bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CHARACTERISTICS OF ACTIVE SODIUM AND POTASSIUM TRANSPORT IN ERYTHROCYTES OF HEALTHY INFANTS AND CHILDREN
Authors: SIGSTRöM L. , WALDENSTRöM J. , KARLBERG P.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Sigström, L. Waldenström, J. and Karlberg, P. (Departments of Paediatrics I and Clinical Chemistry, University of Göteborg, Göteborg, Sweden). Characteristics of active sodium and potassium transport in erythrocytes of healthy infants and children. Acta Paediatr Scand, 70:347, 1981.–Erythrocytes were analysed for adenosine triphosphatase (total and sodium‐potassium activated) activities, concentrations of sodium and potassium ions and ATP in normal individuals from birth to adulthood age. A decrease of Na, K+‐ATPase activity and an increase of the sodium concentration was seen in infants aged 1–3 and 4–8 months. A decrease of Na+, K+‐ATPase was seen during puberty. A correlation was seen between the Na+, K+‐ATPase activity and the Na+‐K+ ratio. Different influences which might lead to the observed changes in Na+, K+‐ATPase activity and erythrocyte sodium concentration are discussed.
CHARACTERISTICS OF ACTIVE SODIUM AND POTASSIUM TRANSPORT IN ERYTHROCYTES IN CHILDREN WITH DIFFERENTSTAGES OF SYMPTOMATIC UREMIA
Authors: SIGSTRöM L.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Sigström, L. (Department of Paediatrics I, University of Göteborg, East Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden). Characteristics of active sodium and potassium transport in erythrocytes in children with different stages of symptomatic uremia. Acta Paediatr Scand, 70: 361, 1981.–Erythrocytes from 15 uremic children aged from 7 months to 16 years were analyzed for adenosine triphosphatase (total ATPase and ouabain sensitive ATPase i.e. Na+, K+‐ATPase), sodium and potassium ions and ATP concentration, in some cases before and after therapeutic measures had been undertaken. No correlation was found between the levels of Na+, K+‐ATPase and serum creatinine and all uremic children had Na+, K+‐ATPase levels within the range for normal children. The children with rapidly progressive uremia had higher activities of Na+, K+‐ATPase at the corresponding serum creatinine concentration than those with slowly progressive uremia. Longitudinally the Na+, K+‐ATPase activities fell and the erythrocyte Na+‐K+ ratio increased in slowly progressive uremia. Introduction of a low‐protein, high‐energy diet giving accelerated growth did not change the Na+, K+ ‐ATPase activities, the concentrations of erythrocyte sodium and potassium ions or ATP. Hemodialysis gave a slight increase of Na+, K+‐ATPase and of the erythrocyte Na+‐K+ ratio, whereas renal transplantation resulted in a remarkable increase of Na+, K+ ‐ATPase activity and decrease of Na+‐K+ ratio. A distinct feature of uremic children with hypertension was a low erythrocyte Na+‐K+ ratio and a high Na+, K+‐ATPase level.
TRANSIENT REMISSION OF JUVENILE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS AFTER MEASLES
Authors: YOSHIOKA K. , MIYATA H. , MAKI S.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Yoshioka, K., Miyata, H. and Maki, S. (Department of Paediatrics, Kinki University School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan). Transient remission of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis after measles. Acta Paediatr Scand, 70:419, 1980.–A 4‐year‐old Japanese girl with systemic juvenile rheumatoid arthritis had an attack of measles. On the day following the first signs of measles she became afebrile and free of joint pain even though aspirin therapy was discontinued. The remission lasted for 10 days. It appears that the measles virus infection may have been responsible for the brief remission in this patient. The observation of a remission of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis after measles is extremely rare.
SERUM APOLIPOPROTEINS A‐I, A‐II AND B IN DIABETIC CHILDREN AND MATCHED HEALTHY CONTROLS
Authors: EWALD U. , TUVEMO T. , VESSBY B. , WÅLINDER O.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Serum concentrations of apolipoprotein (apo) A‐I, A‐II and B were determined in 28 diabetic children (age 3–16 years) and 14 healthy matched controls. In the healthy children the serum apo A‐I concentration was 120 ± 20 arbitrary units (A. U.) (mean ± S. D.), apo A‐II 111 ± 14 A. U. and apo B 100 ± 34 A. U. (100 A. U. =mean concentration in adult blood donors). The apo A‐I concentration was significantly higher in the diabetic children (134 ± 13; p <0.02) than in the healthy controls. In diabetics apo A‐II was 116 ± 14 A. U. and apo B 106 ± 21 A. U., values not significantly different from those in the controls. The serum cholesterol concentration in the healthy children correlated strongly to apo A‐I and apo A‐II, which was not the case in the diabetics. The differences between diabetic and healthy children with respect to correlations between the apolipoproteins and the serum lipids might indicate a different apolipoprotein/lipoprotein lipid relationship in diabetics.
METABOLIC EVENTS IN INFANTS OF DIABETIC MOTHERS DURING FIRST 24 HOURS AFTER BIRTH III.
Authors: HERTEL J. , ANDERSEN G. E. , BRANDT N. J. , CHRISTENSEN E. , KÜHL C. , MØLSTED‐PEDERSEN L.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Plasma amino acid concentrations (AAC) were studied in 31 diabetic mothers (10 of White class A, 10 of B‐C and 11 of D‐F) and their 32 infants during the first 24 hours after birth. Only minor differences between the 3 groups were found at birth and 2 hours, and none at 12 and 24 hours after birth. The individual AAC in umbilical vein plasma did not correlate with birthweight. All AAC except aspartic acid, aspargine, cystine and glutamic acid were higher in umbilical venous plasma than in maternal plasma. Umbilical venousarterial differences of amino acids did not correlate with maternal or umbilical vein insulin concentrations except for threonine and valine. In general essential amino acids decreased after birth. In 8 infants with hypoglycemia and hyperinsulinism at 2 hours of age several plasma amino acids were lower than in the normoglycemic infants.
VASOACTIVE INTESTINAL PEPTIDE (VIP) IN PRETERM AND TERM NEONATES
Authors: LUCAS A. , BLOOM S. R. , AYNSLEY‐GREEN A.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. There is a little information on vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in the neonatal period. We have measured plasma concentrations of this biologically important peptide in 159 preterm infants and 98 term neonates. Preterm neonates during the first four days of life had plasma VIP concentrations which were five times greater than the levels in 12 healthy adult controls (9.6±0.7 pmol/1, mean ± S. E. M., compared with 1.95±0.5 pmol/l, p<0.001), and these elevated concentrations persisted throughout the neonatal period. In contrast term infants on the sixth day of life, had plasma VIP concentrations only half those seen in preterm infants at the same post natal age (p<0.001). Bottle‐fed term infants had higher VIP levels than those who were breast fed (5.6±0.4 vs. 4.3±0.4, p<0.05). Plasma VIP concentrations did not change following a feed in any of the groups of neonates studied. The high plasma levels of VIP described may indicate a reduced neuropepitide clearance mechanism in neonates or alternatively, suggest a hitherto unrecognised role for this peptide hormone in the neonatal period.
URINARY MONOHYDROXY BILE ACIDS IN YOUNG INFANTS WITH OBSTRUCTIVE JAUNDICE
Authors: TAZAWA Y. , KONNO T.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Using an aluminum oxide column, we fractionated and quantitatively determined urinary monohydroxy bile acids in young infants. For comparison purposes, monohydroxy bile acids were also measured in urine from older children and adults with obstructive jaundice. Lithocholic acid was not found in any specimens of the young infants examined, while 3β‐hydroxy‐5‐cholenoic acid was detected in all. In the biliary atresia group, 3β‐hydroxy‐5‐cholenoic acid excreted was 0.45 ± 0.28 μmol per day (n= 7), and in the neonatal hepatitis group, 0.48 ± 0.44 μmol per day (n= 9). The mean rate of 3β‐hydroxy‐5‐cholenoic acid to total urinary bile acids in the biliary atresia group was 2.1%, and 1.3% in the neonatal hepatitis group. In the older children and adults with obstructive jaundice (n=6), 3β‐hydroxy‐5‐cholenoic acid was excreted at a mean rate of 3.9% of total urinary bile acids, ranging from 0.63 to 14.81 mol per day. The excretion rate of 3β‐hydroxy‐5‐cholenoic acid was related to that of chenodeoxycholic acid (p<0.05) in infants, while it was related to that of both chenodeoxycholic acid (p<0.01) and cholic acid (p<0.05) in older children and adults.
CEREBROSPINAL FLUID FERRITIN IN NEWBORN INFANTS
Authors: HÄLLGREN R. , LUNDQVIST G. , SEDIN G. , WIDE L.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. One hundred and four infants with neurological symptoms or suspected infection during the neonatal period were consecutively investigated with respect to ferritin and albumin concentrations in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). In some cases serial determinations of CSF ferritin were performed during the period in the neonatal unit. CSF ferritin was significantly higher in infants that recovered very soon from a transient neonatal disorder (TND) than in apparently healthy adults. No difference in CSF ferritin was found between full‐term infants with TND and pre‐term infants with TND or asphyxiated infants. Three out of five infants with septicaemia or meningitis showed a marked increase in CSF ferritin during the observation period, and the same finding was made in three infants with intracranial bleeding, in whom CSF ferritin values 100 times the upper reference limit for infants with TND were recorded. In two infants with neonatal convulsions secondary to asphyxia moderate CSF elevations were observed. No correlation was found between ferritin and albumin in CSF, suggesting that other mechanisms than passive penetration from blood into CSF must have been responsible for the ralsed levels of CSF ferritin. More likely the observed ferritin increments reflect ferritin release from macrophages undergoing phagocytosis either induced by cerebral bleeding or due to infectious agents.
PRIMARY AND SECONDARY MATERNAL CYTOMEGALOVIRUS INFECTIONS AND THEIR RELATION TO CONGENITAL INFECTION
Authors: AHLFORS K. , IVARSSON S.‐A. , JOHNSSON T. , SVANBERG L.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. 4382 new mothers were examined retrospectively with the enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for IgG activity to cytomegalovirus (CMV) during pregnancy. Some of them were also studied with the indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) test for CMV‐IgM antibodies. All the infants had been studied for CMV excretion within the first week of life. Nineteen of them had been shown to be congenitally infected with CMV. 1218 (28 %) women lacked CMV‐IgG activity at their first antenatal visit (usually in months III‐IV). Fourteen of them seroconverted before parturition (primary infection). Thirteen of the seroconverters were shown to develop CMV‐IgM activity. In 6 (43 %) cases the primary infection was transmitted to the offspring. The remaining 13 congenitally infected infants were born to mothers with a positive IgG‐test at their first antenatal control. Only one of these mothers had a clearly positive IgM‐test. She was shown to lack CMV‐antibodies before conception (primary infection during the first trimester). Preconceptional sera were obtained from further 4 of the 13 seropositive mothers of congenitally infected infants; all 4 had CMV antibodies before pregnancy (secondary infection during pregnancy). The combined studies of the mothers and infants revealed that 21–63 % of the congenital infections could have been caused by secondary maternal infections. Prospectively performed, the study would only have disclosed one of the three fetal CMV infections that resulted in neurological sequelae.
ACUTE HEPATITIS B IN INFANTS BORN TO HBsAg ASYMPTOMATIC CARRIER MOTHERS
Authors: MORONI G. A. , CHICCOLI C. , ZANETTI A. R. , ANGELI M. , GIUNTA A. M.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Within an eight‐month period, five cases of acute hepatitis B were observed in children born to asymptomatic HBsAg carrier mothers. At delivery, four mothers were HBeAg‐positive and one was anti‐HBe‐positive. At an average age of 17 ± 3 weeks the infants showed high transaminases levels and appearance of markers of HBV infection. Three children became HBsAg chronic carriers, one had a brief HBsAg‐antigenemia (1 week), while the last one showed clinical and biochemical signs of hepatitis B in absence of detectable HBsAg but with anti‐HBc and anti‐HBe (window phase) and later became anti‐HBs‐positive.
PERCEPTUAL, MOTOR AND ATTENTIONAL DEFICITS IN SIX‐YEAR‐OLD CHILDREN
Authors: GILLBERG C. , RASMUSSEN P.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. 3448 six‐year‐old Swedish children were screened for perceptual, motor and attentional deficlts with the help of a questionnaire containing 34 yes‐no questions. Epidemiological aspects of single symptoms and of groups of symptoms are presented. Boys displayed many more problems than girls. Children attending day nurseries had more problems than part‐time pre‐school children, particularly as regards attention and behaviour. 141 of the children–82 with and 59 without questionnaire symptoms suggestive of so‐called MBD–had been examined in an extended neuro‐psychiatric study. A discriminant analysis of the questionnaire was performed for these 141 children which demonstrated that a set of 6 questions had a high discriminating capacity detecting for MBD‐syndromes.
SMOKING HABITS IN 9000 DANISH SCHOOLCHILDREN
Authors: IBSEN K. KAAS
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. A stratifled sample of 9 158 Danish schoolchildren from 39 schools and 118 children from a handball club team championship participated in a questionnaire survey of smoking habits. Compared with previous investigations, decrease in the percentage of children who had tried to smoke and in the children who actually smoked were observed. In most of the classes, smokers now constitute a numerical minority. In most of the older agegroups, preponderance of girl smokers is now present. Most of the smokers started to smoke out of curiosity or because their companions were smokers whereas only 5% started to smoke because their parents were smokers. Children in the capital became regular smokers earlier than children in rural areas. Only 8% of the children participating in a championship for handball teams were smokers whereas 31% of the remainder of the material in the same agegroup were smokers. If more children could be encouraged to participate in sports, it is possible that attitudes which could reinforce smoking health education could be established.
AN IMPROVED SELECTIVE BRONCHIAL INTUBATION TECHNIQUE FOR MANAGING SEVERE LOCALIZED INTERSTITIAL EMPHYSEMA
Authors: MAC MAHON P. , FLEMING P. J. , THEARLE M. J. , SPEIDEL B. D.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. A 30‐week gestation boy developed severe unilateral interstitial emphysema whilst being ventilated. This was successfully treated by selective bronchial intubation. The problem of right upper lobe collapse was overcome by using an endotracheal tube with an additional side hole.
INCIDENCE AND SURVIVAL CURVES OF CYSTIC FIBROSIS IN SWEDEN
Authors: KOLLBERG H.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. A registry of all patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) in Sweden has been kept since 1968. During the 10‐year period 1968‐1977 the number of CF patients in Sweden increased by about 8‐9 per year, i. e. from 116 to 200, the median age of patients increased from 5 to 11 years, the percentage of patients above 18 years of age increased from 3 to 9 of the total CF population, and the median survival age increased from 7.5 to 16 years. For CF patients born without meconium ileus the median survival age in 1973‐1977 was 17.8 years. From these figures the incidence of CF in Sweden is estimated to be 1:2200 to 1:4500. Several factors may have contributed to the improved outcome for CF patients, such as better medical treatment with more intensive physical therapy, the use of inhalation therapy and new antibiotics, improved social care and intensified information.
OMENTAL AND MESENTERIC CYSTS IN CHILDREN
Authors: MOLANDER MARIE‐LOUISE , MORTENSSON WIGHER , UDÉN ROLF
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Six children with omental or mesenteric cysts are reported. The cysts usually gave rise to an uncharacteristic clinical picture and deceptive findings, which lead to misconception of the nature of the lesions. The primary step to correct diagnosis is to include the disease among the differential possibilities; ultrasonography may offer conclusive information.
ENTEROTOXIGENIC ESCHERICHIA COLI AND OTHER ENTEROPATHOGENS IN PAEDIATRIC DIARRHOEA IN ADDIS ABABA
Authors: STINTZING G. , MÖLLBY R. , HABTE D.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. This study was performed during two weeks among 86 paediatric outpatients of poor socio‐economic background. A control group comprised 60 healthy children. Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) was the most common diarrhoeal agent isolated (26%). Strains of ETEC producing heat‐labile (LT) only or LT and heatstable (ST) enterotoxin were isolated from 11% each and ETEC producing ST only from 4% of the patients. ETEC was also found not infrequently among controls (10%). ETEC with O‐antigens 78, 6 and 8 were shown to harbour colonization factors. Enterotoxigenic bacteria were found as contaminants in 5 of 24 feeding bottles investigated. Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) and Shigella species were isolated from 8% each and rotavirus from 24% of the patients. Twelve patients infected with ETEC only were compared to 66 patients not infected with ETEC. Patients infected with ETEC had a relatively mild desease and it was not possible by clinical findings to distinguish those patients infected with ETEC, LT and/or ST producing, carrying or not carrying colonization factors from those infected with other agents. This study underlines the need for extended studies of the clinical significance of ETEC infection in developing countries.
SLEEP RELATED GROWTH HORMONE AND PROLACTIN SECRETION’IN CHILDREN DURING CONSTANT RATE ENTERAL NUTRITION
Authors: FAGIOLI I. , CZERNICHOW P. , SALZARULO P. , BONARDI J. M. , RICOUR C. , SACHS C. , SALOMON F.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. The aim of this study was to investigate the nocturnal secretion of growth hormone and prolactin in a particular model where nutrients are delivered continuously. Six children with severe intestinal diseases undergoing total constant rate enteral nutrition for 1.5 to 8 months have been studied; all children had a normal nutritional status at the time of the recording. Sleep patterns were studied by the usual polygraphic methods from 10 p. m. to 8 a. m. Blood samples were taken every 20 min through an indwelling catheter for growth hormone and prolactin plasma level determination. Several growth hormone peaks were observed with a peak always secreted in connection with stage III‐IV of the first cycle. This early peak was significantly higher than the following ones. Nocturnal patterns of prolactin secretion showed individual differences characterized by a series of episodic releases which consisted of a few long rises (4 patients) and several small fluctuations; no correlation was found with the sleep patterns; no increase in the level throughout the night was observed. Loss of the rhythmicity of alimentation does not alter the secretion of growth hormone during sleep.
DEPENDENCE OF THE EFFICIENCY OF PHOTOTHERAPY ON PLASMA BILIRUBIN CONCENTRATION
Authors: JÄHRIG K. , JÄHRIG DIETLIND , MEISEL P.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. 407 newborns with idiopathic transitory hyperbilirubinaemia were examined with regard to the decrease in serum bilirubin levels during 24 hours of intermittent phototherapy (12 hours of light exposure). The photoeffect (i. e. decrease of serum bilirubin concentration after 24 hours of therapy) showed a unique and predictable nonlinear correlation with the plasma bilirubin concentration before treatment. This relationship can be used for individualizing the duration of phototherapy and the dose of light. The apparent effect of birth weight, gestational age, and postnatal age on the efficiency of phototreatment is only due to differing initial levels of bilirubin concentration. Intermittent illumination seemed to be more efficient than continuous.
TERATOGENIC AND PHARMACOKINETIC STUDIES OF PRIMIDONE DURING PREGNANCY AND IN THE OFFSPRING OF EPILEPTIC WOMEN
Authors: RATING D. , NAU H. , JÄGER‐ROMAN E. , GÖPFERT‐GEYER I. , KOCH S. , BECK‐MANNAGETTA G. , SCHMIDT D. , HELGE H.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Fourteen epileptic women treated with primidone, either alone or in combination with other antiepileptic drugs, were studied prospectively during their pregnancy. Plasma levels of primidone and its metabolites were monitored and correlated to findings in the offspring. Maternal serum concentrations of primidone and metabolites were generally low during pregnancy. The levels of its main metabolites–phenobarbital and PEMA–were found to drop within the first month of pregnancy in two cases. The plasma concentrations remained low until birth and rose sharply thereafter. The phenobarbital/primidone ratio (mean 0.84) and PEMA/primidone ratio (mean 0.56) in pregnant patients were found to be lower than in non‐pregnant patients, except when primidone was given in combination with phenytoin in which case the expected phenobarbital/primidone (mean 2.5) and PEMA/primidone (mean 1.5) ratios were found. A ventricular septal defect was found in one of the offspring of the fourteen mothers and five children had microcephaly. There was a high incidence of poor somatic development with dystrophy (n=3) and short stature (n=2). Head circumferences (n=8), lengths (n=4) and/or weights (n=8) were below the 10th percentile in a number of children. Four children showed marked facial dysmorphy. Our preliminary data suggest that primidone intake during pregnancy may be important in the pathogenesis of minor anomalies and in the induction of poor somatic development.
ADRENOGENITAL SYNDROME AND CYSTIC FIBROSIS
Authors: NIELSEN OLE HAAGEN , HAAHR JØRGEN
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. A case of adrenogenital syndrome (21‐hydroxylase deficiency) co‐existing with cystic fibrosis is described. The available literature yields only one patient with a similar disease combination, although the authors do not expressly state the type of the adrenogenital syndrome (1). Both diseases have autosomal recessive inheritance. As the estimated incidence of co‐existence of the two diseases is one per 4.5 × 107 newborns, the possibility is discussed of the two cases being caused by the same genetic defect.
THE INFLUENCE OF CHANGES IN ARTERIAL BLOOD PRESSURE ON TRANSCUTANEOUS OXYGEN TENSION (tcPO2) IN THE NEWBORN
Authors: EICKHOFF J. H. , WIMBERLEY P. D.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. The possible artefacts in transcutaneous oxygen tension (tcPO2) induced by fluctuations in arterial blood pressure were investigated in ten newborn babies. We mounted one tcPO2 electrode on the foot and another on the chest, and the local arterial blood pressure under the foot electrode was reduced 0.6‐2.0 kPa (9‐15 mmHg) by elevating the foot 11‐19 cm above the heart level. In five mature newborns the tcPO2 of the foot decreased significantly (p=0.015) during elevation by a mean valve of 0.029 kPa (0.22 mmHg) per mmHg decrease in mean arterial blood pressure. In five premature newborns the artefact was insignificant (p=0.62). We conclude therefore that, in contrast to adults, the artefacts induced by minor fluctuations in arterial blood pressure in newborns are hardly of clinical importance.
PLASMA COPPER IN FOETAL MALNUTRITION
Authors: GOEL R. , MISRA P. K.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Plasma copper in the cord blood of 20 small for gestational age (SGA) term infants was studied. Twenty‐five appropriate for gestational age (SGA) term infants were taken as control and another group of 20 preterm AGA infants for comparison. The plasma concentration of copper in term SGA infants was significantly lower than values obtained for the controls, while there was no significant difference from the levels observed in preterm infants. This lowering in the plasma copper levels was possibly because of decreased liver synthesis of caeruloplasmin as a result of foetal malnutrition. There was a marked foeto‐maternal difference in the plasma copper levels in all three groups which was due to much higher levels of non‐diffusible caeruloplasmin in the mothers compared to the neonates.
OSTEITIS AND OTHER COMPLICATIONS CAUSED BY GENERALIZED BCG‐ITIS
Authors: BÖTTIGER M. , ROMANUS V. , de VERDIER C. , BOMAN G.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. In 1973 an increase in the number of osteitis caused by BCG vaccination in the neonatal period was observed in Sweden. A high incidence of this complication, i. e. 1 case per 3000 vaccinated newborn children continued until this vaccination was interrupted in 1975. In the years 1972 to 1980 a total of 90 cases were reported to the Adverse Drug Reaction Committee. Earlier retrospective studies had disclosed 36 cases born between 1949‐1968 and an active search for unreported cases in the 1970s revealed an additional 26 cases. Of the total of 152 known cases in Sweden, 82 were boys and 70 girls. The mean incubation period was 14 months for boys and 23 for girls. Extremely long incubation periods were seen, i. e. 6 years in two children and 12 years in one. Eleven children had multiple osteitis lesions. The epiphyses of the long bones of the extremities were the most frequent sites of the affection (109 lesions). Only in 6 patients the spine, which is the common site of osteitis caused by tuberculosis, was affected. Relapses occurred in two patients.
SERUM IMMUNOGLOBULIN E IN ATOPIC AND NON‐ATOPIC CHILDREN AGED 6 MONTHS TO 5 YEARS
Authors: SAARINEN ULLA M. , JUNTUNEN KAISU , KAJOSAARI MERJA , BJÖRKSTÉN FRED
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. In order to obtain serum IgE reference values for small children we measured the total serum IgE concentration at the ages of 6 months, 1, 3, and 5 years in 66 healthy, non‐atopic children who were followed from birth to 5 years of age. From this reference group we had excluded children with symptoms or signs of atopy during the follow‐up period, as well as children with blood or nasal smear eosinophilia or positive skin prick tests. We also studied serum IgE levels in groups of children having latent atopy, symptomatic atopy, or severe atopic disease. We suggest that in the definition of reference values the upper limit of normal should be replaced by a zone of uncertainty, lying between the 95th and 97.5th percentiles. Serum IgE is a useful test with high specificity but low sensitivity in the differentiation between atopy and non‐atopy. Thus high levels suggest atopy, while normal or low values yield little information. A normal serum IgE level does not necessarily exclude atopic disease.
HYPERTENSIVE PEAKS IN THE PATHOGENESIS OF INTRAVENTRICULAR HEMORRHAGE IN THE NEWBORN. ABOLITION BY PHENOBARBITONE SEDATION
Authors: WIMBERLEY PETER D. , LOU HANS C. , PEDERSEN HANS , HEJL MOGENS , LASSEN NIELS A. , FRIIS‐HANSEN BENT
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) was measured continuously for 3 to 5 days after birth in 27 premature infants with a birth weight under 1500 g, and who required umbilical artery catheterisation. All had respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) occurred in 9 infants (33%), diagnosed by computered tomography (CT). IVH was more common in infants of lower gestational age, in infants delivered vaginally and in infants with perinatal asphyxia. Variable increases in MABP over the resting value occurred in all infants associated with increases in both active and passive motor activity. In 6 infant pairs matched for birth weight, gestational age, mode of delivery and severity of perinatal asphyxia, the infants who developed IVH had higher peak MABP valued compared to matched controls. Resting and minimum MABP values were not different in the two groups. We conclude that the large increases in arterial blood pressure which occur with both spontaneous motor activity and in association with nursing procedures, are an important cause of development of IVH in very low birth weight infants. An example is given to show that pressure peaks can be abolished by phenobarbitone sedation.
SUPPRESSION OF AEROBIC AND ANAEROBIC FAECAL FLORA IN NEWBORNS RECEIVING PARENTERAL GENTAMICIN AND AMPICILLIN
Authors: BENNET R. , ERIKSSON M. , NORD C. E. , ZETTERSTRÖM R.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. The immediate effect of parenteral antibiotic treatment (gentamicin and ampicillin) on the aerobic and anaerobic faecal flora of 14 infants with suspected or proven neonatal septicaemia was studied. Eight infants of similar gestational and postnatal age were studied for comparison. All control infants showed an abundant growth of both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria as early as the first 2 weeks of life. The treated infants generally had lower counts of aerobic and especially of anaerobic bacteria; in 10 of 16 cultures no anaerobes were isolated. In relation to aerobic strains E. coli dominated in untreated infants and Klebsiella pneumoniae in treated ones.
SERUM BILE ACIDS IN NEWBORNS: EVIDENCE FOR AN HEPATIC DYSFUNCTION IN LOW‐BIRTH‐WEIGHT INFANTS
Authors: CHAINTREUIL J. , TILMONT P. , MONTOYA F. , DE PAULET A. CRASTES , BONNET H.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. The post‐prandial pattern of total serum bile acids was studied in 47 newborns: 12 prematures (less than 36 weeks), 17 term low‐birth‐weight infants (less than the 3rd percentile), 18 term normals. The study was made at the end of the first month. Blood was collected in a peripheral vein using a microcatheter. Samples were taken at fasting time and 30, 60, 120, 180 min after a test meal intake (40 ml/kg of “humanized” milk based formula). Bile acids were assayed using an original enzymatic micromethod which needed only 50 μl of serum and showed a sensitivity of 0.3 pmol in 200 μl of reaction medium. The response of serum bile acids after the test meal was very similar in normal term newborns and in adults. Prematures exhibited bile acid levels slightly higher than normals, but this difference was significant only at 0 and 180 min. Low‐birth‐weight infants showed very high values of serum bile acids at all times during the test, compared to normal and premature infants. Serum levels of total bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase were similar in all 3 groups. These results are not consistent with cholestasis but rather indicate a specific dysfunction in bile acid metabolism in low‐birth‐weight infants.
PROLONGED BREAST FEEDING AS PROPHYLAXIS FOR RECURRENT OTITIS MEDIA
Authors: SAARINEN ULLA M.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. The incidence of otitis media was studied in 237 healthy children in reference to the duration of breast‐feeding, with a follow‐up from birth to three years of age. Recurrent otitis media was strongly associated with early bottle‐feeding, in contrast to prolonged breast‐feeding which had a long‐term protecting effect up to three years of age. It is uncertain whether the prophylactic effect of prolonged breast‐feeding on recurrent otitis is due to protection by human milk from infections or allergy, or to avoidance of harmful effects caused by cow's milk.
ERYTHROCYTE SUPEROXIDE DISMUTASE AND REDOX ENZYMES IN TRISOMY 21
Authors: MATTEI J. F. , BAETEMAN M. A. , BARET A. , ARDISSONE J. P. , REBUFFEL P. , GIRAUD F.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. The activity of erythrocyte superoxide dismutase in patients with trisomy 21 and controls has been determined by both an enzymatic method and by radioimmunoassay. Increased activity, in a ratio of 1.5 to controls was seen in trisomy 21, while the specific activity of the enzyme was not altered. Of the other enzymes of the redox system, only glutathione peroxidase showed increased activity. These modifications could be one of the causes of the increased haemolysis seen in trisomy 21.
INHIBITED GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT AS PERMANENT FEATURES OF LOW BIRTH WEIGHT
Authors: FLEDELIUS HANS C.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. A 10‐year assessment of ocular function eye size and other anthropometric parameters indicated a negative influence of low birth weight (LBW). The sample consisted of 302 children with BW <2000 g and 237 full‐term controls. The former had smaller eyes and there were deficits regarding height, head circumference, interpupillary distance and exophthalmometry readings. Based on an 18‐year follow‐up study comprising 137 of the above 539, the various LBW deficits have proven to be permanent, and due not only to delayed development around the age of 10. The menarche appeared later in LBW girls (13 ½ years of age) than in controls (13 years). Exophthalmometry readings have led to rejection of one of the presumed classical permanent stigmata of prematurity: ocular protrusion. The findings indicate that low birth weight is an impediment to the overall development of the individual. It also seems to interfere with some of the usual correlations between growth parameters. In addition, the results confirm the well‐known feature: that males have a more marked growth spurt at puberty than females.
INSULIN RESISTANCE IN A CHILD WITH ACANTHOSIS NIGRICANS TYPE A*
Authors: MARIANI S. , PEDONE A. , MESCHI F. , DI NATALE B. , CAPUTO R. , BROGGI U. , CHIUMELLO G.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. The patient, a female 6 years 4 months old, diagnosed as affected by Acanthosis nigricans and diabetes mellitus was referred to our Clinic for further investigation of her glucose metabolism. She had a typical face with hypertelorism, prognathism, macroglossia and large auricles. The skin was hyperpigmented, verrucous, hyperkeratotic especially in the folds and flexural areas with small papillomatous or nodular growth; diffused hypertrichosis and hypertrophic clitoris were also present. Biochemical and hormonal investigations revealed no major abnormalities apart from glucose metabolism. After an unsuccessful trial with conventional insulin therapy, endovenous continuous insulin infusion was started: even with 32 U/kg/h it was not possible to achieve normoglycemia. Insulin receptors were studied on erythrocytes: 125I‐insulin binding (specific) was clearly lower than normal. The concentration of insulin receptors was reduced, while the average affinity profile was normal. The study of erythrocyte insulin receptors has demonstrated that insulin resistance in this patient is due to a decrease in the number of receptors, i. e. Acanthosis nigricans type A.
INTRACRANIAL HAEMORRHAGE IN SIBLINGS AND ORNITHINE TRANSCARBAMYLASE DEFICIENCY
Authors: AMIR J. , ALPERT G. , STATTER M. , GUTMAN A. , REISNER S. H.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. A family is reported where three male siblings died of intracranial haemorrhage shortly after birth. In one infant ornithine transcabamylase deficiency was proven and the mother was shown to be a carrier of this defect. There appears to be a relationship between disorders of the urea cycle and haemorrhagic diathesis.
HEMOLYTIC DISEASE OF THE NEWBORN CAUSED BY THE RHESUS ANTIGEN Cw
Authors: MOGILNER B. M. , BERREBI A. , LEVY A. , LEVENE C.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. A positive direct antiglobulin (Coombs) test (DAT) in a jaundiced neonate, without demonstrable antibodies while screening the mother's blood, presents a problem. In this case report the absence of ABO and Rho(D) incompatibility led to the discovering of the anti‐Cw as the cause of the hemolytic process. Hitherto, only few cases of hemolytic disease of the newborn, caused by this low incidence Rh antigen have been reported.
OPEN LUNG BIOPSY IN CHILDREN WITH DIFFUSE PULMONARY LESIONS
Authors: LEIJALA M. , LOUHIMO I. , LINDFORS E.‐L.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. During the period 1973‐81, open lung biopsy was performed in 33 consecutive children, aged 1 month to 13 years, to exclude or diagnose Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia and to differentiate other interstitial pulmonary lesions. Twenty‐one of the patients were undergoing immunosuppressive treatment because of their malignant disease. The clinical diagnosis was correct only in 55% of the patients, but open lung biopsy and histological examination gave the final answer in every patient. Pneumocystis carinii was the causative organism in 67 % of the immunosuppressed patients. Nine patients had postoperative complications, 5 of which were mild in nature and resolved spontaneously. Three patients had to be reoperated on for postoperative sequelae. There was one death possibly caused by surgical intervention–tension pneumothorax 10 days after surgery. It is concluded that open lung biopsy is the most reliable method in the diagnosis of diffuse interstitial pneumonitis in children. The need of anaesthesia is no contra‐indication and the benefits of the biopsy far outweight the risks of its complications.
FAMILIAL EARLY‐ONSET NEPHROTIC SYNDROME: DIFFUSE MESANGIAL SCLEROSIS
Authors: MENDELSOHN H. B. , KRAUSS M. , BERANT M. , LICHTIG C.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Four children from two related families are described with a clinical picture characterized by the onset of asymptomatic proteinuria with subsequent nephrotic syndrome in infancy, and progression to renal failure and death before the age of three years. The clinical picture and the renal pathological studies were consistent with the entity described by Habib as infantile mesangial sclerosis. We propose that this entity possibly represents a genetic disorder which is transmitted as an autosomal recessive trait.
PREDICTIVE VALUE OF WHITE BLOOD CELL COUNT AND DIFFERENTIAL CELL COUNT TO BACTERIAL INFECTIONS IN CHILDREN
Authors: RASMUSSEN NIELS H. , RASMUSSEN LEIF NORMANN
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. White blood cell counts and differential cell counts were measured prospectively during the first 24 hours of admission in 132 children aged 3 months to 13 years hospitalized with an acute infectious illness. 25 children were excluded from the study and the remaining 107 children were divided into diagnostic categories without knowledge of the white cell count. Neither the white cell count nor the differential count were predictive of the etiology of bacterial and nonbacterial infections in childhood.
EVALUATION OF AN AUTOMATIC OSCILLOMETRIC METHOD AND OF VARIOUS CUFFS FOR THE MEASUREMENT OF ARTERIAL PRESSURE IN THE NEONATE
Authors: PELLEGRINI‐CALIUMI G. , AGOSTINO R. , NODARI S. , MAFFEI G. , MORETTI C. , BUCCI G.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. We compared simultaneous measurements of aortic, direct (Dir) and of indirect (ind) systolic (S), mean (M) and diastolic (D) arterial pressure (AP) determined by an automatic oscillometric instrument (DINAMAP) in neonates with birthweight of 1000‐3680 g. DINAMAP measurements were performed with cuffs of increasing width and length, recommended by the manufacturer for increasing arm circumference, and with a Standard sized cuff (2.5 × 15 cm), previously considered as suitable for neonates of any body size. In addition, we compared simultaneous measurements of Dir SAP and of Ind SAP determined by a Doppler technique and the Standard cuff. In DINAMAP SAP measurements with the Standard cuff, a statistically significant correlation between arm circumference and ΔInd‐Dir SAP values (i. e. the difference between simultaneous Ind and Dir SAP measurements) was found. In DINAMAP MAP measurements with the cuff recommended for arm circumference, a statistically significant difference of the mean ΔInd‐Dir MAP values was observed in infants whose arm was or was not completely encircled by the bladder of the cuff. In SAP as well as in MAP DINAMAP determinations, the overall error of measurement with the Standard cuff was smaller than with the recommended cuff. The Doppler method was found considerably more accurate than the DINAMAP method for the determination of SAP. In spite of these limitations, the DINAMAP method with the Standard cuff was considered to be reasonably accurate for the clinical determination of SAP and MAP, provided that several consecutive measurements are performed and averaged in order to minimize the error of measurement. When considering DAP measurements the error was so unacceptably high that the DINAMAP method cannot be recommended for clinical use. The need for a careful consideration of the cuff characteristics when evaluating new methods for the indirect measurement of AP in the neonate is emphasized.
GENETICS OF SERUM LIPIDS AND LIPOPROTEINS
Authors: ANDERSEN G. E. , PETERSEN M. B. V. , POVEY M.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. The genetic influence on serum lipid and lipoprotein values was estimated in 12 monozygotic (MZ) and 8 dizygotic (DZ) twins at birth and 3‐5 years of age. The intrapair variances for total cholesterol and high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol were smaller in MZ than DZ twins thus indicating a significant genetic influence.
PHENYLKETONURIA WITH A PROGRESSIVE NEUROLOGICAL DISORDER NOT RESPONSIVE TO TETRAHYDROBIOPTERIN
Authors: WESTWOOD A. , BARR D. G. D.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Phenylketonuria with progressive neurological deterioration is now well known, and has usually been shown to be the result of a defect in biopterin metabolism. This report describes a baby with a progressive neurological disorder present from birth and marked hyperphenylalaninaemia. This responded biochemically, but not clinically, to restriction of phenylalanine in the diet but not to the administration of tetrahydrobiopterin, and no evidence of a defect in biopterin metabolism was detected.
DIARRHOEA IN SWEDISH INFANTS Aetiology and Clinical Appearance
Authors: PERSSON B. L. , THORÉN A. , TUFVESSON B. , WALDER M.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Ninety‐five children with gastroenteritis admitted at the Department of Paediatrics, Malmö General Hospital, Malmö, Sweden, starting November 1978 through October 1979 were studied. Patients were examined clinically and the course of their disease was followed. Stool specimens from all patients were analysed by routine bacteriology and rotavirus identification was done by immune‐electroosmophoresis. Fifty‐eight per cent of patients had rotavirus. Campylobacter was found in 6%, enteropathogenic E. coli in 2%, Yersinia enterocolitica in 2% and Salmonella in 1% of patients. Stool specimens from 53 healthy children matched for sex and age served as controls for bacterial pathogens. All were negative. Forty per cent of patients presented with a clinical dehydration, but only 11%–half of them with bacterial enteropathogens–needed i. v. therapy and 4% required antibiotic treatment. Median time for hospitalization was three days. Vomiting, fever, watery diarrhoea and initial clinical dehydration were more commonly associated with rota virus infection. Macroscopic blood in stools was restricted to patients with bacterial aetiology.
ASPERGILLUS PNEUMONIA IN CHRONIC GRANULOMATOUS DISEASE: RECURRENCE AND LONG‐TERM OUTCOME
Authors: CHUDWIN DAVID S. , WARA DIANE W. , COWAN MORTON J. , AMMANN ARTHUR J.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Four of 13 patients followed with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) developed biopsy‐proven Aspergillus pneumonia. Two patients died of disseminated aspergillosis despite intensive treatment; delays in diagnosis appear to have been a major contributing cause. Two patients survived two episodes each of Aspergillus pneumonia, three and six years apart. At 12 and 18 years of age, both are well and active, although their chest X‐rays show residual scarring and pulmonary function tests indicate obstructive lung disease. These cases demonstrate that in patients with CGD, 1) multiple episodes of Aspergillus pneumonia can occur; 2) effective immunity to the organism does not develop after infection; and 3) some survivors of Aspergillus pneumonia experience only minimal morbidity.
CONGENITAL PRIMARY HYPOTHYROIDISM AND HLA
Authors: JACOBSEN B. BROCK , BRANDT N. J. , SVEJGAARD A.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Previous studies have suggested an association between congenital hypothyroidism and HLA‐Aw24 or B18 antigens. The frequencies of HLA‐A, B and C antigens were studied in 33 unrelated Danish patients with congenital hypothyroidism (5 with aplasia of the thyroid gland, 16 with ectopic thyroids and 8 with thyroid hyshormonogenesis). HLA‐Aw24 only appeared in patients with ectopic thyroids and HLA‐B18 was only seen in patients with dyshormonogenesis. However, the frequencies of HLA antigens in patients and in a large number of controls did not differ statistilly significantly. We conclude that HLA typing is without any predictive value in determining the risk of developing or giving birth to a child with congenital hypothyroidism.
EFFECT OF ORAL LIPID ADMINISTRATION ON GLUCOSE HOMEOSTASIS IN SMALL‐FOR‐GESTATIONAL‐AGE INFANTS
Authors: SANN L. , DIVRY P. , LASNE Y. , RUITTON A.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. The metabolic effect of feeding with 1.3 g/kg bw lipids (67% medium chain triglycerides) was studied in 15 small‐for‐gestational age (SGA) term infants. It was compared to a control group of 7 SGA term infants, to 7 term infants with an appropriate birth weight (AGA) and to 7 AGA preterm infants. Plasma glucose concentration rose from (M±SE) 3.6±0.2 to 4.4±0.3 mmol/1 at 30 min in SGA term infants (p<0.01). A similar increase was observed in AGA term and preterm infants. The lipid load produced no change in plasma glucagon concentration but a significant increase in insulin/glucagon molar ratio was observed in AGA term infants only. In term SGA infants, the disappearance rate of glucose in plasma after the lipid load was similar to the control: 1.24% per min. The evolution of blood pyruvate and lactate concentration was not modified by the lipid load. Despite lower concentrations of free fatty acids and ketone bodies (KB) in SGA infants than in AGA term infants, the lipid load induced a 120% increase of ketone bodies in SGA infants and a 40% increase only in AGA infants. These data show that these lipids produce a hyperglycemic response in SGA infants as in AGA infants without any change of the disappearance rate of glucose. They suggest that these lipids can stimulate gluconeogenesis and ketogenesis in SGA infants.
CHARACTERIZATION AND PROPERTIES OF THE HUMAN AND BOVINE LACTOTRANSFERRINS EXTRACTED FROM THE FAECES OF NEWBORN INFANTS
Authors: SPIK G. , BRUNET B. , MAZURIER‐DEHAINE C. , FONTAINE G. , MONTREUIL J.
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT. Human lactotransferrin was characterized in the faecal extracts from breastfed babies. Quantitative determination of human copro‐lactotransferrin from birth for a period of up to 3 weeks showed that the daily elimination decreased from 35 to 5 mg. The amount of copro‐lactotransferrin corresponding to the endogenous secretion was calculated to be from 0.5 to 1mg per day. When a cow's milk diet supplemented by partially or completely iron‐saturated human or bovine lactotransferrin was fed to the babies, the amounts of coprolactotransferrin excreted depended on the origin and on the iron saturation of the lactoransferrin. In particular, the amount of bovine copro‐lactotransferrin in the faeces averaged 200 mg per day. The human and bovine copro‐lactotransferrins were isolated by ion‐exchange chromatography or by affinity chromatography and were still able to bind iron. The fingerprints of native human and bovine lactotransferrins hydrolysed in vitro by infant's gastric or duodenal secretions showed that both proteins were not extensively digested. This demonstrates that these lactotransferrins ingested by babies are not completely destroyed and keep their ability to bind iron, and thus may supplement the bacteriostatic effects of the endogenous lactotransferrin in the intestinal tract.