moment of maximum postnatal weight loss and on recovery of birth weight. Compositions of weight loss and subsequent weight gain were calculated from the differences in body water compartments and solids between the first and the second and the second and the third study, respectively. Birth weight of the infants was 1.55 ± 0.46 kg (mean ± SD) (n=7). gestational age was 35.7 ± 3.1 weeks. Results show that despite changes in extra‐ and intracellular water volumes during weight loss, total body water volume and solids per unit of body weight remained remarkably constant throughout the study. Compositions of weight loss and subsequent weight gain were simlar to body composition. This suggests that in small for dates newborn infants postnatal weight loss is the result of catabolism rather than dehydration and subsequent weight gain is the result of growth rather than rehydration.
The Wheezy Child
Authors: FOUCARD T.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Wheezing in association with viral respiratory tract infections occurs in 10‐20 % of all infants and young children and usually indicates hyperreactive bronchi. Signs of airway hyperreactivity can usually be demonstrated many years after the child has stopped wheezing. This hyperreactivity is partly constitutional, but it may be further aggravated by viral infections in the respiratory tract. Similarly, allergic inflammation or long‐term exposure to airway irritants may also cause or aggravate a state of hyperreactivity which may be expressed as a proneness to asthmatic reactions. As viral infections are among the most potent asthma‐provoking factors known, the hyperreactivity does not need to be very pronounced before wheezing develops in the infant or young child, with its small‐calibred airway. As long as wheezing only occurs sporadically and only in association with viral respiratory tract infections, the prognosis is usually excellent. However, recommendations regarding avoidance of potent allergens and airway irritants in the daily environment should be given to such families. Such advice is especially important for families with a proneness to atopic reactions or if wheezing begins to occur even during infection‐free periods
Pre‐school Children of Amphetamine‐addicted Mothers: I. Somatic and Psychomotor Development
Authors: BILLING L. , ERIKSSON M. , STENEROTH G. , ZETTERSTRÖM R.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Sixty‐five children whose mothers took amphetamine during pregnancy have been followed prospectively since birth. At 4 years of age their somatic growth and general health did not differ from that of another unselected Swedish population of the same age examined at the Child Health Centre. Developmental screening by the Terman Merrill method showed that the group as a whole had a significantly lower IQ (103) than a sampled Swedish group (110). The psychological assessment of the child's adaptation and emotional wellbeing showed that there were more disturbed children or “problem children” in the group that had lived partly or all the time with a mother who was still addicted to drugs
Pre‐school Children of Amphetamine‐addicted Mothers: II. Environment and Supportive Social Welfare
Authors: ERIKSSON M. , BILLING L. , STENEROTH G. , ZETTERSTRÖM R.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Sixty‐five children, whose 63 mothers took amphetamine during pregnancy, were followed prospectively with regard to their environmental conditions, during their first four years of life. Nine of the 16 mothers, who gave up drug‐taking in early pregnancy, were able to remain drug‐free until their children reached four years of age. All but three of the remaining 47 mothers have continued to be addicts. Twenty‐two of 52 children (42 %), who had initially been left in the care of their mothers, were placed in foster‐homes at four years of age. The decision to take the child into custody was often based on several negative factors, as determined by the social worker, such as a continuing addiction, unsatisfactory social conditions (12/22), and neglect (6/22). In many cases the decision was made following the failure of different noncompulsory supportive measures
The Relation between Attained Adult Height and the Metaphyseal Lesions in Hypophosphataemic Vitamin‐D Resistant Rickets
Authors: HERWEIJER T. J. , STEENDIJK R.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. In 13 young adult patients (5 men and 8 women) adult height was correlated with the average rachitic activity on radiographs of the wrist, taken at intervals during childhood. To this end the rachitic activity was classified into 4 different, clearly distinguishable stages according to its severity. The coefficient of correlation between adult height (expressed as standard deviation score) and the average rachitic activity or score was ‐0.796 (p<0.01), indicating that adult height varied inversely with the severity of the disease. The regression equation between adult height (y) and the rachitic score (x) was: v=‐1.53x+0.90; the SEy was 0.76. Although the coefficient of correlation was highly significant, this value for SEy indicated that much of the observed variation was due to other factors, apart from the rachitic process
Sequential Measurements of the Reticulo‐Endothelial System Function in Henoch‐Schönlein Disease of Childhood: Correlations with Various Immunological Parameters
Authors: DAVIN J. C. , VANDENBROECK M. C. , FOIDART J.B. , MAHIEU P. R.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Different immunological parameters were studied in 16 children suffering from Henoch‐Schönlein purpura. The following results were observed during the acute phases in some patients: (1) an increase in C3d plasma levels; (2) the presence of circulating immune complexes (CIC); (3) an increase in IgA plasma levels and (4) an impairment of the reticuloendothelial system (RES) function asssessed by an in vitro and an in vivo test. After the acute phase, all the altered parameters were almost normalized in recovering patients. On the contrary, all 5 patients with persistent urinary findings or relapsing purpura continued to present increased IgA plasma levels and/or CIC and/or impaired RES function. Our results therefore show that, in Henoch‐Schönlein disease of childhood, a correlation exists betwen persisting clinical signs and persisting high IgA plasma levels, CIC and RES function impairment
Immunological Protection of the Neonatal Gastrointestinal Tract: the Importance of Breast Feeding
Authors: JATSYK G. V. , KUVAEVA I. B. , GRIBAKIN S. G.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Immunoglobulins A, M and G were measured in the milk of 20 nursing mothers at the beginning of lactation and simultaneously in the faeces of their children. The IgA level in the human milk was very high especially during the first week of lactation. After the start of breast‐feeding IgA rapidly increased in the faeces, whereas IgG and IgM concentrations were consistently very low. In 74 normal full‐term bottle‐fed infants IgA appeared in the faeces at the age of 3‐4 weeks but the level was significantly lower than the IgA level in breast‐fed infants at the same age. Secretory IgA of human milk is stable and resistant to gastrointestinal juices and enzymes, thus giving passive immunological protection to the digestive tract of the newborn infant.
Mitogenic Activity and Epidermal Growth Factor Content in Human Milk
Authors: JANSSON L. , KARLSON F. A. , WESTERMARK B.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. The concentration of epidermal growth factor (EGF) was determined by radioimmunoassay in colostral and mature human milk. The content of EGF in colostral milk was 25‐38 ng/ml compared to 5.2‐11.5 ng/ml in samples of mature milk. The radioimmunoassayable EGF content in mature milk was not influenced by pasteurization and EGF was detected in a preparation of human milk protein at a concentration similar to that found in mature milk. The growth promoting activity in human milk measured by 3H‐thymidin incorporation in human fibroblasts was higher in colostral milk (stimulated incorporation 8.7.fold) than in mature milk (stimulated incorporation about 7‐fold).
Longitudinal Study of the Selenium Content in Human Breast Milk in Belgium
Authors: ROBBERECHT H. , ROEKENS E. , CAILLIE‐BERTRAND M. VAN , DEELSTRA H. , CLARA R.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. The selenium content of expressed human milk obtained at different stages of lactation from 32 lactating mothers was measured by hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry after previous wet acid digestion. The highest selenium level was found in colostrum (14.8 ng/g; wet weight), subsequently the content declined and plateaued off after one month (9.4 ng/g; wet weight). The daily selenium intake for Belgian infants of 3 months of age was found to be 7.1 μg (girls) and 8.1 μg (boys), which is lower than the values obtained in most other countries and lower than the recommended safe and adequate daily intake of 10 to 40 μg/day for the same age group.
A Silent Revolution–Changes in Maternity Ward Routines with Regard to Infant Feeding in Norway 1973‐1982
Authors: HELSING E. , KLERNES U.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Identical surveys of feeding routines were conducted in all Norwegian maternity wards in 1973 and 1982. The first survey was followed up by a set of recommendations on routines conducive to breastfeeding. Significant positive changes had taken place between the two surveys. Breastfeeding was in 1982 initiated within two hours in nearly all wards. Some form of demand feeding and rooming in for a large part of the day, had been adopted by a majority of the maternity wards. The use of supplements to breastfeeding had shifted from extensive use of home made cow's milk mixtures to sugar water and infant formulas “when needed”. The use of human milk from milk banks had increased, but was still not universal, even in the large wards. Most maternity wards were still test weighing infants before and after feedings. The above changes have taken place in a period when the rate of breastfeeding has increased significantly in Norway.
Dietary Bovine β Mactoglobulin is Transferred to Human Milk
Authors: JAKOBSSON IRENE , LINDBERG TOR , BENEDIKTSSON BIRGITTA , HANSSON BENGT‐GÖRAN
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Human milk from 38 mothers was analysed by radioimmunological method for content of bovine (5‐Iactoglobulin. Detectable amounts (5‐33 μg/1) of immunoactive β‐lactoglobulin were found in 18 human milk samples. Milk from 3 mothers, whose infants suffered from infantile colic contained high amounts of fi‐lactoglobulin (32, 18 and 14 μg/1 respectively). With the mothers on a cow's milk free diet the contents fell to non‐detectable amounts in two mothers and to 6 μg/1 in the third. All three infants became free from colic,
Enrichment of Human Milk Lymphocytes by Discontinuous Density Gradient Sedimentation
Authors: LAWTON J. W. M. , OTNÆSS A. B. KOLSTØ
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. A simple method is described for the enrichment of lymphocytes from human colostrum and early milk. Washed leucocytes from colostrum or milk were suspended in balanced salt solution containing 25 % human serum and separated by discontinuous density gradient centrifugation over Lymphoprep (1.077 g/ml) and Nycodenz (1.070 g/ml). The cell fraction harvested from the interface between these two media contained a mean of 56 % lymphocytes (9‐92 %), as compared to 5.6 % (0‐17 %) in the unseparated samples, representing an average enrichment of 12.6 fold. The percentage yield of lymphocytes ranged from 70 to 100 %. Enriched preparations of lymphocytes from human colostrum and early milk should prove valuable in studies of the distribution of lymphocyte subpopulations in breast milk and could lead to more definitive studies of their functions in vitro.
Red Cell Membrane Lipid Peroxidation and Hemolysis Secondary to Phototherapy
Authors: OSTREA ENRIQUE M. , CEPEDA EUGENE E. , FLEURY CHERYL A. , BALUN JAMES E.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. The exposure of red cells to phototherapy light in the presence of a sensitizer (bilirubin) resulted in oxidative injury to the red cell membrane as manifested by a significant increase in the concentration of the products of lipid peroxidation (TBA reactants and diene conjugation) in the membrane and hemolysis. To induce a photo‐oxidized membrane injury, the sensitizer (bilirubin) has to be membrane bound. Thus, by altering the availability of free bilirubin in the red cell suspension through changes in the molar concentration ratio of bilirubin to albumin, one is able to regulate the occurrence and extent of the oxidative red cell membrane injury. The clinical implications of these findings are discussed.
Effects on Plasma Glucose Concentration of Light‐for‐date Infants and Infants of Diabetic Mothers of Feeds Supplemented with a Glucose Polymer
Authors: COSTALOS C. , RUSSELL G. , RAHIM Q. AL , TARLOW M. J. , LLOYD D. J. , ROSS K. R.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Serial plasma glucose estimations were performed in 44 light‐for‐date infants and 17 infants of diabetic mothers fed 2, 3 or 4‐hourly with feeds containing 10 % additional carbohydrate in the form of a glucose polymer (Caloreen). In the infants fed 2 and 3‐hourly, plasma glucose was higher following the high carbohydrate feeds, particularly immediately before the next feed was due. Given 4‐hourly, the high carbohydrate feed had little effect in most light‐for‐date infants, and in one light‐for‐date infant and two infants of diabetic mothers the plasma glucose was lower at the end of 4 hours than following normal formula. It is concluded that the addition of glucose polymer to feeds given 2 and 3 hourly has a potentially useful effect in neonates at risk of developing hypoglycaemia, but it cannot be used to increase the feed interval to 4 hours.
Psychological Factors in Cost‐Benefit Analysis of Somatic Prevention
Authors: McNEIL T. F. , THELIN T. , ASPEGREN‐JANSSON E. , SVEGER T. , HARTY B.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Nation‐wide neonatal screening for α1‐antitrypsin deficiency (ATD) in Sweden was discontinued due to observations that identification of ATD in newborns seemed in some cases to have negative psychological effects on the parents and the parent‐child relationship. A multifaceted study was developed to investigate systematically the psychological and psychosocial consequences of the identification of ATD in the neonatal period, as studied five to seven years after it took place. The study's basic goals, hypotheses, design, samples and methods are described.
Natural Killer Cell Activity of Peripheral Blood and Bone Marrow Mononuclear Cells from Patients with Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: SØRSKAAR D. , LIE S. O. , FØRRE Ø.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Patients with untreated acute lymphoblastic leukemia had highly significantly reduced natural killer cell activity in peripheral blood (p<0.01) and bone marrow (p<0.001) mononuclear cells compared with that in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in normal healthy controls. Patients in remission had normal killer cell activity (p>0.5) both in peripheral blood and bone marrow mononuclear cells. Thus, the natural killer cell activity correlated well with the disease activity in the patients.
Growth of Long Term Survivors of Childhood Malignancy
Authors: HERBER S. M. , KAY R. , MAY R. , MILNER R. D. G.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. The growth of all children from one referral centre alive and well more than three years following the diagnosis of malignancy was analysed. Those treated with chemotherapy alone showed significant catch up growth. Children treated with chemotherapy and spinal irradiation showed no overall height loss, but manifested significant reduction in sitting height. Those treated by cranial irradiation had a significant height loss in the first year from which no catch up growth occurred and also had significantly reduced sitting height.
Cow's Milk, Soya Milk and Goat's Milk in a Mother's Diet Causing Eczema and Diarrhoea in Her Breast Fed Infant
Authors: CANT A. J. , BAILES J. A. , MARSDEN R. A.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. An exclusively breast fed infant developed eczema and severe gastrointestinal symptoms when his mother took cow's milk or goat's milk, and eczema alone when she took soya milk. The cow's milk‐ and soya milk‐induced symptoms were reproduced by double blind challenge.
Fatal Unresponsive Villous Atrophy of the Jejunum, Connective Tissue Disease and Diabetes in a Girl with Intestinal Epithelial Cell Antibody
Authors: SAVILAHTI E. , PELKONEN P. , HOLMBERG C. , PERKKIÖ M. , UNSWORTH J.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. The patient presented with a diabetes at the age of 3 years. At the age of 5 years she got persistent diarrhoea, lost weight and showed symptoms or arthritis and pericarditis. She was found to have total villous atrophy of the jejunum, which did not respond to dietary treatment, total parental nutrition, prednisone and cyclophosphamide medication. She had high titres of antinuclear antibodies and elevated serum IgG, but antibodies to DNA and to ribonuclearprotein were negative. A low titre of antibodies to human intestinal epithelial cells was found. The patient died of overwhelming fungal sepsis. We propose that the intestinal damage is part of the autoimmune disease. Careful study of jejunal biopsy specimens is helpful in distinguishing this type of patient from patients with coeliac disease.
Benign Infantile Nocturnal Myoclonus
Authors: BLENNOW GÖSTA
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Myoclonic jerks during sleep is a normal phenomenon seen also in infancy. Sometimes the episodes can be extended both in duration and seizure type. When this happens it should be differentiated from epilepsy and treatment is not needed. Five cases are reported.
Serum and Saliva Ig‐levels in Infants of Non‐Atopic Mothers Fed Breast Milk or Cow's Milk‐based Formulas
Authors: ØSTERGAARD P. AA.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Of twenty‐five healthy, full term infants without a family history of atopic diseases, 13 were exclusively breast‐fed from birth for a minimum of 3½ months (median 4½ months), whereas the remaining 12 infants were fed with cow's milk‐based formulas from birth for a minimum of 4 months. In the latter group of children a significant increase in serum IgE as well as in salivary IgA was found. In infants exclusively breast‐fed, no increase in serum IgE was seen until 6 months of age; at nine months of age, salivary IgA was still significantly lower than in the infants fed cow's milk‐based formulas. No children developed obvious allergic diseases during the first three years of life. Thus, cow's milk proteins given to newborn children of non‐atopic mothers did not seem to increase the risk of IgE‐mediated diseases, maybe due to the development of “blocking” IgA‐antibodies in the alimentary tract.