bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The fifty percent male excess of infant respiratory mortality
Authors: Mage DT , Donner EM 
Published: August 2010

Aim: To test whether infant mortality from clearly respiratory causes has a consistent male excess that is different from the male excess in most cardiac conditions. Methods: Analysis of male excess in infant mortality data from the United States and from north European countries. Data are analyzed for the period 1979–2002 in autopsied and unautopsied cohorts. Results: Several modes of respiratory death in infancy are characterized by an approximate 50% male excess. This common excess is demonstrated in vital statistics for infant respiratory distress syndrome, sudden infant death syndrome, inhalation of food and other objects causing obstruction of respiratory tract or suffocation, congenital pneumonia, viral pneumonia, bronchiolitis and bronchitis, and accidental drowning. Results are presented for these and other respiratory causes of mortality in all United States infant deaths from 1979–1998 and for sudden infant death syndrome from the United Kingdom and Scandinavia. In sudden infant death syndrome, the common male excess appears to exist only for the autopsied post‐neonatal cases. Comparisons are made to the male excess mortality from congenital cardiac anomalies showing a similarly large male excess for those conditions resulting in severe hypoxic and ischemic hypoxia. Conclusion: Because these respiratory disease conditions are quite different, it is proposed that their common ∼50% male excess implies a common terminal hypoxic condition and mechanism of death reached via the different pathways. We hypothesize that an unknown X‐linkage may be responsible for this consistent male excess in infant mortality.
Clinical, biochemical and molecular analyses of six patients with isolated cytochrome c oxidase deficiency due to mutations in the SCO2 gene
Authors: Vesela K , Hansikova H , Tesarova M , Martasek P , Elleder M , Houstek J , Zeman J 
Published: August 2010

Background and aim: Cytochrome c oxidase (COX) deficiency represents a heterogeneous group of disorders. Numerous proteins are required for efficient COX assembly and maintenance. In 26 children with isolated COX deficiency, we studied mutations in the SCO2 gene, which is involved in the copper transport into the inner mitochondrial membrane, and we analysed the clinical and biochemical consequences of SCO2 mutations. Methods: The activities of respiratory chain complexes were measured spectrophotometrically in isolated mitochondria and/or crude cell extracts in all available tissues. Two‐dimensional polyacrylamide electrophoresis (2D‐PAGE) was used to separate the complexes and their subunits. The mutations were detected by sequencing and RFLP analysis. Results: Mutations in the SCO2 gene were found in six children. Early neonatal onset of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and encephalopathy were observed in one boy with compound heterozygous mutations C1280T and G1541A. In all five children with homozygous mutation G1541A, progressive encephalopathy developed between 2 and 6 mo of age. Isolated COX deficiency was found in the skeletal muscle, heart, liver and brain but not in fibroblasts. 2D‐PAGE in the skeletal muscle showed markedly decreased amounts of all COX subunits. Conclusion: Our results suggest that mutations in the SCO2 gene are not rare, at least in our population. Although clinical symptoms may rely on the type of SCO2 mutation, the prognosis is unfavourable in all patients.
Oral hypertonic glucose spray: a practical alternative for analgesia in the newborn
Authors: Akçam M , Örmeci AR 
Published: August 2010

Aim: Pain and stress have been shown to induce significant physiological and behavioural reactions in newborn infants. Pharmacological agents are not recommended in neonates for pain relief in minor procedures. Since different sweet solutions given orally by syringe have been shown to relieve pain in neonates, we decided to compare the analgesic effects of a small dose of glucose solution given orally by spray and by syringe during heel lancing in term neonates, using a validated behavioural acute pain rating scale. Methods: Sixty hyperbilirubinaemic full‐term neonates were studied. We used a randomized, masked, placebo‐controlled, crossover trial. Each infant was assessed three times receiving 0.5 ml 30% glucose in spray form, 0.5 ml 30% glucose by syringe or 0.5 ml sterile water by syringe in random order, 2 min before heel lancing. Results: Pain scores were significantly lower in the 30% glucose given either spray or syringe groups compared with the placebo group. No statistically significant difference in pain scores was found between the 30% glucose spray group and 30% glucose syringe group. Conclusions: A small dose of 0.5 ml 30% glucose spray has an equal analgesic effect to the same dose given by syringe. The spray form has the advantage of being easy to use and is well accepted by newborn babies.
Clinical features and epidemiology of septicaemia and meningitis in neonates due to Streptococcus agalactiae in Copenhagen county, Denmark: a 10 year survey from 1992 to 2001
Authors: Andersen J , Christensen R , Hertel J 
Published: August 2010

Aim: To elucidate the clinical and biochemical features, and to estimate the incidence and outcome of invasive culture‐verified group B streptococcal (GBS) septicaemia/meningitis in neonates in Denmark. Methods: Clinical microbiology laboratory records in patients 0–3 mo of age were searched for culture‐verified GBS during 1992–2001 in Copenhagen County. Clinical records at the neonatal intensive care unit were reviewed retrospectively. Selected clinical and biochemical parameters were evaluated. Results: 61 neonates had culture‐verified GBS septicaemia/meningitis. The mean annual incidence was 0.76 cases per 1000 livebirths (range 0.0–1.91). A significant decrease in incidence was observed in the latest 3 y. The male:female ratio was 1.3:1. Eighty percent of the neonates had early‐onset GBS within 24 h, 57% with symptoms at birth. Predominant initial symptoms were respiratory (72%), cardiovascular (69%) and neurological (63%). Only 4% developed GBS by day 7–90. Seventy‐five percent had maternal or neonatal risk factors for early‐onset GBS disease; 21% had clinical asphyxia, 37% of the mothers had premature rupture of membranes and 31% of the mothers were febrile. Initial C‐reactive protein (CRP) was low, but increased significantly after more than 12 h duration of symptoms in 82% of patients. Leucopenia was an important initial haematological marker. Conclusion: The incidence of early‐onset GBS has decreased significantly in Denmark, probably because of preventive measures in pregnancy and during birth. Respiratory symptoms are early signs of early‐onset GBS. Initial leucopenia and a late (12–48 h) increase in CRP are valuable markers for invasive GBS.
Translating knowledge into practice in the “post‐genome” era*
Authors: Scriver CR 
Published: August 2010

The Human Genome Project is “completed”, but it is only a beginning in the understanding of genomic structure and function. A “human phenome project” is waiting in the wings. The complexity involving a phenotype can be glimpsed, for example, if one enquires into the relationships between mutant phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) genotypes and the clinical disorders called PKU /Hyperphenylalaninemia—so called lessons from PKU genotypes and phenotypes. Since genomes speak biochemistry, not phenotype (said RHA Plasterk), for genomics to penetrate medicine, biochemistry and biology must be allies.The ideal translators and ambassadors of the knowledge that must cross the gap between laboratory and bedside are the clinician scientists; restoration of that attenuated community of colleagues is a necessary step in the implementation of genomic medicine.
Are our children fit or fat?
Authors: Viikari J 
Published: August 2010

Overweight and obesity are increasing in Swedish boys and girls aged 7‐16 y. The fitness of 16‐y‐old Swedish boys in 2001 was approximately 10% worse than in 1987.Conclusion: It is important to start the prevention of atherosclerosis and type 2 diabetes early. The number of children with physical inactivity and obesity should be as low as possible.
Antenatal renal pelvis dilatation emphasizing vesicoureteric reflux: two‐year follow‐up of minor postnatal dilatation
Authors: Kapadia H , Lidefelt K‐J , Erasmie U , Pilo C 
Published: August 2010

Aim: To describe the occurrence of foetal renal pelvis dilatation in an unselected population of pregnancies and to describe the clinical course in a subgroup of infants with minor renal pelvis dilatation (RPD). Methods: During 1996–1999 the foetuses of 17850 consecutive pregnant women were scanned with ultrasonography (USG) in the 16th–19th gestational week and later in the pregnancy when indicated. RPD was defined as anterior–posterior pelvic diameter ≤5mm. After birth all infants were examined with USG twice. If any postnatal USG showed RPD ≤10mm, extended radiological investigation was performed. Infants with pelvis dilatation <10 mm and no calyceal or ureteric dilatation were not investigated further and antibiotic prophylaxis was discontinued. The children were followed up at 2 y of age. Results: 109 foetuses (0.6%) with RPD were identified. Postnatally, 94/109 were available for follow‐up: 43 had postnatal dilatation ≤10 mm and were investigated and treated according to clinical routine, while 51 had dilatation < 10 mm and were followed up after they had reached at least 2 y of age. No case of pyelonephritis was recorded. USG in 48/51 children was normal. Conclusion: The data indicate that infants with minor RPD do not constitute a risk group for renal morbidity and thus do not need antibiotic prophylaxis and extensive radiological examination.
Clinical signs of heart failure are associated with increased levels of natriuretic peptide types B and A in children with congenital heart defects or cardiomyopathy
Authors: Westerlind A , Wåhlander H , Lindstedt G , Lundberg P‐A , Holmgren D 
Published: August 2010

Aim: To study whether natriuretic peptide types B (BNP) and A (ANP) reflect clinical signs of heart failure (CSHF) in children with congenital heart defects or cardiomyopathy resulting in different types of haemodynamic situations, such as pressure overload in coarctation of the aorta (CoA), volume overload in ventricular septal defect (VSD) or systolic dysfunction in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Methods: Blood samples for plasma P‐BNP and P‐ANP were taken before procedures during regular investigation from 26 children (9 CoA, 11 VSD and 6 DCM). The ordinary paediatric cardiologist performed the cardiac evaluation and the data were retrieved from medical charts. CSHF was considered positive if two of the following criteria were fulfilled: reduced physical capacity, feeding disorders, dyspnoea, tachypnoea, hepatomegaly and oedema. The statistical methods were non‐parametric. Results: 0/9 children with CoA, 5/11 with VSD and 6/6 with DCM had CSHF. In children with CSHF, P‐BNP and P‐ANP were higher, 263 ng l−1 (range 47.5–1300) and 303 ng l−1 (range 168–466), than in those without CSHF, 12.3 ng l−1 (range 4.8–30.8) and 42.9 ng l1 (range 13.7–189), respectively (p < 0.001, Mann‐Whitney U‐test), irrespective of the diagnosis. The same relationship was also found in the group of children with VSD. Conclusion: Plasma levels of ANP and BNP increase in children with CSHF. This increase is seen irrespective of whether it is due to systolic dysfunction, as in children with DCM, or to a volume overload with a normal systolic function, as in children with VSD.
Lymphadenitis cervicalis due to Mycobacterium interjectum in immunocompetent children
Authors: Rose M , Kitz R , Mischke A , Enzensberger R , Schneider V , Zielen S 
Published: August 2010

This report presents two cases of cervical lymphadenitis due to Mycobacterium interjectum in healthy young children, identified by sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. Surgical resection combined with chemotherapy resulted in cure. Conclusion: The attention of clinicians needs to be drawn to an emerging mycobacterial pathogen which might be overlooked or misidentified in routine laboratory testing.
Congenital self‐healing reticulohistiocytosis: report of a case and review of the literature
Authors: Ricart J , Jimenez A , Marquina A , Villanueva A 
Published: August 2010

Congenital self‐healing reticulohistiocytosis (CSHRH), a rare disorder initially seen at birth or in the newborn period, is characterized by spontaneously involuting skin lesions. We present the case of a 12‐d‐old female who was born with many red‐brownish nodules scattered over her entire body, and which regressed spontaneously. Conclusion: Although there are no clues to differentiate CSHRH from Letterer‐Siwe disease, some signs and symptoms might enable us to reach an accurate diagnosis. A long‐term follow‐up to detect evidence of relapse or progression of the disease would be well advised.
Sleep patterns in children and adolescents with functional recurrent abdominal pain: objective versus subjective assessment
Authors: Haim A , Pillar G , Pecht A , Lerner A , Tov N , Jaffe M , Hardoff D 
Published: August 2010

Aim: To document objective sleep patterns of children and adolescents with functional recurrent abdominal pain (RAP), and to compare them with subjective sleep assessments and sleep patterns of healthy controls. Methods: Subjective sleep reports and sleep habit assessments were obtained from 25 adolescents with functional RAP and from 15 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy volunteers, and were compared with continuous movement monitoring using the Actigraph for 7 consecutive days. Results: Abdominal pain before falling asleep was a unanimous complaint in the RAP group, with 29% reporting awakening from sleep by the pain. Only 25% of RAP patients assessed their sleep quality as good, compared with 87% of the control group. Objective sleep patterns measurements of the RAP patients were similar to those of the control group as well as to measurements observed in a large population of school‐aged children and adolescents. Conclusion: This study of a small group of children and adolescents with functional RAP provides objective evidence that their sleep patterns do not differ from those of normal peers, despite their subjective complaints.
Prediction of early tolerance to enteral feeding by measurement of superior mesenteric artery blood flow velocity: appropriate‐ versus small‐for‐gestational‐age preterm infants
Authors: Pezzati M , Dani C , Tronchin M , Filippi L , Rossi S , Rubaltelli FF 
Published: August 2010

Aim: To evaluate whether serial Doppler measurements of superior mesenteric artery blood flow velocity could predict early tolerance to enteral feeding in preterm infants. Methods: In a prospective study, 54 healthy preterm neonates were assigned to one of the following groups: neonates with birthweight appropriate for gestational age (group 1), neonates small for gestational age without (group 2) and with prenatal haemodynamic disturbances (group 3). We studied Doppler blood flow velocity and resistance index before and after the first feed. Results: Contrary to patients of group 3, infants in groups 1 and 2 showed a significant increase in blood flow velocity and a significant decrease in resistance index from the preprandial values after the first feed. At each postprandial time, we found significant differences in all velocity and resistance measurements between patients of group 3 and patients of both groups 1 and 2. In all patients, we found that the value of mean velocity measured 30 min after the first feed was the most predictive of early feed tolerance, with 95% sensitivity and 94% specificity when mean velocity >0.38 m/s.Conclusion: Small‐for‐gestational‐age preterm infants with prenatal haemodynamic disturbances have an unusual intestinal haemodynamic response to the first feed. In the whole group of preterm infants, the value of mean velocity measured 30 min after the first feed is a good tool for the clinician in predicting early enteral feeding.
Lack of correlation between fatty acid oxidation disorders and haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets (HELLP) syndrome?
Authors: Holub M. , Bodamer O. A. , Item C. , Mühl A. , Pollak A. , Stöckler‐ipsiroglu S. 
Published: August 2010

Abstract Aim: Fatty acid β‐oxidation defects comprise a heterogeneous group of disorders that may precipitate acute life threatening metabolic crises particularly during catabolic episodes. Several studies have demonstrated a possible association between fatty acid β‐oxidation defects, including long‐chain 3‐hydroxyacyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency and severe pregnancy complications. However, the precise percentage of women with haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets (HELLP) syndrome associated with foetal fatty acid β‐oxidation defects is not known. Methods: We carried out a multicentre retrospective study on 88 infants, born to women with HELLP syndrome. Acylcarnitine profiles from blood dried on filter paper cards were analysed by tandem mass spectrometry for the diagnosis of fatty acid β‐oxidation defects. In addition, we screened for the common long‐chain 3‐hydroxyacyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency mutation using a standard restriction fragment length polymorphism polymerase chain reaction method. Results: None of the infants studied carried the common long‐chain 3‐hydroxyacyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency mutation. There was no evidence of fatty acid β‐oxidation defects, including long‐chain 3‐hydroxyacyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency, as expected by unremarkable acylcarnitine profiles, while three infants with fatty acid β‐oxidation defects were diagnosed in the control group. Conclusions: Neither foetal long‐chain 3‐hydroxyacyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency, including heterozygosity for the common long‐chain 3‐hydroxyacyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency mutation, nor fatty acid β‐oxidation defects in general are a major risk factor for HELLP syndrome in Austria.
In vivo spectroscopy of jaundiced newborn skin reveals more than a bilirubin index
Authors: Lyngsnes Randeberg L. , Bruzell Roll E. , Norvang Nilsen L. T. , Christensen T. , Svaasand L. O. 
Published: August 2010

Abstract Aim: The aims of this study were to improve the algorithms for calculating a transcutaneous bilirubin index (TcB), to follow the bilirubin concentrations during phototherapy and to evaluate possible changes in skin optical parameters such as pigmentation and erythema during phototherapy. Method: Reflectance measurements were performed on 51 jaundiced newborns, of which 10 were subjected to phototherapy. The measurements were collected with a diode array spectrophotometer with an integrating sphere accessory, and a TcB was calculated from the measured spectra using algorithms based on diffusion theory. The newborns' birthweights were 2000 g and their gestational age was 35.5 wk. They had no substantial illnesses, and no newborns were submitted to the study until their second day. Heel prick blood samples were analysed for total serum bilirubin (Sbr) by the diazo reaction method. Phototherapy equipment was either an overhead lamp or lightbed. Results: Measurements from the forehead gave the best correlation between TcB and Sbr (r=0.81, p<0.05). However, during phototherapy no significant correlation between TcB and Sbr was observed. A correlation (r=0.45, p<0.05) was found between phototherapy and melanin index obtained from the patients' back. Conclusions: Reflectance spectroscopy is useful in assessing bilirubin concentrations before phototherapy, and can also reveal changes in skin parameters such as pigmentation occurring as a result of phototherapy.
Pulmonary haemorrhage and cardiac dysfunction in a neonate with medium‐chain acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD) deficiency
Authors: Maclean K. , Rasiah V. S. , Kirk E. P. E. , Carpenter K. , Cooper S. , Lui K. , Oei J. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractWe report on a favourable case of MCAD deficiency (homozygous 985A>G) that presented as lethargy, poor feeding, pulmonary haemorrhage and cardiac arrest without hypoglycaemia. The cessation of intralipid and the commencement of carnitine supplementation were associated with a rapid clinical improvement. Conclusion: Mild carnitine depletion and secondary impairment of long‐chain fatty acid metabolism may have contributed to post‐asphyxial myocardial dysfunction and ventricular arrhythmias. Metabolic disorders must be kept in mind as a differential diagnosis in acutely ill infants, but it must also be emphasized that carnitine therapy is not uniformly effective in all MCAD patients.
Growth and growth hormone in children born small for gestational age
Authors: Rapaport Robert , Tuvemo Torsten 
Published: August 2010

AbstractAlthough most children born small for gestational age catch up in growth by age 2 y, up to 14% remain more than 2 standard deviations below the mean for height. Recombinant growth hormone is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and by the European Agency for Evaluation of Medicinal Products for the treatment of children born small for gestational age who fail to manifest catch‐up growth by 2 y or 4 y, respectively. Conclusion: We conclude from clinical studies that growth hormone therapy can induce catch‐up growth in these children.
Phototherapy: Old questions, new answers
Authors: Madan Ashima 
Published: August 2010

AbstractDespite its popularity and widespread use, there remains much more to be learned about phototherapy. Conclusion: There is continued debate on whether intermittent phototherapy is more effective than continuous phototherapy; if light of a longer wavelength is more effective than blue light phototherapy; and if phototherapy in the presence of bilirubin is toxic to normal or abnormal red blood cells. Three in vitro studies in this issue of the journal provide answers to some of these questions.
Teenage asthma after severe infantile bronchiolitis or pneumonia
Authors: Hyvärinen Mari , Piippo‐Savolainen Eija , Korhonen Kaj , Korppi Matti 
Published: August 2010

Abstract Objective: The purpose of the study was to evaluate asthma at >13 y of age in children with infantile bronchiolitis or pneumonia. Methods: In 1981–1982, 127 children at <2 y of age were hospitalized for bronchiolitis (n=81) or pneumonia (n=46). Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection, eosinophilia and markers of atopy were assessed and recorded on admission. At a median age of 14.9 y, atopic and asthmatic symptoms were screened by a written questionnaire in 98/127 (77%) study subjects. Results: Asthma was present, according to two definitions, in 14% to 23% in the original bronchiolitis and in 12% to 15% in the original pneumonia group. The figures were 8% to 17% in the RSV infection and 16% to 23% in the non‐RSV infection group. Early asthma‐predictive factors were repeated wheezing, atopic dermatitis and elevated blood eosinophils. All but one of the teenage asthmatics had allergic rhinitis. Conclusion: An increased risk for asthma persists until the teenage period after bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infancy. Both early and later atopy were significant risk factors. The present study was unable to demonstrate the association between early RSV infection and teenage asthma.